London Mission Newsletter volume 18 (July 2006)

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

March- April 2006 July 2006

Volume 18 Inside this Issue Emancipation Day Message

by PM

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TTHC assists T&T nationals in Lebanon

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T&T gets positive IMF review

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High Commission bids farewell to two stalwarts

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Duke highlights opening of London Calypso Tent

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Adoption & fostering at the TTHC

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Soca Warriors working overtime for T&T

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Come shop in T&T - TDC tells the region

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Plea from HC Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip

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

Protect our history T

he following is the address by Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip, High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on July 30, 2006, in Celebration of the One Hundred and Sixty-Eighth Anniversary of the Emancipation of Africans from Chattel Slavery in the territories colonized by Britain: Today we commemorate the emancipation of African Slaves in the then British West Indies that took place on August 1st 1834.

In the Sunday Guardian newspapers of August 2nd 1834, the declaration was published with the following statement: “T hroughout the B ritish dominions the sun no longer

Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip is escorted by the D.O.C. Drummers to the entrance at the Yaa Asantewaa, upon her arrival at the 2006 Emancipation Day Celebrations, July 30, 2006.

rises on a slave. Yesterday was the day from which the emancipation of all our slave population commences; and we trust the great change by which they are elevated to the rank of freemen will be found to have passed into effect in the manner most accordant with the benevolent spirit in which it was decreed, most

consistent with the interests of those for whose benefit it was primarily intended, and most calculated to put an end to the apprehensions under which it was hardly to be expected that the planters could fail to labour as the moment of its consummation approaches. We shall await anxiously the (Continues on page 11)

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LONDON MISSION

Trinidad and Tobago Pledges US 300,000 to Lebanon

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he Government of Trinidad and Tobago has pledged the sum of thirty thousand US dollars (US $30,000.00) for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of war-torn Lebanon.

together with other interested countries and organizations, to institute measures geared towards addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis, and subsequently towards analyzing the circumstances and causes which led to the outbreak of those hostilities, with a view to preventing their recurrence.

The funds will be channelled through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which launched the Lebanon Flash Appeal on Monday July 24, 2006 following a plea by the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr. Fuad Siniora, for international humanitarian assistance for his country. There was also an appeal from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for the international community and donor countries to assist and provide humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

Madame Chair, Trinidad and Tobago shares a great affinity with the people of Lebanon. The Lebanese community, though constituting a small minority of our population, continues to make a sterling contribution, disproportionate to their numbers, to the political, economic, social and cultural life of Trinidad and Tobago.

Sen. The Hon. Knowlson Gift

Mr. Anthony David Edghill, Counsellor/Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations, New York, in a statement during the launch of the L eban o n F lash A p p eal, ex p ressed the co u n try‘s concern about the escalating violence in Lebanon.

M r. Ed gh ill’s Statem en t:Madame Chairperson, The Trinidad and Tobago delegation wishes to thank Mr. Jan Egland of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for the briefing provided earlier.

Madame Chair, Trinidad and Tobago views with grave concern the escalating hostilities over the past two weeks in the region of the Middle East, resulting in the tragic loss of human life, and particularly in Lebanon where attacks have targetted cru cial secto rs o f the co u n try‘s infrastructure, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians of varying nationalities, and negatively affected the ability of the Lebanese authorities and humanitarian organizations to respond effectively to the growing crisis.

Trinidad and Tobago expresses heartfelt condolences to the families of those that have lost loved ones, and also its continued solidarity with the Government and people of Lebanon during this difficult period.

Trinidad and Tobago thus supports the call for, and all efforts aimed at, an immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities, duly monitored by the United Nations, in order to enable the Government of Lebanon,

Lebanese migration to Trinidad and Tobago began as early as the turn of the twentieth century, forming part of a wider migration from that country in search of a better life and religious freedom. On their arrival, the industrious members of this community established incipient retail enterprises and vigorously pursued their efforts to become today, an integral part of T rinidad and T obago’s econom ic life - Omitted in the interest of the time allotted to speakers.

In great part for that reason, Trinidad and Tobago has enjoyed close diplomatic and other relations with Lebanon, having maintained for a period of time, a resident diplomatic presence in Beirut. Families in both countries also still retain their close kinship ties.

Indeed, on the outbreak of hostilities two (2) weeks ago, several Trinidad and Tobago nationals of Lebanese descent found themselves stranded in Beirut, making it necessary to provide consular services to ensure their safe evacuation from the war ravaged sectors of the city.

In the context of the foregoing Madame Chair, Trinidad and Tobago, within the constraints of its limited resources, wishes to make an initial pledge of the sum of thirty thousand United States Dollars (US$ 30,000) to the Flash Appeal established for the purpose of underwriting the humanitarian assistance provided to the Lebanese people. We further pledge our continuing support for the activities currently being undertaken by friendly countries and international agencies, including the OCHA of the United Nations in this ongoing effort.

Thank you.

LONDON MISSION

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Emancipation Day Message by the Honourable Patrick Manning The Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Greetings on the occasion of Emancipation Day 2006.

My fellow citizens, this year marks the 168th Anniversary of Emancipation in the British Caribbean. It also marks the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade to our land.

We therefore celebrate emancipation cognizant of the tremendous triumph these achievements represent in the struggle of our ancestors for liberty, equality and justice.

Here at home, as in other parts of the world, it is a struggle we wage to this date. It is a struggle for all of humanity, though emerging primarily out of the experience of a particular group.

As we commemorate Emancipation, certain

developments are worthy of reflection. The circumstances under which we celebrate this occasion today are vastly different from those faced by our ancestors.

When emancipation was first proclaimed they refused to celebrate, as they quite rightly perceived the moment as heralding also a new dispensation of slavery.

In the social and political circumstances of the times all remained intact for the maintenance of the status quo, with little being offered for education of the masses, their ownership of property, economic independence and the realisation of meaningful freedom.

Changes were inevitable, however, given the determination of our forebears. Additionally, our land is what it is today because of the contribution of all.

There are now untold opportunities for our citizens to realize every positive dream and aspiration. These exist for all in our society, barring absolutely none.

Today, then, we remember slavery, but sing the songs of liberation and empowerment.

In so far as there are challenges, we continue to work towards eradicating them and building a model nation, based on freedom, justice and the rule of law, and respect for and appreciation of all.

Our achievement of these and other objectives has always been predicted, however, on our commitment to responsible and accountable behaviour. Freedom and responsibility, are after all, equally concomitant to genuine liberation.

Let us commit ourselves to those behaviours and attitudes which will bring about the balanced and tremendously great society after which we collectively aspire, and which we are capable of and are already in the process of forging.

Best wishes for a meaningful and successful Emancipation Day 2006.

Patrick Manning

TTHC assists Trinidad and Tobago nationals in Lebanon

by Colin Connelly

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he recent crisis that exploded in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah forces not only affected people the world over but nationals of Trinidad and Tobago. When the crisis began, the High Commission was mandated to render whatever assistance possible to nationals of Trinidad and Tobago wishing to leave Lebanon.

in Lebanon to determine their needs and to offer advice and guidance on fleeing the besieged city to the evacuation point at the Beirut Forum. Some nationals chose to wait out the crisis while others chose to make the journey to Syria. The High Commission was also in regular contact with concerned families in Trinidad and Tobago.

Regular communication was established with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Crisis Centres established in London and Lebanon, the British Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus. More importantly, telephone contacts were made with nationals residing

As far as the High Commission is aware, no nationals of Trinidad and Tobago were killed in this ongoing war. It is fervently hoped that all hostilities will come to an end to enable the people of Lebanon and Israel to begin the difficult task of reconstruction of shattered lives and communities.

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LONDON MISSION

Economic activity has remained robust and is set to accelerate further - IMF on T&T

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he following statement was issued in Port of Spain by Ms. Caroline Atkinson, Deputy Director in the Western Hemisphere Department, and Mr. Max Alier, Mission Chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Trinidad and Tobago: "An IMF staff mission visited Port of Spain from July 10-21, 2006 to conduct discussions for the 2006 Article IV Consultation. The discussions covered recent developments and current economic policies, as well as the medium-term economic outlook. The mission received excellent cooperation and benefited from a constructive exchange of views with Prime Minister the Honourable Patrick Manning, Ministers Conrad Enill and Christine Sahadeo in the Ministry of Finance, Minister of Trade and Industry Kenneth Valley, Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams, the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Orville London, the Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad-Bissessar, other senior officials, and representatives from the private sector and labor unions.

"Economic activity has remained robust and is set to accelerate further in 2006 with real output growth projected to exceed 12 percent. Surging energy prices and output, expanding industrial capacity, and buoyant construction activity have underpinned strong economic growth. The current account surplus now exceeds 20 percent of GDP and FDI inflows are high. Driven by energy revenues, fiscal surpluses have increased and public debt is on a downward trend. However, there are signs that the economy is now operating near capacity. Inflation has accelerated, real estate prices are rising, capacity constraints have become evident in some sectors, and the labor market has tightened.

"The mission agrees that record high energy prices present the country with a window of opportunity to set the country on a path to achieve high living standards for current and future generations. However, this requires striking a delicate balance: investing energy windfalls efficiently to advance long-term economic and social objectives, while pacing the use of energy revenues to avoid overheating the economy and pushing up inflation.

"Fiscal policy should be at the forefront in fighting demand pressures. A tighter fiscal policy stance would help curb inflation and take pressure off the labor market. In that context, public spending should be contained to reduce the non-energy deficit— which has widened significantly in recent years.

Looking ahead, sustainability considerations should anchor fiscal policy so as to avoid the need for sharp spending cuts or tax increases when energy income declines. The mission's sustainability exercise found that it would be prudent to keep the non-energy deficit bounded at not more than 20 percent of non-energy GDP— or about 10 percent of total GDP over the medium term.

"The mission shares the authorities' view that the quality of fiscal policy is key to ensure the best use of energy resources.

The mission supports the following priorities in this area: (i) improving further the efficiency of the tax system; (ii) developing a medium-term fiscal and budgetary framework and strengthening evaluation, selection, and implementation of spending programs; (iii) designing well-targeted social programs so that the population at large benefits from the energy windfall; and, (iv) ensuring adequate checks and balances on the special purpose vehicles recently created to implement the public investment program.

"Transforming energy wealth efficiently into financial wealth also requires an effective asset and liability management framework. The mission notes the sizable balances in the interim Revenue Stabilization Fund. The authorities' plan to create a permanent Heritage Stabilization Fund (HSF), to institutionalize a long-term savings framework, will be an important step. The effectiveness of the HSF will depend on appropriately disciplined fiscal policies and a well “T h e m issio n agrees th at designed fund structure. record high energy prices Transparency in HSF present the country with a management and its window of opportunity to relation with the budget as well as adequate set the country on a path parliamentary oversight to achieve high living are also essential. standards for current and

fu tu re gen eratio n s.”

"Monetary policy also has an important role to play in managing price pressures. Rising energy revenues pose a difficult challenge. The Central Bank is reducing liquidity in the system by selling more foreign exchange and allowing interest rates to rise. The mission supports these measures and shares the authorities' view that further steps are needed to strengthen monetary management.

"As the authorities recognize, boosting competitiveness of the non-energy sector requires generating productivity gains through structural reforms. Addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and improving the business environment would help remove impediments to economic diversification and growth in the non-energy sector. The mission supports the authorities' program underway to overhaul the regulatory and supervisory framework of the financial sector. Progress in establishing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is welcome.

"The IMF mission thanks the Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago for their warm hospitality and wishes them every success in their ongoing efforts to build a strong, prosperous, and diversified economy."

LONDON MISSION

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Government makes plans for

‘M an h attan o f th e C arib b ean ’ Asked if she was talking about the building of the mini M anhattan on the w aterfront M inister Sahadeo said , ―It is in fact the waterfront project that we are looking at and as we said we want a holistic approach to it and certainly maximising our waterfront. You know from the countries you have visited I am sure you would have seen that the w aterfront is aesthetic. It‘s high cost but, most importantly, it adds such a good scenery and am biance.‖

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

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mini-city with integrated living and office accommodation, a major trade centre and shopping malls are planned for the Port-ofSpain waterfront.

It was Prime Minister Patrick Manning who recently revealed that the Government wanted to make the Port-of-Sp ain w aterfro n t the ―M an hattan of the C aribbean.‖ While PM Manning did not elaborate on what this ―M anhattan‖ w ill lo ok like, P lan ning M inister C am ille Robinson-R egis confirm ed that C abinet‘s ap pro val had been given for the ―exam inatio n of w hat is called a financial centre that w ill be located o n the w aterfro nt.‖ Robinson-Regis said that while it was still mainly at the conceptual stage it is envisioned that among other things there will be a major trade centre.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Christine Sahadeo was a little more definitive. At the launch of First Citizens Financial Centre at MovieTowne, Sahadeo said, ―In this context the G overnm ent has agreed to set up an implementation framework for the establishment of T&T as an international financial centre as against an offshore banking centre by Septem ber 2 00 7.‖

Minister Sahadeo outlined what she said were the major benefits of this proposed financial centre: the creation of a sustainable diversified economic model with its associated generation of employment; the management of back office operations; the strengthening of the payments system; the development of a secondary capital market; increased access to capital for small businesses and; the creation of a mini-city with integrated living and office accommodation.

Minister Robinson-Regis said that the transformation of the capital city will see more skyscrapers being built because of the acute shortage of space. ―T here w ill be more tall buildings in Port-of-Spain. They will be located in specific areas. While we still want to maintain the island feel we do recognise we are on an island and space is at a premium throughout the island, not just in Port-of-Spain. If we want to find planning solutions we will have to increase the height that is given especially in the urban areas,‖ the P lan ning Minister said.

She said that there would be development on the waterfront but that this development did not necessarily mean that there will be more reclamation of land on the waterfront. ―Q uite lot of reclam ation has been taking place w ithout ap pro val an d w e are also loo king at that,‖ Robinson-Regis said.

(Courtesy the Trinidad Guardian)

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LONDON MISSION LONDON MISSION High Commission bids farewell to two stalwarts

by Geoff Lowe

Honoured retirees Mrs. Joyce Allison and Ms. Greta Gay, after receiving gifts from Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip on behalf of the Mission.

Members of staff came out in their numbers to honour their friends Joyce and Greta

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farewell luncheon was hosted by Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip on July 19, 2006 at the High Commission in honour of Ms. Greta Gay, Executive Secretary to the High Commissioner and Mrs. Joyce Allison, Secretary to the Deputy High Commissioner.

Ms. Gay had been working at the High Commission for nearly four years as Executive Secretary to the High Commissioner and upon her retirement from the Public Service has returned home to Trinidad and Tobago. She had previously served at Missions in New York and Ottawa during her many years of service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mrs. Allison receives a bouquet of flowers from long-time friend and colleague Mr. Geoff Lowe of the TTHC.

Mrs. Allison had served at the High Commission as a member of the Locally Recruited Staff in a secretarial capacity for over thirty four years.

Both officers had efficiently and admirably discharged their duties in the service of the Government of T rinid ad and T o bago. T heir ‗bon de vivre‘ an d presence will be sorely missed and the High Commissioner and staff wish them a long and fulfilling retirement.

T&T Horticultural Society wins 9th gold at UK Flower show It is her second gold medal for the Horticultural Society in London this year as Joan Wilson won the top prize at the Chelsea Flower show earlier this year.

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ccordin g to M s. W ilso n, the presentatio n, ―U p on R eflections‖ reveals a view that is not always seen immediately- ―a further lo ok at o ur exotic materials from different angles creates dimensions unseen before – the mirrors reflect a creative optical image that takes you closer and beyond to ex perience an ap preciation of ou r rich tro pical in the C aribbean‖.

Ms. Wilson said that she has worked as a designer /florist for the Horticulture Society for the past ten years and has won nine Gold Medals, seven Silver Gilt, and two Holford Medals.

Joan Wilson and Anthony Tang Kai in front of their gold winning presentation.

She noted that many Europeans are interested in all that Trinidad and Tobago has to offer especially in the areas of eco-tourism, such as bird watching and our exotic flora and fauna. High Commissioner Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip extended congratulations to Ms. Wilson and her colleagues for their achievement at both the Chelsea and Hampton Flower Shows.

LONDON MISSION

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Notting Hill Carnival 'A symbol of Togetherness'

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rinidad and Tobago's High Commissioner to London, Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip, whilst addressing the launch of the Notting Hill Carnival 2006 at the Office of the High Commission, London on Monday, July 24, 2006, stated that the Notting Hill Carnival embodies the national motto of "Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve," as it effortlessly brings about a blending and bonding of communities and cultures.

The High Commissioner spoke of Trinidad and Tobago's offerings which included flora and fauna, beautiful people, inviting beaches, vast energy resources and a "land where the mother of all carnivals is staged".

Saying that Carnival represented a community effort which "brings bonding and blending of all diverse ethnicities and a display of talent", culminating in a street parade, the High Commissioner said that the transportation of this cultural activity had served "not only to bring together the West Indian diaspora but also has the added effect of creating a better understanding by indigenous populations of cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester".

Labelling these cities "melting pots of cultures",the High Commissioner said this event was necessary as it provided the "culture of the country with self identification and promoted self esteem".

Reflecting on Trinidad and Tobago's recent international exposure at the World Cup finals in Germany, the High Commissioner pointed out that

High Commissioner addresses the media at the launch. Seated at the head table are Professor Chris Mullard, Chairman of the London Notting Hill Carnival Ltd and MET Chief Inspector Rod Charles.

the culture of locals had transcended language barriers and served as a unifying force as it brought together nationals of that country and the millions who watched around the world.

The High Commissioner expected that Notting Hill Carnival would have a similar effect on the participants of the festival, the supporters and viewers, as it offered a chance for the many talented performers, artists and bandleaders to display their talents on the world stage.

With the theme of "Aspiring and Achieving in Unity", Chairman of the London Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, Professor Chris Mullard, said the theme was chosen to dispel impressions of London's young black community at war with itself, and instead show them uniting through talent and passion within their community.

Floella Benjamin OBE, DLitt (Hon) appointed Chancellor of the University of Exeter

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rinidad and Tobago national Floella Benjamin OBE, Hon DLitt (Exeter) was installed as the new Chancellor of Exeter University on July 11, 2006. She is the fifth Chancellor to be appointed by the University of Exeter since it received its charter in 1955.

Ms. Benjamin is a renowned broadcaster, actress, writer, producer and an active

worker for the welfare, care and education of children throughout the world. She also runs her own TV production company, is V ice P resident of B arn ard o‘s an d a C ultural Ambassador for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The High Commissioner and staff join in congratulating Ms. Benjamin on her illustrious career and on her prestigious appointment.

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LONDON MISSION

CULTURAL MIX AT EMANCIPTAION CELEBRATION Articles by Ashton Ford

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mixture of youth and experience featured in a cultural presentation to celebrate the third annual Emancipation Day under the auspices of the High Commission at the Yaa Asanteewaa Arts Centre, London on July 28.

Former Calypso Monarch Mighty Duke, who won the title on four consecutive occasions in Trinidad and Tobago, was the main act on the program m e singing his favou rite hits like ―H ow m any m ore m ust die‖, ―B lack is beautiful‖ and ―T each the children‖.

Above: High Commissioner Morean Phillip with Rev. Patricia Stephens in the audience. Below: Sheldon Blackman on stage.

T he crow d also heard a w ell executed renditio n of ―B o oks‖ by K iki B w ho w as the first ru n ner up in B ritain‘s Ju nio r M o narch com petition. A s her backup, the young singer had her mother Helena B as supporting vocal and Master of Ceremonies Donald Chambers on the drums.

Helena B, the current Monarch for Britain, also performed her 2006 song entitled ―H ard W o rk‖.

Before the cultural presentation, Her Excellency Mrs Glenda Morean Phillip was greeted by the drummers from the DC group who escorted her to the venue. Once at the entrance, the High Commissioner received a warm welcome from the audience.

Rev. Patricia Stephens delivered an address while Sheldon Blackman, son of the late Calypsonian Ras Shorty I belted out three songs, one of w hich w as his father‘s w ell kn ow n classic ―W ho G o d B less‖.

Other performances came from the young dancers from the Art Centre, Greeta Mendez who gave a splendid performance with her recital on ole time claypsoes and Mangrove Steel Orchestra.

FAIRFIELD HALL, CROYDON

ON SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2006 @ 7.30PM All seats £15.00 Box Office: 02086889291 - Book online: www.fairfield.co.uk Costumes: Wayne Berkley Choreography: Marcos Jose James Musical Director: Shawn Marcellin Produced by: Sonny Blacks

LONDON MISSION

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DUKE GIVES THEM THUNDER IN LONDON

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hile Londoners were battling with the record breaking heat wave, patrons w ere experiencin g ―T hu n der‖ from the M ighty D uke at the opening night of the 2006 Calypso tent at the Yaa Asanteewaa Arts Centre in West London.

The four-time Calypso Monarch is the special guest of the Association of British Calypsonians (ABC) for this season and on the opening night he had the audience dancing in the aisle, tapping their feet, clapping and singing alo ng as he ren dered his 1 98 7 R o ad M arch hit ―T hu nder.‖ The former Point Fortin school teacher displayed his professional skills with his mixture of calypsos of social commentary and creative lyrics. Duke sang four of his top tunes to an appreciative audience on Friday night (July 28) am o ng them being ―P inch yo urself‖ and ―G reat com p osers‖ w hich bro ught down the curtain on the opening night that featured several top calypsonians from Britain. As usual, he was elegantly attired in white trousers, a silver tshirt and his trade mark long overcoat highlighted with silver.

High Commissioner Mrs Glenda Morean Phillip officially opened the programme and paid tribute to the Association for keeping the art form alive in the United Kingdom.

The Mighty Duke on stage As usual, elegantly dressed as he performs on the opening night.

L ast year‘s M o n arch, H elena B , is m akin g a stro n g claim to retain the title w ith her ren ditions of ―H ard W ork‖ an d ―In dependent W om en.‖ H er clo se rivals are form er M o n archs W en D w ith her son g ―Stay hom e T rini‖ an d L o rd C lo ak w ho sang his usual hum orous ditty o n ―B ring back C lair.‖ There were good performances from G-String who took a swipe at show promoters whom he alleged d on‘t like to p ay artistes in L o nd o n; C leo patra‘s ―H e N ever H om e‖ also got a go o d response from the crowd, as did Alexander the G reat w ith his p resentation of ―C alypso W arriors.‖ The other singers for the night featured veteran Tiger, along with Brown Sugar, Admiral Jack, Peace and Love and Explorer. They were all supported by the ABC Band and backup singers, the Soca Inspirations. The Master of Ceremonies for the night was Donald Chambers, who made an impressive debut.

Calypsonians attached to the ABC took time off to pose for the London Mission at the Tent. From left: Admiral Jack, Explorer, The Mighty Tiger, Lord Cloak, Brown Sugar, Helena B, Clivus, Cleopatra Wen D and Rev. B (front). Other artistes not pictured: Dave B, Peace and Love, G-String and Alex D Great.

The London Calypso Tent continues every Friday night in the month of August. For the remainder of the season the Mighty Duke will be joined by T rinid ad an d T obago‘s Ju nior M o n arch for 2 0 06, Dariem Charles.

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LONDON MISSION

H en ry’s Kitchen

Oil down 8 oz. salted meat/fish 1 large breadfruit (3 - 3.5 lbs) 1/2 cup sliced celery 2 tsp. thyme 1/2 cup chopped pimentos 1/2 cup chopped chives 4 cups coconut milk 1 tsp. multi Fennyrak Methi 1 whole hot pepper salt to taste Method  

this month:

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Oil down provided by: Henry Griffiths Office Driver

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Pour boiling water on salted meat/fish, cover and leave for 10-15 minutes to drain.

Slice breadfruit in half-slices, remove core and peel.

In a saucepan put alternate layers of breadfruit and salted , meat/fish.

Add celery, thyme, pimentos, chives, coconut milk and hot pepper.

Cover tightly and bring to boil.

Reduce heat to a medium low and simmer for 4550 minutes until breadfruit is cooked and tender.

Add more coconut milk if necessary. When cooked the liquid should be absorbed.

Remove pepper before serving and add salt to taste.

Supporting UK/Trinidad & Tobago Business G ram m a’s H erb al P ep p er S au ce

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any of you who attended th e last tw o y ears‘ ‗R ep u b lic D ay D in n er‘ an d sampled the delights of ‘G ra m m a ’s H erb a l P ep p er S a u c e ’, h a v e r e q u e s t e d information on where and how to obtain the products. On behalf of Dounne Alexander-Walker (its Trinidad & Tobago born founder, pictured) the High Commission is delighted to provide you with an insight into her background and the health enhancing benefits of her products which have elevated Trinidad an d T obago‘s herbal traditions to the highest levels of the United Kingdom market.

Mrs. Alexander-Walker, as well as being the founder, is also the manager of G ram m a’s. She is a model, author, publisher, motivational speaker, campaigner and award winning business pioneer.

She has been a leading light in British business since 1987, educating the nation on the importance of healing body, mind and spirit through the provisions of natu re. A s a stro ng ad vocate of ancient ‗selfhealin g‘ traditions, she has co nsistently p rom oted the health-enhancing benefits of merging natural foods with medicinal and culinary herbs for optimum health.

G ram m a‘s range o f herbal pro ducts i.e. H erbal Pepper Sauces, Herbal Seasonings and Traditional Herbal Teas can be purchased from such exclusive stores as Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Fortune & Mason.

For further information contact: G ram m a’s P.O. Box 218 East Ham London E6 6BG Tel: 020 8470 8751 Fax: 020 8548 8755 Email: info@grammasintl.com

LONDON MISSION

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H C ’s E m an cip atio n ad d ress co n tin u ed arrivals from the West Indies that will bring advices to a date subsequent to the present tim e.”

We must never forget that the Atlantic Slave H.E. Mrs. Morean Phillip delivering trade, the her address at the Yaa Asanteewaa infamous middle Arts Centre, London. passage that formed the tomb of millions of Africans and slavery on the sugar plantation of the West Indies were perhaps the cruelest, inhumane and oppressive system that the world has seen and it perhaps far outstripped any other previous form of servitude.

It is therefore no surprise that resistance and rebellion were features of the seventeen and eighteen century slave society, culminating in emancipation in the nineteenth century. There were many examples in our history that showed the progressive spirit of our ancestors for freedom and a chance to determine their own destiny. The declaration of independence on January 1, 1804 by Dessalines in Haiti meant that Haiti was the first black free republic outside of Africa. Haiti was the first to break the chains of chattel slavery and it did send a powerful signal to all and sundry.

It is worth pointing out that the demise of slavery was not simply the result of the British Abolition movement as some historians would have us believe.

Jamaican scholar, trade unionist and political activist, Richard Hart has successfully developed the thesis in his bo oks ―Slaves w ho abolished Slavery‖ and ―F rom O ccupatio n to Independence‖ that it w as the cumulative effects of the 19th century slave rebellions and conspiracies in the West Indies (especially Barbados, 1816, Guyana 1823 and Jamaica 1831-33) that ―expedited the process an d dictated the necessity for emancipation in accordance with a precise tim etable‖.

Our own former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the late esteemed historian Dr Eric Williams,

developed a fundamental thesis in his master piece ―C apitalism an d Slavery‖ w hich clearly show ed the economic basis that led to the end of slavery.

I raise these points to emphasis the need for us to understand our history and to see the connectedness and the links and to learn important lessons for our time. We must write and interpret our history rather than have others write our history as this will certainly distort our view of the past.

It makes us proud to note that Trinidad and Tobago was the first country in the world to declare August 1st 1985, a national holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery.

However we have been recently reminded by Trinidad E xp ress colum nist T erry Joseph that ―the inaugural Emancipation Day holiday took place on August 1, 1888. ―It w as officially d eclared a holid ay by the then G overno r Sir W illiam R o binso n… ‖ T his w as the result of the agitation and mobilisation of several black activists in 1887 and thereafter. The holiday was shortlived and replaced by Discovery Day until 1985 when it was re-instituted.

It should be noted that it was the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) which agitated for the revival of the day. After the Black Power Movement of 1970, many citizens were inspired to reclaim our history and the need to identify with their African heritage, which culminated in the political directorate, led by the late PM George Chambers, declaring August 01 as Emancipation Day. This is another reminder of the need to not simply view our history as dates and places but to see the links and connections that flow through time. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago has set the theme for 2006 : "Reuniting the Global African Family".

Today, the plight of the African continent is on the world agenda and there are powerful moves in the continent to marshal the forces of progress and ensure that the continent survives the difficulties and setbacks and achieves economic, social and political success.

We support those moves to aid the African continent.

Many in our region tend to forget the powerful connections and the (Continues on page 14)

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LONDON MISSION

Merging African & Caribbean Cultures through Adoption and Fostering by Edwin Phillips

I

n recognition of the need to generate a keener sense of awareness among the West Indian communities in Britain on the issues related to the adoption and fostering of black children in Britain, the Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner, in London, Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip recently hosted the ‗O utreach P rogram m e‘ at the M ission in Belgrave Square, London, United Kingdom.

The distinguished attendees at this important function.

In her opening remarks Mrs Morean Phillip commended Mrs Sally Baffour for initiating this awareness to the West Indian community and encouraged the fullest participation of those who were prepared to take on this extremely worthy challen ge. She said that ―the plight of child ren abandoned through adverse fate or parental neglect cries out plaintively for redress.‖ H er E xcellency w ent on to state that there was a need to face up to the challenges by encouraging ―in itia tiv e s to w a rd s adoption, foster care or mentoring both as a means of mutually disseminating cultural forms, and of alleviating the unfortunate condition of our disadvantaged children.‖ Baroness Roselyn Howells

The event brought together a wide crosssection of West Indians including Jamaican High Commissioner, Her Excellency Gail Mathurin and

special guest Baroness Roselyn Howells. The audience also comprised professionals, academics and practitioners, along with birth and adoptive parents, and adopted people who gave first hand knowledge of the rather sensitive issues involving the black child, primarily in inner city London.

Among the issues presented by the various members of the London Boroughs of Hammersmith, Wandsworth, Kensington & Chelsea, Haringey & Islington, Childlink & North London Adoption conso rtium s w ere: ‗H o w children com e into care and the role of Local Authority Social Services; Difference between Adoption and Fostering; Looked-After Children; Types of Families needed and who can adopt; The Processes in relation to the A-Z breakdown processes.

An amalgamation of carers and practitioners from under the umbrella of the British Association for the Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) structured the evening‘s activities into a series o f presentatio ns in which the legal and social complexities of adoption of Caribbean children would be better appreciated and understood by its own communities.

The programme highlighted the need to encourage and recruit black carers for black children and the particular requirements of carers who are relatives.

Emphasis was also placed on generating a greater awareness of a dwindling population of foster parents and carers. It also aimed at generating the need to establish correct schemes to encourage a more professional approach in addressing the sensitivity of this ―serious‖ issue, specific to the C aribbean child ren of which there is a long history in Britain.

In officiating at the programme, Mr. Ashton Ford enco uraged the audience to enjoy the evenin g‘s activities but urged them not to forget its significance.

He paid tribute to the many speakers on the night, all key persons in the adoption and fostering effort, and encouraged others present to make an earnest contribution to the cause.

LONDON MISSION

13

Soca Warriors working overtime for T&T

by Ashton Ford

T

he Soca Warriors continue to carry Trinidad and T obago‘s flag internatio n ally in co nju nction w ith the Tourism Development Company (TDC).

Some of the key players who were on the National squad such as Dennis Lawrence, Carlos Edwards, Marvin Andrews, Jason Scotland, Clayton Ince and Hector Sam, joined the cultural contingent from Tobago and TDC officials from London and Trinidad and Tobago, in road show in the United Kingdom during the period July 14 to 21.

The programme opened in Glasgow before a large Scottish crowd who enjoyed a taste of Trinidad and Tobago when the famous George Square echoed with the sounds of steelband and calypso. The crowd was also treated to a display of traditional dance including limbo.

National defender and former Rangers player, Marvin Andrews, was on hand to meet the fans from Scotland, among them, nationals who are living in Glasgow. The occasion was also an opportunity to thank fans from Scotland who openly supported the Soca Warriors in their first ever appearance at the World Cup finals in Germany Another player, Jason Scotland presented Scottish Minister Margaret Curran, Minister responsible for Parliamentary Affairs, (pictured below, along with Mr. Sumant Singh) with a football signed by the National team at a reception which took place at the Corinthian Restaurant in Glasgow.

The cultural contingent led by John Arnold also performed at the Princes Gardens in Edinburgh along with SWW Storm from London as the supporting artiste.

At London, Dennis Lawrence and Carlos Edwards participated in an open day affair with the British journalists at the popular Roof Gardens, Kensington which is owned by Richard Branson. Journalists from well known media houses like Sky, BBC, ITV, Choice Radio and other networks attended the function that featured film footage of Trinidad and Tobago.

Clayton Ince and Hector Sam were present at Birmingham at the well known Bullring Centre. The cultural presentation at the Bullring was carried live on New Style 98.7 Radio which broadcasts to Birmingham and the surrounding area and is also available via the worldwide web. Following the gro up‘s ap pearance at B irm ingham , the ro ad show climaxed at Trafford Shopping Centre in Manchester where once again the Cultural contingent gave a wonderful performance before a lively audience.

During the course of the road show several interviews with members of the contingent were conducted at various venues by major media houses e.g Radio Clyde and Radio 7 at Glasgow, Choice FM and BBC in London and others at Birmingham and Manchester.

The activities were also highlighted on several newspapers throughout the United Kingdom.

Mr. Sumant Singh, Director of the Division of Tourism in the Tobago House of Assembly headed the overall contingent from Tobago while Nova Alexander and Hayden Straker represented the TDC from the UK and Trinidad and Tobago. According to Ms Alexander, Trinidad and Tobago has gained tremendous goodwill and awareness due to the football World Cup and this has generated a lot of interest about the destination. She said that the public enquiries has arisen as well as requests for brochures hence the reason for the road show.

The road show was also viewed as a fore runner to the planned Trade and Cultural mission from Trinidad and Tobago which is scheduled to visit wider Europe during the month of September.

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LONDON MISSION

Attention Nationals NATIONALS MEETING DATE: Wednesday 27th September, 2006 VENUE: Trinidad and Tobago High Commission TIME: 6pm

INDEPENDENCE DAY SERVICE

Guest speaker Mr. Lee Jasper (third from right) of th e M a yor’s O ffice w ith n a tion a ls a fter th e Ju ly meeting.

You are cordially invited to attend the Independence Day Church Service on Thursday 31st August VENUE: Westminster Abbey London SW1P 3PA TIME: 4: 45pm

Journalist Rolph Warner was on hand in June to share his World Cup experiences with the Nationals. Pictured above with Attaché Ashton Ford of the TTHC.

Conclusion - H C ’s E m an cip atio n A d d ress contributions that some of our outstanding sons and daughters have made to the Pan African movement.

We remember some of the most illustrious sons of Trinidad and Tobago like Henry Sylvester Williams of Arouca in East Trinidad who opened the century with the first Pan-African Conference in London in 1900.

George Padmore (the George Padmore Institute is set up in North London), and C.L.R. James, (a public library in Hackney, London, is named in his honour), Kwame Ture, formerly known as Stokely Carmichael, among others are names that made their own indelible marks in the Pan African Movement to reunite the global African family. We also cannot forget the worldwide impact and contributions of people like Marcus Mosiah Garvey from Jamaica and William Du Bois from the USA on the movement.

At present, Trinidad and Tobago has High Commissions in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa. Plans are afoot to widen representation in other parts of Africa. We are continuing to deepen the process by strengthening trade and economic relations with our African brothers and sisters. We shall also continue to encourage cooperation and connections with the continent.

On this anniversary celebration, the call is to liberate our minds from the mental chains of the past. We must free ourselves from the broken chains that still haunt some of us and create a sense of insecurity and diminished self esteem and a crisis of identity particularly among some of our youths. We must chart our own course and learn to think outside the box.

Some of our artistes like calypsonian Black Stalin and the late reggae superstar, Bob Marley, have urged us in song to discard the bro ken chains an d ―em ancipate ou r m inds‖. It is tim e that so m e of us take heed.

Finally, as we celebrate another anniversary, we urge you to remember our ancestors who have crossed the oceans, and those who did not finish the journey. Some of them refused to accept the yoke of slavery and submission and those that accepted and populated the new world, never forgot where they came from and they continued through resistance to loosen the shackles and break the chains. They paid a high price for freedom so that their descendants can live as freemen.

Let us redouble our efforts to chart our course and to be creative in our endeavours. Let us learn to appreciate that we produce many bright and talented sons and daughters who contribute to the world. Let us continue the process of honouring our heroes and recognising our very special people. Let us continue the work on rewriting our history from our perspective. Let us develop our institutions to the highest level sanguine in the belief that we have the necessary professional and intellectual expertise on which to draw for solving our problems without the need to turn to some foreign institution for a resolution. Let us chart our own destiny and learn from any mistakes we may make on the way.

Thank you.

LM

LONDON MISSION

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Come shop in T&T - TDC tells the region The Tourism Development C o m p a n y Limited recently launched its Inside the popular Falls at WestMall regional advertising campaign geared toward increasing visitor arrivals to Trinidad and Tobago from the region, as well raising regional awareness of Trinidad and Tobago as an ideal tourism destination.

Radio, television and print advertisements highlight discounted, weekend hotel packages, discounted airfare packages offered by BWIA West Indies Airways Limited, as well as content to spark an interest in T rin id ad an d T o b ago ‘s attractive sh o p p in g opportunities, exciting nightlife activities and unique cultural events.

The campaign will reach markets in Suriname, Guyana, St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados until the end of the year. Advertisements have been strategically placed in numerous regional media including in-flight magazines for Caribbean Star, Caribbean Sun and Liat Islander; GBC TV in Barbados; NCN TV in Guyana; Hot FM in St. Lucia; Raba Broadcasting Network in Suriname; the Grenada Voice; the Advocate in Barbados and the Stabroek News in Guyana.

From January to October, 2005, the Caribbean market accounted for 21% of total visitor arrivals to Trinidad and Tobago, which made it the second largest arrivals market in that period. According to the Central Statistical Office (CSO), from January to October 2005, roughly 29,000 visitors came from Barbados; approximately 19,000 from Guyana and 16, 000 from Grenada. Overall, arrivals from the region grew by 5.5% from the corresponding period in 2004.

The campaign comes fast on the heels of the recentlyconcluded Caribbean Road Show in Suriname, Barbados and St. Lucia, hosted jointly with the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA), and in consultation with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). The Road Show, which targetted the key tourism industry players in the aforementioned locations, took the form of networking sessions where local tourism representatives were given the

op po rtu nity to prom ote T rinidad and T obago‘s tourism product. Travel agents, tour operators and tourism-related businesses were targetted by Trinidad an d T o bago‘s participating hoteliers, n am ely K apo k H otel, M onique‘s G uestho use, A licia‘s G uest H o use, Hilton Tobago, The Cascadia Hotel and Conference C entre, C arnetta‘s In n, C o urtyard -by-Marriott, ParMay-L a‘s In n, T he C hancellor H otel an d M arion‘s Place. Additional participating exhibitors also included representatives from Asa Wright Nature Centre as well as Tour Operators Banwari Experience and T&T Sightseeing Tours.

Performances by 3 Canal and Maximus Dan certainly made the Road Show memorable with their timely renditions inspired by the success of Trinidad and T obago‘s Soca W arriors. ―It is critical that w e interact closely w ith the to urism communities and stakeholders in the various islands because it makes our tourism product more real to them. Our hoteliers are anxious to increase weekend visitors, so we welcome the opportunity to showcase our Carnival, our Calypso, steelpan music, cultural events and wonderful shopping opportunities available here,‖ said M rs. B ern adette N athaniel, E xecu tive Director of the THRTA. ―W e w ant to p ay special attention to o ur neighbo urs as a viable and valuable market. By virtue of the fact that Trinidad and Tobago is such a unique destination, as compared to the rest of the region, we are already positioned to be an attractive destination for the region al m arket. T he T D C ‘s business plan fo r 2 00 6 2007 has targeted inter-Caribbean travel as a critical element of our marketing activities and this Road Show has kick-started these plans into actio n,‖ ad ded D r.

James Hepple, President and Director of Tourism, TDC. The TDC, formed in May 2005, is the agency responsible for the development and promotion of T rinid ad an d T o bago‘s tou rism pro d uct. T he T D C ‘s primary aim is to aggressively market Trinidad and Tobago as a unique tourist destination.

For more information, visit www.visittnt.com or www.tdc.co.tt

In saying goodbye to Ms. Greta Gay, the High Commission also welcomes Mrs. Allison Quong Sing as the new Executive Secretary.

This is the first overseas posting for Mrs. Quong Sing, an experienced officer with almost thirty years in the service, twelve of which have been at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has worked in many different divisions in the Ministry, in clu d in g th e M in ister’s Office and is now ready to apply her trade here in London.

There were costumes to dazzle and pan music to entice at the launch for the Notting Hill Carnival at the TTHC.

The TTHC also has the honour of welcoming Mr. Nirmal Bhaggan as the new Immigration Officer at the Mission.

Described by his colleagues as a true servant of the soil, willing to go the extra mile in service to his countrymen, as evidenced by his professional service to T&T nationals in Germany for the FIFA World Cup, Mr. Bhaggan brings to the Mission thirty seven years of experience as an Immigration Officer.

High Commissioner Morean Phillip with the Mighty Duke moments after he closed the show on the opening night of the London Calypso Tent.

Marvin Andrews signs autographs for fans in Scotland while on tour with the TDC Road Show.

Left: Andrew Hillier (TDC UK), Hayden Straker (TDC T&T), Nova Alexander (TDC UK) and Sally Flirt (TDC U K ) a t G eorg e’s Square, Scotland.

Journalists from the UK with Soca Warrior stars Carlos Edwards and Dennis Lawrence at a function at Roof Gardens, Kensington.

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