London Mission Newsletter volume 35 (May 2008)

Volume 35

May 13– June 12, 2008

See story on page 6

www.tthighcommission.co.uk

Disaster preparedness month launched

11th Gold for T&T at Chelsea PAGE 10

PAGE 4

Prime Minister visits TTHC London

T&T holds its first ever Fashion Week

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PAGE 12

Nationals Meeting Roundup

Notting Hill Carnival: Setting the Record Straight

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Product of the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, London

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NEWS

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Foreign Affairs Minister attends OAS General Assembly Left: The Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon Minister of Foreign Affairs

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he Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the ThirtyEighth Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Medellin, Colombia from May 29th to June 3rd, 2008.

The OAS is the principal multilateral forum of the Americas region for strengthening democracy, promoting human rights, and confronting shared problems such as poverty, terrorism, illegal drugs and corruption.

The General Assembly brought together the hemisphere’s Foreign Affairs Ministers to debate issues relating to the theme – “Youth and Democratic Values.”

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the region discussed and adopted resolutions on various topics on the Inter-American agenda, such as the use and management of energy resources, reduction of natural disasters, elaboration of the Social Charter of the Americas, democratic governance, promotion and protection of human rights. Other matters on the agenda included

follow-up on the mandates of the Summits of the Americas, economic and social development, the fight against poverty and promotion of social inclusion, hemispheric security, childcare, the fight against corruption, strengthening of democracy, conflict resolution and crisis management.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs led a delegation comprising Her Excellency Glenda Morean-Phillip, Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the OAS, and Ms. Edwina Leacock, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

T&T, IDB sign Summit Support Agreement Left: Sen. Dr. the Honourable Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde Minister of Planning, Housing and the Environment

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he Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have signed a US$300,000 technical cooperation agreement in support of the Fifth Summit of the Americas to be hosted in Port of Spain from April 17-19, 2009.

The overall objective of the project is to strengthen regional dialogue and consensus-building on crucial issues on the hemispheric development agenda, with the ultimate goal of fostering growth and development across the Americas.

The funding will go towards the development of technical papers related to the theme of the Summit and the hosting of preparatory meetings of national coordinators within the framework of the Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG).

The theme for the Summit is: “Securing Our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability.”

The agreement was signed on June 5, 2008, by Minister of Planning, Housing and Environment, Senator the

Honourable Dr Emily Gaynor DickForde, and IDB Country Representative, Mr Iwan SewberathMisser.

Minister Dick-Forde said that it was the country’s goal to ensure that priority areas were identified for the Summit and that “effective strategies are developed and implemented in order to bring about tangible outcomes for the people of the hemisphere.”

“Implementation and strengthening of the Summit process are at the heart of Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts for the Fifth Summit,” she said.

Continues on page 4.

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Disaster Preparedness Month launched

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n an address delivered at the launch of National Disaster Preparedness Month at the Trinidad Hilton on June 3, 2008,the Honourable Donna Cox (pictured), Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, stated that this was the second year that the Ministry, through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (OPDM), was hosting this initiative aimed at increasing public awareness of the need for disaster preparedness.

She said that, “Trinidad and Tobago is the economic engine of the Caribbean with major investments in the oil and gas sector. We are vulnerable to several hazards, natural and man-made, and thus we must ensure that steps are taken to preserve our position.”

The Minister further stated: “Since January 2005 the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of National Security has strengthened the national capacity for disaster preparedness management and risk reduction with the creation of the Office of Disaster

Preparedness and Management. This agency is responsible for proactively leading the national effort and ensuring that an efficient multisectoral approach is used in the management of disasters and, where possible, the mitigating of future impacts.

In particular, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management is responsible for developing and implementing national policies and plans that will enable the country to prepare for disasters, and strengthen our ability to respond appropriately and effectively when disasters arise.”

In an effort to strengthen the ODPM, Minister Cox said that partnerships had been developed with Ministries, Government Agencies, the Private Sector, NGOs and International Agencies. “Just to name a few, the ODPM has engaged the Ministry of Works and Transport’s Highways and Drainage Divisions; the Ministry of Local Government through their 14 Municipalities; the Tobago House of Assembly and NEMA; the Adventist Development Relief Agency; the United Nations Development Programme and the Association of Caribbean States,” revealed the Minister.

The Minister also informed that: “Another key partnership being developed is with the Environmental Management Authority on the issue of Climate Change. As a small island developing state, the effects of Climate Change are of great concern and as such, the ODPM has this issue as a high priority on its work programme.

Along with these strategic partnerships, the ODPM has a number of other initiatives also underway. Among these is the revision of the National Disaster Management Plan which provides details on all elements of response such as relief and shelter as well as specific hazard response measures such as the Mass Casualty Plan.

At present, the office is working closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, the Special AntiCrime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago and the Defence Force Transformation and Integration Secretariat of the Ministry of National Security to exercise these plans. This is not only for the Hurricane season but also for the hosting of the Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Governments conferences in 2009.”

Summit Support Agreement continued...

Coordinator of the National Secretariat for the Summit, Ambassador Luis Alberto Rodriguez, indicated that preparations were well underway for the event with upcoming negotiations on a Draft Declaration of Commitment.

He said that the IDB contribution “would certainly assist in taking the process forward.”

The National Secretariat has begun work on the Draft

Declaration to be presented at the next meeting of the Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG).

Negotiations are expected to begin in September, 2008.

Trinidad and Tobago was commended for progress made on the Summit by the June 2 SIRG Ministerial meeting on the margins of the 38th General Assembly of the Organisation of American States in Medellin, Colombia.

It will be the first Caribbean state to host such a Summit.

NEWS

The Honourable Patrick Manning Prime Minister

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Address by the Honourable Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on the occasion of the one hundred and sixty-third anniversary of the arrival of East Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad and Tobago.

oday we celebrate the one hundred and sixtythird anniversary of the arrival of East Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad and Tobago.

It is a time to draw inspiration from one of the heroic chapters of our nation’s history, when ordinary people with virtually no material possessions, struggled with courage and perseverance in an alien and hostile environment. They did make a success of their lives and contributed most significantly to the foundations of the civilization that we are building in this country.

One lesson we must learn from this aspect of our history is that no enduring achievement is ever realised without hard work and sacrifice; and that obstacles can be overcome with the will and determination to succeed. It is a message for all times.

We must therefore focus the minds of our young people in particular on this instruction from the experience of our East Indian ancestors. There are no short-cuts to success. Discipline and dedication determine achievement. Our young citizens must also be reminded that this eternal truth is more applicable than ever, in the unprecedented level of competition of the modern globalised environment.

We must continue to be proud of the triumphs of our people throughout the history of Trinidad and Tobago.

Our country has certainly come a long way, from the first encounter between Europe and the Caribbean; to slavery and indentureship; to Colonialism; and then to Independence and the attainment of full sovereignty. It is a great story, rich with experience, of which we must be reminded from time to time and which must be told with enthusiasm and dedication to every succeeding generation.

There is so much to learn from this unique history involving people of different origins from distinctly different parts of the world. In addition to giving us a deeper understanding of our own society, it provides an insight into some of the major movements of history that produced the modern world; enlightening us with a more profound appreciation of our own achievements as well as our position in the wider context of human civilisation.

The government recognises the importance of history.

Every society must know its past if it is to develop a deeper understanding of the present, and be better equipped to shape the future. In the modernisation of the school curriculum, we have emphasised that this subject must be a foundational area in the education of our children.

The preservation of our history helps us to understand the processes that have shaped our society. The system of indentureship is one of the most important developments in the growth of this country. It marked the entry into the nation’s development of a people whose efforts contributed to early economic and social development; and whose descendants have made a most enduring contribution to the prosperous, stable democracy that is Trinidad and Tobago today.

On behalf of the Government, I extend greetings to the nation on the commemoration of Indian Arrival Day. Patrick Manning May 30, 2008

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Prime Minister visits TTHC London

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rime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Patrick Manning, paid an impromptu visit to the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London, on Tuesday 10th June, 2008.

Prime Minister Manning delivered a brief address to the members of staff at the Mission, highlighting the developments taking place in Trinidad and Tobago. He informed that there were major improvements in the overall physical infrastructure, namely: roads; transport (rapid Rail); and bridges. He also advised of strides made in education, social and sporting programmes, trade and energy related matters.

The Honourable Patrick Manning Prime Minister

With regard to the contentious hot-topic of the day, the Prime Minister said that he knew that members of staff would be concerned about the crime wave taking place in the country. He duly assured the staff that urgent and effective measures were being taken to deal with the situation. Amongst these were the appointment of a Commissioner of Police and the introduction of fast patrol boats and helicopters to secure our coastline.

Prime Minister Manning informed that the Government was currently seeking to reform the Public Service in order to meet the demands of the population. He was speaking in response to questions from members of staff who queried the inordinate delay in providing services to nationals living in the United Kingdom.

He also responded to questions pertaining to air transport between the United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago, a matter close to the heart of T&T nationals residing in the United Kingdom.

PM attends Commonwealth Mini-Summit in London The following leaders were present over the two -day mini summit: President Bharrat Jagdeo (Guyana), President Maumoon Gayoom (Maldives), Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam (Mauritius), President Mahinda Rajapaksa (Sri Lanka), President Jakaya Kikwete (United Republic of Tanzania), Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele (Tonga), Prime Minister Patrick Manning (Trinidad and Tobago), President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Prime Minister Gordon Brown (United Kingdom). Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak represented Malaysia and Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama represented Ghana at the meeting.

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rime Minister Manning was in London for the mini summit of Commonwealth Leaders, where he and other leaders engaged in discussions on the reform of international institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The meeting, which took place on June 10, 2008, focussed on practical steps which Commonwealth Member states could take to achieve reform and coherence of these global institutions.

These talks were held at Downing Street, chaired by British Prime Minister, the Honourable Gordon Brown, and also at the Commonwealth Secretariat at Pall Mall, London.

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India has a new visa application system

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rinidad and Tobago nationals residing in the UK may be interested to know that there is now a new system in place for persons wishing to apply for visas for India.

TTHC’s Immigration Attaché, Nirmal Bhaggan and other consular officers from various Missions across London recently attended the launch of India’s first Visa Application Centre at 55 Wilton Road, Victoria.

Indian High Commissioner, H.E. Shiv Shankar Mukkeryee said that the Centre represented a ‘huge advance’ in UK consular services, which processes over half a million visas annually.

TTHC’s Immigration Attaché, Nirmal Bhaggan, has a front row seat to the address by India’s High Commissioner, H.E. Shiv Shankar Mukkeryee.

The outsourcing contract was awarded to a private company VFS Global which processes visas for the Belgian Embassy in London and runs visa operations in France, Australia, China, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

For more information on how to apply for a visa to India, please visit http://vfsglobal.co.uk

London Carnival Village on bridge building trip to T&T

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four-member delegation from the Carnival Village in London made a one week trip to Trinidad and Tobago to meet with the Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, the Honourable Marlene Mc Donald, and other cultural organisations.

The group was led by the Director of Carnival Village, Mr. Shabaka Thompson (pictured), and included Mr. David Elford, Ms Nicole Rachelle Moore and Mr. Pepe Francis.

They held discussions with the Minister on Tuesday 13th May, 2008, at her office on Jerningham Avenue, Port of Spain.

Mr. Thompson emphasised the

group’s desire to maintain the working relationship with the Ministry and the group also brought the Minister up to date on the programmes undertaken by Carnival Village in London.

On Wednesday May 14th, the London group held discussions with the newly established Trinidad and Tobago Entertainment Company Limited. Following the fruitful meeting with the Company, the group met with Allison Demas, Chief Executive Officer for the Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT).

Discussions centred on assisting artistes and cultural organisations that were desirous of performing in Europe.

According to Mr. Thompson, the Carnival Village was capable of providing information for appearances by individual artistes and

tours by cultural groups.

On Thursday May Thompson and Mr.

15th,

Mr.

Elford were interviewed on Radio i955fm while Mr. Francis and Ms Moore appeared on 90.1fm Wack Radio.

On Monday May19th, Ms. Moore and Mr. Francis were also interviewed by well-known television personality Ms. Allison Hennessy, of Channel Four television station, who was eager to hear about the group’s exploits in the UK. The Carnival Village team expressed their appreciation to the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in London, in particular Attaché Ashton Ford and Ms Angela Fox of Pan Trinbago, for the assistance in facilitating the meetings and media interviews in Trinidad.

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Nationals Meeting Roundup MAY There were two guest speakers at the Nationals Meeting in April: Mr. Robert Aidat-Sarran, Managing Director, Club Caribbee; and Mr. Andrew Laird, Managing Director, Irie TV. Mr. Aidat-Sarran announced the launch of an airlift from London, Gatwick, to Port of Spain via Guyana, with a direct return to London from Port of Spain. This service is being facilitated by the carrier Zoom. For more information please visit www.clubcaribbee.com .

Mr. Ashton Ford and Mr. Robert Aidat-Sarran are all ears as Mr. Andrew Laird makes his presentation.

Mr. Laird spoke of the new digital channel set to launch later this year - Irie TV. The channel will aim to provide the best in Caribbean entertainment. For further information please contact Mr. Laird at Andrew-laird74@yahoo.co.uk Members of staff in attendance: Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaché, Ashton Ford and Assistant Attaché, Donna Philip-Forde.

APRIL - Trinidad and Tobago Professionals Network (TTPNUK) presented their progress report for the year 2007 at the May meeting. Mr Nigel Guy, Director, and Mr. Chris Boothman, Lawyer, represented TTPNUK at the meeting.

Nationals were also informed that one of the major activities that would take place in 2008 was the dinner and awards function, scheduled to take place in October (black history month).

TTPNUK Director, Nigel Guy

The nationals were very pleased to be updated on the activities of this important organization and pledged their continuing support.

Member of staff in attendance: Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaché, Ashton Ford.

ATTENTION NATIONALS

Nationals Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month unless otherwise advised.

JULY: Wednesday 30th July, 2008 @ 6pm All nationals of Trinidad and Tobago are welcome

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PAHO holds Health Leadership Forum at the TTHC for development and implementation of integrated sector policies impacting on health e.g. anti-smoking policies, availability of healthy foods, etc.

With the Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME), this also implies policy action not only at national level, but within the CARICOM due to trade and labeling implications. Whilst there are many examples of clearly articulated mandates and plans, there is a significant gap in moving from policy to action due to the weakness in leadership.

Pictured: Dr. Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, Caribbean Program Coordinator and Dr. Gillian Barclay, Advisor on Human Resources Development, Office of the Program Coordination, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

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he Trinidad and Tobago Professional’s Network in London hosted a highly interactive and participatory forum based on health leadership in the Caribbean at the High Commission in London on Tuesday 27 May, 2008.

Participants included health professionals from Trinidad and Tobago as well as persons from other Caribbean countries and representatives from Caribbean Diplomatic Missions in the U.K. The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, Caribbean Program Coordinator and Dr. Gillian Barclay, Advisor on Human Resources Development, Office of the Program Coordination, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) based in Barbados.

After opening remarks from the TTHC’s Public Affairs Attaché, Ashton Ford, Dr. Gandi set the context of the meeting by recognizing that the health of the Caribbean people was critical to development of the Caribbean Region, even though most of the factors which impacted on health namely, poverty, education, water and sanitation, environment etc. lay outside the direct influence of the traditional health sector.

The Caribbean has achieved a great deal in health by joint action through functional cooperation. Another opportunity has arisen to stem the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases following the recent Declaration from the Summit of Heads of Government led by Prime Minister Manning, “Uniting to Stop the Epidemic.” This Summit issued the Port of Spain Declaration on NonCommunicable Disease which clearly articulates the need

In order to advance the CARICOM agenda on health, there is an urgent need for enhanced skills in leadership among health professionals at all levels and disciplines. The participants discussed some of the impediments to creating an environment to support and enhance leadership capacity in the Caribbean and identified mechanisms to overcome these impediments within existing systems. Participants also sought to identify areas of collaboration to build on existing strengths within the Region.

They were also able to identify some potentially sustainable mechanisms whereby the Caribbean Diaspora could support these initiatives using their skills and experience in their respective fields of expertise. There was a clear willingness on behalf of the Diaspora to participate and commit their skills and experience to support a health leadership initiative in the Caribbean. The meeting generated such a high level of enthusiasm and interest that the participants agreed to continue to facilitate and move this agenda forward by forming a group of Caribbean Leaders. The initial meeting will be held in June 2008 and the group will work closely with the Caribbean sub-regional office of the Pan American Health Organization on this initiative.

Above: A view of the participants attending the forum.

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FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

by Donald Chambers

Be

fore May 2008, Joan Wilson and the Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago were sitting pretty on ten Gold Medals. Now, with the official judging at the 2008 Chelsea Flower show completed, their tally has moved up to eleven.

That’s right. Another year…another gold. Designer Joan Wilson and her team have done it again and excelled at the most prestigious of horticultural events – the Chelsea Flower Show, London.

Many of the displays this year seem to have taken on a more sombre tone, with greens and blues dominating.

However, Trinidad and Tobago with its brightly coloured orchids, heliconias and anthuriums, captured the colours that made the shimmering gold feel right at home.

The display commanded the attention of members of the visiting public and the media. On the morning of Wednesday May 20, after having been interviewed on radio and television stations the night before, Joan was

FEATURE

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Left: Designer Joan Wilson stands proudly with the gold medal awarded to Trinidad and Tobago.

Right: A view of the display that one judge described as his favourite angle in the entire show.

seen showing a BBC film crew, led by guest presenter Chris Beardshaw, around the display. Later that day, I caught up with the in-demand-designer and asked her what her secret was?

“Over the years I’ve learned to keep things topical,” she explained. “Trinidad and Tobago will always have beautiful flowers, so we don’t have to worry about that… the trick is to present these flowers in a way that an international audience and the meticulous Chelsea judges can appreciate.” And with last year’s “Honouring Our Past” (a tribute to the bicentennial year of the

abolition of the slave trade) and this year’s display – “Our Garden of Hope”, the proof is in the pudding.

“Our Garden of Hope” speaks to the pressing issue of global warming. The design focuses on the use of dried with fresh plant material resulting in a greater awareness of the versatility of resources. The dried coconuts that have been shredded into mulch, along with the dried seeds, peas, pods, coffee and rice hull, all demonstrate their usefulness and sustainability as environmentally friendly products, while the live plant material is the result of responsible cultured gardening.

Below: Presenter Chris Beardshaw prepares to do a piece for the BBC on Trinidad and Tobago’s display.

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by Dionne Ligoure

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n keeping with Vision 2020 and the Government’s thrust to develop the non-energy sector, Trinidad and Tobago’s fashion industry is an area that offers considerable potential for the country in terms of revenue-generation, employment creation and export.

The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has placed special focus on fashion and has established a fashion degree programme at the Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design (CAFD) within UTT. Coming out of this increased focus on fashion, Diane Hunt (co-founder of Radical Designs) and her support team comprising Rosemary Stone, Maria Farrell and Richard Young organized a six night event – Trinidad and Tobago’s first Fashion Week….a glamorous event, featuring incredible Caribbean talent, bright lights and runways heaving with leggy models. The event, which has received kudos from the public and media, was staged at Adam Smith Square, Port-of-Spain. Sponsorship support was received from the Tourism Development Company (TDC), Sacha Cosmetics, Angostura Ltd, Jimmy Aboud, Peter Elias, TCB and Nestle.

Adam Smith Square, a popular venue for the parade of bands during Trinidad and Tobago Carnival was transformed into a glitzy arena, using tents. The main tent was air-conditioned, well lit and complete with a full length runway. The venue easily met international standards, with flair and style unique to Trinidad and Tobago.

According to reports, the turn out each night was more than expected, with many people attending for the entire week, as designs from haute couture to avant garde were featured.

The event showcased designs from top and upcoming Trinidad and Tobago designers as well as introduced attendees to designers from other Caribbean islands including Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Vincent.

Featured garment

by Daronte Designs

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Carnival Village The Tabernacle presents …

The Engine Room Collective Ladies Night 14th July2008 8pm. £3 in advance/£5 at the door The Engine Room Collective is a group of musicians that specialises in backing the UK’s top pan players. The Collective is not exclusive . They aim to play with as many pan players as possible and do so whenever the opportunity arises. Ladies Night features performances by Alisia Brown, Carlene Etienne, Susannah McAuly and Vanya Reid supported by Michael Bailey, Ray Carless, Kiris Houston, Bobby Stignac and the Collective’s founder, Matthew Phillip.

Upfront Comedy Club 8pm. £10 in advance/£12 at the door A night of laughter with some of the hottest acts on the UK comedy circuit. Featuring Kojo (MTV Base), Annette Fagon (Churchill Insurance adverts), Adam Crow (Jongleurs), John Smmit (The Real McCoy and The A Force) and Jamie Howard.

23rd August 2008

18th July 2008 Doors 8pm. Tickets £10 in advance/£12 at the door The best in Reggae, Soul, R&B, Ska and Jazz. A classic UK music showcase. Featuring the UK’s finest: - Peter Hunnigale, Noel McKoy, Sister Levi, Nato, Got to Remember, Charles Family and Ron King. DJ Lenny Ranks will play reggae music from way back to right now, from JA to UK and beyond.

Association of British Calypsonian’s London Calypso Tent 2008

July 2008;

Doors open 8.00pm. Admission £5 in advance/£8 at the door Second in a series of steel band performances in the lead up to the 2008 Notting Hill Carnival. Representing north London, Pantasia Steelband who will also be performing at Panorama and ‘on da road’ at Carnival.

Night of the Zombies

Live Reggae Showcase

8th,

Doors open 7.00pm. Admission £5 in advance/£8 at the door Reintroduction of BAS’ weekly Blockoramas in partnership Carnival Village The Tabernacle. First performance by the UK’s finest – Ebony Steelband!

Panyard Blocko – Take 2

17 July 2008

1st,

Panyard Blocko – Take 1

3rd August 2008

10th August 2008

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25th

by pannist Justin ‘Redz’ Richardson and the Bully Rhythm Section. A night of laughter with some of the hottest acts on the comedy circuit.

15th,

21st

&

22nd

August 2008

Doors open 7.00pm. Tickets £10 in advance/£12 at the door The London Calypso Tent is the only precursor to the annual Notting Hill Carnival to showcase the rich talent of British based calypsonians. Die hard calypso enthusiasts from as far afield as Japan make the annual ‘pilgrimage’ to the welcoming, fun loving atmosphere of the London Calypso Tent to see and hear their favourites! Enjoy authentic calypso and uniquely memorable performances by calypsonians like: Lord Cloak, Brown Sugar, G-String, Cleopatra, Clivus, D Admiral and many more! Our international guest this year, live and direct from Trinidad & Tobago, is the inimitable Karene Asche! Come and enjoy the 2008 London Calypso Tent 2k8!

Cocoyea, Soca News and Kric Krac Productions - Talk Yuh Talk

2nd August 2008 Doors open 8.00pm. Admission £5 in advance/£8 at the door Rapso and Poetry meet Calypso and Comedy. Hosted by Coco P and comedian Glenda Jackson. Calypsonians; Tobago Crusoe and D Alberto. Rapso; Level Crew. Music

Doors open 9pm. Tickets £10 The after Panorama pre J’Ouvert Carnival Fete. Featuring music by London’s finest Soca DJs. Prizes for the best dressed Zombie. Come join Ebony and Carnival Village on the road. DJ Sugar Finger Freddy, DJ Trend Setter and guest DJs. Carnival Village in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission

26th August 2008 Emancipation Day Celebration Commences 8.00pm. Free A family day commemorating the Emancipation of slavery, held under the auspices of the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission. Performances by 2008 London Calypso Monarch, Brown Sugar, direct from Trinidad and Tobago, Karene Ashe and T&T’s 2008 Junior Monarch, Lord Cloak, 2008 London Junior Calypso Monarch Oba the King and Ebony Steelband.

Portobello Film Festival

28th August to 14th September 2008 6pm – 11pm (week days), 2pm -11pm (weekends). Free Portobello Film Festival 2008 premieres over 700 new films features, shorts, documentaries, music films and animations – from all over the world with a carnivalist, urban, underground spin. Entry to all events is free. Inkie, Andrew Logan, Colin Prescod, Sandy Leiberson, Arno Coenen, Charlie Phillips, Zeus plus over 700 films.

Carnival Village The Tabernacle, Powis Square, London W11 2AY For more information contact 020 7221 9700 or visit

www.CarnivalVillage.org.uk

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NEWS

High Commission Commemorates Indian Arrival Day very grateful, for this cross-fertilization of cultures, as it supplemented what I was taught by my own parents and teachers.”

This year’s celebration also featured traditional TriniIndian cuisine prepared by young T&T Chef, Anil Marajh.

The wonderful taste of T&T provided by Anil seemed to energise the audience, as young and old wasted no time in taking to the dance floor, once the formal proceedings came to a close (see picture below).

Ag. High Commissioner, Victoria Farley, addresses the gathering.

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Members of staff in attendance: Victoria Farley, Acting High Commissioner, Roanna Gopaul, First Secretary, Ashton Ford, Attaché Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Nirmal Bhaggan, Immigration Attaché, Krishna Ragbir, Student Officer and Assistant Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaches, Donald Chambers and Donna PhilipForde.

rinidad and Tobago nationals gathered recently at the Holiday Inn in Kensington, London, for their fifth annual commemoration of Trinidad and Tobago’s Indian Arrival Day. The two hundred-strong gathering was made up mostly of families, many of which were represented by three generations. Some of the elder nationals among them have been living in the United Kingdom for over twenty-five years and, on the invitation of Master of Ceremonies, Ashton Ford, they took to the stage to recall the good old days in T&T. Their brief speeches dealt with food, music, culture, religion, sports and education and contributed greatly to the jovial yet retrospective atmosphere of the day.

The main address, however, came from Ms. Victoria Farley who delivered her first public address to nationals in her capacity as Acting High Commissioner. Ms. Farley spoke glowingly of the meaningful contributions made by the East Indian Community towards the economic, cultural and social development of Trinidad and Tobago.

She encouraged the young nationals present not to lose sight of the old-fashioned values of their parents and grandparents and stated that the national community on a whole would do well to revisit and embrace these values: “I recall very fondly my childhood days in Chaguanas when I was advised by the bhoujees and the ajees and nanis of my friends and neighbours on the importance of a sound education, common courtesy and other values which were indispensable to my overall development as a person. I am

Above: Nationals enjoyed themselves on the dance floor as DJ Abeeku Philip-Forde played classic chutney and chutney soca tunes.

Thank you: An appreciative Isabella Birbal (seated right) thanks Chef Anil Marajh for the wonderful food.

CULTURE

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Notting Hill Carnival: Setting the record straight In the build-up to Notting Hill Carnival we present part 1 of a 3 part piece by contributing writer David Kalloo.

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otting Hill Carnival has been in existence for forty three years (44 in 2008) in London. The festival, which started with a single pannist in the streets of London in the 1960s, has become the single largest street parade in all of Europe. Every August Bank Holiday, the roads of Notting Hill play host to masqueraders and enthusiasts from every ethnic group in London, all coming out to participate in what is truly a spectacular event. But of the millions of participants that help to transform Notting Hill every year, how many actually know the history behind this great event?

was conceived: “We spread the word around that we were going to play at the fête and so other West Indians came by. There was myself, Sterling Betencourt MBE and Ralph Cherry.”

This article hopes to bring to light the true founders of Notting Hill Carnival, London’s cultural import from Trinidad and Tobago.

Many people associate Notting Hill Carnival with the 1958 riots of Notting Hill. It is claimed by many carnivalists and historians that the Trinidadian political activist, Claudia Jones, started Notting Hill Carnival.

However, while it is undisputed that Jones was a pioneer, what she pioneered was the first black newspaper in Britain called the West Indian Gazette, not the Notting Hill Carnival. After the 1958 riots, Claudia used the newspaper and some of her influential friends, including Paul Robeson and Amy Garvey, to stage carnival shows at St Pancras Hall. Her stated aim was to showcase the culture and imagination of the Caribbean migrants to the British public, whom she believed had a misinformed opinion about her and her West Indian counterparts.

Notting Hill Carnival was born out of the Carnival culture of Trinidad and Tobago in the mid 1960s when Rhuanne Laslett-O’Brien invited Russell Henderson MBE (pictured) to come along to her children’s fête. With his steel pan strapped over his shoulders and a few rhythmic

It was the first time that steelpan music was heard on the streets of London and its reverberations brought West Indians out onto the streets of Notting Hill. At this moment in history, Trinidad and Tobago stamped its mark on the streets of Notting Hill and on the cultural landscape of London.

The efforts of Claudia Jones cannot be sidelined in the carnival debate but, as stated, the rightful title of pioneers of the Notting Hill Carnival, should be granted to Rhuanne Laslett- O’Brien, Russell Henderson, Sterling Betencourt (who came to Britain with the first steelband ensemble, TAPSO in 1950 to perform at the Festival Britain), Ralph Cherry and Vernon Williams.

Photograph courtesy Linda Kalcov

friends at his side, he took up the invitation. Henderson recalls that momentous day when Notting Hill Carnival

Every year, the street procession got bigger and bigger, and more sophisticated in terms of its organisation and artistic representation. No one typified this more than the man who launched his career as a costume designer in Notting Hill in 1973 – cultural icon, Peter Minshall.

Minshall’s creation, ‘Tings on Wings’ and Noel Lawrence’s ‘Headhunters’ of that same year, were seen as the first ‘complete’ bands to take to the streets of Notting Hill.

10 16

CULTURE

LONDON MISSION

The following is a release by:

Miss Trinidad & Tobago

UK

Wessex House, 1A St. Johns Hill, Clapham Junction, London SW11 1TN Tel: +44 (0)20 8480 7523

C

arivog International UK wishes to announce that the first round of screening for participants in the 6th Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK Pageant and Cultural Show has begun. Under the patronage of the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, London, delegates will be selected during the month of June. The finals and cultural show will be held at The Bloomsbury Theatre, London, on Saturday 20 September, 2008.

The night’s proceedings will showcase the incredible and wonderfully diverse culture of the beautiful Caribbean twin island nation of Trinidad & Tobago, often referred to as the “Land of the Humming Bird” and home of the Carnival and steelpan. In addition, it will be the final night of the selection process to select a UK based Trinbagonian beauty to be a cultural ambassador representing Trinidad & Tobago in the UK, which may also result in international appearances.

Screening for delegates will continue until the beginning of July. The selection requirements are: • • • • • • • • •

One parent must be of Trinbagonian parentage and residing in the UK; Height of at least 5’ 4” and aged between 18-27; Never been married or given birth; Good command of the English language (written and spoken); Must be in good physical condition and have a willingness to embrace the experience; Possession of a valid passport; Educated to GCSEs or O’ Levels as a minimum, or their equivalent; Have good moral standing; and Be available for training and rehearsals in London, from June 2008 to 20 September 2008.

Interested applicants meeting the above requirements are requested to contact Angela Cox on Tel: +44 (0)20 8265 4757 – Mobile: +44 (0)7950 135 840 – Email: misstntuk@carivog.com – Website: www.misstntuk.com for further details.

Successful applicants will embark on a journey of self-

Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2007, Valenee Gosine, with Baroness Howells and Sarah Mahabir at the 2007 Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) Food & Craft Fair.

Photo courtesy of: Kevin Baker.

discovery and intellectual development as they participate in holistic workshops and various guest appearances.

The workshops comprise dance movement and exercise, deportment, make-up, hair and beauty, protocol and etiquette, public speaking, modelling and choreography training, courtesy of Carivog International UK. These workshops aim to strengthen participants’ ability to cope with life’s challenges and facilitate their growth into mature women. What they learn and develop as part of the workshops is something that will see them through for the rest of their lives and to hopefully enable them to achieve their full potential as young women and role models of the future.

Sponsors and Supporters This year’s event is being kindly sponsored by the Tobago House of Assembly, Western Union and Wessex House Night Club. It is supported by the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London.

There are still opportunities to sponsor and/or support the event. Further information cay be obtained from Ms Veronica Leacock – Tel: +44 (0)20 8265 4757 or Mob: +44 (0)7930 645 874 Email: veronica@carivog.com For further information, please contact the organisers of the Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2008 on: Telephone: +44 (0)20 8265 4757 or Mobile: +44 (0)7958 366 594 or Email: misstntuk@carivog.com

FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

9 17

In this issue of the London Mission, we introduce ‘At the Crease with Donald Chambers.’

This column will feature persons or topics in the news.

Musician Matthew Winchester, the lead singer of the band Higher Ground, has been a musician for as long as he can remember. And now, thanks to his latest, much publicised performance, his talents are receiving the attention they deserve.

I found with similar backgrounds who were trying to make it in the industry as well but they all succumbed to the struggle. I’m the only one of that original group of friends who now does music fulltime.

I had the chance to talk to the man who, according to a recent Trinidad and Tobago Newsday report, had members of the British Royal Family ‘wining to soca,’ and found that though music was at the core of this charismatic entertainer, there was a lot more to the man.

DC: Why do you think that is? What made Matthew Winchester’s story different from the others?

MW: Motivation; self-belief and drive; a deep, deep willingness to endure. Don’t get me wrong, it has not been easy. There have certainly been some low points but as I came through them and became in tune with me, then I became in tune with my music and everything was a whole lot easier.

We spoke about the life of a musician trying to make it in London; the journey of soca and calypso in the UK; the struggles of Trinidad and Tobago’s youth; the inspiration he tries to share as a motivational speaker and how he himself found the motivation to recover from being homeless…seven times.

DC: So have you found that as a Trinidadian trying to make it in an industry, by singing music that is predominantly foreign to the masses over here, that your ‘willingness to endure’ as you put it, has been put to the test?

DC: For the readers who maybe have not heard of Higher Ground or have not read the many articles about you recently, tell us about Matthew Winchester.

MW: Well I was born in Croydon, England, to Trinidadian parents. I lived there until I was five and then my family and I moved back to Marabella, Trinidad, where my Granddad lived.

Singing has always been my thing. I entered calypso competitions at both Marabella Boys and then St. Benedict’s College. I loved soca, soul and R&B and took any chance there was to perform. At nineteen I entered Scouting for Talent but by the time I got through to the semi- final round, I already had my ticket to London bought. Holly (Betaudier) tried to get me to stay and compete but what can you do? My mind was made up.

DC: And how has that decision panned out for you…with you upsetting Holly and all?

The man of the moment: Matthew Winchester

MW: (laughs) He understood. Every man has his own journey. Making it in the music industry in England is tough.

Growing up in Trinidad when I did, the outside influence on our culture was predominantly American. Coming here was certainly a culture shock. It was not like it is now. Back then you could not hear any music, be it on the radio or at a gig, that was familiar to you. I made friends with a few people

MW: Certainly. But I think that it is part of being human that we experience challenges and go through low points. You can be as focused as you want on your goals…there are bound to be times when your life decisions come into question and you’re faced with challenges that wear you down. It’s up to us to determine whether these challenges pose a temporary or permanent threat. I decided to make mine temporary and can tell you that in coming through them, they can only add to your personal development. This is the message I think needs to get across to the youth of Trinidad and Tobago today.

Continues on page 18

10 18

FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

TTHC Officials attend function in honour of literary icon

- Dr Maya Angelou

T

hank U, a charity founded in 2002 by Ms. Sally Baffour, to promote adoption and fostering in the UK, held a pre-launch dinner to mark the 80th birthday of the literary icon, Dr Maya Angelou, at the South African High Commission on Saturday May 24, 2008. Guests, among whom were Ms. V. Farley, Acting High Commissioner, and Mrs. A. Quong Sing, Administrative Attaché, at High Commission, London, were treated to performances by Justin Adjirakor, UK’s sensational saxophonist, and the African Dance Troupe along with a video link keynote address by Dr. Maya Angelou.

To mark Dr. Angelou’s 80th birthday, there are proposals to open three libraries in Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa and Ghana. The major launch of this Milestones Library Project will be held at the Dorchester Hotel in October 2008 when Dr. Angelou will be in attendance.

Dr Maya Angelou

At the Crease continued...

I’ve been back home. I’ve spoken to young people and there is not enough hope in the eyes of people so young.

Many of them who are experiencing hardships think that there is no way out. I know what tough life is like so I can identify with them but my message to the youth would be that there is always a way out, and a positive way. I have been homeless seven times so my story is not one without struggle but one that is filled with perseverance. I have a beautiful wife and three kids whom I love greatly and I am determined to never let that be part of their life story. You see, in the hard times, you have to find your own personal pick-me-up, be it the care of a loved one or the guidance of an interested teacher…there is always something there if you want there to be. For me, it was books. One book in particular – The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – changed my life. Reading, along with music, became my thing and my library today boasts upwards of 600 books.

The other thing though is that it’s not just up to the kids.

Teachers have to understand their importance. When I visited my old school St. Benedict’s College, I spoke to some Form 3 kids who a teacher described as the worst of

the worst…unruly with no hope. You cannot take that attitude with people so young. Minutes into my talk with them, these ‘unruly’ children were sitting quietly, calling me sir and were very interested in what I had to say. It’s sad when people don’t even try to see the good in others. A common philosophy that I have adopted is that people give you what you see in them. See bad – get bad. See good – get good. So my message to the teachers would be to acknowledge the good in your students and it will be reflected back onto them and then they cannot help but act accordingly.

DC: Any connection between that life philosophy and the name of your band – Higher Ground?

MW: No not really. That would be good though.

DC: So how is it as a soca artiste in the UK? Do you get a lot of work?

MW: Well first of all I’m not a soca artiste. Soca is my preferred music but I also do a bit of R&B and soul. But to answer your question…there is a market for soca music

FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

19

here but the British love the soca they know. You have to wet their appetite with something they’re familiar with.

DC: So is there a future for the music (soca) in the UK and throughout Europe?

DC: As you did with ‘Hot Hot Hot’ at Peter Phillips’ wedding (see editor’s notes)?

MW: Of course. There’s great music out there. This year’s ‘Breathless’ by Blax and Bunji’s (Garlin) ‘Fiery’ are catchy tunes. I’m sure they’re going to ‘mashup’ the market. We just need to, as you said, get the songs out there. And people like Machel Montano and Sherwyne Winchester are only doing good things to promote the music. It’s in good hands.

MW: Exactly. You have to feed them (the British public) gently with party stuff that they know and like.

DC: Ok, but how would they know it if you don’t play it?

MW: You’re right but as a professional musician, I have to be safe. For example, I was performing at a gig once and had the crowd going. I then sang the classic tune ‘Suga Bum Bum’ and they literally stopped dancing. You have to be mindful of the cultural tastes and differences of the various audiences. A British audience does not know what is a suga bum bum so they can’t identify with the song.

DC: How do you then explain the popular status enjoyed

by Jamaican music, even with the cultural divide? Surely you’re not saying that Reggae music with its litany of Jamaican patois, which, in of itself should really be considered its own poetic language, is easier for the British public to understand and identify with than soca songs, that may have one or two bits of Trini dialect in them?

MW: Well you have to remember that reggae music has had a foundation to build on, set by icons such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and others. Reggae is more than a musical genre now; it’s a lifestyle, so it’s hard to compare the two.

DC: But specific to the British Market… to me the British people love to dance and they and the rest of Europe love dance music. I’m no music connoisseur but what is dance music if not lively music with a catchy beat?

And that’s soca. And also, given the ‘get fit…go to the gym’ rage that has taken over worldwide, there’s a definite market for music that energises. Again, this market is dominated by dance music. Soca music gives people around the world the energy to take to the streets for days. Surely it can be used to energise people for a couple hours in the gym. There’s a market there…no?

MW: You know something, you are absolutely right. I have songs right now that could fit that bill. I guarantee you that that’s something I’ll be looking into. It makes perfect sense.

DC: Well you’re welcome. I’ll be expecting some commission in the mail when I hear your songs at the gym in the near future. Thanks for your time Matthew and all the best.

MW: Thank you. It’s been my pleasure.

Editor’s Notes:

Foreign Exchange Rates as at June 9 , 2008

Currency

Counter: Buying

Selling

Notes: Buying

Pound Sterling

12.0312

12.5087 11.2500

US Dollar

6.0500

6.2315

5.9500

Source: Scotiabank Trinidad & Tobago Limited

WTI Cushing Spot Crude Oil Price on June 9, 2008

• Matthew Winchester is the lead singer of the band Higher Ground that recently performed at the wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly, where the Royal Family was in attendance, including Her Majesty the Queen.

Peter Phillips is the eldest grandson of the Queen.

• Matthew is also a solo artiste who has performed throughout Scandinavia, Britain, Dubai, Germany, Italy, France and Spain. He is currently working on his debut album that he says will consist of original tracks – some soca, some R&B and others, a mix of the two.

For those persons who may wish to book the UK based ar ti s t e, Ma t th ew can b e co n ta c te d a t chestermusic@aol.com

Members of Staff at the Indian Arrival Day Celebrations: From left - Nirmal

Bhaggan, Immigration Attaché, Krishna Ragbir, Student Officer, Donna Philip-Forde, Assistant Attaché, Ashton Ford, Public Affairs Attaché, Victoria Farley, Acting High Commissioner, Roanna Gopaul, First Secretary and Donald Chambers , Assistant Attaché.

Left: There was a strong support team that was instrumental in Trinidad and Tobago’s Gold Medal achievement at the Chelsea Flower.

Nova Alexander (far left), Manager of the UK branch of the Tourism Development Company, and Ashton Ford stand with tour operators after a meeting of UK based tourism stakeholders at the High Commission.

Nilesh Kakad and Veda Ragbir at the Indian Arrival Day celebrations.

High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065