London Mission Newsletter volume 11 (August 2005)

REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO October 2005

Volume 11

Inside this Issue Latin America here we come

3

Government to boost Tourism Sector

6

Remember him?

7

Calypsonians pay courtesy call to TTHC

7

Pontefract comes alive in 2005

8

Letter to the Editor

9

Join the debate

9

Restoration of Citizenship

10

Appreciate the uniqueness of being a citizen of Trinidad & Tobago

Stalin stars at concert to commemorate Black History Month See page 9

Shubh Divali!

- Minister Gift Story on page 2

E-mail the Editor at: tthc.information @btconnect.com

See story on page 6 Above: Nationals celebrating Divali at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in London

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NEWS; TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Foreign Affairs Minister calls for greater cultural awareness

F

oreign Affairs Minister, The Hon. Knowlson Gift, called on nationals to appreciate their uniqueness and distinction as he launched the Petrotrin EAP Service Limited Cross Cultural Awareness Senator The Hon. Programme (CCAP) at Cascadia Mr. Knowlson Gift, Minister of Foreign Hotel, St. Ann’s, on Wednesday Affairs.

October 12.

The CCAP is an orientation programme for workers to make a smoother transition when taking up job positions locally or overseas. Petrotrin EAP Services Ltd will offer the programme to local, regional and international organizations.

The Minister said: “For me, cultural awareness is all about gaining and maintaining respect and sensitivity for others. It’s about enjoying the diversity that the world has to offer, while sharing the gifts that I bring to the table as someone from Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Cross Cultural Awareness Programme is an acknowledgement of the need for us to appreciate persons who may seem different to us and also a sterling reminder that we need to take a closer look at different cultural settings and backgrounds,’ he said.

Services offered by the CCAP includes workshops/ seminars, spousal coaching, support groups, organizational consulting and conversational coaching.

Contents of the programme include social and business dimensions, such as education, personal appearance, leadership and involvement in decisionmaking. It also covers intercultural communications such as nonverbal and social dimensions.

He encouraged members of his audience to be ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago by engaging those who are culturally and racially different and to reject the prejudice that often comes with our perception of others.

10,000 Housing Units Per Year

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overnment is committed to constructing 10,000 housing units per annum over the next ten years to address the 100,000-unit shortage.

Housing Minister, The Hon. Dr. Keith Rowley, at the 45th sitting of the The Hon. Dr. Keith Senate on August 28, announced Rowley, Minister of this as one of the main initiatives of Housing t he ne w l y fo r me d Hou s in g Development Corporation (HDC), which was established by Act No. 24 of 2005.

The HDC is set to provide better quality and more affordable housing for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, and to make amends for the ‘chronic housing shortage’, poor housing conditions and inefficient management structure that existed under the NHA. According to Minister Rowley, “over the years the NHA has not distinguished itself in being an efficient and effective manager”. Minister Rowley noted that the whole purpose of upgrading the Housing Bill was to create a more modern and a more effective management structure, which requires that the new

board of the HDC be held accountable for its operations.

He also proposed the removal of the HDC from the boundaries of the Statutory Authorities Service Commission (SASC), since there were limitations in hiring the appropriate qualified staff under the NHA. Focusing on the physical maintenance of the housing units, Minister Rowley stated that due to an inefficient funding system, where the revenue from NHA was required to go into the consolidated fund, maintenance on housing units was poor.

He said that under the HDC, a new management arrangement would be put in place so that the revenues collected from rent could be directed to the responsibilities of the HDC. This will allow the Corporation to upkeep the units and dispel many of the negative terms associated with housing projects, such as ‘ghettoes’ and ‘crime centres’.

Minister Rowley emphasized the need for homeowners to take responsibility for their mortgages and rentals.

He also indicated that homeowners should share in the maintenance of the units.

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NEWS: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Latin America here we come...or Latin America, you can come Minister Valley outlines Five Point Plan to Integrate TT/Latin America economies

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rade and Industry Minister, The Hon. Kenneth Valley, highlighted five initiatives to integrate Trinidad and Tobago’s economy with those of Latin America when he addressed the conference on “Re-Mapping the Americas- Globalization, Regionalization and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)” on October 19, at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago .

Minister Valley said that government was expanding market access, positioning Trinidad and Tobago as the transportation and financial hub of the region, pursuing the site of the permanent headquarters of the FTAA and had recently adopted Spanish as the first foreign language citizens should acquire.

Regarding the FTAA, the Minister said that Trinidad and Tobago had many natural advantages that made it desirable for hosting the permanent headquarters of the organization. “With Trinidad and Tobago as the centre of the Americas, untapped markets can be realized for the Americas through the existing agreements and strengthened partnership the

With the merging of the Trinidad and Tobago’s and Latin American economies, the Minister said that there was the need to establish Spanish as T&T’s first foreign language. This strategy on the government’s part is to ensure that T&T becomes an effective intermediary between the Spanish speaking south and central and the English speaking Northern sectors.

The Hon. Mr. Kenneth Valley, Minister of Trade and Industry.

country has with long-established markets,” he said.

The Minister also pointed out that with Trinidad and Tobago as the transportation hub of the Americas, Piarco Airport, for instance, could be positioned as the alternative hub to Miami, into and out of Central and South America.

Trinidad and Tobago’s location is considered a virtual nexus of air routes between North and South America, Western Europe and South America, South America and Southern Africa and to North America.

Another initiative is to establish Trinidad and Tobago as the financial centre of the Caribbean, capable of providing the broad spectrum of financial instruments and services needed in the region.

To achieve this, government is committed to upgrading the financial sector.

Re-assessing trade options in the hemisphere is another initiative, with the intent of forging greater coordination and merging with other blocs in the hemisphere to promote mutual, economic and social development. Establishing greater coordination and integration with other hemispheric blocs, Minister Valley said, will provide Trinidad and Tobago with added strength and bargaining power for hemispheric and international negotiations.

BPTT Sells Oilfields to Local/Spanish Venture

T

wo state-owned companies, National Gas Company (NGC) and Petrotrin, and Spanish firm, Repsol YPF, bought out BPTT’s rights for the Teak, Samaan and Poui (TSP) oilfields located off Trinidad’s southeast coast.

The State companies paid US $74 million for their 30 percent stake, each holding a 15 percent share, with Repsol taking the other 70 percent.

At the signing ceremony held at Hilton Trinidad on November 2, Energy Minister, The Hon. Eric Williams, said that Government’s policy was to increase local content in the domestic energy industry and such joint

ventures would transfer energy know how, best practices and business support to Trinidad and Tobago.

The TSP oilfields have about 40 million barrels of oil in proven reserves and currently produce 21,000 barrels a day. Trinidad and Tobago has proven oil reserves to last 11.6 years and current estimates of probable and possible reserves should produce a “minimum of 50 years of crude oil”, according to the Energy Minister.

The Minister said that the Government intended to use the industry’s profits as an agent for sustainable development and diversification.

LONDON MISSION

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Shubh Divali

by Ashton Ford

Left: Pandit S C Sharma conducts the service for the celebration.

Right: Some of the more than 300 plus attending the ceremony.

O

ver 300 nationals gathered at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission Office in London to celebrate the occasion of Divali.

In her address to the audience, Her Excellency Mrs Glenda Morean Phillip said "Today, as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago we can boast that Divali and other aspects of the Hindu religion are celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago. Since the festival of lights enjoys strong universal appeal, its continued importance as a celebration in the lives of many people of Trinidad and Tobago origin here in the United Kingdom should come as no surprise to those who are familiar with our country and its embrace of multiculturalism."

She reminded her listeners of the message in Divali being "good triumphing over evil, of inner strength overcoming inner and outer darkness."

"As such," she added, "its celebration has remained an occasion for reverence, awe and excitement in Trinidad and Tobago and everywhere that Hindu communities have established themselves."

Her Excellency Mrs. Morean Phillip receiving her garland.

The High Commissioner told her audience that Divali had remained one of the most eagerly awaited national festivals in Trinidad and Tobago, by dint of its basic message of rededication and higher spiritual calling.

The officiating Priest, Pandit S. C. Sharma Phd, gave an overview of the Divali celebrations in his discourse entitled "A metaphysical look at Divali" Several aspects of the celebration were performed at the ceremony including the Puja and singing of songs relevant to the religious occasion.

A garland ceremony was performed on the High Commissioner before she delivered her Divali message.

Shri Krishna Ragbir, who is the Office Manager at the High Commission and one of the co-organisers of the event, also participated in the ceremony while Mrs Gita Sharma, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Hindu community to the High Commissioner for hosting the ceremony.

Right: Office Manager and Pundit Shri Krishna Ragbir.

LONDON MISSION

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Stalin stars at concert to commemorate Black History Month

F Stalin on stage

ive-time National Calypso Monarch Stalin had nationals singing and dancing to the tune of Black Man Come out to Party at the Yaa Asantewaa Centre, in West London recently.

The performance marked the culmination of three nights of topclass calypsoes that featured other singers from T&T, veterans like Composer and Brother Valentino.

The shows were staged in London to commemorate the annual Black History Month and 50 Years of Calypso, in honour of Ashton Moore (Mighty Tiger), who is also president of the Association of British Calypsonians (ABC).

Stalin closed the show for the three nights and sang four of his classics from his stack of hits, inclusive of Bu’n dem, More Come and Black Man Doh Get Nothing Easy.

Bringing down the curtain with his immortal party song and without any prompting, the lively audience sang the chorus while in some cases there were patrons who knew the lyrics of the whole song.

The occasion was nostalgic for many nationals in the crowd, some of whom had not been to a calypso tent back home for a long time and others who knew Composer and Valentino.

Valentino was the first to take the stage in the second half of the show and delivered three classics in History of Calypso, Stay up Zimbabwe and his biggest hit, Life is a Stage. Vallie was enthusiastically received by the audience, who sang along during his rendition of Life is a Stage.

Composer in all his splendour

Composer took full command of the stage when his turn came and he had the crowd rolling over with laughter with his ditty on True or Lie, a Q&A ditty which prompted those gathered to participate with gusto, answering the questions posed by the calypsonian.

Composer’s other selections captivated the audience since they were well known to the mature crowd; evergreen songs like Black Fallacy, Police Service and his signature song, Child Behaviour.

The three calypsonians were honoured by the ABC and the T&T High Commission for their contribution to the art form at home and internationally.

Special guest for the shows, Mighty Tiger, also performed, along with other calypsonians based in London, who normally perform at the tent during the season leading up to Notting Hill carnival.

Valentino greets the High Commissioner.

London Calypso Monarch Helena B sang the calypso that earned her this year’s title, Soca Fever, a favourite with the crowd. First runner-up Wen’D, the veteran Lord Cloak and Talibah, were among the British calypsonians who performed at the three shows.

Reigning National Calypso Monarch Chalkdust, who was in London as a guest of the Arts Council, to participate in a three-day seminar on Carnival, was introduced to the audience as well.

LONDON MISSION

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Government to boost Tourism Sector

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rinidad and Tobago’s travel and tourism sector accounted for over 96,000 direct and indirect jobs according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Following a launch of the report at Crowne Plaza, Port of Spain on September 21, Tourism Minister, Senator The Hon. Mr. Senator The Hon. Howard Chin Lee, said that the Howard Chin Lee, Tourism sector will contribute Minister of Tourism more than 15 percent to gross domestic product (GDP) annually by the year 2020.

He said, ‘Government is committed to getting the most from the travel and tourism industry’.

The WTTC forecasted a 5.2 percent sector growth per annum over 2006 to 2015, making Trinidad and Tobago the second fastest growing travel and tourism economy in the Caribbean. They made several policy recommendations for the country to achieve its fullest potential. These included raising the awareness of the economic and social benefits of Travel and Tourism among the population, providing a one-stop shop to reduce bureaucracy and streamline the process for travel and tourism investors, and to develop an identifiable “brand Trinidad and Tobago” to raise the country’s profile worldwide.

President of the WTTC, Jean-Claude Baumgarten, said “Trinidad and Tobago is in a prime position to develop a diverse, high quality and sustainable tourism industry.” He added, “Trinidad is seeing a rising demand in business tourism. Tobago on the other hand, is already one of the most tourism intense places in the world.”

Mr. Baumgarten urged government to adopt the recommendations of the report saying that, “Travel and Tourism will have a very important role to play in the future of Trinidad and Tobago, and the opportunities offered by this industry - to the economy, to employment, and to social development - will be enormous.”

The report was done using standards developed by the United Nations Statistics Commission called the “Tourism Satellite Account System”, which provides a scientific measurement of the tourism industry’s contribution to a country’s earnings, and guides the strategic planning and marketing strategy for the tourism industry.

It has been adopted in several countries including Malaysia, Canada, Croatia and Turkey.

LONDON MISSION

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Remember him?

West Indies Cricket Team vs. the M.C.C. 2nd test, Trinidad and Nationals pose with Charan Singh at the TTHC. Tobago From left: Arthur Johnston, Khalid Williams, Charan Singh, Natashia Cedeno, Mrs. Singh and TTHC’s Ashton Ford.

I

t was the Second Test, West Indies vs. M.C.C., played at the picturesque Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad in1960. At the wicket were local boys Rahmadin, better known for his wily spin bowling than his ability with the bat, and new boy Charan Singh from San Juan.

The atmosphere was tense. Rahmadin called Singh through for a sharp single. The throw came in from the fielder and an excited Ted Dexter immediately appealed for a run out and umpire Lee Cow raised his finger. Charan Singh was out, run out..

What followed remains to this day, the largest riot at a cricket match in Trinidad and Tobago. Police and firemen were called in to quell the angered crowd. This served only to delay the outcome as the West Indies were beaten by the M.C.C. the next day.

Two years after, in 1962, Charan relocated to the United Kingdom where he and his wife still reside today. His experiences on the cricket field and as one of the early immigrants to the UK from the Caribbean are highlighted in Claire Andrews’ new book, Legacy which features ‘recaptured treasures and lasting memories of Caribbean migrants in Britain after the Second World War.’

Calypsonians pay courtesy visit to TTHC while in London

Above: Liaison Officer Carl Garcia, First Secretary, Colin Connelly, Composer, Head of Registry, Theresa Lokai, Valentino, Stalin and Assistant Attaché II, Eugenie Arthur. Above right: Calypso icon Stalin, greeted at the Mission

by TTHC’s Nikesha Flanders.

The Legends drop by a more than delighted Ulin Friday (left) and then pay a visit to Cultural Attaché Ashton Ford (right).

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LONDON MISSION

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Pontefract comes alive in 2005

H

UNDREDS of Trinidad and Tobago nationals attended the 16th annual Trinidad and Tobago Day at the Pontefract Race Course in Yorkshire on Monday 3rd October, 2005.

According to Hugo Gunning, chief organiser of the race day, this year's event was bigger than the one staged in 2004.

Above: The connections of Skye's Folly pose for photographs after the US-bred gelding won the Trinidad and Tobago Handicap Stakes at Pontefract on Monday afternoon. From right, the owner Mr. M.W. Joyce, jockey Michael Fenton, Ashton Ford, AttachĂŠ (Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism), and Mrs Joyce.

More than 5,000 patrons attended the race day and were entertained by a four-member steel orchestra.

Even the Trinis danced to the music of the pan players, who preferred to play music from Sparrow and Kitchener in the sixties and seventies.

Six of the seven races were named after places in Trinidad and Tobago. The feature race, the Trinidad and Tobago Handicap Stakes, was won by Skye Folly and the presentation was made by Ashton Ford, AttachĂŠ, Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in London.

The newly-formed Tourism Development Company set up a tent on the ground at which material on Trinidad and Tobago was displayed. But the favourite with the Brits was of course, the Angostura products.

Chief organiser of the Pontefract Trinidad and Tobago Day, Hugo Gunning, right, presents a gift to Mrs Gundill, wife of the President of the Pontefract race course, Norman Gundill.

Gracing the race course were the 2005 Miss Trinidad and Tobago (UK) Crystal Laugier and costumed masqueraders from Poison (UK) and Mr. Francis Joseph who represented the betting Levy Board.

Left: Steel pan music entertains the crowd.

Right: guests visit the Trinidad and Tobago stall at Pontefract.

LONDON MISSION

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Letter to the editor Thank you Trinidad & Tobago High Commission

D

uring the summer, I wrote and asked if the High Commission could send me some leaflets, brochures and posters etc. as we were celebrating The Children in Books Week.

Join the debate Can nationalism survive global citizenry?

The photograph provided shows the Year 1 children (aged 5 and 6 years) having just performed an assembly in front of their parents. They read poems and stories from the Caribbean Islands and sang some songs. Some of the posters that you kindly sent were used in the display at the back and also in the classrooms.

The children have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Caribbean. They painted tropical islands and made Anansi spiders.

So, thank you very much to the staff for your assistance.

These days we often hear the expression We very much appreciate you taking the time to send us ‘citizen of the world.’ But what does it mean, who says it, who has the right to say it, does it such wonderful information. actually exist, and if so, what does that mean for nationalism and the survival of sovereign states?

Yours truly, Are countries that exist in an already fragile state of togetherness destined to become failed Jaki Taylor states amidst the increasing influence of Art Co-ordinator globalisation? Is Trinidad and Tobago one of Eagle House Pre-prep School those countries or is the melting pot that is our nation a microcosm of the global community and proof that the tenets of global citizenry can be successfully adopted – tolerance, knowledge, awareness, adaptability, exposure, open-mindedness and cultural appreciation and acceptance?

Is the concept of global citizenry a viable one when, on a much smaller scale, nations struggle with the definition of their own collective national identity? That is to say, what does it mean to be an Irishman or an Englishman for example, and how can the two conceptualise under the one heading - citizen of the United Kingdom? Is the concept of what it is to be a Trinbagonian different between someone from Couva and one from Scarborough?

Some say cultures are too different for global cohesion to exist, that globalisation connects populations physically, economically and intellectually, but we cannot be connected in the true sense of the word. Is this really the case?

The possible eradication of borders through globalisation, is this necessarily negative or could it lead to the purging of physical and mental barriers to peaceful coexistence? Will increased exposure to others reveal commonalities or highlight unassailable differences?

Share your thoughts. Let us know what you think on any of the issues raised.

To join the debate send your letter to the editor.

To send letters to the editor please e-mail to tthc@btconnect.com or post to: Mr. Ashton Ford Attaché - Public Affairs, Culture & Tourism Trinidad and Tobago High Commission 42 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8NT

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LONDON MISSION

Restoration

Citizenship

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efore July 28, 1988, any citizen who voluntarily acquired citizenship of another country , lost his/her citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago. Through an Act of Parliament, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago by birth or descent, who acquired citizenship of another country before July 28,1988, can apply to restore their citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago. The relevant application forms are available at the High Commission.

Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago who acquired citizenship of another country after July 28, 1988, do not lose their citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago.

It should be noted that a person who acquires Trinidad and Tobago citizenship through registration or naturalization, and voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country, loses his/her citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago. However he/she is entitled to apply for reacquisition of Trinidad and Tobago citizenship through an application made at the Ministry of National Security in Trinidad and Tobago.

The following are the documents required for the Restoration of Citizenship: 1.

Three (3) Forms 16 of the Citizenship (Amendment) Regulations 1988 and Immigration Forms 40, 40A, obtainable at the High Commission and at www.immigration.gov.tt . Form No. 16 must be completed and signed in the presence of a Solicitor, Commissioner of Affidavit, a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public. The Form must be rubber stamped or sealed.

2.

Affidavit signed by a Solicitor/Commissioner of Affidavit/Notary Public with the following: Name; Ad dress; Passport details e.g. number, place and date of issue; that you have not been convicted of any crime, neither do you have any charges of a criminal nature pending against you. (This replaces the Police Certificate of Good Character as detailed at © on Form 16).

3.

Chest X-ray report. (Print out slip only)

4.

Passport(s)

5.

Birth Certificate. If your correct name etc. does not appear on the Birth Certificate, then an affidavit, sworn to by a person who knows of the birth, must accompany the Birth Certificate. A personal Affidavit will be accepted when the person referred to above cannot be located. (Mention of this must be made in the Declaration).

6.

Where there is a name change, Marriage Certificate, if divorced, final decree, or other legal document

7.

One written Character reference

8.

Four (4) passport-size photographs. The person giving the character reference is required to endorse the reverse side of one copy of the photograph with the words ‘I certify that this is a true likeness of Mr/Miss/Mrs. _____ ‘ and add his/her signature.

9.

Evidence of acquisition of citizenship of the country of present nationality.

10.

Fee: £6.00 payable on application (non-refundable) and £57.00 on approval and collection of Restoration Certificate.

11.

Bio-data including the following information: places you have lived in Trinidad and Tobago and overseas including specific years; school/training institutions you have attended in Trinidad and Tobago and overseas including specific years; employment history.

NB: KINDLY MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE CONSULAR OFFICER WHEN YOU ARE READY TO SUBMIT YOUR APLICATION.

LONDON MISSION

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RECEIVES A TROPHY

True Trini style Enjoy your Christmas the Trini way CALL EARLY: 020 8840 6224 078 9636 3927

Pastelles Christmas Black Cake Punch a crème Currants Rolls And other Christmas Goodies!!

LONDON MISSION

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FOCUS ON THE MISSION

Head of Accounts, Ms. Sherry-Ann Hansraj with T&T national Mr. Mohanlal James Mungal at the TTHC’s Divali celebrations.

Pandit Sharma conducts the Divali service.

Ulin Friday, Marlon Walke and Claudia Cupid of the TTHC, enjoying the atmosphere at the Divali celebrations.

Nationals gathered on the Pontefract race day.

The T&T race day has become a popular event on the English racing calendar.

Left: Friends reunited.

Stalin was pleasantly surprised when he was greeted at the High Commission by his long-time friend and son of his contemporary Squibby, Ricardo Cummings. The three veterans performed alongside Squibby for many years.

Trinidad and Tobago High Commission 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065 E-mail: tthc.information@btconnect.com

High Commissioner Mrs. Morean Phillip presents awards to Helena B, Calypso Monarch for Britain 2005 and first runner up Wen D (far Left).