You are on page 1of 20

VOL. 6, NO.

5 March 7, 2012

Dennis De Souza Battling Parkinsons


Having afflicted such well known international personalities as Muhammad Ali and Canadian Actor/Director Michael J. Fox, the dreaded Parkinsons disease has stretched its cruel tentacles into our Canadian Caribbean Community. Famed Guyanese pianist Dennis De Souza is now resident at a Mississauga Nursing Home waging an ongoing and courageous battle against Parkinsons. According to reports reaching Caribbean Graphic, the disease has primarily affected his speech which has, as a result, become halted and slurred. At times he is difficult to understand. Parkinsons, which causes muscular contractions, is very noticeable with De Souzas head movements. He is, however, fully mentally conscious and understands what is being told to him. Not withstanding his muscular problems, it is not difficult to have a conversation with him. His caregivers have indicated that his health is generally good for his age. Born in Mahaica, an East Coast village in

618 Strouds Lane, Pickering, ON L1V 4S9 Tel: 905.831-4402 Fax: 416.292.2943 Email: caribbeangraphic@rogers.com

Dennis De Souza

Guyana, De Souza is considered to be an honorary citizen of the entire Caribbean. His enviable stage career as a distinguished piano-playing composer spanned over four decades. He travelled extensively, sharing his unique passionfilled piano performances with audiences in Europe, the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The fun-natured musician had etched memoirs into the minds of international guests as the resident pianist at Hilton Trinidad for over nine years. At the Holiday Inn he did the same thing over an eight-year period. Opening for world famous crooner Julio Iglesias at a sellout 25,000 seat concert in Trinidad was one of the many highlights of De Souzas outstanding stage-career. He also holds the distinction of having worked with stalwart entertainers of the caliber of Calypso King of the World the Mighty Sparrow, satirist Mungal Patasar, Jamaicas late legend Byron Lee, American Ralph MacDonald and pannist Robert Greenidge.

Lester Bird Blasts West Indies Cricket Board


cent; three ODls in St. Lucia and a Test match in Dominica, resulting in over fifty percent of the matches being played in a grouping whose population represents less than 8% of the cricket-loving population of the English-speaking Caribbean. Calling the schedule blatantly insensitive and irrational, Bird expressed the view that Jamaicas exclusion as host for any matches of the Tour is indicative of the Boards vindictive decision to punish the Jamaica Cricket Board for its selection of former captain Chris Gayle for national duty in matches of this years Regional Four Day Competition. He was particularly critical of the response of WICB CEO Dr. Hilaire to the Prime Minister of Jamaica the Hon. Portia Simpson-Millers expressed disappointment at her countrys exclusion as a Tour Host venue. In his written response to Prime Minister Simpson-Miller, Dr. Hilaire had indicated that she did not know the facts and had even referenced how she should deal with a Cabinet Minister who was at variance with her administration. Wrote Bird: Let me say to Dr. Hilaire, your response

Lester Bird Former Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda Lester Bird has blasted the West Indies Cricket Board as being incompetent. In a wide ranging statement titled The Farce We Call West Indies Cricket issued from his native Antigua, Bird who is himself a former member of the Board, labeled the WICB as an organization that suffers from incompetence and insensitivity. He said the Boards scheduling of the forthcoming Australian tour provides ample evidence of such. He noted that the schedule allows for three ODls to be played in St. Vin-

was disrespectful. You and the Prime Minister of Jamaica are not of the same rank. If you wish to be involved in matters of this level you need some advice or training in diplomacy. We must maximize the power of cricket as an integrating force and use it to bind us as Caribbean people, not divide us. He also called on the WICB to take the lead in achieving an amicable solution to its ongoing dispute with former captain Chris Gayle. In making a call for Gayles reinstatement, Bird indicated that as far as he is concerned Gayle is more valuable to our cricket than WICB President Julian Hunte, its CEO Dr. Ernest Hilaire, West Indies Team Coach Otis Gibson and current captain Darren Sammy singly and collectively. A team derives market value and draws crowds from two things, either the team is formidable and has a winning record or it has batting or bowling stars that draw crowds. Today we have neither. We need a new structure to propel West Indies cricket forward and we need it urgently. See Page 19 for the full text of Former Prime Minister Birds statement.

Personal Loss Opens New Doors


When Donna Sauve stumbled into entrepreneurship, it was clearly by chance. Sauve was not forced into entrepreneurship. Rather, she was drawn into self-employment after receiving a departure package from her former workplace in the fall of 2010. Since then, Sauve, a Canadianborn and raised woman from Jamaican parents, has dedicated a huge part of her life to building her business and working for the charity organization that holds personal significance for her. When Sauve was let go from her former employer in the pharmaceutical industry, she quickly viewed the experience as a blessing in disguise. I went to work as a loyal employee for many years and in November 2010 I received a package from my company that I was working at, and decided that I did not want to go back to my corporate life. I wanted to own my own business. I wasnt sure what that was going to be, but I knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Something was pulling me in that direction, Sauve said. Sauves first experience with entrepreneurship was in April 2010, months before her career at her former employer ended. Sauve was introduced by a friend of hers to a multi-level marketing company in the nutraceutical industry called Vemma. That was when Sauves journey to entrepreneurship started. The whole concept of working for yourself, being selfemployed and an entrepreneur was...the doors were opening for me at that time. I think a lot of it in the beginning was self-development because its about being mentally strong. And, just changing that mindset from employee to entrepreneur. I had been an employee for most of my life, so I think that was the toughest struggle in terms of the shift from this mindset, Sauve explained. Sauve did not allow her initial lack of experience with entrepreneurship to deter her from learning as much as she could about transitioning from employee to business owner. Sauve quickly took action to grow in her journey towards self-employment. There was a lot of reading. I was listening to a lot of audio books. I would go to our Vemma meetings and just surround myself with entrepreneurs. I joined a networking group and again, got the opportunity to spend a lot of time with entrepreneurs and learn from them. Just sitting in the room with like-minded people has really helped me to get into that mental shift. When I got my package about six months later, I think I was ready. So, I probably even mentally put it out there to the universe, I think, that I wanted to get out of the corporate world because when the package landed on my table, it was Akua probably one of the happiest days of my life, aside from the day when my kids were born, Sauve said. Sauve has been married to her husband for almost 17 years, and they have a five-year-old daughter and a threeyear-old son. Sauve has expanded her entrepreneurial efforts since joining Vemma. Sauve purchased a We Simplify the Internet (WSI) franchise in July 2011 and now also works as an Internet marketing business owner and SendOut Cards manager. Sauves career choices provide the flexibility she needs to spend time with her family, network, and devote her time to her charity organization. Sauve is on the board of directors of the Perinatal Bereavement Services of Ontario (PBSO). Sauve used to be a client of the PBSO after the loss of her son in 2005. I was about 24 weeks pregnant. I attended the self-help group in Brampton which I then later became a facilitator. After going through that group it changed my life. I dont think without them that I would be where I am right now, or as strong as I am today, because of all the support I got at that time Sauve explained. Sauve also actively campaigns through networking to educate other people about the PBSOs cause. Sauve is passionate about making more women AND men more aware about support for parents who experience loss due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, early pregnancy loss, and neonatal loss. Usually when something like this happens, a lot of the activity or focus is put on the mother. But, oftentimes, the fathers are forgotten about. And also, men always want to fix something. Thats always their natural tendency; to find something they can fix. So, oftentimes, they feel a little bit left out. Weve been very successful in getting a lot of couples out to our support group, Sauve said. The PBSO is currently going through a rebranding and their future name is going to be Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network. Their mission will remain the same after the name change. We educate health care professionals that come into contact with bereaved parents so they know how to handle bereaved parents when the devastating thing happens to them. Whether it be with the funeral home, midwives, a healthcare professional, nurses, doctors, Sauve said. When she is not giving her time to the charity she supports, Sauve works hard at growing her WSI business and taking charge of her destiny. Sauve chose to pursue a career with WSI because of the flexibility and the correlation between her responsibili-

Community

PAGE 2

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

March 7, 2012

Hinds

Donna Sauve ties as a WSI owner to her previous experience working as a project manager with her previous employer. Sauve also likes the opportunities for including her family in her business. My husband is a software developer, so it was a great fit for our family. Maybe one day hell be joining me in the business down the road. He can easily fall into what were doing, Sauve said. Her experience as a self-employed individual is a far cry from her days as an employee. And, when she reflects back to her days as an employee, Sauve feels happier about the changes that have happened in her professional life. After I had my son and went back to work, I felt like a fish out of water. I just could not fit back in. I would watch my colleagues and just felt I couldnt resonate with them anymore. I felt like an outsider. I went back and it was like I found myself looking through the world with a different set of eyes. They were negative, they werent happy, they didnt enjoy their job. No one wanted to be there. I was sitting there watching this and feeling it all around me and realizing I didnt want to be there. But, I wanted to do something about it as opposed to just continue hammering away, doing it because theyre too scared to do something else. I didnt have the fear to do something else. I knew I had to do something else, I just didnt know what that was going to be. But, I knew that I wasnt happy and I knew that I was going to change my life. I was going to make a difference. I was going to get out of that and do what I want to be doing and find my passion and make money doing it. And, I knew it wasnt that. I just wasnt content to stay there. It was not an option, Sauve said. Sauve grew up watching her parents work hard. Sauves parents arrived from Jamaica during the 1970s and she is the youngest of five children and the only one of her parents children to be born in Canada. Sauve was also the first person in her family to go to university. She has lofty goals for her business. I hope to hit that million dollars one of these days in revenue. Thats one of my huge goals, Sauve said. Sauve hopes that other women will be inspired to be unafraid to pursue their passions. I would advise them to follow their passion and take a look inside to see what they want to be doing. If theres an opportunity for you to stay home with your children and earn a residual income, there are lots of opportunities out there to do that. And, explore them! Get out there and talk to people. See what other stay-at-home moms are doing. Get out to a networking event and meet some other entrepreneurs. Theres no reason why we should go to work and be unhappy. Theres no reason why we should wake up in the morning and dread having to go somewhere. Its just not a life to live, and life is too short for that, Sauve advised. Do what you want to do.

March 7, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 3

Friends of St Marys Host Fundraising Lunch

Caribbean Jewel

The Friends of St Marys will be hosting a Fundraising Lunch on Sunday, March 18, from Noon 2:30 pm. Scarboroughs Timehri Restaurant (4531 Sheppard Avenue E) will be the venue for the Lunch, tickets to which are $15 per person inclusive of soft drink/dessert. Funds raised will be used to purchase a much needed computer for St. Marys students in Guyana. Friends of St Marys is an informal nonprofit group, dedicated to providing assistance to St. Marys school in Georgetown, Guyana, mainly through contributions from St. Marys alumni in North America and fundraising efforts. Formerly St. Marys Roman Catholic School at Camp and Brickdam Streets, the school has relocated to Princess Street. It is now a high school that prepares students for the world of work, with classes going up to Form 5. Headmistress Roxanne Lewi has welcomed the formation of this group. She has identified the urgent requirement for a computer as one of the schools most

pressing needs. The computer would facilitate students being able to register online for exams. The Group is the brainchild of former St. Marys pupil Sandra Ann Baptiste, a Business and Communications Consultant, who is also its Chairperson. Other St. Marys alumni on the Executive Committee are Jennifer Ridley, Maurice Lee, and Nicholas Gonsalves (New York). Maurice is the Vice-Chair and Jennifer the Finance Officer. Targeted projects for this year include an Annual Essay competition, covering the after-school or weekend tuition costs for students who have fallen behind in specific subjects and the launching of a Mentorship Program. The latter will link students with mentors in Canada and the U.S. who are experts in their respective fields of study. Further information on the Friends of St Marys Group and its activities can be obtained via email at: info.stmarys60@ yahoo.com.

Julie Rambali is the founder of Wi Canadian, www.wicanadian.com, and event organizer for the successful Wi Canadian Expo, which in 2010 expanded its mandate to include a Miss West Indian Canadian Pageant. Julies proactive involvement in the Caribbean cultural scene for many years, has helped her fulfill her goals en route to becoming the multifaceted entrepreneur she is today.

PAGE 4

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

March 7, 2012

Recognizing the Need for Counseling


Whitby resident and psychotherapist Rev. Jean Henry says family counseling is a hard job. And she should know. As a clinical counselor and Christian minister, Rev. Henry gives guidance to a diverse cultural group of people who come to her for advice on a range of topics. In todays society, people resort to counseling for challenges that can range from marriage, to finances and credit, compulsive gambling, stress management, conflict resolution, and even career choices. Over the years the psychotherapist has gained the trust of clients, thanks to her compassionate nature. She loves her work, in part, because of the satisfaction she gets from seeing an individual or family progress from where they start out when they first meet with her. But getting people to meet with a counselor isnt a simple process. For starters, Rev. Henry says, Its rare that someone thinks they need to see a counselor. People dont like to open up. Someone else will probably think you need to talk to a counselor before you do - unless youre conscious that youre going over the same thing in your mind, over and over. She continues, If youre experiencing continuous sadness; feeling that you want to achieve something but you dont know how, and theres repetition in your head, its best to speak with someone. Unless you communicate your feelings about whats happening, its harder for you to be helped. The practice of psychotherapy refers to therapeutic dealings between a trained professional and a client requiring psychological help. Techniques used by the Beverly psychotherapist can include communication and behavior modification for the purpose of increasing the clients overall sense of well-being. Rev. Henry says when things are abnormal in your life - for example, youre regularly having nightmares or flashbacks - thats one way to realize something is wrong. When you have those types of uncharacteristic behaviors or recurring thoughts, she adds, its always good to have someone you can talk them over with. She emphasizes that a trustworthy friend can be a good sounding board, and that it doesnt necessarily have to be a professional advisor. A proud Jamaican, Rev. Henry says that having the ability to talk through a problem with someone can, in some cases, be better than taking medication. She emphasizes that shes not against medication. Some symptoms definitely need medication, but sometimes medication just numbs your feelings. If you can talk to someone to help you process whats going on in your mind, that sometimes gives quicker results. Despite working with a diverse group of people, as you get to know her youll discover that Rev. Henrys real passion is working with women. The minister does so in her private practice, in her church, and at special womens meetings. She describes

Browne

Rev. Jean Henry women as weaker vessels, who at times are too hard on themselves. She explains, Women give out so much; they dont take time for themselves. And they dont know how to appreciate a compliment. I want to pull the gems out of women. I want to say youre beautiful. Accept that! On the weekend of April 20-22, the psychotherapist will be a guest speaker at the PamperedWeekends spa retreat at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville. Not only will she be addressing the women as a group, she is also setting time aside for individuals who want brief advice on personal matters. Rev. Henry is registered with the Canadian Christian Clinical Counselors Association (CCCCA) and Ontario Association of Consultants, Counselors, Psychometrics, and Psychotherapists (OACCPP). A general practice psychotherapist, she holds a PhD in International Counseling and is affiliated

Then theres the issue of parenting. Rev. Henry says that many children are relying on the internet for too much information, rather than having parents spend more time with them. She says this situation doesnt just happen in any one ethnic group, it happens within various cultures. Its almost like parents are thinking children dont need us. On the subject of children and students, the counselor acknowledges that theres a high number of single-parent homes, and says that its usually mothers who are trying to sort out issues between teachers, the school system and their children. One piece of advice she readily offers is that parents should make an effort to build a relationship with the childs teacher. Parents need to work with teachers. Teachers spend more time with our kids than working parents do. Furthermore, she adds, Dont always accept what children are saying. Make an appointment to talk with the teacher to see how to work with him or her. And show up for Parent-Teacher interviews.

with psychologist, Dr. Dan Dalton. Given her degree in International Counseling, you might expect that her clientele is made up of people from diverse backgrounds. That is a fact. Her clientele comprises various nationalities, seeking counsel on diverse issues. However, she is particularly knowledgeable about challenges that Black families face, especially in the justice and education systems. The question comes up, Is the Black family in crisis? Her answer is an emphatic No. Then she adds, Most families are in some type of crisis. She explains, The biggest issue in the home is lack of communication. You have people not being honest. They say one thing and mean something else. Another issue she says thats cause for concern in marriages is that many couples look to other people for advice instead of looking to their spouse. Other people can be a good friend, a mother, or perhaps someone the individual places on a higher pedestal than is deserved.

Rev. Henry is in charge of Pastoral Care at her place of worship, Torontos Church of God Deliverance Centre. She has a specific message for men. She notes that fathers have a big role to play in a marriage, the home and the family. A father is the head of the home, she says, Hes the stronger vessel, according to 1 Peter 3:7. The man is to honor his wife. You cant pray to God and be dishonoring your wife. Also, we often say boys need fathers to be examples, but daughters also need their father to be a good example. A girl whose father has been a good example will have that experience to check prospective husbands as she compares men to her father. Some clients who have moved far away have been known to receive follow-up counseling from Rev. Henry by telephone. You can reach her by calling (905) 9951549.

March 7, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 5

Caribbean Perspective
CCAC Making Strides To Serve The Caribbean Community
The Council of Caribbean Associations Canada (CCAC), which is almost two years old, is continuing to do some exemplary work to raise the profile of its constituents and is embarking on some new initiatives geared towards Caribbean youth and the Caribbean business community in Toronto. The Council, an umbrella organization with 14 national Caribbean associations, focuses on three main pillars youth, seniors and disaster preparedness. CCAC represents 13 CARICOM countries, with St. Kitts and Nevis having two separate national organisations. This fall, the CCAC will be venturing into new territory with a very worthwhile initiative to raise the profile of lesser-known Caribbean businesses in Ontario. The Council is in the initial stages of planning a Caribbean Business Expo, which will be run simultaneously with a Caribbean Food Fair that is sure to attract a good response. Another brand new program is one which fits in with its goals to assist Caribbean youth to pursue higher education and sustainable employment. This summer, CCAC will provide scholarships of $1,000 each to three young West Indians to enable them to pursue post-secondary education. Plans are in the pipeline to offer longer term scholarships through building alliances with educational institutions and Caribbean-born professionals. CCACs President Frances Delsol said the Council is also planning another Career Fair for later this year. A similar event in 2008 targeted the armed services, police force, security and medical companies aimed at encouraging these agencies to hire more Caribbean personnel and to expose the opportunities in these sectors to Caribbean nationals. This is something which ought to be an on-going exercise. This summer, CCAC will be having another Seniors Wellness Day, which attracted 150 participants in 2011 and was well-received. The program focuses on a range of issues of interest to seniors such as travel to the Caribbean, Pension, OHIP and health concerns including diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. Delsol, who is President of the Commonwealth of Dominica Ontario Association, also advised me that the Council developed a relationship with WoodGreen Community Services, which resulted in awareness by seniors of alternatives to using hospital Emergency Departments. In addition, the elderly are benefitting from health-related workshops organised by CCAC`s member groups with funding from WoodGreen. Increased collaboration among Caribbean national organizations under the aegis of the CCAC has proven to be beneficial, especially in areas such as fundraising for disasters in the Caribbean. The Council held a Rebuilding Haiti gala right after the 2010 earthquake, raising $15K for the Haitian Consuls charity. The CCAC should be proud of this effort. Many western Governments and donor agencies that pledged financial assistance to Haiti after the hurricane devastated the CARICOM Member State are yet to honour their word. CCACs Disaster Management Initiative, still in the initial stages, is aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response activities between Canada and the Caribbean. Each of its 14 CARICOM Member Associations is expected to designate a representative with some experience in the field of emergency preparedness and response. The natural hazards being covered are mainly earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, volcanoes, drought and disasters triggered by environmental and industrial incidents. The Councils disaster preparedness team will also liaise with Canadian disaster relief agencies, especially the Canadian Red Cross. It plans to provide monetary donations that are deemed to be quick, effective and provide more flexibility to the relief agencies and people living in a disaster zone. The organizations Board of Directors will decide on the value of donations based on needs, up to a maximum of 50 percent of total funding available on the charitable account. Consideration will be given to other forms of donation such as medical supplies, new clothing and other goods. Efforts will be made to ensure that transporting goods from Canada will be cost-effective. To get the ball rolling on the Disaster Preparedness program, the CCAC has to apply for charitable status. Hopefully, this initiative will get off the ground in time for this years hurricane season. Another of the long-term goals of the Council is to establish a much needed Caribbean Cultural Centre. A venue where the Caribbean can showcase its rich cultural talent and diversity that it can call its own and where upcoming and seasoned Caribbean artists can perform and mentor those with potential is long overdue. This may be something that should be put on the front burner in the near future. Sandra Ann It is evident that an umbrella organization that speaks for 13 CARICOM countries on specific issues has more clout than any one individual association. It is also more productive for Canadian and other agencies to deal with one Caribbean group. The CCACs nine-member Executive team is to be commended for volunteering to keep the organization ticking. However, as mentioned in a previous column on strengthening Caribbean organizations, it is time for these kinds of agencies to have one or two paid executives, even on a parttime basis to be effective on a year-round basis. Sponsorship should be sought to pay for specialists to assist with specific projects. As well, a well-functioning public relations program and an up-to-date and informative website are essential. The Caribbean associations that are members of CCAC should understand that to reap the benefits from the very useful programs of the Council, they need to make more than a token contribution. Perhaps they can approach some of their nationals who have successful Caribbean businesses to make an annual contribution or to fund specific projects. The Council should also explore whether it is eligible for any funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The CCAC President is keen on seeing more people participate in its programs this year and is looking for feedback to ensure it is delivering services and programs that the Caribbean Community needs. For those who have ideas and want to contribute to the long-term viability of this organisation, this is as good a time to let your voice be heard. (Sandra Ann Baptiste is a Business Consultant and Specialist in Caribbean Affairs).

Baptiste

Feedback Welcomed!
At last count there are currently no less than eight newspapers serving our Canadian Caribbean Community. The one thing that the five which qualify as deserving of the title newspaper have in common is their noticeable lack of reader feedback. Eight papers serving a community estimated to be less than two million in its size suggests a very high affiliation with print media. Torontos Indian and Chinese communities are almost twice that size yet neither have as many serving newspapers. Discount from the eight that which evidently has been struggling for years and now clearly still only exists as a business expense tax write-off, plus the other three that are little more than glorified advertising flyers, that still leaves four. A ratio of one legitimate paper for approximately every 500,000 community members, regardless of age. By comparison the four big Toronto Dailies, the Toronto Star, Globe & Mail, Toronto Sun and National Post, each have audited subscription memberships of between one and three million. A purview of their respective editorial content on any given day will reveal Letters to the Editor pages with at the very least a dozen submissions from readers. Day in day out, 365 days each year, and an extra one during leap years like this one. So what is it about us as a people, that we obviously so like to read but cant seem to find the time to write in any of our thoughts on what has been written. It certainly cant be that the opinions expressed in our four major community newspapers are in any way shape or form inferior to that which is being written in the mainstream media. From Caribbean Cameras Raynier Maharaj and Herman Silochan, Indo-Caribbeans s Mohan Ragbee, Romeo Kaseram and Dwarka Lakhan, to our own Sandra Ann Baptiste and Sir Ronald Sanders the articles and columns of such community writers are amongst the very best anyone could ever hope to find. In my own humble opinion through all the now twenty plus years I have known him, including those during which I was privileged to work as his Marketing Manager, every article that Arnold Auguste has ever written has always been worthy of admiration and the highest praise. Suffice to say that as a community we have some very, very good writers within our midst. So again, why is it that from one week to the next theres hardly ever a single submission from their readers on anything that they have written. Is it that as a people and community we are far more comfortable discussing whats been written verbally? As my own experience proved during last summer, we have no qualms about picking up the phone and spreading our negative reactions on something we have read to everyone we feel has a right to know. But challenge the same motor mouths to put their thoughts in written form in a Letter to the Editor and they will disap-

Commentary

PAGE 6

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

March 7, 2012

pear from view faster than, as the Tradewinds Dave Martin Is We Ting would say a labba running from Gouveia gun! Maybe it is that we find comfort and security in the transience of the spoken word, knowing that what we say verbally can never stand up to the true test of time. The written word in contrast can be preserved in history for countless others to see years after it has been written. For that reason alone anyone who contributes as a writer or columnist to our community newspapers should be accorded the highest respect. Their courage they demonstrate in expressing their thoughts and opinions in the written form, for anyone to read, scrutinize and ultimately judge is again worthy of the highest praise and admiration. So the next time you find yourself being quick to suck your teeth and utter a big steeuups at something a Columnist has written in any of our community newspapers, consider first the time, effort and skill that was required for them to do so. Maybe just maybe, under such consideration your judgment may be a little less harsh. On behalf of all my fellow community writers, heres a big thank you to those amongst our readers who have over the years taken the time to send in their written reactions to that which they have read. Again, on behalf of all of our community newspaper Publishers and Editors I would encourage you to continue to do so, indeed with much greater frequency

than you have in the past. In that regard I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to my brother in law, the former Guyanese Champion and Olympic cyclist Aubrey Bryce. Now an extremely busy Elite Athlete High Performance Coach, Bra, as hes always been known to those closest to him took the time to send me his very detailed opinion on both the Restaurant Review and the Commentary Id written in our last (February 22) Issue. Suffice to say that he wasnt quite as impressed with Leelas as a dining venue as I had been and felt that theres still some work needed to be done there. As to my stated intention to conduct an evaluation of serving establishments leading to the submission of Roti Report, his vote was for Scarboroughs Monas as the best. To be honest, despite my best intentions I have yet to find the time to commence the promised evaluation. I do plan on doing so though within the next two weeks. In the interim now that Bra has started the ball rolling, maybe the rest of you can take up the challenge by sending in your own thoughts, in writing. As with any other subject matter your feedback is always welcomed! Happy Phagwah Cheers!

Tony Mc
favour of ditching the Queen for a President, however defined. A referendum on constitutional reform was defeated with 55.64% of the people voting against it. Any referendum held this year, on severing relations with the Queen as Head of State, is not likely to meet with much enthusiasm. For sixty years Elizabeth II has served her realms faithfully, even though it is true that the majority of them have not seen her in years and the others only occasionally. She has been present only through her representatives, the various Governors-General of her 14 realms other than Britain. But, as Head of the 54-nation Commonwealth, she is well known and widely respected. Her commitment to the Commonwealth has been a hallmark of its headship even to the point of defying then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who advised her not to attend the 1979 Commonwealth leaders meeting in Zambia in where the vexed question of Apartheid South Africa and one-man, one vote in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) was hotly debated. After this Queen has passed, abandoning the monarchy for republican status may be an easier proposition, and there would be good reason for Caribbean countries to join the majority of other Commonwealth nations in becoming Republics with nationals as heads of state. But, for now, many Caribbean countries, like Canada, look like they will remain royal. (The writer is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat) (Responses and previous commentaries at: www.sirronaldsanders.com)

To Be Royal Or Not, That Is The Question


In August last year, in the wake of a highly acclaimed visit by Prince William and his wife, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, the Canadian Conservative government decided that Canadas Maritime Command, Air Command and Land Force Command should once again be called the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army respectively. The royal appendages were dropped in 1968 by the Liberal government. There was hardly any significant objection when the announcement was made by Defence Minister Peter MacKay. It seems the majority of the Canadian people were content to be the loyal subjects of Queen Elizabeth II and especially of her popular grandson who may one day be their King. Not so in some of the Commonwealth Caribbean, where the Queen remains the sovereign of eight independent countries Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts-Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The issue of whether or not to remain a monarchical state with a distant and foreign Queen in Britain or switch to republican status with a native President is now very much alive in Jamaica. The matter is being debated even as the Queens diamond jubilee (60 years as sovereign) is being celebrated in Britain and observed in all her other 14 realms including Canada. In Jamaica, Prince Harry - presently third in line to the throne will visit as part of the Queens jubilee observations in which members of the Royal family are calling on all the countries of which Elizabeth II remains head of state. He will be received with all the respect and decorum befitting a Sir Ronald representative of the Head of State. But, that will not deter the Jamaica government of Portia SimpsonMiller from considering a referendum to ask the Jamaican people if they are ready to say farewell to the Queen and to replace her with a Jamaican President. The Jamaica Prime Minister first announced her desire to replace the Queen as Jamaicas head of state with a Jamaican Queen during a pre-general election televised debate with then Prime Minister Andrew Holness in early January. Since then she has indicated that a referendum could take place this year as Jamaica marks its 50th year of independence from Britain. The idea of a Jamaican Queen has been turned to a Jamaican President and for a change in Jamaicas status from a monarchy to a republic. But, nothing has been done so far to frame the question that would be put to the Jamaican people or to educate them about what kind of President would be Head of State. For example, would it be an Executive President as in Guyana, a titular President as in Dominica or a President with some reserve powers as in Trinidad and Tobago? Therefore, unless the process is rushed, it is unlikely that any wellorganised referendum can be held this year. In Barbados, severing ties to the Queen has also re-surfaced after the jubilee visit in February of Prince Edward, the Queens third son, and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Wessex. The visit was not attended by large crowds and even school children, compelled to line streets of the royal procession, showed little enthusiasm for the little-known couple. It may have been different if it was the Queen herself who made the visit or Prince William and Kate whose much publicised star-quality wedding last year had received widespread media coverage. As it turned out, some vociferous Barbadians complained about the US$400,000 spent on sprucing up areas that the royal couple visited, and one member of parliament boycotted a meeting of the joint houses, addressed by Prince Edward, on the basis that he was protesting against two policies of the British government. He seemed to miss the point that Edward and Sophie were visiting Barbados as representatives of his Head of State, not agents of the UK government. This is not the first time that the issue of Barbados becoming a Republic has been raised. It was first raised by the Labour Party government of Owen Arthur in 2000. In the face of opposition, the matter was dropped until 2005 when again it was suggested that a referendum would be held, but no clear details were given of what powers a President would have. In any event, it is by no means clear that the Barbadian people are ready to dispense with the monarchy while Queen Elizabeth is alive. In November 2009, the government of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was told clearly by the majority of people in St Vincent and the Grenadines that they were not in

Sanders

Caribbean Destinations: Captivating Cayman


The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory comprises the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. The territory is a major world offshore financial centre. The Cayman Islands were first logged as sighted by Christopher Columbus on 10 May 1503 during his fourth and final voyage to the New World. He named the islands Las Tortugas after the large number of sea turtles observed there. The first recorded English visitor to the islands was Sir Francis Drake in 1586. He subsequently named the islands Cayman after caiman, a Neo-Taino word for alligator. The Cayman Islands remained largely uninhabited until the 17th century. While there is no archaeological evidence for an indigenous people on the islands, a variety of settlers from various backgrounds made their home on the islands, including pirates, refugees from the Spanish Inquisition, shipwrecked sailors, and deserters from Oliver Cromwells army in Jamaica. England took formal control of the Cayman Islands, along with Jamaica, under the Treaty of Madrid in 1670. The islands continued to be governed as a single colony with Jamaica until 1962 when they became a separate Crown colony while Jamaica became an independent Commonwealth realm. The Cayman Islands have a tropical marine climate, with a wet season of warm, rainy summers (May to October) and a dry season of relatively cool winters (November to April). The Cayman Islands have more registered businesses than they have people. The latest population estimate of the Cayman Islands is about 55,700 as of 2009, representcalled Gorling Bluff Light); a lighthouse located at the east end of Grand Cayman Island. The lighthouse is the centerpiece of East End Lighthouse Park, managed by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman (pronounced K-mun), the largest of the

March 7, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 7

ing a mix of more than 100 nationalities. Out of that number, about half are of Caymanian descent. About 60% of the population is of mixed race (mostly mixed AfricanNative American). The islands are almost exclusively Christian, with large numbers of Presbyterians and Catholics. The vast majority of the population resides on Grand Cayman, followed by Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, respectively. The capital of the Cayman Islands is George Town, which is located on the southwest coast of Grand Cayman. With an average income of around KYD$47,000, Caymanians have the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. According to the CIA World Factbook, the Cayman Islands GDP per capita is the 14th highest in the world. The islands print their own currency, the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD), which is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed rate of 1 KYD = 1.20 USD. One of Grand Caymans main attractions is Seven Mile Beach, on which a number of the islands hotels and resorts are located. Historical sites in Grand Cayman, such as Pedro St. James Castle in Bodden Town, also attract visitors. Tourists also visit the Sister Islands, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. All three islands offer scuba diving, and the Cayman Islands are home to several snorkeling locations, where tourists can swim with stingrays. The most popular area to do this is Stingray City, Grand Cayman. There are two shipwrecks off the shores of Cayman Brac, including the MV Keith Tibbetts; Grand Cayman has several shipwrecks off its shores. Other Grand Cayman tourist attractions include the Ironshore landscape of Hell, the 23-acre (93,000 m2) marine theme park Boatswains Beach, also home of the Cayman Turtle Farm, the production of gourmet sea salt, and the Mastic Trail, a hiking trail through the forests in the centre of the island. The National Trust for the Cayman Islands provides guided tours weekly on the Mastic Trail and other locations. Points of interest include the East End Light (sometimes

Cayman Islands, has become a premier tourist destination in recent years. With more than 500 banks, its capital, George Town, is the offshore banking center of the Caribbean. Island life focuses on the sea. Snorkelers will find a paradise, the abundance of fish; marine life and spectacular coral reefs which can be found in the surrounding waters make the Cayman Islands ideal for diving enthusiasts. Caymans beaches are considered to be among the best in the world. Beach lovers will marvel at the powdery sands of Seven Mile Beach. Named by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine as the Caribbeans Best Beach, this coral and sand beach is a favorite among those visiting the Cayman Islands. Seven Mile Beach is home to most of the resort hotels on the island, but is public property which means guests can stroll along the shoreline. Youre welcome to grill for yourself or take advantage of one of the beach bars or hotel restaurants which are very inviting and located along the beach. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, measuring roughly 196 km2, and is home of the capital of the Cayman Islands, George Town. The towns on the island are referred to as districts. The gingerbread-style buildings lining George Towns harbor front are prime examples of traditional island architecture. Grand Cayman is only 22 miles long and 8 miles across at its widest point. From any point in the resort area of Grand Cayman, it is easy to walk or bike to the shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment spots along West Bay Road. George Town is small enough to see on foot. If you are exploring Grand Cayman by car, there is a well-maintained road that circles the island. The eastern side of the island is more undeveloped than the rest of the island, while the western side, which holds George Town and the airport, is more developed and a popular tourist destination. Restaurants of all types, night clubs, and resorts can be found on the western side of the island while the eastern district restaurants specialize in a more native Caymanian cuisine. Stingray City, which is located a short boat ride from the northern end of Grand Cayman, is a series of shallow sand bars where stingrays are found in abundance and visitors can feed, pet, and interact with the animals. The area is home to southern stingrays, which can grow with a wingspan up to 3 feet (100 cm) and have become quite accustomed to being handled and fed.

growth dry forests that used to cover the entire island. The Cayman Turtle Farm, one of Grand Caymans main tourist attractions, sets an example for environmental conservation and preservation of the species. The majority of Green Sea Turtles are raised for their meat, the theory being that this eliminates consumption of wild animals. Some of the farmed turtles are released, and have good survival rates in the wild. The turtle farm also has several rare Blue Iguanas and a Caiman on display. The 65-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a national treasure. The National Trusts Mastic Trail is a 2 mile footpath through unspoiled woodlands on the North Side. The Cayman Islands have a number of nightclubs, which sometimes feature international entertainment. Succulent seafood specialties abound in the local restaurants. Spectacular natural beauty, a wealth of activities and points of interest, and all the modern conveniences to make your stay as comfortable as possible can be found on Grand Cayman. For the best in Caribbean water sports, sightseeing, dancing and shopping, Grand Cayman is the place to start. Cayman Brac, northeast of Grand Cayman, is about 12 miles long and 1 mile wide. This area is dotted with fascinating caves and dozens of wrecks for divers to explore. It provided the basis for Robert Louis Stevensons famous novel Treasure Island. The Bluff, a massive central limestone outcrop, rises steadily along the length of the island up to 140 feet (43 m) above the sea at the eastern end. The island is named after this prominent feature brac, which is a Gaelic name for a bluff. The population of the island was estimated at 1,822 in 1999. To get around Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, it is best to rent a car or a moped. Many resorts rent bicycles for local sightseeing. Rock climbing was developed beginning in 1992 and

In the southern district of Bodden Town is the historic house of Pedro St. James, considered the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands. It is also the oldest known existing stone structure on Grand Cayman and was also the first Capital of the Cayman Islands. The Eastern districts refers to Bodden Town, East End and North Side. In the center of the Island (the North Side district) is the Mastic Trail, a hiking trail through old

the island is now known as a world-class climbing destination. One must be somewhat experienced to climb here as the terrain is steep, many times over-vertical. Because of Cayman Bracs unique geographic location, the pristine waters around the island are especially coveted for both surf fishing and the pursuit of big game fish. A local enterprise that is nearly unique to Cayman Brac are its artists who work in a local stone known as Caymanite, typically making jewelry or small stone carvings. Seven miles southeast of Cayman Brac, the tiny island of Little Cayman is best known as a sanctuary for wild birds and iguanas. It is also the primary site for bone fishing. Little Cayman is the smallest of the three Cayman Islands, both in area and population. Little Cayman has a permanent population of less than 170 and is less than 10 mi.2 in area, about 10 miles (16 km) long and 1 mile (1.6 km) wide. Most of the island is at sea level with the highest point of elevation being about 40 ft (12 m). Little Cayman is famous for its scuba diving. The most famous dive site areas, Bloody Bay and Jacksons Bight, are both located on the north side of the island, just west of its midpoint. Bloody Bay is consistently ranked as one of the worlds top wall dives with the ocean floor, which was purportedly based on a claim made by the late Phillipe Cousteau. Little Cayman is accessible by air (via Cayman Airways) and water from both Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman. Little Cayman has one store, a few restaurants, Edward Bodden Airfield (the airport), a post office, a fire station, and one church. Little Cayman also has a visitor centre for its red-footed booby pond, the largest red-footed booby population in the Caribbean and a designated Ramsar wetland of international importance. Other important species present on Little Cayman include the endangered Lesser Caymans Iguana, the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, and the threatened Black-billed Whistling Duck, which are also present to a lesser degree on nearby Cayman Brac.

PAGE 8

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

March 7, 2012

Barbados Beat Sir Branford Demits Office


BRIDGETOWN, Sir Branford Taitt has demitted the office of President of the Senate after an absence due to illness. In a brief comment to local reporters, Sir Branford said he thought the time was right for his departure. I believe I have made my contributionI have served the people and I have served my country. There comes a time when you have to give way. The time has come to say goodbye to the political arenaIt is time to say goodbye. Sir Branfords departure brings to an end a flamboyant political career that spans more than four administrations. Sir Branford served as Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce from 1971 to 1976 and Minister of Tourism and Industry from 1986 to 1987. He also served as Minister of Health from 1987 to 1993. He was elected in 1976 and was re-elected in 1981, in May 1986, in June 1991 and in September 1994. He served as President of the Senate from January 2008. Sir Branford was awarded the Knight of St Andrew in November 2010.

Arthurs Blast
BRIDGETOWN, The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) may have used integrity and accountability as part of its pathway to success in the 2008 general election, but according to former Prime Minister Owen Arthur, it doesnt practice what it preaches. Arthur made the claim on March 4 when the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) held a political meeting at Haggatt Hall, St Michael, under the theme CLICO A Call For Justice. The DLP does not really believe in accountability, Arthur, the nights final and marquee speaker, told the large crowd on hand. Leroy Parris should have been held up to accountability. This could only happen to a Government that says everything about transparency, but does nothing about it, Arthur, the Member of Parliament for St Peter, said. The former Barbados leader also said that the late David Thompson, as Prime Minister, was up to his eyes in all of the transactions involving CLICO and its executive chairman, Parris. I want to know how much money they (CLICO) have put into the DLP. I want to know how many members of the party have been given loans, Arthur added.

BRIDGETOWN, The controversial $10 million the Central Bank of Barbados placed at the disposal of former CLICO subsidiary CLICO Mortgage and Finance Corporation (CMFC) in 2009 has been repaid in full and with interest. Local reporters have been trying to track down what happened to the $10 million injection, which has caused something of a political firestorm. When contacted, Central Bank Governor Dr DeLisle Worrell declined comment. So too did Paul Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer of Capita Financial the rebranded CMFC who said the board of directors would issue a full statement on the matter

Repaid In Full

later this week. However, a well-informed source, who requested anonymity, revealed that repayment was made, not as a lump sum, but as several small loans that became due every three months.

Helping Women Get To The Big O


BRIDGETOWN, Canadian-born Barbados resident Eugene Melnyk, one of Canadas richest businessmen, has found yet another way to add to his vast fortune: helping women overcome their inability to achieve an orgasm. Melnyk, who has lived in Barbados for many years and is a fixture in horse racing circles here, is the co-founder and the majority shareholder of Trimel Pharmaceuticals Corp., TRL, which has announced success in a midstage study of its female sexual disorder drug Tefina. The immediate reaction to the news was a surge in the price of Trimel shares. It reached a high of CAN$3 a share on the Toronto Stock Exchange, increasing the value of Melnyks holdings. Unlike Viagra for men, which comes in pill form, Tefina is a gel formulation of testosterone, the male hormone, and is administered through a nasal applicator. Trimel Pharmaceutical stated that the study measured the occurrence of, time to reach, and the quality of a womans orgasm. The research showed, added the company, that Tefina was significantly better than a placebo or dummy drug in stirring a womans sexual desire and orgasm. The next step would be a study of the thorny issue of a womans inability to achieve a climax during sexual intercourse, a condition that adversely affects one in five pre-and-post menopausal women around the world. As Trimel Pharmaceutical explained it, the results from the vibrotactile stimulation study demonstrated that Tefina had successfully met all of expectations. Trimel Pharmaceutical Corporation is based in Mississauga, Ontario, and it spent CAN$6 million on research and development of Tefina between July and September last year. It is also developing for Parkinsons and respiratory diseases. Analysts say Melnyk and Trimel stand a good chance of beating other pharmaceutical companies in the race to develop a drug for female sexual dysfunction. One such company is BioSante Pharmaceutical Inc. Melnyk, whose family roots are in the Ukraine, is the owner of the Ottawa Senators team in the National Hockey League, has the Melnyk Racing Stables Inc. and the 1 000-acre Winding Oak Farm in Ocala. Florida. His racehorses are named after famous Barbados landmarks and they carry the blue and gold national colours of Barbados. In a recent listing of Canadas richest people, prepared by Canada Business publication, Melnyks fortune was estimated at almost CAN$1 billion.

Wreck Removed
BRIDGETOWN, The wreck of a sailboat that washed ashore almost two years ago has been removed from Brownes Beach by a team from Marenco Limited. Harbour Master Richard Alleyne said that the operation was not particularly difficult as the boat had deteriorated significantly over that two-year period. He said Barbados Port Inc. was made aware of the wreck only about two or three weeks ago. We are fairly confident, though, that we will be able to identify who the owner is . . . . In the first instance, we would try to recover the figure [for the cost of this operation] from the owners of the boat. We will make every effort to do that, but failing that, the port will cover this expense, he noted.

March 7, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 9

EC News Stanford Guilty


HOUSTON, USA (AP), A Houston jury has convicted Texas financier R Allen Stanford on all but one of the charges he faced for allegedly bilking investors out of more than $7 billion in one of the largest Ponzi schemes in US history. The federal jurors found Stanford guilty on 13 of 14 counts he faced. They found Stanford not guilty on one count of wire fraud. The 61-year-old Stanford looked down when the verdict was read. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the most serious charges, but could be imprisoned for much longer if a judge orders his sentences be served consecutively. Prosecutors say Stanford orchestrated a 20-year scheme

Flights Added
CASTRIES, This summer, St. Lucia will welcome additional service from New York on JetBlue Airways. Beginning June 28 through September 4, JetBlue will offer daily non-stop flights between New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and St. Lucias Hewanorra Airport (UVF), making the island even more accessible for travelers flying from the Northeast. The JetBlue flight departs New York at 8:29 a.m. each day and arrives in St. Lucia at 1:07 p.m.; and conversely departs St. Lucia at 2:10 p.m. to arrive back in New York at 7:12 p.m. St. Lucias Hewanorra Airport at Vieux Fort is located 40 miles south of Castries. We are delighted to be able to offer visitors convenient daily service from JetBlue, a valued travel partner, so they can enjoy the special savings available throughout the summer season, said Louis Lewis, Director of Tourism for the St. Lucia Tourist Board, in a written statement.

Allen Stanford that took billions through the sale of certificates of deposit from his Caribbean bank. Stanfords attorneys blamed his ex-chief financial officer.

New Secondary School


ST. JOHNS, Antigua is set to have a new secondary school to the tune of 75 RMB through a grant from the Chinese government. Assistant director of education in charge of planning, Ms. Doristeen Etinoff said discussions between the Antigua and the Chinese governments on the construction of the Five Islands Secondary School were ongoing, as the building is expected to be completed by September 2013. Once completed, the new school will be able to accommodate 750 students, and be divided into classrooms, a gymnasium, IT and Science Laboratories and have a music room. The school is expected to ease some of the burden being placed on the heavily populated public secondary institutions which has resulted in over-crowded classrooms.

No Longer Blacklisted
KINGSTOWN, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says St Vincent & the Grenadines has been removed from a French blacklist of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. He told Parliament that Paris decision to place the island on the blacklist was unilateral since the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2010 declared St Vincent & the Grenadines clean. The countrys Ministry of Finance welcomed the decision. In 2010, France blacklisted 18 countries around the world as being uncooperative tax havens and advised that it would be imposing punitive taxes on French companies operating in these jurisdictions. Several other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, and St Lucia, were also placed on the list. The OECD is the international body with oversight of international tax transparency and places countries on black, grey or white lists, depending on their level of cooperation. Gonsalves said France is a member of the OECD and its action to compile its own blacklist was unilateral and separate from the action taken by the OECD.

Festival Launched
ST GEORGES, During an impressive February 24 ceremony at its Hillsborough office in Carriacou, the Grenada Board of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, and the Grenada Cultural Foundation, launched the 3rd Carriacou Maroon and String Band Festival, which is carded to take place from April 27 29, 2012. Among the more than fifty (50) persons in attendance were sponsors, hoteliers, tourism-related businesses, community leaders and members of the cultural/ performing community. In addressing the gathering, Senator George Prime Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, commended those involved for recognizing the importance of having the festival permanently etched within the cultural calendar of Carriacou. He spoke of the success of last years event and referred the audience to plans to make it even bigger. Other dignitaries present, who also gave brief remarks, were Mr. Matthew Thomas Director at the Cultural Foundation, Mr. Simon Stiell - Director of Tourism and Mr. Cuthbert Snagg, a director on the Board of Directors of the Grenada Board of Tourism. The Carriacou Maroon & Regional String Band Festival is a three-day Celebration that exposes residents as well as visitors to authentic practices of ancestral traditions that trace Grenadas African and European roots to the current culture that is intertwined with indigenous Caribbean norms. It will also feature musical renditions from string bands and groups based in St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, Bequia, Grenada and host island, Carriacou. The Carriacou Maroon & String Band Festival is projected to evolve into a strong tourist attraction that embraces cultural entertainment and educational products to celebrate the culture of the people of Carriacou and neighbouring islands.

Making Waves
BASSETERRE, Quality initiatives launched last year by the London-based St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry (SKANReg) have prompted a major improvement in results from Port State Control inspections, with detentions reduced by up to 62 percent and deficiencies down by as much as 49 percent. According to MarineLink.com Maritime Reporters and Marine News on-line, SKANReg is now seeking support for further progress in a submission to the IMOs Flag State Implementation (FSI) sub-committee ahead of its 20th session from March 26-30. The registry says it is a source of frustration that, with only a small number of ships operating within certain regions, even a single detention can result in targeting of its ships and adversely affect its PSC list ratings in some areas. It is suggesting a harmonized system of reporting PSC statistics to avoid distortions.

Bishop Supports End To Buggery Laws


St Johns, The newly installed Roman Catholic Bishop for St JohnsBasseterre, Kenneth Richards, said he would support any effort that will de-criminalise buggery. Speaking on local radio, Bishop Richards said while de-criminalization does not make the act right, it should be used as a tool for non-discrimination. The argument to de-criminalise can be justified to the extent that adultery and this is the argument that I use in time past was on the books as a criminal offense, and it has been decriminalized, the bishop explained. It is on this basis that buggery can also be de-criminalised. However, this does not make adultery right, nor does it make buggery right. Richards added that de-criminalising the act would allow anyone to feel welcome to attend his church. He said he does not place labels on anyone, as the doors are open to all. His stance is likely to be at odds with other church leaders who have maintained a hard-line stance against buggery and homosexuality.

Pleasing Outcome
ST JOHNS, Dominicans have expressed satisfaction with the arrest of four individuals held in the on-going murder investigation of 40-year-old Dorothy Prince who was recently shot at the gas station where she worked. Residents of neighbouring Dominica, the place where Prince was born, have called local talk shows to laud the Antiguan authorities for their quick action. Carlisle Jno Baptiste, a journalist in Dominica, told Antiguan reporters that the news brought a sense of relief to family, friends and well-wishers back home. A number of persons called applauding the police for its swift work in getting at least four persons in custody and hopefully during the course of this week they expect these people to be charged, Jno Baptiste said in a telephone interview from Dominica. Jno Baptiste said, however, there is a level of disappointment that men linked to law enforcement are being implicated in the crime. He said he doesnt expect the incident to sour the cordial relations between people of the two islands. So people have called the radio talk shows applauding the police although they are extremely disappointed that a current and former law officer are implicated in the incident. Despite that, people are expressing shock, dismay and are applauding the Antiguan authorities for the arrest of at least four persons in the matter. I have not heard local authorities speak on the incident, but I do not expect any negative implications in terms of friendship, he added. On February 24, police authorities confirmed that two members of the police force and two other men are being held in connection with the murder. The men have been subsequently charged and will be taken before a magistrate.

Kenneth Richards Superintendent of the Methodist Church, Rev Carlwin Greenaway, said while the clergy has not issued a specific statement on the matter, the church operates on the principle that any act of sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman is against the teachings of God. However, we recognise that there are other sexual sins. Who is to say that one is greater than the other? he asked. He agreed that the fact that buggery is still a criminal offense, yet other sins are not, has to be considered. Should we make extra-marital sex a crime? he asked. We know that that is unrealistic to expect.

PAGE 10

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

March 7, 2012

March 7, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

March 7, 2012

Guyana Digest $90M Accounted For


GEORGETOWN, Amid questions about how $90M allocated to the police during the last general elections was spent, the force has issued a statement saying it could account for the entire amount. The statement follows: Cognisant of recent publications in the print media concerning an alleged missing $90M that was allocated to the Guyana Police Force for the conduct of policing duties during the last General and Regional Elections, and which have resulted from unofficial, unauthorized and misleading statements from a Police Divisional Commander, the Guyana Police Force wishes to set the records straight. During 2011 the Guyana Police Force prepared a budget of proposed activities for the General and Regional Elections 2011 which was submitted to the Ministry of Finance through the Ministry of Home Affairs. Subsequently supplementary provisions were received by the Police Force during November 2011 in the sum of $90,649,200.00. Of this amount $39,641,200.00 were for the shortfall on voted provisions and $51,008,000.00 were received under the line item 6261 local travelling and subsistence which also caters for the feeding of police ranks during the inlying period for Elections. The Force wishes to clarify that the sum allotted to the police for elections duties was $51,008.000.00 and not the total $90,649,200.00. $8M was to facilitate the cost of travelling expenses and the remaining $43,008,000.00 was brought to account by the police. A total sum of $32,491,822.00 was drawn out to Police Divisions, Police Headquarters and Special Constabulary Headquarters to meet expenditure for the feeding of ranks. Police Divisions, Police Headquarters and the Special Constabulary Headquarters were allocated cash and commodities from the Police Consumers Cooperative Society Ltd. and other outlets for the feeding of ranks. Police Headquarters comprises all the Branches of the Force such as the Tactical Services Unit, CID Headquarters, the Felix Austin Police College, Immigration, Commissioners Office, General Office, Finance Office, the Police Band, Quartermaster Stores etc. However, the Tactical Services Unit received a separate allocation for the elections period.

Phagwah Celebrated

Wife Caught With Lover


GEORGETOWN, A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to one year imprisonment for wounding and assaulting his reputed wife. Mark Sadoo (no address given) pleaded guilty, before Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, to charges that, on March 3, he unlawfully assaulted and wounded Tejwattie Beepat. Police Corporal, Jairam Luckhai, prosecuting, said the couple is living together and, that day, they had a misunderstanding and the defendant cuffed Beepat several times about her body causing injuries. Standing in the dock, Sadoo admitted that he tripped after he saw Beepat having sex, in his bed, with another man who was not wearing a condom. The woman was present in court and displayed visible marks on her face and hands, stating that Sadoo is being deceitful.

GEORGETOWN, Phagwah, the Hindu Spring Festival, will be celebrated on March 8 across the world in countries with people of Hindu origin, such as Guyana. To usher in this season, President Donald Ramotar and First Lady, Deolatchmee Ramotar, in collaboration with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Saturday hosted a National Chowtal Samellan and Holi Sanagan at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal,Greater Georgetown. Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds and his wife, Yvonne Hinds, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, and several members of the diplomatic corps joined the President and First Lady at the first ever chowtal celebration organised in Guyana in celebration of Holi. The night featured melodious chowtal renditions by various Dharmic Sabha groups across the country, including those

of Crabwood Creek, Region 6, and Bush Lot, Region 5, as well as performances of several beautiful holi songs. President Ramotar, opening the nights entertainment, said that the event was realised mostly through the hard work of First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar. In extolling the importance of Holi, he said that he was happy to facilitate such an event that seeks to honour the importance of integrity and goodness. Representative of the National Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, at the start of the event, said that Holi is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals that allows for families and friends to gather at events, to mingle and share love. Dr. Persaud, one of the organisers of the event, said that it was a pleasure to collaborate with the President and First Lady in organising the Sanagan of such magnitude in Guyana.

Agreements Signed
GEORGETOWN, The Governments of Guyana and the Peoples Republic of China have further deepened bilateral relations by signing two agreements. The first was for a Chinese 30 million renbinbi (US$4.762M) Economic and Technical Cooperation grant and the second for the provision of firefighting equipment costing 15.5 million renbinbi (US$2.460M). Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and the Chinese Vice-Minister in the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Zhong Shan, along with his delegation gathered at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, East Coast of Demerara, for the official ceremony.

Finance Minister Ashni Sing & Chinese Vice Minister in the Ministry of Commerce, Zhong Shan

Housing Fraudsters Nabbed


GEORGETOWN, Norman Phillips, of 150 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and Richard Nixon, of 38 Public Road, Bagotstown, were in police custody at the Criminal Investigation Department, Eve Leary, after being caught in a sting operation by the Anti- Fraud and Enforcement Unit of the Ministry of Housing and Water. The Ministrys Central Housing and Planning Authority had received information that characters suspected to be fraudsters were operating in Eccles, posing as employees of the ministry. After gathering information for close to two weeks, the department swooped down on a house in Eccles where one of the men lives. There it was discovered that the men, both of whom were there at the time, had in their possession a large quantity of false documents, including land titles, transports and agreement of sales. The operation was aided by several persons who were providing the ministry with information over a period of time. The men were in the habit of posing as officials of the ministry and claimed to be acting on the housing ministers behalf. The Ministry of Housing and Water has called on anyone who may have been conned by any of the duo to contact the Ministrys Central Housing and Planning Authority as early as possible.

Jamaica Yard 21 Fatal Shootings In 6 Days Prince Harrys Arrival


KINGSTON, The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has recorded 21 incidents of fatal shootings of civilians involving members of the security forces since the start of the month. This included a 24-hour period on March 2 where 10 civilian lives were lost, INDECOM said in a news release. Commissioner of INDECOM, Terrence Williams, said there has been no period in which so many civilians have died allegedly at the hands of members of the security forces in such a short period since INDECOMs inception. Apart from when there is a state of emergency in place and the Tivoli incursion, it is difficult to recall any period of similar high rates of members of the security forces being involved in fatalities, Williams said. It is important, Williams said, for the country to know with reasonable promptitude, whether these incidents are justified or not. INDECOM, he said, remains resolute in its pursuits to conduct independent investigations toward this goal. We call upon citizens and members of the security forces who have information to assist us in our investigations into these shootings and to cooperate with our investigators, the commissioner urged. In the same breath, the commissioner is also calling upon the Government to take note of the challenges INDECOM faces and improve the commissions resources to meet the current workload. INDECOM, a commission of Parliament that was established to probe police shootings and alleged abuses by agents of the state, was allocated a budget of $215 million in the 2011/2012 Estimates of Expenditure. At the end of 2011, the commission had 720 cases of alleged police excesses under investigation. In January 2012, another 54 were added to the list and 70 at the end of February, bringing the total number of allegations (inclusive of fatal and non-fatal reports) to 124. The total caseload is 844 as at February 29, 2012. Though we remain hampered by slow turnaround time with ballistic reports, a serious backlog of ID parades, and though our investigative staff is overburdened, we will be doing everything in our power and with the resources we have to carry out our duties under the Act, Williams said.

Prince Harry KINGSTON, Prince Harry, the grandson of the British Monarch Queen Elizabeth 11, landed on Jamaican soil on March 5. The Prince was flanked by members of the Royal Jamaica regiment as he walked along the tarmac at the Norman Manley International Airport. Prince Harry was scheduled to spend four days in the island, with visits to the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, The University of the West Bowl, Rise Life Management Services, the Best Care Lodge and Falmouth, Trelawny.

Minister Concerned
KINGSTON, Minister of National Security Peter Bunting has expressed deep concern and regret at the March 5 violent deaths of six people in Central Kingston. The six were killed during a gun battle between the police and gunmen. Two other persons were also injured and have been hospitalised. In a statement on the incident, Bunting said police reports received so far indicate that dangerous criminals had been killed in the incident. This is based on the number of firearms recovered by police and the fact that preliminary identification of at least three of the victims shows that they are wanted for serious crimes including murder and shooting with intent, a release from the ministry said. Bunting says he is saddened that it appears that at least two victims may have been innocent persons caught in the crossfire between the police and the criminals. Although the full circumstances of the incident are still unclear, Bunting noted that INDECOM is probing the incident to ascertain the facts. Given the unusually high number of police fatal shootings in the past week, the minister has reiterated that it is the policy of the Government that the police only use deadly force if it is justified and necessary. He is requesting that the police commissioner review the planning and conduct of operations to ensure that risk to the public is minimised.

Resignation Call
KINGSTON, The Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has called on Information Minister Sandrea Falconer to resign as her credibility is now destroyed. This, the Opposition said, is as a result of the now clear evidence that she misled the nation in respect to comments made by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller in the Bloomberg interview in Montego Bay last week. Opposition Spokesman on Information Arthur Williams said that the statement attributed to Simpson-Miller, that If we could get a bailout like Greece, lord have mercy, you would see Jamaica grow and flourish, was vehemently denied by Senator Falconer and it was subsequently reported that a note was being drafted by Government to send to Bloomberg for allegedly misrepresenting the Prime Minister. Williams is contending that now, in the face of Bloomberg sticking to its story, and clearly having a recording of what the Prime Minister said, Press Secretary Lincoln Robinson who works directly under the supervision of Falconer in the Office of the Prime Minister, has admitted that the Prime Minister did in fact make the statement. He is insisting that Falconer is duty bound to resign, noting that she must however tell the country the truth as to how she came to make the denial. The Opposition is calling on Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller to be more responsible in her utterances and to properly inform herself on the fundamental issues facing the nation in order to avoid any repeat of such a situation which can affect the countrys reputation in the local and international capital markets, Williams said.

New Observer Director


Kingston, Former Commissioner of Customs Danville Walker is now the new Managing Director of the Jamaica Observer. Walkers appointment was announced today by Observer Chairman Gordon Butch Stewart during a meeting with the newspapers staff at its headquarters on Beechwood Avenue in Kingston. Walker takes over from Ed Khoury, who returns to the ATL Group head office where he will head the new ATL Energy Solutions Unit which will be launched by the third quarter of this year. He will be joined by Paul Grey, who for the last three years was head of engineering at Sandals Resorts. Ed will have responsibility for new start-up divisions in the ATL Group as it continues to diversify and spread its wings, Observer and ATL Group Deputy Chairman Adam Stewart said. Walker comes to the Observer having earned a reputation for tight, effective management of the Customs Department, which he joined in 2008, and before that the Electoral Office of Jamaica where he served as director of elections for almost 11 years.

Sex Trades On The Rise


WASHINGTON, DC, Exotic bars and massage parlours have become covers for some of the brutal experiences that women are undergoing as sex workers who are trafficked through the Caribbean, even as governments bristle at the suggestion that the problem exists. Yasmin Solitahe Odlum, gender specialist, Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) in the Organisation of American States (OAS), said trafficking is a huge problem in countries like Jamaica, Suriname, Belize, the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, a problem exacerbated by the confusion in the region about what exactly is trafficking. Speaking to Caribbean journalists on a US State Department Foreign Press Centre domestic violence tour in Washington, DC, last week, Odlum said there is need in the region for serious empirical studies to determine the scope of what is considered trafficking. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) governments, she said, are the most resistant to the notion of accepting the existence of human trafficking, and this has to do with the fact that they are so tourism-dependent. Hilary Anderson, specialist on key womens issues in the region at CIM, said a number of the countries in the Caribbean dont know how to begin to deal with the plethora of issues surrounding trafficking that is overwhelming them, even as more women become vulnerable. Many women also become vulnerable to trafficking, she said, because theyre living in situations of violence already. Their fathers or their uncles or their brothers or other male family members have subjected them to violence, so in order to escape the violence they may be more vulnerable to trafficking. Trafficking involves an extraordinary amount of violence against women, she said.

Investment Interest
KINGSTON, Jamaica is once again being considered for major investment across a number of its sectors. This time it is from investors, impressed with the countrys suite of projects, after attending the Jamaica Investment Forum from March 1 to 2 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James. The forum saw several investors from Russia being present in Jamaica and expressing an interest in erecting a plant to convert sweet sorghum. Consultant Mr. Peter Mitchell added there was an international effort to improve farming and to find additional applications, including its use as poultry feed, secondarily as cattle, and in brewing applications. However, the country is also being considered as a near-shore destination for call centres and businesses for United States (US) clients. President and Chief Marketing Officer of Aegis Communication, Mr. Sandip Sen, said his company was eyeing Jamaica for such possibilities. Meanwhile, global consultant in the Cayman Islands, Martin Bold has expressed interest with the networking opportunities in the country, and commended the quality of the speakers and government ministers commitment to the just concluded forum. Chairman of the Board for the African Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Detroit, Michigan, Errol Service, pledged the continued support of the Chamber if Jamaica maintained the quality of conference. Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica, Ms. Betty Stockhausen, also commended the quality of the conference, and noted that the time was ripe for Jamaica to take off, especially through industries such as information technology.

Trinbago News
Trinbago Must Help Grenada
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago cannot turn a blind eye and allow the economy of Grenada to collapse, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley has stated. We are hurting ourselves by our inaction, he said. An ongoing loan dispute between Taiwan and Grenada over monies owed by Grenada could result in the closure of the Maurice Bishop International Airport. Airlines and cruise ships servicing Grenada are paying money into an escrow account, as a result of an order from an American court. Taiwan had filed an injunction with the cruise ships and airlines servicing Grenada, demanding that money due to Grenada should be paid to it. Speaking at a March 4 news conference, Rowley said the Opposition was asking the Government to get involved in this dispute and to assist the Grenadian Government in getting out of this situation so as to allow the Grenadian airport to continue to be a vital contributor to Grenadas economy so that it can continue to buy Trinidad and Tobago products. Noting that the economy of Grenada was being threatened, Rowley said: We have an interest in ensuring the Grenadian economy is not derailed by that disrepute. If Grenada is unable to extricate itself from that, the result being that Grenadians cant use their airport to keep the tourist trade alive so that their economy can continue to buy Trinidad and Tobago products, it can have serious consequences on Trinidad and Tobagos ability to keep supplying Grenada from our factories here. So we have an interest and we are saying that we are not only being neighbourly, but we have a self-interest there. Rowley said Trinidad and Tobagos involvement may not mean giving financial assistance, but through the use of its diplomatic strength. But we cannot behave as though that problem is not our problem, he said. He said if the economy of Grenada or any Caribbean country was being hurt, it was as good as hurting the economy in Tobago or Trinidad, because that is our market. lion-dollar headache it is trying to get rid ofthe MV Su. Since the Peoples National Movement (PNM) Government purchased the Su in 2008 through the National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO) for $25 million to be used as a water taxi, it has never sailed a day. In fact, $27 million has been spent on repairs and maintenance, more than the purchase price. To date, a total of $53.5 million of taxpayers money has been spent on the Su, which will sink if it makes a short voyage from Chaguaramas to the Waterfront Complex, Port of Spain, says Transport Minister Devant Maharaj. Some $67,000 a month is currently being spent just to keep the MV Su berthed at the Inter Isle Construction Co Ltd dockyard in Chaguaramas, where it has been for almost four years. But the MV Su is just part of the problem. To add to the headache, there are three other vesselsHC Katia, HC Olivia and HC Milanciapurchased in 2008 for $36 million at $12 million each. These three vessels are currently not functioning and are packed away at the Coast Guard facility in Chaguaramas. There is no place there to store the MV Su, so money has to be forked out to keep it at a private dockyard, said Maharaj. Like the MV Su, the other ships are also up for sale. These three vessels sailed from December 2008 to September 2010 in the water taxi service, with a maintenance cost of close to $10 million from 2009 to 2011. Since 2008 to now, approximately $100 million has been spent on these four boats.

Yasin Abu Bakr diabetic, is still suffering with an infected wound to the ankle after undergoing surgery. Bakrs lawyer, Wayne Sturge, explained that Bhagwandass advised that Bakr should stay away from the proceedings for a three-month period during his recuperation. Other than the sedition matter, Bakr, also known as Lennox Phillip, is before Mohammed on four other charges including promoting a terrorist act, inciting others to breach the peace and inciting a riot. The charges stem from an Eid sermon he delivered in November 2005 at the Jamaats mosque, Mucurapo Road, St James. Sturges application for the adjournment was granted by Mohammed after State prosecutor Renuka Rambhajan made no objection. Mohammed then addressed the hundreds of potential jurors present saying that such an adjournment was the best course of action. The matter was adjourned to May 14 with two status hearings to be held on March 26 and April 16.

Murder Toll Jumps Higher


PORT-OF-SPAIN, The National murder toll has jumped to 68 after the killing of a 35-year-old man in Arima on the night of March 4. Antonio Colin Murray, of Pt Cumana, Toco, was found lying on the Arima Old Road. He had multiple gunshot wounds to the head, police said. Detectives believe Murray was killed elsewhere and his body dumped in Arima. Cpl Jones of the Homicide Bureau is continuing investigations. Over the weekend, four other men were killed in Diego Martin in what police said was gang warfare. Nyron Francis, 24, a mailman, of Sea Avenue, and Keron Smith, 21, were shot dead at Blue Basin, Diego Martin, on the night of March 2. Kirby Velox, of Sandale Avenue, and Isaiah Woods, 21, of La Puerta Avenue, were killed the following evening at La Puerta Avenue, Diego Martin. In an interview at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, Francis father, Alister Jones, denied his son had been involved in gang activity. Jones said Francis was not in any gang, but spent his time working to care for his mother, Diane Francis, a former security guard. He added: She lost her work and he took care of her. He got a certificate last week in straightening and painting. My son said he had to make the extra dollar. I find all this strange and I dont know why he got killed. We had it hard when we were younger, but as he got big he went to take several classes and I used to tease him about it.

Multi-Million Dollar Headache


PORT-OF-SPAIN, The Government has a multi-mil-

Trial On Hold, Again


PORT-OF-SPAIN, The sedition trial of Jamaat-al-Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr has been accorded a lengthy adjournment after his lawyers again expressed concern over his health. Since the start of the matter this last January, Bakr, 68, has not attended any hearing due to an injury to his ankle. The matter is listed to be heard before Justice Mark Mohammed in the Port-of-Spain Third Court. At the hearing, Bakrs doctor at the St Augustine Private Hospital, Dr Andy Bhagwandass, explained that Bakr, a

Pan Headed To Nigerian Schools


PORT-OF-SPAIN, Pan Trinbago has entered into an agreement to take the steelpan to schools in Nigeria. This was revealed by Pan Trinbago President Keith Diaz during a March 2 prize-giving ceremony for the Peoples Choice winners in the medium and large band categories of the Panorama finals last month. The agreement is among the national pan body and three other parties the T&T Nigeria Chamber, FCL Financial Ltd and Xcell Steelpan Communication Co Ltd, a Nigerian firm. Diaz said the Nigerian company was formed for the purpose of producing and selling steelpans throughout Africa, with emphasis on schools, where the use of steelpans in schools in Nigeria and South Africa was taking root. Diaz said unlike trips to the Americas, trips to the African continent had already yielded financial returns. At the ceremony, Courts Sound Specialists received the $10,000 Peoples Choice prize for the medium band category and large band Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars received the $10,000 Peoples Choice prize from FCL Financial. FCL Financials representative Daniel Lambert also revealed an expansion of the peoples choice prizes to the small and single pan categories. He described the text-tovote option as a success, with 2,744 voters for the Panorama finals.

Belly Bustas Take 5:


Mark

March 7, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

Cariblicious:
Richies Place

PAGE 15

Sylvia : Too bad you didnt look in the freezer---wed both still be alive

A Work In Progress
1410 Victoria Park Avenue, Scarborough 416-693-0909 Ratings (on a scale of 1-5 stars, where 5 is the highest rating): Ambiance * Service ** Portions *** Food Quality *** Price **** TV and Radio host personality Richard Azizs latest business venture is Richies Place, a self-titled crossover restaurant. According to Aziz, Ritchies Place will eventually differentiate itself from other Caribbean-owned restaurants through its soon-to-be-added menu choices of steak and lamb chops, prepared by a well-known Bajan Chef. For now, until its Grand Opening this coming April month-end, Ritchies Place cuisine is the regular Guyanese Chinese. In between discussions of Azizs ambitious summer event plans, we sampled a few items from the 100% halal menu. The first impression one receives when entering Richies Place is that the place is still under construction. With makeshift curtains and half muralled walls, the interior design is obviously a work in progress. So too was the initial service. The sweet smiling waitress greeting upon arrival was pleasant enough, and as I was the only patron other than a couple and their kids, seating was simply a matter of choice. I choose a window seat and was quickly joined by Aziz himself. He had obviously prepared some specific dishes for me to try, but the communication with the waitress seemed to be a bit lacking. Once she understood to start bringing out the food, though, her speed of service improved to a standard that was most admirable. First up was a plate of steamed wontons, ambiguous enough in its appearance that I had to ask for it to be identified. The taste was a marginal improvement on the appearance, but

Bannister Meeting In Heaven

HYMN # 365

Wanda and Sylvia, two friends in life, both die and meet in heaven. Sylvia: Hi! Wanda. Wanda: Hi! Sylvia. Howd you die? Sylvia: I froze to death. Wanda: How horrible! Sylvia: It wasnt so bad. After I quit shaking from the cold, I began to get warm and sleepy, then finally died a very peaceful death. What about you? Wanda: I died of a massive heart attack. I suspected that my husband was cheating, so I came home early to catch him in the act. But instead, I found him all by himself in the den watching TV. Sylvia: So, what happened? Wanda: I was so sure there was another woman there somewhere that I started running all over the house looking. I ran up into the attic and searched, and down into the basement. I went through every closet and checked under all the beds. I became so exhausted that I just keeled over with a heart attack and died.

A minister was completing a temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, If I had all the beer in the world, Id take it and pour it into the river. With even greater emphasis he said, And if I had All the wine in the world, Id take it and pour it into the river. And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he Said, And if I had all the whiskey in the world, Id take it and pour it into the river. Sermon complete, he sat down... The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, For our closing song, Let us sing Hymn #365, Shall We Gather at the River.

overall I couldnt help but thinking that they would have been better left in soup where they naturally belonged. The serving of dried fried wontons that quickly followed wasnt much of an improvement either. Far too much deep fried batter and too little wonton to justify its consumption as a not-the-best-ever health choice menu item. Deep fried chicken wings will also never top anyones list of healthy food choices, but the variety offered at Ritchies place was sufficiently tasty to stimulate reckless abandonment of any such concerns. Their appearance, simultaneously with the special chicken fried rice main course with its steamed vegetables and sweet and sour chicken sides, was most untimely. The taste was good enough, though, that consumption continued throughout. In an establishment that may well inevitably attract a drinking crowd, Ritchies wings could definitely prove to be a major hit. The chicken fried rice at Ritchies place was very tasty. Aziz boasted that the garnishes included cabbage and bora, better known to Guyanese food lovers perhaps than others from the rest of the Caribbean. Where the Guyanese Chinese Chef Young excelled, however, was in the sweet and sour chicken. It was quite honestly amongst the best I have tasted in a very long time, certainly right up there with any of the others reviewed to date. Again, obviously under construction and still working through its kinks, what Richies Place currently lacks in ambiance and service, it more than makes up for in its portion sizes and pricing. Everything we sampled was well under $10.00 and the portions were impressively generous. Dilip, the other patron present who had travelled in from Pickering with his pregnant wife and their, as Aziz put it, two and a half children just to try the food, was obviously pleased. We gon definitely come back again, he declared while leaving. As for myself, I think Id prefer to wait until the April Grand opening and the promise of Bajan Chef cooked steak and lamb chops.

Home Affairs
First and foremost, most people do not understand the concept of custody. Custody is not precisely defined in Ontario legislation, however it is generally understood as a bundle of rights and obligations with regard to the care and control of the child, including but not limited to the childs place of residence, discipline of the child and the right to make decisions with regard to the child (medical, religious, educational- and other aspects that affect the general welfare of the child). HOW IS CUSTODY DETERMINED? When parents live together, both the mother and the father are equally entitled to custody of the child. Where parents separate, however, and a child lives with one parent with implied consent (i.e. you did nothing and allowed the child to live with that parent), the right of the other parent to exercise the entitlement to custody and the incidents to custody (the bundle of rights and obligations) is suspended until a separation agreement or order otherwise provides. If you do not have your child living with you, you need to be aware of the following: a. The court likes to keep the status quothey like everything to remain as is and very rarely do they make changes. Re-

PAGE 16

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

March 7, 2012

The Divorce Series: Part IV - Custody, Access & Child Support


member, in a childs life stability and consistency are considered important. b. If your child is taken and you fail to act in a timely fashion (i.e. ASAP) and you decide not to come to court to seek an immediate remedy, the court feels that your actions would suggest Aneesa implied consent or acquiescence. This does not mean that the court will not be willing to make a change, however it depends on the individual set of circumstances in each case. It is obvious to me that a parent who lives day-in, day-out, with a child would be the parent who would be in the better position to make decisions for a child (of course I am assuming that the parent would fall within what we consider to be reasonable standards for a parent, i.e. they are not abusive to the child, addicted to any illegal substances or prescription drugs or are not suffering from any mental disease that impairs their ability to make good decisions). CUSTODY and RESIDENCE In a joint custodial approach, who would the child reside with? I have seen it where the parties share the child 50/50 which means that the child resides with Mom in Week 1 and then with Dad in Week 2 and goes back to Mom in Week 3 and so on. I have seen it where the child lives 4 days in Week 1 with Mom and 3 days with Dad and in week 2 lives 4 days with Dad and 3 days with Mom; I have seen it where there is joint custody and there is a 30/70 split where one party has the children 30% of the time and the other has the children 70% of the time. In arrangements such as these, it is important to outline where the childs primary residence is. It is also important to have this written as well to ensure you receive your Revenue Canada benefits. And yes, if there is a 50-50 split, each party is entitled to share the Revenue Canada benefit and . ACCESS Access is known widely in our community as visitation rights. Who do these rights belong to? Well, it is important to know that the rights are both the right of the parent and the right of the child. A court will not take away access rights from a parent unless they are positive that it would be harmful to the child to exercise access to the parent. A court will prefer to have supervised access and work their way up to non-supervised access, access every other weekend, rather than make the child not have the benefit of the other parent. Access also gives the non-residential parent the right to access the childs medical records, school records and any records of the child where there is third-party involvement in the childs life. Of course, this must be spelled out in a separation agreement or court order. ACCESS and CHILD SUPPORT If the access parent has the child more than 40% of the time, then they may not have to pay child support (if both parents incomes are the same) or they are entitled to pay a reduced amount of child support (if the access parents income is more). CHILD SUPPORT Most people in our community shudder when they hear these words. The fact is our law is simple - you did the crimeyou gotta do the time! It does not matter that the girl tricked you into having a child; or you were young and stupid. Once you have a child you have to pay child support. At the end of the day, the government is not going to support your child. At the end of the day, the taxpayer next door does not want to support your child, they prefer that their tax money goes to give them better access to hospitals, so the courts would not let you off the hook. So, young men, take notice and parents of young men, educate your children rather than pretend it will never happen to you! Child support is determined by a fixed guideline and is based on the payors income. Income is from all sources and includes disability income. The one mistake I see in our community is that many people give their childs mothers cash -STOP DOING THIS! Keep a good record. In the event that she comes back to you and says that you owe her money, how are you going to prove you gave her cash? In this case, she would have the upper hand and you may find yourself in the unfortunate position of paying her again for money already given to her in cash for child support. Child support can be retroactive, so start paying your responsibilities as soon as you know about them (even if you are making less of a payment). This article is only meant to give you general information. It does not take the place of legal advice. Aneesa Oumarally is family law lawyer who has been practicing law in the Greater Toronto Region for the past 11 years.

Oumarally

SOLE CUSTODY v. JOINT CUSTODY As its name implies, sole custody gives one party the right to make decisions with regard to the child. Joint custody, on the other hand, allows both parties to make decisions for the child together. Of course the only catch is - you and your ex have to be able to put aside your differences for the sake of your child. Making decisions for children together necessitates the ability of both parties to communicate. Not very many people are able put aside their differences and communicate and so the courts are left in a position to make a determination as to what is in the best interests of the child; and who would be in the better position to make decisions for the child if the parents cannot get along.

March 7, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 17

Swim Time Soon Come!


Swimwear season can be one of the most stressful times when it comes to buying a new suit. It can be an overwhelming shopping experience with so many styles, cuts, colours. To bikini or not to bikini. Maybe I should Tankini? The bottom-line is, no pun intended, what will make you look hot and feel confident as you strut on the beach or lay around the pool. There are many ways to purchase a bathing suit. Buying retailer or manufacturer will have a website you can visit to look at their size chart. The size chart will have a measurement in inches and a corresponding size. For example, Venus swimwears size 10 is a 37.5-inch bust, a 29-inch waist and a 40-inch hip. Not every manufacturers sizes are the same. At Old Navy, a size 10 is a 29.5-inch waist and corresponds to a medium-sized suit.

Womens World - Fashion

Important shopping tips to keep in mind


1. Use blocks of color to divert attention from wide hips or a belly bulge. Wear one-piece suits with a dark-colored, solid lower half and a lighter-colored or printed bodice. 2. Choose suits with at least 15 percent spandex to minimize flabby areas. If you have wide hips, opt for styles that cut across the hips rather than hanging below them. 3. Enhance a small chest with a lightly padded halter top or a demi cut with an underwire; the demi cut resembles a bra, but its not a full cup. Also look for suits that offer texture, like ruffles or smocking, and material with a small print; these are guaranteed to deflect attention from your bust.

and divert attention away from a too-round bottom. 7. If you have toned legs and sexy shoulders, flaunt them in a string bikini or cut-out one-piece swimsuit.
Youre not really going into the water with this one are you?

a swimsuit from the Internet can leave you bogged down in a cycle of returns for bad fits. Trying suits on at the store can be disheartening because of the often unflattering lighting in dressing rooms. The trick is to begin by being honest with yourself about your body shape and what flatters you. The next step is finding a swimsuit with the right fit. Suits come in standard 2, 4, 6 sizes or simply small, medium, and large. Sizing your suit means knowing how your measurements translate to these sizes.

Know your Body


Things youll need: Cloth measuring tape and pencil and paper Measure your bust by wrapping the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest. You should do this while wearing your bra and panties. Measuring while fully clothed will not give you correct results. Make sure the measurement you take is snug, not tight. And when comparing the measurement to a size chart, order a size bigger if you are in between sizes. Measure your waist. You can find your natural waistline by bending over. The crease in your skin is where your natural waist is. Start--and finish--at your belly button. Again, make sure the tape is snug, but not tight. Record your sizes. Measure around the fullest part of your hips. This should be approximately halfway between your belly button and your groin area Record your sizes. Compare your sizes to a size chart. Almost every bikini

4. Minimize a full chest with a dark, monochromatic bodice that has a high or square-cut neck. Make sure the suit offers your bust ample support to resist drooping or sagging, and choose a wider-cut bottom to balance your overall look. 5. Elongate a petite frame with a one-piece suit that has thin vertical stripes. Lend short legs length with a suit cut high on the hip. 6. Give a square or boyish figure the appearance of a waist with a one-piece or tankini (a bikini with a top shaped like a tank top) that has a darker color from the crotch to the middle ribs and a lighter color over the chest. Consider a skorta combination short and skirt to conceal

1. Romantic Ruffles: From subtle frills to extravagant cascades, feminine flounces on swimwear are prim, yet sexy. 2. Tie it Up: Statement straps, restraining lace-ups, and gift-like wrapping are the hot new ties that bind. 3. On the Fringe: Whether inspired by Native Americans, tribal chieftains or hippies, swimwear designers are flirting with fringe. Its the shaggy new swimsuit accent thats fun to shake and show off. 4. Monokini Mania: Cut-out swimsuits with linked tops and bottoms look like a one piece from the front but a two piece from the back. These flattering suit designs often cover areas of concern and are perfect for showing off just the right amount of curves. 5. Groovy Tie-Dye: The iconic 70s tie-dye look is back and this time its turned high-end. Not just for hippies anymore, this colorful, nostalgic look remains a part of our swimsuit culture today. Just add bare feet and live music and youve got a party. 6. Black and White: From old movies to vintage Chanel, theres something about the iconic pairing of black and white thats always chic yet modern. Bikini.com advises that you cant go wrong with this striking combination on the beach or poolside. 7. Structured Bikini Tops: Sleek, structured molded cups offer great support and bust enhancement. If youve got it, flaunt it, and if not, well, this trendy swimsuit style may do the trick. 8. Juicy Citrus: Move over neutrals. According to Bikini.com, refreshing hues of lemon, lime and especially orange prove that bright and sunny days on the beach lie ahead. 9. Call of the Wild: Cougars young and old will enjoy swimwear featuring animal prints from small and dainty to big and bold. Bikini.com editors report that animal prints infused with color provide a fun twist on a classic trend. 10. Sexy Snakeskin: Continuing with the animal theme, edgy python prints are slithering down the runways on slinky swimwear. 11. White Hot: Crisp, blinding and fresh, the little white bikini or one-piece is the powerful and pure new basic. 12. Bling it On: Even in swimwear, diamonds are a girls best friend. No longer just for night time, sparkly swimwear is now a fashion staple. Whether its glitter, sequins or jewels, this is your moment to shimmer and be a showstopper on the beach.

Swimwear Trends For 2012

PAGE 18

Sports Beat

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

March 7, 2012

Bolting Harry

Campbell Brown Ready


KINGSTON, Despite limited preparations, Jamaicas IAAF World Indoors 60m champion Veronica Campbell Brown says she is ready to do her best at this weekends World Indoors in Istanbul, Turkey. Campbell Brown, who added the World Indoors gold to her glittering list of achievements when she won in a personal best 7.00 seconds two years ago in Doha, Qatar, has competed over the distance just once this season, placing second behind American Tiana Madison at a USA Indoors meeting in her college campus in Arkansas in February where she ran 7.08 seconds. Although there is much work to be done, I left there quite pleased with my performance, she wrote in her IAAF online diary for March. Campbell Brown, who won a 50m race in New York earlier, said: I have committed myself to compete at the World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey and I am looking forward to going there and doing my best for my country. The two-time defending Olympic champion in the 200m had stayed away from the cozy confines of the indoor circuit for a number of years, but says she is excited by the opportunity, despite this being my second visit to a World Indoor Championships, having competed in Doha, Qatar, I am still excited about competing at an indoor championships as I like the closeness to the fans and that creates an atmosphere so intimate it reminds me of outdoor venues like Zurich and Ostrava. Despite her preparation for the Indoors

Prince Harry and Usain Bolt KINGSTON, Prince Harry beat sprint king Usain Bolt in a March 5 20m dash at the UWI Mona Bowl. There was a false start on the first try, and on the second run Bolt eased up and allowed Harry to finish first. Prince Harry, who did a question and answer segment with Jamaican athletes, said he was very happy to be in Jamaica. He promised to visit the Jamaica Village at the London 2012 Olympics once work permits. Bolt said he was happy to meet the prince and said he managed to loosen up a bit because of Prince Harrys good-natured personality. Prince Harry arrived on the island on March 3 for a four-day visit representing his grandmother, The Queen, as part of the international celebrations commemorating the 60th anniversary of her coronation.

Veronica Campbell Brown in Turkey, she had time to watch bits of the Gibson Relays via the Internet she said, and gushed about the fervour of the Jamaican track and field fans. There is no other crowd that appreciates our sport like the Jamaican fans, absolutely none! she wrote. A fan of other sports outside of track and field, Campbell Brown wrote in her diary that she took time out to watch the newest NBA sensation, New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin, who has been setting the league on fire in the last month or so.

Lalonde Gordon Ranked Worlds Second Best


PORT-OF-SPAIN, Lalonde Gordon is this countrys highest ranked athlete on latest IAAF World Indoor rankings for 2012. Gordon is No 2 in the mens 200m with his 20.58 clocking to win the event at Terrier Classic in Boston, USA on January 28. Zwede Hewitt is at 51st with 21.19 which he set in the heats of the Big 12 Indoor Championships in Texas on February 24. Gordon is part of T&Ts seven-member national contingent due to participate in the World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. The 2010 Commonwealth Games semifinalist is among five local quartermilers on the 400m standings. The top local is 19-year-old Deon Lendore who is at 20th with 46.33 following his win at the Big 12 Championships for his Texas A&M University team in Texas on February 25. Gordon is at 23rd (46.43), Jarrin Solomon 30th (46.55), Renny Quow 40th (46.70) and Hewitt 90th (47.18).S olomon and Quow are also on the World Indoor team. Double Olympic silver medalist Richard Thompson is at number eleven in the mens 60m stand-

Lalonde Gordon
ing after he clocked 6.56 in the heats of the Tyson Invitational on February 11. The outing is the lone indoor appearance for the national 100m record holder as he is likely to focus his attention on the outdoor season.

Record Ride
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobagos Njisane Phillip took his recordbreaking form to the Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Argentina on March 3, smashing the track record at Julio Polet Velodrome in Mar del Plata. Phillip and senior T&T debutant Quincy Alexander both lined up for the Flying 200 event, which qualifies riders for the match sprint. And Phillip topped the field with a searing 10.377 seconds ride on the 250-metre concrete track, a strong time at a venue that is only 34 metres above sea level. He

made it to the quarter-finals where he was expected to medal at the very least. Phillips record ride qualified him to face off with Felipe Penaloza, and the T&T Olympic hopeful blasted past the Chilean to move into the third round. Phillip also outrode Canadas Hugo Barrette to make it to the final eight, where he will face one of the repechage qualifiers. Alexander also qualified with a good showing in the Flying 200, his 10.921s being the 16th best time among the 27 riders, but another Canadian, Joseph Veloce, edged him out in the second round.

March 7, 2012

Calypso Cricket
PORT-OF-Spain, Runako Morton, the West Indies batsman, has died in a road accident on Sunday, police have confirmed. Morton, 33, crashed into a utility pole on the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Chase Village in central Trinidad. He was on his way home from a cricket match, and was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The accident occurred at around 11pm local time. When news spread about his death, many of his teammates posted condolence messages on Twitter, like Wavell Hinds: Gone far too soon brother Runako. I will treasure the great memories for sure. R.I.P. God knows best. Rayad Emrit, Mortons Trinidad teammate, tweeted: R.I.P. Morton. Youll always be remembered buddy. Gone but NEVER forgotten. We miss you bro. Morton played 15 Tests and 56 ODIs for West Indies, with his last appearance for his country coming against Australia in a Twenty20 international in 2010. He underachieved as a Test batsman, scoring 573 runs at an average of 22.03 with four half-centuries. He had a better record as a one-day player, scoring 1519 runs at an average of 33.75 with two centuries and ten fifties. Mortons career was blotted by disciplinary breaches. He was expelled from the West Indian Academy in July 2001, and a year later was called up to the injury-plagued West Indies squad as a replacement for Marlon Samuels. He pulled out of the ICC Champions Trophy in September 2002, after lying about the death of his grandmother. His career slipped further when he was arrested (though released without charge) in January 2004, following a stabbing incident. His maiden ODI century (110*) came in a losing cause against New Zealand in 2006. Two months later, he scored another century, but in a washed-out contest against Zimbabwe in Trinidad. However, one of his most significant one-day knocks was his match-winning unbeaten 90 against Australia in the 2006 Champions Trophy. His in-and-out career continued with a recall for the 2007 England trip and he made runs against Zimbabwe later that year but his form never remained consistent. His most recent fifty was the unbeaten 85

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 19

Road Accident Claims Runako Morton


Tony

Worth Repeating

I am in wholehearted agreement with everything that Antiguas Former Prime Minister Lester Bird has said in his recent statement on West Indies Cricket. As such, in lieu of my Cricket Commentary, I am pleased to provide the full text of the Honourable Lester Birds Statement.

McWatt

THE FARCE WE CALL WEST INDIES CRICKET


By the Hon. Lester B. Bird Former Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda and Former Member of the West Indies Cricket Board If there was ever any doubt about the incompetence of the West Indies cricket administration or hope of a resurrected West Indies, the scheduling of the forthcoming Australian tour provides ample evidence of an organization that suffers from both incompetence and insensitivity. Three ODls are to be played in St. Vincent; three ODls are to be played in St. Lucia and a test match in Dominica. In other words over fifty percent of the matches would be played in a grouping whose population represents less than 8% of the cricket-loving population of the English-speaking Caribbean. If the argument is the cost then it is improbable to think that a third one day in St Lucia, or a third one day in St Vincent would be more profitable than a single one day in a more populated country such as Jamaica or even Antigua. Given the fact that Jamaica is so far to the north and it is costly for Jamaicans to travel to the other parts of the Caribbean, I think that Jamaica should always be included in a touring cricket itinerary. It does appear that true to the management style of the West Indies cricket board, it is a decision to punish Jamaica for its decision to pick Gayle for national duty. This schedule is blatantly insensitive and irrational. I wish to touch on the point of the response of Dr. Hilaire to the Prime Minister of Jamaica the Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller. In his response he indicated that she did not know the facts and even referenced how she should deal with a Cabinet Minister who was at variance with her administration. Let me say to Dr. Hilaire, your response was disrespectful. You and the Prime Minister of Jamaica are not of the same rank. If you wish to be involved in matters of this level, you need some advice or training in diplomacy. We must maximize the power of cricket as an integrating force and use it to bind us as Caribbean people, not divide us. In respect of the Gayle matter, it is time the WICB take the lead to come to an amicable solution to this outstanding matter. The problem began when the coach Otis Gibson ill-advisedly and unprofessionally castigated senior members of the West Indies team publicly. Had Gibson been a coach to an Australian team or English team or any other test team, he would never have tried that or if he had he would have been fired summarily. It was an act that demonstrated his lack of understanding of the art of or skills of human relations. Naturally the senior players reacted, Shivnarine Chanderpaul threatened to take the WICB to court, Chris Gayle made his criticisms public and Sarwans own self confidence has been badly affected and probably permanently shattered. The root of the problem is obvious. The WICB selected a player, who by any reasonable standards is a journeyman, as captain. It baffles my imagination how a group of selectors could select a player of mediocre caliber and expect him to lead by example and inspire our team to move up the ranks of world cricket and give him a two year contract to boot. A privilege never granted to any other captain, so one does not have to go to grammar school to understand the old boys club syndrome that now rules West Indies cricket. In fact, Sammy informed us that captaincy is overrated. In other words, Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd, and the great Frank Worrell did not accomplish anything of note as they were carrying out a task that is largely overrated. Sammy then targets 2015 for the West Indies team to be number five in the rankings. If you are driven by such a low level of self-esteem that three places up the rank in four years is an acceptable target, then the WICB also have a problem of proper planning and organization. Our cricket is in a sad, very sad state. It is clear that this bunch of leaders cannot take our cricket anywhere. There is a saying that if you want the same result keep doing the same thing that you are accustomed to doing. We in the West Indies want a winning result and we want a winning formula, not the management structure that represents failure. Finally, I want to make a call for the reinstatement of Chris Gayle. As far as I am concerned he is more valuable to our cricket than Julian Hunte, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Otis Gibson and Sammy singly and collectively. A team derives market value and draws crowds from two things, either the team is formidable and has a winning record or it has batting or bowling stars that draw crowds. Today we have neither. We need a new structure to propel West Indies cricket forward and we need it urgently.

Runako Morton
against India at Kingston n 2009. His last Test appearance came in 2008 against Australia in Antigua. Morton was one of the few players from the tiny island of Nevis to play Tests for West Indies. He represented Leeward Islands from his debut in 1996-97 till 2009-10, when he shifted base to Trinidad and Tobago. He scored 4104 first-class runs for Leewards at 44.60 with 11 centuries and 25 fifties. He played five first-class matches for Trinidad, scoring 189 runs. Mortons former West Indian teammates Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo expressed shock and sadness on learning of his death. Gayle Tweeted: We lost a True Warrior W.I Cricketer Runako Morton-May is soul rest in peace! Our memories together Live On!My Condolences to his Family :( Bravos Tweet read: RIP Runako Morton. Shocked and saddened at the loss of my former WI teammate! Source: Cricinfo.)

Tributes Pour In For Morton


Tributes have poured n for former West Indies batsman Runako Morton, who passed away on the night of March 4. Morton, a Nevisian who had been resident in Trinidad for the past few years, died in an accident after the vehicle he was travelling in crashed into a utility pole on the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Chase Village in central Trinidad. He was 33. Morton played in 15 Tests, 56 One-Day Internationals and seven Twenty20 Internationals for the West Indies between 2005 and 2010. Here are some of the tributes: Julian Hunte, WICB president: Runakos passing, still in the prime of life, leaves us all in shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all try to come to terms with his loss. He will be remembered as a fierce competitor on the field who gave no quarter whether he was playing for West Indies, Leeward Islands, Nevis or Trinidad and Tobago. Chris Gayle, former West Indies captain: We lost a true warrior West Indies cricketer Runako Morton -May is soul rest in peace. Our memories together live on. My condolences to his family. Darren Sammy, West Indies captain: A cricket warrior gone but not forgottenplayed every game hardCondolences to his family and friends...RIP Runako. Courtney Walsh, former West Indies captain: Another sad day for West Indies cricket. Gone too soon Runako. You will be missed. RIP my friend. Condolences to his family. Kirk Edwards, Barbados captain West Indies batsman: A true champion and brother has gone to a better place never knew I had so much tears in me.Thanks for showing me so much light Nako. Sulieman Benn, Barbados left-arm spinner:

My brother for ever, I thought I was real until I met you. Most God take care of you and your family. Hail Runako you the boss. Imran Khan, WICB corporate communications officer: He was no showman, he was about business, getting the job done. He played hard not because the television cameras were on, he played hard because that is how Runako played. It was intensity or nothing. Pedro Collins, former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler: Deeply shocked by the death of my buddy and west indies cricketer Runako Morton. RIP bro. Dwayne Bravo, West Indies all-rounder: RIP Runako Morton. Shocked and saddened at the loss of my former WI teammate. Dinanath Ramnarine, WIPA president and chief executive officer: The news has stunned all of us in the regional and international cricketing fraternity. We will all miss him greatly. Wavell Hinds, former West Indies player and WIPA vice-president: Gone far too soon brother Runako. I will treasure the great memories for sure. RIP God knows best. Nikita Miller, Jamaica left-arm spinner: RIP Runako Morton - toughest cricketer I have played with and against. It was a pleasure. My prayers go out to his family. Tino Best, Barbados and West Indies fast bowler: RIP Runako Morton. We had some great battles over the past 11 years. May God bless and keep you big brother. Kevin Pietersen, England batsman: My thoughts go out to Runako Mortons family. Such sad news! What a lovely guy and fierce competitor! RIP bossman!

PAGE 20

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

March 7, 2012

You might also like