Indo-caribbeantimes April 08

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As food prices jump across the board

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Food looters shock Trinidad R

ising food prices and shortages of basic food products in Trinidad have caused rationing of items like flour, and the new crime of foodnapping or food robberies by armed gangs. Three robberies of food trucks has caused the National Flour Mills to request police protection for food transport vehicles. Last week Tuesday a gunman and two accomplices in a car intercepted a food delivery truck heading to Glencoe, assaulted the driver and delivery man before looting the food. Reports are that 14 cases of foodstuff-including mayonnaise, peas, ketchup, mauby and peanut butter-were taken at gunpoint, along with a ten-kilogramme sack of flour that belonged to one of the men. The bandits took the foodstuff, valued at $977, while threatening to find and kill the men if they reported the matter to the police. Two other food robberies happened in Port of Spain the week before. Bandits took things into their own hands, attacking and looting two vehicles transporting flour, milk and juice along the Beetham Highway. Van driver Ian Hitlal was stuck in five o’clock rush hour traffic on the Beetham Highway with a load of flour when he was ambushed by a large group of men. Hitlal was beaten and

dragged out of the vehicle, and the looters made off with most of the 185 bags of flour on the van. The bandits were not concerned with the fact that hundreds of witnesses were sitting in vehicles in the traffic jam along the highway. Police were called out and they arrested several of the looters and recovered some of the food. But they had to go right out again soon afterwards, as another vehicle on the Beetham Highway was looted of its load of milk and orange juice. The incidents have highlighted the country’s food crisis, with prices for flour based foods like roti and doubles rising sharply in recent weeks. The popular doubles are now selling at $4, and there are reports that the humble pholourie are selling at two for $1, and roti going for as much as $15. Like most Caribbean countries, Trinidad has felt the relentless pinch of rising food prices during the last few months, at the same time as local food production continues to languish. Trinidad imports much of its food, including flour, oil, soyabeans, animal feed, milk products, and even vegetables and root crops. Grocery bills for a family of four can be as high as $2,000 TT per month, making it difficult for lower income people to survive. More shortages and high prices are predicted for later this year.

Jadgeo shuts down TV station On air caller threatened to kill Guyana’s president

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uyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo has ordered CNS Channel Six off the air for four months over an on-air licence infringement in which a woman being interviewed threatened to kill the president. The unfiltered telephone call on February came four days after the Bartica massacre, and three weeks after the Lusignan slaughter, when fear and tensions were running high. . , fear gripped all parts of the country and members of the public were no doubt given to extravagant postulates and declarations. The offending caller, an elderly woman, said in part “…look at these killings and nobody can’t give account about these people’s lives and Jagdeo going to take a high risk job by going and tell people to calm down; he’s going to bury the dead bodies. If anything is going to happen to my family. I am going to kill Jagdeo”. The segment was rebroadcast three times on CNS Channel Six. In a letter addressed to C.N. Sharma, Jagdeo said he found Sharma’s explanations unsatisfactory as to why the offending broadcasts was played four times on CNS Channel 6, even after Sharma recognised that the content of the programme infringed

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the conditions of his licence. Jagdeo is the sole authority vested with power to decide whether a licensee has breached the terms and conditions of their licence, and he has the power to suspend or cancel the Licence. “Under no circumstances can the Minister allow a Licensee to use the airwaves, without sanction, to advocate the killing of any citizen, moreso a Head of State and Government”, the release added. CNS has been taken off the air before for several weeks when the station superimposed of an image of President Jagdeo dancing on scenes of the immense flooding from 2005. Sharma said the move to close him down was, “a sad one that will hurt the 35 people working here” and decalred that the campaign against him had deepened. He and his affected staff will take to the streets in protest and will continue “until the President realizes his mistake.” “They want me to run, pack up and go away but it ain’t happening today or tomorrow. I will fight this and the people of Guyana will fight this,”, he said.. Several media and political groups have condemned the closure of the television station..

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Mani Singh urges fight vs planned immigration rules

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Mani Singh (right) and Jack Layton

ommunity activist Mani Singh is calling on Caribbean people in Canada to join the New Democratic Party’s campaign to stop changes in the immigration system proposed by the ruling federal Conservative party. Speaking at a recent NDP fundraiser in Brampton attended by NDP leader Jack Layton, Mani warned,”If this law passes we could see drastic changes with family reunions any time the Immigration Minister feels like it. She could decide to focus on immigrants with a high level of education and skills at the expense of family reunion with our siblings, children, or parents and grandparents. Where is the human side to policies like this?” Mani, a former NDP candidate in Brampton during the last federal election, received strong support from Jack Layton, who warned the new law would give the Immigration Minister arbitrary power, and not discretionary power. “Many people came to Canada to get away from arbitrary power. The Minister could say we are not going to take any more family reunification. This bill is against the family, and we are going to fight these changes in the Parliament. We need fair and just immigration laws for all our communities,” said Layton. MP Olivia Chow is leading a nationwide mobilisation plan to fight the new changes.

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CANADA & COMMUNITY NEWS

Petition seeks help for Guyanese refugee claimants in Canada

MP Gurbax Malhi (with turban) receives the 500 plus signature petition seeking help for Guyanese refugee claimants from Mrs Kawale Ojah (left), Surendra Singh and Ahmad Khan. Malhi will be presenting the petition to the Canadian Parliament . petition asking for humanitarian consideration for failed Guyanese refugee claimants is steadily picking up support in the GTA. Last week representatives of the petition group presented over 500 signatures to Brampton MP Gurbax Malhi for submis- Daniya Muhammadi took home the first prize in the primary category and Rehan sion to the Canadian Parliament. More signatures are being added to the Khan topped the secondary school category petition, which says that in view of the mas- when the North American Muslim Federasacres in Guyana and the weak security tion (NAMF) held their the seventh annual conditions, the Canadian government NAMF speech competition and Fundraisshould review all cases of unsuccessful ing dinner last week. The topic this year was: 'Is the media the Guyanese refugee claimants, stop all reprimary cause of youth violence in Canamovals to Guyana and allow the applicants dian society?', and nine enthusiastic speakto remain on humanitarian and compasers were in the finals vying for the three top sionate grounds. prizes: laptops, Psps and Mp3 players. The At present refugee claimants are sentjudges described the competition as “tight”, back to Guyana, which the group feels is with each participant doing their very best putting them back in a country where their to win one of the popular prizes. The pressafety is not guaranteed. entation showed individuality, sincerity, Parliament requires signatures on paper careful research, and distinct points of view. with full addresses, and those who wish to The caliber of presentations was excellent support the petition should call 905-6719233. The petition can be located at and every speaker deserved to win. The www.ipetitions.com/petition/guyanese- judges were Mr. Nadeem Memon, a PhD candidate at OISIE/UFT, who teaches at needhelp. Centennial College; Mr. Omar Zia, who Meanshile another petition seeking to holds a Masters in Education and teaches in have the United Nations create a Commisthe Peel District School System and Mr. sion to assist in revamping the justice and Mark Persaud a lawyer and community security system in Guyana has picked up o leader. 836 signatures. In attendance was the honorable MinisA message fron Message from the petiter of Labor of Ontario, Mr. Brad Duguid. tion author Sharir Chan and other conHe applauded the efforts of the ‘nervously cerned Guyanese thanks the signers and seated’ students and emphasized the value saidthe petition was submitted to the Office of competitive challenges, like this one, as of the President on around March 15th, it marks a bright future for Canadians, an 2008. issue he is dearly committed to.

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Young Muslims debate media and youth violence

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Indo-Caribbean Times

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South Asians now What’s the drop out biggest visible minority rate for Indo-Caribbean

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By Roop Misir, PhD ata from the recent census suggest that immigrants are coming to Canada in record numbers. An article in the Globe and Mail indicates that the number of visible minorities has reached five million. This represents 16.2 per cent of Canada’s total population (data released April 02 2008). Now for the first time ever, South Asians form Canada's largest visible minority group, surpassing citizens of Chinese origin. Included among South Asians are IndoCaribbean peoples. “Visible minority” is the term to describe persons who are not of the majority race in a given population. In March 2007, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination described this term as racist, since it singles out a specific group. Despite this, Canadians have grown accustomed to its use. To us, “visible minorities” refers to “persons (other than Aboriginals) who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in color”. Statistics Canada uses it as a demographic category to reflect our country's multiculturalism. Visible minorities are designated as a protected group under the Canadian Employment Equity Act. In Canada, the term “South Asian” refers to any person whose ethnicity is associated with the southern part of Asia, or one who self-identifies with the South Asian visible minority group. This definition encompasses people from a great diversity of ethnic backgrounds-Afghanistan, Bangladeshi, Bengali, Goan, Gujarati, Hindu, Ismaili, Kashmiri, Nepali, Pakistani, Punjabi, Sikh, Sinhalese, Sri Lankan and Tamil ancestry. South Asians may have been born in Canada, on the Indian sub-continent, as well as in Africa, Great Britain, the Caribbean (Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago), or elsewhere. The growth in the visible minority population was driven largely by immigration (as opposed to natural birth). Between 2001 and 2006, it soared 26.2 per cent, five times faster than the 5.4 per cent increase for the population as a whole. South Asians are now Canada's largest visible minority.lion people—a 38% increase. The next largest visible minority group comprises Canadians who self-identified as Chinese increased 18.2% to 1.2 million. Indo-Guyanese arrivals showed a 4.2%, and Trinidad & Tobago (2.5%). Over the past 25 years Canada's visible minority population has grown steadily. In 1981, the estimated 1.1 million represented 4.7 per cent of Canada's total population. Today, this figure stands at five million. If current immigration trends continue, visible minorities will account for about onefifth of Canada's population by 2017. (CONTINUED ON PAGED 20)

students?

Toronto school board trustee John Matlow doesn’t have school dropout figures for Indo-Caribbean students, but his stats for some other immigrant groups should give us thought. Josh wants to improve the performance of six groups who are failing in school at an alarming rate. The Portuguese speaking students have a drop out rate of 42.5%, Spanish speaking students follow closely at 39.1%, Somali students at 36.7%, Persian students at 30.7%, Arabic speaking students at 27.8% and Vietnamese students at 24.6%. The Toronto District School Board says 40 per cent of Caribbean-born students drop out, and 32 per cent from East Africa. Figures are not kept for Indo-Caribbeans

U.S. admiral says Caribbean poses terror threat

A top American military officer is warning that the Caribbean poses a possible terrorist threat to the United States . Admiral James Stavridis, head of the U.S. Southern Command, says the region has the potential to host terrorist bases. Stavridis noted that conditions in the region present fertile ground to breed insurgency. "The conditions in parts of the region easily skirted borders, black market economies, corruption, poverty, established illicit trafficking routes - all could provide manoeuvring room for any form of terrorism to exploit, to include Islamic radical groups," he said. The admiral made reference to the alleged involvement of a Trinidadian and three Guyanese nationals in an alleged plot to bomb the gas lines leading to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. He said, "the leading suspects' roots in the Caribbean raise the specter of Islamic terrorist activity gaining traction." "We believe members, facilitators, and sympathizers of Islamic terrorist organizations are indeed present in our hemisphere," Admiral Stavridis added. CIA reports have named the Jamat alMuslimeen of Trinidad and Tobago and its leader, Imam Yaseen Abu-Bakr, as possible suspects in plotting insurgency directed against the United States and U.S. interests. The Muslimeen staged an attempted armed coup in Trinidad in 1990, with the intention of setting up an Islamic state in the twin island republic.

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COMMENTARY

Indo-Caribbean Times is published monthly in Toronto by Indo-Caribbean Times Ltd. Editor/Publisher: Ram Jagessar

Editorial Committee: Reynold Ramdial, Gulcharan Mohabir, Lloyd Harradan, Sandy Kissoonsingh, Roop Misir, Deoraj Narine, Jiantee Jagessar,Krishna Nankissoor, Rudy Lochan

Offi ficce: 17 Gaiety Drive, Toronto ON Canada M1H 1B9 Tel: 416-289-3898

E-Mail: [email protected]

Opinions given in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Indo-Caribbean Times.

We welcome letters, e-mails and comments on matters relevant to Indo-Caribbeans in Canada and abroad, and also those at home in the Caribbean. All content must comply with the requirements of Canadian law.

A copy of this newspaper is posted on the internet in as a pdf file immediately after publication, and the entire contents can be read online by anyone with a computer and an internet connection. Past and current issues of the ICTimes can be found at http://www.esnips.com/web/Indo -CaribbeanTimes Readers are also invited to look at the website www.indocaribbeanheritage.com which contains abundant information on Indo-Caribbeans in Canada and our Caribbean heritage and history.

COMMENTARY

Rudy Lochan’s keynote speaker comments at the One Love Guyana Benefit Day held in Mississauga., Ontario on March 29.

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oday’s event was triggered by the recent massacres in Guyana. These horrific acts of terrorism shocked us all, but it moved Leon and Patrick to do something about it and hence this event here today. The goal of this event is to raise funds for the relatives of the victims of the Lusignan and Bartica slaughter and bring awareness to the situation in Guyana. Friends, the history of racial hatred and animosity in Guyana goes back a long time with its origin rooted in the politics and economics. Of course the British policy was to divide and rule. Our turmoil of racial hatred really crystallized with the formation of the PPP in the late 40’s. Burnham and Jagan were both founders of the party to create a common front against the British.

Indo-Caribbean Times

APRIL 2008

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Marking the first century in Canada

From the editor’s desk

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year like this one will only come around for IndoCaribbeans in Canada in the year 3008. This year we mark the first century of the settlement of IndoRam Jagessar Caribbeans in this country.

For the small number of the 200,000 odd Indo-Caribbeans who don’t know, let me repeat the old story. .One hundred years ago, when our Caribbean homelands were still colonies, when Indians were still being brought from India as “bound coolies” to work on the sugar estates, one young man decided to come to Canada. He was young Kenneth Mahabir from San Fernando in Trinidad, a bright 19 year old graduate of Naparima College looking for new horizons. His connections with the Presbyterian Church turned him on to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and in 1908 young Kenneth sailed over to pursue a course to become a medical doctor. The day he came to Canada is really our Indo-Caribbean Arrival Day. That was just 11 years after the first Indians from India visited Canada in 1897, and began the march of South Asians to Canada. Kenneth completed his medical degree and remained in Halifax for the rest of his life. He even served in the army medical corps in World War 1 and saw action in Europe. He even saved the life of an Arab sheik during the war. Back in Canada, he served his patients and reared horses, a respectable occupation for a gentleman at the time. He is the first Indo-Caribbean whom we know of as an immigrant to this country,

and his life is well known. Less well known is the identity and life of M.E Santoo, a native of Guyana (then known as Demerara) who by sheer coincidence also came as an immigrant to Can ada in 1908. He passed through Halifax on his way to Montreal as an immigrant. We think he may well have been an Indian or born in Demerara as the child of an Indian immigrant. Wouldn’t it be a marvellous accident of fate if he were in fact an Indo-Caribbean, giving us Guyanese and Trinidadian co-pioneers in the same year? From such small beginnings have sprung our now large and growing Indo-Caribbean community in Canada. 1908 is by any count our birth date in this country, and like any birthday well worth celebrating. Few others came during the 59 years heading up to 1967, when the Liberal government of the day opened up Canada’s doors to immigrants from all over the world. Before that people like us were deliberately excluded from Canada or kept out by legislation and regulations. Since the sixties of the last century, our numbers have steadily grown by migration and birth. Indo-Caribbeans have settled in all provinces, but the majority gravitated to the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal. The largest number came from Guyana and Trinidad, but over the years small groups have been coming from over 12 Caribbean countries. They include Martinique and Guadeloupe, Suriname and even French Guyana, Jamaica, Belize and a surprising amount of second migrants from Britain, the United States, the Middle East and every region you can think of. Not many of those who end in Canada ever return to the Caribbean or move on to other countries,

except for some fleeing the cold in Florida and warm southern regions of the United States. For most of us, Canada is a final destination, just as it was for the jahajis for well over a hundred years in the Caribbean. Today we have rough figures of 200,000 Indo-Caribbeans in Canada, with about 125,000 with roots in Guyana, over 50,000 with links to Trinidad, and smaller numbers for at least 10 other Caribbean nations. Generally it is true that we have done well in this country. We have been a law abiding, hard working people who have largely maintained our culture and heritage while making serious contributions to Canada. We have much to be proud of, and little to be ashamed of when we look at our record in Canada. That is what we must mention when we celebrate our first centenary in 1908. Just as the jahajis came to work in the Caribbean but stayed to build many nations, so have we stayed to help build Canada. Most of us came here voluntarily, at the invitation of the Canadian government. We can say with pride that we are Canadians, and with equal pride say that we are Indo-Caribbeans. Our Indian and Caribbean heritages can fit well with the Canadian heritage we are developing here. Most of us know by now that our initial ideas of staying for a while in Canada and returning to the Caribbean will not be carried through. So I ask our many Indo-Caribbean readers to plan to do something to mark our centenary this year, not just in May when South Asian Heritage Month comes around. Each organization, each family, each individual should make it a point. It’s our responsibility to have our birthday parties. Happy Centenary to all.

barbarism against Indians. It is a crime against humanity and shame on the politicians for allowing it to go unpunished. Both the PNC and PPP and failed to bring the criminals to justice. When the PNC negotiated Guyana’s Independence Day in 1966, which day do you think they proposed as Independence Day? Yes, that is right! May 26, the day of the Wismar massacre. The PNC wanted to ensure that every year that they celebrated Independence Indians must cringe and quiver in pain and shame at the memory of Wismar. How this date was accepted as independence day is beyond me. Anyone with a sense of civility should mark May 26 as a national day of shame and mourning. There is nothing for me or anyone of us to celebrate on May 26. The race politics of the PNC has not helped the Africans, the Indians or any Guyanese. As a boy growing up in Guyana I heard Burnham saying, “comrades, the Africans work hard to mine the gold in the interior. Who do you see wearing the gold? Who does the gold really belong to?” He was sending a clear message to the Africans that it was OK to choke and rob Indians. In April 2001, I went home with relatives for vacation. On driving back from Mahaica we were stopped and told to turn back because they were beating up Indians in Buxton. We returned to Mahaica where we waited it out for two days before going to Georgetown. Do you really think that was remembered as a vacation for us? It was a horror experience. I have not taken my family back since.

The real big disappointment and most frightening is the reaction of the leadership in Guyana. This includes the present Government and the opposition. The government is like a deer frozen in its track by the lights for an oncoming truck unable to react to the problem, just waiting to be run over. The government is mumbling and fumbling with no real plan on how to manage this endemic problem. The opposition on the other hand appears to be the source of the terrorist activity. It is no secret that Buxton is a nest for these terrorist criminal elements. On the night of the Lusignan slaughter, it is said that opposition leaders visited Buxton. It is beyond me why the opposition followers would want to be led by a man who promotes and encourages terrorism and murder. There are indications that the terrorist criminals are ex-army defectors with close links to the opposition party. The Government knows this and sits there twiddling its thumbs while innocent Indian babies, women and men are butchered in bed. It’s unable to protect its citizens and maintain law and order. I was talking to a PPP diehard in on Toronto and his rationale on crime in Guyana is that “boy, you know in Jamaica, already 300 people get murdered so we not doing bad because crime is all over the place.” What a loser mentality! He is not comparing Guyana to the more progressive countries of the world but to the worst. With that kind of mentality progress is nowhere in sight.

Disappointing reaction of gov’t, opposition in Guyana crisis Burnham then broke away from the PPP to start the PNC. That’s where the philosophy of “making the country ungovernable” was really conceived. Hoyte was only living out the dream of Burnham when he echoed this phrase in the 90s. I was a child living in Georgetown in May of 1964 when the Wismar massacre took place. An entire village of 1600 peaceful Indians was decimated at Wismar. Men were slaughtered, women and girls were raped in public view, babies and young children were ripped apart. It was two days after the slaughter that the British sent two boats to evacuate the remainder of the inhabitants. They were dumped at the wharf in Georgetown like animals where they slept on the bare concrete floors for days until they found shelter. This barbarism of racist genocide was engineered and executed by the PNC. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) recommendations which the PNC government agreed to implement is the racial balance of Guyanese armed forces. They also stated that this will prevent any further "ethnic cleansing" of other communities. This recommendation was never implemented by the PNC or by the PPP. The pains of Wismar still reverberates until today in the lives of those who experienced it, their relatives and friends and those who have a sense of justice and compassion. I was five years old and remember that the legendary singer Tilak moved next door to us at 43 Station Street Kitty after his Wismar. He died after a few months. Wismar was not only an act of butchery and

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 18)

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NEWS

Indo-Caribbean Times

Trincity Mall is car thief heaven Cuban experts

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ar thieves have stolen 113 cars in the first 11 weeks of this year from the Trincity Mall carpark. Glen Hackett, Assistant Superintendent of the Stolen Vehicles Squad, has said that of the 366 vehicles stolen from January 1 to March 14, a full 30 percent or 113 vehicles were taken from Trincity Mall. The thieves’ favourite cars were the Nissan B11 and B12, along with the Mazda 323. He said the vehicles which are no longer manufactured are stolen for their scarce parts. Trincity Mall, arguably the country's largest mall, makes up part of the Home Construction Limited's premier malls, along with Long Circular Mall and the Valpark Shopping Complex. For the same period, the two other malls combined only accounted for a total of three stolen cars. Trincity Mall has no Closed Circuit Television (CCTVs), insufficient patrols and no exit and entry check points.

Bullets in buckets

Police have found 200 rounds of ammunition hidden in buckets in the bushes in Tableland, after a police search in Robert Village . They are believed to belong to a wanted 31-year-old fugitive, said to be the biggest arms dealer in Trinidad and Tobago Early last month almost 2000 bullets were found in Lopinot.

Soldiers caught stealing

Two soldiers were caught stealing from a car being kept at the West End Police Station, Diego Martin. The two suspects, ages 22 and 27, of the Teteron Battalion, worked in joint patrols with the police. Investigators said the soldiers were found with an MP3 player which had been inside a car involved in a vehicular accident. An officer spotted them trying to pry open the door of another car

Police suspected of stealing ganja, gun

Three police officers assigned to a highprofile unit in the Port-of-Spain Division are the subjects of a police probe after 12 kilos of high-grade compressed marijuana and a gun disappeared from a crime scene after a shoot-out between lawmen and suspected drug dealers.

Five Ghanians held

Five Ghanian nationals were arrested at a Warren Street, St Augustine house during a joint police/army patrols.They were handed over to officers of the Immigration Department and may face deportation..

Family believe botched operation killed Sandra

Sandra Harry

The family of 41-year-old mother of four Sandra Harry is looking to the courts to find justice in her death, which they blame on a botched Caesarian section operation during childbirth. Sandra died on March 6 at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope, five days after giving birth to a healthy daughter. Sandra died from a massive internal infection, caused by faeces and urine leaking into her abdomen because of a ruptured gut. The official cause of death was massive peritonitis, hemoperitoneum caused by the lower segment C-section. Husband Bridgelal Harry said at the funeral “I want answers...I want justice.” Pastor Selwyn Jagdeo said people were now renaming the infamous medical complex from Mt Hope to Mt Hopeless. The family believes Sandra's internal organs were accidentally punctured during the Caesarean section.

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Marines building orphanage school

coming to start embers of the United States Army, M Navy and Marines are busy working mega-farms on building a school and clinic at the St

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uban technical farm experts are expected in Trinidad on April 28, to start up the long awaited mega-farm in Tucker Valley . The rest of the Cuban team will be in the country by May 5. Government officials said the establishment of the Tucker Valley large farm along with mega-farms on other sites throughout the country would not place small and medium farm operators in jeopardy. Small and medium farmers would be contracted to provide crops that are in demand and approved by the Trinidad and Tobago Agri Business Association. Government is moving ahead to establish large 100 acre farms on 13 sites to boost local food production, with some expected to begin operations in November Corn, sweet potatoes, beef, fish and citrus fruits are some of the foods that would be produced by the large farms.

More $ for new passports to help foreign nationals

Trinidad’s cabinet has allocated an additional $9.5 million for equipment and personnel to expand the machine readable passport application and distribution system to include specific Trinidad and Tobago diplomatic missions abroad. Many people seeking to acquire new passports are lining up from as early 3 a.m. outside the Immigration Division headquarters in Port of Spain to apply for them. Nationals living overseas were unable to apply for the new passports abroad.

Court cases collapsing Water taxis, railways at increased rates Thirty five people accused of murder have coming on fast

walked free since 2006, mainly because witnesses refused to testify or life on the witness stand. Several matters have also had to be thrown as witnesses are too afraid to testify, especially in gang-related murders. Magistrates, lawyers, police, prison officers, top public servants, and civilians, have also been guilty of failing to cooperate with the courts. Since the start of 2006, at least 33 major cases, including murder, attempted murder, shooting at the police, drug trafficking and arson matters in both the High Court and Magistrate's Court, have collapsed because of witnesses' refusal to testify, police found to have lied and witnesses changing their evidence. Police have also been accused by judicial officers of interfering with the statement of witnesses, lying, and relying on unreliable testimony.

APRIL 2008

Four used fast ferries have been bought at a cost of US$12.6 million (TT$ 85 million) for the water taxi service. They will be used in the interim while government looks at buying four new vessels. They will probably be used them for services such as the Port of Spain-to-Chaguaramas route, and San Fernando-to-Point Fortin route. Also in the transport world, government has committed US $32190 million to start a Rapid Rail Transit System, with a further US$42 million to come for the second phase. Cost of the whole project is US$1.2 billion (TT$7 billion). The first segment of the rail project from Port of Spain to St Joseph and to Chaguanas, could be operational within three years. Other segments include a Diego Martin-to-Port of Spain route, Port of Spain to Arima, Arima to Sangre Grande and Curepe to San Fernando.

Mary’s Children’s Home. The officers have been in T&T for the last month, working on the two projects at Tacarigua. They will also be building another school at the Princess Elizabeth Centre, Woodbrook. All expenses would be borne by the United States government. The projects are expected to be completed by mid-June. The projects, estimated at US$150,000, were a partnership between the T&T Defence Force and the US military, known as the Partnership of the Americas Engagement Team. A ship with construction capabilities will be docking at Port-of-Spain in October, to fix the bathrooms and prepare a playground at the All in One Child Development Centre in Laventille. At the Cyril Ross Home in Tunapuna, the partnership will be fixing a flooding problem plaguing the home and also rewiring it.Also, the dormitory at the St Jude’s Home for Girls would be renovated—new ceilings, floors and rewiring would be done.

Ready to build aluminium smelter

Construction of the first aluminium smelter plant in T&T will "start very shortly." Prime Minister Patrick Manning said equipment to begin construction is on its way from China . Recently Aluntrint chief executive officer Phillip Julien said first phase of construction of the plant was scheduled to start this month and that between 1,000 and 1,500 skilled Chinese workers were being brought to the country to work on the piling required for the plant. Manning also announced that construction of a new port, east of Sea Lots, will begin at the end of 2008.

NIS pensions rise and linked to cost of living

Government has been able to increase the retirement benefits of the National Insurance system with little increase to the contribution, says Minister of Finance Karen Nunez-Teshiera. An actuarial consultant reviewed the performance of the system at the end of 2005, and predicted that by 2055 the number of retirement pensioners would be 46 per cent higher than projected". An increase in the minimum levels of retirement pension was recommended, and the board decided to increase the retirement pension from $1,000 to $2,000, and that NIS benefits would be indexed to the cost of living.

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No equity for Hindus says Sat Maharaj TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

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Sat Maharaj indu labour helped build the wealth of Trinidad and Tobago but Hindus do not have a equal share in the prosperity of the country, Sat Maharaj, secretary general of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, has said. "You must belong to a certain ethnic and religious group before you get equity and equality," Maharaj declared as he addressed the start of the recent children's Phagwa festival. Calling for a cultural committee to be set up to ensure "equality" in the handing out of money, Maharaj said T&T's strength was not in the "depth of the oil wells but in the diversity of the people". He also noted that this year's celebrations marked the first time in the history of hosting the festival that the Maha Sabha got funding before the event itself. He said a cheque for $200,000 was received from the Ministry of Culture on Friday. This is the 28th such festival hosted by the Maha Sabha. "My only gratitude is that we get it yesterday (Friday). But what is $200,000 opposed to $60 million for other festivals. $200,000 is only a pittance. Our forefathers toiled and developed this land. But we do not enjoy equity," Maharaj said. Over 60 school and cultural groups took part in the festival, performing religious songs and dances, and spraying abheer, to mark the beginning of Spring.

Did the jahajis get land grants? By Dr. Bridget Brereton (From a lecture at the National Museum , Port of Spain on February 27, 2008)

From The Afrocentric Narrarive: “After the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, the Afrocentric narrative focuses on the struggles and sufferings of the emancipated people and their descendants. The ex-slaves received no land or other forms of compensation—their owners received a large sum of money from Britain as compensation for loss of property—and the local authorities did all they could to stop them from purchasing state-owned lands. An important aspect of the narrative is the idea that all the Indians received free grants of land on the expiry of their indentures, allowing them to become landowners while the Africans were given no grants and prevented wherever possible from buying plots with their savings. (This is only partially true: the exindentureds received free grants of land for only a few years, 1869-80, and most of the lands obtained by the Indians were purchased by them). From the Indocentric narrative: Despite the sufferings of the indentureds,

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they endured and overcame all the hardships, and through their discipline and hard work, they ‘saved’ the local sugar industry which might have collapsed if it had continued to depend on scarce and unreliable labour from the Creoles. In a wider sense, they also ‘saved’ the whole agrarian economy of Trinidad. Their ‘innate’ love of the land, their culturally determined propensity for landownership and agriculture, created a sturdy independent small farming class, growing canes, rice, and a whole range of food crops, as well as raising livestock for milk and meat. Indians made a tremendous contribution to Trinidad’s economic development in these ways. Moreover, they achieved their successes in agriculture (and business) on their own: the idea that all Indians received free grants of land after their indentures were up was firmly (and correctly) rejected. As the Maha Sabha stated in 1998: ‘It is not government grants or State patronage which sustained …the Hindu community’.

Is Carnival dying

By Stalin Neehall Each year we see Carnival moving further and further from its original state. Is this movement evolution or devolution? One only has to go back to the days of George Bailey, Harold Saldenah, Irvin Mc Williams to appreciate the craftsmanship and pride that these bandleaders took in the portrayals in their respective bands. Even the steelbands were as authentic as they could be. The question is “What has gone wrong with the designers?” Maybe I should ask “Are there any designers?” Each year we hear bandleaders complaining about the cost of materials going up, and each year the costumes are skimpier and skimpier. Of course we are told that is what the people want. You see basically the same thing year after year in the Kings and Queens Competition. Calypso is a dying art form, killed by Soca, Power Soca, Groovy Soca and the rising Chutney. The only saving grace is that the young calypsonians give some fantastic renditions at their competitions, but they too will eventually bow to Soca, with all the attending jump and wave, get on bad, mash up the place and wine down low. Carnival fetes are now reduced to a Woodstock type of party where dancing has been replaced by waving, jumping, putting your hand in the air, and screaming when given the cue by the performer. The steelbands now are reduced to playing at the Panorama competition, where the big money is, of course. Gone are the days when each steelband went into Port of Spain with a solid repertoire which included calypsos of the day, pop songs and classical pieces for the bomb competition. Another troubling aspect of the carnival is the “all inclusive” factor. In the big bands, almost every section is “all inclusive ” or should I say all exclusive as it effectively excludes many persons who would like to be on the road carnival days in costume. No longer do the grassroots play an integral part in the festival. The big question is, “What can we do to save the Carnival?” I have been saying some years now that all competition should be stopped for a couple of years.

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Water for all in five years & $5 billion

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t will take just $10 billion to end Trinidad’s water woes and deliver "water for all" by 2012. Public Utilities Minister Mustapha AbdulHamid made this brave promise as he unveiled a Water Master Plan, aimed at providing a 24- hour/7-day a week supply to "at least 60 per cent" of the households in Trinidad and Tobago, and designed to ensure that no one would have less than three days of water per week. The plan would involve six major initiatives. The first is the "aggressive implementation" of a universal metering "pay for what you use" system. The second plank would be the establishment of five new large desalination plants and the expansion of the existing desalination plant, he said. This would entail the construction of 20-million-gallon-a-day facilities in Port Fortin, Chaguaramas and in Ortoire/Mayaro, the establishment of a 25 to 40-million- gallon-a-day facility in Point Lisas and a five-million-gallon-a-day facility in Tobago. At the same time, the capacity of the current Point Lisas Desalination Plant would be increased from 25 million gallons to 40 million gallons a day. The third pillar of the plan would be the construction of a new national water transmission and distribution pipeline network. Abdul-Hamid noted that the poor state of the pipeline network allowed 40 per cent of water be to lost via leaks, illegal connections and inefficient use. The fourth plank, he said, would be the construction of a new dam in Moruga, with a storage capacity of five billion gallons and a production of 25 million gallons per day. The fifth pillar of the plan would be the expansion of the Arena Dam from a storage capacity of 10 billion gallons to 14 billions gallons, and an increase in production of water from 75 million gallons a day to 95 million gallons a day. The sixth and final prop of the plan will focus on supplying the industrial sector. This will be addressed by completing the Beetham Water Re-use project, which would purify effluent produced by the Beetham Wastewater Treatment Plant. These six initiatives would increase the country's water production from 222 million gallons a day to 407 million gallons a day, he said. He added that it would provide the country with a supply system that would have the capability to withstand drought for "at least" three consecutive years, thereby "ensuring water security". He said the preparation of the plan, "the first revolutionary step to address the various problems", was on schedule and is now "more than 50 per cent complete".

Trinidad is major cocaine trafficking hub

A vast amount of the cocaine trafficked through Trinidad and Tobago arrives on commercial and sailing vessels at the nation's sea ports, in addition to small fishing boats, says a United States government report. This is one of the startling findings contained in the United States Department of State International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2008. The report, however, noted that despite the increase in illegal drug trafficking through this country - the quantity of drugs

transiting Trinidad and Tobago does not have a significant effect on the US . Nonetheless, the report said "strengthening border protection by automating the method to include container scanning", is one of the initiatives the Government of Trinidad and Tobago . " Trinidad and Tobago is a transhipment country for the movement of cocaine and heroin from Colombia to the US , Canada and Europe . As a result of Venezuela 's recent lack of cooperation with the US , there has been an increase in the transhipment of cocaine and heroin from Colombia, through Venezuela ," the report said. "The majority of the cocaine that arrives on Trinidad is via commercial vessels, sailing vessels and small fishing vessels, in amounts upwards of several thousand-kilogramme quantities."

Change method of investigating police in TT

An internal affairs unit for law enforcement has been recommended by the United States Department of State as a key weapon in this country's war on drugs. The recommendation was contained in the State Department's International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2008 released this month. In addition, to making the recommendation, the report also said that at the request of the Trinidad and Tobago Government the US government has "polygraphed police and mid-and high-level officials selected for training or entering elite units to ensure that reputable and reliable personnel are chosen". At present, the Police Complaints Authority is the agency which handles complaints against police officers and the State Department is recommending a unit similar to that in the police departments across the United States . Those units are comprised of police officers and operate as completely separate entities. They investigate all police shootings and police officers suspected of being involved in criminal activity.

NIB pays out $1billion in 2007

The National Insurance Board (NIB) has revealed that 131,718 beneficiaries of the National Insurance System (NIS) received over $1 billion in benefits in the 2007 financial year. The number of insured persons was over 500,000 persons and $1.5 billion was collected in contributions during the last year. NIB chairman Calder Hart says in the in the company’s 2007 annual report that the NIB achieved a strong financial performance last year with a 7.23 percent return on its investment portfolio and a growth in the National Insurance Fund to $14.3 billion. Hart said the NIB upped certain benefits including increase in the minimum monthly retirement pension from $1,500 to $2,000, minimum retirement grant of $2,000, minimum widows and widowers pension of $400 per month and increasing the maternity grants from $2,000 to $2,500. Hart also said the NIB plans to extend coverage to self-employed personswho account for 19 percent of the workforce. He noted these persons have not enjoyed social insurance coverage since the inception of the NIS in 1972, though they have the same risks as regular workers.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

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Panday thrown out of Parliament Flour prices may

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pposition Leader Basdeo Panday has been suspended from Parliament for the remainder of the session, which can extend until December 16, 2008, Panday was suspended for defying the Speaker, who ruled that Panday was using his government issued laptop without getting the permission of the speaker. At the time Panday said he was not sure if he would need his laptop until he heard presentations from the government, and he could not say if he would need permission to use it. Police failed to remove Mr Panday from the House that day, but on a later session he was barred from entering Parliament. The Opposition is protesting the action and boycotting the House.

Basdeo Panday

Panday loses case in Privy Council

Already wounded by the possibility of heart surgery for his ailing wife, Oma, and saddled with the indignity of being suspended from Parliament, Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday suffered a third body blow yesterday after the Privy Council threw out his appeal. The leader of the United National Congress-Alliance, who turns 75 next month, will now have to try and convince a local magistrate why he should not face a new trial on charges of failing to declare a London bank account to the Integrity Commission for three consecutive years, while he held office as prime minister-on the basis of his fear of imprisonment, his deteriorating health and his increasing legal bill of close to $1 million. Panday is scheduled to appear before Senior Magistrate Ejenny Espinet on April 15, when a date for his retrial is expected to be fixed. The same magistrate has also refused to step down, on the basis of apparent bias, as the sitting magistrate in the corruption case against Panday, his wife, former government minister Carlos John and businessman Ishwar Galbaransingh.

Equality Act to be implemented at last

Eight years after the United National Congress-piloted Equal Opportunity Act was passed in the Parliament, the Peoples' National Movement Government has agreed to implement the legislation. It means that for the first time complaints of discrimination in the public and private sectors in this multiracial, multi-religious society would be dealt with, not in a political atmosphere, but there would now be an objective, judicial environment-the Equal Opportunities Commission and Tribunal-to adjudicate on such matters.

Local gov’t elections coming this year

Local Government elections will be held before October 12, Prime Minister Patrick Manning has said.. Although the elections are constitutionally due on July 12, the Trinidad and Tobago Constitution allows for a three-month grace period without the matter being debated in Parliament. The three-month grace period expires on October 12.

Accomodation in local polls possible: COP

An accommodation with the UNC Alliance is an option on the Congress of the People’s (COP’s) table for local government elections. “It has been raised at meetings but we have made no decision,” political leader of the COP Winston Dookeran said this week. He added that an accommodation was also an option for national election but the party voted against it. “We will maintain the integrity of the party, offer the country a real alternative and will not compromise our position,” Dookeran said.

Manning: TT now in troubled times

Prime Minister Patrick Manning says the people of Trinidad and Tobago are now living in a "very troubled time." He was speaking one day after President George Maxwell Richards warned this country not to become a failed state and urged that more attention be paid to the nation's children who comprise the "generations that have to solve the problems that have been created." "At this very troubled time in the lives of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, where a view has been expressed that we are concerned about our young people might not all be going in the direction we wish them to go, we believe that the intervention that is being made today is indeed very timely and appropriate," Manning said.

Gangs fighting over state projects

National Security Minister Martin Joseph says "it is very possible" criminal gangs identified by the Government as the source of the nation's escalating homicide rate may be fighting over State-funded social programmes. Although Joseph did not identify any specific social programme, on February 22, Justice Anthony Carmona in a judgment in a criminal case, said that while the Unemployment Employment Relief (URP) does serve a social purpose, there is rank criminality in its bowels which needs to be addressed by the authorities. Critics of the URP, including members of the Opposition, have long claimed it has been infiltrated by criminal elements. Several URP employees have been killed in gang warfare in the last few years, and there are persistent reports of “ghost gangs” being used to enrich criminals.

send doubles to $5, roti to $18

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e prepared to pay much more for bread, cakes, pastries, roti and doubles. Flour prices have gone up from April 1, the National Flour Mills has confirmed, in some instances by nearly 40 per cent. Most of the increases are likely to be passed on to customers, several bakers said. Roti shop owners who sold a chicken roti for $15 said the price could move up to $18 while plain buss-up-shut is likely to go from $25 to $30. A loaf of bread costing $6.90 today could rise to $10 and a hops bread that cost 70 cents will go up to at least $1. Market experts were also looking at doubles, the cost of which went up from $3 to $4 recently. The popular fast-food is likely to move to $5 once the price increases become effective. There are reports that pholourie is already selling at two for $1. Bakers, roti makers and doubles vendors said that they will have no choice but to pass on the increased prices to their customers.

Flour prices up 30%, chicken hits $10 a lb

National Flour Mills has raised its prices for flour suddenly, to the surprise of groceries. Xtra Foods CEO Joanne Le Gall reported when her staff went to collect an order of flour at NFM in Port-of-Spain, they were flabbergasted that the prices of 10kg and 2 kg packs of flour had gone up between 25 to 30 percent. Similarly, an official from the management team at Food Giant Supermarket, Barataria, said there was a marked increase in flour prices when compared to when they last received stock. He said NFM is now selling a 10-kg pack of Ibis all-purpose flour for $50, an increase of $10. Other flour brands and products such as 2 kg packs and 45 kg of Lotus Bakers Flour are now being sold at $10.30 and $222 respectively which according to the source was a significant increase. As a result the grocery has already raised their prices. In light of NFM’s price increase, consumers are worried about the imminent price increase of other food items such as rice and chicken. When asked about any move to raise rice prices, employees at some supermarkets said their prices had not changed. Poultry owners on George Street, Port-of-Spain, also said their prices have not been raised, but one manager said an increase may be inevitable. Following the last increase a few months ago, chicken is being sold at $10 per pound.

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APRIL 2008

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Police corruption clouds public faith in complaints vs cops

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orruption in the Police Service has caused the public to have very little faith in any proper investigation of complaints against police officers, according to a United States Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2007. And while the US report also says there are no politically motivated killings or disappearances and no political prisoners in Trinidad and Tobago, it noted there were "problems in some areas" such as "police killings, prison conditions and abuse of prisoners in police custody". It also said less than 10 per cent of enquiries into alleged police killings of civilians have been completed in the last 10 years. Under the section entitled Trinidad and Tobago, the report highlighted ongoing concerns about corruption within the 7,000member strong Police Service. "Police corruption continued to be a problem, with some officials suggesting there were officers who participated in corrupt and illegal activities," the human rights report said. The report said Police Service Commission restrictions limited the division's ability to dismiss police officers, and this has had a very serious impact on how the public perceives the complaints. "The public had little confidence in the police complaints process because the authority had no power to investigate complaints, and because those investigating complaints against the police were themselves police officers," the report said. However, report said that police killings were among areas of concern. "The Government or its agents did not commit any politically motivated killings; however, 29 persons died during the year while in police custody or at the hands of law enforcement authorities," the report said. "Authorities investigated or opened inquests into all such killings, but only six per cent of inquiries into police killings of civilians have been completed since 1999. In cases where charges were brought, 50 per cent of the officers were acquitted."

Seebaran is fifth “kidnap for ransom” victim

A La Horquetta businessman was released in Sangre Grande just 19 hours after being snatched from his La Horquetta home. Car rental owner 22-year-old Dave Seebaran who was abducted from his home around 8.30 p.m on Wednesday walked into the Arima Police Station around 3.30 p.m. the next day. A $100,000 ransom demand was made for his safe return but police said this was not paid. Police said Seebaran, who is listed as the country's fifth kidnap victim for the year, also refused a medical examination. Reports of kidnapping for ransom have been down in Trinidad this year, but the reasons for this are not fully known. Some local commentators believe that it could be due to moves by kidnappers to collect protection fees or “coward tax” from wealthy business people rather than actual kidnapping.

GUYANA NEWS

Indo-Caribbean Times

APRIL 2008

Page 8

Court system High prices has gold sector booming Bartica miner he high gold price on the international There are millions of acres of virtually T market has pumped vigour into the untouched rainforest, a range of ecosystems charged for collapsing mining sector and driving export earnings with a diverse flora and fauna species estipast sugar's for last year as a result of new mated to be in excess of 200 mammals, 800 massacre deaths t took 14 years for Oscar Green, 72, to seinvestments and financing for small and reptiles and amphibians, 6,500 plants and medium scale miners. With gold toppoing US$1,000 an ounce recently, Secretary of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) Edward Shields said that many people were either getting into gold mining or getting back into it after a lull. There have been record declarations for the first three months of this year, he said, adding that he was assured that this was because of the price being paid. Shields, whose association represents tens of large and small miners, said that because of the boom in prices and in production, miners were finding it easier to access financing to purchase the necessary equipment. For last year, total investment in the mining sector was estimated at US$100 million, with in excess of 12,000 small claims and 4,000 medium-scale permits issued. The declared production of gold in 2007 was 246,199 ounces with a total production value of $62 billion. The average export price for Guyana 's gold in 2007 rose to US$659.23 an ounce, an increase in 16.6 per cent over 2006.

Major progress in battle vs TB

Guyana has made major strides it its fight against tuberculosis as the National TB programme continues its aim of reducing the incidence and prevalence of the disease in Guyana, so that it no longer poses a public health threat. Manager, National TB Control Programme at the Georgetown Chest Clinic, Dr Jeetendra Mohanlall says Guyana is achieving its goal of decreasing the severity and death rates caused by tuberculosis in the Guyanese population. He attributes this success to a large extent to the Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course (DOTS) programme which is now effectively reaching patients in all ten administrative regions of the country. Guyana now has a complement of 45 dedicated DOTS outreach workers in the regions who are contributing to controlling the disease in Guyana . The programme has increased its diagnostic and treatment capacity tremendously. Four-drug therapy treatment for TB patients with the DOTS approach continues. Meanwhile, BCG vaccination is ongoing with newborn babies to help prevent tuberculosis in the early years.Over 95% BCG coverage is achieved annually.

‘Birding’ fast becoming a success story in Guyana

With tremendous support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the much talked about birding programme in Guyana is proving to be a success. During last year February, ‘Bird watch’, one of the premier bird watching magazines, published an article on Guyana that said, “With such a wealth of birds, combined with an unrivalled spirit of both adventure and hospitality, it seems very soon that Guyana is destined…to become well and truly established as a first-class birding destination.

more than 815 species of birds." According to USAID, Guyana has all the necessary components of a great ecotourism destination, but lacks the international recognition. In 2006, USAID partnered the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), tour operator Wilderness Explorers, the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society, and local tourism suppliers to launch the Birding Tourism programme.. Among the birding enthusiasts that travel to Guyana the Cock-of-the-Rock was the most sought after bird in Guyana . One such visitor, who was in Guyana with the Clipper Adventurer cruise ship had said, “To see the Cock-of-the-Rock at any time during the trip would be the climax of my vacation.”

Good prices for rice

Investment opportunities abound in the rice sector given the high prices for the product on the world market and the potential benefits outweighing the risks, says one rice miller and exporter. Dr Peter de Groot, CEO-Production of Fairfield Rice Inc, said the profit margins being offered by rice were unmatched in any other sector. He said that farmers could make as much as almost double the money that they invested, and a bag of paddy could easily reach a high of $4,000 per bag before the end of the crop in a few weeks time. Such returns, he said, were encouraging to investors, even though there were risks such as the unpredictable weather, high fuel prices and the high cost of fertilisers. The shortage of rice had increased the competition among the farmers for the supply of paddy, and this too was sending up prices. "It's a seller's market," he explained. "The rice farmers are in control now." Over the past weeks since the Christmas holidays, the price of rice has doubled. This past week saw rice prices still at an all-time high, approaching or in some cases surpassing $400 per gallon for white rice, and $600 for brown rice.

No phantom gangs

Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee says there is no credible information that there has been any re-emerging of the phantom gangs in Guyana. Such gangs are said to have executed scores of criminals a few years ago, allegedly under the direction of a government minister. After the Lusignan massacres earlier this year several protesters openly called for the return of the death squads, and for Gajraj Singh and Roger Khan , two individuals believed to have been leaders. Minister Rohee criticized a recent report in the local newspaper Stabroek News which asked whether the 'phantom' death squad had come out of retirement, and said the paper should present such information to the police. The article in question had pointed to the recent killings of Marcyn King, sister of wanted man Rondell Rawlins and George Barton and similarities with killings during the period when the dead squads were thought to be in business. The Stabroek News editor says police have failed to properly investigate dozens of execution-style killings since 2002 and the government appeared unwilling to take the necessary steps to reverse this.

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Roger Simon Almost eight weeks after the gruesome slaying of 12 persons at Bartica, a 44-yearold resident of the community has appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with the murders. Roger Simon of 25 Fifth Avenue Bartica, a miner and father of nine, was not required to plead to the 12 indictable counts of murder. A preliminary inquiry will be conducted to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to commit him to stand trial in the High Court. Simon stood in court with his head lowered and his eyes red, struggling to control his emotions. He wore a Bob Marley t-shirt with the quote: “Just can’t live that negative way…Make way for the positive way”

Fake police hijack fishermen

Two men who allegedly posed as policemen to hijack a fishing boat then used it to rob unsuspecting fishermen are facing serious charges from the real police. The men are from the Number 65 and Number 68 Villages, Corentyne, Berbice, and were identified as part of a gang of pirates that went on a two-day rampage last month, robbing about 15 vessels. On March 8 a Georgetown fishing boat encountered problems and was moored at Number 65 Village for repairs. While there, five men who allegedly identified themselves as policemen requested that the men take them to sea as there was urgent police work to be done.However, the “policemen” turned out to be pirates as they reportedly held the men captive and used the boat to attack 15 other unsuspecting fishing boats. The boats were robbed of millions of dollars in fish and fish glue. On March 4 and 6, several other boats were also hijacked. Almost 50 boats and over $30 million were estimated to have been lost last year due to piracy.

Fishermen missing since February 13

The fate of three three Guyanese fishermen is still unknown after they left on a routine fishing trip nearly three months ago. Mahadeo Ramdeo, Ramnarine Jagmohan and Jason Marshall left aboard the vessel from the PSI wharf at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara on January 23, last, and were scheduled to return on February 13 last. The crew was last heard from on February 9, via radio transmission. An extensive search has failed to locate the men.

cure judgement in the High Court for injuries he sustained when his car was struck by another on the East Coast Demerara Highway . But the case has been appealed and the elderly pensioner may not live to collect the $20 million judgement awarded The backlog can be found in every aspect of judicial proceedings. The 2006 annual report on the operations of the court stated that in that year there were 1,114 applications for probate and letters of administration in the three countries, adding to a backlog of 242 in Georgetown and 247 in Berbice. All told there were 1,836 such applications. The courts only heard 1,266. More than 500 were left pending. The situation was no different in matters pertaining to the Land Court where there are petitions for prescriptive rights. In Georgetown , 481 applications filed for prescriptive rights, 275 in Berbice, seven in Suddie. Backlog of 451 in Berbice. Total matters to be heard 1,214, but only 339 were completed in Georgetown and 366 in Berbice, leaving a backlog of 508 petitions. Similar problems exist with land registration (180 backlog cases), full court criminal appeals ( 9 of 45 heard), Guyana Court of Appeal (52 appeals not heard), (17,000 cases not heard at the end of 2006) Magistrates’ Courts. In Georgetown , for example, there were some 12,000 cases pending at the start of 2006. A further 14,000 cases were made in 2006. Nearly 9,000 matters were completed that year leaving an even greater backlog of some 17,000 at the end of the year, New Amsterdam magisterial district and Whim (25,112 backlog cases at the end of 2006).

Buxton man killed

A Buxton Sideline Dam man has been killed in what the Joint Services said was an exchange of gunfire.Tyrone Pollard, 46, of Lot 81 Buxton Sideline Dam, died after receiving a gunshot wound to the upper right side of his back. The police said that ranks of the Joint Services had been conducting a cordon and search operation on a house at Webster Avenue, South Buxton, when Tyrone Pollard ran out of the building as they approached. "Tyrone Pollard managed to reach the Buxton Sideline Dam at which point he pulled out a firearm and discharged rounds at the Joint Services ranks that were in pursuit. He then jumped into and crossed the Sideline Canal over to the Eastville Dam from where he again opened fire on the ranks. The ranks returned fire during which he was fatally shot," the statement said. He was wanted for questioning in the 2005 killings of policeman Somdat Ramoutar and civilian Chandrika Persaud at Brusche Dam Railway Embankment, Buxton, and the murder of Army Corporal Ivor Williams who was shot and killed during a confrontation between the Joint Services and a group of armed gunmen in Buxton on January 23, 2008.

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Sections of East Coast Demerara flooded GUYANA NEWS

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nusually heavy spring tide waves pounded the sea defense and overtopped the seawall in East Coast Demerara, causing two nights of flooding and dampening the holiday spirit in the Montrose/Vryheid’s Lust area. Although there were isolated reports of flooding in some parts of the Essequibo and Corentyne coastlands, the three East Coast Demerara villages, including Better Hope, were the hardest hit. Residents recalled hearing the pounding waves, which in some cases sent water as high as 15 feet into the air after the waves slammed into the seawalls. Other residents who lived as far as a mile away from the seawall claimed that they were awakened by the sound of the raging sea. Another resident of Vryheid’s Lust North, Munniram Moses Singh, who said that he had been living in the village for more than 30 years, said he had never experienced such an occurrence. According to Singh, the area had in the past experienced high tides but not to this extent. “All these years I living here and never see something like this wave I see. It taller than me…like de world coming to an end,” the pensioner said. What was strange was the fact that only the seawall at Montrose experienced such fury. While the northern section of the East Coast Demerara Public Road was flooded, the southern area remained virtually unaffected.

Charlestown man killed in drive by

Gunmen executed a Charlestown man at Laing Avenue in what appeared to be a well-planned drive-by attack. Dead is George Barton called 'Burlin', 48, of 34 Howes Street , Charlestown. Barton's teenage daughter Anika Barton, who was with him at the time of the attack, sustained a gunshot wound to her right leg. She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was receiving treatment up to press time. She recalled that while she and her father were walking, four men in a white car pulled up and called out his name. One of them, she said, then shouted, "shoot him."

Moving NIS pension age to 65 just a proposal

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr Roger Luncheon said that the consideration to move the eligibility age for National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensions from 60 to 65 is "simply a recommendation by the NIS reform committee." Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing, the cabinet Secretary noted the concerns of citizens over the past few weeks about the proposal. "Some citizens have, over the past few weeks, been expressing concern about this move and have stated that they do not agree with it as some pensioners may not even live to see the age.” He said that from Cabinet, where the proposals are at present, they will be taken to Parliament in the form of legislation. Reaction to the 65 year limit for NIS pensions has been mostly negative throughout Guyana.

Indo-Caribbean Times

Families of slain soldiers get $1m cheques

Cheques totaling $1 million each were handed over by Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Commodore Gary Best, to family members of two soldiers who were slain in the line of duty in 2004 and 2008 respectively. In 2004, Lance Corporal Shemton Dodson was shot and killed while on an operation in Buxton, East Coast Demerara. He was survived by two children, a ten-yearold son and a daughter aged nine. Both minors were recipients of $300,000 each, which was put into Fixed Deposit accounts at the Bank of Nova Scotia and would only be accessible after the children would have attained the age of eighteen. And Corporal Ivor Williams was killed in late January this year when the army vehicle in which he was travelling came under attack on the Buxton railway embankment. In addition to other benefits, his mother Oret Pitman received $100,000, which was donated by the GDF Corporals' Club.

No takers for $50m reward for Fineman

In the heat of the bloody crimes that flared up here recently, police placed a $50M reward for information leading to the arrest of the country's most wanted man, Rondell Rawlins, but more than six weeks later there has been no serious response to the offer. A senior detective at the Criminal Investigation Department said that there had not been any significant report or information on Rawlins' whereabouts al-though he said that persons had called in with information which led them nowhere. The $50M reward is the highest the force has ever offered for one man. The Stabroek News randomly interviewed five persons asking them if they knew where Rawlins was whether they would tell the police and if the $50M reward is enticing enough. One man said that he would not tell the police anything and the $50M reward had not jumped out at him. "You cannot depend on the police to conceal your identity if you give such information and there is no witness protection programme in this country," the man declared. A minibus driver plying the Kitty/ Campbellville route said, "The minute you tell the police where 'Fineman' is the next five minutes the police would tell `Fineman' who told them," he said. A security guard told Stabroek News that 'selling out' `Fineman' is like signing your death warrant. The man said that the police could not be trusted and it would be a grave risk to engage in such a deal with them.

Nalini needs a kidney to live

An ailing 36-year-old woman is pleading with the general public to offer her a second chance to lead a normal life. The woman, Nalini Shivram, is appealing to anyone for assistance.Shivram, of 65 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, currently exists on costly dialysis treatment because of her failing kidneys. She was diagnosed with kidney failure a

few years ago but was of the view that her condition did not warrant medical attention.The East Coast Demerara resident said she assumed she was in fairly good health but, in 2005, she began experiencing pains and was admitted to hospital.The woman said that late last year, she became very ill after her condition worsened. Doctors later revealed to Shivram that she needed a donor for a kidney transplant in India .She pointed out that the procedure is estimated to cost at least US$36,000. But I don’t have that kind of money. My husband has volunteered to be my donor but I do not work and the little money I have is being spent on dialysis,” Shivram lamented. Shivram explained she is forced to have two treatments per week with each costing $36,000.She added that on weekends, patients are required to pay an additional $10,000. The same additional charge is applied if they are tardy. Former First Lady, Varshnie Singh, of Kids First Fund, has pledged to provide Shivram with US$1,000.Meanwhile, an account #0110030591 has been opened at Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry

Delta to fly to the USA

After commencing operations here, Delta Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world, will be doing four direct flights per week from the US to Guyana . Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, confirmed this at a press conference on Wednesday. The Minister also noted that the airline will be coming on board in time for the peak season. He assured that Delta will be here before North

I

APRIL 2008

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American pulls out in May. The Minister also refuted claims that Travel Span will also be permanently discontinuing its services to Guyana .He said that the airline has suspended services temporarily, and will recommence operations on June 23 for the summer peak season.

Baliram says food prices in Region 2 rising too high

A letter writer from Region 2 says food prices are getting out of control. Baliram Persaud, in a letter to the Stabroek News, said , “A dramatic increase in the price of local commodities in Region #2 which stretches from Pomeroon to Supenaam is making it hard for the residents to cope with the escalation in the cost of living. Rice prices were upped again at my buying place from $440 to $480 per gallon with brown rice being more expensive. The further increase was said to have resulted from a higher price being paid to farmers now for their paddy as compared to the last crop. Plucked chicken has jumped to an all time high price for as much as $340 per pound at some places while a similar quantity in pork has moved up to $300. Live ducks and creole fowls are fetching as much as $450 and $300 respectively per pound. Mutton and Venison are being sold at $600 a pound while a crab is $50 and one Hassar $100. A parcel of 4 hot peppers is $100, 5 limes $200 with the price of fruits, plantains, eddoes cassava and sweet potatoes also mounting. Even eddoe leaf calaloo that was being given away in the past is now being sold at $100 for a handful parcel. The pressure is too much to handle but life must go on somehow or the other.

In Memory of the Guyana Massacre Victims

We extend sincere condolences for all the victims of the Lusignan and Bartica massacres, and to their families. I hope and pray that those cowardly criminals who committed the massacres will be caught and severely punished, and that there is no recurrence of these horrible incidents. The lives of all those victims will remain forever in the memory of all Guyanese at home and abroad, and all others who understand their sacrifice.

Gulcharan Mohabir CGA. FCCA, B.Soc.Sc 2608 Islington Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M9V 2X3 647-430-3612

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Misinformation about the Immigration Representatives role of the mortgage broker R

Indo-Caribbean Times

udy Lochan has handled some tough challenges during his years as a mortgage broker. The mortgage consultants at his brokerage Anava Financing in Toronto have been sniffing out the lowest mortgage rates at times when rates have jumped around like yo-yos. Rudy has been helping first-time buyers navigate the intricacies of prepayment and penalties, and liningd up lenders for the kind of high-risk clients that traditional lenders would have shunned. "The mortgage broker is understood but it's definitely not at the level it should be," Lochan said. "There's still a lot of misinformation out there." Research shows that a large number of consumers turn to brokers to find the best mortgage deal but that large chunks of the population still don't understand the role brokers’ play. About 26 per cent of mortgages in Canada are arranged through mortgage brokers, according to the Canadian Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders. That's up from about 14 per cent in 1999. Consumer attitudes towards mortgage brokers have improved since 2001, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said in another study released last month. Fifty-one per cent of consumers say brokers offer a valuable service when arranging a mortgage, up from 37 per cent in 2001. But lots of consumers remain in a state of semi-darkness when it comes to brokers. "Consumers are still uncertain about whom brokers really work for, with 32 per cent of the view they work for lenders and 36 per cent thinking they work on behalf of consumers," CIMBL said. Mortgage brokers function as middlemen between home buyer and lender. They match borrowers with bankers by identifying mortgages that best suit the needs of their consumer clients. Brokers appeal to many buyers because of their track record at arranging mortgages at rates lower than those posted by the banks and they are paid

by the lender. The payment ranges from a flat fee to a percentage of the value of the mortgage. Borrowers, however, may have to pay fees if their broker is arranging a high-risk mortgage. Lenders see brokers as vehicles that bring them more business, said Mark Webb, a senior director with CIMBL. Lenders only pay a broker if they accept a mortgage. That lets them boost their mortgage volume without having to build more branches, he said. Over the past five years, a broker's role has evolved beyond that of rate-chaser, Lochan said. The growing complexity of mortgage products has added a financial advisory dimension to a broker's job, he said. These days, more than ever, it's essential to get a handle on a client's financial situation, from credit history to employment, to present them with appropriate mortgage options. "One of the things people in the industry are saying is that if you're just going to sell rates, you're going to have a problem," Webb said. "With all the competition, you can go to more than one person who will give you a good rate." Since 2002, brokers have increased their market penetration among first-time buyers to 32 per cent from 22 per cent, CMHC said. But they're losing ground among those renewing a mortgage. Broker usage by renewers has fallen to six per cent from 11 per cent in 2002. Renewers, according to CIMBL research, show a high degree of loyalty to their current lender.For front-line brokers like Lochan, this requires ongoing professional development to add value to their service. It means harder work to retain clients and trigger word of mouth that draws new business."You have to focus long term. If you look out for customers and they're happy, then they'll refer friends and family."

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An Immigration Representative is someone who is appointed by a person to coduct business on their behalf with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). You are not obliged to hire a representative for immigration matters. The Government of Canada treats everyone equally, whether they use the services of a representative or not. If you choose to hire a representative, your application will not be given special attention nor can you expect faster processing or a more favourable outcome. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) realizes that the use of a representative to assist in completing your immigration application is a personal choice. The Government of Canada does not recommend or endorse any individual representative. In accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, CIC only recognizes representatives who are members of 1. A Canadian Provincial or territorial law society 2. The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or 3. The Chambre des notaries du Quebec No other representative may charge a fee in relation to an application or proceeding, be it inland or overseas. Applications to CIC submitted by other representatives who charge a fee will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant. Therefore, only an authorized representative can charge a fee to a client. A person or organization that does not charge a fee for the service may represent

How credit scoring can affect your financial health

The credit score also referred to as the “FICO score” or the “Beacon score” is a mathematical formulae created by Fair Isaac and Company. The credit score is used by most companies to decide if the applicant is a good credit risk or not. Equifax and Trans Union will crunch numbers from the credit report and spit out a number somewhere between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a bad risk, scores of

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APRIL 2008

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you. For example, a family member or friend, member of a non-governmental or religious organization. Using an authorized representative ensures that your immigration representative meets the standards of the organization to which they belong. If you are not satisfied with an authorized representative, you can file a complaint with their regulatory body. Regulatory bodies impose a code of professional conduct on their members to protect public interest. They also have rules for disciplining their members and compensating clients. Members of the public should be forewarned to deal with only an authorized representative. Authorized Immigration Representatives who are members of a regulatory body are issued membership cards with a photograph of the representative. Verify that the representative is authorized. You can check on the regulatory body’s website to see if that person is a member of good standing with the regulatory body. Advertisements in the newspapers and on the Internet does not mean that the person is an authorized representative. Many people are being ripped off of their hard earned cash daily by “ghost immigration consultants” and “ lawyers”. Ask for references and do some background checks on the immigration representative before hiring him or her. Balwant Persaud is a Certified Immigration Consultant and a Member of The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants. For answers to your problems on this forum, send all enquiries to [email protected]

responsibly and pay them off on time. Don’t open accounts that you do not intend to use. Having 5 or 6 of the same type of credit card (Visa for example) does not work in your favour. Note that having a credit card or instalment loan can help boost your score, as long as you don’t have too high a balance. Keep balance low in relation to available credit. If the credit limit is $10000, keeping the balance below $2500 (or 25% of the limit) will improve the score. Balances above 75% of the limit will decrease the score. Going over the limit has a strong negative effect. Pay off credit card debt instead of moving it around to lower rate cards. Moving balances to other credit cards (called a “balance transfer” ) and closing out the old account can hurt your score. Remember that your aim is to achieve a high credit score through the responsible use of credit. Ijaz Hosein is a Financial Advisor with BoosterLink Financial Inc and can be reached at 647-401-1608

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Curry & Roti Restaurant celebrates milestone of 35 years of service

T

he Persads were serving complimentary carrot cake and hot chaiat their Scarborough based Curry & Roti Restaurant during the last week of March, and with good reason. This year the restaurant celebrates 35 years as the pioneer Caribbean restaurant in the East, with a third generation stepping in since it was founded in 1973. Unlike most other roti shops in Toronto, the Curry and Roti Restaurant in Scarborough has a web site and an e-mail address. That is how they get customer feedback like this from the Mirfields from distant Sudbury.: “Hi! I was down to Toronto on April 2, and stopped at your store to order 5 roties to go!! They were delicious!! I had taken my daughter and a friend to the David Bowie concert the night before, didn't have much time to organize the roti pick-up as we headed back north to Sudbury. Your husband did an amazing job, since just as we

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APRIL 2008

Indo-Caribbean Times

arrived to order; he also had 8 people waiting to order their lunch. Thank-you for prompt service in spite of the rush; we loved the food, and will continue to stop in when we get to Toronto. Next time (if we are organized!!!!) we will order ahead of time. Please feel free to use our email to support your customer service. Regards, the Mirfields, Sudbury.” Cathy, visiting from Sydney, Nova Scotia, was also quite as enthusiastic.“Just to add to your compliments. I think your roti is the best. We used to live in Don Mills and frequented your store often. We also attended cricket tournaments with friends and enjoyed your roti during the evening celebrations. I just returned for a visit to Toronto and had the pleasure of enjoying your chicken roti once again. It was as good as I remember nine years ago. Thanks Cathy Targett, Sydney, Nova Scotia.” (CONTINUED ON PAGE 11)

This Indian dancer was one of several artistes who came out to perform for the “One Love Guyana Family day” held on March 29 at Centre in Mississauga to raise funds for children of the Guyana massacre victims. The show was broadcast live on the internet at www.baselineradio.net.

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Well known devotional singer and musician Sonny Moonilal (second from right) celebrated his 60th birthday with a traditional havan and satsangh at the Peel Arya Samaj temple with family and friends recently. Afterwards he flew off to Hawaii on a trip paid for my close family from Toronto.

Toronto Arya Samaj held its annual Phagwah concert on March 29 with grand show featuring songs, dances, music and drama.Here is a scene from the play highlighting intergenerational issues that afflict many families. From left to right are Richard Umadas (friend), Tara Umadas (daughter) and Almel Murugun (mother).The play was directed by Leila Tikaram and was a big hit at the show. The Sur Sangeet Ork provided musical entertainment. Next month the Samaj hosts a special Centenary Celebration of the arrival of IndoCaribbeans in Canada, which took place in 1908 with the coming to Canada of Trinidad born student Kenneth Mahabir and Guyanese clerk M.E. Santoo. The event will feature a special exhibition focusing on Indo-Caribbeans in Canada and the heritage they brought from the Caribbean and replanted in this new country.

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Members of the Canadian Caribbean Business Network pose for a group shot after a recent meeting held at Anava Financing in Etobicoke. Formed late last year with the aim of sharing business information and referrals, the group has been picking up members at a steady rate. The group has a base of Caribbean business owners and professionals but membership is open to all who wish to network and share contacts as a method of overcoming the disadvantage of being immigrants and newcomers.

India’s Nano is world’s cheapest car

India’s Tata Motors has unveiled the five-seater, four-door Nano car , at $2,500 easily the world's cheapest car. It is promising to revolutionise car sales in developing countries. The Nano has no radio, passenger-side mirror, central locking or power steering, and only one windshield wiper, but its two-cylinder 0.6-liter gasoline engine with 33 horsepower will get 50 miles per gallon and a top speed of about 60 mph. Tata Motors plans to make 250,000 Nanos per year, and run up to 1 million in a few years. Presently the Nano will be sold only in India, but Tata said the company hopes to export it to developing nations across Asia, Latin America and Africa in two or three years. The move has frightened car makers in North America, Europe, Japan and Korea, whose cheapest cars are well over $10,000. French auto maker Renault SA and its Japanese partner, Nissan Motor Co., are working on a compact car for under $3,000 to compete with the Nano.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Anup Jalota Live at Devi Mandir April 11

DEVI MANDIR presents Anup Jalota Live in Concert Friday April 11 at 7 pm at the mandir on 2590 Brock Road, Pickering. Anup is accompanied by Tony Ramasar on tabla, Devin Latchmana on dholak and Basheer on bul-bul tarang.Admission is free. For info call 905=686-8534 or 416897-8005. EMPIRE BANQUET HALLS presents a Mother's Day Dinner and Dance, on Saturday May 10, from 7.30 pm at 246 Brockport Drive, Toronto (Highway 27 and Highway 409). Treat your mother to a lovely evening of dining and dancing – she deserves it! Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, live entertainment and dancing all night long. Roses will be presented to all mothers. $30 admission. For info call 416-6799403.

TORONTO ARYA SAMAJ holds its Annual General Meeting on Sunday April 20 at 12.30 p.m. at #4345 * 14th Avenue. Markham, (at Kennedy Road, Markham).for info contact secretary Dave Ramoutar at 416-663-4037 TORONTO ARYA SAMAJ’s annual South Asian Heritage Month Program takes place on Saturday May 31 starting at 5 p.m. It features an exhibition focusing on the 100th anniversary of the arrival of IndoCaribbeans in Canada. and a cultural/stage program celebrating the Indo-Caribbean culture and heriage. Admission is free. Venus is the Vedic Cultural Centre at #4345 * 14th Avenue. Markham, (at Kennedy Road, Markham). For info contact Dave at 416-663-4037 or 905-475-5778.

Indo-Caribbean Times

TRI DEOTA MANDIR invites you to a Ramayan Yagna to be held at the Caledonia Community Recreation Hall, 110 Lotherton Pathway, Toronto, from Friday April 18 to Sunday April 20. Friday and Saturday sessions begin at 6 pm and Sunday from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm. Officiating priest is Pandit Balchand Persaud. For info contact Pt Balchand at 416-665-7902 or Ganeshwar Persaud at 416-766-0022. TRIVENI SANGAM KIRTAN GROUP presents Randy and Ramona Mahadeo in Concert on Saturday April 26, at the Elmbank Community Centre, 10 Rampart Road, Etobicoke (Martindale Road south of Finch). Artistes include Shanti Jackree and dancrd by Baby Sarah, and tassa by Sylvan Bharath Tassa Group. Tickets are $10. For info or tickets call Rawle Bissoon at 416821-7608 or Sheila Mahadeo at 416-7455727.

COMMUNITY ACTION MEETING to say NO to Harper’s immigration amendments! and NO TO BILL C-50! Wednesday April 23, 2008, 6:00 to 8:00 at St. Stephen's Community House (260 Augusta Avenue). Recently the Harper Conservative government tried to sneak changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) through the House of Commons via C-50 (the budget implementation act). These sweeping changes will give enormous powers to the Minister to decide which categories of immigration applications will be processed, and which would be ignored or discarded. It will also limit several kinds of applicants based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds that Canadian sponsors can use to bring their relatives into Canada, and gives the Minister extraordinary powers to deny visas to those who meet all the immigration criteria. Join us on April 23 to learn about the

legal and political ramifications of Bill C50 from leading community researchers and immigration lawyers and help us build an effective and coordinated educational and political campaign against these regressive changes to IRPA. For more information please contact: [email protected] or visit www.statusnow.org

NAPARIMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF CANADA celebrates its 30th anniversary with a Dinner and Dance at the Holiday Inn Select, Brampton on May 24. Tickets at $60 for members and $65 for non members are available from Merle at 905844-1254 or Norma at 416-283-0675. A special hotel room rate of $95 is available for persons attending the function. The Association holds its Annual General Meeting on Saturday May 31, at 1.30 pm at the Montessori Teacher Training Centre, 1050 McNicoll Avenue, Scarborough.

THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 50 PLUS AND SENIORS Association of Canada will hold their monthly meeting at Birkdale Community Center on Sunday 27 April, 2008 at 1.30pm.. For more information please call 416-281-5264.

CALYPSO HISTORIAN George Maharaj launches Volume 2 of his History of Calypso in Toronto on Sunday May. 4th, at the L'Amoreaux Community Center, Toronto at 4 pm. Cost of the book is $20 and copies are available at the launch.This new volume is 181 pages long with over 25 vintage photos and includes the contribution to calypso of Indo-Trinidadians, Chinese and Syrians, calypsoes on cricket and profiles of over 1,000 calypsonians. For info go to www.rootsofcalypso.com or call 905-621-6157.

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INDO-CANADIAN NETWORKING COUNCIL OF HAMILTON AND SURROUNDINGS invites all to a Gala Dinner and Concert of Indian Music and Dance in celebration of South Asian Heritage Month , at the Hamilton Convention Centre, on May 3, from 5-11 pm. Tickets are $55 per person. Entertainment includes the Steel Bandits steel orchestra, musician Ashtar Roy Allen, Bharatnatyam dances and more. For info call Mohan Ragbir at 905-6485122 or Kamal Shankerdass at 905-6279420. BHAGVAD GITA FOR EACH HOME

Bulk distribution centres. The Gita can be available in bulk at the following contacts: Donations are expected to fund further copies; any individual or organization wishing to assist in this project can contact us.

CANADA Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton Ramnarine Sahadeo 905 671 9233 e-mail [email protected], Omesh Sharma [email protected], Chandan Persaud at 416-754-2382, Gulcharan at 416 481-5777 [email protected], Ram Jagessar at 416 289 9088 or [email protected] RICHMOND HILL Omo Persaud at [email protected] 905-886-1724 Winnipeg: Ajodhya Mahadeo 204-661-6643

British Columbia Chameli Seegobin 604-945-9510, e-mail address [email protected], and Naraine Mohabir at 604-274-8938

Kamla’s Fashions Inc.

GUYANA: Saraswati Vidya Niketan ph. 2760013/14

Wholesale Garment Manufacturer 1510 Birchmont Road Units 106 & 107 Scarborough, Ontario M1P 2G6 Phone: (416) 913-2379 Fax: (416) 752-1105 e-mail: [email protected]

We accept orders from schools, clubs and organizations

Massive clearance sale continues in the factory outlet (same location) Fill your barrels to send back home

Youth T-Shirts and Tank Tops - $2.00 each Adult Golf Shirts $5.00 Ladies Leggings and Capri Pants $3.00 Children’s Clothing from $2.00 each Adult Tee-Shirts in a variety of sizes and colours - $2.00 Wide range of Winter Clothing on Sale Scrap for cleaning - $5.00 a bag Wide variety of transfers/screen prints – Babies, Children, Humour, Christmas, topical, geographical/Souvenir from 50 cents.

Immigration bill could change Canada

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By Carol Goar t is possible that Immigration Minister Diane Finley wants more power to do exactly what she says: clean up her department's enormous backlog of unprocessed applications. It is also possible that she is equipping herself to transform Canada's overloaded immigration system into a lean, businessfriendly recruitment tool. Both interpretations fit the available facts. The determining factor will be how the minister uses her expanded mandate. Legal experts are still parsing the changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, introduced on March 14. But the preliminary consensus is that they are much more significant than Canadians have been told. Under the new legislation, the immigration minister would have the authority to: Limit the number of immigration applications Canada accepts. Deny admission to applicants already approved by immigration officers. Block the entry of would-be immigrants "by category or otherwise." These measures, backed by a $22 million funding boost in last month's budget, would certainly allow the government to whittle down its pile of 900,000 unprocessed immigration applications. If visa offices cut off new applications, the staff could tackle the six-year accumulation of paperwork in their files. If the minister instructed them, as a first priority, to discard all applications from individuals who have died, immigrated elsewhere or decided against coming to Canada, the pile would shrink appreciably. But if clearing the backlog is Finley's objective, why does she need the power to bar certain types of immigrants? Why does she seek the authority to reject applicants who have already met Canada's admission criteria? Why doesn't she just give managers of visa offices in countries such as China, India and the Philippines the discretion to close the intake pipe when their workloads become unmanageable? The sweeping nature of the changes proposed in Bill C-50 suggests something bigger than housecleaning is afoot. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty called it "modernizing the immigration system" in his Feb. 26 budget. He said the government wants a "just-in-time competitive immigration system, which will quickly process skilled immigrants who can make an immediate contribution to the economy." The fastest way to get there is to centralize control in the minister's office. That is what Bill C-50 would do. If Finley wanted to block the inflow of relatives sponsored by family members in Canada, she could do it. If she wanted to exclude immigrants from certain countries, she could do it. If she wanted to propel foreign workers needed by a government-friendly employer to the front of the queue, she could do that, too. "This fundamentally changes our immigration policy," said Lorne Waldman, a lawyer who has practised in the field for more than 30 years. "The minister could issue an instruction overriding all of the existing criteria." What this means, Waldman said, is that Canada would no longer be an immigrantwelcoming country. It would be a rich Western power that shops for high-value immigrants. Federal officials would no longer use objective standards to determine whether an individual qualifies for a visa. The minister would be able to set and

change the rules at will. "I'm very concerned," he said. "These changes are far more serious than people have been led to believe." The federal Liberals, in combination with any other opposition party, could defeat the proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. But such a vote would trigger an election because the changes are embedded in Flaherty's budget implementation bill. Moreover, the Liberals' own record on this issue is nothing to boast about. It was their ham-handed attempt to bring in stringent new entry criteria in 2002 that caused most of the backlog. What is sorely needed – and not likely to happen – is a thorough debate. Perhaps Finley has no intention of currying favour with ethnic voters, catering to the demands of business or keeping out people from certain regions. But if this bill becomes law, there will be nothing to stop her.

Sugar supply to Caricom down

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) has reduced its supply of sugar to Caricom by 80,000 tonnes over 2004 levels and increased supply to the European Union, Chief Executive Nick Jackson said. He said this was because of reduced production, mainly owing to inclement weather. In response to queries Guyana’s sugar exports, Jackson said Guyana has given up exporting raw sugar to Suriname, Barbados, Grenada and St Lucia this year.

Indo-Caribbean Times

Brampton trials show plans for Canadian terror bombings

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he "shocking and sensational" inner workings of an alleged homegrown Canadian terror cell were unveiled in a Brampton court – and included the plotting of an attack "much greater" in scale than the London 2005 bombings that killed 52 people. In a document made public for the first time, the Crown painted a broad picture of the expected evidence in the trial of a youth who pleaded not guilty to belonging to a terrorist group. The trial opened recently. According to the allegations, the socalled Toronto 18 were attempting to secure a safe house to store weapons and practise military drills, and embarking on a mission to destroy the West – one they should be willing to die for. Details of the alleged plot, which also included storming Parliament Hill and beheading politicians, emerged in a factum filed by the Crown that described the case against the accused as "shocking and sensational." The document contains transcripts of wiretaps and videotapes that include one conversation in which one of the accused speaks of the group's ambitions. "They're probably expecting what happened in London or something," he said. "... Some bombing in a subway kills 10 people and everybody gets deported. We're not doing that. ... So our thing it's, it's much, much greater on a scale ... you do it once and you make sure they can never recover

Curry & Roti celebrates 35 years (From Page 11)

Television host Kenty Khan from Toronto gave his unsolicited praise that ,“The fare at Curry and Roti Restaurant is both healthy and delicious. I can certainly attest to that”. That’s music to the ears of the proud owners of Mac and Rozanne Persaud and their children Jonathan & Simone. They feel it’s the result of a full 35 years of experience as aCaribbean restaurant in Eastern Toronto that they’ve established themselves and expanded their client base well into mainstream Canada. Curry and Roti has also been positioning itself as a healthier choice for roti, doubles, and other mostly Guyanese and Trinidadian cuisine on their menu. For promoting a healthier lifestyle and striving to exceed r expectations, it has been recognized with “Awards of Excellence & Healthy Eating” from the City of Toronto EATSMART Program each year since 1995. Rozanne’s uncle, Kunj Persaud pioneered The Curry & Roti Restaurant in 1973 by offering the favourites from the Caribbean islands and Indian delicacies like roti and curry in particular. The two new generations pride themselves on carrying on the original plan of offering a healthier choice in eating. It's won them several awards and a dedicated clientele from many groups in Toronto as well as the Caribbean community, ' They've done it by offering meats that are not frozen, ordered fresh from the butcher, trimmed of excess fat and cooked fresh the same day. Their curries have no additional oils added and any residual fat is skimmed away. They avoid the salty, greasy or excessively sugary foods that are so dangerous to body health. And they take pains to bring out the delectable flavour that is such an attraction of Caribbean foods.

APRIL 2008

Mac,who is the main cook, delivers the classic white roti, but also offers 100% organic whole grain roti as well, with every single single nutrient from the whole grain - bran, endosperm and germ – being used to supply all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre that are present in the whole grain. Their roti is low in saturated and no trans fat and is a source of fibre that are all components of healthy eating that may reduce the risk of heart disease; great for reducing blood sugar levels and keeping a trim waistline. There are no preservatives or the dreaded MSG, emphasizes Rozanne. She continues to explain, “Now more than ever; people are taking control of their lives. Whether it is through their diet, nutrition or exercise, people have begun to pay attention. Health issues such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, stress and addiction affect us every day. People are seeking alternative solutions to their particular health needs.” Some years ago their oldest daughter started a catering option that has caught on well, as more people avoid the task of cooking large meals at home in favour of ordering out. The restaurant has put out the welcome mat for seniors, and invites them to interact with other seniors Monday to Wednesday between 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, with a 15% discount on purchases. Their invitation says it all. You are invited to “ Live Well, Love Lots, Laugh Often” when you visit them at their landmark site at 1732 Lawrence Avenue East, (North east corner of Victoria Park) Scarborough, Ontario, telephone number 416757-6635. Their website at www.curryandroti.com gives a detailed list of their offerings and their program.

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again." The accused were among 18 adults and youths arrested in a massive police sweep in 2006 for allegedly belonging to an Al Qaeda inspired cell. Charges against three youths have been stayed. Of the adults, 10 remain in jail and four are out on bail. One of the youths has a Trinidad connection, as the son of a Trinidad born doctor now living in Canada. Some of that expected evidence includes: Videos of terrorist indoctrination, in which the accused are exhorted to wage battle in the new empire of "Rome" in North America, "whether we get arrested, whether we get killed." Wiretap surveillance in which they discuss their desire to "establish the religion of Allah and to get rid of the oppressors" and the need for funds to finance their goals of building a "team" to "go make an attack." The construction of a "radio frequency remote-control detonator" that needed to be improved because its range was nine metres. Allegations the accused attended two training camps. One was a 12-day camp near the town of Washago, Ont., where they practised military-style exercises in camouflage gear and undertook firearms training with a 9-mm firearm. The second was a two-day camp at the Rockwood Conservation Area, where they donned camouflage clothing and made a propaganda-style video of their military drills. According to the Crown, the alleged terrorists first popped onto the radar of police in August 2005, when two of the adults were stopped at the Canada-U.S. border in a rented vehicle while attempting to smuggle firearms and ammunition into the country. Po homed in on a few individuals and contacted Mubin Shaikh to act as a police agent. Shaikh, a well-known member of the city's Muslim community, was told to attend a banquet hall on Nov. 27 and make contact with two of the adults. It was there that Shaikh met the youth now on trial. Topics of discussions between Shaikh and the adults included the worldwide oppression of Muslims and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. A few days later, Shaikh and an adult drove to a park, where he laid out his plans to attack various targets, including the Parliament buildings. He said he needed to assemble a group and planned to organize an outdoor training camp. Because Shaikh had military experience, he agreed to be an instructor at the socalled camp. In late December, 13 men and youths drove to a rural wooded area about 150 kilometres north of the city, where they participated in military marches, obstacle course runs and firearms training. Shaikh used a 9-mm gun brought by an adult to teach the others basic gun safety. The prosecution alleges the true nature of the camp was revealed by an adult in a series of lectures he delivered to the group – lectures that were videotaped and subsequently found by police when they executed a covert search warrant at the home of another adult in May 2006. In the video, the man is seated in the dark under what appears to be a tent. He addresses the group passionately, explaining: "Our mission's greater, whether we get arrested, whether we get killed. ... Rome has to be defeated. And we have to be the ones that do it."

RELIGION

Indo-Caribbean Times

Nava Durga (Nine Forms of Goddess Durga) NAVA-DURGA

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By Swami Dibyananda

age Markendeya asked Lord Brahma to explain to him the NINE SECRET FORMS OF GODDESS DURGA which has not yet been explained to any one. The secret forms of Goddess Durga are known as ‘NAVA DURGA’ (Nine forms of Devi Durga). In CHANDI (Devi-kavaj), the verses are:

Prathamam Shailaputreeti Dwiteeyam Brahmacharini / Triteeyam Chandaghanteti Kusmandeti Chatoorthakam //(3) Panchamam Skandamateti Shastham Katyayanee Tatha Saptamam Kalaratreeti Mahagoureeti Chastamam // (4) Navamam Siddhidatree Cha Navadurgah Prakeertitah //

SHAILA-PUTREE ‘Shaila-putree’ is the first secret form of NAVA DURGA. SHAILA means mountain and Putree means daughter. Giriraj, the Mountain King Himalaya did strive penance to get Goddess Durga (the divine mother of the universe) as His daughter. According to SKANDHA PURAN, a Yajna was performed in the presence of all the Gods and Rishies. When Prajapati Daksha appeared there, all the Gods and the Rishies stood up and paid him salutation, only the triumvirate Gods: Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva) did not pay him respect. (Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the sustainer and Lord Mahesh (Shiva) the destroyer). Prajapati Daksha thought Lord Brahma should not pay me respect as he is my father, also he is the creator and Lord Vishnu is lord of three worlds and he is sustainer. But Lord Shiva should pay me respect as he got married to my daughter, Shatee. He is my son-in-law. Why didn’t he pay respect to me? He became very angry and felt criticized. Prajapati Daksha returned to His kingdom and organized a Yajna; he invited everyone in the three worlds including all the Gods, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu and all the Rishes except Lord Shiva and his consort Shatee. When Shatee heard, her father - Prajapati Daksha is performing a Yajna, she wanted to go, but Lord Shiva told Shatee, it does not require an invitation to go to your father’s house, but remember, your father organized this Yajna to criticize me. That’s why you should not go. Nevertheless, Shatee, Lord Shiva’s consort went to her father’s house. No one spoke to her, even her father. He along with others started to criticize her husband (Lord Shiva). Only her mother Prasuti spoke to her. Shatee could not bear her husband’s criticism and immediately left her mortal coil through ‘yoga’ (she died). Upon hearing, Lord Shiva sent Virbhadra to destroy the yajna. Lord Shiva then came and took Shatee’s dead body on His shoulder and with anger started to dance as if he will destroy the World. Lord Vishnu, realizing it would be very difficult to save the world from Lord Shiva’s anger; with His Sudarshan Chakra cut Shatee’s body into 51 parts. Wherever they fell became SHAKTI PITHAS (DeviTirtha).When lord Shiva realized Shatee was no longer on His shoulder, he became quiet and sat in deep meditation. The demons (asuras) were always fighting with the Gods; and were occupying the Heaven over and over. All the Gods went to Lord Brahma and asked for advise. He advised them, ‘by the union of Lord Shiva and

giver of knowledge, bliss Durga a and serenity. son will be born who will KUSHMANDA defeat The forth form of Godt h e dess Durga is Kushmanda. demons’. Ushma means tap (heat). All the The name of ugly heat is G o d s Kushmanda. In this mortal t h e n world there are Adhibwent to houtich (Elemental), AdhiGoddess doubick (providential) and Durga Adhyatmik (spiritual) the and retritap (three kinds of heatquested ing). Bhagawan Srikrishna her to drank the Davanal (conflaappear One image of the Divine Mother Durga gration) of Braja (Vrindaon the van) to save His devotees. Bhagwan Shiv earth again as the consort of Lord Shiva. In Shankar drank the Halahal (Poison) which order to fulfill the desires of the Gods she came out during the churning of Milky was born as the daughter of Giriraj Himalay Ocean by Devatas and the Asuran. The Diand Menoka Devi, Shaila-Putree. As daughter (putree) of Giriraj, the Hi- vine mother Durga is called KUSHmalaya Mountains (Shaila), Parvati or MANDA. Those who take Refuge of Hemvati represents the first of the nine Divine mother Durga, she drinks their Durgas (Nava-Durga). She is depicted as Kushmanda, the ugly heating – cause of deholding a trident and a lotus in each of her struction. She is very kind to her children, two hands and is shown mounted on a bull. she is the savior and always protects her children. The Goddess Durga, Kushmanda is deBRAHMACHARINEE (Female ascetic) picted as emanating a cosmic aura and is Goddess Durga was born as the daughdepicted as having eight hands, seven of ter of Giriraj Himalay and Menoka Devi which carry weapons while the eighth car(Shila-Putree) to fulfill the desires of the ries a rosary. gods and also to reunite with her husband, LORD SHIVA. She was named Parvati. Brahmacharinee the name indicates the phase of Parvati's life when she was indulging in severe austerities to appease Lord Shiva into marrying her. She had pledged that she would remain unmarried (Brahmacharinee) till Lord Shiva gives his consent to marrying Parvati. She is shown as holding a water pot (Kumbha) in one hand and a rosary in the other. She is considered as the symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Rudrakhsa (rosary beads) is her form of favorite ornamentation. CHANDA-GHANTA When the demons (asuras) occupied the Heaven, all the Gods assembled and started to pray to the Divine Mother of the Universe to appear and save them from the demons. Goddess Durga appeared as Mahalakshmi from the union powers of all the Gods to kill Mahishashur. All the Gods presented weapons to her. Indra the King of Heaven presented her Chanda-Ghanta (Ringing bell). Those who are proceeding towards the path of righteousness, towards the path of spirituality, can hear the NADBRAHMA, the spiritual sound. Goddess Durga shows them spiritual light (Jyoti Darshan). The spiritual scholars say, the sound of the bell is the combined sound of all the musical instruments. Those who passed their life with desires, by hearing the sound of the bell they are scared and think Yaamraj, the death is coming to them riding on a buffalo and the bell is hanging on the neck of the buffalo. But those who are the devotee of mother and always engage in the path of righteousness can hear the Chanda-Ghanta (Nad-brahme) and always feel the presence of divine mother Durga and enjoy their spiritual life. As Chanda-ghanta, the goddess is depicted as having golden skin and with a moon-crescent near her forehead. She is shown as having three eyes and ten hands, eight of which carry weapons and two of which form gestures of giving boons and stopping harms. She is shown as sitting on a tiger. She is usually associated with the

SKANDAMATA Deva-Senapati (Commander in Chief of Gods) is Kumar Kartick, he is known as SKANDHA. Goddess Durga took birth as the daughter of Giriraj Himalaya and Menoka Devi, she was named Parvati. When Parvati was young, Kamdev (Cupid) appeared before Lord Shiva in order to break his austere penance, by the request of the Gods. Kamdev was reduced to ashes by the flame of anger of Lord Shiva. Parvati realized it required austere penance without which she cannot be dear to Lord Shiva. Parvati, started austere penance, her mother Menoka Devi requested her over and over not to do it, but she did not listen. She is the Shakti, she is the consort of Lord Shiva, how can she stay without Lord Shiva? At the beginning stage of penance she was eating leaves from the trees but after a while she stopped eating the leaves also. Lord Shiva has been in deep meditation for Shakti (Parvati) and Parvati is in deep meditation for Lord Shiva. The stone hearted Lord Shiva melted by stead fast prayer of Parvati. Lord Shiva got married to Parvati. By their union Kumar Kartick was born. He was the Commander in chief (Deva-Senapati) Skandha who defeated the demons. Devi Parvati becomes SKANDA MATA. We are proud of Skandha as he is the son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. Parvati is proud of her heroic son Skandha and she is Skandhamata. The goddess is shown as having four hands, two of which carry lotuses while two are in defending and granting gestures. She is shown sitting on a lion with her son Skanda in her lap. KATYAYANEE KATYAYANEE is the sixth form of Goddess Durga. Shatee left her mortal coil, Lord Shiva took the dead body of Shatee on His solder and with anger started dancing as if he will destroy the Universe. Lord Vishnu realizing it would be very difficult to save the Universe from His anger, with His Sudarsan Chakra cut the dead body in 51 parts and were thrown in different parts

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of Bharat-Desh and where ever it fell, created 51.

SHAKTI-PITHAS. When Lord Shiva saw Shatee is no more on His solder, he became quiet and sat in deep meditation. The mother of the universe (Shatee) is residing in 51 Shakti-Pithas in different forms. One of the parts of Shatee’s body fell in Vrindavan. Shatee Devi is residing there as Katyayanee. In Vrindavan Katyayannee Shakti-Pith, those who pray to Devi-mata, she blesses them for Bhakti(Devotion). In CHANDI, katyayanee Devi blessed King Surath for happiness and Samadhi Vaishya for mukti, moksha (liberation). Indian mothers pray to Katyayanee Devi to find honest boys (Sonin-law) for their daughters. Katyayanee Devi showers her choicest blessings to her devotees. Katyayanee: Katyaynaee is so named because of her stay at the hermitage of sage Katyayan for the purpose of penance. She is sometimes also said to be the daughter of sage Katyayan. She also is shown astride a lion and has three eyes and four arms. In one hand she holds a lotus and in another a weapon. The third and fourth hands show defending and granting gestures. KALRATRI Kalratri is the seventh form of Devi Durga. In Rig-Vedas (10th Mandal) God (Paramatma, Parabrahma) is said as Ratri (dark-night). The Divine mother of the universe is the Shakti (strength of the darknight) of Ratri. At night animal kingdom (Jeeb-Jagat) take break from work and sleep and all the tiredness is removed. At the time of Maha-pralay (universal destruction) the world takes shelter on the lap of the Divine mother. The night of annihilation is the dark night (Maharatri). Kal-Ratri is darker than Maharatri. In Maharatri the whole universe is destroyed, but Bhagawan Vishnu is awake. At the time of Kal-Ratri (the darkest night) Bhagawan Vishnu sleeps. Kal-Ratri is the Yogo-Nidra of Bhagawan Vishnu. In CHANDI, Lord Brahma prayed to Yogo-Nidra Devi to awaken up Bhagawan Vishnu. This Yogo-Nidra is Maha-Kalika or KALRATRI. At the end of the day we all take rest and in the morning we all awake up. At night on whose lap we sleep, she is Kalratri, she is Yogo-Nidra, and she is the divine mother of the universe. KALRATRI is depicted as having black skin with bountiful hair, four arms and astride a donkey. In one hand she holds a cleaver and in another a burning torch. With the other two hands she forms gestures of granting and defending. She represents the enemy of darkness and ignorance. MAHA-GOUREE It is said that when Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, became dark while observing penance, Lord Shiva jokingly addressed Her Kalo-meye (dark girl), being conceited she sat in severe penance. By severe penance, she gave her dark colour to her husband Lord Shiva and she became the fairest complexion and thus she came to be known as Maha-Gouree (Gouree means fairest). Maha-Gouree depicted as the fairest of the nine Durgas and is often dressed in white or green. She emanates peace and compassion and is shown with three eyes and as riding a bull. She also has four arms, one of which carries a tambourine and another trident. The other two forms are in defending and granting gestures. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 20)

WORLD NEWS

Indo-Caribbean Times

APRIL 2008

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Trinidad born Sgt Dhanoolal Chinese may take over Air Jamaica Carib heads told of killed in Iraq, casualty # 4012 F world food crisis World food crisis T

rinidad-born Sgt Dayne Darren Dhanoolal, of Brooklyn, New York, was killed in Baghdad on March 31. Dhanoolal, 26, originally from Acono Road, Belle View, Maracas, St Joseph, migrated to the United States in 1997 when he was 15 years old. He was due home from Iraq in three weeks’ time, when he died. Dhanoolal was wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was the son of Monica Mary Brown, who now lives in Killeen, Texas, and Sylvon Dhanoolal, of Acono Road, Belle View, Maracas, St Joseph. Dhanoolal is the 4,012th American soldier to die in the war in Iraq. His sister Natalie Dhanoolal said the US Department of Defence yesterday announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was Dhanoolal’s second tour in Iraq. Natalie said he was assigned to the Second Battalion, 69th Armour Regiment, Third Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Georgia. He attended New Dorp High School in Staten Island and went on to Brooklyn College to start his higher education studies. Natalie said Dhanoolal decided not to continue with his studies and then joined the Army in 2002. Dhanoolal was the only son of his parents. He had three sisters, Karlene Fenton, Jillene Fenton, also a soldier in the US Army, and Natalie. Natalie said her sister Jillene was on her fourth tour in Iraq and rushed home to attend to the funeral arrangements. He is believed to be the first Trinidad born casualty in the Iraq war that has also seen thousands of US soldiers wounded.

is upon us now

The long predicted food crisis has finally hit the world like a tsunami, with rice shortages and high prices causing pains in Asia. Prices have almost doubled on international markets in the last three months and created major problems in countries where rice is the staple diet. In Pakistan troops have been sent to guard trucks carrying wheat and flour. There have been protests in Indonesia over soubeaan shortages. China has put price controls on cooking oil, grain, meat, milk and eggs. Food riots have broken out in Guinea, Mauritania, Mexico, Senegal, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. Rice exporters have cut their shipments abroad to meet local needs, and this has driven up world prices. Vietrname is cutting rice exports by 25% this year. India has banned the export of all but the expensive basmati rice. Egypt is banning rice exports for six months, and Cambodia is not allowing private businesses to sell rice abroad. There are several reasons for the food crisis. Countries like India and China are more prosperous and demand is greater. Drought and bad weather have cut production. Some rice farmers have turned to other crops that bring more money. In Vietnam a plant disease has affected rice yields. Governments that used to hold large reserves of rice have been drawing down on stocks while rice consumption grew faster than production in the last decade. are turning to cash crops.

Disappointing reaction of gov’t, opposition in Guyana crisis (From Page 4)

The solution is clear. The problem is racial and the problem is fixable. Three things must be done: The armed forces must be racially balanced now. Commission after commission has recommended this. The PPP continues to make excuses about Indians not wanting to join the army and police. We all know this is not true. Balram Singh Rai made it happen in 1961. This was thwarted in its infancy. Why can’t it happen now? Reason is simple. Without a balanced force both the Indians and Africans are suffering. The country needs to be structured under a federal system of administration. This will allow for Africans and Indians to have control of areas where they are in a majority. No race can then complain about not being able to make progress because of the other. And thirdly, justice must be served. Crimes cannot go unpunished. Especially hate crimes. The Jews will dig out the last living fascist who remotely assisted in the holocaust from the bowels of the earth even if he is 90 yrs old and bring him to justice. We have to pursue and enforce justice with a passion. Friends history has shown that both the PPP and PNC have failed Guyana. It is clear that leadership does not exist in

Guyana. But history is on our side because history has proven and demonstrated that all the great revolutions were born outside of those countries. Vladimir Ilich Lenin initiated the Russian revolution from Germany; Fidel Castro launched the Cuban revolution from Mexico when he attacked moncada. The Ayotola brought his power change when he returned form France. Friends, the future leadership of Guyana is here in Toronto and New York. You are the future leaders of Guyana. Concerning this ‘One Love” dream. I like it but it is yet to be achieved. I don’t feel any love when five year kids are murdered in bed like dogs with their bowels pouring out of them. How can there be love without justice and respect? Love does not happen by magic. The road to love is long and requires sacrifice and commitment. It is a noble goal! I commend these two gents, Leon and Patrick for taking the initiative. Let’s name today’s event “Call for Action & Justice”. That mean Love has arrived! Thank You! God Bless! Rudy Lochan

inance and the Public Service Minister Audley Shaw told The Gleaner this week that the Chinese national airline, Air China, has had initial talks with the Government with a view to operate Air Jamaica. Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in his first radio call-in programme on January 30, told listeners that Air Jamaica was costing the country too much to maintain. He said the Government had plans to remove it from the national budget. Air Jamaica has racked up significant losses, costing the country more than US$100 million (J$7 billion) to maintain annually.

Ex Belize PM Musa to step down

Former Prime Minister Said Musa has hinted that it was time for him to step down as political leader of the People's United Party (PUP), which crashed to a heavy electoral defeat in February 7 general elections. The Opposition United Democratic Party's (UDP), led by 56-year-old attorneyat-law Dean Barrow, scored a resounding 25-6 victory in the election crushing the aspirations of the PUP which was seeking an unprecedented third successive term in government. Musa, 63, said he accepted the will of the people and saw the electoral result as evidence of the country's strong democratic systems at work. The UDP's victory ended its stint in the political wilderness since 1998. Musa said defeat was no stranger to the PUP and that the party would rebound. He said the party will conduct an internal assessment of its performance at the polls and will reach out to former members to restore it to its position as the party of choice for Belizeans. "Election is over, no bitterness, no recriminations; let us move on, confident that we can all make life better for everyone when we work in unity with malice towards none and in a spirit of Belizean solidarity," he added.

Biofuel worsens food crisis

Influencing the food crisis is the move in North America and Europe to biofuel in an effort to ease global warming and reduce reliance on imported energy. A surge in demand for biofuel has resulted in a sharp decline in agricultural land planted for food crops. About 16% of U.S. agricultural land formerly planted with soybeans and wheat is now growing corn for biofuel. For the first time in history, there is a clear link between the price of fuel and the price of food. As a result the supply of grains like wheat and soya has been declining and prices have been rising ominously.

At their recent conference in the Bahamas , the director general of the United Nations (UN) Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Jacques Diouf alarmed heads of government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) with the warning that the world is on the brink of a serious food shortage. Recalling the moment at a press conference on March 14 in the Ministry of Finance tower, Eric Williams Financial Complex, Independence Square , Port-ofSpain, Trade and Industry Minister Dr Keith Rowley said, "He gave the data, he gave the figures with respect to the significant reduction in the availability of food around the world. And he told Caricom heads that he had come to the meeting to impress upon them this grave situation, to let them know they must do everything possible within their borders to produce whatever they can because the prognosis is that food on the world market would become more and more in short supply and automatically become more and more expensive." Rowley said Diouf also warned that in the future there would come instances where, even if the money was available, "the stocks would not be available for purchase." Rowley said there are already concerns over the availability of rice, which might become the first food item in short supply to citizens of T&T. He said Guyana is a major supplier of rice to T&T, but some local importers trying to place advance orders with their Guyanese suppliers had received written responses indicating that Guyana would not be able to supply as expected. "

US Hindus win a battle on textbooks

California Parents for the Equalization of Educational Materials (CAPEEM) scored a major victory when Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr. of the United States District Court of the Eastern District of California rejected the defendants' motion to dismiss CAPEEM's lawsuit to correct inaccuracies in sixth grade history textbooks. CAPEEM's complaint contends that the process to adopt the textbooks discriminated against Hindus and that the textbooks indulge in indoctrination of Abrahamic religions while using disparaging language against Hinduism. American Hindus have been waging a campaign in several states about the way school textbooks portray Hinduism as an idol worshipping, animal worshipping and caste ridden, backward religion, ignoring the views of the Hindus themselves.

INDIANS IN THE CARIBBEAN

Indo-Caribbean Times

Rural Developments on Sugar Estates in Jamaica (Part 2) By Ruby Samlalsingh

(A paper presented to the Conference on Social Development organized by the Federal Government of the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad on March 1959.)

Contined from the March issue

Others have arranged courses lasting six to eight weeks on local government and have invited some persons knowledgeable on the subject to conduct them. Under the guidance of the Welfare Officer, the members take charge of the proceedings, plan the programme, introduce the speaker and keep records. All this is good training if and when the areas are taken into the Local Authority, and if they are not it will still be good training in leadership and will help to break the old tradition of dependence on management for everything. It has not been easy to get the people to form Tenants' Associations. And some of them are still very hesitant because they are very suspicious of innovations and are afraid that it is a first step towards the Local Authority, under which for the first time in their lives they will be called upon to pay rates and taxes. If through the Tenants' Associations we could instil into the residents a feeling of belonging and foster a social consciousness so that they will take pride in their housing area, and develop a sense of responsibility for what happens in it, we shall have achieved something of lasting value.

Educational and Recreational Opportunities

Members of the Educational Councils which function through the community centres decide what is needed to try to meet the educational needs in two ways. They arrange a series of popular lectures by wellknown people on subjects of general interest, such as health, sanitation, co-operation, etc., to which the whole community is invited , and they enlist the help of teachers and other people with special skills and knowledge who undertake to conduct regular classes for those who wish to study such things as arithmetic, bookkeeping, English, economics, etc. These are, of course, limited by the number of voluntary helpers available in the vicinity. One more ambitious council sponsored classes is to enable under-privileged boys to study for the G.C.E. To date it is not possible to report any passes, but it shows that the people are beginning gradually to realize that by their own efforts they can supplement Government and other services to satisfy their own needs. In a country such as British Guiana, where 50 per cent of the population is under twenty, and where the opportunities for education beyond the primary level are so few, membership in youth clubs and organisations of one kind or another is very important for every boy and girl leaving school. These clubs can provide a continuing education of an informal nature which can help to fill the void caused by the limited amount of formal education available for most of the young people. There are numerous youth clubs, boys' clubs, scout troops, handicraft classes, improvement associations, discussion groups, cricket clubs, volley ball clubs, athletic clubs, table tennis clubs, dramatic clubs, etc., functioning in each of the community centres. Each

meets the needs of some of the youth, and constant supervision by the Welfare Officer endeavours to ensure that their affairs are conducted according to democratic procedure and each member gets an opportunity of developing his leadership ability and expressing his views. There is often a danger of putting programme before people, and sometimes when groups programmes do not go successfully, or they seem to achieve nothing specific, we and the members become discouraged. Yet the time and effort devoted by our officers is not wasted because the development of human personality is an end in itself, and the opportunities which participation in group activities give to the individual for achieving status and significance in his relationship with other people, is an important part of our work. Two film shows arc provided monthly hy the companies and these are supplemented by documentaries from the British Council, the U.S.I.S. and the Government Information Services. On each estate, libraries of about 700 books are provided by the company and a small sum is granted annually by the Labour Welfare Fund Committee for supplementing and repairing the books. Fifty percent of all the books are for juveniles and this section of the libraries has, for obvious reasons, been most popular. A recent survey revealed that in the group under eighteen, one person in five is unable to read, whereas in the group eighteen to forty-five, as many as one in two is illiterate. Cricket gear and all other sports equipment are replaced by the groups themselves and all functions and projects of the community centres are financed by membership subscriptions and by funds raised. If any group wishes to learn a skill or craft which the .Welfare Officer is not qualified to teach and for which voluntary help is not available, the centre and the group are responsible for paying the fees and buying the raw material. In many cases the collection of membership fees is very difficult, partly for the reason that most organisations everywhere find it difficult to collect fees, and partly because there is still the lurking feeling that that the estate management should provide everything free. But Estate We1fare Officers arc advised to be very firm on this point. Fees are nominal and constitute an important discipline. The raising of funds presents no difficulties, as dances, sports, fairs, raffles, and all the traditional and accepted methods of doing so well supported, if for no other reason than that there are no social activities in which everyone can participate except those sponsored by the Community Centre Councils. Extensive use has been made of the competitive spirit in promoting dramatic activity on sugar estates. For a while, very little progress was made in this field until we started an inter-estate Drama Festival four years ago. The first fcstiva1 was folJowcd up by drama training courses, and since then the standard and interest in theatre continues to increase. Last year, from our fifteen estates there were forty-three entries. Some of the preliminaries ran for two successive evenings, and in several places largc numbers had to be turned away. Playreading and play-producing are now regular features of community centres and girls' clubs programmes. One remarkable aspect of the Drama Festival has been the better understanding and friendships it has forged between workers and management.

Work with Women and Girls

Great importance is placed on our work among the women and girls because women are traditionally the preservers and transmitters of culture through the family. The psychologists tell us that the early years of a child's life are the most important. The educationd and well informed mother will provide a better home and have greater knowledge and understanding of the problems and needs of childhood. There is no appreciation of the neccesity and value of play for young children, and one is surprised at the heavy tasks and and responsibilities of quite young children of four or five. Jobs such as fetching water, lifting and caring for baby brothers and sisters occupies the hours before and after school. The physical care and feeding of babies is still a hit-and-miss affair, and though the strong babies survive, the weak child does not stand a chance. The obvious lack of understanding by parents of the needs and attitudes of adolescent children make for much unrest and unhappiness in family life. With the gradually improving conditions of work and wages on the estates, less ancl less married women will need to go out to work. It is also part of the long-term policy of the companies not to employ female labour in field work. In order to help to benefit to the fullest from the new leisure and the better economic status so that there will be a corresponding improvement in the standard of living, we have planned a programme for better living which includes classes in cookery, nutrition, home improvement, mothercraft, hygiene, dressmaking and various handicrafts. Instruction in these subjects is undertaken by the Woman Welfare Officer with, the aid of volunteers skilled in various crafts. Through the use of films, posters, demonstrations, exhibitions, and other visual aids, learning is made easy and attractive. Where too great reluctance to come to the centres is evident, our programme has to be taken into the homes, and in each housing scheme the officer conducts c1asses in the home of one of the residents. Encouragement is given to the playing of games. Indoor games such as draughts, checkers, snakes and ladders, cards and table tennis, are very popular. Outdoor games such as volley ball and rounders are gaining in popularity and in a few places inter-estate competitions have been arranged and played. There is a strong prejudice, however, among East Indians of girls playing such games in public and this of course has to be recognised. It is breaking down slowly, but we must not appear to force the change. Recognition of the habits and beliefs of the people are important if we are to enlist their support and participation in our programme. In order to keep up the interest of the members as well as the community as a whole, a series of special "Weeks" and events are arranged, and practically every month there is some special feature. Parents' Day, Child-CareWeek, Home and Family Week, Exhibitions, Conferences, Picnics, Outings and Drama Festivals are some of the main features.

Traditional Values and Social Change

Work with women is confronted with many difficulties, the chief of which is the traditional practice which keeps post-school girls carefully guarded at home and older women bound by the four walls of their

APRIL 2008

Page 19

home, except for the necessary excursions to the market or, if she is a working woman, to the field. Indian women are still very much under the control of their husbands. The influence of the pundits is important. There is a great fear of what they call "Western culture" but which they cannot verbalise. It is the fear of losing those habits and attitudes to life which are the products of Indian culture. It is symbolised in the religion, diet, family life, respect for elders, and in the celebration of their religious and other festivals. Naturally, it is no part of our organisation to destroy what is good in Indian culture, but to foster and encourage all that is best in the culture of the six races which comprise the peoples of Guiana and to foster and promoten the Guianasation of all the elements. But among the illiterate and semi-literate masses who have lived in ignorance and poverty for so long, there is a tendency to confuse education and progress with "Western culture". These factors are important and their implications must be faced. In promoting and influencing social change, we have to be careful not to cut across the traditional beliefs and institutions of the people, and especially not to undermine the influence of their religious leaders. Any form of education which might have a disintegrating or upsetting effect upon the people must be carefully eschewed, and efforts must be made to conserve all sound elements tbat constitute the fabric of social life. Our officers are therefore advised to work with and through the existing groups and to use the influence of the local leaders in forming new ones. It is still rather early to assess achievement nnd progress, but the indications are that people are slowly awakening to the possibility of social and economic progress brought about by their own action. Once it is realised that they can create change, they will no longer be afraid of it, because they know that they can also to some extent control and influence it. One very noticeable change that has taken place over the past four years is the rousing of the social conscience of various local religious and other groups. Many of them have risen from long sleep and are trying to institute programmes that will meet the needs of their members. Social change is a slow process and changing people's attitudes takes time and patience. I cannot, therefore, hope to precipitate people into a project for social amelioration and expect it to be successful overnight, but so long as the general trend is towards progress there is hope for the future.

This English edition of the Community Development Bulletin is produced by the Clearing House with assistance both from the Commission for Technical Co-operation in Africa South of the Sahara to whom it is made available as part of an extension of services to Member Governments of the Commission, and from Unesco to strengthen the international coverage of the Bulletin.

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South Asians now Canada’s biggest visible minority (From Page 3)

Traditionally, the vast majority of visible minority (nearly 96 per cent) resides in metropolitan areas, mainly in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. In recent year however, other cities like Abbotsford BC, and Calgary AB are also attracting large numbers. Competing for Immigrants For most countries, it is established that a vibrant economy requires a large population. Like Canada, other developed countries also experience similar declines in their natural population growth, and they wish to maintain their already high standards of living. The fear is that their economic prosperity will be compromised unless they have a large resident population to produce goods and services for domestic use and also for overseas markets. Thus, the campaign is on to attract skilled immigrants. Immigrants as “Enrichment” As far as the European Union (EU) is concerned, opinion polls suggest that citizens believe immigrants make a meaningful contribution to the economy and society. Speaking at a conference in Lisbon recently, EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini informed his audience that European governments should regard immigration not a threat but as an “enrichment". He pointed out that while the US was getting 55% of all skilled migrants, Europe was able to attract a mere 5%. He noted that skills shortages were already noticeable in a number of sectors, and that this trend was not going to improve any time soon. He then called for an overhaul of the immigration system to attract more skilled immigrants. Ways Canada Attracts Immigrants The following can be considered the dream of every qualified prospective immigrant. Are peoples from the Caribbean taking note? Reduced Application Fee

A Permanent Residence fee of $975 per person was imposed in 1995. This was later reduced to $490. Of course, many people argue that the fee should be eliminated altogether. Trained Student Ambassadors Foreign students on visa can study and

work concurrently if they choose to do so. Upon graduation, they can apply for immigrant status. However, even if some choose to return to their home countries, their work experience and fond memories will make them ambassadors of Canadian businesses and technology. In this way the rest of the world can get a better picture of the wonderful country of Canada—a vast land rich in culture and valuable resources (lumber, minerals, petroleum). Only recently, Prime Minister Steven Harper described Canada as an “energy superpower”; but equally important is the manufacturing sector (aerospace, automobiles, high technology, shipbuilding). Indeed Canada’s cutting edge technology makes it more than a just an agricultural country (producing wheat, canola, dairy and meat). This latter distinction has earned the Canadian Prairie Provinces the reputation as being the “bread basket of the world”. So foreign students trained at Canadian universities and colleges are in the best position to advertise our country to the outside world, making it more attractive to prospective immigrants. Secular Education System

The type of broad-based education available in Canada is the envy of the world. And even if new immigrants fail to find their dram jobs upon arrival, at least they can take comfort that their children are going to get the best type of education. Here students are taught tolerance and openmindedness in non-segregated schools. They learn modern ways of looking at old problems. In the process, they develop mutual respect and embrace technological innovation. And living in multicultural Canada gives them to appreciate the big cultural picture. It makes them better citizens of the world—one where eventually the question of one’s race, belief system and ethnicity is less important than their contribution to society. Temporary Workers

In 2005, there were there were some 95,000 temporary workers to cover a wide range of jobs. Many found employment in the agriculture sector, and in the booming housing sector. But since then, economic activity has temporarily slowed.

On the larger question of immigration to Canada, can a Temporary Foreign Worker Program be part of the solution? No doubt, some of them may choose to become immigrants in due course; but many apparently prefer to be migrant workers. Under this arrangement, they can live in their home countries, and choose to work for part of the year in Canada. If this seems like having the best of both worlds, then perhaps it is. However, large numbers of temporary workers tend to highlight the need to publishing information on the specific categories of skilled immigrants needed in Canada. This is to ensure that those who come here have meaningful jobs, and are not part of a greater problem.

And what about “illegal” workers? Are they going to play a greater role in the Canadian economy in the years ahead? Will they acquire legal immigration status at some time in the future? Implications for Canada

The number of visible minorities in Canada has cracked the five million mark for the first time in history. Over the years, many people from Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago came as immigrants to settle here. Canada is demonstrating to the world that when faced with a declining birth rate, an enlightened immigration policy can meet population targets and skills requirements to facilitate continued economic prosperity. In this respect, Canada may be emulating what South Asian countries have done for millennia. For example India offered home for peoples from all over the world. While a great many came as marauders, plunderers and conquerors, collectively their presence did have positive outcomes. Today, as India and other South Asian countries reclaim their rightful place on the world stage, Canada is also demonstrating that by attracting people from diverse backgrounds to our shores, that the peoples of the world can be one family. [Dr. Roop Misir is an Indo-Canadian Teacher with the Toronto District School Board. Please send your comments to [email protected].]

APRIL 2008

Page 20

Nine forms of Durga (From page 17) SIDDHIDATREE

SIDDHIDATREE is the ninth and final form of Goddess Durga. Siddhidatri means the giver of siddhis (magical or spiritual powers for the control of self, others and the forces of nature). In RAMAYAN, (Kirtibasi) in LankaKand, Bhagawan Ramchandra performed Durga-puja to kill Ravan; Devi Durga appeared and blessed him. In MAHABHARAT, before the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhagawan Krishna told Arjuna to pray to (Durga-stv) Goddess Durga for the victory. Goddess Durga appeared as the ‘giver of Siddhis’ by the pray of Arjun and blessed him, ‘very soon you will be victorious’. It is said in ‘Devipuran’ that the Supreme God, Lord Shiva received all of these powers by propitiating the Maha Shakti. The Goddess is sometimes shown atop a lion and sometimes atop a lotus. She is shown as having four arms, which hold a club, a conch shell and a lotus. The fourth hand forms a gesture of granting. Siddhidatree is considered to be the most powerful of all the nine forms of Durga.Durga is said to be extraordinarily beautiful; she does not use her beauty for seduction, but rather entrapment. She entices her victims and then defeats them. She rides a lion, and it appears whenever her strengths are needed. Her role is not that of creator, but rather that of a maintainer: she maintains cosmic order by defeating demons that plague the universe. Goddess Durga is not only a powerful force for cosmic order but also a protector of her devotees. She listens to her devotees and attends to their needs. The Devi Mahatmya describes her as a personal savior who will save her devotees from forest fires, wild animals, robbers, imprisonment, execution and battle. Goddess Durga keeps up the play of the divine universal God through the three attributes of Nature, namely, Satva (equilibrium and serenity), Rajas (dynamism and kinesis) and Tamas (ignorance and inertia). Knowledge, peace, lust, anger, greed, egoism and pride, all are her forms. Maha Saraswati is Her Sattviki Shakti or power of equilibrium. Maha Lakshmi is Her Rajasik Shakti or power of activity. And Maha Kali is Her Tamsik Shakti, the power of destruction. All these are feminine forms. The animal world (Jeev-Jagat; Yogi, Bhogi, Tyagi, Sadhak, Bhakta, Grihi, Tapswee), Yogis, sanyasi’s, devotees, non-devotees, even the triumvirate Gods: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are doing penance to receive Siddhis by the grace of Siddhidatree-Goddess Durga-the Divine Mother.

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CRICKETCricket:

Windies win a test,

T

he West Indies won a Test match this week. And they won two out of three one day internationals against the Sri Lankans to complete a series sweep at home that has been long in coming. Much of it was due to Guyanese star batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, especially the first one day international where he scored the final 10 winning runs off the last two balls. Ecstatic cricket fans at the Queen's Park Oval's have not seen anything like this for a long, long time.

Indo-Caribbean Times

TT’s world boxing one day series champ Giselle sports Chanderpaul one of eight world titles Wisden’s top five emale super welterweight champion F Jisselle Salandy (16-0, 6 KOs) retained cricketers her WBC/WBA/IWBF/WIBA world titles Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year include two West Indian Test players-one current, one former. Shivnarine Chanderpaul received cricket's oldest accolade after sustaining his side's batting almost singlehanded during the tour of England in 2007

Chanders sweeps awards

The excellence of Shivnarine Chanderpaul in 2007 earned him a clean sweep of individual awards. But it was his former teammate Jimmy Adams who defined the evening at the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) awards and dinner Sunday evening at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. A judges' panel headed by Clive Lloyd, another former WI captain, voted the Guyanese left-hander as the International Cricketer of the Year, 2007, the One-day International Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year. Those accolades were earned after a year in which Chanderpaul averaged 111.60 in Tests and 76.64 in ODIs. Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Fans were singing hymns of praise and words of thanks rang out of the Sir Learie Constantine Stand last week when Devon Smith spanked Muttiah Muralitharan to the extra cover boundary to complete a sixwicket win over Sri Lanka. Witnessing the event were some youngsters who would never have seen the West Indies win a Test here. The last success for the home side at the Oval was against Zimbabwe--eight years and fives matches ago. Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine made gave them new memories with a 157 runs partnership for the fourth wicket to wrest the game away from the Sri Lankans. Windies shared the two match series and avoided an embarassing whitewash at home. After handing the West Indies a win over Sri Lanka in the first limited overs match at the Queen’s Park Oval last Thursday, Shivnarine Chanderpaul did it again on Saturday when he pulled the team out of a tricky situation and on to victory in the second Digicel limited overs international. West Indies has now won the series with an unbeatable two victories out of three.

Jack Warner saves TT football again

The fortunes of T&T football are on the rise again, according to Jack Warner, Special Adviser to the T&T Football Federation, at a reception to honour the youthful T&T footballers who held a strong Jamaica XI to a 2-2 draw in Jamaica. Warner, often described as the godfather of T&T football, has saved the T&T Football Federation further financial embarrassment once again. Facing another crisis with regards to the payment of staff and players, Warner came to the rescue of the federation by paying salaries owed to the players and staff since December. “Football is living by the grace of God since the Government has failed to deliver,” stated the Fifa Vice President. “I have had to mortgage a property to keep the game alive.” “Under no condition, they (the Government) will frustrate the federation. They have discriminated against football, basketball and boxing. We are being held to ransom.” “As long as there is a breath of life in my body, the fortunes of football will not go down,” he said. ,

CHESS, DRAUGHT AND DOMINO TOURNAMENTS

Players of all skill levels (beginners to advanced) are invited to participate. Tournaments held every month during the winter.

See schedule at www.horizoncricketclub.com or phone 905-794-5423. Also, adult and kids CHESS LESSONS (beginners to advance). Learn to play the world’s best board game. Registration information at www.horizoncricketclub.com

and added the WIBF/GBU belts of Karolina Lukasik (9-1, 1 KO) with a controversial ten round unanimous decision at the Jean Pierre Complex in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Scores were 97-94 on all cards for the hometown favorite. After narrowly winning her toughest bout, Salandy (16-0) now has among her eight titles the WBA, WBC, WIBA, WIBF, IWBF, and GBU junior-middleweight crowns. Lukasik of Poland was suffering her first defeat in ten matches.

Ministry pumps $3.5m into pro boxing

The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs contributed $496,500 to the world title fight between Poland 's Karolina Lukasik and Trinidad and Tobago 's Jizelle Salandy, which took place at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya. Sports Minister Gary Hunt said that his Ministry's most recent contribution has brought the Government's funding of professional boxing to TT$3.5 million, putting T&T second, only to Thailand, in terms of its funding of the sport on a professional level. Salandy is the country’s second women’s world boxing champion, with the first being young Ria Ramnarine. Ria is currently training to resume her boxing career after a period of financial difficulty caused by lack of sponsorship funds and training facilities.

APRIL 2008

Page 22

Horizon Club day of chess is May 3

The Horizon Cricket Club is inviting all chess all chess players, beginners to grandmasters, rated or unrated to come and enjoy a day of chess at their 2008 Ontario Recreational Chess Champtionship. It takes place on Saturday May 03 at Island Grove Restaurant (905-9131200).4525 Ebenezer Rd, Brampton (Off The Gore Road, North of Hwy 7 (Queen St), starting at 1:00 pm SHARP. Registration is from 12:30 pm. The club can arrange hotel accommodation for players coming from out of town. Type of Tournament: 5 Rounds Swiss. 15 minutes per player, followed by playoff. Rules will be explained on tournament day. Sections: Three sections. (1) Ratings of below 1500 (Advanced Section) (2) Ratings of 1500 to 2400 (Chess Master Section) (3) Ratings of above 2400 (Grandmaster Section) Unrated players can choose to register in either the Advanced or Chess Master sections. Registration fee: is only $20 per player, and dinner is included. There are lots of trophies at stake and a chance to compete for the Grand Title of: 2008 Ontario Recreational Chess Champion. Players must bring a chess set and a chess clock. Pre-Registration: Please pre-register ASAP by phone (905) 794-5423 or by email to [email protected]. To pre-register, simply provide your name, phone number, email address and desired section, plus the names and sections of any players accompanying you. For more information: Fred Lall. Phone: 905-794-5423. Email: [email protected] www.horizoncricketclub.com

Brampton terror trials (From Page 16)

He goes on to say, "We already started striking cause you know what, this training is striking at them." On Feb. 4, 2006, Shaikh and an adult were joined by two others as they drove to Opasatika, a rural town near Timmins where they had hoped to set up a safe house where they could practise drills and store weapons. On the way back to Toronto they discussed Operation Badr, a plot to storm Parliament Hill, take politicians hostage and demand the removal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan and the release of Muslim prisoners in federal institutions, police allege. If their demands weren't met, they'd "kill everybody," said an adult, who also reminded the others that the prime minister wasn't "Paul Loser" or "Paul Martin" – as they suggested – but was in fact "the other guy, Harper." After their return, an adult reported he had built the "first radio frequency remote-control detonator," but pointed out it only had a range of 30 feet (nine metres), "which is not good." In response, another man pointed out "30 feet away? So you have to get blown up? Might as well sit in the car." He explained that if they could get the detonator to work from 300 metres, "then we'll do it." He then said that when the bomb went off on Front St., innocent people would be killed, which would be "too bad for them," according to the Crown's factum.

On March 5, two of the adults met with a man named Talib, hoping he would help them generate funds to purchase military assault rifles and other weapons, which one of them had already paid a down payment. As they attempted to recruit Talib, one man expressed their desire to establish "the religion of Allah," adding "we're not just a bunch of young guys." The other spoke of the "global fight." Meanwhile, a second, more advanced training camp was in the works and took place at Rockwood May 20-22, police allege. A number of the accused attended, as well a man named Shal Syed, who later voluntarily met with investigators and offered a statement about an adult's comments and the group's activities. Syed said an adult said the purpose of the camp was to "train" and to prepare for jihad. Again, an adult led a discussion circle inside a tent discussing so-called military strategies. One of the men asked Syed if he could teach others how to use firearms and grenades and whether he had access to such weapons. He also promised to show Syed recorded lectures given by Osama bin Laden. On June 2, about 400 police officers conducted a series of arrests that garnered international headlines. On that day 17 men and youths were arrested. An 18th suspect was arrested two months later.

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