Holiday Edition - 2010
ARAWAKROOTS NEWS
HOLIDAY EDITION
Vol. 8; # 7
December, 2010
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD (CANA- 11/13/10)- PM Kamla Persad Bissessar stated that President George Maxwell Richards was among a list of prominent people- including politicians, trade unionists, journalists and even sports personalities- whose telephones had been illegally tapped by a unit formed in 2005 by the Patrick Manning administration. The prime minister said her administration would introduce the Interception of Communication Bill 2010 which, she said would "provide that lawful interception of communication can only be done by means of a judicial warrant, applied for by an authorised officer and issued by a judge."
Persad Bissessar said that the information about the operations of the Secret Intelligence Agency(SIA) came following a police raid in October and, her government thought it had dealt with the issue of wiretapping when it disbanded the Special Anti-Crime Unit. She also said that apart from illegally intercepting phone calls, the SIA was also monitoring peoples e-mails. "Let me make it clear: It is our view that wiretapping is an important tool that can greatly assist the police in the fight against crime and protect national security. It must however, be carefully regulated and justified on the basis of necessary criminal intelligence or a potential threat to national security", the prime minister said.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- (CaribWorldNews- 11/10/10)- The Organization of American States(OAS) pitched in $125,000 from the Inter-American Emergency Aid Fund to help 5 Central American and Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Tomas and Hurricane Richard. Belize, Costa Rica, Haiti, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & The Grenadines were impacted by the 2 hurricanes. Each country will receive $25,000.
OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza, who witnessed the damages caused by rain and mudslides during a visit to Costa Rica, concluded that "the FONDEM contribution is symbolic because it is certainly not enough to cover the damages caused by these disasters or fulfill the needs of those affected, but it is evidence of the commitment of the Organization to help its member states at the time of greatest need."
In related news:
CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA (BARNACLE GRENADA- 11/8/10)- The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States(OECS) met in emergency session to receive reports from the 2 Member States that had been impacted by the passage of Hurricane Tomas. The Authority recognised that this disaster has struck the region during an already challenging period, given the significant toll that the global financial crisis has taken on the OECS. It also noted the significant impact on 2 of the major pillars of the regional economy- tourism and agriculture.
Banana crop damage-St. Vincent
The OECS Authority mandated its Secretariat to immedialely engage with the international partner community to mobilize all available resources in support of efforts already underway in St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines and they pledged to provide whatever support possible to the governments and people of its 2 member states.
CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA (CaribWorldNews- 11/11/10)- Water remains a problem here 2 weeks after Hurricane Tomas battered the island and claimed several lives. WASCO, the island's water company, said that destruction of 6 miles of pipe at the John Compton Dam is deterring efforts to get running water to people's homes.
Fights ensued in one community when a water truck came to distribute water. There has also been 'panic buying' in local supermarkets. This, as the full extent of the damage caused by Tomas continues to unfold. So far, 7 deaths have been reported, with 5 people still missing. Many parts of the country are still without basic commodities. Some villages in the community of Soufriere, which was most impacted by the hurricane, had to be completely abandoned. It is believed US$500 million worth of damage has been done by the worst natural disaster in the country's history. However, it is not all doom and gloom, as many spirited St. Lucians are determined to see the country fully back on its feet again. The island has vigorously started the rebuilding process with the Choc and Marisule Bridges already in operation after they collapsed. Major roads that were blocked have also reopened. Cruise ships have returned and the island's vital tourist industry is expected to be back to normalcy soon. P&O Cruises' OCEANA was the first ship to call after the storm. It arrived bearing 2 pallets packed with mineral water, biscuits, mattresses and furniture. Holland America's NOORDAM docked shortly thereafter, bringing with it 45,000 gallons of drinking water and 15,000 lbs. of food and supplies. Royal Caribbean's SERENADE OF THE SEAS brought water, rice, dried beans, powdered milk and canned goods.
PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI (BBC/CARIBBEAN- 11/7/10)- The death toll from the current cholera epidemic in Haiti has exceeded 500, with the total number of people infected well over 7,300, the country's health ministry said. (Editors note: Since going to press, these numbers have become woefully obsolete.) The news came as local authorities and relief agencies attempt to get clean drinking water to those areas worst affected by Hurricane Tomas.
The storm caused flooding and left 8 people dead in western Haiti. In Leogane, the streets have been turned into rivers and 35,000 people had been affected. There was also flooding in Les Cayes, Jacmel and Gonalves, while many mountain towns have been cut off by flooded roads and landslides. There was widespread relief after Tomas passed without destroying the tented camps in and around the capital, housing 1.3 million survivor's of January's earthquake. However, attention soon turned to preventing the spread of cholera. A spokesman for the Pan-American Health Organisation said that they expect the infection rate to rise due to the flooding and bad sanitation conditions in many areas. In the town of Saint Marc, in the northern region where the outbreak began, a Cuban doctor in charge of the local hospital said there had been more cases of cholera since the hurricane. "We are seeing higher numbers than in the days before", said Dr. Buenaventura Sanchez, "and we are also seeing cases of cholera with typhoid fever at the same time." Like cholera, typhoid is caught by consuming contaminated food or water and can also be fatal. Haiti's government and the United Nations are appealing to donor nations for nearly $19 million to cover urgent humanitarian needs.
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA (BARNACLE GRENADA- 10/5/10)- During a meeting of the Parties to the Convention of the Caribbean Sea, the French government officially announced the creation of the Sanctuary for Marine Mammals in the French West Indies- the territorial waters of Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy. The birth of AGOA (named for the goddess of the sea in Amerindian mythology) constitutes a major advancement in matters regarding the protection of marine biodiversity and affirms the position of France as the lead country in the conservation of Cetacea, in particular the whales.
Hunting is no longer practiced in French waters, but other threats have taken place on these ecologically fragile species- increase in maritime traffic, noise pollution, pollution of the marine environment, degradation of habitats and uncontrolled development of "whale watching". The objective of the sanctuary is to ensure the conservation of marine mammals within the framework of harmonious co-existence with human activities. Within AGOA, provisions will be made to remove or reduce the negative effects of the activities having an impact on the well-being of marine mammals or the integrity of their population.
In addition, the AGOA sanctuary will represent an opportunity for economic and touristic development, thanks to the positive image it will convey in the Caribbean islands and to the development of eco-tourism to observe the Cetacea, practiced with respect to the animals. Lastly, it will be an opportunity to increase the knowledge and sensitize younger generations to the marine environment. The success of AGOA also depends on regional cooperation- the sanctuary wanting to be extended to other nations of the Caribbean which would like to join the initiative, in order to be able to control the corridors of migration and distribution surfaces of the Cetacea, whose populations are common to several countries. In that regard, the delegations of the Dutch Antilles, the Dominican Republic and the United States offered their support for the creation of Agoa, through the combining of sanctuaries.
THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA (ANGUILLA GUIDE- 11/7/10)- The Atlantic Overseas Territory of Bermuda has been lauded for assisting Anguilla- its sister territory- with a costly firetruck to replace the island's main fire and rescue vehicle which was severely damaged in a roll-over accident last year. The replacement was handed over at Clayton Lloyd International Airport on Oct.4 at a ceremony at which officials from both islands were in attendance.
Anguilla's Chief Minister Hubert Hughes, noted that Anguilla was almost twice the size of Bermuda, but "could not even maintain a firetruck; and that Bermuda had to come to our rescue." "I hope this will teach us a lesson to be more neighbourly," he said. Minister of Infrastructure Evan Gumbs, observed that the truck was being commissioned on the second day of fire prevention week in Anguilla. "I can now sleep a little longer," he said. "The fire truck is probably one of the greatest gifts to Anguilla."
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (DAILY HERALD- 11/5/10)- St. Maarten Prime Minister Sarah Westcott-Williams said her government was able to take away some of the political scepticism here that the island would not be able to deal with the challenges as a new country. "They understand that the work has not finished...and that there will be alot of challenges for us," she said. "It was very important for us to let the Dutch government and Parliament know that we are serious, that we are set to do what we have to do and that we will live up to the agreements with the Netherlands."
One of the highlights of the visit by the St. Maarten delegation was a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. "I found that meeting very refreshing," said Wescott-Williams. "For so long the emphasis was on the constitutional process- with us having to fight our case in the Netherlands. Now, we are talking as countries."
In Related News:
ORANJESTAD, ST. EUSTASIUS (STATIA NEWS- 10/28/10)- On 10/10/10, the populations of Statia, Saba and Bonaire (the new Dutch Special Municipalities in the Caribbean) celebrated- some with mixed feelings- the end of the Netherlands Antilles and at the same time, the birth of the new public entities. Most were of the opinion that not all the changes that were ahead would be positive, but that the total outcome would improve the lives and living environment of the people. After intensive negotiations between the three islands and the Dutch Minister of Finance, a tax system that changes the present direct tax system to a more indirect one was worked out. To the surprise of the islands, the minister changed the laws unilaterally. An urgent meeting was held and the differences were straightened out. However, there are still many differences left to be worked out between The Hague and the three "municipalities". It is felt by many here that the introduction of the new fiscal system will have, as a result, a steep increase in consumer prices and a devastating effect on the economies of the islands. This will be a result quite opposite to what they were working towards and what was anticipated by becoming a public entity of the Netherlands.
CULTURE:
ROSEAU, DOMINICA (BBC/CARIBBEAN- 11/17/10)- For centuries, they have been known as Caribs. But Dominica's Amerindian community say that they now want to be known by their original name- the Kalinago people. Their current chief, Garnet Joseph, says that one of the key reasons for abandoning the name Carib is the "negative connotations that are associated with it."
Local Carib scholors have been arguing that they can't be keen on a term that has its roots in colonial times, one that was first coined to refer to Dominica's indigenous people as "cannibals". Those vigorously promoting the use of Kalinago say the name Carib is laden with derogatory connotations, and its use does not foster a sense of ethnic pride among the Kalinago. Mr. Joseph and his council have written to the government of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit asking that Carib be legally replaced by the term Kalinago. But ahead of that official recognition, Dominica's indigenous people are already using Kalinago to describe themselves, with the local government body already being referred to as the Kalinago Council.
THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA (ANGUILLIAN- 10/15/10)- Culturally-attired young and adult nationals took to the stage in a series of performances at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium to help launch "Anguilla's Battle For Freedom 1967-1969", a book written by leading historian Colville Petty, along with Nat Hodge, commemorating the Anguilla Revolution.
Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre
Along with performances by the Klassique Academy of Dance, the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre and Anguilla's internationally known reggae artist, Bankie Banx, poet and writer Patricia Adams captured the history and spirit of the revolution in one of her commemorative poems. Speaker after speaker praised and saluted Petty and Hodge for "ensuring that Anguilla's history remains part of the collective consiousness." Petty spoke of the reasons for the Anguilla Revolution and made the point that their book "must be seen as a celebration of the sacrifices made by the heroes and heroines for a free and prosperous Anguilla."
Bankie Banx
The ceremony was concluded by the singing of the Anguilla revolutionary song, "We Are Out To Build A New Anguilla", by the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School Choir.
MARIGOT, ST. MARTIN (DAILY HERALD- 11/11/10)- The privileges of dual autonomy and greater expectations of cooperation were overriding themes of St. Martin/St.Maarten Day as the island took a pause from the day-to-day business and politics to reflect on unity, friendship and family. The Dutch side was celebrating its first as a Country Within the Kingdom of Holland, joining the French side as two halves of an island experiencing new autonomous statuses, but coming together as one people.
A large gathering of dignitaries from both sides, as well as from Curacao, Anguilla, Aruba and the Dominican Republic, gathered for the traditional wreath-laying at the border monument in Belle Plaine.
SPORTS:
SRI LANKA (JA GLEANER- 11/21/10)- Chris Gayle may not be the captain of the West Indies team, but he played like he was while leading his teammates to a great performance in the first Test match against Sri Lanka. No one believed that the West Indies would even push Sri Lanka, but in the end the team ranked #3 in the world, were fighting for survival as they battled under the weight of the Windies massive total.
And the total was all because of Gayle's brilliance. After captain Darren Sammy won the toss and elected to bat, Gayle-333; Adrian Barath-50; Darren Bravo-58; Shivnarine Chanderpaul-32; and Brendan Nash-64; carried them to 580 for nine declared after sitting pretty on 559 for three before- in a flashback of their recent past- they stumbled and lost 6 wickets for a mere 21 runs. The Windies didn't win the match, but after dismissing Sri Lanka for 378, the home team was embarrassed and managed only a draw. Gayle- the man who faced 437 deliveries and struck 9 sixes, the most by any West Indian in a Test, and 34 fours- was truly magnificent. He started quietly, taking 19 deliveries to get off the mark before he opened up with 4 boundaries in 2 overs off pacer Thilan Thurshara. He then went to town scoring 219 with 8 sixes and 26 fours off 247 deliveries out of 362 for two on the first day. On the second, he changed gear, settling in to add another 114 runs- with 1 six and 8 fours off 190 deliveries. It was as if he was playing to a plan, as if he wanted to bat forever. In the end, Gayle batted himself into the company of the greats. Apart from reeling off his own personal best, he scored his second triple century to join Bradman, Lara and Schwag. He became the 5th-highest scorer playing away in a Test match and he became the highest scorer against Sri Lanka. Some will say that the retired Chaminda Vaas, Gayle's bogeyman, and Muttiah Muralitheran were not there,nor the injured Lasith Malinga- and they are right. Others however, will counter that Ajantha Mendis was there, a class act for sure- and they too are right. Most true fans will simply ask why is it that Gayle bats the way he does- happy and carefree one day, serious and responsible the next. No one but Gayle can answer that. Certainly his 13 centuries from 89 Test matches and an average of 42.26 do not do justice to his talent, to his amazing power and timing.
ENTERTAINMENT:
ST. ANDREW, JAMAICA (JA GLEANER/CARIBWORLDNEWS- 11/21/10)- From outside the gates of the National Indoor Sports Arena all the way to the inside, specks of crimson dotted the large gathering who turned out with rose in hand to bid farewell to the man dubbed 'The Cool Ruler' of Jamaican reggae music- Gregory Isaacs. Outside the arena, scores of friends, well-wishers and loyal fans- some who travelled from as far away as Louisiana, USA- gyrated to the songs from Gregory's creative work while sharing memories of the respected singer. As entertainers took to the stage to pay tribute in speeches and songs, it became clear that the work of this icon had had a positive impact on the lives of persons from every spectrum of society. Ken Boothe, who was the first to pay tribute, gave thanks for having shared in Gregory's life and rendered a few gospel songs. George Nooks, Etana, Shaggy and Judy Mowatt also paid tribute in song.
Gregory's Aunt Myrtle highlighted his innate knack for entertaining others during his early years living at Fletcher's Land in central Kingston. She recalled Gregory's love for his children, mother and other family members, as well as children outside his family. "Gregory came and fullfilled his destiny which God allowed him," she said. Isaac's brother, Clifton shared a few words written by Gregory a few months before his passing which read: "I have eaten with my friends and have shared in their joys and sorrows. I have harvested much from my acres of life, though some say I have squandered my years, for much that is mine has been mine to bring joy. I think I have lived to my best and I have no regret as I am near the end for the goal that I have marked and possessed." Isaacs first recorded in 1968 on "Another Heartache" and by 1973 had a hit with "My Only Lover". In the next 5 years, the singer attained a wealth of favorites, crossing from ballads to up-tempos in cluding; "All I Have Is Love", "Lonely Soldier", and "Black A Kill Black". In 1974, he did it again with "Love Is Overdue". He was signed by Front Line Records in 1978 and delivered the albums COOL RULER and SOON FORWARD. Isaacs also appeared in the film ROCKERS, in which he performs "Slave Master". In 1981, he made his first appearance at REGGAE SUNSPLASH. He moved on to Charisma Records, which released his LP's- THE LONELY LOVER and MORE GREGORY along with a string of increasingly successful singles including "Tune In", "Permanent Lover", "Wailing Rudy" and "Tribute To Waddy". He then moved on to ISLAND RECORDS where he delivered his immortal LP, the ever-popular NIGHT NURSE. He battled drug addiction for many years and almost fell silent. But in 2007, he collaborated with the Spanish rap group FLOWKLORIKOS on their album DONDE DUELE INSPIRA. In 2008, after 40 years as a recording artist, Isaacs released a new studio album, BRAND NEW ME, which has now become his last. Pato's Note: In 2009, Gregory lent his vocal prowess to RAS ZACHARRI's "Knock Knock", which appears on his album, HERBSMAN. Listen to a sample of it here. Rest with the Angels, dear man.
Ras Zacharri featuring Gregory Isaacs - Knock Knock sample Click here.
NEW YORK, USA (CaribWorldNews- 11/5/10)- Haitian-born Grammy Award-winning singer Wyclef Jean is getting ready to share his presidential election attempt with the world in song in December. "If I Were President: My Haitian Experience", is set to be released as a 6-song EP on Dec. 7. It includes the new song, "Election Time".
"This song is inspired by PINK FLOYD's 'Another Brick In The Wall', with the chant- 'We don't need no education'," said Jean. "It is also inspired by FELA KUTI's "Zombie'. It's the voice of the youth. It is the voice of this generation. It is the artist, once again, doing what the politicians should be doing." The video for "Election Time" was filmed in Haiti. Wyclef teamed up with Haitian director, Steve Halloun to co-direct the clip. Halloun, a former student of the University of Miami Film School, like Jean, is deeply concerned with helping Haiti on all fronts. The video shoot created jobs for local residents, including actors and technical staff, while showing the world unfamiliar pictures of his native country. "I have to show all the sides of Haiti," says Jean. "There is still beauty in Haiti and I have to show the beauty and the ugly reality that is going to change. It will change."
TAMPA FL., USA (CaribWorldNews- 11/11/10)- Jamaican-born reggae singer Buju Banton is free on bail, almost a year after his arrest for an alleged attempted cocaine buy. He reportedly had to sign an extradition waiver in order to be released. He must also wear an electronic monitoring device and pay a private security firm to ensure that he does not leave the country.
Stephen Marley, son of the late Bob Marley, used his So. Florida home as collateral to help post bond for Banton. Banton's attorney said he was happy the singer could now be free to re-group at his Miami-area home before his retrial, scheduled for Feb. next year. Banton, 37, is charged with trying to buy 5K of cocaine. His first trial ended in a mistrial in September. Banton has maintained his innocence and has rejected a plea bargain deal.
CARIBBEAN MUSIC 101:
SKA - Ska music emerged in the clubs of Kingston, Jamaica in the early 1960's. Derrick Morgan and Prince Buster were 2 of ska's earliest stars. Millie Small is credited with breaking the musical style internationally- courtesy of her hit single, "My Boy Lollipop", released in 1964. The music's most famous exponents were the SKATALITES, an all-star band that featured trombonist Don Drummond, sax players Tommy McCook and Alphonso Stirling, Trumpeter Johnny Moore and keyboardist Jackie Mittoo. They recorded some of the genre's most-noted songs such as: "Eastern Standard Time", "Confucius", "Freedom Sounds", and especially "Guns of Navarone". By the later '60's, Ska gave way to the slower beat of ROCKSTEADY, although ska music remained popular in Great Britain among working-class white youth. The music genre had a strong revival in the 1980's and 90's, with even The Skatalites reforming and resuming their careers as touring and recording artists. But it was platinum-selling Americans like THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES, SUBLIME and 311 that drew the largest audiences.
Don Drummond
Considered the precursor of reggae music, ska is also known as "Jamaican Jazz".
ARAWAKROOTS TOP 10 FOR 2010:
In order of total hits for the year 2010, here is our Top 10 songs (drum roll please): 1. Dem City - Juakali
2. True Hearts,True Love - Inner Visions
3. Summertime - Echo Minott
4. River Jordan - Ras Zacharri feat. Luciano
5. Revolution Now - Juakali
6. Up In The VIP - Bounty Hype
7. Love Is Ah Must - Inner Visions
8.We Survive - Ras Zacharri
9. Mario - Echo People
10. Hands Up Babylon - Inner Visions
CD REVIEW:
MIGHTY GROOVER
Quelbe-lypso: A Step Beyond (Self-released)
For the Holiday edition back in 2004, I reviewed Mighty Groover's previous "culture" CD titled: Cultural Quelbe-Traditional Quelbe, an album chock full of songs about Groover's reminiscences
of life in the Virgin Islands during his youth when quelbe music was king. What's quelbe? A quick description would be the respectable sibling of "scratch" music- the "root" music of the Virgin Islands. What separates Quelbe and Scratch from other root calypso island music is the use of the "steel" or triangle in that unique rhythm that makes it the V.I.'s alone. What separates quelbe from scratch is the use of more modern instruments- including electronics- in quelbe. Scratch music was and still is, the music of the streets- with its instruments made from what was there lying around- the sardine can/cat gut guitar, the washboard and steel drum percussives with that piece of steel ever-present. Whew- see, no such thing as a quick description- there's too much history. Anyway, go back to that edition of the News to read my review from then.Holiday Edition - 2004 click here
Flash forward to mid-2006 and Mighty Groover's Quelbe-Lypso is released in time for St. John Festival. Now obviously, I was asleep at the wheel when this album was released and so why bother reviewing it now? As I tell everyone, the sign of classic music in any genre is the fact that when you listen to it, it doesn't matter what year it came about- it is timeless. And so it is with QUELBE-LYPSO, a beautifully-polished gem of a CD, with maybe a dash more Latino rhythms (thanks to his connections to St. Croix) than its predecessor. With the amazing Keyboard work of ever-loyal Carl Freeman and help from Edgie Christian's banjo, Bronco Hendricks' and Blinky McIntosh's saxes and Isidore Grile's ever-present steel, you can close your eyes and you're in the streets of Christiansted, just listening to Groover's plaintive crooning. How else could you laugh til tears roll down your face while listening to "Mumpsy Sarah" and not feel guilty? Done in a minor key- with its chorus of "Don't laugh Granny, don't laugh"- you find yourself standing with this young child describing how his sister's face "so ugly" and Granny getting such a kick that she and her "bush medicine" are once again needed. I include a sample of the song here that features some of Freeman's incredible licks.
Mumpsy Sarah sample - click here
All the tracks are beautifully arranged like this- whether he's telling a "coal woman" of St. Thomas to please take a rest:
Coal Woman sample - click here
or describing how it felt to be amongst those who were there when, in 1917, the Danish flag was brought down and the American flag raised in the Virgin Islands.
The Change Over sample - click here
There's even a little of the "revolutionary Virgin Islander" in "Wake Up Call"- a history lesson of the Slave Revolt in Christiansted in 1848 that led to the emancipation of all Virgin Islanders.
Wake Up Call sample - click here
So, after listening to these samples, you say "How do I purchase a copy of this incredible CD?" The easy way is, on your next vacation to St. John, stop in at the US Post Office in Cruz Bay and meet
The Mighty Groover in his mild-mannered Chester Brady persona and he will gladly oblige you (after his work-day is over, of course). Or you can write him at:
Chester Brady
PO Box 1560
St. John, USVI 00831 or email Pato at:pato@arawakroots.com
to receive a list of all of MIGHTY GROOVER's discography or just plain place an order.
O.K.- so New Year's Eve is coming and you'd like to serve something uniquely Caribbean to your guests at that magic moment. Here's a secret I picked up one holiday in Cruz Bay (shhh, keep it to yourself):
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add an oz. of Cruzan Light Rum and an oz. of Creme de Banana, shake it up and strain into a martini glass. Then fill it to the top with champagne! Start early, because once your guests taste them, you'll be singin' "Auld Lang Syne" into the night!
This HAS been an arduous year to get through, not only in the Caribbean region, but throughout the world. But we give Thanks & Praises for the blessings of this time and pray for Guidance & Protection in the coming year and all the years to come.
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"But , 'Man can not live by bread alone'. Man , after all , is also composed
of intellect and soul. Therefore , education must aim to provide beyond the
physical - food for the intellect and soul. That education which ignores man's
intrinsic nature and neglects his intellect and reasoning power cannot be
considered true education".
H.I.M. Haile I Selassie I
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