AFROCARIBE MAGAZINE by kennedy lden

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contents SUMMER 2010

Latoya Woods (centre) was crowned Trinidad & Tobago Miss Universe 2009, Sarah Radday (second runner up), Danille Prime (1st Runner Up)

EDUCATION

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Quick Facts: Trinidad & Tobago Quick Facts: Nigeria

COVER STORY

Queen of our Universe

Wendy Fitzwilliam

In an Exclusive Interview, she tells Afrocaribe Magazine about her new book, Letters to Ailan and her life after serving as Miss Universe Ms. Wendy Fitzwilliam, winner of Miss Universe 1998, had returned from the Caribbean book launch of Letters to Ailan, dedicated to her son, when she graciously agreed to an interview with Afrocaribe Magazine.

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Quick Facts: Latin America Afrocaribe Connection

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Trinidad & Tobago Emancipation Highlights

Trinidad & Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1st Female Prime Minister: Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar

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Suriname Greetings Trinidad & Tobago Independence Day Celebrations

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Trinidadian Weds Nigerians

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

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Trade & Investment Conference 2010

Venezuelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bicentenario Celebrations in Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad Carnival Events

MISCELLANEOUS

Fall Preview with Jennifer Charles-George

contents

p),

SUMMER 2010

Wendy Fitzwilliam & her son Ailan

ARTS & CULTURE

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The National Academy of Performing Arts A Musical Revolution: PARANG Eid Celebrations

Divali Celebrations The Festival of Lights

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Ray Holman - The Past Present & Futre of Steelpan

FAMILY FOCUS

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Power in your name: Baby Names & Meaning Keys to Harmonious Living

STYLE & FASHION

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Trinidad & Tobago Fashion Week Exotic African Fashion Exotic African Wear & Headwraps

The Burrokeet

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Have Fun With Bright Eye Make Up How To Choose The Best Sunscreen Racing Cancer with Dr. Anesa Ahamed

EXCELLENCE IN SPORT

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A Tribute to Jizelle Salandy Female Boxer: Ria Ramnarine

MOTIVATION

Successful Nigerians residing in Trinidad. Bishop Drs. David & Pst Ijeoma Ibeleme

Living Faith Church. Winners Chapel with Bishop David Oyedepo

FOOD

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Interview with Chef Jamika Nigerian Cuisine Trinidad & Tobago Xmas Cuisine

ENTERTAINMENT

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Nollywood: History, Movies & Celebrities Highlights of T&T leg of Miss Universe Trinidad & Tobago Celebrities

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AIM Afrocaribe International Magazine CEO/PUBLISHER

Kennedy Iden

FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

Jennifer Charles-George EDITOR IN CHIEF

Susan Darby

SENIOR EDITORAL CONSULTANT

L.I.C. Peter Anthony Jaime BSc, Cpa (U.W.I)

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Ken Thomas

ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT Janet Charles

CONTRIBUTORS

Chef Jamika Pessao - Chef / Entreprenuer Dr Anesa Ahamed - FRC Radiation Oncologist Ray Holman - Composer, Arranger & Steelpan Performer

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION - AFRICA Onogimensike Omonlumen Otoide Itua Eugene Isaiah Iden Iyere Charles

WEBSITE DESIGN/MAINTENANCE Proudfoot Communications Ltd

GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT Heartfelt Designs - Chantelle George Jennifer Charles George

PHOTOGRAPHS Royal Photos

Distribution & Circulation Pineapple Media Ltd United Kingdom Ubiquity Limited (United States) Universal Bookstore Georgetown Guyana Periodicals Trinidad & Tobago Distribution PRINTED IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Afrocaribe International Magazine is heavily distributed throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, Europe, United States and Canada Afrocaribe International Magazine cannot be reproduced except with prior permission from the publisher. All Rights Reserved.

AIM CONTRIBUTORS Kennedy Iden CEO / PUBLISHER

Susan Darby EDITOR IN CHIEF

As AIM’s chief editor, Susan Darby brings 30 years of combined experience in print journalism and marketing. She holds a BA in Sociology and currently resides in a lake-side cottage located in a small town in northwest Alabama with her husband and their three dogs. Publisher Kennedy Iden hails from Nigeria, where he received his initial University training at Delta State University (Abraka), but has been based for several years in the Caribbean, and more specifically, Trinidad and Tobago, where he is presently domiciled. It was this initial exposure to the Caribbean that jolted Kennedy into the realization that while there is something of an African diaspora in the Caribbean, coexisting with a rich and widespread African cultural heritage rooted in the Caribbean and peripheral Latin America, the disturbing paradox is that African peoples know practically nothing of the Caribbean and neighbouring Latin America, nor do Caribbean and Latin American peoples have any meaningful understanding of, and appreciation for, continental African peoples and culture. Kennedy, drawing on his inspiration that comes from his spiritual orientation, at once recognized the need for these gaps to be bridged…. And the only practical and realistic way to assist in the furtherance of this bridging objective, as he saw it , was the creation of a regional magazine with this mission and this vision : And so “ Afro Caribe” was born !

Jennifer Charles-George FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

Jennifer is Trinidadian by birth, and, as the charming associate of publisher Iden, she helped to give genesis to the idea of “Afro Caribe- Bridging the Gap “. With , her formal education in business, and her strong marketing background, Jennifer will no doubt be able to rise to the marketing challenges of “ Afro Caribe”. But abreast of this, Jennifer has been active and proactive in the fashion and beauty world –a field in which she truly comes into her own ! Jennifer promises to take her readers on a breathtaking trip through fashion and beauty emanating out of the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America, highlighting commonalities and similarities. Her exquisite photography promises to do more than justice to her exclusive models and samples. From no-holds-barred interviews, to daring creations, to exotic faces and places, Jennifer delivers in a way that only she can !

Dr Anesa Ahamad ONCOLOGY ADVISOR Dr Anesa Ahamad is a highly respected Oncologist, serving as the Oncology Advisor, Ministry of Health, Medical Chief of Staff, Brian Lara Cancer Treatment Centre, Adjunct Professor M.D. Anderson State Cancer Centre in Houston, Texas (the number one ranked cancer treatment centre in the USA for 2007) she also lectures at The Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI. Young, intelligent, attractive and empathetic, she is dedicated to making a difference in the treatment of cancer in a country where her skills are in great demand. She goes above and beyond the call of duty, both in her native Trinidad & Tobago and worldwide.

Jamika Pessoa CHEF/ENTREPRENUER Chef Jamika Pessoa’s Caribbean heritage (parents from Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica) and innovative skills in the kitchen prove a perfect mix for The Food Network Reality Show. Her sassy style and bold twists of traditional Caribbean dishes earned certified personal chef and businesswoman, Jamika Pessoa, a spot in last season’s The Next Food Star reality show. Afrocaribe International Magazine recently talked with Chef Jamika about her experience during the Food Network’s TV challenge and how her Caribbean heritage influences her cuisine. Chef Jamika resides in Atlanta.

Peter Anthony Jaime

SENIOR EDITORAL CONSULTANT

As Editor of Afrocaribe, Peter is certainly no stranger to the world of cultural journalism and mass media. Originally educated and domiciled in overseas British and American settings, Peter is a citizen of Trinidad & Tobago and a graduate of the University of the West Indies where he pursued studies in Arts, Languages and Social Sciences. Peter therefore joins the Afro Caribe crew with a strong academic background, and with a special interest in the sociology, politics, and culture of the Caribbean and Latin America. As an educator, writer and bi-lingual instructor extraordinaire, Peter has enjoyed prolonged interaction and interfacing with the Hispanic peoples of the Caribbean and Latin America, and has engaged in considerable research in his special interest areas. Presently engaging his attention is the use of Spanish as dialect and formal communication in Africa and the Far East, as well as Afro Cultural underpinnings in Latin America.

Ray Holman

COMPOSER/ARRANGER/STEEL PAN PERFORMER Composer, arranger, and steel pan performer from Trinidad & Tobago, Ray Holman is perhaps the most internationally talented enthusiast of his art form. He has arranged and recorded with steel bands and artists in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Japan, and Europe, including televised performances with the German National Orchestra which showcased his compositions. CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 7

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Our policies of coverage includes:*Motor Vehicle *Home Owners – Building &Contents *Commercial - Fire & Special Perils *Burglary *Workmen’s Compensation *Public Liability *Contractors All Risk *Marine Insurance *Bonds

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

e are most grateful to God and all of those who immensely contributed to make this golden dream a reality. We are more

than just a publication, but a commitment to bridge the existing gap between the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa nations. This first issue, Summer 2010, gives you a glimpse of what to expect in our subsequent quarterly publications and we remain optimistic about our future as we pursue excellence in all we do with God on our side. Our highly esteemed readers will have the option of both printed and e-copies, with plans in place to provide our respected Spanish speaking readers the same opportunities to enjoy a taste of what AIM offers. We can graciously say this issue is filled with interesting articles, including up-close and personal interviews with some of the region’s most famous personalities. You’ll learn about 1998 Miss Universe, Ms. Wendy Fitzwilliam, and the launch of her new book, Letters to Ailan. Chef Jamika Pessao, who competed in last season’s the Next Food Network Star, describes what she’s doing now after placing fourth in the real-life television cable show. And, we’ll share an exclusive conversation with Bishop Dr. David and Mrs. ljeoma lbeleme, who are celebrating their 20th year leading the Victorious Outreach Christian Church. Other stories include “Racing Cancer” by Dr. Anesa Ahamed; a feature article about steelpan, with steelpan icon Ray Holman; and a tribute to female boxing legend Jiselle Salandy. You’ll also get a glimpse of Trinibago and Nigerian cuisine, Parang in Trinbago, Nigeria’s Nollywood movie industry and quick facts about the regions we are dedicated to serve. To God goes all the glory for the great things He has done to make our dream a reality.

See You on Top Kennedy Iden

Nos gustaria extender nuestros mas sinceros agradecimientos , primero a Dios, por su inspiracion, su ayuda y su supervision continuas, y a todas las personas pertinentes, por su colaboracion imprescindible, sin las cuales, esta revista - nuestro sueno de oro- nunca podria Ser realizada. De hecho, esta revista “ Afro Caribe “ resulta mucho mas que una simple publicacion. Realmente representa nuestro compromiso de llenar el vacio actual entre el Caribe, Latinoamerica y Africa – lo cual no es tarea facil . Este primer ejemplar, El invierno de 2010, le proporciona a usted un destello de lo que puede esperar en nuestras publicaciones subsiguientes trimestrales, y mantenemos el optimismo con respecto a lo que nos depare el futuro, mientras perseguimos y luchamos por excelencia en todos los esfuerzos, contando con el apoyo de Dios que siempre es partidario de nosotros. A nuestros lectores muy apreciados, les presentaremos las opciones de ejemplares Impresos o electronicos, y tenemos planeado proporcionar a nuestros estimados lectores de habla hispana, las mismas oportunidades de disfrutar una muestra de lo que ofrece A.I.M. Podemos anunciar con gentileza que este ejemplar esta lleno de articulos interesantes, incluyendo entrevistas personales cara a cara, con algunas figuras y personalidades prominentes de las regiones enfocadas : El Caribe, Africa, e HispanoAmerica . Usted va a enterarse de Miss Universo de 1998 – Senorita Wendy Fitzwilliam, y del lanzamiento de su nuevo libro : “Letters to Ailan”. Tambien, conocera a la cocinera jefe Jamika Pessao, quien participo en la competencia : “ The Next Food Network Star “ en la temporada anterior, y revela lo que ella esta haciendo en estos dias, despues de quedar el cuarto lugar en el programa de television por cable, reflejando la vida real. Y usted tambien compartira una conversacion exclusiva con el Obispo Dr. David Ibeleme, y Dr. Ijeoma Ibeleme, quienes estan conmemorando su vigesimo ano encabezando la iglesia “ Victorious Outreach Christian”. Otros articulos incluyen “ Racing Cancer “, escrito por Dr. Anesa Ahamad; y un articulo de fondo acerca del ‘ steel pan’, con el maestro del ‘ steel pan ‘ – Ray Holman; y un articulo rendiendo homenaje a la boxeadora legendaria – Jiselle Salandy. Adicionalmente, recibira un destello de los platos tipicos de Trinidad y Tobago, y de Nigeria; entonces hay un articulo sobre la parranda de Trinidad; un articulo sobre la industria cinematografica de Nigeria -“ Nollywood” ; y datos y detalles de un vistazo acerca de las regiones que nos hemos dedicado a servir. A Dios damos todas las gracias por las grandes cosas que El ha hecho para hacer nuestro sueno una realidad.

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QUICK FACTS ON

Trinidad & Tobago OFFICIAL NAME Trinidad CAPITAL Port-of-Spain NATIONALITY Trinidadian OFFICIAL LANGUAGE English SECOND OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Spanish

OFFICIAL NAME Tobago CAPITAL Scarborough NATIONALITY Tobagonian OFFICIAL LANGUAGE English

TOTAL POPULATION 1,300,000

TOTAL POPULATION 54,000

LOCATION Latitude 10 1/2째N, Longitude 61 1/2째 W

LOCATION Latitude 11째N, Longitude 60째W

PHYSICAL AREA Measures 37 miles (60 km) by 50 miles (80 km) TOTAL AREA 1864m2 (4828km2) HIGHEST POINT Along the Northern Coast Range 940m (3,085 feet)

Trinidad & Tobago Currency

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PHYSICAL AREA Measures 26 miles (42 km) by 7miles (10 km) TOTAL AREA 116m2 (300km2) HIGHEST POINT Central Spine of Hills 549m (1,860 feet)

CURRENCY Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$) TIME ZONE EST +1; GMT - 4 ETHNIC DIVISIONS The people are comprised of roughly 40% East Indian, 38% African, 20% mixed and the remainder being made up of European, Chines, Asian, Middle Eastern and Indigenous descendants of Caribs. CLIMATE The average temperature is about 30°C (89°F). Trinidad is separated from Venezuela by the straits of the Gulf of Paria which is seven (7) miles (11km) wide. Trinidad is separated from Tobago by (21) miles of the Caribbean Sea (33km).

TOBAGO Tobago is known internationally for its enchanting tropical white sandy beaches. A favorite haven of British Royalty and international show biz and entertainment celebrities, Tobago offer a variety of exciting sights and spots, ranging from the populous, vendorlined Store Bay, plus Pigeon Point and Sandy Point in the west near the International Crown Point Airport, to Speyside and Batteaux Bay, on the remote Windward coast where domestic beaches sport their pink sands and giant turtles seasonally,come into their own at night. TOBAGO Everyone takes a boat from Buccoo to the Nylon Pool, so named after Princess Margaret, who, on her honeymoon, announced the color was so crazy-blue it looked like nylon.

SCARBOROUGH, TOBAGO Tobago’s capital, Scarborough, is hilly and walkable from end to end in an hour. There are busy docks and a daily market, stores, and bars, that visitors are certainly welcome to share. Climb at dusk up to Fort King George, built by the British, to take in the total dearth of neon and high-rises and breathe it all in.

Trinidad & Tobago’s Currency

Englishman’s Bay, Trinidad

Trinidad & Tobago’s Inter-Island Ferry CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 11

Pigeon Point Beach, Tobago

QUICK FACTS

Nigeria

PRESIDENT: Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCON

forests border the southern coast; inland are hardwood forests.

LAND AREA: 351,649 sq mi (910,771 sq km); total area: 356,667 sq mi (923,768 sq km)

GOVERNMENT Multiparty government transitioning from military to civilian rule.

POPULATION (2009 EST.): 149,229,090 (GROWTH RATE: 1.9%); BIRTH RATE: 36.6/1000; INFANT MORTALITY RATE: 94.3/1000; LIFE EXPECTANCY: 46.9; DENSITY PER SQ KM: 151

HISTORY The first inhabitants of what is now Nigeria were thought to have been the Nok people (500 BC 窶田. AD 200). The Kanuri, Hausa, and Fulani peoples subsequently migrated there. Islam was introduced in the 13th century, and the empire of Kanem controlled the area from the end of the 11th century to the 14th. The Fulani empire ruled the region from the beginning of the 19th century until the British annexed Lagos in 1851 and seized control of the rest of the region by 1886. It formally became the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914. During World War I, native troops of the West African frontier force joined with French forces to defeat the German garrison in Cameroon.

CAPITAL (2003 EST.): Abuja, 590,400 (metro. area), 165,700 (city proper) LARGEST CITIES: Lagos (2003 est.), 11,135,000 (metro. area), 5,686,000 (city proper); Kano, 3,329,900; Ibadan, 3,139,500; Kaduna, 1,510,300 MONETARY UNIT: Naira GEOGRAPHY Nigeria, one-third larger than Texas and the most populous country in Africa, is situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. Its neighbors are Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. The lower course of the Nigera River flows south into the Gulf of Guinea. Swamps and mangrove

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THE NIGERIAN COAT-OF ARMS The Nigerian coat of arms features an eagle mounted on a black shield, which is trisected by two silvery wavy bands. Two white chargers support

the shield,and at its base is a wreath of coctus spectabilis flowers cast in the national colors of white and green. The black shield represents the fertile soil while the silvery bands denote the Niger and Benue Rivers, which form the main inland waterways in the country. The coctus spectabilis is a colorful flower, which grows wildly in Nigeria. The eagle stands for strength and the chargers symbolize dignity

TIC

4 Days of Tradeshow Excitement.

Thirty Five (35) Countries Represented!!

THE REGION’S BIGGEST BUSINESS EVENT

Bicentenario Celebrations in Trinidad & Tobago

The region’s biggest business-to-business event recently came off at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago- the Caribbean’s strongest economy, and gateway to the Americas. The Caribbean’s soon-to-be financial centre. The Trade and Investment Convention brought together local, regional, and International exhibitors and buyers seeking new goods and services. Afro Caribe crew was of course present at this unique forum that brought together Manufacturers, service providers, exporters, importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, and general investors. With all these key business players assembled under one roof, it was truly a memorable occasion, the likes of which we may not see again for some time in the near future.

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Beauties from Latin America Latin America includes the Spanish speaking, Portugese - speaking and French speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. The term Latin America is also used to include Puerto Rico, the French West Indies and other islands of the West Indies where a romance tongue is spoken. occassionally the term is used to include Belize, Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname. AREA approx 21,069,501 km2 7,880,000 sq mi EST. POPULATION - 569 million 2008 14 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

The twenty (20) Republics are Argentina Guetemala Bolivia Haiti Brazil Hondurus Chile Mexico Colombia Nicaragua Costa Rica Panama Cuba Paraguay Dominican Peru Republic Uraguay Ecuador Venezuela El Salvador

Venezuela’s Bicentenario Independence Celebrations in Trinidad & Tobago The Venezuelan High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Her Excellency Maria Eugenia Marcano Casado, celebrated its Bicentenario Independence Anniversary, by hosting a lecture at the Simon Boliva Auditorium, on 18th April, 2010. The actual day of Independence being 19th April. The theme of the night’s lecture was “The Contribution of Africans to Venezuela’s Independence”. Lecturer Mr. Jesus Garcia and his interpreter held a lively, interesting and informative session, that was highly appreciated by the audience. The function was well attended and its distinguished guest included, the Nigerian High Commissioner, His Excellency John Gen Musa, Historian, Novelist and Researcher Mr. Michael Anthony. Mr. Fitzgerald Francis, University of the West Indies Lecturer, University of Halifax and Harvard University Graduate. Mr. Francis also worked with the United Nations in Ghana and Sierra Leonne as an economic advisor for seven (7) years. He is also the owner of the most extensive collection of African Artifacts and Art Gallery, in the Caribbean, located in Woodbrook, Trinidad. The evening’s entertainment, was provided by Mr. Sheldon Reid, who sang “Emancipate Yourself From Mental Slavery” and African Drummers, led by Wayne Osona, and Xavier Phillips. The night’s event ended with an interactive session.

Lecturer: Jesus Garcia

Venezuelan High Commission, Her Excellency Maria Eugenia Marcano Casado & María Antonieta Ramírez Lopez

Mr. & Mrs Fitzgerald Francis

Venezuelan High Commission, Her Excellency Maria Eugenia Marcano Casado

L-R: Merlys, Dr. Yoel Padron, Sonia, Igdelisa, Raisa & Ideania. Cuban Representatives

Nigerian High Commissioner, His Excellency Musa John Jen & Dr. Chudi

Cross-Section of Audience

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Ambassador Pleni potentiary Joan Yuille Williams

Mannequin Ministry with Sis Judith

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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

EMANCIPATION

Celebrations August 1

L-R: MacKandal Dagga & Nigeria High Commisioner Musa John Jen

The annual emancipation festival in Trinidad and Tobago, which commemorates the end of chattel slavery on August 1, 1838, has been described as a monumental pan-African festival . . . a true celebration of Africa outside of Africa. This year’s Emancipation celebration, “Seize New Opportunities as the World Changes,” included five days of events featuring an exciting, eclectic mix of culture, art, education, spirituality and entertainment.

Aaron Duncun

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Shattering The Glass Ceiling SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING : The gender friendly politics of the West: Costa Rica, and Trinidad & Tobago take centre stage with brand new, and first-time – ever, female government leaders.

Hon. Kamla Persad Bissessar Prime Minister Trinidad & Tobago

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Afrocaribe takes note of the creeping predominance of women in the politics of the Caribbean and the Americas, which is a far cry from the politics of non-inclusion and non involvement of women in the governments of continental Africa, where the idea of women in leadership roles in politics and economics is still very much taboo! But in the West, from as far north as Canada, we see a woman, and an Afro-Haitian one at that, Michaelle Jean, assuming the mantle of governor general, as the representative of the Queen of England, the titular head of State, Canada being a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations; and then in the United States, First Lady Afro-American Michelle Obama is all but eclipsed by the American “ Iron Lady “ and Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and as well by female Judge Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic in the U.S. Supreme Court, and most certainly by the indefatigable Sarah Palin, who recently resigned as governor of the State of Alaska, and is now aspiring to the presidency. In the lower hemisphere, and entering Latin America proper, the trend continues, notwithstanding the preponderance of transformational “leftist” politics that is sweeping the Latin American continent and that is perhaps best personified by the irrepressible Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. Argentina takes the lead here truly shattering the glass ceiling with the incomparable Isabel Peron, who burst onto the world stage and became the world’s first woman president in 1974,and with the glamorous and qualified Dr. Christina Fernandez de Kirchner, lawyer and politician, the current female president of Argentina, who assumed the office of the presidency in December, 2007. Nicaragua has also given us Prime Minister Violetta Barrios de Chamorro (1990); Panama has given us Mireya Moscoso a President (1999); Peru has put out Beatriz Merino as prime minister (2003); Chile too can boast of its absolutely charming Michelle Bachelet, president in 2006. More lately, Costa Rica, not to be outdone, has produced its first-ever female President Laura Chinchilla, thrust onto the presidential stage via a landslide election victory, and who has promised to rule with “ humility, honesty, and firmness” and now the Caribbean joins the bandwagon, having previously, in 1980, being host to the celebrated, prime minister Eugenia Charles of the island of Dominica, who, for one brief shining moment held the world centre stage, at the time of the American

Governer General of Canada Michaëlle Jean

President of Cosat Rica Laura Chinchilla

invasion of Grenada in the Caribbean. But it is oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago in the south Caribbean that Is presently capturing the attention of western hemispheric republics and creating waves throughout the Afrocaribbean: Female political veteran Kamla Persad Bissessar, the long-serving gracious deputy leader of the opposition U.N.C. political party, having upstaged her political boss, Basdeo Panday, in internal party elections, to become party leader, goes further and, pushing a campaign against corruption and financial wastage, forces the incumbent government of Patrick Manning to abort and call snap elections…… which she contested using the strategy of a skillfully, though hastily, put together coalition of political entities and interests, which does the trick and gives her the appeal and leverage she wanted…so that on May 24th she wins the general elections by a landslide , leaving her opponents dumbfounded! So enter, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, first ever female prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Interestingly, although an indo-Trinidadian, she commands the support and respect of the majority of citizens, cutting across all races, classes, cultures and ethnicities in the two-island state. Afrocaribe wishes her the best of success in her very challenging role, confident that she will deliver! But if familiar with the politics and society of Trinidad and Tobago, one might comment that such a development was hardly surprising and in fact even inevitable, given the

steady upsurge of important female players in Trinidad and Tobago public life: In Trinidad, more than any other country in the western hemisphere, women have taken quantum leaps outperforming and edging out their male counterparts in every facet and sphere of activity and endeavour: 80% of all Trinidad overseas missions are headed by women; 70% of the entire public service is manned and headed by women; The traditional professions are controlled by women; women currently outperform men at all universities and tertiary institutions, in nearly all fields… even in traditional male dominated fields like engineering and the natural sciences! For instance, at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad campus, the head of the Physics department is the youthful Dr. Shirene Haque, and in other faculties, female professors and lecturers outnumber men! And even outside academic and public life, women are the ones making the waves: In the male dominated sporting field of boxing, for instance, it is names like Jizelle Salandy and Ria Ramnarine that have captured the imagination of Trinidadians and Tobagonians, what with their numerous world title bids and in terms of making an impact on the word stage, who better would have accomplished this than Trinidad’s outstanding performers and winners at the international beauty shows : Miss Universe and Miss World- that have made house hold names in the Caribbean and beyond of the likes of: Janelle Penny Commissiong, Giselle LaRonde, Wendy Fitzwilliam, Jennifer Hosten, and Gabrielle Walcott !

President of Chile, Verónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria

Governer General of Canada Michaëlle Jean

President of Argentina Cristina-Fernandez-de-Kirchner CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 19

The Caribbean

Latin America

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Africa

Afrocaribe Connection

BRIDGING THE GAP

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Have Fun With Bright Eye Make Up Bright eye make up is the perfect way to experiment for a fun, fresh look. While many bright colours aren’t suitable for everyday wear or the workplace, you can get away with an added pop of bright colour, with a few simple tricks. For special occasions, weekend, evening wear or carnival celebrations, turn your eyes into a playground, for those bright hues and have fun creating a whole now world of eye make up. Brightly Colored Eye shadow If you’re just starting out with bright eye make up, a simple way to create a splash with colour is using a single, bright eyeshadow shade and two coats of mascara or curled eyelashes (or false eyelashes for even greater length). Apply colour either just on the upper lid, or use as a liner along the lower lid as well. Popular bright colours in eyeshadows include:Yellow and Gold, bright Green, blue, turquoise shades, juicy berry colours: like pink, mauve and red, bright purples and lavender colours. Bright Eye Shadow Trio Once you are more comfortable with using coloured shadow, you can experiment with creative looks, like using three distinct colours. While using three shades in the same colour family will yield a more uniform subtle look. Using three different colours on eyes can create a bold and attention – getting look that is at once playful and yet sexy. Bright Eyeshadow With Smoky Eye For a more dramatic evening look you can pair brightly coloured shadows with a dark, smokey eye. Yellow and green shadows can be blended into the black smokey eye make up. Coloured shadows can really help temper the dark blacks and greys typically used in a smokey eye look and let you create a fresh approach to this sexy evening eye make up style.

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Sunscreen HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF the better the protection against the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harmful UVB ray. The SPF number lets you know how much longer you can stay out in the sun without burning. For example. if it takes 15 mins for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay out in the sun 15 minutes longer without burning. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing an SPF of 15 or higher for maximum protection. SPF is available in levels from 2 to 85. Does highest means the best protection? Not necessarily. An SPF 50 only provides 1% to 2% more protection than an SPF 30. UVA and UVB Protection The label of the suncreen will indicate the UVA or UVB protection. UVA Rays are responsible for the aging effect of the sun; however, overexposure to UVA rays can cause skin cancer. UVB rays are responsible for sun burns and skin cancer. Choose a product that states UVA/UVB protection or has broad spectrum protection. Waterproof / Water Resistant If you are looking for a suncreen to use while in the water, choose a sunscreen that is waterproof or water resistant. Water proof sunscreen should provide protection while in the water for 80 minutes, while water ressitant provides only 40 minutes of protection.

CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 23

Trinidad & Tobago Fashion Week 24 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

FASHION DESIGNERS Brown Sugar, Christian Boucaud, Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones, Contours Fashion, Dav Originals, DLRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D Earth Member For Life, Ecliff Elie, Francis Hendy, Michaels Vogue Designs, Millhouse, Peter Elias, Radical Designs, Robert Young, Shaun Griffith, Shurnel Oliviere, Sonia Mack, Sonya Noel, Wayne Smith, Zad & Eastman CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 25

Trinidad & Tobago Fashion Week 26 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

Power in your

Name

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IN A NAME?

That is a statement we often hear. The fact is, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots to a name. Take Nigerian names for instance. Here are some examples and explaination of their meanings and origins. One should also note that names are important aspects of culture and tradition. The following list was prayerfully and carefully selected. Enjoy the benefits of our Power in Your Name series and you may discover that the names we bear are touchingly meaningful and could be reminders of both past and future events.

28 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

Girls Akanke Alike Aaliyah Ayana Anwuli Bayo Eziunoamaka Fumnanya Itua Ifechukwude Ngozi Nwamaka Nkadi Nkechi Ndidiamaka Nwaedozi Odion Odianosen Ofure Omonzele Onochieobodo Osemudiamen Onogimensike Osagie Usonwanneka

To know her is to love her Girl who drives out beautiful women Look up to God Beautiful flower Joy To find joy A good home is good God loves me I am not in a hurry What God has destined The blessings of God surpasses all Child is good Let this stay alive with me The one God has given to me Patience is good A child settles all First born All went well All is well Because of my child Replacement God is on my side Who Shows Herself friendly One that is sent or ordained by God The joy of unity is superior

FAMILY FOCUS

Boys

Abayomi Adimabua Ashinzemachukwu Daren Emeka Elofu Ezioyi Ekwutozie

Ekenediliechukwu Izehinosen Itua Iwebunor Ifeanyi Ifeyinw Isioma Ikechukwu Nkenchor

Born to bring me joy I have found my mate By the grace of God Born at night God has done well God never forgets anyone he created A good friend is better than a bad brother Stop spreading gossip over your fellow human being Glory be to god I choose the right path I am not in a hurry Animosity towards me is nothing With god all things are possible There is nothing as valuable as children Good luck The power of God What I want

Nwakeago Nwanebuife Nkeonyeasua Odion Odianosen Ofure Osinke Obazele Okpebholo Onyeababu Osemudiamen Onogimensike Osagie Omonyehmen Onakinor Onwujonjo Onyeachor Osedunme Osemudiamen Onogimensike

Child is superior to wealth Brother of sister is valuable Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own always pleases First born All went well All is well From now, things have become good Because of the king Great People Not by strength nor by power all by His grace God is on my side Who Shows Himself friendly One that is sent or ordained by God I love my child This is the very one Death is bad Who wishes the goodness of his fellow human being God help me to do it God is standing for me Friend that I desire

Omonyehmen l love my child

Olisedebe God kept his own for me Uwabunkonye Whose own is this life CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 29

The government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago completed construction of the National Academy of Performing Arts in time to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM last November 2009. Trinidad and Tobago hosted a successful CHOGM, an event held every two (2) years which brings together all Commonwealth Leaders to discuss shared issues.

THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF

Performing Arts

30 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

Suriname Greetings

Greetings In order to upgrade Human relations and sustainable livelihood one needs wisdom to make a difference, in our present global village. One gains wisdom incrementally through lessons learnt in dealing with human challenges, successes and instructions. As the bible says in Proverbs 1 verse 5: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A wise man will hear, and increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counselsâ&#x20AC;?. Dr. Fidelia Grand-Galon Extraodinary Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Suriname.

CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 31

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Independence Day Celebrations August 31,

Round-a-bout at Barataria Trinidad

32 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

Calling all Young Fashion Designers & Upcoming Fashion Models

Send us your photographs and be showcased in Afrocaribe Magazine. Photographs should be sent in by

June 30th 2010.

We will also be featuring high style fashionistas! If your have the style, send us your photographs and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll publish the BEST in our next edition. Please send photos high resolution on JPEG Format. We can not accept pictures from Microsoft Publisher or Word. Photos will be the property of Afrocaribe International Magazine. Connect With us at director@afrocaribemagazine.com

CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 33

EXOTIC

African

FASHION

DRESSES & FABRIC COURTESY VLISCO www.vlisco.com

DRESSES & FABRIC COURTESY VLISCO.COM 34 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

Bold colors, exotic patterns and flowing lines refect the high fashion of African Fabric

WWW.VLISCO.COM

DRESSES & FABRIC COURTESY VLISCO.COM CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 35

Chef Jamika Pessoa * Chef Jamika Pessoa * Chef Jamika P

Chef Jamika Pessoa Life of the Party Chef Jamika Pessoa’s Caribbean heritage and innovative style prove a perfect mix for “The Food Network Reality Show”. Her sassy style and bold twists of traditional Caribbean dishes earned certified personal Chef and businesswoman, a spot in last season’s reality show. Afrocaribe International Magazine recently talked with Chef Jamika about her experience during the Food Network’s TV challenge and how her Caribbean heritage influences her cuisine.

JCG

How were you chosen to be a one of the competitors on The Next Food Network Star?

Chef Jamika:

The network chose me after an open call audition, I remember Chef Jamika & Monique telling myself to be calm and have fun, and it worked! They wanted to see the best of my personality and I gave it to them. The next day, I got a call back to cook on camera and, after making the second cut, was asked to audition for the network executives in New York. I have to say, I was nervous because I had no idea what I was Chef & Bill Belamy walking into. Chef Jamika as a guest Chef at We (Chef Jamika and other BET Women’s Health Symposium chefs who had made it to the Savannah GA. audition) were escorted into a dark room with a huge stove and lots of ingredients. We were asked to cook a dish, while entertaining the executives for 30 minutes. I talked about my family, my heritage, my culinary background - you name it, I talked about it. The final call came a couple of weeks later and the rest, as they say, is “realty show” history. 36 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

JCG

We know you enjoyed your time at the show. Did you build any friendships during the competition?

Chef Jamika:

I made several friendships and, ironically, we formed a unique bond with each other over a short time. Although it was a competition, we encouraged and supported each other, which isn’t like your typical “jealousy and extreme drama” reality show. We all shared a mutual respect for one another and it was nice being in the mix of such talented people.

JCG

You finished fourth on the show, correct?

Chef Jamika:

Yes, I came in fourth out of ten finalists. When I think about how many thousands of people auditioned for the show and how I made it though to the top ten, it makes me extremely proud.

JCG

Did the competition open up any new opportunities to you?

Chef Jamika:

The reality show was just the beginning for my career and me. So many doors have been opened since being on the show and I think not winning ended up being better for me, because now I can work with several television networks in different capacities. Now I travel, make guest appearances and cook and am in the process of working on my own TV show.

JCG

We understand your parents are from the Caribbean. Can you tell us a bit about your heritage?

Chef Jamika:

My mom is from Trinidad and my dad is from Jamaica, which makes my personality an interesting combination of both of them. Sometimes I am nice, conservative, and composed, but other times I am noisy - dancing, and being the life of the party. My grandmother introduced me to cooking and I still use a lot of recipes she taught me as a child. My uncle was also a big part of teaching me how to

FOOD

ka Pessoa * Chef Jamika Pessoa * Chef Jamika Pessoa * Che

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Mango in a Coconut Rum Sauce prepare food. When my clients learn about my background, they always ask for my best Caribbean dishes.

JCG

Does your family enjoy the fact that you are a chef and can be the life at any party they host?

Chef Jamika:

All of my family appreciates my talents as a chef! Since we all live in different cites, my sisters always call me asking for cooking tips and recipes. Helping someone cook over the phone is no easy task! And, whenever I visit my parent’s home, I always cook them several dishes. They love it when I come to see them!

JCG

When did you last visit Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica (or any of the islands) and what do you most enjoy about your visits?

Chef Jamika:

I have made several visits to Jamaica and was in Ocho Rios last year. I love the people, the energy, and especially the food. There is no other place in the world where you can get the best jerk chicken on earth from a street cart on the side of the road. I have not visited Trinidad yet, but it is on my short list of places to go, along with Barbados.

JCG

You mentioned that your Trinidadian uncle taught you about our cooking style. Which of his tips you find most valuable?

Chef Jamika:

My uncle’s greatest tip was to be patient. Good Caribbean food takes time and you can’t rush it. Whether its rice and peas, oxtails, or curry goat, “slow and low” is the way to go.

INGREDIENTS 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled, diced into 1-inch pieces 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 tablespoons canola oil 1 teaspoons fresh grated ginger 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, diced into ½ inch pieces 2 ½ tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 cup coconut rum (your favorite brand) 3/4 cup coconut syrup 1/4 cup orange juice 2-3 teaspoons cornstarch 2 teaspoons cold water Shredded coconut, optional METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. In a large bowl, toss together sweet potatoes, cin¬namon, and oil. 3. Pour mixture into large baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. 4. Bake for 35 minutes or until fork tender. 5. Peel and dice mango. 6. After 35 minutes of baking sweet potatoes, stir in diced mango and cook an additional eight minutes uncovered. 7. To make the sauce, in a small sauce pot over medium high heat, melt butter. 8. Stir in brown sugar, rum, coconut syrup, and orange juice. 9. Bring mixture to a boil. 10. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch with water. As sauce boils, slowly whisk in cornstarch and allow sauce to thicken. Remove thickened sauce from heat and keep warm. 11. Once sweet potatoes and mango are cooked, pour coconut sauce over the top. 12. Mix well, serve warm. 13. Garnish with shredded coconut. CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 37

FOOD

Trinbago Xmas Cuisine Trinbago Black Cake INGREDIENTS: Cake: 1 lb butter (use margarine for pareve) 1 lb sugar 8 eggs 1 tsp lemon essence 2 tsp lime rind (zested) 2 tsp almond essence 2 tsp vanilla 1 lb all-purpose flour (use 1/2 cassava flour + 1/2 lb rice flour for gluten-free) 4 tsp baking powder 2 tsp mixed spice 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg Fruit Base: 1 lb pitted prunes 1 lb raisins 1 lb currants 1 bottle cherry brandy 1 bottle rum and/or Bailey’s 2 tbsp Angostura bitters Browning: 1 lb brown sugar 1/2 cup boiling hot water Have on Hand: 1 more bottle of rum METHOD: Three to Five Days Before: Up to 5 days before you make the cake, chop up all the fruits for the fruit base. Place in a large bowl, pour in Angostura bitters, cherry brandy and rum (I use Bailey’s when I have 38 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

extra $$$ and it really makes it extra special). Leave in a cool corner, covered, to soak up the liquor. Three to five days before making cake is the best option, but if you must be ‘last minute’, start the soaking precess at least 24 hours, minimum. On the Day Of: Blend Fruit Base: Pour the soaked fruit and juices into a blender and blend until thick and still a bit chunky (like tomato sauce) Prepare Browning: Burn sugar until caramelized, add hot water gradually. Mix well and leave to cool. Please be extra careful at this stage as a ‘browning’ burn is NOT a fun thing! Once that is done… 1. Preheat oven to 250F (no that’s not a typo) 2. Cream the butter and sugar. 3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing to incorporate 4. Add lemon essence, lemon zest, almond essence and vanilla 5. Mix and sift flour, baking powder, mixed spice and nutmeg. 6. Gradually add sifted ingredients to creamed mixture 7. Mix in fruit base puree and ‘browning’ 8. Pour batter into greased tins that have been doubly lined with brown paper or parchment paper 9. Bake for 3 hours 10. Once removed from the oven soak the tops with equal portions of the remaining bottle of rum.

FOOD

Ponche De Creme Ingredients: 6 eggs 3 tins evaporated milk (15oz. low-fat) 1-1/2 tins sweetened condensed milk (14 oz ea.) 1/2 cup rum 2 teaspoons Angostura bitters grated nutmeg zest of one lime Directions: 1. Beat eggs with lime peel until light and fluffy 2. Add evaporated milk 3. Sweeten to taste with condensed milk. 4. Add bitters, grated nutmeg, and rum according to taste. 5. Strain 6. Serve with crushed ice. Serves 12

Trinbago Beef or Chicken Pastelle

To prepare fig leaves, steam them in a large pot of boiling water for ten minutes until they become pliable and soft. They may also be softened by waving them over an open flame. You can also use sheets of tin foil. Cornmeal dough and pastelle assembly

Chicken or beef pastelle filling 1 lb chopped beef and chicken, chicken only, or beef only 2 onions, finely chopped 2 tbs olive oil 1 cup chopped chives 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme 2 pimento peppers, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tbs chopped celery 1/2 Congo pepper, seeded and chopped (optional) 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp salt 1/4 cup tomato sauce 4 tbs capers 3 tbs stuffed olives, sliced 1/4 cup raisins 2 tbs fresh thyme 1. Combine beef with chicken. Add salt and black pepper. 2. Add a quarter-cup chopped chives and one tablespoon thyme. 3. In a large saute pan heat olive oil. 4. Add onion and garlic. Saute until fragrant. 5. Add pimento peppers, remaining chive, pepper and thyme. 6. Add meat and cook until brown. 7. Add tomato sauce, cover and simmer for

about 15 minutes. 8. Add raisins, capers and olives and stir to combine. 9. Cook for about five minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning. 10. Add two tablespoons fresh thyme and stir to combine. 11. Remove from heat and cool. 12. Prepare dough as in recipe below and fill and fold pastelles as indicated. Makes 12-15 pastelles. Ingredients for Pastelle 2 cups yellow cornmeal 3 cups warm water (not tepid, lukewarm or room temperature. If in doubt boil the water first and leave it to cool for 5-10 minutes) 1/2 cup butter 1 1/4 tsp salt 1. In a food processor or by hand, combine cornmeal with butter and salt. 2. Add water and process to make a soft, pliable dough. 3. Divide the dough into 12 balls. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying. 4. Place one piece of dough on a greased fig leaf and press into an eight-inch square. 5. Spoon two tablespoons of filling onto the middle of the dough and fold and seal pastelles. 6. Wrap in fig leaf and tie into a neat package. (you can also use foil) 7. Steam pastelles for 45 minutes until cooked.

CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 39

A Musical Revolution

WITH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON COMES PARANG Trinidad and Tobago is best recognized as the host, the eating and drinking, and the departure. land of Calypso and Steelpan, however during the Christmas season, the music is Parang. The parang season begins in mid September although it is not until late October that the Parang comes from the Spanish word know as festive spirit catches on, coming to a climax in the “parranda” (action of merry making, group of week preceding Christmas, which is the feast of serenaders). In Trinidad it refers to folkloric music Epiphany. At its peak the parang festive atmosphere of Hispanic American origins and in the Dominican is one of gaiety, togetherness, happiness, and the Republic the music is called “aguinaldo”. Parang’s joy of good Christmas lime that continue to the origin is controversial, one theory of parang music early hours of the morning. originated during Christianity of Amerindians by French Clergy in Spanish Missions. This does not The traditional lyrics of parang, were sung in however, explain the frequent Spanish and consisted references to Venezuela . The mainly religious and Families second theory - that parang Christian songs. Today customarily greeted the there are new and different music was introduced by Venezuelans imported to Paranderos with drinks styles and categories of work in the cocoa estates parang called Aguinaldos and food, following has some merit. Definitely, (also known as Serenales), specific steps or rituals Guarapos and Despendidas. the close interactions with Venezuela where parang is In the last several years Soca that accompanied the also played has matured to and Calypso have fused a popular form of music entry to a home, including with parang creating Socathe dedication of songs Parang with lyrics in English not only in Trinidad & Tobago but throughout the which appeals to both local to a host, the eating Caribbean. and the North American and drinking, and the Christmas party goers and departure. Traditional parang bands, celebrations. In addition, often refered to as “Para– Indian drumming and nderos,” consisted of four to Chutney melodies, mixed six singers accompanied by The resulting atmosphere with parang, has evolved would be that of musicians who played guitar, into new and fascinating cuatro, mandolin (bandolin) happiness, togetherness melodies to which names , violin, cello (violoncello), like Indian Parang and and the joy of good bandol (bandola), box bass, Chutney Parang were Christmas lime that tambourine, clapper, toc-toc created. Thereby a whole (claves), wood block pollitos, revolution of the music was continue to the early tiple, scratcher (güiro) and born. hours of the morning maracas (chac-chac or shakshak). Some top parang entertainers, included the Parang bands would late Daisy Voisin, who was move from house to house in neighbourhoods considered the Queen of Parang, The Famous Lara serenading to family and friends during festive Brothers, and legendary groups like La Divina seasons. It would be customary for families to greet Pastora, Los Ninos del Mundo, Flores De San Jose, the Paranderos with drinks and food, following and soloists like Sharlene Flores, Marcia Miranda specific steps or rituals that accompanied the and Scrunter. entry to a home, the dedication of songs to a

40 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

Parang Songs Classification

Parang Bands • A La Rio Suave • Amantes de Parranda (Barataria) • Carib Santa Rosa • Carib Shaman • Courts Rio Senores • Courts Ruisenores (Pointe-a-Pierre) • D New Image Serenaders • Del Caribe • El Sabor (St. Joseph, Maracas) • Flores de San Jose • Fuego Caribeño (San Fernando) • La Familia de Camona y Amigos (Edinburgh Gardens Phase 3, Chaguanas) • Lara Brothers (Cantaro Village, Santa Cruz) • Los Paranderos de UWI (UWI - St. Augustin) • Los Pastores (Palo Seco) Maraval Folk Choir • Mucho Tempo • Nuestra Cosa • Paramininos (Paramin, Maraval) • Petrotrin Levanta Miento • T&TEC Luces Brillantes

SONG TYPE DESCRIPTION OF THE SONG Serenal or Aguinaldo Parranderos announce their arrival in song and seek to gain entry to the homes of family and friends to relate the story of the birth of Christ, and to share in the joy of the message of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men. Anunciacion

Describing the conversation between the Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary.

Nacimiento

A song about the birth of Christ.

Guarapo

A song based on any topic.

Joropo

Song similar in style to the Spanish waltz.

Vals (Castillian)

A secular song with a slow waltz tempo.

Salsa

A Latin style of music.

Manzanare

A Manzanare is a Venezuelan waltz celebrating different things about the Manzanare river of Cumana, Venezuela.

Estribillo

An Estribillo is a very lively sing along song in which you call and answer.

Despedida

This is a song to give thanks for the joy of sharing, and to say farewell to the host, until the next Christmas.

CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 41

FAMILY FOCUS

s u o i n o m r a H LIVING

KEYS TO

Harmonious family living is about creating open communication, respect and even discipline. A household can be peaceful without being silent! Living in harmony is about respecting each other, treating each individual as an individual, being consistent with your boundaries and communicating effectively with one another.

1. Respect Each Other

ithin a family, each member needs to know they are loved and appreciated by others. One way to show this is to respect them, their ideas, and their property. For example, if someone is feeling sad or lonely don’t just disregard his or her emotions. Ask why and listen to their reasons, but don’t feel the need to fix the problem for them. We can also show respect simply by being polite to one another. A simple please and thank you goes a long way. Or asking, “How was your day?” and then listening does not mean the answer. Showing respect for someone’s ideas and opinions does to not mean we have to agree with them, yet we all need to have our say and share our ideas. Sometimes children come up with wonderful ideas, other times they come up with ideas that are not so good. Through the hindsight of adult wisdom, we can see the idea may not be viable, but children see the world in a different way. Listening to their ideas creates a wonderful learning environment, a chance to explain why an idea might not work, or let them find out for themselves (as long as it doesn’t harm them) by letting them test their idea. Similarly, many people no longer respect the aged, perhaps because of frustration that their pace has slowed or we believe they no longer have anything important to say. But, with age comes a lifetime of experience and a great deal of knowledge to pass on to the young.

2. Treat each person as an individual

hen parents say, “I treat all of my children equally”, why do they do this when each child, or family member is unique? Each possesses individual strengths, values, wants and goals. Each person feels differently, understands differently and sees the world from a unique perspective. By treating everyone the same way, we deny people their individuality. Rather than highlighting the differences, respect is about admiring, embracing and 42 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

cherishing their distinctness. For example, some people are better at sports, while others are talented in the arts or construction. Instead of pointing out the differences by saying, “They are better than you at sports and you stick to your drawing” we need to encourage each other with words like, “You are wonderful at drawing and your sports are really coming along.” Often we get caught in the trap of boxing people into categories. We believe child one is good at sports and child two is good at reading and writing. However, if we overstate these differences, children will limit themselves, believing, “I am good at this activity but not that” and avoid trying other activities. In the end, we want our children to be a balanced, well rounded and able to try new things without fear.

3. Be consistent with your boundaries

oundaries are important both in our lives and in disciplining our children. When we are inconsistent in holding our boundaries, it can be confusing for our children because they don’t know when you might change your mind. Whether it is with children, parents, friends, family or work, boundaries require enforcement. For example, if you have set a special day or evening to spend with your family and a friend asks for help, or your employers ask you to report on that day, just say no. Keeping your promise to your family is more important than almost anything else that may come up. When we want cooperation from our children, we can simply have boundaries in place and adhere to them. We need to communicate these boundaries and make sure that children understand the consequences of going beyond the boundary - not with an empty threat, but with enforceable, logical consequences. Using logic with little children is different than using logic with adults and linking acceptable behaviours with rewards and treats is often effective. For example, use a “marble in the jar” technique. Have a glass jar with marbles in it on hand and when children are behaving well or have made a good decision, let them put a marble in the jar. When they misbehave, take a marble out of the jar. The goal is to fill the entire jar and, once accomplished, the child receives a special treat, such as a trip to the park or an afternoon playing all of his favourite games. To make boundaries and rules stick,

consistency is the key, even when you are too tired or too busy. Often, you may have to stop what you are doing to deal with whatever the problem is.

4. Communicating

hen was the last time you felt others truly listened to you? When you were sharing an idea or story, did the other person ask you more questions or did they wait until a pause and share their idea or story? Most of us do not know how to listen, but you can learn to listen well. The next time you are talking with someone, listen to what is being said and be aware of what they may not be saying. Ask questions, find out more about how they think and ignore the voice inside your head that want to interrupt with your own story. You will be surprised at how much you can learn about someone when you listen, which will strengthen your relationship. When you are the one doing the talking, notice what you are saying. Do you embellish things to make them more interesting? Are you sharing the real you, or are you saying what you think they want to hear? Communication is about showing and sharing your true self so we can develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with one another. To maintain harmony in your family life, remember it is not about silence but about meaningful exchanges, shared appreciation for one another and allowing each family member to be who they are.

RACING

Cancer By Dr. Anesa Ahamad

Did you know you can race against cancer to protect yourself from some types of carcinoma? For example, skin cancer, the most widespread cancer worldwide, is most often seen in people with lighter coloured skin. On the other hand, cancer of the prostate and kidney is more frequent in persons of African descent. Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers, occurs at a much younger age and is often more aggressive in women of African descent than in white women. Cancer is a common disease involving an abnormal growth that invades other parts of the body and is rapidly rising in this part of the world, as well as other developing countries. Many factors affect your chance of both getting cancer and surviving the disease. These include behaviour-related risk factors, such as smoking, drinking, or

certain dietary habits, as well as external and socio-economic factors, such as education and access to cancer screenings and treatment. Some behaviours can have a direct impact on your likelihood being afflicted by cancer, such as smoking, while others are indirect, like your access to screening programs. If you aren’t regularly screened for certain cancers, such as breast, cervix and colorectal cancer, you are more likely to discover the disease at a more advanced stage, which usually means that your chance of a good long-term survival is lower. But, lack of access to a screening program isn’t the only contributing factor. Race is also a factor for certain cancers. One of the more controversial factors affecting the incidence of cancer and mortality rates is ethnicity, or race. Examining the effect of ethnicity is complicated by associated socio-economic

factors. For example, in many instances ethnic groups may have generally poorer access to sufficient cancer treatment affecting the overall survivability of those with the disease. The key to analyzing ethnicity as a factor is to eliminate these other variables so that the only remaining factor is a person’s race. USA researchers noted the high death rates of black lung cancer patients in general and hypothesized the results were related to a disparity in access to cancer treatment, instead of genetics. They examined a set of patients who all had the same access to care, regardless of race or income and found that when all lung cancer patients are given equal access to treatment there was no difference in lung cancer death rate between races. Therefore, black lung cancer patients do worse because they have poorer access to treatment. However ethnicity is itself a factor affecting cancer incidence and survival. In many cases persons of African descent have a higher chance of being afflicted by certain cancers when compared to those of other ethnic groups, including cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, and cervix. The rates are irrespective of socio-economic factors and the exact causes of these higher cancer rates have not yet been identified. Several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, cervix, and endometrial (cancers of the uterus) have been shown to be have a higher death rate in blacks when compared to other groups - again, irrespective of socio-economic factors. Several studies have demonstrated differences in the biological makeup of certain cancers that afflict those with an African background, making these cancers more aggressive or harder to treat. And, although we know that blacks are more likely to be diagnosed with more deadly types of these cancers, we still don’t know exactly why. Most cancer research is performed in the United States, Canada, and European countries, and although there have been several projects examining certain aspects of how race affects cancer, not enough has been done. When all races are given the same treatment, persons of African descent have a lower chance of survival. There is an urgent need for countries with largely nonwhite populations to perform their own research and identify the root causes of these higher cancer incidences and death rates in order to find the right tools to treat our people. Dr. Anesa Ahamad is the Medical Chief of Staff at the Brian Lara Cancer Centre of Trinidad and Tobago. She is a board certified radiation oncologist with the American Board of Radiology and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Radiology, London. Prior to returning to her home country of Trinidad, she was on faculty at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, one of the best known names in cancer research and treatment in the world. She currently contributes her time to numerous local and regional nongovernmental organizations and is host of the local radio show, “Life: Before and After Cancer,” on i95.5.

CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 43

Nollywood Alache

HISTORY * MOVIES * CELEBRITIES Firstly Hollywood, then Bollywood... now, get ready for “Nollywood” - Nigeria’s revolutionary movie industry, perhaps the most active and productive in the world.

he cinema of Nigeria is a nascent film industry, growing quickly in the 1990s and 2000s to become the third largest movie industry in the world, in terms of the number of films produced per year - ahead of the United States and behind India’s Bollywood. According to Hala Gorani and Jeff Koinange, formerly of CNN, Nigeria’s US$250 million movie industry churns out some 200 videos for the home video market every month. A broadcast by American talk show host Oprah Winfrey, proclaims that the Nigerian film industry is worth over $2.3 billion as of 2008. Nigerian cinema is Africa’s largest movie industry in terms of value and the number of movies produced per year. Although Nigerian films have been produced since the 1960s, the rise of affordable digital filming and editing technologies has stimulated the country’s video film industry.

The Nigerian video feature film industry is sometimes colloquially known as Nollywood, Stephanie Okereke

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having been derived as a play on Hollywood in the same manner as Bollywood. The first Nigerian films were made by filmmakers such as Ola Balogun and Hubert Ogunde in the 1960s, but they were frustrated by the high cost of film production. However, television broadcasting in Nigeria began in the 1960s and received much government support in its early years and, by the mid-1980s , every state had its own broadcasting station. Law limited foreign television content so producers in Lagos began televising local popular theater productions. Many of these were circulated on video as well, and a small-scale informal video movie trade developed. The release of the box-office movie Living in Bondage in 1992 by NEK Video Links, owned by Mr. Kenneth Nnebue in the Eastern Nigerian city of Onitsha, set the stage for Nollywood as it is known today. The story goes that Kenneth Nnebue had an excess number of imported video cassettes, which he then used to shoot the first film. The huge success of this film set the pace for others to produce films or home videos. Through the business instincts and ethnic links of the Igbos, and their dominance of distribution in major cities across Nigeria, home videos began to reach people across the country. Nollywood exploded into a booming industry that pushed foreign media off the shelves and is now an industry now marketed all over Africa and the rest of the world. The use of English rather than local languages served to expand the market and aggressive marketing using posters, trailers, and television advertising also played a role in Nollywood’s success. Since then, thousands of movies have been released. One of the first Nigerian movies to reach international renown was the 2003 release “Osuofia” in London, starring Nkem Owoh, the famous Nigerian comedic actor. Modern Nigerian cinema’s most prolific auteur is Chico Ejiro, who directed over 80 films in an 8-year period and brags that he can complete production on a movie in as little as three days. Ejiro’s brother Zeb is the best-known director of these videos outside of the country. The first Nollywood films were produced with traditional analog video, such as Betacam SP, but today all Nollywood movies are produced using digital video technology. A March 2006 article in The Guardian cites Nigeria’s film industry as the third largest in the world in terms of earnings amd cites unknown sources estimating the industry to bring in US$200 million per year. Its success can also be attributed the Ghanaian film industry, Nollywood’s biggest competition on the African continent and Nigerian film makers usually collaborate with Ghanaian actors and film makers. Van Vicker, a popular Ghanaian actor has starred in many Nigerian movies, and famous Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji, have also starred in many Ghanaian films. Due to their collaborations, Western viewers oftentimes confused Ghanaian movies with Nollywood and count their sales as one; however they are two different independent industries.

PRODUCTION ost Nollywood movies are not produced in studios, but are shot on location all over Nigeria with hotels, homes and offices often rented out by their owners and appearing in credits in the movies. The most popular locations include cities of Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja. However, distinct regional variations appear between the northern movies, made primarily in the Hausa language, the western Yoruba-language movies, the Edo-language movies shot in Benin city, and the Igbo movies shot in the southeast. Many of the big producers have offices in Surulere,Lagos. Nigerian directors adopt new technologies as soon as they become affordable. Bulky videotape cameras gave way to their digital descendents, which are now being replaced by HD cameras. Editing, music, and other post-production work is done with common computer-based systems

DISTRIBUTION he primary distribution centers are Idumota Market on Lagos Island, and 51 Iweka Road in Onitsha in Anambra State. Currently, Nigerian films outsell Hollywood films in Nigeria and many other African countries. Some 300 producers turn out movies at an astonishing rate—somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 a year. The films go straight to DVD and VCD discs. Thirty new titles are delivered to Nigerian shops and market stalls every week, where an average film sells 50,000 copies and a hit may sell several hundred thousand. Discs sell for two dollars each, making them affordable for most Nigerians and providing astounding returns for the producers.

Most of the films are produced by independent companies and businessmen.

However, the big money for films in Nigeria is made in the direct-to-video market. The average film costs between US$17,000 and US$23,000, is shot on video in just a week with up to 150,000– 200,000 units sold nationwide in one day. With this type of return, more and more are getting into the film business there. By most reports,

Nollywood is a $500-million industry.

And it keeps growing. According to Frank Ikegwuonu, author of Who’s Who in Nollywood (www.nigeriaentertainment. com), about “1,200 films are produced in Nigeria annually” and an increasing number of filmmakers are heading to Nigeria because of “competitive distribution system and a cheap workforce.” Further, Nigerian films seem to be better received by the market when compared to foreign films because “those films are more family oriented than the American films”. Nigerian movies are available in even the most remote areas of the continent. The last few years have seen the growing popularity of Ghanaian and Nigerian films among the people of

African diaspora in both Europe, North America and The Caribbean. Nigerian films are currently receiving wider distribution as Nigerian producers and directors are attending more internationally acclaimed film festivals. In the USA, viewers can watch Nollywood, Ghanaian and other West African movies on Afrotainment. THEMES

any Nollywood movies have themes that deal with the moral dilemmas facing modern Africans. Some movies

promote the Christian or Islamic faiths, and some movies are overtly evangelical. Others, however, address questions of religious diversity, such as the popular film “One God One Nation”, about a Muslim man and a Christian woman who want to marry but go through many obstacles.

PORTRAYAL IN THE MEDIA ollywood was profiled in the 2007 documentary “Welcome to Nollywood” by director Jamie Meltzer. The film gives an overview of the industry, paying particular attention to directors Izu Ojukwu and Chico Ejiro, and acknowledging both the unusual, rapid, and enterprising way that most Nollywood films are created as well as its significance and contribution to the greater society. Along similar lines is Franco Sacchi’s 2007 documentary “This Is Nollywood”, which follows the production of “Check Point”, directed by Bond Emeruwa, and features interviews with Nigerian filmmakers and actors as they discuss their industry, defend the types of films they make and detail the kind of impact they can have. In 2007, Sacchi presented the film on Nollywood at the TED conference. Nollywood was also profiled in a 2008 Canadian documentary “Nollywood Babylon” co-directed by Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal and produced by AM Pictures and National Film Board of Canada in association with the Documentary Channel. It played in the Official Competition at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2009. The 2007 Danish documentary “Good Copy Bad Copy” features a substantial section on Nigerian cinema. It focuses on the direct-to-DVD distribution of most Nigerian movies, as well as the industry’s reliance on off-theshelf video editing equipment as opposed to the more costly traditional film process.

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Nollywood Divas

L-R: Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Rita Dominic Geneive Nnaji, & Ini Edo From Cover of Genieveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine - May 2010

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NOLLYWOOD

Stars ROW ONE - Left to Right: Alache, Van Vicker, Kate Henshaw, Omotola Jalade ROW TWO - Left to Right: Genevive Nnaji, Oluchi ROW THREE - Left to Right: Patience Ozokwor, Omotola Jalade, ROW FOUR - Left to Right: African Beyonce, Twoface Idibia, Ramsey Noah, Richard Mofe Damijo

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Nigerian Cuisine Yellow Garri or Garry

Pounded

Recipe Category: Main meal Cooking Time:15 min Servings: Serves 2 INGREDIENTS: Two cups of garri and four cups of water PREPARATION: Bring water to boil on cooker. Sprinkle garri into water until it forms a heavy paste. Note: Sprinkle in, don’t pour to avoid lumps). Stir thoroughly with wooden spoon. Serving suggestions: Serve with Egusi or Okra soup

Egusi Soup INGREDIENTS • Egusi seeds (Grounded, 1-2 cups) • Palm oil ¾ - 1½ cup • Bitter Leaf - freshly squeezed, or dried or spinach / ugwu / any other fresh vegetable as may be available • Cray fish about ¼ cup grounded • Dried pepper or chilli 1 table spoonful or to taste • Maggi cubes or Knorr 1 – 2 cubes • Thyme about ½ teaspoonful • Curry Powder ½ - 1 teaspoonful • Real African Red Onions - spicy. 1 – 3 (Chopped) • Cooking salt • Fresh or smoked fish or stock fish • Goat meat (chopped to size) • Assorted meat – beef, ox tail, cow tongue, chicken, as can be obtained, about ½ kg each • Chopped tomatoes (blended) • Fresh pepper with or substituted for grounded dried pepper.

COOKING METHOD 1. If you are using stock fish, be sure to have soaked the stock fish in water overnight to make it soft and cook faster. 2. Put your goat meat and or assorted meat into a pot. Add cooking salt, 1 bulb of onion, chopped to small sizes, ½ teaspoonful of thyme, curry powder, and a small amount of water (about 2cups), one or two maggi cubes and bring to boil for about 30 minutes until soft and tender to taste. 3. While that is cooking, put your chopped tomatoes (1-2 tins), fresh and or dried pepper, 1 bulb of real African red onions into a blender and blend to a smooth paste 4. Your egusi seeds must have come in blended (grounded). If they are not, this is the time to grind them in a blender dried (in the small bit of the blender for dried materials). Take 1-2 cups of grounded egusi and put in a bowl, add 2 parts of water to a part of grounded egusi in the bowl and

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YAM

Preparation Time: 15 min Servings: Serves 2 INGREDIENTS: Pounded Yam and water PREPARATION: Boil two cups of water. Save I cup and reduce heat. To remaining boiling water add I cup pounded yam. Stir till lump free dough is formed. Add more water (from 1 cup saved) and cook while stirring still desired softness is achieved. SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Eat with Egusi soup or stew of any choice.

stir to form a paste. Some people do not do it this way. They leave the grounded egusi dry and stir fry it instead in palm oil. You can do it either way. Here, the first method will be used 5. The meat should have finished cooking by now. Get a big pot. Place it on the cooker and allow it to be hot, with all residue of water drying out. Do not let it burn though. Pour about ¾ - 1½ cup (150 – 300mls) of red palm oil in the pot. Be careful here, it could smoke and splash around, with risk of you been burnt! Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute. Pour the blended tomatoes, fresh/dried pepper, onion paste into the oil and stir fry for about another 10 -15 mutes. 6. Now add the cooked meat to this base of stew and cover the pot and allow to simmer for about 3 minutes. Stir intermittently to prevent burning. 7. The egusi paste (or fried) can now be added to the stew with meat in it. Add your vegetables here, salt and one or two cubes of maggi if still required to taste and bring to boil for about 10 minutes. Stir intermittently 8. You should be greeted with some mouth watering aroma by now and look, your egusi soup is ready! Egusi soup is best served with pounded yam . It could also be eaten with eba, made from garri , or even semolina, or ground rice.

Nigerian eds W

Trinidadian

Afrocaribe Crew with Pastor Israel & Wife

he Afrocaribe crew was on site to cover the stylish and classy wedding ceremony of Mr. Comrade Kalu and Stephanie Mitchell, who tied the knot on August 29, 2009. The Rev. Dr. Benson Ogunemen officiated the well-attended event, which was held at the Cascadia Hotel, St. Anns, Trinidad.

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Delegates from Trinidad & Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leg of Miss Universe 2009

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Latoya Woods (centre) was crowned Trinidad & Tobago Miss Universe 2009, Sarah Radday (second runner up), Danille Prime (1st Runner Up)

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Miss Universe Trinidad & Tobago 2009 was held at the

Hyatt Regency Hotel on November 8, 2009

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TRIBUTE TO FEMALE BOXER

Jizelle Salandy

hile nursing a broken arm after a bicycle fall, 11-year-old Jizelle Salandy choose to use a punching bag to recover from her injury at the White Eagle Gym. Trainers, former female boxer, Kim Quashie and coach/ manager, Fitzroy Richards, immediately recognized her gift. “I liked her spirit and the correct manner in which she had been hitting the bag,” gym owner Richards recalled. Under the stewardship of Richards, Jizelle made her professional debut two years later – at age 13 - on February 25, 2000, knocking out Nimba Wahtuse in the third round. She continued an impressive winning streak with six victory fights throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the islands of Tortola, Anguilla, fearlessly facing female boxing legends, Joanna Alvarez and Ria Ramnarine. When Trinidad Boxing Commission realized Salandy’s true age, she was banned from fighting in the country again until she turned 17, forcing her to take her boxing career to move offshore. On November 9, 2002, 14-year-old Salandy won an eight-round decision over Paola Rojas of Cartagena, Colombia for the vacant WIBA Ibero-American Junior Welterweight Title at Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands, setting a world record as the youngest person ever to win the title. Among the fight promoters was Curtis Joseph and after the bout, he adopted Salandy and also became her trainer. Her name was 56 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

changed to Jizelle Joseph and she would not see ring action again until she turned 17. Just five days into her seventeenth birthday, Jizelle returned to the ring in Chaguanas and successfully defended her IBERO title, once again facing Rojas on a card co-promoted by Curtis Joseph, Potts and Forde. Potts, who had always showed interest in her career, privately contacted her about participating in the Potts’ T&T vs. USA boxing card, set for September 23, 2005. She pressured Joseph into allowing her to represent Trinidad in the match and, once he agreed, she did not disappoint her sponsors or her country. Jizelle battled and defeated Manela Daniels, breaking a second world record by becoming the youngest female in the world to win the NABC World Title. Shortly after, she and Kim Quashie contacted Potts to manage her career and he immediately took her under his stewardship. She signed a promotional contract with Potts and left her Fyzabad home to live with Potts and his family in Arima where a mini training camp was set up for Jizelle to train for her first WBC and WBA World Titles fight. Potts made sure she was well prepared for the then biggest fight of her career with vigorous weight training, hill work, interval training, cardio and lungs training and aqua aerobics. Salandy was so fit for that fight that she obliterated the bigger and stronger Elizabeth Mooney on the night of September 15 2006, successfully breaking another world record by being the youngest boxer, male or female, to unify the two most prestigious titles in the world - the WBC and WBA World Titles. In the sport of boxing these two titles are the greatest accolade in the world. Potts said, “These titles are greater than that of an Olympic Gold Medal because after winning a gold medal, the next aspiration is to win the WBC and WBA World Titles.” Thereafter, Salandy continued to break more world records while developing her illustrious career. On December 9, 2006, she became the first person in the world to win six world title belts in one fight, an achievement that earned

her the Top History Making Fighter of the year 2006 by WBAN; the First Citizen Sports Woman of the year 2006 by The First Citizen Sports Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago; and the Chaconia Gold Medal, the highest award in the land of Trinidad and Tobago. On the night of November 30th, 2007 Salandy stood in front of Dakota Stone and pounded her chest, telling Stone to “come on, bring it on; let’s see what you’ve got.” From eight rounds to the tenth rounds, Salandy gave a boxing lesson to the imposing Dakota Stone and secured her six world title belts. Then, on March 15 2008, a super middleweight boxer by the name of Natascha Ragosina broke Salandy’s record by winning seven belts in one fight. Yet, only two weeks later, on a card promoted by Mr. Harry Ragoonanan at the Centre of Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago, she fought and defeated the then unbeaten Karolina Lukasik in her mandatory defense, regaining her world record by winning eight title belts in one fight - WBC, WBA, WBE, WIBA, IWBF, WIBF, GBU and UBC. Again on December 26 2008, Salandy fought and successfully defeated the fourth ranked Yahaira Hernandez, securing eight title belts and breaking a Caribbean record by being the first boxer in the history of the Caribbean to successfully defend all her world titles six consecutive times. During Salandy’s boxing career she worked with Ulric Johnson, Kevin Placide and even had the opportunity of working with Hector Rocca. During dinner one evening while Salandy was at a training camp in the Pocono Mountains, the great Emmanuel Stewart told Potts, “Salandy is one of the most talented fighters I have ever seen. She has the natural God-given skills that other fighters would have taken two years to learn.” On August 31, 2009, Salandy was awarded posthumously Trinidad’s highest national award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the first boxer in the history of the Caribbean to ever receive such an award.

Ria Ramnarine

FEMALE BOXER:

5’2” Ria Ramnarine from Carapichaima, Trinidad was born on October 12, 1978. She has been involved in numerous contact sports, including boxing, karate, ju-jitsu, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, since 1995. Currently she is the top Female Boxer in Trinidad & Tobago.

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Exotic African Wear

& Hea dwrap s

A head tie is an elaborate head covering worn by women in west and southern Africa. Head ties and headwraps symbolize strength and pride in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self and oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city, village or country of birth and portray femininity and etiquette. 58 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

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COVER STORY

WENDY

Fitzwilliam

Queen Of Our Universe

Q J C G : You recently returned from your Caribbean

Wendy Fitzwilliam In an Exclusive Interview, she tells Afrocaribe Magazine about her new book, “Letters to Ailan” and her life after serving as Miss Universe

book launch, how exciting was it?

A WF:

lt was very exciting. I went to school in Barbados, so it was like going home for me. The reception was warm and hospitable and the book was very well received. I also have so many friends in Jamaica, making the visit there very special. One of my friends hosted a party in celebration of the launch and that, too, was great. Then Wendy went into her morning routine for the week, explaining that without the help of a nanny or her mother, who was out of the country, she tackled the tasks of getting herself ready for work and her son Alian fed and dressed for school with lots of love and patience. Alian wanted to help her make the boiled eggs for breakfast and then help with making the bed, as soon as he finished his bath. We both had a unique and special week.”

Ms. Wendy Fitzwilliam, winner of Miss Universe 1998, had recently returned from the Caribbean book launch of “Letters to Ailan”, dedicated to her son, when she graciously agreed to an interview with Afrocaribe Magazine. For more than an hour, we chatted around a cosy table in her office, and enjoyed her poised and graceful presence, rich smile, delightful sense of humour and astonishing humility.

Q JCG:

What do you think will make your book A Q JtourCandG :signing in Tobago different from that of the other islands?

On your Facebook profile we noticed that you are teaming up with famous model/actor, Tyson and Machel for a grand show that previews Carnival 2010 on a Tribeca Rooftop in New York. How did you guys connect?

WF:

We connected through the organizers of the show, Atillan, that also manages many other promotions.

A W F : The people are just so different, even from Q J C G : those in Trinidad, because the pace in Tobago is much calmer. When I was pregnant with Alian, I would ‘run away’ to the more reclusive areas of Tobago, like Charlotteville. The people of Tobago will approach you and want to genuinely talk about any topic, whether about politics or just to ask about me. Tobagonians also have a strong sense of self and are secure in who they are. Trinidadians, on the other hand, sometimes gain a strong sense of self, but only when they leave our country to go abroad and learn to appreciate their country.

Q J C G : Where will you be heading next on your book tour?

A W F : I will be going to New York and plan to take some time browsing bookstores, like Barnes and Nobel.

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Can you tell us about your charity work for the Cryil Ross Home and why you choose this particular organization?

A WF:

I always say, “You do not choose these sort of things, they choose you.” While I was rehearsing and working during Ms. Universe Trinidad ‘leg’, the organizers asked some of the contestants to visit the children at the home. When we arrived at the home, we enjoyed playing with the children, reading to them, teaching them to play moral (a ballgame) and other fun activities. Then, during one of my frequent visits a photographer, who I call “Trinidad’s paparazzi” saw me arriving at the home and wanted to break the news of my visits then. But, we made a deal that he would hold the story until after the Ms. Universe pageant and break the news, only if I won. I

thought to myself, “What were the odds that I could win? 98 to 1?” I wanted to keep it quiet, because, at the time the neighbours did not know what was going on at the home. After I won Miss Universe, the story about my visits to the home broke and that’s how the world knew about my involvement. When my reign ended, I continued with my studies at Hugh Wooding Law School and ardently continued to volunteer at the home. I was touched by the lives of all the children at the home and receive so much more from the than children I give them. When Magic Johnson told the world that he was HIV positive and I saw how healthy he was, but my children were dying, I wanted to get the same medicine he was taking, but the cost of the drugs were high and we just could not afford it. While in New York with the Trinidad Consular on my birthday, he asked what I wanted for my birthday, telling me I was free to ask for anything I needed and I asked for the HIV medication for my children. A few weeks later, we received the medicine free for the sickest children. Dr Carlos John became the children’s doctor while he was in Trinidad and his family members gave tremendous assistance to the home in numerous ways.

Q JCG:

Whenever we see you, you always exude such a presence of grace, poise and calm. Who or what keeps you so centred, focused and grounded?

A WF:

My family is my source of strength. My mother and my sister keep me grounded. The four families on my street in Diego Martin, where I grew up, gave tremendous support to each other. When one family celebrated, we all celebrated. If any family had a crisis, we all got together to help. All the families were Roman Catholics, though of different races, but we all had each other’s ‘back’. That’s why, when I see my close friends correcting one another’s children, I see nothing wrong and believe we are missing that sense of community today. There are also so many poised and elegant women for me to follow, I like Audrey Hepburn, Hazel Ward, Ms. Sharon Imbert and many others who are not so famous, but maintain such high standards. I admire my office colleague, Sherba, who is always well put together and elegant, does not leave home unless she is properly attired and has her make-up well done for work. I, on the other hand, still have to ask someone to give me a quick minute to get set for the day.

G : What beauty Q JandCskin care advice can you give us and which beauty products you just cannot live without?

A WF:

about mascara to make the eyes pop and concealer to hide everything when I don’t have enough sleep.

Q J C G : What advice can you give to young women and mothers worldwide that they can apply to their daily lives?

A W F : My advice to young mothers, especially,

is to take care of yourself first so that you will have something left to give. Take time out every day to replenish, and then you can give back because you are refreshed, happier, less cranky and less snappy.

Q JCG:

What is your most memorable and beneficial experience since winning the Miss Universe title?

A W F : The birth of Ailan is by far the most

memorable experience in my life. Every aspect of his birth is crystal clear to me. Although I had an epidural, I could still feel some pain and remember every detail of his birth. My Miss Universe win is still a blur today, but what I remember clearly is Peter Elias waving his little Trinidad flag! From the videos, I saw Ms Ghana swinging from my neck trying to congratulate me and, at that time, I did not realize how happy all the contestants were that I won. Everyone forgot what they rehearsed for after the winner was crowned. All of this I remember from watching videos of the show, but Ailan’s birth is profoundly clear in my mind, at all times. Only now do I understand my mother’s enthusiasm when she calls me on my birthday, at the exact time of my birth, to say in her loving mummy tone,” Well darling it was about this time I was pushing you out.” Can you imagine how embarrassed I was on these occasions, when celebrating my birthday with friends? I promised Ailan that on his April 28th birthday, I will not call him at the exact time he was born, but will say a prayer for him instead.

“The people of Tobago will approach you and want to genuinely talk about any topic, whether about politics or just to ask about me. Tobagonians also have a strong sense of self and are secure in who they are.”

While on my Caribbean tour, I cheated on my skin care routine one of the nights and did not remove my makeup because I had an early appointment the next day. Certainly, one’s skin cannot be sustained with by doing this as a habit. My skincare routine consists of drinking lots and lots of water and getting enough rest. I am also a spokesperson for Clear Essences products, which are great. The fading cream is wonderful, but I want everyone to know that these creams are for skin discolorations and not for the whole face.

Earlier, my favourite make up item was a red lipstick. With red lipstick, if I’m stranded on an island and Denzel (Washington) comes up in his yacht, I can put some lipstick on my lips, smudge some in my hand to put on my cheeks and put some on my eyelids to look good. But, now it’s all

After our interview and before leaving, Ms. Fitzwilliam learned that Ken was Nigerian. She told us of her brief, but unforgettable, visit to Lagos, Nigeria and her treat at Fela Kuti’s night Club ”Karakuta Republic”, where she was given a special seat to hear music from one of her favourite Nigerian Artiste, Fela. She also visited his home in Nigeria after his death.

Interviewer - Jennifer Charles George

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TRINIDAD

Carnival Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival is the greatest show on earth and as such locals and visitors alike must come prepared to participate and enjoy the celebtations. Below is a list of the hectic schedule that makes up Trinidad &Tobago’s Carnival.

* Central Bank All Inclusive * Privilege ‘Hysteria’ Cooler Fete * Agua Trinidad – The Paddock * Fete – Pier 1 (Chaguaramas) * South Cancer Society All-Inclusive * Chutney Soca Monarch Finals – Skinner Park- 8pm * O’Farrell All-Inclusive- Mobs 2, Chaguaramas – 8pm

Pierre Complex, POS – 11am * Fatima College All-Inclusive – Fatima Grounds, Mucurapo Rd – 7pm * Carnival Under The Trees – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm * Karma Sutra 9 – Country Club, Maraval – 10pm * Machel Montano’s Alternative Concept 8 – Haseley Crawford Stadium – 9pm * White Oak Chutney Brass 8 – Guaracara Park (Point-A-Pierre) – 9pm * Victoria Garden’s All-Inclusive

* Panorama Semi-Finals – Queens Park Savannah * Friends of Blood Bank Fete All-Inclusive – Trinidad Country Club – 2pm * Mc Leod Annual All-Inclusive – 2pm * US Embassy All-Inclusive * T&T Air Guard All-Inclusive – Prisons Sports Complex – 5pm * Maritime All-Inclusive * Misty Ridge All-Inclusive – Hadeed Ranch * Wild Meat All-Inclusive – Celder

Grounds, Tunapuna * Carnival Under The Trees – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm * International Soca Monarch SemiFinals * Red Cross Kiddies Carnival, Jean

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* Privilege ‘Jamboree Sunday’ – Jamboree Park, Valsayn – 2pm * Heart Beat Hilton * T&Tec Soca Shoka IX – St John’s Complex * CAREC All-Inclusive – Federation Park (St. Clair) – 2pm * People’s National Movement (PNM) Fete – Balisier House, Victoria Ave. POS – 9pm * Mardi Gras- 10pm

* Army Fete – Macqueripe Rd, Chaguaramas – 4pm * Bishops Junior School AllInclusive Fete * Carnival Under The Trees – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm * Islandstyle GLOW- 10pm * Eyes Wide Shut – Queens Park Oval – 9pm * Senior Kings Semi –Final/ Queen’s Park Savannah, February 09, 2010, 7:00pm * S.O.S. – Maracas – 12pm * The Ranch – Cunupia * Carnival Under The Trees – Normandie

Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm * Bacchanal Wednesday – The Hanger, Chaguaramas – 9pm * Custom Boys Fete- Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain – 9pm * Beach House All-Inclusive – 11am * Escape to the Sanctuary – Salybia – 11am * Blanchisseuse All-Inclusive – 11am * TRIBE Ignite – Jean Pierre Complex – 9pm * UWI Splash – Chaguaramas – 9pm * T&T Police Assoc. Annual Carnival Fete – Police Training College

* Harvard Club All-Inclusive Fete – Harvard Club, St. James – 4pm * Dimanche Gras, Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain – 7pm * Free Drinks Mania – Country Club – 9pm * Hilton Poolside – Hilton Hotel (Lady Young Rd, Port of Spain) – 9pm * Is Just A Fete (TASA) – Queen’s Hall, Port-of-Spain * Cotton Tree Foundation All Inclusive Fete – Spanish Acres *

Fantastic Friday (Soca Monarch Finals) – Queens Park Oval – 7pm * Island People Girl Power – Jenny’s Car Park – 9pm * Privilege ‘RISE’ All-Inclusive – Moka, Maraval – 9pm * Blue Range Cooler Fete – Diego Martin * D’Cooler Fete – Pier 1, Chaguaramas – 9pm * Senior Queens Semi-Final -Queen’s Park Savannah - 7:00pm * Re- Enactment of the Camboulay Riots - Piccadilly Greens, Port of Spain 5:00am * Privilege ‘EUPHORIA’ All Inclusive – Jamboree Park, Valsayn – 3pm * Atlantis 2009 (Nauti Krew AllInclusive) – Pier 1 – 4pm * National Panorama Finals – 7pm * Trini Posse Fete – The Hanger, Chaguaramas * Island Style Insomnia Fete – Mobs 2 (Chaguaramas) – Midnight * Dawn, Sunrise In The City – Jenny’s Car Park * Lions All Inclusive Fete – Lions Civic Centre (Port of Spain)

* Jouvay (4am) * Parade of the Bands * Carnival Jump Up – Hilton Hotel (Lady Young Rd, Port of Spain) * Monday Night Mas – Paramin Hill * Parade of the Bands – Judging points @ Adam Smith Square, Piccadilly on the Greens, Queen’s Park South * Pan Trinbago Pan on the Road – Victoria Square and Downtown Port of Spain * Pan Trinbago Las’ Lap – Western Main Rd, St James * Beach Lime – Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas, Blanchisseuse Bay * Wild Meat Cool Down – Balandra Bay * Ash Wed Boatride – Treasure Queen (Pier 2, Chaguaramas) * Annual Ash Wednesday River Lime – De Freitas Ranch, Valencia

* D’Original Breakfast Party – Diamond Vale, Diego Martin – 3am * Sunny Side Up Breakfast Party – Palm Avenue West, Petit Valley – 4am * Dancing In the Sanctuary ‘Headley All-Inclusive’- Windsor Road, Valsayn – 11am * Eye Spy – San Fernando Hill * Brian Lara All-Inclusive – Chancellor Hill, Queen’s Park West – 2pm CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 63

CELEBRATION OF EID-UL-FITR IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Eid-Ul-Fitr

id-ul-Fitr or Id-Ul-Fitr, often abbreviated simply as ‘Eid’, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic term meaning “festivity” or “celebration” while Fitr means “to break the fast”. As in other parts of the world, Eid ul-fitr is marked with great sadness and jubilation. Sadness that the blessed month of Ramadan has ended, and great happiness that the fasting is completed and Inshallah (God willing) the fast would have been accepted. Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting, but also to thank God for the help and strength that they believe he gave them throughout the previous month, to help them practice self-control. New clothes are bought to be worn to mosque for Eid prayer. Mehindi or henna is applied to the hands of the sisters. The Eid prayer is recited in the congregation in mosques or in an outdoor area (a ground or park) to accommodate the large numbers who attend this prayer.

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Divali

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Divali Is A Cultural Festival , celebrated By Hindus during the months of October Or November, in Trinidad and Tobago and celebrated all over the world. The Hindu Festival is celebrated on Amaavasya , The Fifteenth Night Of The Dark Forthnight, Of The Month Of Kaartik (Oct/Nov)and is considered The Festival Of Lights, marked by The Lighting Of Deeyas, which are made from clay and filled with oil.

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Trinidad & Tobago Celebr A

Penolope Spencer, Nikki Crosby & The Late Myroon Ali

Destra Garcia

Nikki Crosby

Afrocaribe Celebrities Akiesha George, Candice Kelly, Candice

Destra

Destra, Denise Belfon, Allison Hinds Triple Winner FayeCrown Ann Lyons FayeAnn Lyons-Alvarez Alverez

Bro Resistance

Explainer Brother Resistance 66 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

ebrities

Machel Montano

Kenisha Thom

David Rudder

Kenisha Thom

Nikki Crosby CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA I www.afrocaribemagazine.com 67

THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE OF S T E E L PA N

Ray HOLMAN

omposer, arranger, and steel pan performer from Trinidad & Tobago, Ray Holman is perhaps the most internationally talented enthusiast of his art form. He has arranged and recorded with steel bands and artists in the U.S., Canada,

Latin America, Japan, and Europe, including televised performances with the German National Orchestra which showcased his compositions. Ray also composed the highly acclaimed score for Black Orpheus, staged by Crossroads Theatre Company in New Jersey in 1991 and has been a featured performer in film, television and at venues such as Madison Square Garden, the Super Bowl and the St. Lucia Jazz Festival. A University of the West Indies graduate and former high school teacher, he has conducted workshops at West Virginia University and was a Commissioned Composer in the California State University Summer Arts Program. He regularly attends the bi-annual steelband tuning and arranging workshop at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California and made presentations at meetings of the Percussive Arts Society. During 1998-2000 he was a distinguished Visiting Artist in the Ethnomusicology Program at the University of Washington, Seattle. Ray has won many prestigious musical awards, including the Hummingbird Silver Medal of Merit from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and a Pan Legend Award from the New York Folk Arts Institute and the U.S. Congress.

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In 2003, he was recognized for his musical contribution by the Republic Pan Fiesta in A Tribute to Ray Holman. Ray began playing pan at in 1957 at age 13 with Invaders Steelband, led by legendary pan tuner Ellie Mannette. Later, he became the group’s arranger, doing classical interpretations such as “Dream of Olwen” and “Etude in A b.”

An Interview with Ray Holman

When AIM’s publisher, Ken Iden and co –founder Jennifer Charles George made their way to the home of Mr. Ray Holman, the Saturday evening weather was cool, and they were received with a warm and friendly welcome from Mr. Ray, now fondly referred to as Uncle Ray.

AIM: You recently held a show on the San-Fernando Hill. How was the response to the show?

Medal of Merit from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and a Pan Legend Award from the New York Folk Arts Institute and the U.S. Congress. I was also recognized for my musical contribution by the Republic Pan Fiesta 2003.

AIM: Can you tell us about your most memorable day in the steelpan business?

RAY:

I was in a performance in Germany, after which a young boy walked up to me and said, “Your performance made me cry.” I was really touched by that statement. And at another time, performing that same rendition, I noticed people in the audience drying tears from their eyes.

AIM: Where do you see the future of steel pan?

RAY:

lt has a great future because it is gaining international recognition. The music will succeed powerfully, if it is properly managed.

AIM: We understand that music takes a lot of creativity. Where does your inspiration come from?

RAY: l gain inspiration from the people

around me. As a start to write, l hear precise music and sometimes the words that I think come from the heart. I can remember a particular friend whenever I am around him I got good vibes to write.

AIM: Do you have any plans for pan in Africa, particularly Nigeria, because it is one of my AIM: We’ve heard so much dreams to take Pan home, as it is about you both locally and the Trinidad and Tobago musical internationally. How long have instrument? you been in the steelpan industry? RAY: Yes I am very ready and willing to

RAY:

The show was very successful and I am still receiving calls from people expressing appreciation.

RAY: I’ve been around for a good while

now and started when I was 12 years old. At 20, I became the youngest player to win the solo Ping Pong (an early version of the tenor pan) competition in the 1964 Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival. Then I began experimenting with the jazz idiom as a soloist, while touring and performing on television with the Queen’s Royal College Jazz Group led by my teacher Scofield Pilgrim.

AIM: What have been your major achievements in your career?

RAY: I’ve won many prestigious musical

awards, including the Hummingbird Silver

teach people who are ready to learn. I love to teach people who are willing because I hate to waste my time.

This section took us straight to one of the rooms in the house, where we were trilled by a young student who had been studying about two weeks on under his tutorage, playing one of their favourite tunes just written for Christmas. The publisher, who is a seasoned music minister, had the opportunity to sing a song out of his genre, giving him an automate invitation to visit again in one of their sessions and be one of their guest artistes.

Burrokeet

The Burrokeet or Sumari tradition existed both in the East Indian Hindu Culture and on the South American mainland. The donkey’s head was made form coloured paper on a wooden frame while the body was covered with a satin skirt featuring a hemp tail. The donkey or horseman was constructed from bamboo in such a way that it gave the illusion that the dancer was riding a small ‘burro’ or donkey, when he put his head through the hole in the donkey’s neck and the body of the animal fitted around his hips. The rider wore a satin shirt and a large matador’s or straw hat and danced making the donkey caper and bow to the accompaniment of guitars, cuatros and shac shacs. The Burrokeet is slowly vanishing from Trinidad’s carnival celebrations but can be seen on the Prime Minister’s Best Village Competition occasionally.

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20 Victorious Years

Victorious Faith Church Celebrates 20th Anniversary Bishop David Ibeleme Leads a ministry in the twin Island nation of Trinidad & Tobago with several congregations.

nature is expressed in every phrase and sentence, always giving glory to God and reminding us of he is what he is exclusively what he is by the grace of God.

Introduction: My time with Bishop David Ibeleme was more than just an interview, but an enlightening, educating, inspiring, and thought provoking session with the Bishop, who is District Medical officer, author, father, husband and a “big uncle” to many resident in this beautiful island of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Bishop has recently returned from one of his many trips and, even though it was a busy day, he was kind enough to give me this special time with him and made me very comfortable, in spite of my own anxiety at interviewing my teacher, pastor, father and mentor.

As founder and president of the Victorious Faith Ministries, his work and mission are relentless in helping others feel a sense of belonging and reassurance that they, too, can make their life whole if only they seek God first. A humble man, his unassuming

AIM: Bishop David Okechukwu Ibeleme, as a Nigerian I understand that names are very symbolic and they are prayerfully and carefully selected. Can you tell us something about your name? Bishop Ibeleme: The name David is from the scripture after King David. Okechukwu on the other hand means God’s own portion. My parents espe-

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cially my mom viewed me as belonging to God that He would take care of me. Ibeleme means, your peers or like we say in Nigeria your mates are responsible or it’s the doing of your peers or mates. I originally didn’t like this name and wanted to changed it however I decided not to change it officially but to change it in my consciousness to mean It’s the Lord’s doing or the Lord is responsible for my life. AIM: From your last name I understand you are from the Eastern part of Nigeria. Can you tell us precisely where you are from - your local and state of origin? Bishop Ibeleme: I’m from AmiziOlokoro in Umuahia South, local government area of Abia State, Nigeria. AIM: Apart from speaking Ibo, you speak Yoruba fluently and we under-

stand your primary, secondary and tertiary educations were all done in Lagos. How was your growing up in Lagos? Bishop Ibeleme: lt was very humbling. We lived in the Lawanson area of Surulere in Lagos for the first seventeen years of my life apart from the three years during the Nigerian civil war when we lived in Umuahia. I never had the privilege of using a proper working WC toilet bowl in my house until I was seventeen plus. My parents were not economically strong, yet they wanted the best for us in terms of education and gave me the opportunity to get a good education. They were able to see into the future and God never disappointed them. I was able to have very humbling experiences during my early stages in life, which instilled in me a high sense of humility and understanding, fully well, that God is the life of men.

AIM: With your level of success and achievement, how do your parents see you? Bishop Ibeleme: Though they are not surprised they are primarily very grateful to God and they always reassured me and they are praying for me. They see everything about me as the hand of God making the difference and they are very grateful to God. I cannot remember ever calling them and the ending the conversation without them reminding me that they constantly thank God for my life.

as well as popular songs, since all of this requires a high sense of concentration and dedication? Bishop Ibeleme: Firstly the grace of God I cannot overstate its place in my life. The relationships God has connected me unto is another major reason starting with my wife. I sincerely believe that God brought my wife into my life to ensure I fulfilled His purpose on the earth. We have had our share of marital issues like any other couple but that hasn’t changed the fact that we are convinced we belong together and that we’ve been set up by God to make ours and lives better. My wife, my dear wife, is so graced and gifted in the area of administration. Her administrative grace has made very easy for me to flow freely in the ministry because I don’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty of ministry. She is a strong support. Other people that I believe have played a phenomenal role in our ministries success are the pastors and leaders we work with and the saints that God has surrounded us with. My supervisors at work, who respect my office as a minister of the gospel and give me the opportunities to excel in life. When God calls someone He provides for them. I depend absolutely on His grace as the only thing that is sufficient for me.

discriminate on class, race, or educational background; you just connect with people for who they are. What gives you this courage and confidence?

ing upon my life and I sense this is the best time to make maximum use of it. AIM: As a seasoned Minister, what advice do you have for those of us who are upcoming Ministers? Bishop Ibeleme: Young ministers should be convinced of their calling, concentrate on their calling, and never set themselves up for competitive jealousy. Above all, you should see the word of God as the final arbiter in all matters of life and learn to live a consecrated life. Do not forget to and understand the various levels of relationships that God brings us into. Those ahead of you will pull you up, give you advice, guide and instruct you. They are for direction. Those that will be your peers are for companionship and those who are under you will serve to boost to your ministry. They are there for succession and posterity so that you can leave a godly legacy. Humility is another vital key that will help you in life and ministry. Be humble enough to take instruction and correction as you grow in grace.

AIM: Considering your young age and the number of years spent in ministry, the medical field, as a father and husband, what gives you clear direction to make such excellent choices in life? Bishop Ibeleme: I cannot say that I have made excellent choices all the time, but the issue still boils down to the grace of God upon my life. His grace has covered all my flaws. He looks beyond my flaws and sees my needs and consistently steps in to fulfill them. Don’t be fooled greatness in never with flaws. I am what I am today by the grace of God not my ingenuity. I decided to be a medical doctor at the tender age of 9 years because of an ailment I had as a child. l went into the profession out of compassion for people with similar conditions. AIM: Do you have any regrets in life? Bishop Ibeleme: Yes, in terms of leaving Nigeria to settle here. Though it I know it remains the will of God for me to come to T&T, I felt that I somehow missed the opportunity to play an active role in the education of my younger brothers. They had it really rough after I left Nigeria. Many times I wondered if I left too soon and this was very hard for me to handle. I blamed myself for their difficulties in school and actually found it hard to forgive myself. But I’ve gotten over that now because I have cast them and their situation upon the Lord so I’m convinced that it shall be well with them and they will be fine. I have grown to forget my past, take advantage of my now and press on to a greater future. AIM: On this twentieth year milestone of your ministry in T&T, what has kept you growing from strength to strength - in your ministry, the medical field, authoring many books,

AIM: l have been with you in this Victorious Faith Ministry for five years and have seen you share your pulpit with other Ministers without any fear. What gives you this courage and high sense of security? Bishop Ibeleme: I am very secure in my calling. We are all graced in various ways. I strongly believe we all have a unique role to play in the advancement of the Kingdom. I also believe that there is no grace outside your place. We are not in any competition with each other and so there is no need for envy and jealousy. (The Bishop, in his usual way, made scriptural references to 1 Cor. 12:412 and Ephesians 4:4 to authenticate the fact that we are all in for one common goal which is building and advancing the kingdom of God.)

Bishop Ibeleme: l see God in everybody. He is the father of spirits. We are all created in the image of God and I believe we all have an aspect of the character of God that is unique to us. I believe there is a dimension of God in everyman that you won’t tap into until you connect with that man – Eph. 3:14-21. l have seen the rich die like paupers and I have seen God lifting men who were not regarded highly by others greatly and, for this, I don’t despise anybody. I try my best to respect everyone because you never really know who you are dealing with he/she may be your golden connection too fulfill your destiny so I’m careful how I treat people. We are all wonderfully and fearfully made. AIM: What is your fatherly advice to men in the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa? Bishop Ibeleme: Many men in this region tend to feel like someone or the society owes them something or is responsible for their misfortune. You cannot progress with that kind of mindset. They should see God as their main source; never hold anything against anybody; release people sincerely from their heart; and try to live a purposeful life. They should also always remember that nobody owes them anything and nobody else can meet their needs - that God is the only one that can meet all their needs according to his riches in glory.

YEARS

AIM: What do you do at your spare time to relax? Bishop Ibeleme: l do watch movies, and read, because readers are leaders. AIM: I have been observing you so closely and this is my very point of connection with you: you don’t

They should look for and seize the opportunities to improve themselves and remove the slavery mentality. Humility is a very vital key in life therefore do not operate with the spirit of shame or condemnation no matter your past. They should never forget they have something to bless the world with. AIM: Can you give some insight into what to expect from Victorious Faith Ministry in the next 20 years? Bishop Ibeleme: The next phase of the ministry is to embark in all forms of teaching, training, equipping believers, church workers and ministers for the advancement of the kingdom. I have a very strong Apostolic anoint-

AIM: Apart from God, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, can you share with us the men you see as your fathers in faith? Bishop Ibeleme: I made my connections in phases and I have made different connections at various intervals in my life. l have an endless list here in Trinidad, Nigeria and all over the world, some I have met personally and some I have yet to meet. Many are at the early stage of my ministry, such as Rev Chukwudi Ihim, Rev Tunde Amosun, Bishop Harford Iloputaife of Blessed Memory, Arch Bishop Benson ldahosa of Blessed memory, Bishop John OsaOni, Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, Rev. Austen Ukachi, Dr K. C. Price, Dr Kenneth Copeland, Dr Kenneth E. Hagin of blessed memory and Dr Mike Murdock. In Trinidad and Tobago also, Rev Bertril Baird, Rev and Mrs Herman Raymond, Rev. Dr. Winston Cuffie, Rev. Elmore Anthony, Rev Allister Alexander and Rev. Turnell Nelson of blessed memory - the list is endless, but these are some of the men who have been a great channel of blessing to me.

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The Vision That Became

Living Faith Church Winners Chapel Ota, Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa. www.davidoyedepoministries.org

With a seating capacity of 50,000, the auditorium is considered the largest in the world, accoring to Guiness Book of World Records. 72 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com

Bishop David Oyedepo Founder & President of The Living Faith Church Worldwide

The World’s Attraction On May 2, 1981, at the end of a visionary epistle of Paul to the Ephesians where God Said, encounter that lasted about eighteen hours, I “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith saw a band of unfortunates, afflicted, battered, ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of beaten, tattered, deformed and all that one the wicked” (Eph 6:16). This was the genesis of could ever imagine, groaning and agonizing, this global ministry today and according to this as a result of pains and mandate, the Word of Faith is pangs, crying as it were “The hour has come the key to triumphant living. for rescue. I was so Shortly, thereafter, a weekly to liberate the world moved with compassion teaching programme took-off that I began sobbing from all oppressions of popularly known as the Faith profusely asking, “Why the devil through the Liberation Hour. Alongside, a Lord?” I heard the Lord caucus was put in place, tagged preaching of the word of say to me, “But from The Power House which was the beginning it was not faith, and I am sending involved in prayers and fasting so.” I questioned further, among others towards the “But why Lord?” and you to undertake this actualization of this heavenly then came the mandate, vision. task.” “The hour has come to Today, testimonies of liberation liberate the world from all oppressions of the through our messages, books, tapes, magazines devil through the preaching of the word of faith, and other periodicals are most humbling. and I am sending you to undertake this task.” The word of faith is working like fire for the This mandate was further confirmed from the liberation of mankind across the nations.

Afrocaribe International Magazine Congratulates Bishop David & Pastor Mrs Faith Oyedepo & Winners Family Worldwide on Shiloh

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Preview of Fall 2010 H

industry through a stunning photo gallery. And, you’ll discover the rich culture, fantastic tourist attractions, local events, happenings, and traditions of Grenada.

igh style and fashion is a major focus in each issue. Local and Internationally known fashion designers and their unique flair will also grace the pages of Afrocaribe’s Fall 2010, along with the showcasing of young and upcoming designers and models, from Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa.

ello everyone and welcome to the first issue of Afrocaribe International Magazine.

We are pleased to present to you this premier issue of AIM and extend my heartfelt gratitude to our readers for your interest in learning more about our region, its people and culture. ur mandate at Afrocaribe is to bridge the gap that exists between the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa, by exposing you to the various aspects of arts, culture, tourist attractions, lifestyles, and traditions of the featured regions. Our enlightening and informative articles will expand your knowledge and insight of the countries featured in each issue.

n our upcoming Fall 2010 issue, we are excited and honoured to feature Brazil, Ghana and Grenada where you’ll be at the forefront all the fun, excitement, arts, cultures, traditions, events, celebrations, and tourist attractions that make each of these countries unique.

ur HOT, H O T , HOT Brazil feature emphasizes the beauty and positive aspects of Carnival. From Ghana, one of Africa’s cultural giants, we’ll bring you the latest on the country’s fast-growing movie industry, fondly known Gollywood, by highlighting its leading actors and giving you an up-close look at this thriving

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You’ll also learn about Shiloh, an annual event that brings people from all churches under the Winners Chapel umbrella – the largest church in the world in Ota, Nigeria, West Africa, where they come together each year to celebrate and rededicate themselves.

s we keep Trinidad and Tobago and Nigeria as the bedrock of our publication, each issue will spotlight Trinidad and Tobago’s exceptionally talented artistes, popular tourist attractions, celebrations, festivals, exquisite hotels, cosy guesthouses, and unique blend of restaurants. Welcome to Afrocaribe International Magazine!

Jennifer Charles George

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Made in Trinidad & Tobago 76 SUMMER 2010 I www.afrocaribemagazine.com