CARIBBEAN NEWS
Vol. 3 No. 6
HOLIDAY EDITION 2005
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA (AP- 11/17/05)- Caribbean leaders will hold talks with Cuban President Fidel Castro on regional cooperation in health care and disaster preparedness when they meet at a one-day summit in Barbados on Dec. 8. The summit follows an agreement signed by the 15-nation CARICOM and Cuba in 2002.
Cuba, with financial cooperation from Venezuela, started providing free eye care to Caribbean patients in July. More than 5000 people from 10 countries have been treated.
Hundreds of Cuban doctors and medical technicians are working in several Caribbean countries. Nearly 1200 Caribbean students have scholarships to study at Cuban universities.
The leaders also plan to discuss how a recently formed Cuban emergency disaster brigade can be adapted to the needs of their countries, often severely affected by hurricanes.
Update:
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (AP- 12/10/05)- Castro and CARICOM leaders signed a Cultural Co-operation Agreement which will allow for greater exchanges in the areas of dance, music, film and audio-visual media. Also signed was the Declaration of Bridgetown which is intended to strengthen and build co-operation in the areas of trade, education, health, culture and sports.
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD (AP- 11/17/05)- Trinidad and Costa Rica signed a free trade agreement expected to affect nearly 20 million consumers in the 2 nations. Under the deal, more than 90% of goods will receive duty-free access to markets immediately, while tariffs on other products will be reduced gradually over 4 years.
Costa Rica's annual export value to Trinidad & Tobago currently exceeds US $10 million and it hopes to expand to the larger Caribbean region. Trinidad is the first country in CARICOM to implement the free trade pact between the regional bloc and the Central American nation signed in March 2004. Trade between the Caribbean Community and Costa Rica reached US $220 million in 2003.
Costa Rica plans to expand its exports of plants, confectionaries and medicine, while it will benefit from Trinidad's natural gas and cereal industry.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA (OBSERVER- 11/16/05)- Business executive and philanthropist Brenda LaGrange Johnson has arrived here to take up her position as the US Ambassador to Jamaica. Sworn in on Nov. 3, she is the 14th American envoy and second woman to be appointed to the post. She succeeds Sue McCourt Cobb.
As is the custom, Johnson will officially begin her duties after she has presented her credentials to Governor General Sir Howard Cooke and observed other protocols.
WASHINGTON D.C., USA (BBC/CARIBBEAN- 8/20/05)- The U.S. has reviewed the period in which Americans re-entering the country from the Caribbean are not required to show passports. The hassle-free travel arrangement was due to end on Dec. 31st. However, the State Dept. confirmed a change on that issue.
Tightening restrictions on travel to the U.S, is part of anti-terrorism measures announced by the Dept. of Homeland Security. It meant that Americans returning home from holiday to a number of Caribbean countries, could not simply present drivers licenses to US immigration.
Caribbean officials have lobbied hard against the restrictions saying ease of travel is one of the things that brings Americans to the region.
The State Dept. can't give a definitive answer on when the restrictions may be approved.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA (BBC/CARIBBEAN-11/28/05)- The Jamaican government has retaliated against the Cayman Islands for its imposition of a visa requirement on visiting Jamaicans. Beginning Dec. 1, new visa restrictions on Caymanians go into effect.
The move comes one month after authorities in Grand Cayman introduced rules requiring Jamaicans to carry a valid visa. The adminisration said it was concerned with gang-related crime from Jamaicans entering the territory.
In Related News:
GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS (AP- 12/9/05)- Foreigners living illegally in the Cayman Islands have until Dec. 23 to leave or face the consequences. The warning came weeks after the government's decision to require entry visas from citizens of Jamaica, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration and in response to crimes allegedly committed by illegals.
An estimated 1500 Jamaicans live here illegally. The maximum fine is US$24,000 and up to 5 years in prison.
TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (VI DAILY NEWS- 11/16/05)- The amount of waste collected here in 2004 increased by 27% over the previous year. Waste generated on Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Anegada totaled 31,964 tons.
The quanity of waste oil also increased, with over 31,000 gallons disposed of in 2004. The litter problem here has continued to worsen, even though a number of anti-litter campaigns were started.
Incinerator plant manager Miguel Smith said, "With a staff of 21, we try our utmost to process and store the vast amount of waste delivered each day, which exceeds our processing capacity of 40 tons per day (currently over 72 tons per day)." There were 2 large fires at the plant during the year, caused by spontaneous combustion. Both emitted black smoke that traveled as far as St. John.
The government has signed contracts to procure and install a Consumat incinerator plant capable of processing 100 tons of waste daily. The facility is scheduled to be operational by mid-2006.
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (BARBADOS NATION-12/11/05)- Unem-
ployment has fallen to its lowest ever here. In September, the unemployment figure stood at 8.5%. The previous low was 9.9%, recorded last year.
Reasons given were an upsurge in economic activity and an increase in the employment of women.
ST. CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS (VI DAILY NEWS- 11/16/05)- A bill to study the feasibility of designating Castle Nugent Farms as a unit of the National Park system unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill was re-introduced by V.I. Delegate to Congress Donna Christiansen after dying in the Senate last year, where it now moves for approval.
Christiansen told the House the property contains natural and cultural resources that should be preserved. Castle Nugent encompasses more than 4 miles of pristine oceanfront with a large healthy coral reef. The interior is comprised of Caribbean dry forest and pasture lands with cultural resources from both pre- Columbian and post- European settlements, she said. A large Danish estate house, dating to the 1730's that is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, is also on the property.
Mauro Gasperi, whose family owns the property, is grateful for Christiansen's work in developing the legislation. "I prefer it be used by many Crucian generations to come and not be spoiled", he said. Rather than sell the property, the family wants to revive it as a historic park for residents and vistors alike to enjoy. The area is presently used to raise Senepol cattle.
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (NATION NEWS- 11/16/05)- Barbados continues to be regarded as the gem of the Caribbean. The island destination recently picked up a string of awards in London at the 2005 World Travel Market. The island received the Crystal Palm Award as the Leading Caribbean Destination, as well as overall Best Caribbean Destination. It was also voted Best Tourist Office in the UK and Best Tourism Partner in the UK.
"These awards tell a story about the tremendous work the Barbados Tourist Authority ...is doing with our local and other partners in the marketplace", said Minister of Tourism Noel Lynch, in London to receive the awards.
IN WEATHER-RELATED NEWS:
ST. MARY, JAMAICA (OBSERVER-11/17/05)- Two people are reported dead after a landslide swept through this area due to rains caused by Tropical Depression 27.
The system brought heavy flooding, landslides, and road washouts in both St. Catherine and St. Mary. Although it suddenly weakened and dissipated, the National Hurricane Service warned that its remnants could be absorbed by another system and again pose a threat.
HAMILTON, BERMUDA (BBC/CARIBBEAN- 11/3/05)- Six homes had their roofs blown off, while debris was sent crashing through a supermarket here, in what witnesses insist was a tornado. However, the Weather Service said there was no radar evidence of tornado activity.
After touring the area with other government officials, where residents said they had seen a funnel cloud move in off the ocean, Premier Alex Scott said, "It was definitely a tornado, it had all the hallmarks. It's rare, but we do have them."
The area was left strewn with rubble, but there were no reported injuries.
BELIZE CITY, BELIZE (BBC/CARIBBEAN- 11/21/05)- Tropical Storm Gamma left 11 people dead in Honduras and 3 in Belize after its 70 km per hour winds battered the 2 neighbouring countries.
Gamma, the 24th of the record-breaking 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season, caused floods and landslides and left thousands homeless. More than 5000 people have been evacuated. Roads and bridges are damaged or destroyed leaving several cities and towns isolated.
Like its 2 predecessors, Alpha and Beta, Gamma takes its name from the Greek alphabet after the official list of storm names for 2005 was exhausted. Alpha, which struck in late October, killed 26 people in the Caribbean mostly in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
EDUCATION:
ST. JOHN, USVI (ST.JOHN TRADEWINDS-10/9/05)- As students across the territory settle into their school routines and activities, parents, students and teachers at Guy Benjamin Elementary School in Coral Bay are dealing with an employee shortage, the lack of a kindergarten class and broken equipment.
Special Education teacher Jane Roskin, one of only 3 in the district, taught at GBS for 18 years until her involuntary transfer in Nov. 2004. Since then the position has not been filled.
"When you talk about 'No Child Left Behind', these are the children being left behind", said parent Laurie Odenbach. "They could easily be lost in the system if this problem is not addressed."
Students and teachers are also suffering from a broken air conditioner which has not been replaced since school opened. "I am lividly angry that GBS doesn't have a working air conditioner", said Senator Craig Barshinger. "We appropriated $150 million to the Dept. of Education to run the school system. I would think they have the money to fix this."
GBS also does not have a 6th grade teacher or a kindergarten class this year.
In brighter news, a combined effort by the Coral Bay Yacht Club, The Coral Bay Community Council, parents, teachers and numerous volunteers has finally resulted in a new and improved playground at the school. A celebration party was held at the school.
SPORTS:
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD (BBC/CARIBBEAN-11/17/05)- The government has declared a national holiday, after Trinidad & Tobago beat Bahrain to qualify for the finals of football's World Cup for the first time ever. There was dancing in the streets here after the national football team qualified for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Dennis Lawrence's 49th minute header erased the pain of many years of failed attempts to get to football's premier competition. With a population of just over 1 million people, Trinidad will be the smallest nation taking part in the finals.
Trinidad is only the fourth team from the Caribbean to reach the finals following Cuba in 1938, Haiti in 1974 and Jamaica in 1998.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA (BARBADOS NATION-11/27/05)- Brian Lara has broken Allan Border's world record for the most Test runs. He hit a brilliant 226 in the third Test against Australia to lift his career run tally to 11 187, eclipsing Border's previous record of 11 174. He later said it was the highlight of his career.
"This has to do with longevity...and anyone who achieves it understands the importance of it", Lara told a news conference. "Inevitably someone will break it, but to actually be the leading run scorer in Test cricket history is a momentous occasion for me...I know this will capture the heart of the people of the Caribbean. For children in the Caribbean, this is it. There is nothing else they want to do than to play cricket for the West Indies."
ENTERTAINMENT:
KINGSTON, JAMAICA (JAMAICA OBSERVER-11/25/05)- Rebel Salute 2006 will feature a number of veteran performers who are not often seen on the local stage. With the full line-up yet to be completed, the show already has the makings of a who's-who of the vintage reggae era.
According to reports, Tony Rebel, the show's promoter, has added Third World, Inner Circle and The Congoes to the line-up. Burning Spear is already slated as the headliner.
The official launch of Rebel Salute 2006 takes place at the Hilton Hotel here on Dec. 29th.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA (OBSERVER-11/29/05)- Legend (A Portrait of Bob Marley) & Other Works, a video art installation by South African artist Candice Breitz, will open at the Bob Marley Museum here on Dec. 3rd.
It is described as a vivid and poignant tribute to "the man who justified the title of 'Legend' in many different ways to all Jamaicans and countless millions all over the world", Breitz said in a statement. "He brought a raison d'etre to people without a voice with his tremendous lyrics, music and charisma."
To create her opus, she invited 30 Jamaicans from all walks of life, to sing their way through the 14 songs on the Legend album. Through this composite portrait, Breitz investigates its relevance in the 21st century using new filmic media.
This is the first video art installation ever to be presented at the museum, Marley's former home and recording studio. A number of bands will be performing and members of the Marley family are expected to attend. The show runs through Jan. 3rd.
ACCRA, GHANA (OBSERVER-12/11/05)- Africa will once again be the main focus for the 2006 birthday celebrations for reggae music's most venerated icon, Bob Marley. Like this year, when Marley's 60th birthday was celebrated with festivities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it will be here in Ghana, beginning Feb. 5th.
Artistes confirmed so far include Rita Marley joined by the I-Threes, the Marley Brothers, Culture, Morgan Heritage, Two Face- from Nigeria and Ghanaian superstar, Usibeasa who once toured with Marley.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA (OBSERVER-12/7/05)- VP Records recently announced the launch of a new website where consumers and businesses can order direct from the distributors. The site will hold one of the largest reggae archives on the net and offers a variety of formats from CD's and DVD's to 7-inch vinyls and VHS. Over 25,000 titles will be available.
At www.vpreggae.com, the site is easily searchable and interactive. Whether the album was produced in Jamaica, New York or Europe, you should be able to find it here.
BOULDER, CO., USA (ARAWAKROOTS NEWS-12/8/05)- This reporter receives many e-mail's complaining of the lack of news on the Virgin Islands' other major reggae band- MIDNITE. I thought the following review of a recent show at the TRILOGY LOUNGE in Boulder would best represent this band's impact- even in the U.S. heartland. The review was written by Gil Elhart and first appeared in the Boulder daily paper- DIRT:
"The local reggaeheads were sure to make it to this show. TRILOGY provided an intimate venue to witness MIDNITE at its finest. The performance the band put on was resounding and the atmosphere in the club was irie.
WAILER B kicked off the night. Originally from the USVI, he has some fresh cuts that blend Calypso and Soca beats. The jams are consious and keep you moving.
MIDNITE is a breath of fresh air to fans who have been growing restless for the current reggae genre to step up the roots tradition. This band doesn't cover the timeless beats that ring in so many heads, but instead creates its own flow. MIDNITE was formed by 2 brothers from St. Croix, which has surely inspired them to be creative with their sound and also allowed them to dip into the Rastafarian culture. The band is tight and, unlike other bands not from Jamaica, it has the perfect timing that creates a tantalizing melodic rhythm. MIDNITE pumped up the reggae scene in Washington D.C. for 6 years, overflowing clubs routinely there. Now the reggae movement across the nation is being enchanted by the original tunes of MIDNITE."
Go to www.rastafaria.com for the official Midnite website.
BOOK & MUSIC REVIEWS:
TITLE: Out Of Eden - An Odyssey of Ecological Invasion
AUTHOR: Alan Burdick
PUBLISHER: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, NY (2005)
The author is a senior editor at DISCOVER Magazine and has traveled widely and worked with veteran environmentalists in writing this excellent book. OUT OF EDEN is a dazzling personal journey through this strange and shifting landscape. Burdick tours the frontlines of ecological invasions in Hawaii, Tasmania, Guam and San Francisco; in lush rain forests, through underground lava tubes, aboard an Alaska-bound oil tanker and inside a spacecraft assembly facility at NASA. He follows world-class scientists and a global cast of alien species to ask: What is natural?
Quite apart from the details given in many of the chapters; the author seeks to grapple with the overall concept of "species invasion", which some experts have begun to refer to fearfully as "the homogenisation of the world."
The book is essentally divided into 3 major sections: the Brown snake in Guam, the Hawaiian experience and the Marine experience. The author describes his journey in great detail and his contact with an army of biologists, environmentalists and officials is told with quiet authority and good humour. It is an excellent treatise on how invasions of one or other species can have significant effects on existing environments. This book is a rich and panoramic view of life on our planet.
(This review comes courtesy of the JAMAICA OBSERVER)
TITLE: Power In The Word
ARTISTS: Amate
Recently, Sister D (our roving reporter) sent me a copy of this CD, saying
Amate was her 2nd favorite Caribbean band (only Inner Visions tops them). After listening to this set, I know why.
One thing I've always noticed about reggae music recorded by bands still toiling away in the Caribbean- it carries a piece of the "roots" music of the island they hail from, be it mento, quelbe, zouk, etc. Amate is no exception. You can feel their home island (in this case St. Lucia) in their music.
"What's Your Profession?" opens this set strong with the message of leadership- making sure that the works you do benefit the world- that you are not a wolf in sheeps clothing. That message weaves its way throughout this CD, in a roots Rasta way. The next track, "Nitty Gritty", sends that message out to other musicians and artists; that it's time to get out on the frontline and stand for the truth in the music (hmmmm.... where else have I heard that message lately?). Many of the other songs- "Faith", "Street Science", "Don't Chill Out", etc. send strong leadership messages.
"La Verite" is the 1st track where the music of St. Lucia shines through its sweet French Creole/Carib flavor. You don't have to understand a word of it to be up dancing . "Stranger Tings Have Happened" is another in this vein. But, as I said, that "Caribbean sound" is evident on every song. By the time you finish listening to "One Road", you feel the growing pains of St. Lucia and can easily extrapolate that message to every island in the Caribbean.
I certainly recommend this CD to Reggae lovers who like variety in the sound. There are so many flavors to reggae, and this band throws them all into the pot. The only thing I hope for is that they find a drummer who is simpatico with their style (a tall order). Drum programs are fine, but leave something lacking. However, they do fill in with instrumentation not normally in reggae- vibraphone, steel pan, sax solos...a nice blend.
I give it 4 stars.
Reviewed by Pato.
ENVIRONMENT:
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (VI DAILY NEWS-11/28/05)- 20 years after it was brought here as landscaping ornamentation, Coral Vine (Antiganan Leptopus) is threatening native plants by growing over them and blocking their sunlight. Because it is drought-tolerant, its seed-fueled spread is not likely to abate according to Dan Clark, exotic plant specialist for V.I. National Park.
On St. Croix, coral vine is exploding along roadways and draping itself over power and telephone lines. On St. Thomas, it is also an island-wide nuisance.
However, the Virgin Islands isn't the only place where coral vine has proved to be problematic. Florida's Exotic Pest Plant Council put it on its Invasive Plant List in 1999. In Mexico, where the plant is native, natural control mechanisms such as insects, prevent it from overgrowing.
Although coral vine's aesthetic appeal doesn't make up for its potential impact on the ecosystem, not everyone is disturbed by its prominence. Local conservationist Mario Francis uses the plant as a groundcover in his yard. "To me, when I see it along the roads and through the bush, it's beautiful."
TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (VI DAILY NEWS-11/19/05)- A plan by the government to cut a bypass road through an area of historical and cultural significance has brought outrage from the local citizens.
The area, known as Palm Grove, is the only original part of Wickhams Cay island before land reclamation created a larger land mass called Wickhams Cay I and II. The coconut palms there are more than 40 years old.
Road Town city Manager Eugenia O'Neal, who said she was unaware of the plan, stood in front of one of the palms in an attempt to prevent it from being cut down. Her efforts failed and 10 trees were eventually destroyed. Minister of Communications and Works Alvin Christopher is responsible for handing down the work order.
4th District Representative Mark Vanterpool said an alternate route is needed to alleviate traffic congestion that takes place in the area, but a road through this park is not the answer. A temporary hold has been put on the project.
CULTURE:
ST. JOHN, USVI (VI DAILY NEWS-11/28/05)- It has been 272 years since African slaves launched a revolt in Coral Bay, and the memory of that fight for freedom still resonates in the Virgin Islands.
Braving the hot sun, 50 or so people climbed the steep trail to Fortsberg to commemorate the 1733 African Slave Revolt. Surrounded by the ruins, the group joined in a ceremony to recognize Africans throughout the world- past and present.
On the morning of Nov. 23, 1733 14 male and female slaves with weapons hidden in loads of firewood took over the fort., firing the cannons to alert others that the revolt had begun. Their actions sparked an island-wide revolt that lasted 6 months.
Participants in the hike included historians, families, visitors from the U.S. mainland, Africa and other Caribbean islands, and students of all levels. It was organized by the Pan African Support Group. They wound their way to Adrian Plantation, one of the first properties to be deeded on St. John in the early 1700's, now shrouded in vines and thorny Sand box trees. The next stop was the restored sugarmill at Catherineberg, and then on to the fort in Coral Bay.
Humanities professor at UVI, Gene Emanuel stated: "This journey is part of our heart, our head, our eyes and our ears...Africa lives continually within us. One love, one freedom."
Holiday Recipes:
Chocolate Crusted Key Lime Pie
Crust:
1/2 cup sugar
1 stick butter
1 egg
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tspn. baking soda
1/2 tspn. baking powder
1/2 tspn. salt
2 cups flour
8 0zs. raw rice for baking pie shell
Filling:
14 ozs. sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup key lime juice
Crust: Mix sugar and butter until creamy. Add whole egg and mix. Sift
cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and flour. Add to mix.
Place mix between parchment paper. Flatten slightly and chill 1 hour.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and place
in pie pan. Cut circle of parchment large enough to cover bottom and
sides of dough and place on dough. Place rice on paper. Bake 10 minutes.
Remove parchment and rice. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let cool.
Filling: Combine milk and egg yolks at slow speed. Slowly add key lime
juice, mixing until blended. Pour into crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20
minutes. Chill until cold, preferably overnight. Garnish with sweetened
whipped cream.
Mango Chutney
20 cups loose packed diced mangoes- mature but not ripe
4 cups sugar
1 lb. brown sugar
6 tblspns. grated ginger root
1 tspn. ground ginger
1 bulb cluster of garlic- peeled and diced fine
1 qt. cider vinegar
8 0zs. dark, seedless raisins
2 tblspns. salt
3 large green peppers- diced fine
1 1/2 tspns. dry mustard
1 tblspn. mustard seed
1 tspn. celery seed
1 tspn. ground cinnamon
1/2 tspn. ground cloves
2 tblspns cayenne pepper
4 ripe hot peppers- diced fine
Mix all ingredients together and stir thoroughly in a large, heavy pot.
Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and stir to prevent sticking.
Cook slowly until mixture reduces to consistency of jam.
Yields 26 - 28 half pints.
Pineapple Chow
1 ripe pineapple
2 cloves garlic- minced
1 tblspn. minced cilantro
1 tblspn. lime juice
Pinches of salt and pepper
Peel and core pineapple and cut into chunks. Place in a bowl and
sprinkle with the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Cover and chill
overnight to allow flavors to penetrate the fruit.
Pepper Shrimp
1 lb. raw medium shrimp- unpeeled
1 tspn. salt
3 large garlic cloves- minced
1 tspn grated ginger
1 tspn. red pepper flakes
4 green onions- chopped
4 tblspns. vegetable oil
1 tblspn Worcestershire sauce
2 tblspns. tomato paste
1/4 cup water
1 tblspn white wine
2 tspns. sugar
1 1/2 tspns. cornstarch
Rub shrimp completely in the salt. Combine garlic, ginger, red pepper,
onions and 2 1/2 tblspns. oil. Pour over shrimp and mix well. Cover and
refrigerate overnight. In a small bowl, mix together Worcestershire
sauce, 1/2 tspn. salt, tomato paste, water, wine, sugar and corn starch.
Set aside. Remove shrimp from marinade. Heat 1 1/2 tablspns. oil in a
skillet. Add cooking sauce. When bubbly, add shrimp and cook for 5
minutes when shrimp turn pink. Serve in the shells. Serves 4.
Caramelized Ripe Plantains
4 ripe plantains
1 tblspn. butter
1 tblspn. sugar
Peel plantains and slice into 1/4 inch rounds. Heat butter to foaming
in skillet over medium heat. Add plantain slices and cook 5-8 minutes
or until lightly browned and slightly caramelized. Sprinkle slices with
sugar and allow sugar to caramelize slightly. Remove plantains from
skillet. Serve warm over vanilla ice cream, topped with the caramelized
butter from the skillet.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ARAWAKROOTS !
12/11/2005
