NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

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NEW YORKERS' FIRST CHOICE FOR CARIBBEAN NEWS TM

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JUNE 4-17, 2009 Copyright © 2006, New York Liberty Star

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 162

CARIBBEAN NEWS

PASSPORT A MUST FOR CARIBBEAN TRIP

US AUTHORITIES recently began implementing laws requiring all travellers entering the country to possess passport.

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ENTERTAINMENT

SOCA KING STARS AT RADIO CITY

MACHEL MONTANA continues his quest of channeling Caribbean music worldwide when he hits the stage at Radio City.

SEE STORY, PAGE 2

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C CO TS S ONTEN NT POWER BREAKFAST

CARIBBEAN TRAVEL

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NO TRIPLE-GOLD PURSUIT FOR BOLT

CACCI CONNECTS SMALL BIZ

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Networking Power Breakfast Meeting held recently at FlatbushCaton Market in Brooklyn.

AIR JAMAICA

10 YEARS OF SPICE ISLE

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US PASSPORT A MUST

Authorities began implementing laws requiring all travellers to possess a valid U.S. passport.

OAS LIFTS CUBAN BAN

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Airline to stay put as tourism business looks to struggle in the slower summer months ahead.

ACCESS GRANTED

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Falconí says Cuba's 47-year suspension from the OAS will be lifted.

RADIO CITY WELCOMES SOCA KING MONTANO Internationally acclaimed soca king Machel Montano continues his quest of channeling Caribbean music worldwide when he hits the stage at the prestigious New York City landmark venue, Radio City Music Hall.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR EDITORIAL STAFF LENECIA HINES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IVROL HINES MANAGING EDITOR DAVID LESTER ART DIRECTOR

President Obama Proclaims June As Caribbean American Heritage Month Obama Says Learn More About The His Histtor oryy & Culture Of Caribbean Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Barack Obama has declared June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

In a proclamation issued by the White House on Tuesday, Obama noted the “lasting contributions” made by Caribbean Americans to the United States’ culture and history, stating that June has been set aside to “honour their cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and social diversity.

“Generations of immigrants have preserved the traditions of their homelands, and these traditions have defined our nation's identity,” he said, adding that Caribbean Americans bring a “unique and vibrant culture” to America.

“This multilingual and multiethnic tradition has strengthened our social fabric and enriched the diversity of our nation,” he added.

Obama said while many Americans have Caribbean roots, “some Caribbean Americans were forced to our country as slaves; others arrived of their own volition.

“All have sought the promise of a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their children. In their pursuit of success, Caribbean Americans exhibit the traits all Americans prize: determination, a

devotion to community, and patriotism,” Obama said.

Obama said Caribbean Americans have made their mark in every facet of US society, ranging from art to athletics and science to service, and that they have also safeguarded the United States by being members of the Armed Forces.

He also recognised the “critical relationship” the United States maintains with Caribbean countries, noting that in a world of increasing communication and connectivity, “this friendship has become even more important.

“We are neighbors, partners, and friends; we share the same aspirations for our children; and we strive for the very same freedoms.

Together, we can meet the common challenges we face.

“Now, therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.”

Obama urged all Americans to commemorate June by “learning more about the history and culture of Caribbean Americans.”

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President Barack Obama declares June National Caribbean Heritage Month.

SERVING NEW YORK CITY PUBLISHED BIWEEKLY

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Thompson Honors Six Leaders At Caribbean Heritage & Culture Event BROOKLYN, NY -- New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson honored six extraordinary leaders at his eighth annual Caribbean Heritage & Culture event. The event was co-sponsored by the Caribbean American Center of New York , Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Caribbean Women’s Health Association and the West Indian Day Carnival Association.

“The Caribbean American community is one of the largest and most active immigrant communities in our nation today, with the Caribbean Diaspora in America numbering close to 5 million people.” Thompson said at the event at SEIU Local 32BJ in downtown Manhattan . “During Caribbean American Heritage month, we celebrate the proud traditions of all Caribbean Americans nationwide.

Here in New York we salute the achievements of Caribbean Americans who have put their unique stamp on our city.”

Thompson presented the first award to Rosalind McLymont, Editor-in-chief of The Network Journal. The Comptroller acknowledged McLymont’s dedication to assisting small and medium-sized companies in their efforts succeed in the global market.

“In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the fields of business and journalism, it is my pleasure to present our first award to Rosalind McLymont,” Thompson said. Police Sergeant Herve Guiteau, who has been a distinguished officer in the New York City Police Department for 25 years, received the second award.

“In recognition of his committed service to New York City and its many communities, it is my great honor to present this award to Sgt. Herve Guiteau,” Thompson said.

Thompson presented the third award to Dr. Jean Chin, a preeminent physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center.

New York City Comptroller and Mayoral hopeful, William C. Thompson, Jr., (left), poses for a photo with three honorees at his annual awards presentation celebrating Caribbean Heritage and Culture, Tuesday. (Photo by Sharon Gordon) “Throughout her career, Dr. Chin has demonstrated a commitment to her community, serving as a Clinical Instructor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and devoting her energies to Planned Parenthood of New York City,” Thompson said.

“In recognition of her distinguished service in both her professional capacity as a physician and in her many organizational roles; it is my pleasure to present this award to Dr. Jean Chin,” he added.

Thompson presented a special award to the Sesame Flyers International Steel Orchestra. “Sesame Flyers International Steel Orchestra is an exceptional musical ensemble featuring young pan art-

ists,” Thompson said. “Under the direction of Winston Munroe, the group takes pride in its Caribbean heritage and has played at many special events throughout New York City and beyond, including the West Indian-American Day Carnival festivities.

The fourth honoree was Dr. Dennis A. Derryck, Professor of Professional Practice at the New School for Management and Urban Policy.

“His innovative policies and pragmatic style have proven invaluable to nonprofit organizations throughout New York City ,” Thompson said. “In recognition of his passionate commitment to pushing the boundaries of architecture and community develop-

ment, I am pleased to present this award to Dr. Dennis Derryck.”

The fifth honoree of the evening was Dr. Grace CornishLivingstone, a best-selling author, minister and relationship consultant.

“Dr. Grace is a shining example of the human spirit triumphing over tragedy and adversity,” Thompson said. “After witnessing a brutal murder as a child, she determined that her life’s mission would be to help women and men in unhealthy relationships build self-worth and overcome all forms of abuse. In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to helping others, it is my great pleasure to present this award to Dr. Grace Cornish-Livingstone.”

The final honoree of the

evening was Anthony King, Regional Director of Tour Operators and Airlines with the Jamaica Tourist Board.

“Mr. King is one of our city’s most distinguished businessmen, who has made enormous contributions to both our Caribbean American community and to our city as a whole” Thompson said. “In recognition of his leadership in the tourism industry over many years, it is my pleasure to present this award to Mr. Anthony King.”

Rev. Mel Holder of the Christian Cultural Center delivered the Invocation at the beginning of the ceremony. Famed Calypso singer Slinger Francisco, also known as “The Mighty Sparrow,” performed at the event.

4th National Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebrations Plans Underway WAHINGTON, D.C. -- This June 2009, marks the fourth national celebrations of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month and the first with a Democratic President. ICS and its affiliates and partners around the country have succeeded in setting a pace for the past three years commemorating National Celebrations of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month that sets the bar for this year's celebrations.

Citing the need to continue building on the previous year's, ICS as the architect and Chair of the

National Campaign to commemorate JUNE as Caribbean American Heritage Month, has forged relationships with individuals and organizations around the country with a singular vision in mind, that is to set a standard for what Caribbean American Heritage Month must become.

Members of the National Commemorative Committee which includes community leaders from across America have been working feverishly to ensure a widened outreach. Increase efforts were made to engage new community

leaders in centers of high concentration of Caribbean Americans.

The purpose of the National Commemorative Committee is to put in place an organizing process that is able to withstand the rigors of national, language and racial and ethnic differences over time. Says, Dr. Nelson, "what we have is not perfect, but it is perfect for where we are now. We are a community in transition from the cocoon of near invisibility to staking our claim in American society and history.

Given the awakening that took place in the 2008 election, I antici-

pate an increase in the number of events and an increase in participation of community organizations and leaders."

From Atlanta to Brooklyn to Orlando to Fort Lauderdale to Washington DC the first 4 days of June are filled with a series of activities that reflect the diversity of the region while celebrating the unity. From film festivals to carnivals to food festivals to the capstone National Caribbean American Legislative Conference in Washington DC, the month is shaping up to be a wave of oppor-

tunities to display Caribbean influence on American life.

The Caribbean diaspora in the US is estimated at around 5 million.

Given this significant number and the current political/economic environment, and anti-immigrant climate, the efforts to establish a National Caribbean American Heritage Month which began in 1999, remain significant and critical in making visible the Caribbean American identity, developing the agenda and recognizing Caribbean Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape.

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Caribbean Chamber Hosts Networking Power Breakfast The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) sponsored a Networking Power Breakfast Meeting, May 29, at the Flatbush-Caton Market Conference Center in Brooklyn, where banking and business experts connected with local entreprenuers.

The theme for the event was Impact of the Federal Stimulus on the City of New York: Implications for small business owners during this economic downturn.

Financing availability for small businesses; small business contracting opportunities and New York City Minority and Women

Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Certification Program were the primary subjects addressed during the meeting.

Participants included representatives from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), JP Morgan Chase and Senior Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE). These business executives made presentations on eligi-

Dr. Roy Hastick, Sr.

Caribbean business owners at CACCI Power Breakfast

bility criteria and outlined the steps for obtaining small business loans.

"Once again, we are pleased to have our CACCI partners who continue to share their expertise and their time at CACCI meetings to help our members and other small business owners to grow and expand their businesses," said Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., CACCI President.

Gavin Ndabahaliye, JP Morgan Chase representative

Minister To Address Jamaicans In New York Jamaica National Hosts Economic Forums, 'Outlook For The Future'

Children’s Sports & Fitness Expo Aims To Combat Childhood Obesity BROOKLYN, NY -- Childhood and teenage obesity has increased by four times over the past 40 years. The obesity problem in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick is part of an epidemic affecting all of Brooklyn, New York City, and the nation. Certified personal trainer Vincent Ferguson understands the urgency in addressing the child obesity epidemic and that is why his not-for-profit health and fitness organization Body Sculpt of New York will present their annual Children's Sports & Fitness Expo on Saturday June 13th at Boys and Girls High School, 1700 Fulton Street.

Body Sculpt of New York has partnered with the Brooklyn Borough Presidents Office; Amerigroup Community Care; United Federation of Teachers (UFT); Emblem Health; NYC Department of Youth and Community Development; New York City Sports Commission; Sports New York (SNY); Radio Disney; Dewey Does; Metro PCS and the Bedford YMCA to bring over 25 sports activities, nutrition and weight counseling, vision, hearing, dental and asthma screenings as well as cooking demonstrations to the community— all free of charge in a continued effort to promote the importance of children’s health and fitness. To learn more about the expo and to pre-register visit www.bodysculpt.org or (718) 346-5852.

To Advertise In New York's Favorite Caribbean Newspaper Call (718) 785-9722

NEW YORK, NY -- The Jamaican Minister of Finance and the Public Service, the Hon. Audley Shaw, will be the headline speaker for the North American segment of “Outlook for the Future” a series of economic forums, hosted by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), under the theme, “The Economic Imperatives for Jamaica 2009.”

The forums, targeted to Jamaicans in the Diaspora, started in the United Kingdom in May; and continue in North America, with sessions in Florida and New York, USA, June 4 and 6; and Toronto, Canada, on June 25, according to Mr. Earl Jarrett, General Manager of Jamaica National.

“Since its inception in 2003, “Outlook for the Future” has become one of the primary vehicles for our national leaders to interact with a wide cross-section of Jamaicans in the Diaspora,” Mr. Jarrett pointed out, noting that, “This year’s forums are timely, because they follow the Budget Debate in Jamaica; and, therefore, offer a special context for meaningful dialogue.”

Commenting on the impact of the global economic fallout and its impact on Jamaica, Mr. Jarrett, who has been addressing the subject

of financial planning across the island, reasoned that, “If there was ever a time for dialogue with nationals overseas, it is now. We want our people to fully appreciate the value of their remittances to relatives; and the unique opportunities that exist for real investment in tourism and other areas of our economy.”

Miss Lisa Bell, Deputy President of Jamaica Trade and Invest, will also address the forum and will highlight some of the specific projects in which persons can invest.

Mr. Jarrett also said that based on the positive stance of participants in last year’s Jamaicans in the Diaspora Conference in Kingston, he was confident that second and third generation Jamaicans overseas wanted to be more active in developmental initiatives in the country.

“In our many years of serving Jamaicans in the United States, we at Jamaica National have seen benefits that have accrued to families through home ownership and education; and pensioners, who continue to enjoy the fruits of their labour overseas, when they return to Jamaica.

In New York, the forum will be held in Queens at York College,

94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, New York, June 6, starting at 6 p.m.

“Jamaicans in the United States welcome the opportunity to receive first-hand information about current developments in their homeland,” Charles Spence, JN Representative in the New York stated.

He pointed out that the direct interaction with key leaders, “Not only provides us with information about the economy; but, also reconfirms the supportive role that we in the Diaspora can play in promoting investment in the country.”

This is the fifth year that Jamaica National has mounted “Outlook for the Future,” which started in 2003. And, over the years, leaders of the Government and key public sector Executives have headlined the forum.

Some of the previous speakers in the series have included the current Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding, when he was a member of the Opposition; Dr. Omar Davies, former Minister of Finance and Planning; Dr. Peter Phillips, former Minister of National Security; Dr. Carlton Davis, former Cabinet Secretary; and Mr. Lucius Thomas, former Commissioner of Police.

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Hamptonians NY Celebrate Living Legacy Of Irving Burgie BROOKLYN, NY – As the summer month of June begins, Caribbean-Americans all around the country look forward to celebrating their culture and to participating in activities that observe Caribbean-American Heritage Month. In between street fairs and swanky fêtes, many Caribbean-Americans will take time to think about what it means to be “Caribbean” in the United States, and undoubtedly will take great pride when they reflect on the many accomplishments achieved by Caribbean-Americans here and abroad.

One such accomplished CaribbeanAmerican is the world-renowned songwriter and composer, Mr. Irving Burgie. Born in Brooklyn, New York, of a Barbadian mother and an American father, Mr. Burgie, also known as Lord Burgess, is one of the most important figures in popular music history.

Over the past half century, Mr. Burgie has authored a treasury of timeless Caribbean songs for stage, screen, and the popular recording industry. “Day-O,” the signature piece of his magnificent repertoire, was popularized in the 1950’s by legendary crooner Harry Belafonte. The iconic ballad has been reintroduced to younger generations in the Muppet Show television series, in the blockbuster movie Beetle Juice, and more recently, the recording has gotten out-of-this-world notoriety when it was used to wake astronauts aboard the space shuttle Atlantis.

Throughout his illustrious career Mr.

Burgie penned the popular ballads “Jamaica Farewell,” “Island in the Sun,” “Angelina,” and co-authored the Christmas carol, “Mary’s Boy Child.” In addition to the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical, Ballads for Bimshire, that starred the late Ossie Davis, Mr. Burgie was proud to write the National Anthem of his ancestral home, Barbados, for its independence in 1966.

Hamptonians/New York, along with U.S. Congressman Ed Towns, Brooklyn Deputy Borough President, Yvonne Graham, and the Consul General of Barbados to New York, Mr. Lennox Price, will celebrate the life and songs of this award-winning, CaribbeanAmerican treasure at an event appropriately entitled, ‘Reflections of a Legacy,’ Saturday.

“Mr. Burgie was a natural choice for our group, to celebrate,” says Maxine HamiltonAlexander, founding member of Hamptonians New York. “He embodies the cultural heritage that we want to impart to our children.”

Hamptonians/New York is a communityminded organization with a mission to preserve and showcase Caribbean culture. Its flagship project, Brooklyn Caribbean Youth Fest, is a living compendium of the stories of Caribbean immigrants as they share their cultural legacy through dance, songs, poetry and more. Now in its fifth year, the Brooklyn-based program endeavors to preserve Caribbean culture for its community, and especially for Caribbean-American

Irving Burgie youth who oftentimes have limited knowledge of their rich history and may have a disconnected sense of cultural identity. At the Brooklyn Caribbean Youth Fest, the Hamptonians attempt to culturally familiarize them. This year, Brooklyn Caribbean Youth Fest will take place, Sept. 19.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said some Americans were unaware of the new passport requirements.

Passport, A Must For Caribbean Travel WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States authorities Monday began implementing laws requiring all travellers entering the country to possess a valid passport.

The US Department of State and the Homeland Security Department said the new rules were part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which mandates that “all Canadian and American citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean must show passports or approved travel documents to US Customs and Border Protection”.

Previously, a photo ID or driver’s licence

was required.

Caribbean countries had earlier indicated that the new measure would severely affect their tourism sectors.

Approved travel documents include a regular passport, a new passport card, a “trusted traveller” card or an “enhanced driver’s licence” proving citizenship of every traveller over the age of 16.

The new travel requirements are part of a wider initiative outlined by the Bush administration in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

For years, Americans who visited Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean were exempt from presenting identity papers at US borders and seaports. Effective, Monday, US citizens returning by land or sea from those countries will need passports or other secure ID, unless travellers are youngsters or on certain exempt cruises.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said some Americans were unaware of the new requirements or may have forgotten to get the necessary documents.

“We’ll work with them at the border,” she said.

on the beat Carib. Institute Blast NYPD Over Shooting Death Of Black Cop BROOKLYN, NY -- President of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), Rickford Burke, is blasting the NYPD over the shooting to death of African-American Police Officer Omar Edwards, by a white officer who mistook Edwards for a criminal.

“The NYPD officer who intentionally shot and killed officer Omar Edwards must be charged with murder. I am sick and weary of white rough cops roaming the streets of New York City, shooting at black young men, with intention to kill, with impunity,” Burke said in a statement Friday.

“Many New Yorkers feel that such heinous crimes continue unabated because neither the NYPD top brass nor the criminal justice system, hold perpetrators sufficiently accountable. NYPD policies facilitate a malignant culture of coded silence, cover-ups and lies whenever these crimes occur. This has allowed officers who recklessly murder black young men like Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell and others, to get away with capital crimes, and deny fundamental justice to innocent victims of Police shootings,” Burke observed.

Officer Omar Edwards, 25, was shot twice Thursday night just blocks from the precinct where he had finished his shift. He was later pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Edwards, who was in plainclothes, had just left the Housing Bureau Station House on East 124th St. As Edwards approached his car, he saw a man rummaging through it. The thief was later arrested and identified as Miguel Santiago.

Officer Edwards grabbed the individual but he managed slipped away. He then began to chase the individual with his gun drawn, north to 125th Street and east toward First Avenue.

Edwards was not wearing a bulletproof vest and did not fire a shot, Kelly said.

Plainclothes officers patrolling the neighborhood in an unmarked vehicle saw the chase and went after Edwards and the suspect.

A white officer exited the vehicle and fired six times from a 9 mm Glock, Kelly said. Edwards was shot in the chest and arm.

Burke said that “Only a Police Officer without regard for the life of African-Americans, would jump out of his vehicle and immediately commence firing at an individual who is pursuing another, without contemplating that a law enforcing officer might be involved.”

He said the officer involved could be part of a class of NYPD officers who go into black neighborhoods with a preconceived believe that young black men are criminals and thus must be engaged on a basis of "shoot to kill" at any opportunity.

The CGID President called on the NYPD to developed more efficient sensitivity training as well as methods of identifying such officers and “eliminate them from the force before they act out their presumed congenital prejudices with the trigger of a gun.”

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National Security Minister Looks At New Strategies To Deal With Rising Crime KINGSTON, Jamaica -National Security Minister Dwight Nelson is calling on members of the society top help the authorities deal with the escalating crime situation that has led to the deaths of hundreds of Jamaicans so far this year.

“It is my intention to forge a new alliance between community and State, a new alliance between community and police and a new alliance between the community and those who would wish the country to revert back to the state when we could all walk freely and leave our windows and doors open without fear,” Nelson stated.

Addressing a “Meet the Ministers” forum on Tuesday, Nelson said that as part of the strategy to forge a new alliance between the community and the State, the Ministry has embarked on a series of national consultations on crime.

He said that technical personnel from the Ministry of National Security would be meeting next week to analyse all the suggestions made by the public.

“One (suggestion) was the matter of the physical situation with which the policemen find themselves. We have allowed police stations over the years to deteriorate to the point where they are absolutely disgusting.

The citizens were very concerned about that, and that was one of the concerns coming out and this we are addressing,” Nelson said.

He said the public also raised concern about the deployment of the police throughout the communities.

“They thought that we needed to re-examine how we deploy the policemen. They thought that there was some inadequacy and that there were areas that were not adequately policed. This we are going to

address,” he said.

The National Security Minister also said that there are plans to establish performance measures to ensure that the police carry out their responsibilities.

Reiterating his intention to create a reserve police force, Nelson said that when the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) was started, it was supposed to have been a part time force.

“But because of the reducing (police) complement, what we find now is that the blue seams (ISCF) are full time and are performing duties, just like the regular policemen. Therefore, we have to look somewhere down the line when we merge the two forces.”

The National Security Minister also reiterated his government’s intention to dismantle the number of criminal gangs across the country.

“If you are going to fight crime, then you must be prepared to deal with this phenomenon.

Gangs are responsible for at least 80 per cent of the murders and other heinous crimes committed in this country.

“We are going to have to remove gang leaders and their supporters from the communities.

We are going to have to hit them where it hurts most and this is where we are going to have to aggressively implement the Proceeds of Crime Act. “We cannot allow them to continue to flaunt their ill-gotten gains in our faces. Gang leaders are living in J$50 million (US$565,000) houses and driving J$12 million (US$135,600) cars.

We will have to take that away from them and the law gives us this competence, so we are going to be addressing the dismantling of these gangs,” he declared.

Air Jamaica's Manager of Community & Special Market Sales for the Northeast Ann Marie Francis and Grenada's Consul General in New York Derrick James take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate 10 years of service at JFK Airport last week. Looking on is Air Jamaica Captain Miguel Acevedo.

Grenada Holding On To Air Jamaica Flights

By Bevan Springer ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada - As the Caribbean struggles for tourism business in the slower summer months ahead, Grenada, "the Spice Island," is trying to make sure that international air access to the island is the least of its worries.

After recently securing three weekly American Airlines nonstop flights from Miami to St. George's, the Grenada Board of Tourism is coughing up a cool US$250,000 to support Air Jamaica's overnight nonstop flights from New York to the island, in a marketing agreement which starts during the current 10th year of service to the island.

With a new government in office, Grenada - which has the enviable distinction of being the only Eastern Caribbean destination to be served by the 40 year-old carrier - understands the importance of prime positioning in the US marketplace where airfares to the Caribbean rival those being offered from neighboring islands.

That's why Grenadian tourism authorities have recently retained former Air Jamaica sales executive Christina Mucha and media operative Karin Clarke to augment its sales promotion activities in the northeastern seaboard of the United States, a primary target market for Caribbean destinations.

"The New York/Grenada route continues to be very important to the airline, and we are confident that travelers will continue to choose Air Jamaica as their preferred carrier to the Spice Island," said William Rodgers, Air Jamaica's Senior Director of Government & Community Affairs.

However, the airline is risking confrontation with the traveling public with its new policy of charg-

"The New York/Grenada route continues to be very important to the airline, and we are confident that travelers will continue to choose Air Jamaica as their preferred carrier to the Spice Island."

William Rodgers, Air Jamaica's Senior Director of Government & Community Affairs

ing US$25 for a second piece of checked luggage for economy class passengers, which the airline says will be transported within seven days.

The new rule is expected to eliminate the "baggage bacchanal" that has plagued the route, especially when load factors are heavy, and in the case of extreme weather where extra fuel takes precedence over luggage.

The challenge facing Grenada is the reduced twice weekly frequency of service compared with an island like Jamaica where delayed bags can most likely be accommodated on another flight that same day. Nonetheless, the Amsterdam News understands that when load factors aren't extremely heavy and the skies are clear, there is every likelihood that both bags will accompany each passenger upon entering the arrival hall at the recently renamed Maurice Bishop International Airport.

Chairman of Grenada's Airlift Committee, businessman Michael McIntyre acknowledged that while there has been an outcry, the government has addressed the issue with the carrier and he thinks practically is the order of the day. "All airlines today have their struggles.

Air Jamaica wants to bring as many passengers to the island as possible and the aircraft can only hold a certain number of passengers and bags. Unfortunately, the West Indian and more specifically the Grenadian wants to come back with 5 and 6 bags (from New York) ... so I don't think the airline is being unreasonable in their request."

Air Jamaica currently flies between New York and Grenada on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and will add a Friday flight beginning June 26, and a Monday service starting July 13 for a total of four weekly flights through the summer travel season. The airline also returns temporarily to Barbados over the summer with two weekly flights.

From a tourism perspective, veteran Grenadian hotelier Sir Royston Hopkin of Spice Island Beach Resort is disappointed with Air Jamaica's reduced "red-eye" flights to the island, but admits the carrier has played a major part in Grenada's tourism development.

"We all know that Air Jamaica is in dire straights financially so we are still happy to have two flights," he said, adding that both the summer schedule as well as the US$250,000 "stimulus package" should yield some fruit.

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ACCESS GRANTED OAS Opens Door For Cuba

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras - Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Fander Falconí says Cuba's 47-year suspension from the Organisation of American States (OAS) will be lifted, thanks to an agreement reached Wednesday by hemispheric counterparts assembled in Honduras.

The United States had been pressuring the OAS for weeks to condition Cuba's readmission to the hemispheric group on democratic principles and commitment to human rights. But Falconí told reporters here at the end of the two-day summit Wednesday that there will be no such conditions.

“This is a new proposal, it has no conditions, of any kind,” he said.

“That suspension was made in the Cold War, in the language of the Cold War,” he added. “What we have done here is fix a historic error.”

Cuba was suspended from the OAS in 1962. An increasing number of Latin American nations had pushed for Cuba to be readmitted to the Washington-based body.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said

she was unsuccessful in convincing Latin American nations to allow some conditions.

Clinton said while the Obama administration wants to turn the page with Cuba, its leaders must demonstrate readiness to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in a 2001 OAS charter.

The United States first proposed a resolution that would maintain the ban on Cuba, but would lay out a path for Havana to be reinstated.

But Nicaragua argued for lifting the suspension without conditions, while two other resolutions by Honduras and other countries sought to find a middle ground.

“We cannot leave San Pedro Sula without correcting that other day that will live in infamy,” said President José Manuel Zelaya of Honduras, referring to the OAS’ meeting in 1962 at which Cuba was banned.

“Our brothers and sisters in Cuba have been suffering for so long as a result of the blockade that has been imposed by one of the most powerful economies in the world,” he added.

The head of the Organization of American States (OAS) Jose Miguel Insulza (2nd R) applauds during the general assembly of the OAS at the Honduran-Arabic Club in San Pedro Sula, June 3. The Organization of American States lifted its suspension of Cuba's membership on Wednesday, opening the door for the Communist-run island to return to the group after 47 years.

US Providing Military Training To Six Caribbean Countries ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – United States military officials have ended a visit to Grenada as part of a regional training exercise.

Code-named “Operation Southern Partners”, members of the United States Air force (USAF) will also visit Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and Belize, Captain Nathan Brushier said that emphasis is on anti-terrorism and disaster re-

sponse training during the two week exercise.

“Some of the exchanges have to do with anti terrorism and some have had to do with disaster response, preparing for a hurricane, preparing for any sort of humanitarian response after a natural disaster.

“We would be doing a mountaineering exchange because a lot of the islands in this area have high cliffs and drop offs and some

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of the expertise that we have in Afghanistan and Iraq is what we call combat search and rescue.

“We have specialists who are able to scale a cliff and recover someone who may be injured or unable to get themselves out of the area so we are bringing those people down to provide that expertise and that knowledge to local authorities around the region” said Captain Brushier.

“We want to be able to make sure the program is enduring, because so often the US government comes and provide a service and then they leave. Operation Southern Partners is an ongoing effort,” he added.

The USAF team is also travelling with its band “Popular Steel”.

Operation Southern Partners was launched last year following a request by the Caribbean to the United States.

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New Offer To End Public Servants Strike

By Ernie Seon CASTRIES, St. Lucia - The Trade Union Federation (TUF) Wednesday proposed a new offer to the St. Lucia government in a bid to end an indefinite strike by public workers over the non-payment of EC$20 million (US$7.4 million) in promised salary and wage increases.

The umbrella trade union has warned that failure to accept the latest wage offer would result in public workers stepping up their industrial action that is now into a second week.

The TUF is demanding that the Stephenson King administration pay public workers an increase of less than one per cent for the month of June retroactive to April this year and a similar increase in September. It is also calling on the government to a further pay three per cent in April next year.

The union said it also wanted the government to extend the new offer to employees of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, the National Archives Authority, the National Skills Development Centre, and the Electoral Department.

With regards to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, the TUF said it wanted the collective agreement to be signed by June 15, and that the government should also give an assurance that workers at the tertiary institution would not be victimised.

The new demands appear to have sparked a new round of talks led by the private sector and involving the unions and the government.

A government spokesman told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the meeting with the private sector was intended to outline the possible repercussions for the country if the government is forced to pay the outstanding arrears as being demanded by the public servants.

“There have been no voices of dissent from the wider community of the implications of these additional payments on the country so we are left to assume that it is okay to make them irrespective of what it is going to cost the country.

“So we will tell the private sector officials like it is, in the event that those payments have to be made,” the spokesman said.

Public servants continued their strike action even as the meetings were taking place with a heavy police presence in the capital. The government has vowed to protect workers who chose to remain on the job rather than participate in the strike.

Meanwhile, the King administration sought to defend its decision to bring in fire fighters under the Regional Security System (RSS) to ensure that the two airports remain opened.

The government said while it had been

“This is especially distasteful when some of the governments of these states are closely associated with trade unions in their own backyards.”

Opposition Leader Kenny Anthony informed by the St. Lucia Fire Services Association that its members would not participate in any industrial action that had not been the case.

“In this regard and as a responsibility to the citizens of the country in the event of a disaster or an emergency and to ensure that our airports remain open government sought the assistance of the RSS as St. Lucia is a contributing member to that organisation.

“The RSS was founded in the 1980’s where by members would assist each other in times of need and in light of the unusual rate of illness in the Fire Service, government is taking steps to investigate the cause of the illness and what remedial action could be taken to arrest the situation,” the statement noted.

Earlier this week, Opposition Leader Kenny Anthony condemned the involvement of the foreign fire fighters saying it was unprecedented for regional govern-

ments to become involved in an industrial dispute in a member state of the OECS and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

“This is especially distasteful when some of the governments of these states are closely associated with trade unions in their own backyards. The industrial action by officers here has been peaceful with no threat to public order, and the involvement of fire officers was unacceptable and sends a dangerous precedent for the region,” Anthony said.

But Police Commissioner Ausbert Regis Wednesday disagreed with the position adopted by Anthony.

“This is not the first time that RSS forces have been deployed in what appears to be an industrial relations issue, as many years ago RSS personnel from St, Lucia was deployed at the prisons in St. Kitts during industrial arrests there,” Regis said.

Bahamas Economy Gets Boost From FIFA Congress

By Eric Rose NASSAU, Bahamas -- In hosting the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Congress, the Bahamas is set to receive “the injection of a great deal of money” into its economy, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Desmond Bannister said.

The two-day FIFA Congress 2009 began June 2 at the Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, with Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham delivering the opening address.

This marks the first time the Congress is being held in the Caribbean.

“We are extremely pleased that FIFA chose the Bahamas as the site for its Congress, and for the announcement of the site of the next World Cup, the world's largest sporting event,” Bannister said.

“The benefits of the hundreds of FIFA delegates visiting our country and occupying hundreds of hotel rooms will certainly make a difference for many Bahamian families

this summer and will place us squarely in the world's eye as the place for sports tourism.

“We have delegates coming from more than 100 countries – and these are not just coaches and athletes,” Bannister added. “Several of them are multi-millionaires and others are very wealthy people.

"They are going to be here for about a week and they are going to be spending a lot of money in our country and you are going to see that reflected.

Bannister hailed FIFA as "the most powerful and prestigious sporting organization in the world." The last World Cup attracted an audience of more than 600 million people.

“That is much more than any Super Bowl,” he said.

“Football (soccer) is regarded around the world as 'the World’s Sport’ ”According to FIFA “a huge number of people are on the move and a mammoth logistical effort underway” in preparation for the Congress.

No fewer than 10 tons of material have been transported

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from FIFA headquarters, representing more than 100,000 items overall. More than 5,000 hotel nights have been reserved and about 100 journalists accredited for an event that will feature 1,000 participants, FIFA stated.

Bannister who welcomed FIFA President Joseph Blatter on his arrival at Lynden Pindling International Airport on May 26, referred to him as “the most powerful man in sports in the world”.

“We are pleased to have him in the Bahamas," said Mr Bannister. "We are going to do everything we can to ensure that they have a good time, that they enjoy their stay to the fullest, and that they want to come back.

“It is very critical that we let everybody know what a wonderful country we have, what friendly people we have, and that this is a place where they are welcomed. ”Delegates will receive “red-carpet” treatment and some of them will arrive in celebrity style, said Bannister.

“It is our honour to have them here in The Bahamas,” he said.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

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Government Signs International Agreement On Deportee Issues GEORGETOWN, Guyana - Guyana has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) that would allow the international body to implement a number of immigration programmes starting in August.

A Government Information News Agency (GINA) release said that the IOM would be assisting in areas such as capacity building, advisory services and technical cooperation on migration issues.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Regional Representative of the IOM, Richard Scott signed the agreement.

According to GINA, the establishment of the IOM office in Guyana will facilitate the implementation of the “Reintegration of the Returned Migrants Project”, proposed

by the IOM in response to the request for assistance made by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders during a meeting in 2007 with then United States President, George Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Rodrigues-Birkett said that the objective of the project is to “contribute to the long-term reintegration of returnees from the United States by equipping them to become productive members of society with a view to mitigating the potential of their resorting to criminal activity”.

Also present at the signing was Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, who noted that the flow of deportees is a top priority for many countries in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Caribbean governments have been call-

ing on Washington to work with them to address the issue of proper re-integration programmes for deportees from the US. Rohee said the deviant behaviour of most deportees is a product of the environment in which they have resided and these countries therefore, have the moral responsibility for their rehabilitation.

He said that many deportees particularly those without relatives in Guyana found it difficult to re-integrate themselves into the Guyanese society and were prime targets for recruitment by organised criminal gangs.

“Many deportees to Guyana have no roots in the country or have been ostracised by relatives. It is therefore, incumbent upon government to find appropriate living facilities while working assiduously to reintegrate them into society,” he added.

GINA said the collaboration with the IOM will assist in establishing a permanent intake centre which will serve as a temporary residential facility for the deportees and provide them with adequate social and financial assistance to successfully reintegrate into society.

“Government is of the view that there is still need for Guyana and the US to work more closely on immigration security issues in a manner respectful of national laws and services capacity while being sensitive to the effects of human displacement,” Rohee added.

Scott said that the Guyana project is a pilot one financed by the United States and if successful, would be extended for more than a year. He said a recent program was also implemented in the Bahamas.

Police Clamp Down On Amplifiers, Speaker Boxes In Mini-buses GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- The Police Traffic department is clamping down on motorists who fail to comply with the traffic laws. Ranks are conducting exercises around Georgetown (B-Division) where illegal music systems are being removed from several mini-buses. This e xercise is an ongoing component of the Guyana Police Force’s ‘Operation Safeway’ implemented in October 2007 and which is aimed at reducing road fatalities and curbing road lawless-

ness.

Traffic Officer at the Brickdam police station, Deputy Superintendent John Daniels said while the Traffic Department continues to stringently enforce the laws, there are many drivers who are in breach of the Road Service licence.

The 1999 Amendment of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act 51:02, stipulates the fine for loud music in mini-buses, the minimum being $20,000 and maximum $40,000. Daniels

said officers examine buses and if they find that they have altered music systems then they are taken out and the operators are charged.

“We take them to the court and let the court decide what fine they pay. You will find that most of them after they would have been given a road service licence they would change the system in the bus. When they were examined they all had flat panels,” he said.

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LEISURE

YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPE ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) A lot has changed and so have you. You will be extremely sentimental, and if pushed by others you may hold a lasting grudge.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Your business sense will be leading you in a direction that indicates more travel and communication. Try to be patient with their inability to accept your new beliefs.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Opportunities will unfold; however, you must be willing to pay the price. You can benefit financially if you put money or maintenance into your living quarters. Try to keep ahead of the game.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You may need the space, but you need the extra cash more. If you take on too much of a financial burden you may make yourself ill.

Try not to lend or borrow money or belongings this week.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your family needs to spend some time with you, too. Your sensitivity toward those you love will capture their hearts Your sensitivity toward those you love will capture their hearts.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You may have some difficulties with someone you live with. Be careful to avoid wrong doings. Groups and organizations that indulge in social events to raise money will be conducive to meeting new and exciting lovers.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will easily blow situations out of proportion. Travel for business purposes may bring the highest returns. Changes in your home may be alarming at first.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don't push them, instead just continue working on development. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Be careful.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You are best to move quickly and to get in good with the boss.

Your tendency to take on too much will end in fatigue.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can raise your standard of living if you pick up some freelance work on the side. You will enjoy lavish forms of entertainment and should consider making arrangements early.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Your unique approach to life will interest others. Join a club to work off that excess energy; but consider ways of doing that without spending the money.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Hassles with in-laws could put a damper on your day. Be prepared to deal with groups and organizations of greater magnitude. Be sure to question any detail that you feel could leave you in a precarious position at a later date.

T-SHIRTS & HATS - FLYERS & BUSINESS CARDS - EMBROIDERY - BANNERS

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Radio City Welcomes Soca King

Machel Montano NEW YORK, NY - Internationally acclaimed soca king Machel Montano continues his quest of channeling Caribbean music worldwide when he hits the stage at the prestigious New York City landmark venue, Radio City Music Hall.

Billed as MACHEL MONTANO LIVE IN CONCERT - RAW & UNCUT, the highlyanticipated event will feature special guests from the HD family, including Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Zan, Umi Marcano and the HD Band, and takes place, June 13.

This stop at Radio City is a follow-up to his critically acclaimed Machel Montano & Friends concerts at Madison Square Garden in 2008 and 2007.

Montano's new production of RAW & UNCUT at Radio City will again break new ground for soca music and the culture of Trinidad &Tobago, as he takes full aim at capturing an even broader section of the North American market.

In addition to his own unparalleled live

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stage performances and featured appearances from members of the HD family, Montano will once again include a stellar cast of music superstars to participate in the show, among them is Red Hot Flames featuring Oungku from Antigua.

Radio City Music Hall boasts the largest indoor theatre in the world and has played host to everyone from Michael Jackson to the MTV Music Awards. It is the ultimate destination for the best and brightest in the entertainment business, and the thousands of Machel Montano massive trekking to the show will now become part of its rich history.

Montano's lifelong work embodies his commitment as a Trinidadian artist, as he continues to tirelessly to promote Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival, and the culture and people of the entire Caribbean. With a stellar cast and live band concert in the famed venue, RAW & UNCUT is already guaranteed to go down in history.

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Patrons dancing inside Couples Bar & Lounge in Brooklyn, during Chip Chill Thursdays, a weekly afterwork session hosted by Johnny Cute.

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St. Lucia Hosts First Reggae Fun Festival

By Anselma Aimable CASTRIES, St Lucia -- On May 31, 3009, the Iyanola Council for the Advancement of Rastafari Inc. (ICAR Inc.) organized St Lucia's First Conscious Reggae Fun Festival. The event was hosted at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex under the theme "Come Live the Experience, You got to be there."

Prior to the commencement of the show, President of ICAR Inc., Aaron 'Ras Iron' Alexander told Caribbean Net News that the festival is being held to mark the commemoration of African Liberation Day (ALD) which is celebrated every year on May 25. It is an event to educate the masses about things African such as music, fashion, dance, drumming, arts and crafts, cuisine, poetry. Ras Iron also reiterated that the populace should be aware that other than Corpus Christi and the likes that there are African Holidays that are there to be celebrated.

Speaking to Jah Diamond, Itooba, Cole Sweat and Earthlin, who were scheduled to perform for the night, echoed the same sentiments, that on an island with a wealth of great talent that the Government and corporate businesses should do more in assisting artistes to move upward and realize their dreams.

Other artistes who were scheduled to perform included Herb Black, Meshach, Selwina, Gizo, Empress Wasin, Ras Africa, King B, Itinual and Zionomi and Martiniquan reggae artiste Daddy Skankey.

Drumming would be by Ras Isley and the Nyabinghi Drummers; dancing - The Onyx Dancers; poetry - Ken Hardy, Ras Isley and Ras Poetryman and a fashion show by Cooyah Roots Wear.

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Ras Iron - President of ICAR Inc. Face painting and fun games were also on the schedule for the children while One Drop Sound System and Spectacle Band would be providing the music On April 15, 1958, at the first Conference of Independent African States, the delegates called for the founding of African Freedom Day (AFD) a day to mark each year the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolize the determination of the People of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.

Then five years later on May 25, 1963, thirty-two Independent African States held an historic meeting that saw African Freedom Day changed from April 15 to May 25 and African Liberation Day (ALD) was born.

Call Jennifer

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SPORTS

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West Indies Beaten Badly

By England Again LONDON, England -- West Indies failed miserably in their bid to find a confidence-boosting win ahead of the start of the World Twenty20 Championship when they crashed to a nine-wicket defeat to England at Lord's yesterday.

Playing in their second and final official warm-up match, West Indies rattled up 144 for six off their allotted 20 overs, but England then easily romped to their target behind explosive half-centuries from openers Luke Wright and Ravi Bopara.

Wright slammed an unbeaten 75 from 48 balls, with eight fours and five sixes, while Bopara sustained his recent run of superb form with 60.

The two shared an opening stand of 119 off a mere 74 balls and the Windies attack failed to make any inroads against the first real top-level opposition they have met

in the warm-up matches.

They beat lowly Scotland and Ireland in unofficial warm-up matches last week before easily trouncing Ireland again in the first official warm-up at the Oval on Tuesday.

The defeat left the West Indies without a win against top-tier opposition as they head into their opening match of the tournament against Australia on Saturday.

Winning the toss and batting, West Indies' innings stumbled and stuttered and it required Ramnaresh Sarwan's top score of 46 not out from 34 balls to see them to their eventual score.

Opener Xavier Marshall hammered 35 at the top of the order, but the innings lacked contributions from key players and fell away.

Marshall, a surprise call-up for the tournament, struck four fours off 33 balls and posted 31 from 27

Dwayne Bravo

deliveries for the first wicket with Andre Fletcher, who got 18 from 14 balls, with a four and a six.

When Fletcher was left stranded in mid-pitch after a mix up with Marshall in the fifth over, West Indies suffered a collapse, losing four wickets for 33 runs.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul followed Fletcher two balls later for a first-ball duck when he miscued a hook to third man where Ryan Sidebottom took a good running catch.

Kieron Pollard managed two before being run out and Marshall gloved a catch behind, attempting to pull Wright, as Windies slipped to 64 for four.

Dwayne Bravo's mistimed drive off leg-spinner Adil Rashid ended up in Bopara's hands at midoff, at 85 for five, and Lendl Simmons' 14-ball labour over seven was ended by a catch on the square leg boundary by James Anderson off off-spinner Graeme Swann.

West Indies then got a 31-run, seventh-wicket stand off 22 balls between Sarwan and Denesh Ramdin (16 not out), to rally at the end.

Sarwan counted six fours in a measured innings while Ramdin slammed a four and a six in his 11ball stay, to entertain briefly.

Any hopes West Indies had of a win were quickly erased as Wright and Bopara tore into their bowling with relish, ensuring England maintained their dominance from the preceding Test and oneday international series.

No Triple-Gold Pursuit For Bolt

By Keisha Hill KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt has dismissed suggestions that he will be attempting to win a hattrick of individual gold medals at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

"I never actually said that because I doubt I can do that. That would entail a lot of work and extremely hard training," Bolt said at the launch of Racers Track Club on Tuesday night.

Bolt said that it would be too much work in one track meet.

"I think somebody got it wrong along the way but three events, definitely no," he said.

He indicated that it was possible he would do a combination of the 100/200 or 200/400 events, but not the 100m, 200m and 400m.

Earlier this week, track and field's world governing body, the International Amateur Athletic Association (IAAF), said it would consider altering its schedule to facilitate a triple goldmedal bid by the Jamaican, who won the sprint double in world record times at the Beijing Olympics last year.

Reacting to American Tyson Gay's scorching run on Saturday, Bolt said it sets up what should be an interesting season.

Gay, at last Saturday's Reebok Grand Prix in New York, ran an impressive 19.58 seconds, the third fastest time ever behind Bolt's world-record run of 19.30 and Michael Johnson's 19.30.

"I was not surprised because Tyson Gay as a competitor is very determined. He told me from last year that over the 200m would be very interesting," Bolt said.

The sprint-double champion said he was expecting Gay to re-

T&T Displace Jamaica As No.1 In CFU PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad and Tobago are back as the top team in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) for the first time in eight months, unseating Jamaica in the latest ratings.

On the strength of a two-place jump in the FIFA Coca Cola June rankings to No.72, the T&T Soca Warriors vaulted above the Reggae Boyz, who slid six places from their position in May to 76th on the world list.

T&T last held the top rating in the CFU in October last year and were No.2 every month since then until now.

Jamaica, the reigning Digicel Caribbean Champions, had been the CFU’s No.1 for six consecutive months from December last year.

T&T had no matches during the period for the latest ratings adjustments while the Jamaicans drew two friendlies -- against Haiti (2-2) and El Salvador (0-0).

Jamaica, the reigning Digicel Caribbean Champions, had been the CFU’s No.1 for six consecutive months from December last year.

Cuba, 99th on FIFA’s list, remain No.3 for the seventh month in a row and Grenada, who were runners-up to Jamaica in the Digicel Championship last December, retain fourth position.

Antigua and Barbuda climbed two places to 114th on FIFA’s list and are now up to joint fifth with Bermuda in the CFU, followed by Barbados (120th) and Suriname (123rd) at seventh and eighth, respectively.

Haiti, who started the year at No.4 in the CFU, continued their slide and are now ninth in the region after a two-place drop to 124th in FIFA. The Haitians, who were voted the CFU’s Team of the Year in 2007, had dropped out of the CFU’s top five in April, and were eighth last month.

The Guyanese, 127th in the

world, complete the region’s Top 10 at 10th.

The USA – up one place to 14th in the world -- are CONCACAF’s No.1 for the ninth month in a row ahead of Mexico, who are 26th on the FIFA list, followed by Honduras (35th), Costa Rica (41st), and Panama (61st).

Trinidad and Tobago are sixth in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), followed by Jamaica, Canada (83rd) and Cuba.

FIFA’s 2008 “Team of the Year” Spain maintain their label as the world’s No.1 side, while the Netherlands have moved up to second, relegating Germany to No.3.

Italy moved up to fourth and Brazil slipped to fifth and England are up one place to sixth, displacing Argentina.

turn to his winning ways, showing that he is one of the best athletes in the world.

"It's going to be an interestingseason and Tyson kicked it off well," said Bolt, who also won gold in Beijing on Jamaica's sprint relay team.

"I am looking forward to going out there and doing my best as well."

Bolt also said he definitely wants to meet Gay before the World Championships in Berlin, in August, to gauge his performance level.

Bolt, who last summer in Beijing stunned the world with world-record runs of 9.69 and 19.30 in the 100 and 200 metres, respectively, said it will be harder as he has to start again from square one.

"I may not be in 19.3 shape, so I have to go out there and run again to try and do my best to get back into that shape that I was in Beijing," Bolt said.

He added that there was still work to be done as he has had numerous ups and downs for the season.

"I am working hard to get back to where I used to be," Bolt concluded.

Usain Bolt

Caribbean Football Union June 2009 Rankings (FIFA Rankings in bracket) 1 Trinidad & Tobago (72) 2 Jamaica (76) 3 Cuba (99) 4 Grenada (102) 5=Antigua & Barbuda (114) 5=Bermuda (114) 7 Barbados (120) 8 Suriname (123) 9 Haiti (124) 10 Guyana (127) 11 Netherlands Antilles (145) 12=St Kitts & Nevis (151) 12=Puerto Rico (151) 14 St Vincent (153) 15 Cayman Islands (169) 16 Bahamas (181) 17 Turks & Caicos Islands (182) 18 Dominican Republic (186) 19 St Lucia (189) 20 British Virgin Islands (192) 21 Aruba (195) 22 Dominica (197) 23 US Virgin Islands (199) 24=Anguilla (202)

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CONCACAF GOLD CUP

Tough Job For New Spice Boyz Coach ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – Grenada’s newly appointed football head coach Tommy Taylor has described the task of leading the national side into next month’s CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States as a ‘big job’.

Taylor arrived here a week ago to begin an initial three-month stint of preparing the Spice Boyz for their debut in the prestigious tournament which will run from July 3-26.

“Before I came here, I knew what kind of job it would take and it’s a big job. It’s not a little job,” said Taylor, who previously coached in New Zealand, Canada and Scandinavia.

“It’s a big job because you have to change lots of things. Characters, who play in different leagues in different countries will think they are better than the local players.”

The former West Ham FA Cup winner’s first major assignment will be an international friendly against Panama on June 10 at the National Stadium.

He said he had been seeking to persuade Blackburn Rovers’ Jason Roberts, Southampton’s Bradley Wright-Phillips and Jermaine Beckford of Leeds to join him for the fixture.

Shalrie Joseph, of the New England Revolution in the US Major League Soccer, will also join the Spice Boyz.

“We have spoken to quite a few players,” the former West Ham defender told reporters during a news conference.

“We need to get in touch with the clubs now to get information to the players to invite them over to play and then it’s down to the club and it’s down to the players to say yes.”

Grenada lost the Digicel Caribbean Cup finals to Jamaica but their second place secured them an unprecedented qualification for the Gold Cup which involves countries from North, Central America and the Caribbean.

Apart from Panama, football officials are hoping Grenada’s preparation will include friendly encounters against Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba.

Taylor, 57, said he had been impressed by the quality of the squad, after watching them in training.

“Technically they are some really good talent there,” he noted.

“I think I have to work with the defenders on positional play, defensive midfield players’ positional play but the forwards are quite quick.”

Grenada open their Gold Cup campaign against the United States on July 4 in Seattle, before facing Haiti on July 8 in Washington and Honduras three days later in Boston.

Taylor said playing warm-up matches would be a boost for the team’s preparation.

“If we can get to practice games before we go away that will be great … because that would give the players more time on the field,” said Taylor.

“I would see more players. I am not going to see the best of the players in training, I am going to see more of the best of the players in games.”

Mona Tops Cave Hill To Win UWI Games

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Perennial champions Mona are celebrating a remarkable sixth title success in the last seven stagings of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Games.

At the end of the biennial Games, Jamaica’s Mona had gathered a championship-winning 102 points to outgun the Barbados campus Cave Hill (80).

The Trinidadian hosts St. Augustine finished bottom of the table with 56 points.

The multi-sport event concluded with Mona securing their 15th outright victory in the 44-year history of the Games, capturing the top female team, top male team, top technical team and victrix ludorum (Tanice Barnett) awards in a full day of track and

field events. Cave Hill’s athletes could only muster 195.5 points and St Augustine’s efforts yielded a mere 149, leaving Mona with a massive total of 266.5 points.

More than 400 athletes from the three campuses competed in track and field, football, netball, cricket, volleyball, basketball, 6-a-side hockey, swimming, table tennis and lawn tennis.

Apart from track and field, Mona copped top honours in tennis, swimming, netball, women’s basketball, women’s football and women’s volleyball.

Cave Hill emerged champions in men’s and women’s hockey, men’s basketball and men’s volleyball.

St. Augustine picked up the table ten-

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nis and men’s football titles.

On the final day, Cave Hill’s cricketers scored 137 for five to defeat St Augustine in an exciting one-day at the UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC).

The UWI Games 2009 had kicked off on Thursday May 21 with a festive Opening Ceremony at which UWI honoured Jai Jebodsingh, Victor Cowan and Freddie Green, who were the collective driving force responsible for ensuring that the UWI Games continued when it was threatened by financial difficulties in 1975.

The Games were used as a dress rehearsal for the University’s ongoing preparations for next month’s inaugural Caribbean Games, carded for Trinidad from July 12-19.

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USAIN BOLT

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West Indies failed miserably in their bid to find a confidence-boosting win ahead of the start of the World Twenty20 Championship.