London Mission Newsletter volume 29 (Sept - Oct 2007)

Volume 29

September - October 2007



Whitehall in focus as the general election is called in Trinidad and Tobago



High Commissioner hosts forum on national security

www.tthighcommission.co.uk

From the Office of the Prime Minister

Trini...a synonym for excellence

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PAGE 8

Tribute to Pearl Connor-Mogotsi

Events Roundup

PAGE 5

Eye on Trade

PAGE 6

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

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Trinidad & Tobago Day at the Races PAGE 13

NEWS

LONDON MISSION

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Trinidad and Tobago General Elections set for 5th Nov 2007

P

rime Minister Patrick Manning announced that Trinidad and Tobago will hold the general election on 5th November 2007.

"I have today (Friday 28th September, 2007) advised His Excellency the President to dissolve parliament with effect from midnight tonight. The general election will be held in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday, November 5," Manning said.

Mr. Manning announced the election date during the last session of the House of Representatives and before the five-year term of the current administration ends next month.

With less than two weeks to go, the already electrified political atmosphere in Trinidad and Tobago seems to be heightening with every passing day, as the parties intensify their campaigns.

The emerging leading contenders to make up the next government of Trinidad and Tobago are the People‘s National Movement (PNM); the UNC Alliance; and the Congress of the People (COP).

All parties have submitted their nominations to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). There are 41 seats being contested in this year‘s election.

Political leaders for the People's National Movement, the UNC Alliance and the Congress of the People, respectively:

Patrick Manning

Basdeo Panday & Jack Warner

Winston Dookeran

Diversifying the Trinidad and Tobago Economy

T

he Government of Trinidad and Tobago, under the public sector investment programme, is advancing its projects for the diversification of the economy.

A major initiative of the project is the development of seven priority industries for investment, including Merchant Marine, Fish and

Fish Processing, Music and Entertainment, Food and Beverage, and Film, aimed at creating new opportunities for business development, expansion and employment generation in the non-oil sector.

To further expand this initiative, Government established several state enterprises to reduce the

dependency on the energy sector.

These special State Enterprises which are at the forefront of Government‗s thrust to achieve developed country status by the year 2020 include:  The Seafood Industry Development Company Limited, which has a mandate to improve the regulatory, institutional and competitive environment of the fish and fish processing industry, through the empowerment of coastal communities, the creation of opportunities for business development, and the hosting of programmes on food safety among industry stakeholders.  The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company Limited, which will facilitate the expansion of the local film industry and the creation of employment and revenue in this sector.

The Trinidad and Tobago Entertainment Company Limited, which has the tasks of ensuring that the country is identified as the home of steelpan, calypso,

.

soca, parang and chutney; promoting the arts and culture of Trinidad and Tobago abroad; assisting entertainers and artistes with project funding; and facilitating private sector investment.

The Government Human Resource Services Company Limited (GHRSL) and the Government Information Services Limited (GISL) established as part of the Government‗s public sector reform initiative.

The GHRSL is mandated to fill the skills gaps that exist in the public service of Trinidad and Tobago by recruiting professionals (nationals and non-nationals) from abroad, and providing human resource strategic and technical services to public sector departments.

The GISL will facilitate the transmission and dissemination of information about government‘s policies and programmes, and promote the development of quality local programming.

.

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NEWS

LONDON MISSION

The Honourable Patrick Manning Prime Minister

T

he Honourable Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was honoured with the conferral of a Doctor of Laws Degree (Honoris Causa) by the Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York on Wednesday 26th September, 2007, in Brooklyn, New York.

Senior officials of the college visited Trinidad and Tobago in May of this year and met with the Prime Minister to make him aware of their intentions and to request his acceptance of this prestigious honour

in recognition ‗inter-alia,‘ of the significant role he has played in advancing the development of Trinidad and Tobago.

The conferral ceremony took place on Wednesday September 26th at 10.00 am at the Founders Auditorium of the Medgar Evers University . The Prime Minister, in delivering his address to those present at the ceremony, expressed his deepest gratitude to President Jackson and the rest of the Administration of Medgar Evers College for the great honour

bestowed on him. ―I accept this honorary doctorate on behalf of the people of Trinidad and Tobago,‖ said Prime Minister Manning.

The President of the Medgar Evers College, Dr. Edgar O. Jackson, has in the past conferred similar honours on persons for long and distinguished service and outstanding achievements. The university said that it welcomed the Prime Minister in the spirit of ongoing international exchange.

Address by the Honourable Patrick Manning on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr 2007

I

t is my pleasure to greet the members of the Muslim community of Trinidad and Tobago, through your organisation‘s publication, on this very important occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The observance of Eid-ul-Fitr represents a joyous occasion for all who have successfully completed the fast of the holy month of Ramadan. The national community joins you in the observance of this especial moment of spiritual achievement and triumph.

Eid is a reminder not only to the faithful, but to all of our citizens of the value of piety, self-restraint and humility as ideals worthy of emulation. These are qualities that all in our national community would do well to embrace and make an integral part of their lives as we continue to strive to build a peaceful and harmonious nation.

Trinidad and Tobago has been richly blessed by the very many ethnic groups and religious communities which form our national mosaic. In all its practices, Islam brings to the fore its uncompromising commitment to the brotherhood of men, the importance of charitable activity and, above all, deep cognizance of our frailty before the Creator.

The many positive practices in which you engage at this time, reflect your heightened awareness of these

values and continue to inspire others in our society to toil after what is good. It remains a credit to our Islamic community that this important occasion continues to be enjoyed by all in the wider society. Eid-ul-Fitr remains a source of nation building in our very multi-cultural and multi-religious society and I urge the publishers of this magazine to continue with this very important work of promoting national appreciation of this religious observance.

Let us all, through such efforts, strive unceasingly after the development of a more unified, strong and progressive society.

Best wishes for a very reflective and spiritually rewarding occasion.

Patrick Manning

SPECIAL

LONDON MISSION

5

ribute to Pearl

W

The following is a tribute to Pearl Connor-Mogotsi, made by Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, at a Memorial Service held in Pearl’s honour on Saturday 6th October, 2007.

e are here today to celebrate the illustrious life of Pearl ConnorMogotsi.

Pearl was an author, musician, freedom fighter undoubtedly a trailblazing pioneer a n o u t s t a n d i n g , c ha r i s m a t i c inspirational woman, a cultural icon to the West Indian and African Diaspora. From 1948 to the time of her death she was a mother to many, a source of inspiration to countless and, most importantly, she remained a passionate Trinbagonian. Pearl was an extended member of the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission family in London. Her smiling face was ever present at receptions, meetings and exhibitions. In sum, she was an avid supporter of all events related to the High Commission. Her energy, personality and presence are sorely missed.

Today‘s celebration impels us to look back and highlight the many achievements and contributions to improving the lot of the Caribbean Diaspora in the United Kingdom that Pearl made during her 57 years of sojourn here. You have heard of some of these from previous contributors and will hear more from the others to follow. Therefore, I will refrain from enumerat in g mo re of these achievements.

However, there is one major outstanding contribution that Pearl Connor-Magotsi has made, which is by far her most cherished and enduring legacy. She has left us her daughter, Geraldine Connor or Gerry as she is fondly referred to by her friends.

There is a saying that ‗the fruit does not fall far from the tree.‘

Pearl Connor-Mogotsi

“...there is one major outstanding contribution that Pearl Connor-Magotsi has made, which is by far her most cherished and enduring legacy.

She has left us her daughter, Geraldine Connor...”

Geraldine is living proof of the accuracy of this old adage. For she is continuing the work of her mother in promoting and transporting the artistic talents of Trinidad and Tobago on to the world stage, while at the same time providing opportunities for young talent to surface in ways hitherto unavailable. She too, has made an indelible imprint on the arts - her latest work being the just concluded Carnival Messiah, which had a resoundingly successful but all too short run at Harewood House in Yorkshire.

I will end with an anecdote which I think captures the essence of what I have just described. After a brilliant performance of Geraldine‘s production ‗Blues‘ at the Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, my husband and I joined the cast and friends at the post performance get-together. Pearl was at the table with a concerned look on her face. She kept saying: ―Gerry must be tired. Gerry has not eaten.‖ Then the band struck up and the cast members, mostly young people, took to the floor, Gerry among them of course. Although Pearl had been complaining before that her feet were giving her some trouble, in quick time she was on the dance floor, of course accompanied by Joe. That was my last personal interaction with Pearl. She died some months later.

That was an example of the irrepressible soul that was Pearl Connor-Mogotsi, a soul that will live on in her daughter.

Pearl, we thank you.

Glenda Morean Phillip

GeraldineConnor

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LONDON MISSION

BUSINESS

Norway keen on Trinidad & Tobago Business

by Dionne Ligoure

T

he Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London, is proactively working to advance Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip (centre) and Trinidad and Tobago’s the trade and tourism agenda for Trinidad and Honorary Consul in Norway, Mr. Rolf Holmen (second from left), with other Tobago in Europe.

Honorary Consuls for Trinidad and Tobago from Scandinavia and Germany.

The London Mission is accredited to several other countries including Germany, Each year, the High Commissioner meets with the Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

Honorary Consuls to review the year‘s activities and Trinidad and Tobago has Honorary Consuls in determine plans. This year, Her Excellency Glenda each of these countries. The title Consul is used for the Morean Phillip S.C. met with the Honorary Consuls in official representatives of the government of one state in Oslo, Norway. However, in addition to the regular the territory of another, normally acting to assist and meeting, Her Excellency and a team from the London protect the citizens of the consul's own country, and to Mission made up of Ms. Victoria Farley, Deputy High facilitate trade and friendship between the people of the Commissioner, Ms. Dionne Ligoure, Commercial country to whom he or she is accredited and the country Attaché, and Mrs. Romaine Maharaj, Assistant Attaché of which he or she is a representative. Consuls provide 111, met with key members of the Norwegian Business assistance with bureaucratic issues to both the citizens of community to promote business and investment the consul's own country travelling or living abroad, and opportunities available in Trinidad and Tobago. to the citizens of the country the consul is in who wish to The Business Event, which was held at the Grand travel to or trade with the consul's country.)

Hotel, Oslo, was organised with the assistance of Trinidad The Mission works closely with the Honorary and Tobago‘s Honorary Consul in Norway, Mr. Rolf Consuls to look after the interests of Trinidad and Tobago Holmen. Presentations were delivered by Her Excellency in these countries. Honorary Consuls for the Republic of Glenda Morean Phillip, Ms Ligoure and Tourism Trinidad and Tobago accredited to London are: Representativebfor the Scandinavia countries, Ms. Christine Engen. Ambassador Dag Mork Ulnes, the Mr. Howard M.S. Kroch – Hamburg, Germany Dipl - Kaufmann Bernd Listner – Bonn, Germany Norwegian Ambassador accredited to Trinidad and Tobago Mr. Ingo Meyr – Bavaria, Germany and eleven other Caribbean countries, also addressed the Mr. Kurt Brusgaard – Copenhagen, Denmark Event.

Mr. Rolf E. Holmen – Oslo, Norway The presentations highlighted the sectors Mr. Patrik Tigerschiold – Stockholm, Sweden identified by the Government for development in keeping Mr. Jukka Ant-Wuorinen – Helsinki, Finland with its plans to diversify the economy of Trinidad and Tobago In her address, Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip stated, ‗We are proactively implementing Government‘s vision for Trinidad and Tobago. Trade and tourism are key drivers of the economy. We will continue to work with our Honorary Consuls and the business community to get the message out to potential investors that Trinidad and Tobago is open for business ' . High Commissioner Morean Phillip continued, ‗I am very encouraged by the participation and feedback received from the Norwegian business community. We look forward to building even stronger links with them.‘ There was a good turnout for the event.

BUSINESS

LONDON MISSION

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Central Bank Maintains ‘REPO’ Rate at 8.0 Per Cent Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago: Headline inflation measured 7.3 per cent on a year-on year basis to September 2007 compared with 7.9 per cent in August.

Fodd price inflation, which hasd been the major catalyst for headline inflation, slowed to 14 per cent (year-on-year) in September 2007 from 16.7 per cent in the previous month.

The reduction in food price inflation reflected lower price increases for vegetables and fish. The prices of meat, fruits, milk, cheese and eggs continued a steady month rise.

According to NAMDEVCO, higher prices for bananas, oranges, and mangoes have contributed to the overall increase in the price of fruits. The increase in the price of diary products, especially cheese, reflects higher import costs and the depreciation of the TT dollar against major non-US currencies.

Core inflation, which filters the effect of food prices, edged up to 4.6 per cent after remaining at around 4.5 per cent over the previous four months. The sib-indices for clothing and footwear and alcoholic beverages and tobacco posted year-on-year increases of 2.6 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively.

Lower fiscal injections and the aggressive programme of liquidity absorption being pursued by the Central Bank (through open market operations and foreign exchange sales) contributed to a significant tightening in liquidity condition over the past month. In this tighter environment, commercial banks had greater recourse to the inter-bank market and the ‗repo‘ window at the Central Bank to meet their financing needs. Meanwhile, growth in private sector credit by the consolidated financial system slowed to 14.7 per cent in the twelve

months to August 2007 from 18.4 per cent in the previous month.

Underlying inflationary impulses remain strong given current fiscal, credit and wage pressures. At the same time, a substantial increase in global food prices continues to fan food price inflation in both developed and developing countries.

Accordingly, inflation control will continue to be the main focus of Central Bank‘s monetary policy. In these circumstances, the Bank has decided to maintain the current ‗Repo‘ rate at 8.0 per cent while keeping monetary conditions under close review.

Foreign Exchange Rates as at October 23, 2007

Currency

Counter: Buying

Selling

Notes: Buying

Pound Sterling

12.3707

12.7418 11.5000

US Dollar

6.1362

6.3203

6.0000

Source: Scotiabank Trinidad & Tobago Limited

WTI Cushing Spot Crude Oil Price on 23 October 2007 $87.39US per barrel

Visit our Showroom at: 33 Thurloe Place South Kensington SW7 2HQ Tel - 020 7225 3942 Fax - 020 7581 3499

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FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

Trini...a synonym for excellence!

Be they in Trinidad and Tobago...

...the United States of America

Left: John Agard, Senior Lecturer, Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, at UWI’s St Augustine campus, Trinidad and Tobago.

Right: Roger Pulwarty, Senior Physical Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

T The award follows the IPCC’s release of its fourth assessment report on the state of climate change, which said humans are “very likely” the cause of global warming.

wo Trinidad and Tobago nationals, as members of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), have shared in the honour of the award of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize to the IPCC Panel. They are University of the West Indies (UWI) Professor John Agard, Senior Lecturer, Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Agriculture and Roger Pulwarty, a Senior Physical Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Colorado, USA, and the Director for the US National Integrated Drought Information System. The IPCC Panel, shares the award with former United States Vice President Al Gore.

The award follows the IPCC‘s release of its fourth assessment report on the state of climate change, which said that humans are ―very likely‖ the cause of global warming.

Professor Agard and Roger Pulwarty are two of five West Indians who participated in the assessment. The others are Barbadian lecturer in coastal management at UWI‘s Cave Hill campus, Dr Lennard Nurse; Jamaican physics Professor Tony Chen of the Mona campus; and retired St Kitts and Nevis Parasitologist Dr. Samuel Rawlins of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre.

Asked about his IPCC involvement, Professor Agard said: ―I contributed to Working Group Two — the impact of climate change, specifically, the Chapter (16) on the Impact on Small Islands.‖ Mr. Pulwarty, said: ―The IPCC is the recipient of the prize and we are part of the IPCC. He elaborated: ―As a contributor to Working Group Two, I had the honour of serving as a lead author on Chapter 17, Assessment of Adaptation Practices, Options, Constraints and Capacity, and as a contributor to the Chapter Three, Freshwater Resources and their Management.‖ The Nobel Peace Prize is to be presented in Oslo, Norway, on December 10.

FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

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Trini...a synonym for excellence!

...or the United Kingdom

by Geoff Lowe

E

Bernice McNaughton receives an award from Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. at a ceremony in 2005.

aling Racial Equality Council recently appointed Bernice McNaughton as its first Chairwoman in its thirty years of

existence.

Bernice had been serving as Vice-Chairwoman for the past two years. She also spent six years in an executive post with the organisation.

Bernice has been a pioneer for the West Indian community for many years. She has been a Magistrate since 1987, when she was one of the few West Indian magistrates in her local area, Hounslow.

She took a family route to becoming a magistrate. Her brother was a magistrate in Ealing and before that her father, Arnold Thomas Ward J.P., had sat on the bench in Trinidad and Tobago.

Bernice has always believed that it is important for more black people to become involved in the legal process. She also feels that it is important for black people to get involved in all aspects of British Society and believes that her presence has made a difference.

Bernice received on July 12, 2007, a MBE which was awarded to her in the Queen‘s Birthday Honours list in

recognition for a lifetime of service to the community in Greenford, Middlesex, where she lives.

The fields in which she has been involved and her achievements are numerous. Here are some examples: . First woman Chair of Ealing Council, promoting racial harmony; . Trustee of Ealing Mencap; . Community leader and counsellor in Acton, London; . Founder member of the Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Group in Ealing, London, giving support to Asians and Caribbeans suffering from these diseases; . Police Consultative Group advisor on racial issues; . Hendon Police Centre advisor on how to tackle and deal with racial problems; . Member of the Institute of Personnel Management involved in the NHS/Primary Care Trust, Ealing; . Administrator for Unity of African Caribbean people in Southall; and . Awarded Trinidad and Tobago High Commission award in 2004 in recognition of her voluntary work.

Bernice wishes to acknowledge her husband Danny as her greatest supporter in all her endeavours and achievements.

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LONDON MISSION

High Commissioner joins Commemorative Walk In this the month that is dedicated to Black History, Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. joined with Karen Buck MP (pictured at left) and Richard Gibson, Chair of Yaa, a black performing arts centre in West London, and several others in a Walk Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and laid a wreath at the Cenotaph at Whitehall, London, on Saturday October 06, 2007.

The Walk, which was also dedicated to remembering the long black presence in Britain as well as the ancestors who died in confinement or during the journey across the Atlantic or on the plantations, was arranged by Yaa and the Carnival Village. People, some of whom were dressed in national Caribbean colours and costumes, made joyful noises using drums, horns and the steelpan.

TTHC host forum on National Security

Govt. policies result in decrease in homicide

The Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner, London, held a forum on National Security in Trinidad and Tobago for nationals residing in the United Kingdom on Monday night (September 17th) at the Conference Room of the High Commission.

The forum, which was held in conjunction with the Trinidad and Tobago Professionals Network in the UK, attracted a large audience that included nationals who are currently serving in the legal fraternity in London, attorneys, social workers and other professionals from the security arena.

Mr. Edmund Dillon, Trinidad and Tobago’s Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Colonel Albert Griffith of the Anti Security Crime Unit, Mr. Andy Balbosa also from the Unit, Lt. Colonel Sharon Alfonso, Military Attaché at the High Commission and Mr. Ashton Ford Attaché at the High Commission, attended the forum.

Lt. Colonel Griffith gave an overview of the work undertaken by the Anti Crime Unit in Trinidad and Tobago, pointing out that the government was keen to improve its criminal justice system and also systems tackling serious and organized crime in the country.

He said that the Government had introduced a host of policies that were being implemented which had resulted in the decline in homicide and kidnapping. Lt. Col. Griffith noted that Trinidad and Tobago was just seven miles from South America and was seen as a major transshipment point for the international drug trade.

In response to questions from the audience concerning the young people, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Dillon referred to several projects spearheaded by the Defence Force in addition to the 19 other youth development programmes carried out by the Government.

This is the second forum organized by the High Commission and the TTPNUK on matters of national interest, the first being the Health Sector forum which took place in November, 2006.

LONDON MISSION

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T&T presence at Law Conference

Above: Sir Dennis Byron, President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, his wife Norma and H.E. Glenda Morean Phillip attend a reception at the CLA, Kenya.

Trinidad and Tobago was well represented at the Commonwealth Lawyers Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, 9th –13th September, 2007.  Madame Justice Permanand, former Court of Appeal Judge in Trinidad and Tobago and now chair of the Law Reform Commission, delivered a well received paper on HIV/AIDS and the Law.  Vasheish Kokaram made a presentation on the Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME) - A New Kind of Regionalism.  And Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. chaired a session titled Gender and the Law. Former Chief Justice Michael de La Bastide and high Court Judges Ivor Archie and Malcolm Holdip were also in attendance.

A Carnival Messiah Celebration On Saturday 22nd September, the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, headed by Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, and members of the T&T Community in the United Kingdom, celebrated Trinidad and Tobago’s Republic Day in grand style.

The High Commissioner, accompanied by members of her staff, along with Trinidad and Tobago nationals, spent a day in Yorkshire where they were treated to a special performance of Carnival Messiah, Geraldine Connor’s radical reinvention of Handel’s Messiah, and by all reports, a fantastic day was had.

“Oh it was a great day,” said High Commissioner Morean Phillip, “and Carnival Messiah is an excellent production. To see descendants of slaves perform on a former slave plantation to an audience that was visibly in awe of the spectacle being witnessed, to me shows that things have come full circle.” And the High Commissioner was not the only person bowled over by the Geraldine Connor production- “You know that a production has been really exciting when you get up to join in the standing ovation and your knees are wobbly."

Daily Telegraph

BT Melodians’ UK 20th Birthday On Saturday 6th October, 2007, BT Melodians UK Steel Orchestra celebrated twenty years in the business.

The much revered steel orchestra marked the occasion with a concert and awards ceremony held at the York Gardens Library in Battersea.

The Event was attended by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Stuart Thom (pictured at left with band-leader Terry Noel), Assistant Attaché Donald Chambers, who represented Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, and representatives from sponsors BT. In the High Commissioner’s address to the audience, read by Mr. Chambers, Her Excellency congratulated the Melodians on their many achievements over the years and praised Terry Noel for his leadership, passion and dedication to his country.

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CULTURE

LONDON MISSION

‘Trinidad Carnival’- Photographs by Jeffrey Chock and ‘Legacy of the Soca Warriors’

by Valentino Singh

Mr. Kelvin Scoon, Marketing Director of Medianet Limited and H.E. Glenda Morean Phillip display the books in focus.

O

n Thursday 11th October, 2007, the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was the venue for the initial official launch in Europe of two outstandingly beautiful, pictorial, informative and educational books, namely, ‗Trinidad Carnival‘ – Photographs by Jeffrey Chock and ‗Legacy of the Soca Warriors 1965 - 2006‘, written by Valentino Singh.

The launch by Mr. Kelvin Scoon, Marketing Director/Publisher of Medianet Limited, was hosted by Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C., High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, London.

In her address to the guests who included a mix of UK and Trinidad and Tobago dignitaries and nationals as well as members of the press and other media, High Commissioner Morean Phillip stated that Trinidad and Tobago's model for public celebration was the most widely imitated festival art form in the world and the book ‗Trinidad Carnival‘ succeeded in capturing and portraying in pictorial form the essence of Trinidad and Tobago‘s Carnival.

Mr. Scoon provided the guests with an illuminating discourse into the background to the conception and publication of the books.

To quote from the Legacy of the Soca Warriors: ―Legacy of the Soca Warriors is the story of a group of young men who evoked the passion of the world with a courageous, determined performance that has left a lasting impression, despite coming away with just one point from three games in Germany‖. The book also chronicles the performance of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Team with the World Cup finals since 1965.

by Geoff Lowe ‘Toute Bagai La’ by Anne Fridal

Anne Fridal signs a copy of her book of poems after a very successful launch at the High Commission.

H

er Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. hosted the book launch of ‗Toute Bagai La‘ composed by charismatic daughter of the soil Anne Fridal at the High Commission on October 2, 2007.Toute Bagai La contains a selection of Trinbago poetry and patois compiled and composed by Ms. Fridal.

Ms. Fridal is a world-renowned mezzo-soprano opera singer who was born in San Fernando. She is a graduate of the Royal College of Music, London. She has toured the world with the New York Living Arts International Company and performed at Opera Houses around the world including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Sussex, the Opera House in Cairo, Egypt, the Virginia Opera, the New York City Opera and the Seattle Opera, Seattle, Washington State.

In Trinidad and Tobago, she is best known for being the first Opera singer to grace the stage at the Queen's Park Savannah where she sang the national anthem for a Panorama final.

Ms. Fridal is the first known opera singer to perform operatic versions of calypsos and her interpretation of the late Lord Kitchener's ‗Symphony in G‘ and ‗The Carnival is Over‘ has thrilled audiences around the world.

Last month, September 14 – 30, Ms. Fridal was a cast member of Geraldine Connor‘s critically acclaimed ‗Carnival Messiah‘ which enjoyed a hugely successful run at Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds. She played the role of Mary, Mother of Jesus.

SPORTS

LONDON MISSION

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Left: In between presenting prizes to the winning jockeys, Immigration Attaché Nirmal Bhaggan checks out the action on the track as wife Mary Bhaggan looks on.

I

The History n 1988, Norman Gundill, the Managing Director at the Pontefract Racecourse, visited Trinidad and Tobago with his son‘s cricket team, and fell in love. So besotted was he with the twin island republic that upon his return to the United Kingdom, he named a race after T&T at Pontefract – the Trinidad and Tobago Handicap, which is today the principal race of the day in the United Kingdom.

Racing enthusiast, Hugo Gunning, a national of Trinidad and Tobago residing in the United Kingdom, heard of the race and was curious as to its origins. He was referred to Mr. Gundill. Mr. Gunning got involved as a voluntary organiser and together with Mr. Gundhill, spurned what today is a huge marketing event for Trinidad and Tobago – the Trinidad and Tobago Day, which sees as many as five to six races named after places or landmarks in T&T. In the mid 1990s, the Betting Levy Board of Trinidad and Tobago got involved and contributed prizes for the races made up of arts and craft and other popular goods from Trinidad and Tobago such as Angostura Rum and Rum Punch.

This Year Every year, the race day draws the cream of the crop. This year featured the world famous Franky Dettori, Champion Jockey many times over, and Jamie Spencer who is the current

Jockey Tom Queally, winner of the Trinidad and Tobago Handicap race, is all smiles after being presented with a bottle of Angostura Rum Punch by Attaché Nirmal Bhaggan.

A principal architect of the Trinidad and Tobago Race Day, Mr. Hugo Gunning.

Winning jockey Patrick Mathers with Mrs. Nirmal Bhaggan and Mr. Joseph Hadeed.

Champion Jockey. One of the highlights however, was the first place effort of jockey Patrick Mathers in the fifth race of the day – the Buccoo Reef Premier. The most recent beneficiary of a scheme whereby the champion apprentice jockey of the Pontefract Series of Races would make a trip to Trinidad every year, Mathers was a 14 -1 winner on the horse Snow Dancer.

This of course benefited many a betting Trinbagonian on the day who simply bet on the familiar face.

Present at the track this year was Mrs. Wilma Primus of the Betting Levy Board of Trinidad and Tobago, which also facilitated the presence of Mr. Joseph Haded, the Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority. As Trinidad and Tobago remains the only member of the Commonwealth to have a race day named after it in the United Kingdom, the High Commission considers it to be of paramount importance that an official presence be felt at Pontefract. This year, the Mission was represented by Immigration Attaché, Mr. Nirmal Bhaggan and his wife Mary Bhaggan, and Mr. Donald Chambers, Assistant Attaché III, Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism.

Mr. and Mrs. Bhaggan and Mr. Chambers wish to thank Mr. Hugo Gunning, Mr. James Mungal, Ms. Sylvia Sampath Shoon and Mr. Sam Paul Johnson for their hospitality on the day.

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LONDON MISSION

C

CULTURE

arivog International, organisers of the Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK, are delighted to announce that Miss Valenee Gosine has been crowned Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK 2007.

The primary school teacher and resident of Kent, who represented the area of San Francique-Penal, has a BA (Honours) in Primary Education, 3 A' Levels and 8 GCSE's. Her hobbies are travelling, playing the piano, singing, acting, dancing, drama, reading, and cultural activities.

With many thanks to Miss Chandani Persaud (Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2006) for being an excellent ambassador during her reign, Carivog International wishes to welcome and congratulate the 2007 winner, Miss Gosine.

Congratulations are also in order for the runners up, Miss Jacqueline Baker (1st) and Miss Sarah Mahabir (2nd) who will need to be prepared to step into Ms Gosine's shoes for the occasional situation when she may be unable to carryout her duties at the various guest appearances.

The winners of the other titles were: Miss Website Queen: Miss Valenee Gosine, Kent (Miss San Francique-Penal) Miss Amity: Miss Michelle Supersad, Hertfordshire (Miss Cunupia) Miss Photogenic: Miss Sarah Mahabir, South London (Miss Santa Cruz) Miss Elegance: Miss Michelle Supersad, Hertfordshire (Miss Cunupia) Miss Carivog International: Miss Sophia Williams, Middlesex (Miss Tobago) Miss Personality: Miss Stacey-Ann Reyes-Pile, North London (Miss Chaguanas) Best Project: Miss Asha Lushington, Kent (Miss D‘Abadie) Achievement Award Miss Esther Ramthahal, South East London (Miss Siparia) The Grand Finals and Cultural Showcase took place on Saturday 29th September, 2007, at the Porchester Hall, Bayswater, London, under the patronage of Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip who opened the event.

Also present from the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission was Mr. Donald Chambers, Assistant Attaché III, Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism.

From left: First runner-up Miss Jacqueline Baker; Second runner-up and Miss Photogenic Sarah Mahabir with 2006’s Miss T&T UK Chandani Persaud; Reigning Calypso Monarch in the United Kingdom, Brown Sugar, was one of the many acts that entertained the crowd during the cultural showcase; a contestant shows off one of the carnival costumes that all the girls paraded on the night.

CULTURE

ULin’s Kitchen

this month: The royal sweetbread

LONDON MISSION

15

preparation 3 cups flour 3 tsp baking powder 1 cup raisins 1/4 cup mixed peel 1/2 cup chopped cherries 1 cup sugar (white /brown) 4 oz butter (softened) 2 tsp mixed spice 1 pack desiccated coconut 1 tsp vanilla escence 1 egg 1 cup water/milk 3 tbsp brown sugar for glazing method

Provided by Ulin Friday Kitchen Assistant

(1)combine flour, baking powder and butter with all dry ingredients (2) add egg and vanilla essence and then water/milk and mix with hands thoroughly (3) place into two 4x8 loaf tins (4) bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until tester comes out clean (5) remove from oven and glaze with sugar-water (6) place back in oven for 5 minutes (oven variations: fan - 150°; conventional - 200-250° Smile… you have created the Royal Sweetbread!

Dear Editor, It is very rare that I feel moved to send a letter to the editor of any media outlet, but I am so filled with pride for my home country of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago that I feel compelled to break my usual reticence.

On this past September 26, 2007, my college, Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York, conferred on the Honourable Prime Minister Patrick Manning the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa.

Prior to accepting the degree, Mr Manning delivered a major address on ―The Role of Trinidad and Tobago in Shaping Regional and Global Affairs.‖ The response from the audience was a rousing standing ovation that was only quieted when Dr Edison Jackson, the president of the college, signalled that the proceedings needed to continue. America boasts of its superiority in the world, but Mr. Manning showed America that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was no ―Third World‖ country with its hands extended pleading for help, but a First World country, ready to stand shoulder to shoulder on the world‘s stage with any of the so -called developed countries.

Mr Manning‘s address was cogent, persuasive, and remarkable for its eloquence.

Many distinguished leaders have spoken at our college, including Vice President Al Gore, Senator Hilary

Clinton, Governors Cuomo and Pataki, and Mayors Koch, Dinkins and Bloomberg, and I can say unequivocally that Mr Manning‘s address was among the most outstanding ever delivered at the college. In the corridors that day, those of us from TT, indeed all those from the Caribbean, faculty and students alike, held their heads higher.

A Prime Minister should inspire his/her citizens to join forces to work for the betterment of the country.

Prime Minister Manning succeeded in doing just that for those of us who live in the US but continue to cherish our homeland.

ELIZABETH NUNEZ, PhD Distinguished Professor of the City University of New York

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

Mr. Edmund Dillon, Trinidad and Tobago’s Chief of Defence Staff (second from right), Lt Colonel Albert Griffith of the Anti Security Crime Unit (second from left), Mr. Andy Balbosa also from the Unit (far right), Lt. Colonel Sharon Alfonso, Military Attaché at the High Commission and Mr. Ashton Ford, Attaché at the High Commission, attended the forum on National Security at the High Commission.

Above: Presenters at the Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK Beauty Pageant and Cultural Showcase: Avni-Joy Bell, Colin Bell and Alafair Celestine.

Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. and mezzo -soprano opera singer Anne Fridal at the launch of Ms. Fridal’s book ‘Toute Bagai La’ at the TTHC.

Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK 2007, Valenee Gosine, poses with jockeys at the Pontefract Racecourse.

In Next Month’s Issue: 

Althea Bastien’s ‘Expressions in Fabric’ at the TTHC



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