London Mission Newsletter volume 22 (Nov - Dec 2006)

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

MarchApril 2006 2006 Nov-Dec

Volume

Inside this Issue Six hundred preSchools to be constructed

2

Trinidad and Tobago receives favourable review from the IMF

2

Special visa for Cricket World Cup

4

Minister Rahael visits the WhittinGton

6

TTHC celebrates Eid-UL-Fitr

8

Doctors and Nurses eager to serve Trinidad and Tobago

Above left: The Hon. Minister Rahael responds to queries posed by participants at the Health Forum. Right: A capacity crowd of medical professionals turned out to meet their Minister in London Evans King 1954-2006

10

Awards ‘fuh so’ for T&T

12

Night of Celebration at the TTHC

14

M

inister of Health, the Honourable John Rahael received an overwhelming response from nationals living in the United Kingdom at the Health Forum on Monday November 27 at the High Commission.

Over 200 nationals working in the Health sector in the UK attended the forum to hear what the Minister and his team had to offer those who wished to return home to work in the medical fraternity as doctors, nurses and administrators.

The forum, which was organised by the High Commission and the Trinidad and Tobago Professional Network UK, also had Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Ms Sandra Jones and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Rohit Doon in attendance.

The Chief Executive Officers from four Regional Health Authorities listened attentively and answered questions from the audience. (Continues on page 6)

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

Season’s

Greetings

2

LONDON MISSION

600 pre-schools to be constructed

O

n November 13 during his address at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Pleasantville Senior Comprehensive School, Pleasantville, San Fernando, Prime Minister, the Honourable Patrick Manning announced The Honourable Patrick Manning that 600 pre-schools would be constructed in the next four years. He said: "On completion preschool education would be free."

The Prime Minister also said that the Caribbean Union College at Maracas, St Joseph, would be accredited with university status and that by 2015, "60 per cent of all graduates in secondary schools would be eligible for free tertiary education".

Trinidad & Tobago Regional Health Authority CEOs Celia Singh Acting CEO NWRHA Tel: (868) 625-6875 Fax: (868) 623-3310 Email: celia.singh@nwrha.co.tt

Charles Mitchell C.E.O., NCRHA Tel: (868) 662-5579 Fax: (868) 663-0671 Email: ncrha@cablenett.net Ronald Tsoi-a-Fatt C.E.O., ERHA Tel: (868) 668-3362 Fax: (868)668-3387 Email: erha@tstt.net.tt or easternrha@yahoo.com

Merna Riley-Des Vignes C.E.O., TRHA Tel: (868)639-1719 Fax: (868) 660-7538 Email: ceo.trha@tstt.net.tt or trhahead@tstt.net.tt

Michael Harris C.E.O., SWRHA Tel: (868) 653-8383 Fax: (868)653-2495 Email: mharris@swrha.co.tt

Further to the recent Health Forum held at the High Commission, applicants can contact the above Regional Health Authorities.

Trinidad and Tobago receives favourable reviews from IMF

T

rinidad and Tobago continues to receive favourable financial reviews from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to its latest report, on the conclusion of the Fund’s 2006 Article-Four Consultation with Trinidad and Tobago in late October, the IMF welcomed Trinidad and Tobago’s strong economic performance in the context of a favourable external environment.

It also noted that economic activity remains robust in Trinidad and Tobago.

Port of Spain - Trinidad and Tobago the beacon of development in the Caribbean

The IMF further spoke of what is described as overall improvement in the country's external accounts and the government's balance sheet.

LONDON MISSION

3

Provided by: Foreign and Commonwealth Office

A

t the initiative of Prime Minister Tony Blair, some 200 invited participants from the Caribbean, (including representatives from Trinidad and Tobago, namely Ms. Victoria Farley, Counsellor, Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London, Mr. Lyndon Guiseppi, RBTT Merchant Bank Ltd and Mr. Khalid Hassanali, President, ETeck), Europe and further afield gathered at Lancaster House on 2 November 2006. Their objectives were to provide a vision of a new Caribbean economy postpreferential arrangements; to establish ways in which the Caribbean could make itself more attractive to investment; and to consider specific opportunities for investment. Through use of a mixture of plenary sessions, workshops, and informal sessions, the conference was fully interactive.

By far the majority of participants were from the private sector. This was because the conference preceded from the premise that investment and a vibrant private sector were central to the success of the Common Single Market and Economy (CSME); and that governments were enablers rather than directors of change.

Tony Blair described the direction of travel away from agricultural subsidies as inevitable. He therefore looked at the question of how the Caribbean economy could adjust to the consequent process of change.

He commended the steps taken to bring the CSME into force and said that he believed that further

broadening and deepening of the agreement would bring real benefit to the region. Indeed, he believed that good cooperation across the Caribbean was crucial. He also said he believed the Caribbean could benefit from a rules-based world trading system that promoted a more open and more liberal trading system. In this context, he also stressed the importance of a successful WTO development round. While making clear his commitment to do what he could to help, he said that, in the end, the answers were to be found within the Caribbean itself.

In two plenary sessions in the morning, a number of speakers set out their thoughts on what kind of a Caribbean should be sought in 2020; and on how the Caribbean should approach the change necessary to achieve that vision. Others looked at options for private investment flows for financing that development. The example of the programme of dramatic economic reform in New Zealand between 1984 and 1992 was considered. The example of a UK company which had adapted successfully to liberalised markets, had benefited from the competition which ensued, and had grasped the opportunities thrown up by the ICT revolution and by globalisation was put forward. A Caribbean private sector perspective was also put forward of a region whose future no longer lay primarily in commodity exports, but more in services making more

efficient use of human resources and stimulating a climate where people wanted to remain in the Caribbean.

Attention was also drawn to the enormous opportunities for investment in the Caribbean with its English-speaking, highly educated workforce. The case was again made that the region would benefit from a greater emphasis on regional working.

The afternoon saw three concurrent working groups: on new opportunities in Caribbean services, on tourism and allied industries, and on the role of agriculture in the new Caribbean economy.

It is of course too early to judge the success of the conference. While almost all of the participants said that they found the event useful, it will only be in the long term that its value will be really understood.

While Prime Minister Blair made clear that he stood ready to help where he could, Caribbean participants were clear that the answers to the issues discussed rested with them. In terms of the policy agenda, ideas brought up will be taken forward in a number of fora. Plans are already in hand for a business conference next year in the Caribbean in the context of the UK/ Caribbean Forum process. The Caribbean Council and the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce will be considering follow up with the private sector, while individual companies also commented that they will be following up on specific project ideas.

4

LONDON MISSION

Trinidad and Tobago does well in UNDP Report

T

rinidad and Tobago has been ranked 57th out of 177 countries with a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.809 in the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) 2006 Human Development Report which was recently released in Cape Town, South Africa. The report shows Trinidad and Tobago comparing favourably amongst the 177 nations surveyed in terms of health, education, gender empowerment (including female participation in politics) and combating poverty.

The HDI provides a composite measure of health (measured by life expectancy), education (measured by adult literacy and tertiary level enrolment) and standard of living (measured by purchasing power parity) which determine human

development in a country.

In terms of health, Trinidad and Tobago ranks 98th out of 177 nations with life expectancy at birth of 69.8 years. In education, 114th out of 177 nations with a combined primary, secondary and tertiary gross enrolment of 66.9 percent.

Another part of the HDI is the Human Poverty Index (HPI) which deals with the proportion of people within the population of a country who do not have access to basic amenities. In the report, Trinidad and Tobago has an HPI score of 8.8 and is ranked 17th among the 102 developing countries for which this index was calculated.

According to the report, there is an 11.6 percent probability of people in TT not surviving past the age of 40 and the number of persons without access to an improved water source

constitutes nine percent of the population. In the overall batch of 177 nations, TT ranks 101 and 39th respectively in each of these areas.

Trinidad and Tobago scored very well compared to the other nations surveyed in terms of gender-related development index (GDI), particularly where the participation of women in the country’s political and economic affairs are concerned.

The UNDP noted that Trinidad and Tobago has a large number of women who hold seats in Parliament, are legislators, senior officials and managers. Trinidad and Tobago ranks 61st of the 177 nations with a GDI that is 99.4 percent of its HDI.

Special Visa for Cricket World Cup

A

Special Caricom Visa will be required for travel to 10 Caribbean countries during the period January 15 to May 15, 2007, according to Executive Director of the Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), Mr. Lancelot Selman. The requirement is for visits to any of those countries.

The nine host countries for the Cricket World Cup 2007 - Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, in addition to Dominica - have agreed to function as a single domestic space to ensure a safe, secure and stable environment

during the tournament.

While the measure allows movement of visitors around the region for the Cricket World Cup and other limited border inspection after full inspection at the first point of entry, it also applies to visits to the region for any purpose.

Caricom nationals (except Haiti), and nationals of Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Spain, South Africa, France and its Overseas Departments and Territories, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and its Dependent Territories and the United States and its Dependent Territories are exempt from this requirement.

In addition, those who already enjoy a form of status granted by any of the immigration authorities of the 10 countries, valid until May 15, will not require the Special Visa. (Continues on page 9)

LONDON MISSION

5

Article by Winnie Greer, Secretary, Trinidad and Tobago Association UK “Eh! Eh! You all still going?” Is one of the responses often heard when the Trinidad and Tobago Association’s name is mentioned. The answer to this is “YES!!!” we are definitely still going and growing from strength to strength!

we as an organisation had to review very seriously, how we were going to attract more young people to the organisation. We were also very conscious of the fact that we had a building, which was not really being maximised to its full potential!

Mr Ashton Ford, Information Attaché from London Mission, was very impressed when he came to visit our organisation on Thursday Nov 9th. Members of the Executive Committee together with the President, Miss Winnie Greer, were very proud to show Mr Ford the building that is owned by the Trinidad and Tobago Association, which includes a lower ground floor, a lifelong learning computer suite, two residential flats, a kitchen and an office. Mr Ford was also able to speak to our lifelong learning Co-ordinator, Judy Ferguson and he met three of our more mature life long learning clients. He was very keen in making the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology aware of what we are accomplishing at Association House, to see what links can be made. He is also keen on using the meeting area on the lower ground floor as a venue for the meeting of the different Trinidad and Tobagonian Organisations. It is envisaged that different organisations would take it in turns to host the meeting on a flexible basis. The lower ground floor is available for rental for meetings, social functions and gatherings. Please call 0208 800 5857 (ansaphone) and one of our executive members will deal with your enquiries regarding rates and availability.

How were we going to improve this? Networking with other organisations seemed to be the most successful way forward. Working in partnership with Finsbury Park Life Long Learning Partnership enabled the TTA to create a computer suite of 15 computers, which can be hired out to organisations for training sessions where we provide the venue and facilities and the organisation provides the tutors and clients. This has enabled us to maximise the use of the building and it has become a focal point in the local community. We are currently running a drop in session on Thursdays and we are applying for funding for a homework club, which will run twice a week from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. Ms Ferguson is working tirelessly to try and secure funding for training courses in the future.

The Trinidad and Tobago Association is a philanthropic organisation, which was started in 1962, and it has a primary aim to provide various opportunities for nationals and friends to meet, socialise and keep in touch with home. This was an essential role at the start of the organisation, as this provided a support for the Nationals who came to London and who needed a place to remind them of “home”. As future generations have come along, born in Britain but of Trinidadian and Tobagonian heritage, the needs of the membership have changed and

We are still very much involved in organising social events - the screening of the World Cup 2006 being one of our most recent successful ventures. Roti, doubles and Carib were flowing at the three match events and the Association had over 600 people pass through its doors over this time. A truly family occasion! We also host a Post Republic Day Dance on November 18th 2006 at The Irish Centre, Pretoria Rd, London, N17 8DX. It was great to see many familiar faces there.

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

6

LONDON MISSION

HEALTH

Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Health visits Whittington Hospital

O

n Tuesday 28 November a delegation from Trinidad and Tobago led by the Hon John Rahael, Minister of Health of Trinidad and Tobago visited the Whittington Hospital accompanied by Mrs Sandra Jones, Permanent Secretary, Dr Rohit Doon, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Mr Michael Harris, CEO of the South Regional Health Authority, Mr Charles Mitchell, CEO North Central Health Authority, Mr David O'Brien, CEO North West Regional Health Authority and Mr Ronald Tsoi A Fatt, CEO Eastern Regional Health Authority.

The team primarily visited the UK to encourage nationals from Trinidad and Tobago within the medical fraternity to return home to assist in the on-going development of the health sector. The previous day the delegation met at the High Commission with doctors, nurses and administrators who live in the UK..

They also visited hospitals and health centres such as the Whittington's Thalassaemia Unit to observe their operations with a view to implementing some of their programmes. Thalassaemia specialist nurse, Emma Prescott has visited Trinidad and Tobago several times to advise on the treatment of thalassaemia patients and on the setting up of a unit. The delegation was most impressed by the new building and the new thalassaemia unit that will be opened shortly at that institution.

Minister Rahael addressed the issues faced by the patients

Pictured from left: Dr Farrukh Shah, the Hon. John Rahael, Minister of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, thalassaemia specialist nurse Emma Prescott and Mr. Michael Harris Chief Executive Officer of Southern Regional Health Authority, Trinidad and Tobago.

in T&T dealing with the medication, transfusions and inpatient facilities. He then took the opportunity to announce the approval of the drug deferiprone, also referred to as ferriprox which is being used throughout Europe to remove excess iron. Mr. Rahael spoke of the Ministry’s intention to hire additional haematologists, extend the days and opening hours of the blood bank to facilitate patients and donors thereby creating an atmosphere similar to that at the Whittington Hospital.

Dr. Shah applauded his efforts and offered to provide whatever additional information was required towards making this intention a reality.

Health Forum at TTHC London (Continued from front page)

The CEOs present were Mr. Michael Harris, South West Regional Health Authority, Mr. Ronald Tsoi A Fatt, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Mr. David O’Brien, North West Regional Health Authority and Mr. Charles Mitchell, North Central Regional Health Authority.

Minister Rahael delivered a 35 minute address to the gathering in which he outlined the work of his Ministry in the construction of new hospitals in Central, Port of Spain, Point Fortin and Sangre Grande.

The Honourable Minister also indicated that work on the Tobago

hospital would resume and expansion of the Arima and San Fernando hospitals would continue while several new Health Centres would be constructed throughout the island with modern facilities.

Key players: H.E. Glenda Morean Phillip, TTPNUK’s Nigel Guy and Ancil Barclay and TTHC’s Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaché, Ashton Ford. The High Commissioner thanked Mr. Guy and Mr. Barclay for their role in making the Health Forum possible.

The Minister said that the good news was that the waiting list for surgeries was reduced considerably over the years and senior citizens were entitled to free drugs from pharmacies across the country.

Following his address the Minister and his team answered questions from the audience comprising mainly nurses and administrators along with the doctors who expressed interest in returning home to work.

LM

HEALTH

LONDON MISSION

7

Looking to the expertise of the NHS:

Minister of Health visits Charing Cross Hospital “I am pleased that we are seen as an example of best clinical practice locally, nationally and internationally.

The Trust hopes that the visit will assist the National Republic for Trinidad and Tobago in strengthening their healthcare systems”

The Honourable John Rahael, Minister of Health, Charles Mitchell, CEO, NWRHA and officials of Charing Cross Hospital.

T

he Honourable Minister John Rahael and senior health officers from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago visited Charing Cross Hospital in order to see first hand the breadth of medical expertise in the UK. Their visit to Charing Cross Hospital was part of a wider observance mission to the UK where the delegates hoped to gain an understanding of the local health care system, with the aim of utilising much of the expertise as was applicable to the the Trinidad and Tobago system.

The visiting party included: The Honourable Minister of Health, Mr John Rahael; Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip SC, High Commissioner; Ms Sandra Jones, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr. Rohit Doon, Chief Medical Officer; Mr. Michael Harris, Chief Executive Officer, South West Regional Health Authority; Mr. Ronald Tsoi -A-Fatt, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Regional Health Authority; Mr. David O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer, North West Regional Health Authority; Mr. Ashton Ford, Attaché, Public Affairs, Culture & Tourism and Mr. Charles Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, North Central Regional Health Authority.

The Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust, based in northwest London, comprises Hammersmith Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital and Queen Charlotte’s &

The Hon Minister said:“I have been very impressed by Charing Cross Hospital; it is how we would like to develop hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago. We wanted to visit Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust to find out how they have dramatically reduced how long their patients need to stay in hospital by providing more effective, efficient medical treatment.”

Among the wards they visited included the Ravenscourt Ward, a ring fenced facility for elective orthopaedic surgery, and the Riverside Wing with state of the art facilities for short term stays and day surgery.

Minister Rahael informed the gathering that “five hospitals, along with health centres, make up the majority of our healthcare provision for our 1.3 million residents. We will use the experience we have gained from visiting Charing Cross Hospital to redevelop health services across Trinidad and Tobago” Derek Smith, Chief Executive for Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust, met with the delegates and said:

Charles Mitchell, CEO, NWRHA sampling the eye testing equipment at the Westminster Diabetes Centre

Chelsea Hospital.The Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust is a busy facility with a strong history of education and research. Charing Cross is an undergraduate teaching hospital and Hammersmith is a post graduate teaching hospital, famous for its research achievements.

Queen Charlotte's is world renowned for its maternity and women's and children's services.

10 8

LONDON MISSION

TTHC celebrates Eid-Ul-Fitr On Saturday 11th November, 2006, the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in London held its 2006 Eid-Ul-Fitr Celebration. The following is the address delivered to the gathering by the patron of the event, Her Excellency. Glenda Morean Phillip SC:

My dear brothers and sisters, Eid is a time of the coming together of a community where friendship and family ties are renewed. It is also a time of sharing with the less fortunate, a time of peace for all Muslims in the world when much of the time is devoted to prayers and expressions of mutual well-wishes.

To the faithful of Islam on the most sacred occasion of the High Commission’s celebration of Eid ul Fitr. I greet you in the name of Allah, salaam alaikum.

I have noted these practices because, as I have mentioned on a previous occasion, no matter what faith we follow, we can easily discern some common threads running through all, with emphasis being placed on prayer, worship and submission to the Almighty, the family, discipline of the mind and body and joy and happiness. As has been stated, Eid is an occasion of “joyful celebration of the achievement of enhanced piety.

It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory, peace of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity”.

These are some of the ties that bind the Muslim community together.

I feel indeed blessed to be accorded the opportunity to bring you Above: Trinidad and Tobago citizens in the audience. greetings on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and to join in on this festive occasion – Eid your celebration which represents Mubarak, which literally means the breaking of the fast that ends the ‘Blessed Festival’. And, I believe the holy month of Ramadan. I feel appropriate response is ‘May Allah doubly blessed to be included in the bless it for you’. attendant spirit of peace, friendship, joy and unity. Once again, I have the Eid, as we know, is a day of great privilege and honour to deliver a significance to my brothers and statement to mark one of our major sisters of the Muslim community, religious events celebrated in marking the end of Ramadan, the Trinidad and Tobago and London – month of fasting. Fitr, means “to break the fast”, symbolizing the Eid ul-Fitr. breaking of the fasting period.

Though celebrated on October 24th Fasting is a period of abstinence, an in Trinidad and Tobago, today, we at opportunity for physical cleansing the High Commission have invited and spiritual renewal. I dare say that you to be part of our celebration of this is a practice that should be one of the most important and extended throughout the year and sacred feasts in the Islamic calendar should be observed by all of us and to continue this sacred tradition whether we subscribe to any that was begun by the Prophet particular religion or faith. In so Muhammad around AD 624 with his doing, we would be complementing companions and relatives. the efforts of our political and other Therefore, on behalf of the members leaders in their attempts at of the staff of the High Commission addressing the existing social ills and my husband and the rest of my which threaten the economic and family, may I extend to you the social development of our beloved phrase of greetings said among Trinidad and Tobago.

Muslims to congratulate each other

Therefore, Ladies and gentlemen, I must say that in the spirit of Eid I see a reflection of Trinidad and Tobago.

I believe we are a people who can easily come together for any occasion, be it to worship or to celebrate. Indeed, when some of us clamour to ‘bring back the old time days’, we agonize for the days when we were all our brother’s keepers.

Some of us can recall when it took a village to raise a child and if you ask most nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, they will acknowledge that our country is a place where freedom of expression and worship are enshrined in the constitution and in our national anthem, “where every creed and race find an equal place.”

(Continues on next page)

LONDON MISSION

9

ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 (Continued from page 4)

A

Delhi, India and Sydney, Australia, and Barbados, from its High Commission in London.

Jamaica will be issuing Visas from its Consulates in Miami, New York and Toronto; Trinidad and Tobago, in New

Information on the issuing sites, Visa Application Form and the Instruction Sheet is available on IMPACS website at www.caricomimpacs.org.

ll other visitors to the Caricom Domestic Space during this period must apply for the Visa, available from December 1, 2006.

Could West Indies be the first team to celebrate World Cup success on home soil?

Eid­Ul­Fitr Celebration

(Continued from previous page)

These words are not mere empty rhetoric or pious platitudes. Religious freedom has helped to nurture the young nation that is Trinidad and Tobago. Without it, we would have been robbed of the positive influence of the Muslim community in the development of our homeland. We ought not to take for granted the role of the community in education, especially in the rural areas where educational boards such as the Anjuman Sunnatul-Jamaat Association or ASJA has been a partner with the Government under the Concordat in our quest for the achievement of universal primary and secondary education. This tradition of learning is not unknown to Islam which has contributed to the civilisation of mankind through science, mathematics and astronomy.

Consequently, we can now count more efficiently without having to use the cumbersome Roman numerals and we are in a better position to understand the place of our planet in the wider universe.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have also learnt about the spirit of community from our Muslim brothers and sisters. That is one of the reasons why we at the High Commission have made it our business to celebrate at the High Commission, every major religious holiday that obtains in Trinidad and Tobago. From Divali to Spiritual Baptist’s Day to Eid, this High Commission will continue to acknowledge the contribution these events and its celebrants have made to the national psyche of our people. Is it any wonder, therefore, that when we migrate to other shores, we seek association with like beliefs and outlooks? Today is a typical example of such an association.

Contrary to what is now being portrayed by the wider world as the image of Islam in a very negative way, the true teachings of the Muslim Faith could and should stand as a beacon to the world as to where we ought to be in

our relationship with each other. This fact was underscored by the Honourable Prime Minister Manning, in his message to mark the commemoration of Eid, when he stated that “our citizens are therefore to be ever appreciative of the solid and unshakable foundation we have established in our nation for our people to exercise their faith in an environment of religious liberty, mutual acceptance and respect.

We must continue to respect and leverage this to take our country Above: Her Excellency during her address. forward”.

Looking on is Im am Ra sheed Kha n , g ue st spea k er a t t he e ven t .

In conclusion, I thank you for taking time from your busy schedules and no less on a weekend, to attend this very important event on the High Commission’s calendar. Your presence here is a statement that you have not neglected your religious heritage and you have not neglected the country of your birth, Trinidad and Tobago. Your presence also states that you are in harmony with what the High Commission is trying to achieve in the United Kingdom – building and nourishing relations with the Diaspora.

LM

10

LONDON MISSION

by Ashton Ford

Mr.

Evans King was described as one of the few ultra diplomats who served Evans King Trinidad and Tobago with 19th Febrary, 1954 distinction at home and abroad.

To These tributes were paid to Mr. 26th November, 2006 King at his funeral which took place at the St. Peter's Church, Eaton Square, London on Saturday December 2nd, 2006.

At the funeral service, former Prime Minister and President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Arthur Robinson, sent his condolences and so also did Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip who was in Trinidad and Tobago attending a Heads of Mission conference.

Mr. King died on Sunday November 26th, while still serving as Deputy High Commissioner and Minister Counsellor at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London.

In his eulogy, his brother Roland described Mr. King as a true patriot having worked as a Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for twenty six years. He was born in Tobago on the 19th February,1954, and attended Scarborough Government School, Bishop's High School and the University of the West Indies where he graduated with a Masters of Science in Agriculture. He also held a post graduate Diploma in International Relations from the University of the West Indies and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Honours) gained from the University of Huddersfield in London.

Mr. King’s daughter, Karyse performing her tribute to her father.

His close colleague, Mrs. Lenore Dorset, paid glowing tribute, which was read by Mr. Colin Connelly, First Secretary. Ms Gail Guy, Consul General at the Temporary Consulate General established in Sydney, Australia, for the issuance of visas for Cricket World Cup 2007, who represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Mr. King was a devoted and loyal public servant.

According to his brother, his career began at Barclays Bank, Tobago, but shortly afterwards he was moved to the United Nations Experimental Unit in Caroni. He joined the Foreign Service in 1980 and it is from there that his diplomatic career began.

He went on to represent Trinidad and Tobago in New York and, "inter alia", was a member of the delegation to the meetings in New York of the PREPCOM for the International Seabed Authority and for the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and subsequently attended meetings of States Party to the Convention. Mr. King was also a former Chief of Protocol.

At the Mission up to the time of his death, he also had responsibility for the Administration of the High Commission, the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization, International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund, and responsibility for bilateral relations with the United Kingdom and Germany.

Mr. King’s wife, Princess Denoon-King and her sister by the casket

The funeral was attended by a wide cross section of the Diplomatic corps in London and Members of Staff at the Mission.

Mr. King’s youngest daughter, Karyse, in a fitting tribute to her father, played the piano and sang her own composition "Following in your footsteps". He leaves to mourn his wife, Princess Denoon-King, and two other daughters, Krystal and Kimberly, brothers and sisters: Utris (Yvonne), Gloria, Roland, Eugene, Michael, Lorna, Bernadette, Desmond and Eric King.

LONDON MISSION

11

Remembering our friend, leader and countryman - Evans King

Mr. King and Ms. Farley on official duty at the House of Commons(2004).

Mr. King with Sen. The Hon. Howard Chin Lee and guest at the High Commission (Nov. 2005).

The ever courteous Mr. King, greeting the visiting Swami Prakash Ananda (centre) and Mr. Krishna Ragbir, Office Manager at the High Commission (March 2005) Below: Mr. King introducing President George Maxwell Richards to a gathering of nationals at the High Commission (July 2005).

H.E. Glenda Morean Phillip shares a light moment with her friend and colleague, Mr. Evans King, and Ms. Jackie Smith at the Independence Day Reception (Aug. 2005).

Below: Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Evans King, officially launches an exhibition on the history of the steelpan in London, hosted by Sonny Blacks (Sept. 2005)

10 12

LONDON MISSION

Left to right - Jason Baptiste, TDC, Chris James, Tobago Chamber of Commerce, John Jefferie, Coco Reef Hotel, Nova Alexander, TDC UK, Rene Seepersadsingh, Tobago Hotel Association, Ashton Ford, Attache, Roger Barnes, Publisher, Carmen Roberts, BBC Fast Track, and Dr. James Hepple,

T

rinidad and Tobago is carving out an international reputation as an award winning tourist destination.

This was further evidenced at the recently concluded World Travel Market (WTM). Trinidad and Tobago triumphed over neighbours Jamaica, Barbados and a host of other countries to win Destination of the Year at the Caribbean Travel and Property Awards and World’s Leading Ecotourism Destination (Tobago Main Ridge Rain Forest).

The WTM is staged annually in London and is one of the largest trade shows of its type. The show brings together hundreds of travel agents, tour operators, members of the hotel sector and other stakeholders in the industry from all over the world. Last year, 48,211 travel industry professionals representing 202 countries participated in the event.

Winners were selected based on votes cast by Caribbean hoteliers, tourist boards, tour operators and trade publications from the UK and Europe.

Also coming in for high praise at the WTM was the Travel Foundation Tobago, which received a commendation from the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards as Best Destination, and Coco Reef Resort, Tobago, which won the Caribbean's Leading Hotel award.

More than 35 companies, including Coco Reef Hotel, Grafton Beach Resort, and Caribbean Airlines (BWIA), represented Trinidad and Tobago at the WTM.

Trinidad and Tobago’s presentation at the WTM, which included live entertainment, models in Carnival costumes, a book launch, product sampling and displays from local resorts and tour operators, was commended by visitors to the trade show.

Also taking a place in winner’s row was Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism Development Company (TDC). The TDC was voted the Most Outstanding Caribbean Tourist Board for 2006, at the Caribbean Hotel Association Crystal Palm Awards for Excellence.

The Crystal Palm Awards for Excellence recognises members of the tourism industry who have performed with distinction in their efforts to develop and promote tourism to the Caribbean from the UK and Europe.

Tobago - a winner with tourists.

LONDON MISSION

13

And the award goes to...

Proud recipients of the prestigious awards given by the British Association of Steelbands at their Annual Dinner on 2nd December 2006.

Left to right: Andrew Ramroop (A seminal figure in bespoke tailoring and an avid promoter of T&T culture and art), Dr. Floella Benjamin OBE (TV Presenter and writer currently working on a special TV Programme onT&T) , Arthur France MBE (Lifetime Award for his services to Carnival and in particular, Leeds Carnival. A True Pioneer), Rudolph Walker OBE (Actor and someone who is not afraid to give due regards to his T&T roots in all his portrayals on TV) and of course, the soulful and legendary Billy Ocean.

T

he 8th Annual British Association of Steelbands’ (BAS) Awards was hosted at theHoliday Inn, Bloomsbury, on December 2.

This event has evolved from its humble beginnings in the Tabernacle, Ladbroke Grove, in 1999. Today it recognises and honours the contributions of individuals, groups and organisations to the promotion of steel pan music, culture and heritage throughout the UK. Since its inception, the event has grown in stature and has now established itself in the UK community event’s calendar. It provides the steelband community with an opportunity to reflect on the past, cherish the present and plan for the future.

Guests on the evening included Ashton Ford, from the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, Directors of the London Notting Hill Carnival Limited, Executives from the Notting Hill Carnival Arts Arenas and Arthur France OBE, whose most lasting achievement is his promotion of the first ever Leeds West Indian Carnival in 1967. Throughout his life, Mr. France has had a love for steel pan music and has had ambitions to raise the profile of steel pan. In

the 1960’s, he established 'The Gay Cavaliers Steel Band’ and, in an effort to continue to encourage young people to learn to play, formed New World Steel Orchestra in 1984. Now in retirement, he continues to press for the establishment of a fully funded centre for a Leeds Steel Youth Orchestra in Chapeltown, Leeds.

It was an evening filled with honouring individuals and groups for their outstanding performances as well as their unselfish dedication coupled with undying drive and determination in the promotion, and development of the steel pan art form. Four of Trinidad and Tobago’s outstanding ambassadors in the likes of Floella Benjamin OBE, Rudolph Walker OBE, Andrew Ramroop and international singer, Billy Ocean were recipients on the night for their contribution to the promotion of steel pan music, art, culture and heritage. They were each presented with the BAS Hall of Fame awards.

Entertainment was supplied by Engine Room featuring Carlene Etienne, Pan Explosion 2K6 Champion soloist and DJs Sugar K

(Unique FM) and Mike Forbes dishing out some rather catchy numbers that had everyone on the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning. Roy McEwen of the Caribbean Music Association was the M.C. on the night. BAS continues its sterling work in promoting this wonderful art form. It is without a doubt the perfect medium for bringing together the UK’s diverse population and for reflecting and promoting the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.

The BAS achieved a number of their planned initiatives, which included the creation of their youth forum – The Future Development Forum which affords all member bands web pages and email addresses, initiating the formation of a network of regional committees and hosting an international conference on pan, to name a few. Future initiatives will see the Association play an active role in London and Paris in 2007 to mark the 150th and 200th anniversaries of the abolition of slavery.

For more information visit www.panpodium.com and look at the photo gallery by clicking on http://www.panpodium.com/ gallery.asp?gallery=4&page=1.

10 14

LONDON MISSION

In honour of acclaimed Trinidad and Tobago actor Rudolph Walker recipient of OBE from Her Majesty The Queen Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Walker

Pictures taken at the reception held in honour of Mr. Walker , under the patronage of Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip.

Photographer - Colin Patterson.

Mr. Walker and his family Mr. Walker and Nina Baden Semper who acted as his wife in the famous TV comedy “Love thy neighbour”.

Welcome salute from the youth group Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, Baroness Valerie Amos and Baroness Roselyn Howell,

Diane Abbott MP (left), with Rudolph Walker OBE and his wife Dounne Alexander Walker

Rudolph and fellow friends and thespians.

LONDON MISSION

BT Melodians held their annual awards and presentation concert on Saturday December 16 at the Battersea Centre. Picture shows the award winners with guests at the function. Terry Noel leader of the band, Ashton Ford , Attaché T&T High Commission, Amy Daniel Player of the Year, Michael Fuller Chief Constable of Kent, Delyse Sylvester , Most Promising Player, Susan Denise - Jones, Most Improved Player and Norman Roberts.

Minister of Health, the Honourable John Rahael (left) with Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Rohit Doon and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Sandra Jones.

Nationals meet for the last time in 2006 at the High Commission

Actress Martina Laird and T&T’s Khalid Hassanali , President of Eteck were also on hand.

Ministry of Health delegation with officials of Charing Cross Hospital.

Guests at the Annual Students’ reception at the the High Commission

15

10 16

LONDON MISSION

SOCA WARRIORS ROUNDUP: Where are they now

by Mike Berry

CARLOS EDWARDS - Lots of interest from clubs such as Watford, Newcastle, Celtic and so on as his form this season has been excellent. However, he is contracted to Luton FC for this season and next so it is up to them to accept or reject any offers in January....Watch this space.

DENNIS LAWRENCE - Has now settled down well into his new surroundings at Swansea and his new team is doing well at present and looking to secure their play off spot and maybe even automatic promotion to the Championship. He has also been appointed team captain for several games recently as he is a natural leader and much respected by his team mates.

CLAYTON INCE and HECTOR SAM - Both doing exceptionally well at Walsall FC. Currently top of their division, and not having conceded a league goal at home all season so far. Clayton's clean sheet record is astonishing as he has already broken the Walsall record and also holds the record at Crewe Alexandra and of course T&T. JASON SCOTLAND - The key player for his club St. Johnstone which is striving to win their league in Scotland and which recently pulled off a magnificent result to beat

Ulin’s Christmas Kitchen

Christmas Black Fruit Cake

provided by: Ulin Friday Office Attendant TTHC London

the mighty Glasgow Rangers 2-0 in the Quarter Final of the Scottish Cup to go into the Semi Final against Hibernian.

KENWYNE JONES - Doing very well at Southampton FC and celebrating the birth of his twin daughters born recently here in the UK. BRENT SANCHO and KELVIN JACK - Both just recently returned to the Gillingham FC first team after injury kept them out for a couple of months. Now hoping for a good run in the team for a big push up their league.

DWIGHT YORKE - Has settled in well at Sunderland FC and they are now starting to move up the table after their poor start.

STERN JOHN and CHRIS BIRCHALL - Both doing very well at COVENTRY FC and hoping to push on to the playoffs with more good performances.

COLIN SAMUEL - Well established in the DUNDEE UNITED FC team and scored a great goal in the 4-1 defeat against Austria in VIENNA last week. ingredients

1lb seedless prunes 10 large eggs 1lb raisins 1 peel of one lime 1lb currants 2tsp vanilla essence 1lbsultanas 2tsp cinnamon 1/4 lb mixed peel 1/2 cup browning 1/4 lb almonds 2 cups rum 1/2 lb cherries cut in 4 1.5 cups cherry brandy 1lb flour 1 cup mixture of rum, cherry brandy and sherry 1lb butter 4tsp baking powder 1lb brown sugar method One week before baking cake, grind fruits and leave to soak in rum and cherry brandy. (2) On the day of baking, line three greased 8” pans with wax or brown paper. (3) Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy and put aside. (4) Beat eggs together with vanilla essence and peel of one lime. (5) Mix flour, cinnamon, baking powder and set aside. (6) Add beaten eggs to creamed mixture and mix for five minutes. (7) Add flour to creamed mixture gradually. (8) Add fruits to mixture and mix well. (9) Add browning to give colour. (10) Put into lined baking tins 3/4 full and bake. Conventional ovens: 250 degrees F for 1hr, then reduce heat to 200F for remaining 1.5 hrs. Fan assisted ovens: 150F for 2 to 2.25 hrs.

Prick hot cake and sooth with alcohol mixture, cover and put aside. As alcohol soaks in, add bit by bit for 12hrs. Ready for Christmas morning!

LONDON MISSION

17

CARIVOG INTERNATIONAL Under the Patronage of Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, High Commissioner for the Republic of the Trinidad & Tobago, the Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary in 2007 .

In light of this special occasion, Carivog International is in search of new members to join our organizational team. We are in need of volunteers with skills in event management , public relations and marketing ,make-up, hair styling, graphic design, administrative work, stylists, contestant liaison and choreography.

Anyone wishing to contribute services and/or prizes/sponsorship towards the development of this event, please contact organizer Angela Cox at 0208 480 7523 or misstrinidadandtobagouk@hotmail.com We hope to assemble a new dynamic team by the beginning of 2007 .

Also, it’s never too early to apply! Yes, Carivog International is looking for contestants for next year’s competition. Applicants must be residing in the UK to enter Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK 2007 which will be held at the Hammersmith Palais in September. Applicants must be no younger than 18 yrs. and no older than 27 yrs to qualify and must be of Trinidad and Tobago parentage.

Interested young ladies please contact Angela Cox at the aforementioned contact details.

This yesr’s winner, Chandani Persaud

Angela Cox

Trinidad and Tobago Artwork on sale now at Campbell’s of London

10 18

LONDON MISSION

VACANCIESÂ MASTER Minimum 3 years experience in this position, onboard an Anchor Handling Towing Supply Vessel of Minimum BHP 9,000 Minimum working experience of 2 years with Towing Winch configurations of 2 x Drums 150 ton to 3 x Drums with a range of 300 to 500 tons working capacity Experienced with: GMDSS, ARPA DP 2 & 3 expert with Certification Expert in the knowledge and understanding of the ISM System In possession of a valid STCW 95 certification without limitations Microsoft Word and Excel proficient Require a Deck Officer UK Class 1 Certificate CHIEF OFFICER Minimum 1.5 years experience in this position, onboard an Anchor Handling Towing Supply Vessel of Minimum BHP 9,000 Minimum working experience of 1 year, with Towing Winch configurations of 2 x Drums 150 ton to 3 x Drums with a range of 300 to 500 tons working capacity Experienced with: GMDSS, ARPA DP 2 & 3 expert with Certification Expert in the knowledge and understanding of the ISM Systems In possession of a valid STCW 95 certification without limitations Microsoft Word and Excel proficient Require a Deck Officer UK Class 2 Certificate SECOND OFFICER Minimum 1.5 years experience in this position, onboard an Anchor Handling Towing Supply Vessel of Minimum BHP 9,000 Minimum working experience of 1 year with Towing Winch configurations of 2 x Drums 150 ton to 3 x Drums with a range of 300 to 500 tons working capacity Experienced with: GMDSS, ARPA DP 2 expert with Certification Expert in the knowledge and understanding of the ISM Systems In possession of a valid STCW 95 certification without limitations Microsoft Word and Excel proficient Require a Deck Officer UK Class 3 Certificate CHIEF ENGINEER Minimum 3 years experience in this position, onboard an Anchor Handling Towing Supply Vessel of Minimum BHP 9,000 Minimum working experience of 2 years with Towing Winch configurations of 2 x Drums 150 ton to 3 x Drums with a range of 300 to 500 tons working capacity DP 2 & 3 expert with certification Expert in the knowledge and understanding of the ISM Systems Expert in the knowledge and understanding of a Life Cycle Maintenance Programs, including computerized systems In possession of a valid STCW 95 certification without limitations Microsoft Word and Excel proficient Require a Chief Engineer Officers UK Class 1 Certificate

LONDON MISSION

19

VACANCIES SECOND/THIRD ENGINEER Minimum 3 years experience in this position, onboard an Anchor Handling Towing Supply Vessel of Minimum BHP 9,000 Minimum working experience of 1 year with Towing Winch configurations of 2 x Drums 150 ton to 3 x Drums with a range of 300 to 500 tons working capacity Knowledge of DP 2 / 3 Systems Knowledgeable and understanding of the ISM Systems Expert in the knowledge and understanding of a Life Cycle Maintenance Programs, including computerized systems In possession of a valid STCW 95 certification without limitations Microsoft Word and Excel proficient Require an Engineer Officers UK Class 2 Certificate MARINE ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Minimum 1.5 years experience in this position, onboard an Anchor Handling Towing Supply Vessel of Minimum BHP 9,000 Minimum working experience of 1 year with Towing Winch configurations of 2 x Drums 150 ton to 3 x Drums with a range of 300 to 500 tons working capacity DP 2 & 3 expert with certification Knowledgeable and understanding of the ISM Systems Expert in the knowledge and understanding of a Life Cycle Maintenance Programs, including computerized systems In possession of a valid STCW 95 certification without limitations Microsoft Word and Excel proficient Require an Electrical Engineer Officers UK Class 2 Certificate and /or British Certificate of Competency

All applicants must send a cover letter, clearly stating the position applied for, along with Resume with full particulars of qualification and experience, and named vessels to which currently/previously assigned. Also clear copies of certification, two (2) recommendations and a passport size photograph should be submitted.

CREWING DIVISION P.O. Box 2874, TT Post,

Please note, a copy of your application should also be forwarded to

Chaguaramas, Trinidad, W. I.

CHIEF MANPOWER OFFICER Ministry of Labour & Small and Micro Enterprise Development Level 11, Riverside Plaza, East Dry River

Email : elsa@ttdockyard.com

Port­of­Spain, Trinidad, W.I.

Attention The Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago is urgently seeking to fill the positions of ICT Programme Director and Quality Management Director.

Persons interested in finding out more about the vacancies and the application process, please contact the Ministry at (868) 622 5812

H.E. Glenda Morean Phillip with Neil Wilson, Secretary for Tourism at the Tobago House of Assembly at the WTM.

Never too young to learn about your nation’s culture. These youngsters turned up for the Eid

T he H o n ou rab le J o hn Ra hael , Mi ni ste r o f H ealth at the Head Ta ble wi th hi s del egat ion and He r Ex c ellenc y.

Mrs. Mary Bhaggan and her daughter Kimberly at the Rudolph Walker Reception.

Mrs. Allison Quong Sing and Ms. Eugenie Arthur of the High Commission attending a function.

Left: members of the T&T Assoc. in the UK at their office in London.

Right: Mr. Martin Baptiste of the TTHC with nationals at the reception to honour Mr. R. Walker.

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