Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Volume 19
Inside this Issue President Maxwell R ich ard s‟ trib u te to the late Noor Hassanali
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Three new highways to be built
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$12m Bollywood movie for T&T
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TTHC Commemorates 44 years of Independence
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Notting Hill Carnival 2006
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August 1 - Sept. 5 2006
“Let u s tak e to h eart th e lesso n s th at w e h ave b een tau gh t an d with confidence in our ability as a people to make ours a model country, let us not remit our effort in making our space better fo r u s an d fo r fu tu re gen eratio n s.” President Professor George Maxwell Richards while addressing the gathering at the Independence Day cocktail party at the Police Administration Building.
Trini...a synonym for excellence
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Trinidad and Tobago hosts race at Royal Windsor
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Veteran journalist „Stan ‟ M o ra laid to rest
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“W e co n tin u e to p u rsu e n atio n al d evelo p m en t o n th e foundations of open and liberal democracy, the supremacy of o u r co n stitu tio n , th e ru le o f law an d eq u ality o f ju stice. “ E xcerpt from P rim e M in ister P atrick M annin g‘s Ind epend ence D ay m essage. See message in full on page 3.
―T he present prosperity being experienced by T rinidad and T obago is due not only to our good fortune of having vast energy resources but also to the foresight of and planning for the diversification of our economy by our leaders in government beginning with the late Dr. Eric Eustace Williams. This momentum towards diversification must be continued in order for our econom ic developm ent to be sustained in the years ahead .‖ High Commissioner Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip
E-mail the Editor at: tthc.information @btconnect.com
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LONDON MISSION
President Maxwell Richards pays tribute to revered national leader
T
oday the n a t i o n mourns the passing of the second President of the Republic, Mr. Justice Noor Hassanali (pictured left).
It is a time of deep sadness also, I am sure, for all of us who knew him in his various roles as spouse, brother, schoolmate, friend, attorney, Judge, national leader and more. His tenure as President, over ten years, from March 1987, bore the stamp of excellence and commitment to the ideals that he espoused from his earliest years. His acknowledgment of the Almighty was evident in the conduct of his mission as Head of State and he did not compromise his religious persuasion while being the guardian, as it were, of the interests of all the people of Trinidad and Tobago. His quiet dignity endeared him to all
of us, as he reached out to every level of our society. He evinced wisdom in his dealings, especially in the context of contrary opinions, employing a sense of humour, which came as a surprise to some, but which was well known to those with whom he interfaced on a regular basis. President Hassanali did well academically and in his profession, he performed with distinction, attaining the level of Justice of Appeal and being recognized, among the legal fraternity and outside of it, as a person of the highest integrity. What may not have been as widely known was his passion for sport. At Naparima College, he obtained double first class colours in soccer and cricket and he pursued his interest in sport thereafter in many ways, inter alia as captain and coach of the University of Toronto First Division Soccer Team and as a Member of the Executive Council of the College Athletic Union.
On his return to Trinidad and Tobago from England, where, as a M em ber o f G ray‘s In n , he qu alified as a Barrister, he made a significant contribution to football for which he was honoured by the then San Fernando Borough Council. His support for the Arts was well known in the community of artistes as he and his dear wife were good n eighbo u rs to Q u een ‘s H all an d by their presence at plays, concerts, exhibitions and operas, all over the country, gave encouragement to those who have chosen to enrich our culture by those manifestations. President Hassanali served his country with distinction. My wife, Jean and the rest of my family as well as the staff of the Presidency, join me in extending sincere condolences to the Hassanali family on their bereavement. George Maxwell Richards
Biographical Summary Name: Noor Mohamed Hassanali Portfolio: Former President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Date of Birth: August 13, 1918 - Sixth in a Muslim family of seven children 1952 - Married Zalayhar Mohammed , Teacher Number of Children: Two Son - Khalid M. Hassanali Daughter - Amena Hassanali-Sutton Teacher, Oxford, England Religion: Muslim EDUCATION Elementary Schools: Canaan and Corinth Presbyterian Secondary School: Naparima College, San Fernando 1937: Higher School Certificate Latin and Geography (Main) English and French (Subsidiary)
One of the two students of the First Naparima College Higher School Certificate Graduating Class 1938 - 1943: Prior to attending University, was a member of Teaching Staff, at Naparima College - French, Sports and Residence Master 1943 - 1947: University of Toronto, Canada 1947: Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons.) Law PROFESSIONAL CAREER June 1948: Called to English Bar as Member of Gray's Inn, London, England August 1948: Admitted to Practice in Trinidad and Tobago 1948 - 1953: Private Practice as Barrister-at -law in Trinidad and Tobago March 1, 1953: Appointed Magistrate of Trinidad and Tobago 1953 - 1960: Served as Magistrate in Victoria, Tobago, St. Patrick, Caroni and St.
George West districts January 1, 1960: Appointed Senior Magistrate, Trinidad and Tobago October 1, 1960: Appointed Senior Crown Counsel in Attorney General's Chambers February 1, 1965: Appointed Assistant Solicitor General, Trinidad and Tobago March 1, 1966: Appointed Judge of High Court of Trinidad and Tobago June 1, 1978: Appointed Justice of Appeal of Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago April 14, 1985: Retired October 1985: Master of Moots, Hugh Wooding Law School November 1985: Member, Judicial and Legal Service Commission December 1985: Member, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Commissions Board !987-1997: President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago www.nalis.gov.tt
LONDON MISSION
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Independence Message 2006 From the Honourable Patrick Manning
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orty-four years ago o u r nation took the important and necessary decision to part with colonialism. For our emergent nation Ind ep end en ce pro v i ded th e opportunity for greater control over our affairs and to shape our destiny. Since the achievement of our Independence, our nation has made remarkable progress in our human development, the living standards of our citizens, our economy, and our relations with the nations and peoples of the world. These outcomes are not inadvertent. We have approached the challenge of nation-building with great commitment and steadfastness, moving our country from an independent, monarchical state to a modern, sovereign republic. We continue to pursue national development on the foundations of open and liberal democracy, the supremacy of our constitution, the rule of law and equality of justice. Through the nurturing of goodwill, understanding and genuine appreciation of all among our citizens, we have transformed our highly multi-ethnic nation into one society, breaking down the barriers of race, class, gender and other prejudices inimical to our collective peace and progress. Out of the difficult economic circumstances of our past, our nation has evolved into a strong, stable, progressive and promising economy.
Today, we stand out as a model of development in the region and, the world over, as an example to other Small Island Developing States regarding what is possible for them to achieve. In many spheres of human endeavour our citizens stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world, with aspirations for further achievements. In the main, our success results from the spirit and character of our people: our love of life, our love of our country and determination to advance the cause of equality, human dignity, freedom and world civilization. The rapid pace of growth and development currently underway in our country is opening windows of opportunity for individual and collective progress. This is not to say that we do not have our challenges. We have not been able to escape the difficulties of organized, international crime. Developing trends in the international economy continue to mandate adjustment and transformation on our part. These are among the growing pains of our nation. This apart, all are not as yet committed to this our land, and our quest for national development. The government remains committed to treating adequately with our various challenges. Meanwhile, all in our society must redouble their effort to ensure that as a nation we strive to achieve our full potential.
development are among the many which to date are increasingly on course. Additionally, the groundwork is being laid for the democratic and constitutional reforms required to make our institutions more representative and to incorporate all groups and classes in the decision making process. But discipline, responsibility and commitment are required from all. All must recognize that without order and discipline we will not be all that it is our potential to become. We cannot ignore their importance in our homes, our schools, and our places of work, in how we comport ourselves daily and in our relations with one another. Without discipline it will not be possible to make full use of the many and tremendous opportunities before us. We are to recognize also that we are all responsible, not only to ourselves, but also to all in this nation, and that we are responsible, not only for ourselves, but also for each other. As we commemorate this Independence Day, let us pay careful attention to the important watchwords of our nation which require us to commit ourselves through discipline, production and tolerance. And let us also remember always those of our national anthem, which stress the unity of our country in which every creed and race find an equal place. May God bless our nation.
Our country has set itself the agenda of our transformation into a developed nation by the year 2020. As challenging as this is, we are daily making progress. Our programmes in education, health, housing, industrial and infrastructural
Patrick Manning
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LONDON MISSION
Three new highways to be built
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onstruction work on three new highways running from San The Honourable Fernando to Point Colm Imbert, Fortin, San Fernando Minister of to Mayaro and from Works and Wallerfield to Transport Manzanilla, the Churchill Roosevelt Highway extension, is scheduled to begin in 2007. When completed, the freeways will reduce travel time across the island to one and a half hours or less. According to the Minister of Works and Transport, the Honourable Colm Imbert, at a post Cabinet press
conference on July 22 at Whitehall, international tenders have been invited for the San Fernando to Point Fortin project and the associated roadworks, which will require the contractor to work at both sites simultaneously. Imbert believes that having one contractor work on all projects in the south west peninsula at the same time will be more efficient and less time consuming than the traditional piecemeal approach used by government to build roadways. The design speed for the expressway will be 110 kmph/66mph and the entire project will take three to five years to complete.
The San Fernando to Mayaro highway will be built in two stages - from San Fernando to Rio Claro and from Princes Town to Mayaro. The new roadway will cut travel time from San Fernando to Mayaro to 30 minutes. The extension of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway from Cumuto Road, where the new University of Trinidad and Tobago and the Tamana Technology Park are being built, will pass through Guaico in Sangre Grande and end at Manzanilla. The extension will lay the foundation for another road being planned between Guaico and Toco.
Food Assistance to Low Income Families
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overnment is now providing food assistance to low income families The Honourable and vulnerable Anthony Roberts, groups to meet their Minister of Social basic nutritional Development needs, through a short-term Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (CCTP).
eligible participants to buy selected food items at participating groceries throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
eligibility, based on family size, income, expenditure and disposable income for food.
The first phase of the programme ensures that recipients of the Social Help and Rehabilitative Efforts (SHARE) programme are transferred into the CCTP, which will replace SHARE.
Successful applicants will then be notified by the Ministry of Social Development on where to pick up their debit card.
The CCTP initiative will involve the use of a Trinidad and Tobago Debit Card, (TTcardÂŽ), which allows
Phase two is the application process for new recipients. These new applications will be assessed for
The Ministry of Social Development will be implementing and administering the CCTP, which was launched on July 31, 2006, at the Crowne Plaza, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.
Police Service undergoes Customer Service Training "Most police officers understand that good police-community interaction is the foundation of effective crime control," said Professor Stephen Mastrofski of the George Mason University.
The aim of the program is to prepare officers and other employees to communicate more effectively with the public they serve, maintaining a philosophy centred on "policing for the people."
He led a team of trainers from George Mason University and Pennsylvania State University who organized an intensive training course in the latest Customer Service Techniques in Law Enforcement for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
Role playing and problem-solving were part of the course and exposed the lawmen to stressful situations. According to Police Commissioner, Trevor Paul, the public "is entitled to a police service that is professional and courteous at all times, especially in stressful situations." In addition, it
is expected that the participants will learn how to act calmly under times of duress and derive solutions to problems. Participants are expected to pass on their knowledge in their respective work areas as part of the "train the trainer" program. Training in customer service is currently included as part of the Police Training College course curriculum for recruits.
LONDON MISSION
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Her Excellency enters the D ra g o n ’s M o u th by Ansel Wong “The indefatigable industry and habits of
frugality of the Chinese, with their being the most fitted for the cultivation of the soil, seems to point out that of all people in the world they are the best calculated to transform the woody wastes and drowned parts of Trinidad into rich, fertile and p rod u ctive la n d ”. C aptain W illiam L aym an, ―H ints for the cultivatio n of T rinid ad‖, 1 6 th July 1802
T
his was the justification for the importation of Chinese labourers into the New World, specifically Trinidad.
In each instance, the introduction of forced, indentured and free labour into the New World was justified by the n eed to m ain tain the p ro d u ction o f the regio n ‘s agricultural economy. In the Caribbean, the presence of these labourers from Europe, Africa, India and China has moulded each country and enriched their cultures. In each instance, arrival, integration and mobility have characterised the continuing existence of each community. The tensions that grew out of these processes have had various outcomes, the most pronounced being the continuing mobility and emigration to the metropoles here in Europe or in North America. On Sunday 12 October 1806, The Fortitude, a ship belonging to the East India Company, arrived in Trinidad with 192 Chinese men recruited in Macao, P en an g an d C alcu tta. T he ―ex p erim en t‖ failed an d all bu t 30 men returned to the East. It was this remaining band of 30 hardy men that heralded the continuing presence of the Chinese in the New World. On October 12, 2006, it will be 200 years since the arrival of the Chinese in Trinidad and Tobago, the celebration of which, was the theme of the carnival band – Paddington Arts ELIMU – at this year‘s N o ttin g H ill C arn ival. It w as called , T he D rago n s‘ M o u th. T he commemoration of this anniversary by a carnival band was recognised by the Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Arrival Committee as part of their programme of celebrations.
Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip examines one of the art pieces being developed at the Paddington Arts ELIMU Mas Camp. With the High Commissioner are officials from the band.
Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, visited the Mas Camp to see how the band prepared their portrayal of this historic event. She met with the designer, Marlon Griffith, who arrived from Trinidad to help the band create an authentic portrayal of the impact of Chinese culture on the Trinbagonian society. The High Commissioner also spoke to all the workers and volunteers who were busy preparing for the forthcoming Carnival Splash and Carnival on the road. Mrs. Morean Phillip paid particular attention to the fact that the Band was also recognising the contribution made by Trinidad and Tobago-born, Dai Ailian, who is recognised as The Mother of Chinese Modern Dance and who died in February this year at the age of 90 years. Dai left Trinidad at the age of 14 and came to London to study dance before leaving to settle in China. There she became a seminal figure in Chinese Dance and n ever d en ied her ‗T rin i‘ ro o ts. Her Excellency was the first of many Caribbean dignitaries to visit this Band. After her visit, the Prime M in ister o f D o m in ica, D o m in ica‘s M in ister fo r Agriculture and Her Worship The Mayor of Brent also paid visits.
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LONDON MISSION
$12M Bollywood movie for T&T
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$12 million Bollywood movie will be filmed in Trinidad and Tobago in November and December. Production will take place in India in January and February and the movie will be launched in March 2007 to co in cid e w ith In d ia‘s p articip atio n in the IC C W o rld Cup campaign in Trinidad. T he m o vie, w hich w ill be titled ―D u lha M il G aya (I fo u nd a hu sband ), w ill also featu re T T ‘s battin g m aestro B rian C harles L ara an d In d ia‘s hero Sachin T en d u lkar. Sunday Newsday interviewed the two producers in London recently - Viveck Vaswani (below left) and Mudassar Aziz, Below right) who were in Trinidad shortly after, looking at locations, meeting with Government officials and screening nationals to be part of the movie.
be involved in the film industry and who never had the o p p o rtu nity befo re. ―T his is n o t abo u t m akin g tw o film s in yo u r co u n try, bu t settin g u p a film in d u stry.‖ The Indian producer returned to London five weeks ago and held discussions with investors and Ashton Ford, Attaché at the TT High Commission in London. Two persons flew to Trinidad and checked out locations in Trinidad and Tobago. Vaswani also met in London with Radica Saith, Vice-Chairman of the Tourism Development Company (TDC). He then returned to Mumbai in India and held talks with H.E Manadeo P ersad , T rin id ad and T o bago ‘ s H igh C o m m ission er to India. Vaswani intends to film the movie in November and December. He will return to India where production will be done in January and February. Then, the premiere of the movie will be held in March in Port-ofSpain to coincide with the opening of the Cricket World Cup, where India will play in the preliminary stages. The movie will feature calypso, chutney-soca and dance, T&T style. Vaswani has heard about the local culture w hich he said w ill fo rm a great p art o f the m o vie. ―I know the kind of movie I want, it will be a musical, funfilled and hilarious movie. I am excited about this o n e,‖ V asw an i ad d ed .
Vaswani is excited about the movie, which will feature as the leading personality, former Miss Universe, Susmita Sen. The idea for the film was realised in November 2005 when Vaswani, 44, was taking in Notting Hill Carnival in L o n d o n . ―I lo ved w hat I saw an d I w an ted to be p art o f that. I asked myself, if that was what the Caribbean was all about, why not be part of that. When I inquired, I was to ld that w as w hat T rin id ad an d T obago w as all abo u t.‖ Vaswani, who has featured in many Indian movies as an actor, said he became excited about producing a film in T T . ―So , I d ecid ed to m ake tw o m o vies in yo u r co u n try; the first one will begin in November and the second will follow. If these movies are successful, Trinidad and Tobago will be a new location for Bollywood movies. I can see tourism increasing and more money coming into yo u r co u n try.‖ V asw an i said this w as the chan ce o f a lifetime for many nationals of this country who want to
Mudassar Aziz, 25, has been involved in the movie business for only three years. He joined as an apprentice to Vaswani. During this time, he wrote a song for a Bollywood movie, and dialogue and lyrics for Susmita Sen. This movie will be the first for Aziz as a Director. ―I feel w o n d erfu l. It is a d ream co m e tru e becau se as a youngster, I wanted to be involved in this industry and look, here I am, working with someone like Viveck. I have never been to your country, but I have seen lots of it on video and on the internet. Everyone in India knows cricket and knows about Trinidad and Tobago, because that is where the most successful batsman comes from. I am happy to say that. I can tell yo u he (L ara) w ill be p art o f this film .‖ Courtesy Sunday Newsday
LONDON MISSION
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TTHC Commemorates 44 years of Independence with a Thanksgiving Inter-Faith Service by Edwin Phillips
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he Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner in London, Her Excellency, Mrs Glenda -Morean Phillip commemorated the co u n try‘s fo rty-forth year of Independence from British Colonialism in the form of a ‗T han ksgivin g In ter-Faith Service‘ at T he St P eter‘s Church in Eaton Square, London on September 3, 2006.
em p hasisin g her m essage to the p acked St P eter‘s C hu rch, she reiterated the m essage, that, ―w e can n o t be good Christians, we cannot be good Moslems, we cannot be go o d H in d u s, if w e are n o t go o d citizen s‖. Im an R asheed K han read ex cerp ts fro m T he H o ly Q u ‘ran Verses 19-35, Chapter 70 which concentrated on the importance of prayer as a catalyst for impatience when evil afflicts man and the need to be in constant Worship (to The Creator of The Universe) In representing the Hindu community, Shree Krishna Ragbir made the invocation for the removal of all evils
Among those present were, Reverend Patricia Stephens, Reverend Wilson Thomas, the High Commissioners of India, H.E. Kamalesh Sharma and his wife Mrs. Sharma; Barbados, H.E. Mr. L. Edwin Pollard and his wife Mrs. Pollard; Ghana, H.E. Mr. Annan Arkyin Cato and Mrs C ato : B aham as, H .E B asil O ‘B rien ; G ren ad a, H .E . M r. Joseph Charter; Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. Dr. Carl Roberts and South Africa, H.E. Dr. Lindiwe Mabuza. Other distinguished guests included Ms. Angela Edwards, Counsellor, Jamaica High Commission, and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Thomas, President of The West Indian Standing Conference. Mrs Morean Phillip reminded the guests of the importance of remaining in submission to the ordinances of government who has the added responsibility to punish evil doers and reward those who do good service. She highlighted the significance of the words taken from The Apostle Peter in his 1st Letter to The Early Christian C o n gregatio n s, C hap ter 2 , V s 1 5 w ho m en tio n ed that ‗it is the will of God to silence the ignorance of foolish m en .‘ Sim ilar echo es w ere m ad e in the m ain d elivery by Rev Patricia Stephens from the London Baptist Faith. Reverend Stephens of the Spiritual Baptist Community, focused her sermon on the state of the international community by making special reference to the death of children in Africa, The Middle East and elsewhere and claim ed that ―It is frighten in g. O u r w o rld is d isfigu red by vio len ce an d ex p lo itatio n .‖ She recalled the fo n d m em o ries o f T rin id ad an d T o bago ‘s achievem en t in 19 6 2 – the year of its Independence from British Colonial rule an d said ―w e w ere a hap p y n atio n then , In d ian s an d A frican s w ere u n ited in their co m m u n ities‖. In
Above: Several of the Diplomats who celebrated the occasion with Trinidad and Tobago.
from us and to endow us with all that is noble. He also qu o ted fro m the T u lsi R am ayan that ―It is by go o d fortune that we have obtained this human body and we sho u ld n o t blam e o thers for o u r failu res.‖ H e w en t o n to state that ―W here there is harm o n y, p ro sp erity o f every kind reigns; and where there is discord misfortune is the in evitable en d .‖ The event brought together many Diplomats from various countries who celebrated the event with Mrs. Morean Phillip, staff of the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission and citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean, residing here in the UK. There were a number of artistes whose renditions of Caribbean art forms departed from the usual traditions of (Continues on page 13)
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LONDON MISSION
Left: AttachĂŠ Ashton Ford, Soca Warrior Brent Sancho, Debbie Ransome of the BBC and others, enjoy the festivities as bands pass by on Carnival Monday in London.
Right: Some of the contestants in this yea r’s M iss T & T UK Cultural Showcase spend some time at Trent Park.
LONDON MISSION
2006 Junior Panorama Monday 14 August 2006 1st Eclipse Musical Wine
2nd Loxford Pan Ultimate I Music
2006 UK Calypso Monarch Finals Thursday 24 August 2006 1st B ro w n Su gar
2nd W en ‟D
3rd Helena B
4th G String
2006 National Panorama Championships Saturday 26 August 2006 1st Ebony Colours Again 259 pts.
2nd Stardust This One's for you, Bradley 243 pts.
3rd Southside Harmonics Musical Treat 238 pts.
4th Metronomes This One's for you, Bradley 233 pts.
5th Glissando Colours Again 226 pts.
6th Real Steel High on the Pan 215 pts.
7th Mangrove Soca Warrior 202 pts.
8th Croydon Good Times 193 pts.
9th Pantasia Max It Up 190 pts. 2006 J'Ouvert Bomb Competition Sunday 27 August 2006 1st London All Stars Romeo & Juliet 85 pts.
2nd Ebony No Po Tow Pow 80 pts.
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3rd Metronomes The Hammer & Lauren 72 pts. 2006 Best Steelband On The Road Monday 28 August 2006 1st Metronomes The One's for you, Bradley 88 pts.
2nd Southside Harmonics Colours Again 87 pts.
3rd Ebony In Your Time Girl 85 pts.
4th Hammered Steel The One's for you, Bradley 83 pts.
5th Glissando In My House 82 pts.
Queen Donna! T T H C ‘s very ow n Donna Phillip Forde (pictured) was crowned Queen of the Bands for 2006 with her costume Turkish Delight, from the band Dragons
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LONDON MISSION
Trini...a synonym for excellence! In commemorating our 44th Year of Independence, we highlight the past and present accomplishments of two high-achievers from Trinidad and Tobago: Ron Ramdin and Joffre HQ Chambers.
R
Ron Ramdin receives Global Honours
ON RAMDIN, the historian, biographer, novelist, trade unionist, lecturer and broadcaster, was born at Number 43 Union Park Road, Marabella, and attended the Harmony Hall Primary School until he was 14. Growing up in a large family of very low-income, he was painfully aware of the economic plight of his parents and felt the need to do something. As early as the age of 15, he applied for a passport, thus declaring his intention of travelling abroad to his stunned parents. But, if persistent unemployment was a push factor in his eventual emigration to the United Kingdom in 1962, so too was his growing obsession with the English game of football. Ron Ramdin was the first Indo-Trinidadian and hitherto the youngest to play First-Class football in the SAFL. Based at Guaracara Park, after his first season at Texaco Football Club, Delbert Charleau, Captain of the South and Trinidad and Toabgo national team, selected him fo r ‗T rials‘ befo re the 1 9 6 0 -61 annual North-South Matches. Ron was just 17 years old and though he was on the reserve bench, he was tipped by the Texaco Star and others as a future star player. Thus, given his o bsessio n w ith fo o tball an d the lu re o f the ‗B u sby B abes‘ and Manchester United, he also harboured a deep desire for knowledge and opportunity that were lacking in Trinidad and Tobago. On arrival in England, after three months unemployment and hardship, in desperation Ron decided to join the British Army. But, having passed the Exams, he d id n o t tu rn u p fo r his ‘M ed ical.‘ T hu s he rem ain ed ‗O n the D o le‘, u n til o n he fo u n d his first jo b at the University of London Library. Ever-curious and willing to learn, he enrolled at the New Era Academy of Drama and Music, started to sing at various public venues in L o n d o n an d after m akin g a ‗D em o -D isc‘, he tu rn ed to academic study. After leaving the University of London, he worked at the famous British Museum Round Reading Room, where he was elected as Shop Steward, a position through which he became popular both locally and nationally. Significantly, he produced and directed the First Variety Concert in the British Museum for the Charity, The Save the Children Fund, and significantly led the closure of the British Museum for the first time by Industrial Action in January 1973. Then, when the British Library was formed in July 1973, Ron was elected as the First Secretary of the Whitley Council, the body which was central in determining the future growth and development of this great new British institution. After graduating with his B.Sc. Econ degree from the
London School of Economics (LSE), Ron Ramdin worked as a BBC Journalist before returning to the British Library to resume a period of many years of research and writing. He was among the first Trinidad an d T o bago n ation als abro ad to receive the n atio n ‘s Scarlet Ibis Gold Award. Over many decades, he has given many high-profile radio (BBC and local Radio) interviews and has appeared as Historian and Consultant in the double-award winning TV documentary THE UNKNOWN SOLDIERS. He has also given many academic papers and has lectured in universities across Britain and internationally, including appearances in Seville and Murcia in Spain; at the Sorbonne in Paris and was invited to give the prestigious 1997 Whitbread C ard iff L ectu re en titled : ‗H o m elessn ess an d the N o vel‘. He appeared on the first day of the 2000 Cheltenham F estival o f L iteratu re an d w as ‗W riter o f the W eek‘ at the British Library Bookshop in October 2004. He is a Fellow of both the Royal Historical Society, the Royal Society of Arts and in 1996 he received the Doctor of Literature (D.Lit) from the University of London. In 2003, he was appointed by the Mayor of London to serve as a C o m m issio n er o n the p io n eerin g M ayo r‘s C o m m issio n o n A frican an d A sian H eritage. R o n ‘s outstanding contribution to this Commission has been well received. To coincide with the 200th Anniversary of British Abolition of the African Slave Trade next year, Ron R am d in ‘s seco nd n o vel T he G riot’s T ale will be published. About this extraordinary novel, one reviewer has w ritten : ‗T he G rio t‘s w ritin g is the co u rageo u s d ecisio n to replace the oral by the written word, where words say more than it speaks and means more than it utters. It is a quest for words where the search creates a melody that is read p o etically betw een an d beyo n d w o rd s… T he revelation of T he G riot’s T ale is that those who can genuinely encounter with the sublime, do not die but are touched by that which is within us as mythical im m o rtals.‘ It is against this background of unwavering dedication in the workplace and with communities that we pay tribute to the high-achiever, Mr. Ron Ramdin.
LONDON MISSION
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Trini...a synonym for excellence!
“ H e w a s T & T ’s first m o d ern d a y co a ch ” by Donald Chambers
in Trinidad and Tobago to this day but it was as a footballer that he attained his legendary status. As a player, he represented Maple, a club which was home to another footballing-great, Joey Gonsalves. In the late 1930s to ‗40s he played for T rinidad and T obago , dumfounding opponents and thrilling crowds in the Grandstand at the Queens Park Savanah with his ball control and tricky moves. He once scored a hattrick in a 3 -0 win over Suriname.
Joffre Chambers (left) receives his medal from President Arthur NR Robinson at the West Indian Tobacco Sports Foundation Hall of Fame ceremony.
I
n a time of unprecedented achievement by the football fraternity in Trinidad and Tobago, we pay tribute to one of the greats who started the ball rolling (pun unavoidable) – Joffre H Q Chambers. Legend, gentleman, pioneer, supreme motivator, innovator, dazzling player, coach, T&T football Hall of Famer – these are some of the titles borne by Joffre Chambers over the years. I have known him simply as Granddad. A kind, soft spoken man, he has always been full of great stories to tell. ‗Sto ries‘ actually, m ay be the w rong w ord to describe them as they have not been fictitious tales but more like reports – reports on different stages of a fulfilling and highly accomplished life – reports whose truths need no fabrications for dramatic effect, the entertainment value is already guaranteed. As a child, I used to hear these stories on the front porch of m y grand p aren ts‘ hom e in C ascad e, T rinidad , on an y given family visit. He never spoke highly of himself or his accomplishments, as that would betray the nature of the humble gentleman, but he spoke of the adventures he undertook and the great people he encountered along the way. And today, speak to anyone involved in football in T & T an d the w id er eastern C aribbean from the 4 0‘s to the 8 0 ‘s an d his nam e com es up, accom pan ied by the most complimentary of adjectives that would make any man blush. So now it is my turn. Let me tell you the story: Born on 9th November, 1915, in Belmont where he grew up w ith his o ld er sisters E dna and M arjorie, Joffre‘s sporting talents were evident from a very young age. He captained both the cricket and football teams for his high school Queens Royal College, both winning their respective cham p ionships in the nation‘s school competitions. As a cricketer, he set records that still stand
As a young coach, he travelled to different countries, studying the game and its different styles. Later he developed his own style and taught it to the players of Dynamos Sports Club, leading them to the TAF Second Division Championship in in1957, promotion to the First Division in 1958, BDV Cup in 1961 and the FA Trophy in 1962. He has made several publications on the art of football, the last of which – Manual of Deception for young Soccer Players – has been described by one local football authority as ‗a footballer‘s bible.‘ N o w onder his ex p ertise w as sought in Grenada and St. Lucia. Hugo Gunning, a former member of the Dynamos Sports Club now living in the United Kingdom, had this to say about his former coach: ‘Joffre C h am bers w as T & T ’s first m odern day coach . It’s as sim ple as that. He revolutionized football in this country, bringing an end to th e ‘bu ff an d ru n ’ style th at w as on ce dom in an t. H e u n derstood th e game and had his own style of football, concentrating on dribbling skills, tricky individual moves and intricate team tactics. He always u sed to say to u s, ‘you m u st leave you r oppon en ts bew itch ed, bothered and bewildered. Great man.
Another former Dynamos player Frank De Freitas revealed that a proposal was being formulated to honour Joffre by forming a soccer skills academy in his name. ‘W e can n ot allow h is legacy to be lost. T h is m an is a h u m ble gen iu s. His imagination as a coach was unparalleled. He was ahead of his time. What he taught me was passed on to my two sons Sheldon and Stokely, and Stokely passed the training on to his seven year old son Khaleed who recently received the Best Player in the Camp Award at Joe Public while playing in the 8-1 0 age grou p. W e don ’t see th e type of moves that Joffre taught on display enough in local football today. H opefu lly th e proposed academ y can rectify th at.’
N ow in his early nineties, Joffre‘s coaching bo o ts have long since been tucked away. He still lives in Cascade with his lovely wife of over sixty years, Elsa Chambers. They have two chidlren, Michael and Margaret and five grandchildren.
I have not been home to share a glass of his favourite sherry and listen to his stories recently, but hopefully soon Granddad, hopefully soon.
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LONDON MISSION
LONDON MISSION
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Trinidad and Tobago hosts race at Royal Windsor
T
rinidad and Tobago hosted a very successful event at Royal Windsor race course on Monday 14th August, 2006. The first event on the six-race card, "Come to Santa Rosa (Trinidad and Tobago) Fillies Auction Nursery H an d icap ‖, was sponsored by the Betting Levy Board (BLB) of Trinidad and Tobago. The race was won by Yerevan and ridden by top jockey John Egan. After the event, prizes were handed out by Her Excellency Glenda Morean-Phillip, Trinidad and Tobago's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. High Commissioner Morean Phillip headed the list of dignitaries to Windsor, which is situated on the banks of the River Thames. Also present were Ashton Ford, Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaché at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, and BLB representatives Roopchand Chadeesingh, Chairman, and Francis Joseph.
Mr. Francis Joseph (left), member of the Betting Levy Board of Trinidad and Tobago, with jockey Frankie Dettori and racing enthusiast, Mr. Hugo Gunning.
Featured on the card was world famous jockey Frankie Dettori who later met with Mrs. Morean Phillip after he scored a rare victory at Windsor riding the American-bred colt Very Far. Dettori was then called to choose the winner of a trip for two to the Caribbean, which was sponsored by VC Casino. The Casino sponsored the five other races on the Windsor card. After the event, BLB Chairman Roopchand Chadeesingh thanked the Tourism Development Company (TDC) for its co n tribu tio n to w ard s T rinid ad an d T o bago ‘s in vo lvem en t in the sport. Chadeesingh is hoping that Trinidad and Tobago would be able to host the entire day in 2007. He said that there were many British companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago from which his Board would seek sponsorship for staging this event at Windsor in 2007.
Ashton Ford, left, Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaché at the TT High Commission, with jockey Frankie Dettori.
A Trinidad and Tobago Day would be hosted at Pontefract race course on October 2.
...continued from page 7 conventional spiritual worships if only to remind those present of the rich religious cultural fabric that is integral to Caribbean culture with specific expressions from Trinidad and Tobago. Dariem Charles, the 2006 Junior Calypso Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago, Neil Latchman, internationally
acclaimed Opera Singer, Soul Inspirations and BT Melodians rendered a series of musical pieces. Following the event, a reception was held at The Trinidad and Tobago High Commission. Guests were invited to meet with the contestants of the Miss T&T UK 2006 beauty pageant.
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LONDON MISSION
A m een a ’s Kitchen
Pholourie 1 cup of split peas 2 cloves of garlic ¼ tsp. hot pepper ½ tsp. saffron powder 1 sachet of yeast 1 tsp. salt 4 cups of water (lukewarm) or less 4 cups of oil for frying Method
Soak split peas, and then blend together with two cloves of garlic. In a large bowl, mix blended split peas, garlic, pepper, flour, salt, yeast and saffron powder.
this month: pholourie
Make a well in the center and add one cup of water at a time, beating mixture vigorously to form a soft batter. provided by: Mrs. Ameena Tenny Assistant Attaché III
Drop by teaspoonful into hot oil and deepfry until golden brown and well cooked.Turn frequently to ensure even cooking. Drain on sheets of paper towel and serve with Chutney, Yoghurt or a Mint Dip.
V eteran Jo u rn alist “S tan ” M o ra laid to rest
T
he funeral of veteran journalist Stanislaus ―Stan ‖ M o ra, who spent more than 50 years in journalism, Stanislaus “Sta n ” M ora took place at St A n th o n y ‘s Church in Petit Valley on August 28, 2006. Mr. Mora, 76, died on August 25, 2006. In the homily, Fr Gregory Augustine sp o ke o f M r. M o ra‘s ap p ro ach to life and his sense of values, which led him to believe in the spirit and not the flesh. H e said : ―W hat w as
important to him was family and frien d s, n o t m aterial th in g s‖. Fr Gregory drew a parallel with the life and example of former President Noor Hassanali, a humble, simple man, who was an example to others. John Babb, news editor at Newsday— a boyhood friend of Mora at Arouca— who read the eu lo gy, d escribed him as ―co o l, calm, never at all flustered and always willing to help— either with words of advice, or even financially, tho se in n eed . H e said : ―In sho rt, Stan w as liked by all‖.
professional who has helped numerous journalists in Trinidad and T o bago ‖.
Mr Ashton Ford, Public Affairs Culture & Tourism Attaché, who worked on the Guardian newspaper w ith M r. M o ra, said : ―H e w as a tru e
Many of his colleagues over the years attended the funeral service.
Mr. Mora entered journalism after attending school at Mount St Benedict (the Abbey School) and joined the Guardian in the late 1950s, after the closure of the Trinidad Chronicle (successor to the Port-of-Spain Gazette). He later becam e the G u ard ian ‘s n ight ed ito r, serving in that position for many years until his retirement. He later served at Newsday.
LONDON MISSION
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VACANCIES
Business Development Officer Department: Office of the Campus Principal Minimum Qualifications & Experience M aster‘s d egree in B u sin ess A d m in istratio n / L aw . 3 years‘ ex p erien ce in m an agem en t o r strategy co n su ltin g and a track record of successful revenue generation/business development, as well as project management across multiple disciplines. Knowledge of Intellectual Property/Technology Transfer/Contract Preparation would be a desirable asset. Special Responsibilities Identify, develop, manage and execute internal special projects. Identify and develop strategic partnerships/relationships with various organizations. Prepare competitive bidding documentation for external projects and consultancies. Create and mange teams of academic and non-academic specialists and execute consultancies and special projects. Work with the Director of the Business Development Office to improve the capacity for grantsmanship and proposal writing in the University. Prepare contracts, memoranda of understanding and other legal documentation. Develop guidelines, policies and regulations with respect to the consulting and outreach activities of the Campus. Work on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Issues. Provide advice on legal issues relating to the work of the Business Development Office. Personal Attributes • Skills in d ip lo m acy, hu m an relatio n s, critical thin king and representation • A d ap tability, creativity an d resu lt o rien ted • Stro n g p resen tatio n an d team -building skills
Closing Date: Saturday 30th September, 2006
Student Counsellor (Evening) Department: Health Services Qualifications Ph.D./M.Sc./M.A. in Clinical Psychology. Counselling Psychology from a recognized institution. Experience O ver 3 years‘ co u n sellin g ex p erien ce at a u n iversity o r college level. Experience in the area of assessment and remediation of students with disabilities. Familiarity with Academic Advising. Special Expertise Diagnosis/Treatment (using a variety of modalities) of abnormal behaviour. Personal Attributes Good outreach portfolio. I.T. skills. Closing Date: Saturday 30th September, 2006
U.W.I. Application procedure Complete two copies of the application form provided and submit with the application form, your full particulars of qualifications, experience, date of birth, marital status and addresses of three (3) referees (one of whom should be from your current organisation). This information should be forwarded to: The Campus Registrar The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. Fax: 1 868 663 9684 Email: appts@admin.uwi.tt Particulars of advertised posts and applications forms are available at the above address and at http://www.uwi.tt. In order to expedite the appointments procedure, applicants are advised to ask their referees to send references under confidential cover directly to the Campus Registrar at the above address.
Entertainers pay a visit to the TTHC. From Left: The Mighty Duke, Mr. Kerr, stepfather and manager of Mr. Charles, H.E. Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip, Mrs. Rebecca Pope, Ms. Nicole Moore of the ABC, Dariem Charles and Assistant AttachĂŠ Donald Chambers.
Neil Latchman ignites national pride with a fittingly robust display of T&T talent at the Independence Day Church Service.
Reverend Patricia Stephens addresses the congregation at the church service for Independence Day.
Artiste Dariem Charles does the double act at the service. The talented T&T citizen played the national anthem on the pan while he sang a beautiful version of our national song. Left: Miss Rasheda Morton and Miss Avril Ramkisoon of the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission are all ears as their friend and colleague, Mr. Krishna Ragbir, makes his address at the service, on behalf of the Hindu Community. Right: Reverend Wilson Thomas who officiated at the service.
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
Shree Krishna Ragbir of the TTHC with the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Mr. Kamalesh Sharma and his wife after the service.