TIMES

I ndo- Caribb ean

INSIDE: MORTGAGE SPECIALIST

Community policing
starts in Trinidad P. 3
Revival of Hinduism
in the West P. 11
Canada: How much
accomodation by
immigrants P. 14

Crime crisis in TT 1908 - 2008

Culture loss among
St Vincent Indians P. 18 Richard Aziz
Vol 2. No 1 January 2008 Tel: 416-289-3898 [email protected] 416-832-7293

Hindu leader tells youth to leave The first century of

UNC MP says form community
police stations and arm yourself Indo-Caribbean
arrival in Canada
A
One hundred years ago two historic arrivals in
crisis of crime and safety is coming Armed robber gangs, some of them using Canada marked the beginning of the Indo-Caribbean
to a boil in Trinidad and Tobago, as police and army uniforms and police issued
presence in this country.
more people believe the country faces a guns, are pouncing on Trinis in their work-
breakdown of law and order. places, on the beach, at their river limes, at A young medical student Kenneth Mahabir from
Sat Maharaj, secretary of the main Hindu funerals, in their driveways. San Fernando came to Dalhousie University in Hali-
group the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, Kidnappings and kidnap murders con- fax, Nova Scotia to become a doctor. He went to serve
has told young people they should leave tinue as before. Criminals are extorting pro- Canada in World War 1, and visited Trinidad, but he
the country, as they have no future in tection money or “coward tax” from made Canada his home.
Trinidad. citizens to spare them from kidnapping. Also in that same year a 25 year old English speaking clerk
Opposition member of parliament and Street vendors and taxi drivers are disap- from Demerara (British Guiana) M.N Santoo migrated to Mon-
former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence pearing as soon it gets dark, and joining the treal via the ship Dahomey that docked in Halifax in summer
Maharaj has advised communities to form other citizens hiding behind burglar proof- 2008.
their own community police stations be- ing, fences and guard dogs and electric Those were the first arrivals in Canada that we know. They
cause the Trinidad police cannot protect gates. Most Trinidadians are living under a performed the first rite of Indian Arrival, and from those hum-
them. Maharaj has told communities self imposed curfew, and existing as pris- ble beginnings sprang a community of Indo-Caribbeans that
plagued by crime to arm themselves and oners of their homes and their cars. now numbers over 200,000 spread out in every province and
be prepared to kill criminals in self de- Meanwhile the police and security territory in Canada.
fence. forces appear unable to stop or contain the This year is a special milestone for us Indo-Caribbeans. We
Citizens at a Tunapuna Against Crime crime wave sweeping the nation. The pop- can say with pride that we have placed our roots in this country
rally crime have said openly and without ulation believes that many of the security for a century, that we have brought much with us and have much
being contradicted that Trinidad and To- forces are corrupt, incompetent or in league to give to this country.
bago is a lawless society and is no longer with the criminals. The detection rate for Most of us are no longer immigrants. We are Canadians
a safe place to live. crime according to a former attorney gen- now, but still proud of the Indian heritage and culture we have
The country racked up a record 395 mur- eral is 10 per cent and the conviction rate is brought from the Caribbean and are transmitting to new gen-
ders in 2007, most of the victims being around 1 per cent. erations. We are doing just what the jahajis did after they left
killed with guns, and continues in the same Law and order have broken down in India to help build a new land in Trinidad, Guyana and a dozen
direction. There were an amazing 20 mur- practice. Hundreds of people are migrating other Caribbean countries.
ders in the first 14 days of January 2008, to safer countries. Sweet Trinidad is no It is what we must celebrate all through this year, in our
and two kidnappings, with one of the kid- more. Something must be done before home, our school, our places of worship, anywhere we gather..

Design Build/
nap victims being murdered. there is a total collapse. Happy Centenary! Happy Indo-Caribbean Arrival Year to all!

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Trinidad crime crisis Sat: TT a bogus A record 24
Ramesh starts community
democracy, children
are migrating
murders in 16
fight back against criminals T rinidad and Tobago is a "bogus democ-
days of January
F Arm yourself
A
racy" where only people with money
ormer attorney general and Member of can enjoy constitutional rights, according to
n amazing 24 murders have

and be ready to
Parliament for Tabaquite, Ramesh Satnarayan Maharaj, secretary general of
Lawrence Maharaj, says if Government the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS). been committed in Trinidad for
He delivered the stinging criticism on the the first 16 days of this year, over

kill criminals in
does not act to protect citizens, he would
encourage them to form their own citizens first day of the year yesterday, during a sat- three times the 7 murders for the
police stations, vigilante or watch groups. sang (Hindu religious prayer meeting) at
same period last year. Twenty one

self defence
And he says he would help provide armed the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha head-
security guards to assist citizens "to track quarters in St Augustine. had been shot with guns, two
down the criminals in the area, catch them In an emotionally charged speech, Ma- stabbed and one beaten to death
and then deliver them to the police".
Opposition chief whip Ramesh Lawrence
haraj slammed the Government for the with a cricket bat. Four had Indian
Maharaj, who was addressing a meeting pressing problems that plague this land. names, Roland Naresh Toyer, Roop-
Maharaj says the law allows for citizens to "I say to you and I say to the nation, don't
of crime-affected villagers at the Macaulay narine Singh, Ravin Mannah and
kill in self-defence. Maharaj was address- congratulate yourself that we are a democ-
Community Centre, Claxton Bay , told
them if Government failed to provide po-
ing residents of Macaulay and Claxton Bay, racy.We're a bogus democracy, we're a Zorissa Bhola. Eighteen of the mur-
lice protection against criminals, people
One of the major concerns of the troubled sham democracy, only if you have millions der victims were in their teens or
villagers was how they would be dealt with
would be acting legally if they take up
by the law if they defend themselves when
and political power you enjoy democracy," twenties.This is the grim list for
weapons to injure or even kill their attack- Maharaj said. 2008, which seems to continue the
attacked by criminals. He said all over the world there is unrest
ers in self defence. record breaking murder spree of
Maharaj was adamant that citizens and battle for democracy, as in Pakistan and
The residents of Macaulay and sur-
rounding areas, which include the con-
"should not be weak in their homes." He Kenya, but right here at home, even though 2007 which saw 389 murders at the
stituencies of Pointe-a-Pierre and
told them if an assailant entered their house, we had a peaceful general elections, we re- rate of more than one a day.
they could retaliate and even kill their at- vert to living in a place where our rights are
Tabaquite, complained of an upsurge of
tacker once they believed that their life was suppressed.
crime and lack of police action. They said January 16: Kevin Marcano, 27 killed in
under threat. Urging them to continue with "We see on a daily basis our leaders going
within recent months, there had been an in- Arima
their watch groups, Maharaj said members to court and coming from court, judges are
crease in hold-ups, robberies, car theft,
who had a licensed firearm could carry being threatened, the senior judge in the
house breaking, rapes and murders. January 15: Ezra Mitchell, 30, shot dead
it.He also saw no problem if they armed land, the Chief Justice, for two years was
Maharaj said the history of the law is that in El Socorro Jason Joseph, 22, shot in
themselves with cutlasses."The weapons tormented and almost destroyed," he said.
a man's house is his castle and "when some- Diego Martin
are necessary," he added. He added, "We see the rise in crime.
body leaves the road and go to your home,
Using himself as an example, Maharaj There is more blood flowing on the streets
they must be prepared to face the conse- January 14: Shaka Wiley, 26, killed in
said he was not going to stand idly by and of Trinidad than water through the pipes of
quences. You are entitled to use whatever Arima.
let an attacker kill him. Maharaj said he had WASA. The cost of food has now become a
force necessary to protect everyone in your
no qualms in killing any man with his li- problem. We as a nation, we are starving in
home and your life". January 13:. Bishop Williams, 24, a con-
censed firearm, should his life come under midst of prosperity, our health care is in dis-
Urging citizens not to sit back and allow struction worker of La Brea, stabbed in the
threat. He said even if he had a cutlass and array and as a people we cannot access
bandits to terrorise their lives, Maharaj said: chest outside his home. Dwayne Rose, 24,
a man attacked him, he would not hesitate proper health services.
"The law is that you do not have to wait for of St John's Road, St Augustine, shot dead
to hack off the head of his assailant. "Yes you may say we have survived, but
someone to kill you before you act in self by a gunman outside a Tunapuna recreation

Armed security
defence. So if I am walking out of the door we have survived in a bogus democracy. club. Paul Salandy, 59, a businessman kid-
and a man comes to me with a gun I do not Trinidad and Tobago is a bogus democ- napped and shot to death in Arima.

guards take up duty

have to wait for him to fire, I can take out racy."
my revolver and shoot him and kill him, Maharaj said because of this bogus January 09: Jonathan "Ants" Blanc, 22, a
and that would be self-defense. democracy, the children of this nation were construction worker of Arima, found be-
"If a man comes to attack my family in migrating. hind a house with gunshot and stab wounds.
The Opposition UNCA has launched its "The brainpower in this land is moving
my house, I do not have to wait for police to
own brand of community policing through away and I am saying 'yes move out', be-
come, I am entitled to use reasonable force January 7: Roland Naresh Toyer,19, of
a pilot project which links armed private se- cause there is a glass ceiling, only the pre-
to protect my house and family, even if it Quarry Street, Diego Martin, shot dead at
curity officers with members of the ferred should cross that glass ceiling."
means shooting at his feet." his home
Macaulay Village crime watch group. Adding there was no reason for our chil-
He stressed that as MP, it was his duty to
The project was launched by Tabaquite dren to remain here, because they would
encourage his constituents to defend them- January 6: Jason Hoyte, 25, of Arima, shot
MP Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and Ch- only be denied the right to expand their
selves, especially because the Constitution during an altercation at an Aranjuez chris-
aguanas (West) MP Jack Warner at the mind and do the things they are qualified to
gives every citizen the human and funda- tening. Roopnarine Singh, 53, of San Juan,
Macaulay community Centre in Claxton do, he said, "The biggest hypocrite ... in
mental rights to life and enjoyment of prop- shot while seated in his car at Morvant.
Bay. denying the people their freedom and
erty.
Addressing a large gathering comprising rights, is always the Government and the
Responding to critics who spoke against January 5: Adisa Williams, 26, a handy-
both old and young residents in front of a State."
citizens deciding to form watch-groups to man of Morvant, shot dead near his home.
large banner which read: ‘People versus He said the Government runs this coun-
protect themselves in the absence of police Trevor Timothy, 21, of Morvant, shot dead
criminals. We need protection against crim- try according to its own whims and fancies
protection, Maharaj said: "The alternative in Laventille. Anastacio "Papa" James,19,
inals now’, Maharaj said security officers and this is the only democratic country he
of not defending themselves is to permit of Belmont, shot at the Belmont Moravian
from SWAT Security Company Limited knows where a referendum was never held
criminals to kill, kidnap, rape and rob de- Church, Laventille. Christopher Leon
would be made officially available from on any topic.
fenceless people." Henry, 49, Morvant, shot by gunmen..
Monday January 14. Maharaj said this country had not yet de-
The former attorney general said: "It is
“We are going to make this service avail- generated into open warfare, but we were
totally false for anyone to give the impres- January 4: Sean Wade, 23, of Belmont
able from tomorrow night, but we are going living in a country where "we don't know
sion that such watch-groups with the assis- shot dead by three men who stormed his
to provide a service tonight but we do not who is police and who is thief, this is a fact,
tance of such security personnel are not home
want to tell the country where that service this is stark reality".
permitted by the law or in any way are dan-
would be,” he said. He said the emotional connection people
gerous to law-abiding citizens.” January 2: Brandon Calica,15, of Sangre
“The security guards would both be open have to this land is the main reason why Grande, beaten to death with a cricket bat..
1% conviction
and undercover so the criminals would not many are still here. Ravin Mannah, 21, a doubles vendor of
know where they are.” Speaking to re-

rate for crimes

"I'm going to be cremated on the banks Barataria, shot dead while returning home.
porters following the meeting, Maharaj said of the Caroni River...This is the place where Delano Mc Nicols, of Morvant, shot dead
the service would operate in pretty much I was born, this is the place where my fa- outside his aparment complex
Responding to plans by Manning to the same way as a government-run police ther and grandfather was buried."
amend the laws on hanging, Ramesh service on the streets. Reiterating that the new generation will January 1: Andre "Cutters" Richardson,
wanted to know if Prime Minister Patrick “It would be both covert and overt and it not remain here because the politicians are 28, of Laventille, shot dead while sleeping
Manning plans to hang "invisible people". will depend upon strategies and intelli- driving them out., he said we must look for- at his home. Zorissa Bhola, 47, of Jaffar
He noted that "for you to reach the stage gence. I cannot disclose how it’s going to ward. Street, Bamboo Settlement No.2, Valsayn,
of the death penalty, you first have to de- work but it’s going to work in the same way "We must go back to looking inward, found stabbed in bushes in Gasparillo. Jun-
tect, to hold and then convict". as if a police service is on the street,” he protecting our communities and villages, ior Phillip, 18, of , Longdenville, Chagua-
"So it is a national joke for the Prime said. we must always stand up and speak out nas, shot outside a local pub. Shevon
Minister, in a situation where there is a ten He said the criminal element had forced and fight against anybody who has denied Lamkin, 23, of Morvant shot dead while
per cent detection rate and a one per cent residents to become virtual prisoners in us our freedom. asleep at his home. Damien Charles, 27, of
conviction rate, to talk about implementing their homes and the time had come for de-
Sea Lots, shot dead..
the death penalty as a solution to crime," cisive action.
COMMUNITY NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 3

Sam Persad passes on at 83 Extra Carnival GOPIO Trinidad seeks

Barbados Labour Party flights to Trinidad Canada based members
defeated in elections
Caribbean Airlines is putting on additional GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is seeking
flights to Trinidad in all its North American the support from Trinis at home and from
routes to accommodate peak Carnival Caribbean people in Canada and other
Defying tremendous odds, David Thomp- travel. Two flights a week will be added to countries abroad for its inaugural
son led the Democratic Labour Party to a the normal New York schedule, resulting in Fundraiser Awards/Dinner event on Febru-
comprehensive victory against Owen 13 flights a week, while Toronto flights in- ary 29. Tickets are priced at $TT200 (about
Arthur and the Barbados Labour Party in crease to ten flights a week, up by two $30 US or Canadian, and 15 British
the general election earlier this week. flights. “Toronto flights will be serviced by pounds).
It was a doubly sweet comeback victory the usual two class configuration aircraft, Organization president Deosaran Bisnath
for the 48-year-old attorney, who had lost while the extra New York services will op- revelas that he has had queries from a few
the leadership of his party following his erate in all economy configuration. people abroad, and in response is setting up
second successive defeat at the polls in the “Caribbean Airlines will also add new non- a PayPal account to facilitate purchase of
2003 general election. stop flights from Port-of-Spain to Kingston tickets and donations to GOPIO Trinidad &
Sam Persad, known to most as “Papa Sam”, before and after Christmas,” compliment-
He had resumed the DLP leadership Tobago.
passed away quietly in Toronto on January ing the daily scheduled flights to Kingston.
when the man who replaced him, Clyde The group is also looking forward to in-
4. Additional non-stop services will be added
Mascoll, defected to the ruling BLP two dividuals becoming members and partici-
Sam, who was a foundation member of

Camille is new
years ago, and became a Minister of State. to the Miami route. pating in the activities of GOPIO Trinidad
the Satja Jyoti Cultural Sabha, and a pillar
With a voter turn out said to be in the & Tobago. Membership is open to
of the Indo-Trinidadian community in

TT envoy to
high 60s, the DLP won 20 of the 30 seats in Caribbean people living abroad
Toronto. Over 500 people attended the
the Barbados House of Assembly, in results Please contact at GOPIOTT@gmail.
viewing and the funeral service, which ac-
which saw several of the members of the com, deobisnath@yahoo. com, or 868 687

Canada
cording to the funeral agency was the
former Cabinet going down in the BLP de- 7529 for more information.
largest funderal they had ever seen.

Celebrate 2008
feat.
He leaves behind his wife, four grown
Owen Aathur was seeking a fourth elec-
children, and six grandchildren. His ashes

Centenary of
tion term, but could not convince the vot- Camille Robinson-Regis is Trinidad and
will be scattered in Lake Ontairo and in the
ers this time. Tobago’s new High Commissioner to
Caroni River in Trinidad.

Canada urges caution

Arrival of Indo-
Canada. She replaces Arnold Piggott who
its Web site www.fco.gov.uk to warn trav- held the position until he was brought back

when visiting TT
ellers “you should be aware that there are to Trinidad in 2006 to serve as Minister of

Caribbeans in
high levels of violent crime, including Foreign Affairs. Robinson-Regis received
shootings and kidnappings.” her letter of appointment recently from For-

Canada
It notes that “British nationals have been eign Affairs Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon.
Canada is advising visitors to Trinidad victims of violent attacks, particularly in
to mainain a “high degree of caution” An attorney, Robinson-Regis last served in
Tobago where law enforcement is weak.” the Patrick Manning Government as MP for
when visiting T&T, “due to high crime It also states that “cruise ship passengers

WANTED
rates.” Arouca South. She also served as Minister
should take particular care when walking of Planning and Development, Legal Af-
Its Travel Advice notes that “robberies along the docks and downtown (Port-of-
with violence, including assaults and rape, fairs, Consumer Affairs, and even acted as

Roti Shop in
Spain).” Attorney General.
occur frequently” in Port-of-Spain, San Giving examples of British nationals

It pays to
Fernando and other urban areas. being attacked, injured and robbed, it warns

Scarborough
It says “crimes of opportunity such as of an increase in attacks at tourist sites and
advertise in the
petty theft tend to increase during...Carni- car parks of supermarkets, shopping malls,
val in February or March and during the

Indo-Caribbean
restaurants and business premises.
Christmas holidays.”
Rent, lease or buy
In Tobago, it says, visits are generally
As it has in the past, it maintains that
Times
trouble-free but refers to incidents of rob-
“incidents of gangs following cars leaving bery and violence, including rape.
Piarco Airport and robbing travellers once It advises caution in renting villas in the
they reach their destination have been re- Contact G. Ramlal
south-west of the island, near Bethel, Buc-
ported.” coo, Mount Pleasant and Plymouth.
at: 416-332-0970
In a one-sentence reference to Tobago, it Australia has at Travel Advice which
states “tourists and foreign nationals are also warns a “high degree of caution” due
also victims of crime” on the island. to “high levels of serious crime.”
Several countries have been issuing The United States notes that “incidents
travel warnings or advisories about T&T of violent crime have been steadily on the
for the past three years when the homicide rise on both islands.”It goes on to warn
and kidnappings rate began to escalate. against using maxi taxis as they “have
Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Of- been linked to many road accidents and
fice (FCO) updated the travel advisory on some instances of crime.

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COMMENTARY Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 4
From the editor’s desk

Predictable predictions for TT in 2008

Indo-Caribbean Times is pub-
lished monthly in Toronto by
Indo-Caribbean Times Ltd.

Editor/Publisher: Ram Jagessar

Editorial Committee:
Reynold Ramdial, Gulcharan Mo-
T rinidad psychic Yesenia
Gonzalez has predicted
food riots, a political coup
political gains.
The Police Service will be divided inter-
nally.
dates the only change.

Now Yesenia will have to be more creative

habir, Lloyd Harradan, Sandy in Parliament, Prime Minis- Many police officers will be arrested for in her crime predictions to shut out ama-
Kissoonsingh, Roop Misir, Deoraj ter Manning becoming exec- corruption, she predicts. teurs like me. Robberies will increase, there
Narine, Jiantee Jagessar,Krishna utive president, and crime will be internal problems in the executive
Ram Jagessar over-runing the nation. Now On matters of national security, Yesenia of the Police Service, criminals will turn
Nankissoor, Rudy Lochan their weapons on lawmen and police offi-
I could have predicted those had very little work to do in predicting that
too, as well as some of Yesenia's other pro- in 2008, crime will overwhelm the country, cers will face major danger, especially fe-
Offi
ficce: 17 Gaiety Drive, nouncements. and that food prices will soar to the extent male officers. Those aren't predictions, but
Toronto ON Canada M1H 1B9 Trinidad seems to be taking a spiralling where people will be breaking into other reports taken from the newspapers.
course downwards, in spite of its abundant people's homes to get food. Riots will occur
oil money, in the way the Nigeria has done and people will call on the Government re- I could say the same for Yesenia's predic-
Tel: 416-289-3898 for the last few years. Yesenia could well duce the price of food and medication. tions on health, which are that the health
have looked there when she predicted po- When I saw a lady in HI-LO paying out sector will worsen, the shortage of beds and
E-Mail: [email protected] litical intrigue and turmoil that could create $585 TT for one third full grocery cart I equipment will continue and there will be
uprisings, major scandals, and a change in could see that food trouble is coming for many deaths in the hospitals, an acute
the parliamentary system. She feels Patrick Trinidad. shortage of drugs, and sick people will have
Opinions given in this newspaper a difficult time getting their prescriptions
Manning could succeed in becoming Exec-
are those of the authors and do utive President, though I don't know why Yesenia feels that Trinidad will witness filled. Those are history notes from the six-
not necessarily reflect the views he would want that since he is already a increased industrialisation as plenty money ties.
of the Indo-Caribbean Times. constitutional dictator. will be flowing into the country. But the
Yesenia predicted Ramesh Lawrence Ma- people will not receive any of the wealth. She thinks the traffic problem will get so
haraj will replace Basdeo Panday as UNC The gap between the rich and poor will only bad that many people will now look
We welcome letters, e-mails and leader, and that was a low blow. When I widen, causing major conflict. to the East to live and to set up businesses,
comments on matters relevant to look at the other people who were tipped to families will migrate from the West to the
Indo-Caribbeans in Canada and succeed Panday rotting in the political As I said, I could have predicted that. I've East, and the Interchange, now under con-
abroad, and also those at home in cemetery, I have to feel sorry for poor been observing Trinidad politics for a few struction, will be of little help. These have
Ramesh Lawrence. decades, and will go along with Yesenia all been happening for years now, and are
the Caribbean. All content must only a continuation of past problems.
But it's not all bad from Yesenia. She says when she predicts major confusion about
comply with the requirements of that in the coming year T&T will see major contracts and acquisition of land, many in Now I am not saying that Yesania doesn’t
Canadian law. growth in the economy as oil prices con- high offices charged with corruption, the know her business. She has made some as-
tinue to rise, and international investors changing of the organisational structure of tounding predictions in the past, including:
Soca Warriors will go to the World Cup in
A copy of this newspaper is flock to local soil. Manning has the luck of the public sector and moving around peo-
the devil, much as Eric Williams did, and ple. I remember millstones being insulted 2006,
posted on the internet in as a pdf higher oil prices have rescued him before. by Dr Williams, as well as past examples of Hugo Chavez will lose in his bid to create
file immediately after publication, Some more predictions are natural to her predictions of “a lot of disagreement, constitutional reform in Venezuela.
and the entire contents can be Trinidad: controversy and hasty decisons by the Gov- Election deadlock in 2001 of 18-18
read online by anyone with a More money for Cepep workers will create ernment against the media. A November 2007 general election
confusion among the population, she says. errorists in T&T will be found and extra-
computer and an internet con- dited to the US.
On the Carnival front, mas lovers can ex- Absolutely no surprises there and the
nection. pect a hike in the price of costumes and ex- same with “ a major controversy in the
Past and current issues of the IC- pect a major break-up among members of PNM resulting in the party being split later That’s sereious stuff. Take your marks,
Times can be found at the National Carnival Commission. on”, cabinet reshuffles because certain Yesenia. I hate to say this, but I have to
agree with all your predictions for Trinidad.
http://www.esnips.com/web/Indo There will be a legal battle among the var- ministers will be branded as not performing
ious Carnival organisations as scandal and their duties, and trouble ahead for the UNC This is becoming a depressingly easy place
-CaribbeanTimes allegations of bribery emerge. as two of their seats come into question. to read, with the emphasis on depressing.
Carnival will become highly commer- Every political reporter in Trinidad has I couldn’t make my living doing predictions

Trinidad “coolie” immigrant makes a

cialised, creating big businesses for written those stories with the names and for Trinidad.
Researcher Lloyd Harradan
discovers a historic early ar-

hard landing in New York, July 1897

rival in the United States, prob-
ably the first Indian to come
from Trinidad to New York
Coolie wanted to die self down upon the steps, and refused tery pier and sprang overboard. and he was swept against the hull of
to move. He had no money and had The Liberty Island boat lay alongside one of the Staten Island ferryboats.
Desperate Attempt of a West In- the pier. It was filled withpassengers,
nothing to eat. He was exhausted, and which was about to leave her slip.
dian to End His Life at the Battery and hundreds of persons were lined He caught hold of one of the braces
unless aided, he said, could do nothing
but die. This appeal could not go unno- along the sea. wall. There were imme- beneath her guards just as the paddles
(From The New York Times July 12,1897)
ticed. He was taken in by the immigra- diate cries of "man overboard," and the began to turn. It looked as though the
A West Indian coolie. with an unpro- tion officials and fed, and then an congregating of an immense coolie must be drawn beneath the big
nounceable and unspellable name, has ambulance took him to the New York crowd.Various things were thrown to wheel, when shouts from the shore and
attracted a good deal of attention at the Hospital, where he was kept till strong the would-be suicide. who was seen passengers on the forward deck at-
Barge Office for three weeks past. enough to go abroad. Then he was dis- swimming l!ke a duck, or rather tread- tracted the pilot's attention, and he had
When be first appeared, he said that he charged, and immediately he went back ing water, while a swift current setting the engines stoppcd.
had ,arrived a week vrevious on the to Battery Park to wait for something to over toward the East River was carry- Policeman Thompson and Peter
steamship Caribbee, from Trinidad. He turn up. ing him rapidly toward Staten Island. Riley, a boatman, had meantime put off
had meantime been robbed of $100, he Nothing turned up to relieve the Lines and buoys were thrown him from in a Whitehall boat from the Battery
said, and having become penniless, coolie's wants or the monotony of wait- the Barge Office pier. but he did not see Basin, and they rescued the man. He
asked to be sent back to Trinidad. In- ing, and yesterday morning, it appears, them. As he was carried past the rev- was taken back to the basin and lifted
vestigation failed to find that he had he thought It time to do something. enue cutter ship Lieut. Scott, of the cut- up to the seawalI, where a. big crowd
been a passenger on the Caribbee, and Going to the Barge Office steps again, ter Chandler, flung a life preserver with gathered about him as he lay on the
nothing was done for him .. the unfortunate fellow took off his a line attached out to him. It fell within pavement. apparently in a very weak
He hung about Battery Park, despon- shoes and socks, and depositing them, ten feet. The coolie had evidently by condition, pending the arrival of an am-
dently, until about a week ago, when he together with a small bundle and his this time changed his programme, for bulance. He was taken to the Hudson
went to the Barge Office and flung him- coat to one side, he ran around the Bat- he struck out for the floating ring. The Street Hospital.
tide was too much for him, however,
 Patrick X and the Killings in Trinidad
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 5

wounds to his left hand. St Joseph Police fear and incompetence. On the opening day wounded on the battlefield, and they re-
Chronicles from the killing are continuing investigations.
Shawn Neaves who was also shot in Tu-
of Parliament, the Government should have treated to the hill, and the music could help
take their minds away, and many of them
given the country a sense of hope but they
fields of Trinidad compiled napuna around 8 p.m. on Friday, was have not done that." lived to old age. Maybe it is the new age of
by Lloyd Harradan treated and discharged. Neaves, 24, report- Members of the anti-crime rally, includ- technology, the gun replacing the iron bolt,
edly had an argument with a man near the ing children, eventually held up their anti- and killing becoming so much easier. The
Tunapuna Market. crime placards in plain view of passing old warriors from the hill lived, though
Minister of National Security Martin
The man pulled out a gun and shot vehicles as they carried out a silent protest. many could show the scars of war.
Joseph at a seven minute news conference
Neaves in the neck. A passer-by drove Standing feet away from the dead man, That old generation of tough men always
on January 3rd 2008 admitted that Govern-
Neaves to hospital. Tunapuna Police are one marcher stood silently as he held a gave themselves room for peace. They
ment's initiatives to arrest gang-related
continuing investigations. placard which read "Crime is a national cri- knew that the hill had to be shared and that
crime have failed. Joseph said some of the
sis". Express 2007.12.18 no one would be left standing if they did not
measures Government had put in place to
KILLED TO SEND A MESSAGE compromise.
deal specifically with gang-related violence
PUT DOWN YOUR GUNS As I gazed on the hills recently in the
were the Homicides Prevention Working
Toll for 2007 goes to 373 THIS CHRISTMAS night, I could not discern the difference as
Group, the Homicides Bureau of Investiga-
Wednesday, December 26th 2007 I swivelled my eyes from Laventille to St.
tion, the Repeat Offenders Programme and
Last year's murder toll of 371 has been Theodore Lewis Ann 's, the lights shining innocently. And at
the Inter-Agency Task Force which was
surpassed by two, which includes the mur- Sunday, December 16th 2007 the one end of this arc, I imagined people
used "as a crime suppression mechanism."
der of a man described as a close relative of in their gated communities, living in fear,
“Clearly it did not work,” Joseph an-
a gang member.The man was shot dead on One Christmas Day during World War II, and bolted inside, and at the other end, I
nounced. Is that news to anyone?
Christmas Eve after his killer wished him a in an act of spontaneity, German and British imagined the young man of 18, black and
In what was clearly a trial balloon the Ex-
"Merry Christmas". troops began singing a carol and soon they impressionable, living in a deeper more
press published an editorial suggesting a
The toll for this year now stands at left their trenches, dropped their weapons, desperate fear, because for him, that night,
limited state of emergency.
373.Dead is Joseph Phillip, 35, of Augus- walked toward each other and embraced, in it would either be kill or be killed.
Police and relatives of a St Joseph
tine Lane , Gonzales. recognition of their mutual humanness that Who has a greater fear than the young
teenager remain baffled yesterday about the
He was not a member of any gang but he the war had forced them to suppress. black man in our land, caught up in the
motive behind his murder.
was killed to send a message to a relative, It is the nature of wars, whether between ghetto? His gun cannot save him from
Eighteen-year-old Christopher Singh was
investigators believe. nations, or ethnic groups as in Bosnia , or death.
shot several times while walking on Agos-
Phillip was due to be married next month, tribes as in Rwanda , or gangs as in Mor- The surest way to escape death, my
tini Street, St Joseph, yesterday morning.
the Express learned. Commenting about the vant, Laventille, or Diego Martin, or Nel- brother, is to stand down from the heat,
He was returning from his girlfriend’s
toll, Deputy Commissioner of Police son Street , that it requires suppression of tough as that is to do.
home, not far away.
Gilbert Reyes said, "We are very concerned our humanness so we can objectify the Christmas is a time for compromise. My
Singh was shot at about 12.20 am and
about what is happing with the toll and we other. In that way, we could walk up to a brothers, look at your children. You should
was pronounced dead at the Eric Williams
are asking people to provide the police with human being and take his life for the sim- be around to take them down the hill on the
Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC)
whatever information they may have with plest of things. But these soldiers in World first day of school, or to go shopping with
shortly afterwards.
regards to the murders taking place." War II, at least for that day, allowed them- them for uniforms when they pass the SEA
Police said that at 6.45 p.m. on Monday, selves to be overcome by their humanness, Exam.
FLASHBACK
Phillip was dropping off a few cases of beer and instead of shooting at their enemies in Black warriors, put down your guns this
On December 4, State witness Kelly
at a parlour at St Barbs Road , Belmont , rival trenches, did something much Christmas, and forever. You are in a battle
“Machine Gun” Denoon, 31, was killed at
when a gunman walked up to him. grander-they hugged. no one can win. Soon you will be dead if
his home in John John, Laventille.
Eyewitnesses told the police that the man I am calling on my young brothers, in you remain on this battlefield.
Denoon was a State witness in the trial of
told Phillip, "Merry Christmas. Ah hope Laventille, and Morvant, and Diego Mar- What is it about us, black men? Why are
the 2005 killing of a Unemployment Relief
you enjoy the gift." Then the man shot him tin, and the other ghetto spaces in the land, we the only ones caught up in this self-in-
Programme worker on the Brian Lara
several times. Phillip died instantly.The this Christmas, to put down their guns, and flicted, stupid genocidal war? Why is there
Promenade.
killer then ran off. try to find each other. The reason is simple- not this perpetual counting of dead bodies
Police have ruled out robbery since noth- it will be a while before the current fire that in Westmoorings, or Cascade, or Valsayn,
TEEN'S MURDER PUSHES
ing was taken. Officers from the Homicide is raging among you will burn itself out, or Preysal, or Penal?
TOLL TO 383
Bureau, Port of Spain are continuing inves- leaving behind lots of young black corpses, So where are the spoils from this great
tigationsThe search for the killer continued with holes in their skulls, and in the end, in war black man. Where are your groceries in
Denyse Renne
up to late last night. the ashes, we will have young widows, and your communities, your factories, your
Sunday, December 30th 2007
Hours later there was another shooting even younger orphans, black babies and businesses? What does the race benefit
incident in Port of Spain. Police said that at children without fathers, now dead for hav- from your war?
With just one day before the start of a
10.45 p.m. Corey Haynes, 19,was standing ing gotten themselves caught in this spi- Is it because you are braver black man,
new year, the murder toll continued to
near the Mango Rose, Laventille apartment ralling whirlpool of gangsterism, that has than young brothers from other races? Or is
climb yesterday, following the shooting of
scheme when he was approached by three appetite only for the young and the black. it because, as before, you are easily fooled
a St Joseph teenager.
men all armed with guns. Or so it seems. by the shining trinket held before you?
The killing of Christopher Singh has
The men opened fired on Haynes who is Black men, we survived the Middle Pas- What shall we tell your children black
pushed the murder toll to 383 for the year,
a construction worker and ran off. Haynes sage, our ancestors did, and then the inhu- man, about you, when you are gone, picked
this figure has already surpassed last year's
was taken to the Port of Spain General Hos- manity of slavery, and the arrogance of the up at the corner with holes in your skull?
by 12, and is three short of 2005's toll.
pital where an emergency operation was colonial master, to claim this land, and now Shall we tell them that you were some big
Homicide detectives say they are yet to
performed. He was in stable condition at the having done all of that we kill each other in man? Please put down your guns this
establish a motive for Singh's killing.
hospital last night. pursuit of what? The newspapers are keep- Christmas, and forever. Hug each other my
Singh, 18, an employee of Bermudez Bis-
Besson Street CID detectives who are ing score each day-300, 310, 315. Keeping brothers. There are larger wars in the land to
cuits, lived on Agostini Street, St Joseph
continuing enquiries into the shooting could score in this game of death that no one can fight, such as educating our children, and
and was walking along the street when a
not say what was the motive for the shoot- win. Those likely to die in a war are those in trying to own our own businesses. We need
gunman ran up to him and started shooting.
ing. the fight, at the front lines. you in this larger war.
Singh was shot five times about the body.
Soon it will be your turn, my brother, to Black men, please emancipate yourselves
The incident occurred at around 12.30 a.m.
DEAD MAN FOUND die, face down on a dirty pavement, in Mor- from mental slavery. Put down your guns
He was rushed to the Eric Williams Med-
AT ANTI- CRIME RALLY vant, and Laventille, and Diego Martin. No this Christmas, and try to live to see your
ical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) where he
one lives in more fear than you, who, children grow up.
was pronounced dead on arrival.
In a brutal and ironic twist, a homeless caught up in this game of murder, set to the * Theodore Lewis is Professor in the De-
Upon returning to the shooting scene,
man was badly beaten and left for dead me- music of 50-Cent and others, must watch partment of Work and Human Resource Ed-
homicide detectives heard several gunshots
tres away from where an anti-crime rally your back constantly, for a while at least. ucation at the University of Minnesota ,
coming from Sutton Street , which is a few
was being held at Victoria Square , Port of Because, as sure as the cock will crow in USA.
metres from Agostini Street .
Spain , yesterday afternoon the morning, on a tree in Patna or Covigne
When the detectives investigated, they

CONTINUED
“Never in my wildest dreams I thought I Road , you will die.
saw a man running with blood flowing from
would have witnessed this. This tells you You will be bad, for a year, for a time,
his left hand. The man identified himself (

ON PAGE 10)
where our country is going," said United you will feel big and strong, having the
as Harold Gould.
National Congress Alliance member Wade power to kill, and maybe kill again, but in
Gould ,30, told police he was asleep at his
Mark, who had been invited to participate the end, it will be your turn. To die.
Sutton Street home when someone shot him
in the march. In the old days, when the men from the
through his bedroom window.
"People are being murdered in broad day- hill went to war, men representing Silkhats,
He was rushed to the EWMSC where he
light just opposite an anti-crime rally.....the or Marabuntas, or Applejackers, or Desper-
remains warded nursing four gunshot
country is under siege. It is under the grip of adoes or Renegades, they left each other
Anti crime rally says Trinidad not safe to live
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 6

Anti crime rally: Infection shuts First kidnap on 2nd kidnap

TT not safe down dialysis at 2nd day of 2008 victim killed
lic who came out to support the Tunapuna Sando hospital
Victims of crime and members of the pub- Trinidad's latest kidnap victim, 59 year
A man who drove a private car for hire old businessman Paul Salandy, has been
Against Crime anti-crime rally in Port-of- became the year's first kidnap victim on found dead with gunshot wounds along the
Diabetics in south Trinidad are out of luck
Spain recently voiced their displeasure at January 2, when he was snatched shortly Guanapo Road, Arima last Thursday, just
if they are looking dialysis treatment at the
the country's spiralling crime rate, saying after he parked his car after finishing work hours before his relatives received a
San Fernando General Hospital. The dialy-
T&T was no longer a safe place to live. for the night. Relatives received a telephone $300,000 or a half-kilo-of-cocaine ransom
sis unit at the San Fernando General Hos-
The group was formed recently by de- call next day from a man who demanded demand for his safe return. He had been re-
pital has been shut down indefinitely, after
feated Tunapuna UNC Alliance candidate $50,000 and cocaine and marijuana, for the ported missing from his travel agency. Sa-
19 catheter lines have been found to be con-
Christine Newallo-Hosein, whose son was safe release of Kimo Evans. landy, who had Trinidad and Venezuela
taminated. This poses a serious an infection
kidnapped and beaten in 2005. Newallo- Police said at around 10 p.m., Evans, 37, dual citizenship, was the father of eight
risk to patients.
Hosein appealed to Social Development parked his car at St James Street, Mara- children who live abroad. The family are
Over 50 patients have been affected by the
Minister Amery Browne to give the Crimi- bella, a couple blocks away from his now considering their next move, as they
temporary closure of the unit, as they were
nal Injuries Act board power to assist vic- George Street home, when he was con- would like to pay final respects to their de-
unable to receive treatment since late last
tims of crime, who had no where to turn for fronted by three men who pulled up in a car. ceased father but are too afraid to return to
week. The catheter is a hollow tube em-
counselling. A scuffle broke out between Evans and the Trinidad.

Bandits terrorise
ployed to drain fluids from body during
A member of the public Juliet des Vignes, men, during which time a gunshot is be-
dialysis in patients whose kidneys are not
whose daughter was killed one year ago, lieved to have been fired. Evans was over-
functioning properly.

Caura limers
said her family was going through a tough powered by the men and forced into the

Huge armed
A health official said it was uncertain what
time trying to cope. waiting car.
could have caused the contamination, but
"People are dying like flies and nobody
“The necessary steps have been taken to

gang raid
cares. The Government does not have the
deal with the problem.” The official said Three armed and masked gunmen robbed
political will to fight crime, although their
patients would be treated with antibiotics over 20 people who were enoying a Friday
duty is to protect each and every citizen.

Central car firm

while the situation is being rectified. Thir- afternoon “river lime” at Caura River ear-
The criminals have no fear for the police
teen kidney failure patients who were ad- lier this month.
and courts. They are doing what they want.
mitted to San Fernando General Hospital on Several frightened foreigners were
We are living in a lawless society."

Life getting
January 7 are now suffering from the effects among the shocked Trinis who witnessed
of enterobacteria, which can be fatal if it is Nine men with guns robbed a foreign
the bandits robbing limers of their valu-
not treated in the early stages. used vehicle business in Chaguanas this

harder for poor

ables. One man said his family had to flee
week, and left with rides worth more than
the scene. "Man, woman, woman with chil-
The patients are among 29 people with kid- $350,000.
dren...everybody had to run up the river,"
ney ailments who were admitted to the in- At around 2 p.m., the criminals entered
he said. The bandits escaped after trading
stitution following problems associated Auto Rex, a company on the Mulchan
gunshots with Tunapuna police responding
with the catheter used in the haemodialysis Sieuchan Road near the Endeavour Over-
Deputy Chaguanas Mayor Orlando Nages- to frantic calls by bathers."What is this
equipment to treat them. Eight have been pass.
sar says life is becoming increasingly place coming to?" the man asked, "that peo-
allowed to go home. The employees were held at gunpoint and
harder for T&T's poor. He made the com- ple can't even have a river lime in peace."

Zorisha found
forced to hand over the keys to two Nissan
ment while distributing food hampers to
The equipment was shut down on January 7 Ad Wagons and a Toyota Hilux pick up
needy
for what was described as "sanitisation', van.

dead on New
families in Felicity. Nagessar warned that
after some patients became ill after treat- Police swarmed the area within minutes,
the cost of living had risen drastically, and
but said the suspects split up and could have
Army outfits found
the price of food had risen by more than 40 ment.

Year’s Day
used any of nine escape routes to get out of
per cent in

on criminals
the borough.
the last year. He called on the Government
A police helicopter and highway patrol
to make the special chicken family packs
officers were searching for the vehicles up
available to all in order to meet the needs Camouflage outfits worn by soldiers, a The new year started on a grim note with
to last night.
of the working class families and those liv- beret, two ski-masks and two pairs of army- the discovery of the body of a middle aged
The car firm was robbed last year, and
ing on the edge of poverty. issued boots were among a cache of arms Indian woman Zorisha Bholo of Bamboo
several suspects are before the court

Killer bees
and ammunition seized by police in Erin charged with that crime. Settlement. Bholo, who was unemployed

Central woman
this week. Police held two men, a 35-year- and lived alone, was last seen alive the
old taxi-driver of Cocorite and a 19-year- weekend before Christmas. Her body was

kill pensioner
old labourer of Carenage, when they found in the bushes off Bhagwansingh

robbed and raped

intercepted the seven-seater mini-van car- Trace, Caratal Road, Gasparillo. Police be-
rying Venezuelan merchandise. In the ve- lieve she was raped before being killed.

by taxi driver Witness against

hicle, police discovered a cache-a Tech-9
Another deadly menace stalking Trinidad- machine-gun, Smith and Wesson 9mm

of a “PH” taxi on an early Saturday night Muslimeen leader

killer bees- has caused the death of a Petit handgun, 53 bullets and 145 kilogrammes
Valley pensioner. Nathaniel James, 74, of of marijuana worth an estimated $1.5 mil- A Central woman was raped by the driver

The 29-year-old woman who was on her gunned down

Tara Drive in Petit Valley, died last week lion.
after “thousands of bees” stung him about Investigators said they also found some- recently.
the body. thing more disturbing-three camouflage
Residents in the area where James lived outfits worn by members of the Trinidad way home reportedly boarded the vehicle
said the bees became agitated because of vi- and Tobago Defence Force, a beret, two ski- shortly after 7 pm on the corner of Eleanor Salim "Small Salim" Rasheed, one of the
brations from a tractor at a nearby plot of masks and two pairs of army-issued boots. and Marc Street, in the vicinity of Montrose main witnesses in a failed conspiracy to
land. James’ relatives said they heard their Last weekend in Central Trinidad, police Vedic School in Chaguanas. murder trial against Jamaat-al-Muslimeen
dogs “getting on wild,” and when they arrested a car thief dressed in the uniform When the vehicle reached the vicinity of leader Imam Yasin Abu Bakr, was gunned
rushed outside to investigate, they saw of a soldier, who has since been identified Edinburgh Gardens, the four other occu- down in broad daylight just before the new
James lying on the road, covered by “thou- by his senior officers and is being sought pants proceeded to rob the woman of her year.Rasheed, 33, was killed by an un-
sands and thousands of bees.” Everyone for questioning. Efforts to contact the pub- cellphone and a quantity of cash and jew- known gunman while he was at his Unem-
had to rush back inside the house because lic relations department of the T&T Regi- elry. ployment Relief Programme (URP) jobsite
there were so many bees, and nobody could ment were unsuccessful. She was then taken to a desolate area in located on the roadside at Seventh Avenue,
rescue James who was bawling for help. But a source attached to the Regiment Carlsen Field and raped by the driver. Malick.
One relative said the ambulance re- said several of the uniforms seized were This is one of several recent incidents
sponded almost one hour after the call was genuine and the army would probe how the where passengers in taxis have been robbed
made. A local resident said he had contacted uniforms got into the hands of the criminal by other passengers, sometimes in collabo-
the Apiaries Unit of the Ministry of Agri- element. The source added that the uni- ration with the taxi-drivers. Many of
culture in December about the same bee forms seized have the names and regimen- Trinidad’s regular taxi drivers have stopped
hive, but was told they had no transport, as tal numbers of soldiers and they are working at night because of crime, and in
the vehicle at the unit “was not licenced.” expected to be interrogated and possibly some cases private taxis have taken up the
confined to barracks until senior officers get slack.
to the bottom of the problem.
Good infrastructure year, poverty unchanged
GUYANA NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 7

Only 'minimal' GINA quoted Cabinet Secretary, Dr

Berbice Bridge among
sound infrastructure works
success from
Roger Luncheon, as saying that consulta-
tions on specific thematic areas would also
be held. They are expected to address areas

poverty reduction
C
such as rural development, gender, gover-
nance, security, social protection and

papers -PM Hinds

health. ontinuous improved infrastructure re- Several major audits were conducted by
It had been reported too that many of the mains a primary objective of Govern- various agencies such as the International
issues and recommendations from the pub- ment and during last year more investments Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the

T
lic consultations held in 2001 had been in- were made in this direction to enhance the United States Transport Security System to
corporated into the PRSP and in addition country's road network, sea defences and ensure that the CJIAC's operations are in
he success rate of the poverty reduction
the consultations have assisted in the se- air and river transport services through var- keeping with required regulations. A simu-
strategy papers over the last five years
quencing of programmes and re-allocation ious activities implemented by the Ministry lated aircraft crash exercise was success-
has been minimal with no significant re-
of resources. The next round of consulta- of Public Works and Communications. fully conducted.
duction in moderate and extreme poverty
tions will take place over the weekend in At a press conference Minister of Trans- Other significant infrastructural projects
levels countrywide.
several areas in all ten regions. port and Hydraulics Robeson Benn reported which took centre stage in 2007 and which
It is against this backdrop that Prime
The consultations were held at the Ocean satisfactorily progress in 2007, which he are still ongoing are construction of the
Minister Samuel Hinds, at the opening of
View International Conference Centre. described as a principal year for infrastruc- Takutu bridge scheduled for completion by
consultations yesterday, charged the partic-
tural development. March/April and the Berbice bridge. This is

Jagdeo favours
ipants, for the 2008-2012 paper, to find out
Minister Benn noted that the achieve- expected to become operational later in the
why there have been such poor results and
ments were not made without challenges, year.
to make recommendations about what can

truth commis-
some of which still exist and are being
be done to correct shortcomings. The Re-

Ramleela
given significant attention by the Ministry.
gion Four round kick-started the process
Updates on the various projects were pre-

sion to examine
which will continue in all ten regions over
sented by senior officials of the responsible
the next two weeks.

returns to
departments such as the Work Services

Guyana’s brutal
Hinds told the participants that the results
Group (WSG), Sea Defence Unit, Transport
in two poverty status surveys conducted in
and Harbours Department, Maritime Ad-

Guyana !
1999 and 2006, following the implementa-

past
ministration (MARAD), Demerara Harbour
tion of the first Poverty Reduction Strategy
Bridge (DHB) and Cheddi Jagan Interna-
Paper (PRSP), have been marginal. He said
tional Airport Corporation (CJIAC).
the 1999 report showed that the national
The Ministry's major road projects in

A
moderate poverty level was 36% and ex-
2007 were the ongoing construction of the
treme poverty levels stood at 19%.
truth and reconciliation commission Berbice River Bridge access roads, com-
At the end of 2006 when another assess- The epic Ramayan, and its annual re-en-
to look into the PNC period in office pletion of the Road Safety Engineering Pro-
ment was done, Hinds said, the implemen- actment, the Ramleela, werebrought to the
from 1966 to 1992 would not help the cur- gramme and continuation of the Road
tation of the programmes set out in the Caribbean by the indentured labourers. It
rent state of affairs but such a commission Maintenance Management Programme.
paper had only showed marginal reduction was, and stillis today, a popular activity in
could examine the period in the 1950s and Extension of the four-lane East Bank De-
in the poverty levels. The moderate poverty the area of North India, from which mostof
early 1960s, President Bharrat Jagdeo has merara highway from DHB to Greenfield
level only declined by 3% and to 33% and the indentured labourers were brought to
said. and continuation of the Mahaica/Rosignol
extreme poverty, by 1% to 18%. "I am not the Caribbean .
He also asserted that before the govern- Road Rehabilitation Programme which is
knowledgeable of the procedure of measur- Once vibrant in Guyana, the Ramleela
ment and the opposition could enter into nearing completion were other notable ac-
ing the levels, but on the surface, the im- groups gradually dispersed until they
an arrangement for enhanced cooperation tivities for 2007.
provement is marginal," the prime minister stoppedtheir activities almost thirty years
or power sharing they must trust each In addition, approximately $1.9B was
told the gathering. "We have to see what has ago.
other. He added that he was reluctant to spent on upgrading, construction and reha-
been accomplished so far and why results However, in sister nation, Trinidad and
put in place artificial mechanisms to foster bilitation of various roads under the cate-
have not been better and what could be Tobago , the tradition sustainedand evolved
relations between the government and op- gories of miscellaneous, urban and
done to see more reduction in poverty lev- for over a century into an unassailable dy-
position because they would collapse if infrastructural development programmes.
els," he added. namic.At the behest of a Trinidad-based
they are not buttressed on a foundation of These were carried out through the WSG,
Hinds also disclosed that higher levels of Guyanese lawyer, Mr. Randy Depoo,
trust and goodwill. which was responsible for several enhance-
poverty were found in Regions One, Seven aGuyanese delegation, led by Pt Hardesh
Asked at a press conference he hosted ment activities in Georgetown which cost
and Nine. He said too that the other regions Tewari, attended a conference on Ramleela
at the Office of the President on Tuesday an estimated $424M to upgrade roads, the
had experienced some degree of poverty re- in Trinidad in November of 2006, which
whether he feels that a truth commission City's main avenues and drainage and irri-
duction. The prime minister said that the as- was organized by the Academy at the Uni-
could help in putting to rest allegations of gation.
sessment showed that 75% of Amerindian versity of Trinidad and Tobago .
corruption and other forms of atrocities al- Another major investment made through
communities were considered poor. Subsequently, in early 2007, a group of
legedly committed during the PNC's 28 the Public Works Ministry was installation
Meanwhile, Hinds said his government 14 students chosen from seven Mandirs na-
years in office and improving relations of approximately 50 traffic lights at crucial
has implemented economic policies and re- tionwide attended a summer vacation
among supporters of both political parties, junctions under a US$2.1M project that was
forms in many sectors and has maintained a course at The Kendra in Trinidad.
Jagdeo said that a lot of people suggested officially commissioned in July.
sound macroeconomic framework although The Kendra organizes this course with a
that a truth and reconciliation commission With regard to sea defences, major con-
economic growth has not been very signif- syllabus that includes theory to practical for
should be established for this purpose. struction was done in Regions Two and
youths.’The Ramdila 2007 – The Guyana

Local gov't polls

icant. He also said that though the govern-
Three under a $3.6B project funded with
ment has invested heavily in the education Initiative', a group of Guyanese who are
support from the European Union while an-
and health sectors, their returns would not taking initiative to reclaim the Ramleela

in ‘08 finally
other internationally funded project contin-
be seen in the short term but as the pro- heritage, has organized a workshop in Ram-
ued at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice.
gramme progresses. He posited a similar leela.
Other improvements were done in Re-
view as regards infrastructure. Over fifty (50) students attend weekly-
gions Two to Six with the $650M made
However the prime minister also said that workshops at the Gopal Mandir in Lusig-
Local government elections in Guyana, available in the 2007 National Budget for
citizens have a role to play in the growth nan.The Ramdila 2007 – Guyana Initiative
due since 1997, will be held by December emergency sea defence works.
and development of the country. He said group held its first major Ramleela produc-
this year.The Local Authorities (Elections) Continued efforts to boost the country's
that the government had implemented tion at the Starlite Drive-in Cinema from
(Amendment) bill was unanimously ap- ferry services include repairs to stellings at
many programmes sector-wide as it works January4-6, 2008, beginning 6:30 p.m. each
proved by the National Assembly , paving Adventure, Parika, Georgetown, Rosignol,
to achieve the Millennium Development evening. they were two-hour programmes
the way for municipal and local govern- New Amsterdam and Morwhanna while
Goals by the 2015 target. He said too the with no entry charges.
ment elections to be held by December 1, maintenance works were done to several

It pays to
PRSP is the people's document for devel- 2008. vessels including the Sandaka, Torani and
opment. Minister of Local Government and Re- Lady Northcote. During 2007, the T&HD

advertise in the
Region Four Chairman Clement Corlette gional Development, Kellawan Lallopened was able to reintroduce ferry services to
chaired the proceedings. The audience later the debate on the bill which saw lively ex-

Indo-Caribbean
Port Kaituma after 20 years.
formed informal groups to continue discus- changes before it was given the full support Investments at the CJIA were focused on
sions. The Government Information agency of the House. The parties involved blamed

Times
continuing the modernisation programme
(GINA) said this final round of consulta- each other for the yearly postponements through which new conveyor belts were ac-
tions is to further address issues related to since 1994. Lall, however, gave the assur- quired, various areas such as the Viewing
implementation of the second PRSP and ance that all the machinery was in place for Gallery were upgraded and new runway
subsequent developments. elections to be held on or before December lights installed.
1 next year.
GUYANA NEWS
Gov’t accepts Venezuelan reply on November invasion
Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 8

T
he government has accepted the Canje jeweller Berbice Bridge looks solid
robbed at 2.30
Venezuelan government's response
on the incursions into Guyana's ter-

am
ritory by a military contingent on Novem-
ber 15, 2007, "in a show of good faith" even
though not all the questionswere answered.
The response conveyed Venezuela's ac-
ceptance of a number of proposalsGuyana
had made to Venezuela to use the UN Sec- Friday, December 21st 2007
retary General Good Officer Procedure as
an instrument in the common search for a Canje jeweller robbed and beaten
peaceful solution to the Guyana/Venezuela
territorial controversy. A Canje householder put up a fight, but
In its response, the Vene-zuelan govern- was eventually beaten and robbed
ment expressed regret at the incident and by armed bandits who broke into his home
accepted some of Guyana's proposals for in the wee hours of a Tuesday,
enhancing bilateral relations while at the morning.
same time dealing diplomatically with the
Guyana/ Venezuela territorial controversy. Kalamadeen Khan of Lot 2 'B' East Cane-
Minister of Foreign Affairs Rudy Insanally field Settlement, a gold jeweller who op-
said Guyana no longer saw taking the erates at the New Amsterdam
Cuyuni incident to theOrganisation of Market, was awakened around 2.30 am on
American States (OAS) or the United Na- Tuesday by the loud barking of
tions (UN) as necessary. his dogs in the yard. He heard a loud
The majestic Berbice Bridge takes final shape. It will open in September.

Probe to check US based man

Contacted for a follow-up on whether the sound from his metal gate; as if someone
Ministry of ForeignAffairs had completed was breaking it down.
He ran to the door and saw a masked man

weapons issued found dead in

analysing the response to determine whe-
ther it adequately addressed and satisfied standing on his
Guyana's concerns, Insanally saidthat even verandah looking through the glass at him.

by PNC govts Mahaicony

though all the questions Guyana had put A second man appeared and they smashed
forward to Venezuela had not been an- the door before attacking Khan with an
swered, the government had accepted the axe and cutlass, and fired bullets at him.
response as satisfactory. The men ransacked the house, stealing
gold jewellery belonging to Khan's wife, The battered body of U.S-based Guyanese
He did not say what the unanswered Abdool Khan, who had been missing since
and taking away $300,000. The men President Bharrat Jagdeo has announced
questions were. However, it is understood January 14, has been found at Letter ‘T'
took his a wide-ranging probe to determine how
that the issue of compensation for the two Village, Mahaicony. Police say Khan,
five-year-old son, put the axe on his neck, many weapons were issued to government
dredges destroyed by the Venezuelan mili- called ‘David', who was staying at Bel-
and threatened to chop it departments under the late Forbes Burn-
tary and which were owned by Guyanese monte, Mahaica, had been clubbed about
off if they did not get more money. Khan ham-led administration by the security
miners, had not been addressed.

Great interest in Gunmen rob

was severely beaten in the attack. forces and have not been returned. the body and had apparently been dumped
And he revealed that based upon records among a clump of bushes along the Letter
provided by the Guyana Defence Force, be- ‘T' Public Road .

bio-fuel plant funeral home

tween 1976 and 1979, the military issued Police officials confirmed last night that
236 weapons including General Purpose they have detained a 22-year-old male as-
Machines Guns and other guns of various sociate of the murdered man, and are look-
Proposals from 11 companies interested calibre to the Ministry of National Devel- ing for two other suspects from Mahaica.
in investing in developing a local bio-fuel/ opment. Jagdeo could not say how many of Robbery appeared to be the motive for the
agro-energy sector are likely to be evalu- Two gunmen posing as customers walked those weapons have been returned and he killing since, according to relatives, the vic-
ated early in 2008 with assistance from the into Sandy's Funeral Home on Chapel assured that the investigation which he will tim's wallet, gold jewellery and a cellular
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Street, Lodge and robbed an employee of commission would hopefully unearth this. phone that he had when he left home were
and the UN's Econo-mic Commission for $300,000 cash before escaping on waiting He gave no time frame as to when the in- missing.
Latin America and the Caribbean motorcycles. quiry will commence, neither did he say Khan arrived in Guyana on recently and
(ECLAC). An employee said that around 2:30 pm what form it would take. was staying in Mahaica, where his mother
Ten of the proposals are from eight dif- she was filling out some paperwork for two Jagdeo's announcement came following and a brother reside.
ferent countries and one is froma local po- customers when the men came up and she the recovery of two weapons - a M-72 rifle According to relatives, at around 20:00
tential investor. heard a voice say "No noise, give me what and a beretta 9mm submachine gun that hrs on Tuesday, a car arrived at the house
The process of evaluation and imple- you have. I thought that they were just mak- were issued to the Ministry of National De- and Khan left with the occupants. That was
menting a comprehensive strategic plan for ing fun." velopment under the People's National the last time he was seen alive.

Gunmen attack
local bio-energy investment and produc- The employee who was still visibly Congress government from criminals last
tion, would cost an estimated US$1.2 mil- shaken said that the men got away with her week Wednesday during a gun battle at Ma-

full church
lion which would be raised with grant handbag which contained $40,000 and haicony. Jagdeo said the investigation
funding from the IDB and counterpart fund- $260,000 which was in the desk drawer. would go back as far as the 1950s to pres-
ing from the government. The woman said that the men wore no ent, noting that it now worries his adminis-
Gunmen on New Year's morning attacked
In an interview Minister of Agriculture masks. tration that guns that were issued to the
members of the Bethel Wesleyan Church on

Army style
Robert Persaud told the Stabroek News that government back then have now landed in
the Bachelor's Adventure Public Road, East
the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-In- the criminals' hands. "The question to be
Coast Demerara robbing the pastor and a

gunmen kill two

vest) has received the proposals, which are asked is how these weapons ended up in
woman of jewellery valued at $145,000
in varying stages of development since ad- criminals' hands," Jagdeo commented at his
alongwith an undisclosed sum of church
ditional information were still being sought press conference yesterday afternoon. He
funds.
from the potential investors. said that his administration has decided
Around five gunmen, clad in military fa- The robbers, armed with rifles, ordered
The number of investors has grown from early that it wanted a full investigation, not-
tigues and carrying rifles, shotguns and over 20 members to lie on the floor while
early August, when President Bharrat ing that the matter was a serious one.
handguns Sunday night terrorized residents threatening to shoot the Pastor, Clairmonte
Jagdeo had announced that six companies Among the weapons that were issued to
of Mon Repos,East Coast Demerara last Boucher. Speaking to Stabroek News
had expressed interest, with one of them the national development ministry were:
month.They killed two men and seriously Boucher said that they had theirtraditional
proposing an investment of US$600 mil- seven Smith and Wesson Pistols, Four HK
wounded two others during a ten-minute Old Year's Night church service on Monday
lion. 11 Light Machine Guns, eight G-3 rifles,
robbery spree in a rum shop on Agriculture evening which concluded at 1 am on Tues-
The proposals submitted include those four General Purpose Machine Guns, 20
Road in front of the National Agriculture day. He said it is customary that a social
from a locally-registered company, Sawa- beretta Submachine Guns, 15 Self Loading
Research Institute (NARI). would follow the service every year and
rima Agro and Bio Energy Enterprise; and rifles, 50 M-10 Pistols, six .22 rifles, six .30
Dead are Rajesh Singh, 35, of Martyr's this year there was no difference. He told
the Canada-registered Agri Solutions Tech- Carbines, six .303 rifles, 15 Self Loading
Ville and Fazal Hakim, 25, of Mon Repos. Stabroek News that they had just finished
nologies which is already operating a bio- rifles, six G-3 rifles, 50 M-10 pistols, 20
Both men, according to police reports, sus- eating - around 30 of them and were sitting
diesel facilityusing palm oil at Wauna in the beretta Submachine Guns, 15 M-70 rifles
tained gunshot wounds to their heads and mainly inside the church and on the veran-
Mabaruma District, Region One and five M-72 rifles. J
were pronounced dead on arrival at the dah when around 4:30 on Tuesday morning
(Barima/Waini). Georgetown Public Hospital. the bandits struck.
BUSINESS Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 9
No reason to Guaranteed Recession fears shake N. America
fear the fifth income for life
TORONTO - Stock markets resumed a 2001 to 2002 recession.
"It's not rocket science - the economy is

season-RRSP
sharp selloff after a manufacturing survey
came in worse than expected and U.S. Fed- slowing dramatically, and it's being re-
By Vic Sarju

D
eral Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said flected in economic reports."
the risks of a U.S. economic downturn are The White House announced during the
o your retirement plans ensure you more pronounced. morning that President George W. Bush has
have guaranteed income for life? Shortly after midday on January 17, decided that an economic stimulus package
Saving for your retirement involves a lot Toronto's S&P/TSX tumbled 180.33 points is needed.
of careful planning. Not only do you have to 12,894.53 after writedowns of securities Bernanke echoed the sentiment, telling
to ensure your savings will be sufficient to connected to the U.S. housing sector and Congress in an economic update that such a
fund your future need for income, you also lower oil prices had helped push the TSX plan should be implemented quickly and be
have to ensure that your nest egg will last as down over 600 points in the last two days. temporary so it won't complicate longer-
long as you’ll need it. With longer life ex- The index is now below where it started term fiscal challenges.

W
Ijaz Hosein pectancy, this could be 30 years or more. 2007. However, details were short about what
As you may know, there are a number of The TSX Venture Exchange moved down shape such a stimulus package should take.
e are well into Canada’s fifth season: different investment products currently 11.08 points to 2,713.13 and the Canadian There was also more dismal news from
The RRSP season; the time when all available, such as GICs, annuities, mutual dollar declined 0.31 of a cent to 97.29 cents the financial and housing sectors in the U.S.
the sleeping advisors wake up and suddenly funds and segregated funds. But do any of US. Merrill Lynch & Co., the world's largest
become your best friends, the mad frantic these investments guarantee that your re- On Wall Street, the Dow Jones industrial brokerage, posted a fourth-quarter loss of
dash to get in before the deadline. tirement income will be predictable, sus- average declined 133.97 points to nearly US$10 billion.
It can be the most brutal of all seasons, tainable, and potentially increasing? Or that 12,332.19. The Nasdaq composite index The firm wrote down some $14.6 billion
the most heat (in January and February), the it will last a lifetime? shed 17.88 points to 2,376.71 while the worth of investments and trades slammed
most pressure but quite possibly the most Manulife Investments has recently en- S&P 500 index retreated 20.24 points to by the ongoing credit crisis.
rewarding and the most satisfying of all our hanced GIF Select featuring Income- 1,352.96. The TSX financial sector was down 0.6
Canadian seasons. Plus.Unique in Canada, IncomePlus is now The blue-chip index is also below where per cent, with Scotiabank (TSX: BNS.TO)
If treated correctly it has been known to even better positioned to help provide you it started 2007, as is the Nasdaq composite down 49 cents at $46.56.
discharge feelings stronger than those of the with: index and the S&P. Online brokerage TD Ameritrade Hold-
first snowflake or spring flowers in full
Indexes had started the day on a positive ing Corp. said its first-quarter net income
bloom. Handled correctly, we literally get •Predictable income guaranteed not to de- note, but losses started piling up after the soared 65 per cent to US$240.8 million as
to take it all the way to the bank. crease no matter how investments perform* Philadelphia Federal Reserve survey trading activity increased and asset-based
Now don’t panic, I know that Christmas •Sustainable income that will last for life or showed regional manufacturing activity revenue continued to grow.
has just passed and you are getting all those at least until the principal is completely re- weakened in January, falling sharply to a On the housing front, the U.S. Commerce
lovely bills coming in and at the same time paid* negative 20.9 from a revised reading of Department said construction was started
there is the good old mortgage statement
negative 1.6 in December, its lowest num- on 1.353 million new homes and apart-
(you thought you paid more principal, did- •Potentially increasing guaranteed income ber since Oct. 2001. ments last year, down 24.8 per cent from
n’t you?) so you are probably a little to help offset inflation "The Philadelphia Fed just announced 2006. That's the second biggest annual de-
strapped for cash right now.
dreadful numbers," said John O'Donoghue, cline on record.
But you know deep in your heart that you •Control of your investment and access to co-head of equities at Cowen & Co. He said For December, construction fell by a big-

How to make your

should make the RRSP contribution, after you savings at any time if you look back at Philadelphia Fed data ger-than-expected 14.2 per cent.
all it’s for your retirement and Lord knows
for similar numbers, it takes you back to the
that the CPP will not last forever (or will •Tax-efficient income when held in a non-
it?).

mortgage tax deductible

registered account
Where will this magical, mystical money
come from, and what is the going price for •Benefits that can ensure the smooth transi-
a kidney these days (because you have two tion of your estate

A
and need only one so of course you could
always sell one). The features and benefits work together
Now before you give yourself a heart at- mortgage is often the largest debt peo- curred to borrow for the home (not tax de-
to allow you to invest for continued growth
tack (that is your advisor's job) consider the ple incur. The stress associated with its ductible), and principal that is paying off
while being assured that your savings can
following tips and we will all be further size often sets people on a mission of trying the total mortgage balance outstanding. At
provide a predictable stream of retirement
ahead: to pay it off as quickly as possible. While the start, a mortgage payment goes mostly
income for life.
1) Make the contribution; RRSP loans are not without merit, this goal is often previ- to interest and less to principal – this re-
If you would like to discuss this oppor-
easy to obtain and is a good way to take ad- ous generation’s well intended guidance verses over time. As the mortgage is paid
tunity in more detail, please call me at (416)
vantage of the biggest tax break that we that actually lacks financial wisdom and down the home equity can be re-borrowed
686-6127 to set up an appointment. Man-
have. often has negative results. to invest. Using the equity to invest, the in-
ulife Investments is with you every step of
2) Sit with your financial advisor and Advice is one thing that is freely given terest on this borrowing is tax deductible
the way.
arrange to make automatic monthly contri- away, but watch that you take only what is and unlike unused home equity, able to
butions to your RRSP. This way you won‘t worth having. Statistics Canada tells us that grow and compound.
* Exceeding the withdrawal thresholds may
be left scrambling for cash for the next 10% of the population control over 50% of The homeowner who puts $100,000 of
have a negative impact on future payments.
RRSP season. Your money will already be the wealth. The recent publication by Fraser equity into an income producing asset with
The Lifetime Withdrawal Amount is avail-
working for you. Smith, "The Smith Manoeuvre," provides an ‘expectation’ of profit can write off the
able after December 31st of the year the an-
3) Arrange to have your taxes adjusted at instructions and quantitative proof showing associated interest cost. At a 40% tax rate
nuitant turns age 65. Payments can continue
source; (form T1213) It is better to never the benefit to re-think paying down the the investor’s real cost to borrow is actually
until the contract reaches maturity or upon
have paid taxes than to pay and get it back. mortgage, and to re-consider debt’s place in 60% of the face rate of interest as a result.
death of the last surviving annuitant.
If you get a big tax refund each year you are a financial plan. At the 4.25% prime rate of today the real
really giving the government an interest The concept is quite simple; borrowing to cost to borrow is 2.55% (60% of 4.25%). In
Vic Sarju is a Life Insurance Advisor with
free loan, (so you are now a bigshot money invest in non-registered assets, unlike bor- other words, to be gaining the after tax re-
Berkshire Insurance Services Inc. A mem-
lender!) instead, you can give yourself an rowing for a family home, allows interest turn need only be above 2.55%. While in-
ber of the Manulife Financial group of com-
immediate raise in pay. to be tax deductible (according to CRA - terest rates vary, the long run probability for
panies.
Unlike the four seasons: Winter, Spring, providing there is an expectation of profit). gain is clearly strong with numerous in-
Summer and Fall with the weatherman According to Canada Revenue Agency vestments. As Fraser Smith points out,
Vic can be reached at Tel: 416-686-6127;
guessing everyday, you can actually take rules governing interest deductibility for in- since the house is the security the invest-
Toll Free: 1 888 686-6127.
control of the fifth season (RRSP) and grow vesting are set out in IT-533 Interest De- ment portfolio is free and clear and pro-
your own sunshine whilst controlling the ductibility and Related Issues - October 31, vides liquidity if ever required along the
The opinions expressed are those of the au-
rainy days, your life can be filled with clear 2003 and represents the most current refer- way.
thor and may not necessarily be those of
blue skies with the occasional snow storm ence at the time of writing. Using home equity responsibly is a pow-
Berkshire Insurance Services Inc. Contents,
of course, because, after all, this is Canada The change in reason for borrowing low- erful tool for asset accumulation. While you
courtesy of WealthStyles from Manulife In-
eh! ers after-tax borrowing costs as the interest may always have a mortgage - a six figure
vestments.
RRSP deadline: creates a refund at your marginal tax rate. mortgage with a seven figure investment
This year’s deadline to have your RRSP At a 40% tax rate interest cost is 40% less. account gives little concern. For advice on
contribution eligible for the 2007 tax year To put this in perspective, a 5% mortgage this strategy can be found at www.smith-
is midnight on February 29, 2008. becomes 3% after interest deduction. As an man.net. While what you owe is important,
investor, if the after tax rate of return ex- what you are worth after tax is what ulti-
Ijaz Hosein is a financial advisor with ceeds 3% you are getting rich with some- mately fulfills most financial goals.
BoosterLink Financial Inc and can be one else’s money.
reached at 647-401-1608. Each mortgage payment is a blended por- For more information contact Mortgage
tion of principal and interest – interest in- Broker Rudy Lochan at 416-410-7501
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO REPORT Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 10
Patrick X and the killings in Trinidad (Continued From Page 5)
Deputy Commissioner of Police Gilbert THE WAITING PERIOD of his death, but a man is before the courts
Reyes, who chastised the media for reports charged with the killing and Bowlah, whose
GANG MURDERS MUST which stated the murder figure had sur- When a body is found with gunshot, chop killing was listed on the official homicide
BE DEALT WITH passed Homicide's official tally, thus telling or other wounds and is yet to be identified, figure.
the public that the toll had surpassed 2005's Homicide does not class this as being a The list goes on about questionable
Julien Neaves figure of 386-then a record toll. murder until autopsies are performed. deaths and autopsies which are performed
[email protected] "(The media figure) Might be different Explanations often given by police as to on the victims which proved they died on
Friday, December 14th 2007 to mine, reasons, because some of the re- the reason why these unclassified killings unnatural causes. However, these results are
GANG related homicides must be dealt ports that you (media) have classed as are not added to the murder figure include, not reflected on the official Homicide figure
with if this country has to address a large homicides are not classified as homicides "Suppose the person had a heart attack be- being purported by those in authority.
percentage of homicides, advised US Prof in the police service. fore being shot or chopped ..."
Stephen Mastrofski. "Some went for Coroner's Inquest and Saying a waiting period is adopted to en- STATE WITNESS KILLED
some are still awaiting instructions from the sure all methods of identifying the body are Tuesday, December 11th 2007
Mastrofski, Principal Investigator and DPP," Reyes said at a media conference on met, explanations such as "there is no re-
Project Leader of project "Transformation Monday afternoon at Police Administration quired waiting period in which the body can The State said yesterday it had no choice
of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service" in Port of Spain . be stored.." are also often given by the po- but to discontinue a gang-related murder
and professor of public and international af- But figures gathered by the Express lice. case, after one of the witnesses was recently
fairs, George Mason University, noted that newspaper show a different story as, of De- However, a pathologist, also speaking on killed and two others said they no longer
gang related homicides in this country has cember 31, the murder toll stood at 395 for the condition of anonymity, said: "Nor- wanted to testify.
been "pretty high and stable" since 2003. the year. This toll excludes inquests, mally when there is an unnatural death, the Senior State prosecutor Kathy-Ann Wa-
He also reported high levels of gang vi- manslaughters and unclassified killings. waiting period is three to nine months (be- terman-Latchoo told Justice Devan Ram-
olence were found in the Port of Spain , Whether the homicide figure is being fore an autopsy is conducted). persad said she was "unable to proceed"
Northern and North Eastern Divisions. "massaged conveniently" or otherwise by "The waiting period varies depending on with the case, having regard to the position
Mastrofski was speaking at the Ameri- the police authorities, the Express has com- the likelihood of the bodies being identi- of the witnesses.
can Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and piled the following statistics to support its fied. Usually, the waiting period also de- The two accused men, 26-year-old Aaron
Tobago (AmCham) event "Towards Crime homicide toll. pends on the police, but a problem arises Worrell and 23-year-old Kareem Baptiste,
Fighting Initiatives-The Transformation of The toll has surpassed the 2006 figure by when we have all these bodies and no though visibly pleased at the news, were not
the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service 24 and is now the highest record number of space." set free yesterday. The judge said he needed
(TTPS)" held on Wednesday at the Trinidad homicides Trinidad and Tobago has ever Noting that there is also a problem with to see a death certificate of the witness who
Hilton and Conference Centre, St Ann 's. seen in its history. storage space at the Forensic Science Cen- had been gunned down, and adjourned the
He explained that local gangs were not In 2005, the homicide figure stood at 386, tre in St James, the pathologist said the au- case to Monday.
dissimilar from gangs in the US or UK , or while figures for the preceding years were topsies are performed on unidentified Worrell and Baptiste, both of Picton Road
even legal businesses, in that they compete all lower at 261 (2004), 269 (2003), 172 bodies, which are then labelled as "John or , Laventille, are charged with murdering
with each other, though primarily through (2002), 151 (2001) and 120 (2000). Jane Doe" and buried by the State. Laventille gang member Oba Jones on
violent means. He noted that when a gang Earlier in 2007, Homicide had recorded On January 10, the unidentified body of April 21, 2005 .
leader dies or is incapacitated, it "desta- 2006 as having 368 killings, but added three a man of East Indian descent was found Jones was gunned down on the Brian
bilises the market" and the opportunity more in the latter quarter of the year to over a precipice along the North Coast Lara Promenade around midday . His
arises for people to "compete for positions". bring it to 371. Explanations given for the Road , Maracas, with stab wounds. Sources killing grabbed headlines for several days
Senior Advisor to the Minister of Na- increase included the classification of the said a waiting period of nine months passed due to the boldness of the gunmen in open-
tional Security Richardson Franklin, during murder of businesswoman Vindra Naipaul- before an autopsy performed. Death, it was ing fire in a public place.
his contribution, noted that with the death Coolman and autopsies which were per- found in this case, was due to a punctured A bystander, Licensing Officer Lystra
of gang-leader Kerwyn 'Fresh' Phillip in formed on unidentified bodies found with lungs consistent with stab wounds. How- Wright, was shot in the leg by a stray bullet.
September, a number of other murders were either gunshot wounds or chops. ever, checks with Homicide reveal this Jones had been in the company of a friend,
linked to his killing. Despite the increase, homicide figures killing was not added to the police's official fellow gang member Kelly Denoon, alias
He also presented a chart on the probable provided by the police for 2006 are still listing. "Machine Gun Kelly", and he was also shot
causes of homicides for the past four years cloudy, since Express figures also show For 2007, nine bodies (unidentified) were at.
which showed 53 per cent of homicides as there were a couple unclassified killings found bearing chop or gunshot wounds, Denoon was shot dead on December 4,
gang related, 13 per cent drug related, 12 still not listed in the toll. while autopsies on the bodies of three peo- reportedly because he refused an order to
per cent altercations and the same percent- This included the January 21 discovery of ple were undetermined, although the vic- take part in the shooting of an unidentified
age for robberies, and five per cent domes- an unidentified man who had gunshot tims' bodies bore marks of violence. State witness.
tic violence. wounds to the head at Sandy Trace, Laven- Sources at Forensics said: "We try not to
Franklin reported that the Police Service tille; that of a man on October 15 in a man- let autopsies on unidentified bodies go into
has been strengthening the new Repeat Of- hole on South Quay, Port of Spain, bearing a new year." DOH WORRY, MR JOSEPH
fenders Programme (ROP) and the Ministry a slash wound to the neck; and the uniden- However, although an autopsy on the Saturday, November 24th 2007
of National Security has interviewed repre- tified body of a man with chop wounds in body of Jacqueline Joseph Adams was un-
sentatives from the New York Police De- Springvale, Claxton Bay, on December 20. determined on June 17, a man was subse- So Martin Joseph now realises that he
partment gang unit and the Chicago gang quently charged with her killing. didn't have a clue when he accepted the Na-
unit for the position of full time advisor to UNCLASSIFIED KILLINGS Adams , 38, of Puerto Grande Beach tional Security Ministry. Doh study dat nah
work with the ROP team. Road , Erin , had been missing since March Martin!
Mastrofski had previously explained that Unclassified killings is a term used by 30 and her remains were found at Petrotrin Look, when you took over de wuk from
the ROP was one of his team's crime fo- the Homicide department when referring to Field Road , Erin . Her death was listed on the equally hapless Howard Chin Lee, we
cused interventions, where the police use deaths which have not been classed. Homicide's official figure. had an unprecedented rise in the murder
resources and strategies to concentrate on When autopsies have not been performed On March 2, the body Angelo Mendoza, 40, rate. Fuh de first time in our history we
repeat offenders by a number of means, in- on an unidentified body, or a cause of death a US deportee of Lily Trace, Siparia, was reach 300 murders, then we reach 400 mur-
cluding increased surveillance and arrest- following an autopsy has not been deter- found with marks of violence on Central ders, then it went down to bout 390 jus' in
ing them for outstanding warrants. mined, they fall into this category. Road, Los Bajos, Santa Flora; on April 15, time fuh elections and all ah we happy!
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the body of John "Wad" Vidale was found As de Prime Minister rightly say, crime
395 NEW RECORD HIGH a pathologist said the term "autopsy incon- on Spaniol Road, Diego Martin, bearing wasn't ah issue!
2007 MURDER TOLL clusive" is a figure of speech often used by several marks of violence; and on October If it was, you Martin, woulda be look-
the media and police. 22, Hollis Thomas, a 70-year -old pensioner ing fuh a wuk right now!
Denyse Renne "If we are unable to find a cause of death, of Duff Trace, St Croix Road, Princes But people check dat all de CEPEP wuk
[email protected] we put it as undetermined. The manner of Town, collapsed outside a supermarket after and all de tall buildings and all de odder
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 death can also be undetermined," the complaining of feeling unwell on October goodies allyuh dish out, outweigh de loss
pathologist said. 21. of a few lives, so what is de problem
The curtains have fallen on 2007 with the Citing the example of an individual Eyewitnesses thought Thomas suffered a now?
homicide figure standing at a new record falling off a building and dying, the pathol- heart attack, but an autopsy performed re- So Martin, stop making excuse and stop
high of 395. ogist said that individual has died from in- vealed Thomas died of severe injuries to the worrying! Your wuk safe, Manning wuk
Express statistics show that up to mid- juries sustained via the fall, "but what the neck, chest and abdomen, including a bro- safe, and we de people doh mind getting
night on Old Years night, three late night autopsy does not say is whether someone ken rib cage and lacerations to his liver. killed as long as our beloved PNM in
killings had pushed the toll near the 400 pushed the individual, whether the individ- power!
mark. ual slipped and fell by accident, whether the Then there was the April 24 killing of tailor Sleep good Martin, sweet dreams T&T!
Commissioner of Police Trevor Paul, individual experienced fits and this started Dhanraj Bowlah. Bowlah, 32, of Ajodha
during his final weekly media briefing for a series of events, or even suicide". Road , Cunupia, went missing from his Kurt Seucharan-Fuentes
2007, which he held just after 2 p.m. on "In a situation like this you have a cause home and was found bound and gagged in via e-mail
Monday, had given the figure then as 383. of death but you do not know the manner," the Arena River , San Rapheal, Arima.
This figure was reinforced by acting the pathologist said. An autopsy failed to determine the cause
 The Revival of Hinduism in the West
ACHIEVERS Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 11

The inspiring story of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Trinidad, Guyana, England and Canada
By Swami Dibyananda

A
and the other members of the Indian Cul-
tural mission . They took them to Champs
charya Swami Pranavanandajee Ma- Fleurs in the house of Mr. Bhadase Sagan
haraj founder of Bharat Sevashram Maharaj where they were accommodated.
Sangha said, “I am He. The Almighty re- He was the richest person as well as a dy-
veals Himself through me. I am the des- namic Hindu leader in Trinidad. The next
tined Saviour (Sad Guru), the day, the Welcome Committee arranged a
personification of God Himself for this age. great reception program for the Indian Cul-
I am the common reservoir, the power tural Mission in Queen’s Park, Port of Spain
house of Divine Energies and Benedictions. (the capital city). Thousands of Hindus,
Come to me, connect yourself with me, re- Muslims and Christians from all over
sign yourself in me; take refuge in me, Trinidad and different islands of the West
worship me, pray to me , meditate upon me, Indies came to the reception program. They
follow me, realize my ideals in your life and were overwhelmed by the lecture of Swami
work for my mission. In this way you will Advaitanandajee Maharaj, the great orator.
progress spiritually towards the path of God After hearing the dynamic lecture, the
realization, through my grace. This is the Hindus were thinking God has sent these
earliest course of spiritual progress in the divine saints to our blessed country to save
present age”. our religion. Since their forefathers came to
“My Sangha is but the second and more Trinidad from India about 112 years ago, no
perfected edition of the Great Buddha’s preacher came from India and for the first
Sangha founded in order to fulfill the de- time in their lives they saw Indian monks.
mands of the age. The Sangha sets forth a Swami Purnanadajee (left), Governor Mr.Patrick Renison (seated) and party Yet, it is amazing how these people from
synthesis of the ideals of the Vedic Age and cross the river to lay the corner stone at the Guyana Ashram at Cove and John Trinidad managed to maintain their religion
the spirit of national re-organization of the without any support from any cultural or as-
Buddha’s period. As long as the preaching pines and different countries of South Asia. (Calcutta) traveled via ship (Betya) to the
cetic background to keep their faith and re-
and propagation of -The Message of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Trinidad West Indies, under the leadership of Swami
ligion alive.
Sangha would be continuing, the Sangha India is at last politically free and her Advaitanandajee Maharaj. Other members
The Cultural Mission started preaching
will be alive.” people have become independent after were Swami Purnanandajee Maharaj
from Champs Fleurs. Mr. Bhadase Sagan
thousands of years of subjugation by Mus- (Deputy Leader of the mission) Brah-
Maharaj from a Hindu background always
INDIAN CULTURAL MISSION lims and British. There is a proverb, “The machari Rajkrishna (Swami Vijayananda-
supported the missionary group and pro-
Sun never sets in the British Empire.” The jee) and Brahmachari Mritunjoy. The ship
vided them with a pleasant stay. Swami Ad-
In order to carry out His order, the monks British Government in India sent farmers reached Mauritius Port and anchored for
vaitanandajee Maharaj lectured in different
of the Sangha were engaged in preaching from remote villages especially from Bihar two days. The Indians welcomed the Indian
cities and villages of Trinidad at the request
His message, the gospel of Hinduism all and Uttar Pradesh as indenture labourers to Cultural Mission and arranged lecture pro-
of the Hindu leaders of Trinidad. The Cul-
over the globe. On June 4th, 1948, a cul- the West Indies. It is assumed that the In- grams. The Indian High Commissioner
tural Mission was preaching the cultural
tural mission under the leadership of dians who were transported to the West In- welcomed Swami Advaitanandajee. Their
heritage of India with Vedic Sandhya and
Swami Advaitanandajee Maharaj, the great dies were from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. visit and lectures were publicized in the Ad-
Havan. The charming and melodious songs
orator, left for (Darussalam) Tanzania, (East This theory is still an unknown to people of vance Newspaper. In Mauritius 70% of the
of Brahmachari Mritunjoy kept everyone
Africa) from Bombay. They travellled by the West Indies as to which state their an- population were Hindus. Then they traveled
spell-bounded. Brahmachari Rajkrishna,
the ship named Kandala. Swami Ak- cestors came from. Most of the East Indi- to Cape Town in Africa, the Gujrati busi-
the young fair-complexioned and handsome
shayanandajee Maharaj was the Deputy ans landed in Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, ness community organized lectures in Cape
looking was with long curly black flowing
leader of the Mission, he organized the tour. Barbados and other Caribbean Islands. Town. Then to Barbados, the Indians or-
hair, provided the backdrop when he used
He was a dynamic monk in the history of These people worked on the sugar planta- ganized lectures in Barbados.
to perform the Heroic Guru Arati, in the
the Sangha. The other members of the Cul- tion as indentured labourers (1838 to 1845).
dancing mood, people were captivated. The
tural Mission were: Swami Tryambakanan- They were paid farmers. Today, the off- VISIT TO TRINIDAD
rebirth of the wonderful Vedic age came
dajee Maharaj, Brahamachari Chandi springs of the indentured labourers are now
alive once more. 112 years from one’s
(Swami Ashokanandajee), Brahmachari lawyers, doctors, politicians and are well- Finally the ship reached its destination,
motherland, change is expected; therefore
Paresh (Swami Buddhanandajee), Brah- educated men and women in the Society. It Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad
large numbers of Hindus were converted to
machari Ramdas (Swami Vedeshanadajee) is an established fact although people mi- and Tobago at 9.00 a.m., on the 28th of De-
Christianity as the Christian Missionaires
and Brahamachari Mritunjoy. After preach- grated from India so many years, to date cember 1950.
were in Trinidad. However, after hearing
ing and providing the people of East Africa they have managed to keep their culture, A Reception Committee headed by Mr. C.
the dynamic lectures of Swami Advai-
with the wealth of Hinduism, the cultural thus maintaining Hinduism. V. Mathur was formed in Trinidad to wel-
tanandajee Maharaj, a large number of them
mission returned to India. The First Prime Minister of India, Jawa- come the Cultural Mission. Swami Advai-
were returned to Hinduism. The Christian
In order to welcome the cultural mission, harlal Nehru requested the President of tanandajee Maharaj the leader of Cultural
Missionaries were not able to convert the
reception programs were organized in dif- Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Shreemat Mission and other members of the group
Hindus in Trinidad very easily any more.
ferent states of India. For example: one re- Swami Satchidanandajee Maharaj to send a were garlanded by the welcoming commit-
Due to the preaching and propagation of
ception program was held at the Cultural Mission to the West Indies tee. First, Mr. C.V. Mathur (President of the
Hinduism by the Indian cultural mission in
Association Hall in Calcutta, spearheaded (Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname) to preach cultural committee) welcomed the Indian
Trinidad and due to inundating the Hindus
by Dr Ramesh Chandra Mazumder, a great and propagate Hinduism (which teaches Cultural Mission with a short speech.
with Hinduism, they were unable to convert
historian. Other receptions were chaired in live and let live). During the period 1835 to Then, Swami Advaitanandajee Maharaj
Hindus into Christianity.
Delhi and Surat to welcome these fearless 1845 the Indians were sent by the British to leader of the Cultural Mission replied with
The Hindu leaders of Trinidad arranged
monks. their colonial territories. The Christian Mis- a short lecture thanking the people of
a few farewell programs in different cities.
With such vast response from East Africa, sionaries converted a number of Indians Trinidad for this warm welcome. The High
After adding to the wealth of Hinduism to
the Sangha felt a sense of comfort to send but Hinduism stayed alive after 112 years. Commissioner of India, Mr. Anand Mohan
the people in Trinidad, the Indian Cultural
their missionaries to other countries to dis- Pundits and the older generation fought and Sahay, Bhadase Sagan Maharaj, Bishram
Mission flew for British Guyana on Sep-
perse the verbiage of Hinduism. Then the struggled to sustain our Hindu culture. Gopi, R.R. Ojha, Pandit Seunarine ,E.
tember 14th, 1951.
Cultural Missions continue to send monks In the year 1950, 11th September, a Cul- J.Pelse and many other Hindu leaders wel-
tural Mission again sailed from Khidirpur come Swami Advaitanandajee Maharaj
to Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Philip- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 19)
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SAY IT IN PICTURES Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 12

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 Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 13

Now that’s what you call a bird. The Guyanese Harpy Eagle has a wingspan over two .
Surrounded by family and pundits, Toronto Arya Samaj stalwart Rupa Narine tends to
metres and can prey on quite large animals. the sacred hawan fire at her 70th birthday celebration held at the Vedic Cultural Centre.

Enmore Paradise Restaurant owner Harry Persaud (right) and staff from left Roza, Raseena, Sita and Rudra laid it out at their first New Year’s Eve party, with patrons
(in picture at left getting in the mood) to bring in 2008

Seeta Oumadatt (standing second from right), posing with her two Santas and some of the
children at Patentia, West Bank Demerara. She comes each year from New York,. How old are you now, is the question put to IC Times editor Ram Jagessar (right) at his
birthday celebration over the holidays.He gives a six fingered clue to friends and family.

Indian immigrant transport vessel SS Forth

COMMUNITY Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 14

Indo-Caribbean and other immigrants: How Much Accommodation?

Fishing boats bring
grants? Should it be accommodation, inte- ways of the new country. In these circum-
By Roop Misir, PhD gration or a combination of both? stances, isn’t there is the risk of immigrants

“Reasonable” Accommodation
becoming “people of nowhere”? Yes, cele-
brating one’s culture may lay our claim to guns to TT
both lands; but the fact of the matter is that
At the time when there was debate among it also gives newcomers no true place to call Letter to the Editor
Quebec politicians over limits to “reason- home.
able accommodation”, Prime Minister Of concern to us all is: Does multicultur- I referred to the Venezuelan connection in a

I
Stephen Harper said: “I first of all think im- alism encourage immigrants to assimilate past post regarding the type of ammo and
migrants come to this country to belong to or integrate? Or does it force them to re- rapid fire munitions that have been coming
this country.” Then he spoke of the need for main “ethnics”—on the fringes of Canadian into T&T and the rest of the Caribbean for
ndo-Caribbean immigrants come to accommodation for immigrants and their mainstream—merely to be seen and not the past 20+ years.
Canada mainly to economic reasons. As cultures. He added that the Canadian mix- heard? Is there a hidden agenda here? What
such, they strive to achieve career ob- ture of integration and accommodation are possible implications for Canada in the It has become so bad now that it may be im-
jectives. Since this means doing things dif- might be the right approach. By rejecting long term? possible to capture the culprits. Ordinary
ferently, out of necessity they are required the notion that the country is facing a crisis fishing boats have steel extensions welded
to adapt. However, problems of adjustment involving newcomers who won't embrace My Love Has No Bounds on to the underside of the boats and cannot
can pose a challenge for some newcomers. Canadian values, Mr. Harper then pointed be seen as they are at least 4 feet into the
With few official centers to welcome im- out: “…our country also consciously True, most us get emotional when it water.
migrants, many find support amongst rela- changes somewhat for new immigrants and comes to the place we call “home”. Like a
tives, and comfort in people of similar new cultures.” [http://www.theglobeand- son to a mother, my love for Guyana is un- These steel extensions act as "tie-ons".
circumstances. mail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071223. questioned. But having left her shores many Large waterproofed plastic containers and
Often overlooked is the fact is that we wharperimmigration1223/BNStory/Na- decades ago, I now realize that my love for bags are attached to these underwater, to es-
come not only with our skills but also our tional/]. other places also has no bounds. For some cape detection.
culture. Some of us choose to retain only 35 years, I have lived, studied and worked
relevant aspects of culture and tradition. Limitations to Accommodation in many provinces and cities of Canada. To They carry everything!
However, many would like the best eco- me, home is wherever I happen to live. For
nomic opportunities, plus the freedom to During the October 2007 Ontario elec- new immigrants and Indo-Caribbean peo- Even though the Coast Guard stops these
lead their lives exactly as in former coun- tion, the Progressive Conservatives stirred ple, that home is Canada. For young people fishing boats it is difficult to detect unless
tries. Are these expectations overlooked or up debate over what was “reasonable ac- born here, that place is also Canada. My they have CG divers like they do in the US,
ignored by mainstream Canadians? commodation” when they proposed that the own children have little interest in my who can check the hull for underwater
The ongoing challenge is how to balance province fund private schools, including re- ‘marti bhoomi’ Guyana, choosing to con- drag-equipment.
one lifestyle with another that’s different. ligious-based schools. But voters strongly sider my mother country as just another They know when the Guardia Nacional
Whether we like it or not, aspects of our rejected this proposal, and thwarted Tory place on the map. Should I get them for vessels pass by ( you can even see them
culture may become modified and our for- leader John Tory’s election bid. Despite that? Or should I be man and mature from the beach in Los Iros) and when our
mer ways tempered as newcomers become this, private schools are still allowed to op- enough and respect their views? Signs of CG under-equipped small boats go by.
exposed to Canadian culture. erate, but the students must pay tuition fees. the times, eh?
By rejecting public funding for religious Like fellow Indo-Caribbean immigrants, That is sweet T&T for you. No woner so
Culture schools, does this mean that Ontarians are I know that I am the one who choose to much guns with Portuguese writings and
insensitive to specific religion or people’s come to Canada. Accordingly, it is incum- Spanish logos are found in the streets in
The “culture” for a given population can belief systems? Or do they prefer that the bent on me to adjust in order to become T&T.
be defined as all the behaviors, ways of life, same education be provided to ALL Ontario successful in this wonderful country. I have
arts, beliefs and institutions that are passed students? Why? Is it because the prevailing had no hidden agenda, no cultural axe to If you have $500.00 TT you can pick one
down from generation to generation. For an view is that there SHOULD NEVER be grind, and everything divine to respect. As up in San Juan, Curepe and all of the
immigrant (or other) group where culture special privileges for special interest a Guyanese-Canadian with Indian roots "hoods" in T&T! You can even rent one!
dominates the way of life, then culture also groups? strong and proud, universal truths are in-
dictates the choice of food, codes of con- stilled in my cultural DNA. One of the That's how bad it has become, and the po-
duct, modes of dress, as well as the lan- Need to Revisit Multiculturalism? finest sayings in Sanskrit with universal ap- lice knows who the traders are!
guage spoken, religion followed, rituals peal is: Vasudhaiv Kutumbikam: “The
practiced, morality and norms of behavior. Ever since it became official, Canadians world is one family.” Billions around the Dr Chris Mahadeo
A major challenge facing Canada is not were apprehensive that official multicultur- world increasingly share this conviction. Associate Professor of Biology
only attracting talented immigrants, but also alism may have its drawbacks. While con- What’s the best way for Indo-Caribbean
BHAGVAD GITA FOR EACH HOME
helping that them adjust to life here. The ceived with the best of intentions, is there a and other newcomers achieve success in
task of making them “feel at home” shortly sinister side? For example, does it encour- Canada?
Bulk distribution centres.
after arrival may be easier said than done, age racial or ‘bloc’ voting, or promote the Those with eyes let them see. Those with
The Gita can be available in bulk at the fol-
especially amongst new immigrants from radicalization of fringe elements in reli- ears let them hear. And those who choose
lowing contacts: Donations are expected to
countries where peoples’ lives are governed gious communities? In recent times, there to whine, or use Canadian secular laws to
fund further copies; any individual or or-
by culture and tradition. For the authorities have been calls for prayer rooms in public push linear agendas, let them persist. Where
ganization wishing to assist in this project
therefore, the challenge is how to make spaces, and the insistence on dress code it will all end, only time will tell, but in the
can contact us.
newcomers happy and as they strive to be- preferences in schools and in sports. While end, Satya meva Jayate - meaning: “Truth
come contributing citizens in a strong and these demands are by no means illegal, are Alone Triumphs”! Indo-Caribbean and
CANADA
united Canada? such requests unexpected and asking too other immigrants who try hard enough are
Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton
much? Do they undermine the spirit of mul- most likely to succeed. Knowing what our
Ramnarine Sahadeo 905 671 9233 e-mail
Social Dislocation a Necessary Price ticulturalism? The recent arrest and charge rights is one thing; demanding them is an-
[email protected], Omesh Sharma
of a Muslim Canadian man for the murder other. Complaining will get us nowhere.
[email protected], Chandan
There is increasing movement of skilled of his teenaged daughter, allegedly for re- Amidst the apparent turmoil of life in
Persaud at 416-754-2382, Gulcharan at
workers across the globe. Many immigrants fusing to wear a traditional headscarf has ‘multicultural’ Canada, is there one happy
416 481-5777 [email protected],
like to acquire citizenship of adopted coun- cast elements of multiculturalism in a dif- medium where all can be reasonably ac-
Ram Jagessar at 416 289 9088 or
tries. Naturally, some choose to retain ties ferent light. commodated and respected? And can this
[email protected]
with former homes. I myself hold both Then there is the view that the multicul- be done without compromising our new
Canadian and Guyanese passports. tural label can be unconsciously patroniz- country’s goals for peace and prosperity?
RICHMOND HILL
Does dual or multiple citizenships nec- ing. Newcomers arrive in a cloak of exotic
Omo Persaud at omo@globalspectru-
essarily mean divided loyalties? Can a per- mystery. This supposedly discreet charm is [Dr. Roop Misir is an Indo-Guyanese
minc.com 905-886-1724
son concurrently serve both Canada and a never allowed to fade by assimilation, but Canadian Teacher with the Toronto District
distant country? rather is preserved by the façade of official School Board. You may contact him at
Winnipeg:
Other immigrants are willing to accept multiculturalism. As a consequence, the ex- [email protected]]
Ajodhya Mahadeo 204-661-6643
social dislocation as the necessary price for otica becomes embedded in immigrants’
economic advancement. And so they permanent identity. Nowhere else is this
British Columbia
quickly become assimilated into the social “accommodation” more obvious than at
Chameli Seegobin 604-945-9510, e-mail
fabric of Canada. Who says that the rite of summer fairs and other cultural extrava-
address [email protected], and
passage from the home to the host country ganzas. Here newcomers showcase food
Naraine Mohabir at 604-274-8938
necessarily has to be rough and traumatic? and costume (“sari and samosa”), and
If there is a secret formula for immigrant music and dance (steelband and bhangra).
GUYANA: Saraswati Vidya Niketan ph.
success, what approach should the host Immigrants are encouraged to hang on to
2760013/14
country Canada follow to assist new immi- their identity of origin rather than adopting
OPINION
No apology to humiliated TT chief justice Sat Sharma
Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 15

By Clevon Raphael Would Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc frequencies.

Sharma to retire
on January 24
Trinidad Guardian Nicolls lead the way as he was the catalyst

N
In this regard would Louis Lee Sing
of this whole mess, and set the example and record and air a new tape apologising for
ow that Chief Justice Satnarine tell his boss he is sorry for what has tran- the station’s unreasonable and bewildering
Sharma has been cleared of any spired? calls for Sharma to go “now.”
wrong-doing by the Mustill tribunal, certain Remember it was Mc Nicholls’ complaint In retrospect, Mr Lee Sing, were you and A pained and humiliated Chief Justice
questions must be seriously addressed if the to then Attorney General John Jeremie George “Umbala” Joseph right to take that Satnarine Sharma returned to the helm of
country is to learn anything from this act of which triggered this whole mess. position against a man who was simply the judiciary last December 21, a day after
injustice. Can he find the time from dealing with fighting against all theodds to salvage a life- he was spared impeachment. "I am happy
Who is going to apologise to Mr Sharma his own problems to be a big man and do time of unblemished public service in the to be back...I still have work to do," he said.
for putting him through hell, which some the decent thing? land of his birth? Sharma, in a wide-ranging impromptu in-
people would go to their grave believing Time will tell. In retrospect you two gentlemen, don’t terview session with the media, said he did
was motivated by spite, vindictiveness and Can we hope Jeremie, another key player you think you owe it, if only outof a sense not believe that the judiciary was weakened
malice? in this history-making affair, and who said of fairplay, to apologise for that inglorious by the charges against him.
Let?s face the hard, cold truth: although he had nothing personal against Sharma, piece of indiscretion? That is putting it And, just like earlier last year, Sharma's
Mr Sharma has been vindicated, because of would do the right thing at this time? mildly. return to his judicial duties will be short, as
the dog-eat-cat society we are now existing Since November 5, the country has not Louis and Umbala, I will be monitoring he is due to retire on January 24, 2008.
in (it wasn’t like this all the time), there are heard a squeak from Jeremie so I don’t your frequency on behalf of all citizens who Sharma resumed duties on March 26,
also those who would swear on the grave of think we can hold our breath on this one. have a sense of decency to hear whether 2007, when criminal charges, which were
whoever, that the man was guilty of what- Would the Prime Minister, who told the you are men enough to apologise to the sparked by complaints by Chief Magistrate
ever. nation he was only doing his constitutional gentleman CJ. Sherman Mc Nicolls that Sharma tried to
Because of their myopic, biased and jaun- duty by asking the President to set up the There are so many issues that come to unduly influence the outcome of the In-
diced mindset, they would always ignore inquiry, do what most political leaders play in this, as I said, very unfortunate tegrity trial of former prime minister Bas-
the facts and swear to whatever demon they loathe doing and offer a sincere apology to episode in the country’s jurisprudence his- deo Panday, were dropped on March 5.
worship that the CJ did a wrong and he Mr Sharma? tory that this space does not permit at this The prosecution against Sharma was dis-
should not have been cleared by the very I doubt we should hold out much hope time to comment on many of them. continued when Mc Nicolls refused to tes-
eminent people who adjudicated the matter. since he, a la Pontius Pilate, washed his But I cannot leave unless we deal with tify, saying he preferred giving evidence
The good name of the holder of the coun- hands of the matter when he restated his this matter about Sharma being told, by you before an impeachment tribunal.
try’s third highest public office has been “only” role in it,when the report was deliv- know who, to resign or else the police He was again suspended on June 13, after
dragged through the mud, worse than a ered last week. would prosecute him. more than two years of legal wrangling in-
Good Friday “bobolee,” all the while suf- Since our dear PM has often professed Apart from the disputed propriety of such volving allegations of interference by
fering in silent agony. his intention to take the pulpitwhen he an ultimatum, given the penchant for pass- T&T's third-highest official in a prelimi-
But thank God he and his family, who demits office, should he not display his ing illogical judgments on others by the ter- nary inquiry.
were also put through the shame and hu- Christian-like heart at this time and openly ribly misinformed and biased segments in At a hastily-called press conference on
miliation that Mr Sharma underwent with a reassure the CJ that his only role was in fact our country, just think what the perception the third floor of the Hall of Justice in Port-
very strong resolve to clear his name and the constitutional one he performed? would have been if the CJ had agreed to do of-Spain, Sharma steered clear of com-
uphold his reputation, ended up victorious, Then what about others who had no sig- so. menting on thefindings of the impeachment
as many expected he would have. Includ- nificant part to play in the failed attempts The talk on the ground would have been tribunal. Sharma said he had nothing to say
ing myself. to sink the CJ but who by their actions “he was guilty, that is why he resigned.” on the report which cleared him.
But victory at what price, one may very clearly found the man guilty even before a He said, however, that he believed the
well ask. single tribunal member was appointed? country would come to its own conclusions
That’s why it is very important that some- I am referring in general to those irre- on the entire issue.
body, anybody, must do the right thing and sponsible talk show hosts who demon- “I stood up for what I felt was right,” he

Kamla’s Fashions Inc.

express some regret, even remorse, for the strated an appalling lack of professionalism said. He does not plan to take any action
embarrassment and pain caused the CJ. by lambasting the man up and down their against the State for prosecuting him.

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Units 106 & 107
Scarborough, Ontario M1P 2G6
Phone: (416) 913-2379 Fax: (416) 752-1105
e-mail: [email protected]

We accept orders from schools, clubs and organizations

Massive clearance sale continues in the factory outlet (same location)

Fill your barrels to send back home

Youth T-Shirts and Tank Tops - $2.00 each
Adult Golf Shirts $5.00
Ladies Leggings and Capri Pants $3.00
Children’s Clothing from $2.00 each
Adult Tee-Shirts in a variety of sizes and colours - $2.00
Wide range of Winter Clothing on Sale
Scrap for cleaning - $5.00 a bag

Wide variety of transfers/screen prints – Babies, Children, Humour, Christmas, topical,

geographical/Souvenir from 50 cents.
Are Indo-Canadians running low on vitamin D?
HEALTH AND FASHION Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 16

V Humidifier can
itamin D tests conducted on a skin is exposed to strong spring and sum- Canada in winter fall to around 40 nmol/L,

help manage dry

group of University of Toronto stu- mer ultraviolet light, hence its nickname the and even less in non-whites.
dents have found that virtually all sunshine vitamin. Those with darker skins
non-whites had insufficient levels of the have more pigmentation due to melanin, a Vitamin D insufficiency used to be thought

winter air
sunshine vitamin, putting them at elevated natural sunscreen, that slows the ability of of as a problem causing only rickets, but in
risk of debilitating diseases such as osteo- skin to make the vitamin. recent years, researchers have found that

W
porosis, cancer and diabetes. low levels of the nutrient are linked to a dis-
"The darker your skin, the lower your aver- parate range of diseases and health prob- inter brings the stuffy combination of
The research found that 93 per cent of age vitamin D level will be. There is no lems, including many types of cancer, cold season and months of dry air
South Asians (those of Indian or Pakistani doubt about it," said Reinhold Vieth, a pro- osteoporosis, mult-iple sclerosis, diabetes when the heat goes on.
origin, including Indo-Caribbeans) were fessor in the department of nutritional sci- and susceptibility to tuberculosis and in- If you're struggling with a dry cough, or
short of vitamin D, as were 100 per cent of ences at the university and another of the fluenza. reaching for the tissue box to try - in vain -
those of African origin, and 85 per cent of researchers. Dr. Vieth said Canada needs a to blow your nose so you can breathe, it's
East Asians (those of Chinese, Indochinese public health strategy that includes more in- Diet is a source of vitamin D, but very few time to consider a humidifier.
or Filipino origin, among other countries). formation about vitamin D, particularly for foods contain it naturally. In Canada, milk By putting moisture back into a dry en-
those at risk of deficiencies based on skin and some other products are artificially for- vironment, the machines can bring relief to
The findings have alarmed the researchers, colour. tified: a cup of milk contains about 100 IU. victims of the dreaded winter cold. Humid-
who say that if the results are typical of Oily fish, such as salmon and sardines, also ifiers can help ease dryness in the lining of
Canada's growing non-white population, One of the participants in the study, Roselle contain about 300 IU a serving. Smaller the nose, the bronchial tubes and the lungs,
the country could be facing a public health Gonsalves, said she was "very much sur- amounts are found in organ meat and egg said Jim King, a family physician in
crisis. prised" that her vitamin reading, while near yoke. Selmer, Tenn.
the average of the group, was considered in- "The water evaporates into the air, and
"I think it's important to take measures as sufficient, even though she had a summer MAN-MADE VITAMIN D then you can breathe it into the nasal pas-
soon as possible for this," said Esteban job working outdoors for part of the day. sages and it keeps everything moist so it's
Parra, an anthropologist at the university Ms. Gonsalves, of South Asian ancestry, With the right amount of exposure to UV-B easier to clear and breathe," said King, pres-
who worked on the study and said the re- hadn't been aware that melanin in skin re- sunlight, it's possible for humans to create ident of the American Academy of Family
sult "really surprised" researchers. duced vitamin D levels, and before partici- enough vitamin D. Here's how: Physicians. "If you have a lot of congestion
pating in the study had thought her skin and you're stopped up and can't clear the se-
Insufficient vitamin D amounts were also colour gave her an advantage when it came 1. Sebaceous glands cretions, it will be a benefit."
found among those of European ancestry, to the nutrient. "I was shocked," she said. Produce an oily substance that contains Humidifiers are also touted as a way to
but were less widespread, at 34 per cent of acompound called 7-dehydrocholesterol. help with scratchy throats, chapped lips, dry
those surveyed. Regardless of racial background, people 2. Sunlight skin, and congestion from sinus problems,
living in Canada are among those at the Provides the energy needed for 7-dehy- allergies and asthma as well as household
The research, based on blood tests con- highest risk in the world for vitamin D in- drocholesterol to rearrange itself into a problems such as static electricity, peeling
ducted at the university's Mississauga cam- sufficiency because of the country's north- chemical called previtamin D3. wallpaper and cracks in paint and wood fur-
pus in February and March, is the first to ern latitude. It is impossible, even in 3. Key organs niture due to low humidity.
systematically examine vitamin D levels of southern parts of Canada, to make the vita- The liver and kidney convert the previ- King says anyone can use a humidifier,
a group of racially diverse, young Canadian min in skin for about six months each year tamin D3 to vitamin D. From there, it is re- but he mostly recommends one for chil-
adults and categorize the results by ethnic- during the fall and winter because the sun- leased into the general circulation and dren, who have small nasal passages, and
ity. light is too feeble, so the amount a person is transported to target organs. can't always blow their noses by them-
able to build up during the summer is of As people age, the concentration of 7- selves.
A variety of factors influence how much of critical importance. dehydrocholesterol falls, reducing their Lisa Schroeder, a mother of two from
the vitamin people have, but skin colour ability to produce vita Mamaroneck, N.Y., said a humidifier
Low vitamin D may be
and diet are among the most important. THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN worked well for her four-year-old son,
Most of the vitamin D circulating in our
trigger for heart attack
John, when he was younger. She planned to
The results indicate that Canada may have bodies is made in our skin, when it is ex- buy one for her daughter, Mary, who turns
to revise its vitamin D intake levels and in- posed to ultraviolet light. one in February.
crease awareness about the risk of defi- "It's so dry all winter long," Schroeder
ciencies, particularly among non-whites. Whites can make about 10,000 Interna- People with low vitamin D levels face an
said. "It's good for the nasal passages and
tional Units after about 10 minutes to 15 elevated risk for heart attack, heart failure
to keep them free of stuffiness so they can
Some of the levels found - among people minutes in a bathing suit around noon in and stroke, according to a study published
breathe easier through the night."
from all ethnic groups - were so low that if summer. Those with darker skin need up to today suggesting that the vitamin may pro-
Just remember, humidifiers must be
the students had been infants, they would six times longer to make the same amount tect against cardiovascular disease. The el-
cleaned regularly to keep them clear of bac-
have been at risk of the debilitating child- because their higher levels of melanin act evated risk was particularly acute among
teria that can make you sick. And a humid-
hood bone disease known as rickets. Insuf- like a natural sunscreen. those with high blood pressure, the re-
ifier isn't a wonder cure.
ficiency in the study was defined as a blood searchers found.
"You're not curing anything," King says.
level of less than 50 nanomoles/litre, or Those with low levels can easily correct the Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium
"You're trying to treat the symptoms and
about half the amount found earlier this problem by taking supplements. Most mul- and is considered important for bone health,
make them more comfortable."
year to prevent cancer in a U.S. trial. tivitamins contain 400 IU, but vitamin D but a number of studies have indicated it
pills have up to 1,000 IU. A year's supply might provide a number of other benefits.
Currently, Health Canada doesn't have a of the bigger dose costs about $15 to $20, or In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to
racially based recommendation for vitamin about five cents a day. osteoporosis, and it can lead to rickets in
D. The Canadian Cancer Society, however, children.
IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE
earlier this year advised non-whites that There are a number of conflicting recom- Researchers led by Dr. Thomas Wang of
they need to consume more than whites. mendations on how much vitamin D to Harvard Medical School in Boston fol-
The recommendation, through diet and sup- take. Health Canada developed its recom- lowed 1,739 people, average age 59, for 5
plements: 1,000 IU a day year-round for mendations 10 years ago, and many critics years, taking blood samples to gauge vita- IN THE
non-whites, and that amount in fall and say its advice is outdated. In any case, the min D levels.Those with low vitamin D lev-

INDO-
winter for whites. agency says an adequate amount for those els had about a 60 percent higher risk of a
aged one to 50 is 200 IU daily; for 51 to 70 cardiovascular event like heart attack, heart
The new study vindicates the cancer soci- it is 400 IU, and over 70 it is 600 IU. The failure or stroke compared to those with

CARIBBEAN
ety's approach, and also suggests that the safe upper limit is 2,000 IU. higher levels, even with well-known car-
country's main food-fortification strategy - diovascular risk factors such as diabetes,

TIMES
adding vitamin D to milk and infant for- Given that differences in skin colour deter- high cholesterol and high blood pressure
mula - doesn't work for non-whites as they mine how much vitamin D a person makes taken into account.
get older, although it helps prevent rickets in sunlight, the Canadian Cancer Society is The risk for heart attack, heart failure or
during infancy. recommending non-whites take 1,000 IU stroke was double in people with both high
daily year-round, while whites take that blood pressure, also known as hyperten-
The U of T findings reinforced the impor- amount only in fall and winter. sion, and vitamin D deficiency, the re- 416-289-3898
tance of skin colour, which has been known searchers said.The findings were published
for more than a decade to be a factor deter- Government health-insurance plans cover in Circulation, a journal published by the
mining how easily a person is able to make blood tests for vitamin D requested by American Heart Association.
vitamin D at a given latitude. physicians. Many researchers think people Wang called the findings intriguing but
need at least 75 nanomoles/litre for opti- said it was too early to say that taking vita-
Most of a person's vitamin D is made when mum health, although typical levels in min D supplements would lower one's risk
for heart disease or stroke.
RELIGION
Dharma index
Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 17
able to read online) and Linda Johnson

to guide Hindu
(“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Hin-
duism”), both of which are written by non-
Hindus who have embraced Hindu dharma,

investors
and have many references for further read-
ing which you may wish to investigate.

A
Hindu Wisdom (formerly known as ‘A
Tribute to Hinduism’) is a great site on Hin-
fter investments in stock market based
duism and you may also want to browse
on Islamic values, investors would
through the Culture, Spirituality & Lifestyle
now be able to park money in stocks of
archives of Hindu Voice UK, which are
companies that operate in accordance with
filled with articles on a huge range of sub-
the principles of religions like Hinduism
jects relating to Hindu spirituality.

Mukesh Ambani
and Buddhism.
Global index developer Dow Jones In-

Be wary of
dexes, in partnership with Dharma Invest-

becomes world's
ments, on Tuesday launched 'Dharma
Indexes,' which measure theperformance of just discovered the language, some of these

English richest man

companies selected according to the value scholars (with a handful of honorable ex-
systems of religions, especially Hinduism ceptions) also projected their own world-
and Buddhism. view, biases and agenda into their

translations L
"The Down Jones Dharma Indexes bring translation.
together a combination of environmental, For example, in the 19th century a racial-
social, governance and traditional sin sec- ast month a Hindu became the richest
ist view of history was in vogue, whereby

of Hindu
tor filters. As such, the index is unique and man in the world for the first time in
history was a product of constant invasions
will not just have appeal to the religious, modern history. Mukesh Ambani, whose
and subjugation of one race by another.
but to a far broader audience as well," fortune was estimated at $20.1 billion at the

scriptures
Therefore, it was automatically assumed
Dharma Investments CEO Nitesh Gor told beginning of the year, has prospered im-
that anything sounding vaguely like a con-
reporters in New York. mensely in 2007 due to an excellent run in
flict in the Vedas was a race war between
The first faith-based index was launched the Indian stock market, which saw the
an invading European-like horde (Aryans)
in 1999 when Dow Jones came out with an benchmark Sensex gain more than 4,000
versus darker Dravidians, even if there was
Islamic market index. Presently, there are By Sheena Patel points to break new records.

M
no objective evidence that this was the case.
many Shariah-compliant indices with asset Being a major shareholder in Reliance
Unfortunately, because of the greater pres-
under management of over $500 billion. ost Hindus living in the West have an Industries, one of India’s largest companies,
tige attached to European scholarship in the
The Dharma indices series includes Dow urge at one point in their lives to learn as well as the rupee gaining considerably
humanities compared with Indian scholar-
Jones Dharma Global Index, as well as four about Hinduism. Sometimes the curiosity on the dollar has propelled Mukesh Am-
ship, these translations have achieved an
country indices for the United States, the arises from a genuine desire for guidance in bani’s fortune to approximately $63.2 Bil-
aura of authority. Unfortunately large sec-
UnitedKingdom, Japan and India. For in- life. In other cases the urge to look into Hin- lion by the year end, ahead of Bill Gates’
tions of English speaking Hindus ended up
clusion in the index, a stock must pass a set duism comes from a particular incident – $56 billion.
learning Hinduism through their transla-
of industry, environmental, corporate gov- for example being asked questions that In the table of the world’s ten richest
tions.
ernance and qualitative screenings, Gor we’re not able to answer. There may be any men, no other nation in the world except the
Better English translations of Hindu
said. number of different starting points to an in- USA now has more men than India. India’s
scriptures have been written by Hindu yogis
Dow Jones will licence the index to mu- dividual’s quest. five richest men now hold more wealth then
and scholars, such as Sri Aurobindo, Bal
tual funds that may come out withproducts So how does such a person go about China’s forty richest, despite the fact that
Gangadhar Tilak, Swami Dayananda
based on the index. studying Hinduism? One of the seemingly China has a GDP per Capita of about twice
Saraswati and Swami Chinmayananda,
Dow Jones Indexes Senior Director (Asia obvious things to do would be to obtain an that of India.
amongst others. These translations are often
Pacific) Sumeet Nihalani said 8-10 mutual English translation of some of the major Ambani is currently building the world’s
difficult to get hold of, and are quite diffi-
funds have already approached the com- Hindu shastras (sacred texts) and read most expensive house, to be completed by
cult to read due to the style of English used
pany for the index. The funds will be them. And this is what quite a few people September this year. The Antilia is estia-
– but are very rewarding and enlightening
charged an annual licence fee or a small attempt to do, perhaps from a library, book- mated to cost $1billion.
for the more serious reader who has got
percentage of the assets under management, shop, or an old copy lying around at home. It is as tall as an average 60 story build-
what it takes to persevere through the early
he added. Reading the Hindu shastras would seem ing, but contains 27 extra tall stories, with
stages. Recently, the Bhagavad Gita has

Listen live to
like a sensible thing to do for someone three helicopter pads at the top. Six stories
been extensively translated into English,
wanting to learn about Hinduism. will be reserved for up to 168 cars and one
and a number of excellent translations and
floor for car repairs. There is also one floor

Islamic New Year

However the result of such pursuit is commentaries exist – although there are
often confusion and misunderstanding of for entertainment, including a 50 seat the-
also a few of dubious quality.
what Hinduism is all about. The problem is atre. Up to 600 servants will be employed to
Other recommended ways of starting

event Jan. 20
in the translation. take care of the massive building, its three
learning about Hinduism are the beginners
There is an old story about how a com- floors of gardens, swimming pool and
books on Hinduism by David Frawley
puter, programmed to translate from Eng- guest quarters.
(“Hinduism: The Eternal Tradition,” avail-
The Muslim Youth League (MYL) says lish to Russian and back, rendered the
Caribbean Muslim Scholar Al Haj Ka- phrase "The spirit was willing, but the flesh
maludeen Ghanny will serve as guest of ho- was weak" into "The Vodka was strong, but
nour at celebrations being held for the the meat was bad.
Islamic New Year 1429 on January 20. A similar phenomenon occurred when
In a press release the MYL said it, in col- European scholars made their first transla-
laboration with the Guyana United Sadr Is- tions of Hindu shastras into English in the
lamic Anjuman and the Anna Catherina 19th century. Unfortunately, it is often the
Islamic Complex, is hosting the programme translations of such European scholars
at the newly opened Hogg Island Masjid. It which form some of the most readily avail-
said the celebration has been added to its able collections on Hindu scriptures. Ex-
calendar of events for Muslims in Guyana. amples of such translators include Max
The MYL said this is the first time that Muller, Ralph Griffith, Monier William and
the programme will be hosted in another H. H. Wilson.
county. It is expected to be covered live by Although they played a role in the pur-
Trinidad and Tobago's (T&T) most popular suit of English translations of Sanksrit
Radio Network, Radio Shakti, which is works, they were relatively new to Sanskrit
owned by that country's Hindu Credit and without a background in the ideas of
Union, and beamed to the Caribbean and the Vedic era, for them to set out to translate
North America. the large and complex works of the Vedic
Ghanny, along with members of the T&T age is an exercise bound to fail. It is com-
diplomatic corps, political, religious and parable to a person trying to interpret a
civic leaders and members at local mosques physics paper without a grounding in the
are expected to attend the event. basic concepts, but just having learnt the
A boat has been contracted to ferry persons language.
to Hog Island for the event. The MYL said In addition to the difficulty inherent in
Farouk Amin is providing this service free trying to interpret early Sanskrit of thou-
of charge. sands of years ago by people who had only
YOUTH Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 18
Race retention and culture loss among Indians in St. Vincent
Race retention and culture loss: South go set the case. If he say you wrong, you them did living in a place call Bottom Bar-
Asians/East Indians in St. Vincent wrong. If he give a judgement, you don't rick. It did have one Indian man living MAHABIR: Did they blow horns during
By Kumar Mahabir have to go through magistrate. The Indians there. They call that man William Laban . the ceremony?
used to set they own case. They call all the he English name, but he did name Takoor. WOODS: Yes. Blow you' shell man. Ring
Abstract - The West Indian/Caribbean is- people . estate people. He take evidence ah bell. pundit [priest] have their book.21
land of St. Vincent is home to a small per- from them. They no used to go to no court MAHABIR: How did your father convert Them ah read.
centage of South Asians/East Indians, all of at all. He used to be the ... am ... judge. He to Christianity?
whom came to work as labourers in the sug- left Argyle in 1905 when he bound done. WOODS: My father didn't come to Christi- MAHABIR: Can you read Hindi?
arcane fields after slavery under a system anity. At the time of his death, he did still WOODS: No. Me can't read man. Me hum-
of indentureship (1862-1885). On the island MAHABIR: Did he live in the estate bar- living the Indian way. But in 1931, I was bug meself man. My father could ah read
there are distinct areas where Indo-St. Vin- racks? baptized by Seventh Day Adventist. I was and write in Indian.
centians live, namely Richland Park, Calder WOODS: He been have a separate house 41 years of age. I didn't stop long with the
and Rosebank. because he was an over­-seer. 5 And Adventist because their teaching not right. MAHABIR: Did Indian marry Blacks in
This paper takes the form of an interview if anybody dead and you have a child - nine I change to the Church of God. those times?
done in 1982 with a 93-year old Indian, Mr. days, it used to have big dance and all kind WOODS: No, no, no. Black can't come
James Woods. Through this key informant, of thing. You have a daughter who go mar- MAHABIR: What made you change from near them. They wouldn't accept them at
readers get an insight of the living condi- ried, some buy a gallon of rum, some buy Hindu? all. No. That time no Indian at all ever mar-
tions of Indian indentured immigrants, their half gallon, according. And two pound a WOODS: There were two boys, Manoram ried a black. Negro find their rank; Indian
relationships with one other, and with the rice, three pound of rice, according.7 They and Ramrattan. They come Trinidad. When find their own rank. Now Indian ah go with
larger ethnic African population. Woods invite all the Indian; the woman them, the they come, one ah them used to stop at any Black; Black ah go with Indian. All before
also reveals the traditions and customs that man them. The woman from Richland Park house because he find Ididn't used to eat that time, when we there in the estate, In-
have been retained mainly through song, went to singin the house. They knock drum anything unclean. Ramrattan used to stop at dian people have nothing to do with Black,
dance, religion and marriage. He also at- and sing and dance and thing. a fellar named Harry Gonzales. One used to and Black people have nothing to do with
tempts to explain why so many Indians con- stop at me down there. But whenthey ready, Indian. You ah Indian, you keep by your-
verted from Hinduism to Christianity. MAHABIR: Did people marry at an early the two ah them go back to Trinidad. Them self; you ah Black you keep by yourself. No
The following interview was done with age? come as a colporteur [bookseller] for the other people eh mix up with one another.
Mr. James Woods, born 1889, at his home WOODS: Just as they five year old. Little Seventh Day Adventist. They selling book
in Richard Park, St. Vincent, on March 15, children - they getting married. You are the andthing. I buy a book called The Great MAHABIR: Do you know about Muslim
1982 when Woods was 93 years old. father and you are the father. Well, he say Controversy between Christ and Satan and functions?
you have a daughter. He say you have a son. The Revelation and Christian Sabbath. I WOODS: No.
MAHABIR: Mr. Woods, did your parents When the time come, they make a gowna buy those booksfrom them. Those boys.
come from India? [ceremonial acceptance of bride]. They MAHABIR: Do you know any Indian
WOODS: My father and grand-father come make a big feast. Their parents choosing for MAHABIR: What did you find wrong songs?
in a boat from India. My father come two them. about the Hindu religion? WOODS: Oh yes man. Wha' you talk? Me
years old, li'l child. He come here in St. WOODS: My father dead. See? After old and a fellar named Seecharan sing whole
Vincent in 1852.They come on a boat, MAHABIR: Did this happen in St. Vin- Indian people dead off, we take up the Eng- night till day clean. Indian song.
"Light in London." The boat wreck in Bar- cent? lish way. Before, Indian, when they have a
bados. WOODS: Yes. But the gyul go stop at the child born nine days, theyhave big dance MAHABIR: Well, sing a piece for me.
mother house until she come to a certain and singing and thing. When it come to a WOODS: All right . Rama kena bhajo mana
MAHABIR: How did they reach St. Vin- age. When they feel they can go, they make man dead, forty days, they have big party; mariobow lagai kay Put your mind on
cent? a big feast and they bring the boy and gyul. sit down and eat and drink. All them ahIn- Rama and praise him until deathRama kena
WOODS: They swim to shore. They take a They put them in a rule, the Indian rule. dian rule. bhajo mana mariobow lagai kayPut your
next boat for come in St. Vincent. None of the gyul couldn't commit adultery mind on Rama and praise him until
with any other man. So you done married MAHABIR: Tell me more about Hindu fu- deathKoi kaie phiira jilebi baraphi mangai
MAHABIR: Why did your grand-father before you know anything about the world. nerals in St. Vincent? kay Some people send for phira jilebi and
leave India? WOODS: When they bury the dead, every- baraphi [sweetmeats] to eat Koi kaie phira
WOODS: My grand-father (by my mother- MAHABIR: Was the wedding big? body have to go and bathe. The woman and jilebi baraphi mangai kay Some people
side) name is Kowlessar. They did immi- WOODS: Oh yes. They build big shed them na go for burial you know. When we send for phira jilebi and baraphi [sweet-
grating people to come to St. Vincent to cover with trash mostly. Cane trash. Bam- done, you have to go to the river and bathe. meats] to eat Sadhu kaie ruka suka hari gun
work. They come under immigration. They boo post. They had big broad bush call They mean to say you unclean. When you ah lagai kay Sadhus [ascetics] eat dry and
come to work. They come here under im- chaila bush. They spread it all about and we done bathe, you come back home. plain food and sing praises to God
migration to work. My father name is See- go sit down right round. They share food in
taram. My mother come from India too. My the bush.That was the rule, the Indian rule. MAHABIR: Did they ever burn anybody in MAHABIR: Did non-Indians ever abuse
mother name is Rajani. St. Vincent? you by saying "coolie"?
MAHABIR: Was there a priest? WOODS: No. They never burn anybody in WOODS: Them ah say "coolie," but I say I
MAHABIR: What work did your father do WOODS: The Indian minister there. They St. Vincent. They never burn none. All them no "coolie," me ah "Indian." I say, "Me nuh
in India? call him pundit. He come and married them. ah used to bury them the same. They used come as slave; I bound." We used to call
WOODS: I believe he was a sheep-a-man, to have the Indianminister, the Indian sadhu them African, "Negro."
seeing about cattle. He was seeing about MAHABIR: What sort of clothes did Indi- [ascetic] they call them.
cattle. He told me that. He and some fellar ans wear? MAHABIR: When did the Indian way of
minding cattle for other people, and he take WOODS: When they come from India, MAHABIR: Did your father stay separate? life change?
a stick and he knock the fellar. So he try to they used to wear dhoti [loin cloth] and WOODS: All the Indian whe' come Argyle; WOODS: I used to follow the Indian way
get-way in the immigration before they do thing. All ah them been ah wear dhoti. All they come in one like. They join up with right up to the time when the old Indian
anything with he. the woman and them beenah wear orhini one another. They have Dowlat and them, dead out. After, the young people take up
[veil] till they get the English wear. One they have Sieunarine them. All ah them ah the English way; so we throwdown the In-
MAHABIR: Were you told anything about time when I send my hand under the stone different nation [caste] you know. Some ah dian rule. Everybody begin to christen they
crossing the kala pani [black waters]? in Argyle River, the bera [bracelet] jam. My Chamar, some ah Garedhia, some ah Ahir. pickni [children] and baptize they pickni in
WOODS: No. father bring cruba [picket] and turn the different, different religion. Some ah Pen-
stone from my hand. I used to have , three MAHABIR: Did Muslims stay apart from tecostal, some ah Salvationist, some ah
MAHABIR: In which estate was your fa- bera 'pon me hand and my mother used to Hindus? Church of God, some ah Seventh Day Ad-
ther bound? have nose-ring,jewel all over her hand. WOODS: Well, Muslims did there too with ventist, all different religion.
WOODS: Argyle. My father did all kind of They call it julana [nose-ring]. them. All the nation there. If you is a Hindu,
work in the estate, but his last work was you is a Hindu; if you is a Chamar, you is a MAHABIR: What do you have to say about
overseeing. All the work they got in Argyle, MAHABIR: How did Negroes see the In- Chamar; if you isa Muslim, you is a Mus- the young Indians in St. Vincent?
he head all the work. To dig bank, he beat dians' wedding, clothes, etc.? lim. But all ah them go mix up because they WOODS: Them young people today cyan
all hand; to cut cane, he beat all man. He WOODS: The Negro dem used to be slave. nuh have you' family. even give their own account. They have to
was the head work-man. You understand? In 1834 the slavery come off ah them. They work out their own salvation.
So they raise him and raise him until release them from they slavery. Indian peo- MAHABIR: Do you remember any katha
hecame over- seer. He was a sealer-man in ple was under bound. [Hindu ceremonial worship] being done in MAHABIR: Mr. Woods, thank you very
Argyle too. Sealing rum . my father. St. Vincent? much for speaking with me.
MAHABIR: Was there any trouble between WOODS: Yes man. We used to have katha.
MAHABIR: Did he have problems, as an Indians and Negroes? We put up a white flag on bamboo in the
overseer, with workers on the estate? WOODS: The Negro and dem live separate yard. We sing and so. They no eat no meat
WOODS: All the Indian people, if they from the Indian and them. We did living - milk. Up to now medon't eat no beef you
have any case, they go bring it to him. He separate from the Black. The Black and know.
INDIANS IN THE CARIBBEAN Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 19
The Revival of Hinduism in the West (Continued from Page 11)
Swami Purnanandajee, the deputy leader newly built house to reside. Swamijee felt it Headquarters of all the branches. He gave Guyana Mr. Patrick Renison laid the foun-
of the Cultural Mission remained in was his obligation to clarify the depth of responsibility to Brijlal Bansraj to run the dation for the science lab, 26 February,
Trinidad to carry out the stream of Hin- Hinduism. He did not sleep in the house service of Felicity Ashram. He purchased a 1956. The Hindu Primary School and the
duism in Trinidad. provided but slept in the car so moving mini bus and he used to travel with the Hindu College was the top educational in-
from one area to another can be easily ac- devotees all over Trinidad to perform Sand- stitution in British Guyana. All races of stu-
BHARAT SEVASHRAM cessible to educate and add to the value of hya, Havan as well as to preach and propa- dents attending in the Hindu college and
SANGHA IN GUYANA Hinduism to the people of Trinidad. He gate the message of Guru Maharaj. Mr. that was the only school in the west
hardly slept in the house; he returned to his Brijlal Bansraj along with Mr. Shyamlal whereby students were allowed to say their
Dr. Jung Bahadur Singh, Pandit S.P. home every 10-15days. His goal was to Jadunandan was very dedicated to Guru own prayers before attending class. Swami-
Sharma, Barrister Sugrim Singh, Ramjas spread the teachings of Hinduisim (teach- Maharaj. jee allowed the poor students; free educa-
Tewari and many other Hindu leaders were ings of his Guru, Acharya Swami Prana- tion and allow them to stay in the dormitory
present to welcome the Indian Cultural vanandjee Maharaj). SWAMI PURNANADAJEE free, thus the reason for Swamjee to build a
Mission at the Atkinson (Cheddi Jagan) In Trinidad the Maha Sabha was formed IN GUYANA College for the people of Guyana. This is
Airport (Guyana). Dr. Jung Bahadur Singh through the guidance of Swami Purnanan- the work of this great organization (Bharat
welcomed the Mission by giving a short daje Maharaj. Bhadase Sagan Maharaj was Hindu leaders of Guyana, Dr. Jung Ba- Sevashram Sangha).
speech; people garlanded every one of the the President of Maha Sahba. Swamijee en- hadur Singh, Pandit S.P. Sharma, Mr. R.K. Swamijee traveled all over Guyana to
monks. Swami Advaitanandajee Maharaj couraged Mr. Bhadase Sagan Maharaj to Singh, Mr. Budhu and Mr. Kedar sponsored preach and propagate the ideals of Hin-
replied with a short lecture to thank and open Hindu Schools to protect the Hindus Swami Purnanadajee Maharaj. duism. Sometimes the Pandits created lots
welcome the people of Guyana. Lots of from converting to Christian missionaries. On Octobor 28Th, 1955, Swamijee ar- of problems, but due to his heroic and dy-
people were waiting on both sides of the Today, the Maha Sabha has 52 Hindu rived in Guyana. All the Hindu leaders of namic personality and the blessings of his
road to greet them. They brought them to Schools. After the expiry of Mr. Bhadase Guyana went to the airport to welcome him. Guru Acharya Swami Pranavandajee Ma-
the Kitty Mandir and arranged their ac- Sagan Maharaj, his son in law, Satya- His accommodation was arranged in the haraj, on one could touch him. As the
commodation in the house of Mr. Balkaran narayan Maharaj became the Secretary of house of Pandit S. P Sharma in Kitty, 29, Ashram was growing with lots of activities,
in Lamaha Street, Kitty. Maha Sabha. Sandybabb Street. Swamijee did yojna Calcutta Head quarters sent another monk
Next day, the Welcome Committee In 1953 a devotee from Felicity, Brijlal (Prabachan) for fourteen days in Campbel- to assist Swamijee, who unfortunately
arranged a great reception program in the Bansraj donated one plot of land to build an lville Temple (greater Gorgetown). He passed away in Guyana after a few years.
Town Hall of Georgetown. Mr. Charles ashram. When Swamijee got the land, he commenced preaching and propagating Swami Purnanandajee trained five Brah-
Willy, Governor of British Guyana wel- used to sleep on the ground on a mattress in Hinduism all over Guyana and added to the macharies in the first group. Swami
comed the Cultural Mission. On behalf of an open space with a mosquito net. Devo- revolution of Hinduism in Guyana. Vidyanadajee is the first Sannyasian from
the city, Mr. H. B. Gajraj, Mayor, welcomed tees used to beg him, Gurujee! We are pro- Mr. & Mrs. Resaul Maharaj met Swami- the first group in Guyana (South America).
all with an accepting speech. The audience viding you a room, please come, but jee in Kitty and offered Swamijee 20 acres He is presently in charge of America
was overwhelmed by the dynamic lecture Swamijee would not listen to them. When of swampy land in Cove and John, East Sevashram Sangha and Guyana Sevashram
of the great orator, Swami Advaitanandajee rain fell, he used to sit with an umbrella. Coast Demarara to build an ashram. He ac- Sangha.
Maharaj. The Hindu leaders from different Devotees used to ask him again, Gurujee! cepted the generous donation and started to From time to time, Swami Purnanandajee
parts of Guyana invited the Mission and or- Come to our house; he used to tell them, build an Ashram. Bhaijee Dudhnath, a very took short trips to India. During those trips,
ganized lectures. The sky is my roof. Within a few months he dedicated disciple of Swamije, worked with in 1960, he decided to make a short stop in
The Cultural Mission preached the cul- built a Temple in Felicity on that land. Swamijee all the time in the ashram. He London (UK). He saw the need for the re-
tural heritage of India with Vedic Sandhya Swamijee formed an organization named never saw Gurujee neither cooked nor eat. vival of Hinduism and in 1961 he estab-
and Havan all over Guyana. They received Trinidad Sevashram Sangha. By his en- One day he asked for permission from Gu- lished the London Sevashram Sangha, in
lot of co-operation from every one. The couragement and support, another three rujee to enter in the kitchen and was aston- Shepherd Bush, London (UK). Later, he
people of Guyana were captivated by the Temples were built; Caparo, Bejucal and ished to see heaps of coconut shells. He brought two Brahmacharies to London
heroic Arati performed by Brahmachari Ra- Freeport. These Temples are the branches asked Gurujee! What do you eat? Swami- from Guyana. Swami Nirliptanandajee who
jkrishna. The Cultural Mission spread the of Trinidad Sevashram Sangha. jee replied, “Coconuts.” In this way, he is presently in charge of the London branch,
words of Hinduism all over Guyana as they Swamijee organized hundreds of groups. used to survive but he never asked the was one of the Brahmachari he brought
did in Trinidad. The Hindu leaders of Swamijee wrote HINDUTVAM, it is called devotees for anything. from Guyana.
Guyana requested Swami Advaitanandajee the BIBLE for the Hindus in Trinidad, In Guyana, Hindus used to bury the dead In 1967, Calcutta Headquarters assigned
Maharaj to recruit one monk in Guyana to Guyana and other parts of the world. In bodies like the Christians. Swami Pur- Swami Brahamanandajee Maharaj (B,S.c)
carry out the stream of Hinduism. Swami Trinidad (Felicity Ashram), his determina- nanadajee Maharaj defended the cause for to Guyana as the principal of Hindu Col-
Advaitanandajee Maharaj said, Swami Pur- tion was so strong that he would use only the Hindus whereby the Government of lege. Swami Brahmanandajee served the
nanandajee is in Trinidad right now and he one match stick to light the firewood to British Guyana had to change the law to Hindu College as the Principal and also in
will work with the Hindus in both Trinidad cook. If it did not light, he would not cook. allow the Hindus to cremate their dead. Dr. charge of Guyana Sevashram Sangha for
and Guyana and will carry out the activities Some times he used to boil papaya leaves Jung Bahadur Singh was the first man to be ten years. In 1973, he rebuilt the new Tem-
of the Sangha. After preaching and added and used to drink it as food. cremated in Guyana and Swami Purnanan- ple of Guyana Ashram. By the request of
to the Hindus on Hinduism in Guyana, the Gayadutt Singh (Sunder), used to visit dajee Maharaj was present at his cremation Guyanese and Trinidadian devotees in
Cultural Mission departed. Farewell pro- him every day and Swamijee used to feed ceremony. He showed the devotees how to Canada, Swami Brahmanandajee visited
grams were organized in the Town Hall, him. If there was no food, Swamijee used cremate. Swamijee used to say, “Hindus Canada in 1975. With the consent of the
Kitty Mandir and Arya Samaj Mandir. to give him the boiled liquid papaya leaves have the sacred privilege and birth right to Governing body of Bharat Sevashram
Enroute to India, the Cultural Mission to drink. Sunder asked, “Gurujee! What is cremate their dead bodies.” Sangha, Calcutta Head quarters, Swami
reached London. Dr. Kumaria and other this?” Swamijee used to say, Sundar, “This Swamijee had a dream to live for. He said, Purnanandajee sent Swami Brahmananda-
devotees welcomed them at the Airport. Dr. is very good for one’s health.” Sunder en- “Until and unless I can build a Hindu Col- jee in 1977 to establish a branch of Bharat
Kumaria is the founder of the Hindu Asso- tered the kitchen and found out; there was lege and dormitory my dream will not be Sevashram Sangha in Canada. He stayed in
ciation in London. Swamjee lectured at the no rice and vegetables to cook. That’s why fulfilled and the Indians will be able to devotees’ homes and conducted service
Hindu Association for two days at the Stu- Gurujee boiled papaya leaves to survive. stand on their own feet.” Swamijee en- every other Sunday at the University of
dent Burrow and other places. After preach- He never asked any one nor would he couraged Indians, by saying, you the Indi- Toronto and devotees’ homes. Swamijee
ing and increasing to the growth of Hindus spend money to buy any thing for him. ans and you are the majority yet you worked hard and with the help of the devo-
in respect to Hinduism in London for three Swami Purnanadajee Maharaj, dynamic Indians are treated like Coolies. How long tees, a property was bought with a house in
weeks, the Cultural Mission left from Lon- monk, spent five valuable years in Trinidad. you will all be dominated? Arise, wake and 1981 and establish an ashram at 196, Royal
don via Paris and Rome and reached Bom- He established Trinidad Sevashram Sangha be a vibrant Hindu. One day you will have York Road, Toronto, Ontario (Canada). In
bay Airport. with four branches. Felicity Ashram is the to rule this country. When he used to say 1989 the Ashram was moved to 2107,
As mentioned earlier, Swami Purnanan- Headquarters. these inspiring words, his voice rose and Codlin Crescent, Toronto, Ontario. (Phone
dajee Maharaj the deputy leader of the In- One African gentleman, Mr. Ephram roared like a lion. 416-679-0967, E mail -
dian Cultural Mission remained in Trinidad Charles took initiation from Swamijee. He In 1956 the prominent lawyer Mr. Sugrim [email protected]). Swami Purnanan-
to carry out the stream of Hinduism at the was a politician and Swamijee selected him Prasad (son in law of Mr. & Mrs. Resaul dajee trained Brahmachari Shivshankar
request of the Hindus of Trinidad permis- as the President of Trinidad Sevashram Maharaj) supplied materials to build the (Swami Bhajanananda) He served Hindu
sion granted by Governing body of Bharat Sangha. He went everywhere with Swami- Hindu College (Secondary School) and college as an English literature teacher.
Sevashram Sangha (Calcutta, Head quar- jee to preach. Another African gentleman Dormitory. Devotees from all over Guyana Swami Purnanandajee sent him to Trinidad
ters). Mr.Huangriggs donated all the money to helped manually and financially and few in 1981, as In-charge of Trinidad
In Trinidad, Swami Purnanadajee Ma- print the Bhagawad Geeta, which was writ- devotees from Trinidad came and helped Sevashram Sangha and he served there for
haraj had no particular place to stay. Usu- ten by Swami Purnanadajee Maharaj. for construction also. Brahmacharies and five years. In 1986, Swami Bhajanandajee
ally he stayed in different Temples, in this The echo of Trinidad reached to Guyana students (boys) used to stay in the dormi- was sent to Canada to assist Swami Brah-
way he was engaged in preaching all day. long before. The Hindus of Guyana were tory. Hindu Primary School was built by manandajee.
He used to teach Sandhya and Havan to the waiting anxiously for Swami Purnananda- donations. In due course more buildings
devotees and lectured on Hinduism. Mr. jee Maharaj. Swamijee appointed the exec- were constructed in the complex is known (CONTINUED ON PAGE 21)
Sooknanan Maharaj, from Princess Town, utive committee members of Trinidad as Guyana Sevashram Sangha (Cove &
donated him a car and he also gave him a Sevashram Sangha and Felicity as the John Ashram). The Governor of British
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 20
Bollywood cinema Dabydeen wins New book on
Aamir Khan and Caribbean
courage were an inspiration to me as a stu-

constitution
dent, a truly great man who fell victim to
the petty and idiotic behaviour of politi-

young Darsheel
cians.

Nobel” writing- reform in

Of course the final duty of the writer is to

score with Taare

write beautifully, in terms of imaginative

prize Trinidad
depth and complexity, which is another

Zameen Par
kind of struggle against the petty and the id-

D
iotic.
SN: What does getting this award mean to
avid Dabydeen is much garlanded you?
within and without his native land -- DD: It means that I can have a greater re- Available from www.amazon.com and
Guyana. Thrice the winner of the Guyana gional presence, in terms of access to www.ianrandlepublis hers.com
Prize, he has just won the biggest prize of media, individuals etc. It will also encour-
his life, the ANSA/Sabga Award for age me to visit more of the islands. It offers A new book by Kirk Meighoo and Peter
Caribbean Excellence in Arts and Letters, me a degree of protection against acts of Jamadar “Democracy and Constitution Re-
the 'Caribbean Nobel Prize'. malice. And I can buy crates of red wine as form in Trinidad and Tobago” deals com-
The announcement was made on Friday well. prehensively and exclusively with
in Port of Spain and Professor Dabydeen The money will be spent on paying off Constitution Reform in Trinidad and To-
will collect the TT$500,000 prize in April. some of my mortgage, so I can have a se- bago. It undertakes this task from a number
The Stabroek News caught up with him cure home on earth; some will be spent on of different critical angles: comparative,his-
for an exclusive interview in his Coventry the poor in Guyana, a kind of bribe to get to torical-evolutionary, philosophical, theoret-
Cast: Darsheel Safary, Aamir Khan, Tisca home in the English Midlands on the day of heaven. ical, sociological, cultural, statistical, and
Chopra, Tanay Cheda, Sachet Engineer and the announcement. SN: How do you see the future of organisational.
Vipin Sharma Director: Aamir Khan SN: How did you find out you had won? Caribbean writing? The book challenges many taken-for-
All parents want their children to be top DD: I took a phone call one mid-morn- DD: Undoubtedly, the greatest achieve- granted notions about what democracy is
of the class. Therefore, there is no place for ing, when I was lazing in bed, wondering ment of Caribbean peoples have been their (e.g. free and fair elections, the rule of law,
slow learners. Nobody has the time or tol- whether to get up and face the bleak wintry production of globally applauded literature. majority rule) and provides a more histori-
erance to cope up with kids suffering from day. The phone call was the warm, lyrical The world respects us not because of our cally and cross-culturally sustainable defi-
dyslexia and Aamir Khan smartly tackles voice of the Director of the Sabga Awards, sugar and rum, but because of our writers, nition. The new definition of democracy
this issue in his first directorial venture telling me that I was their Arts and Litera- Nobel Laureates like Derek Walcott and VS formulated in this book applies to both an-
'Taare Zameen Par'. ture laureate for 2008. Needless to say, Naipaul, poets of acclaim like Kamau cient and modern democracy, in the rich
Some films are meant to entertain and in- England suddenly felt tropical, and I arose Brathwaite; visionary novelists like Wilson worldand the poor world. This provides a
form. However, this one is an eye opener from my bed. Harris. These figures have inspired another genuinely new contribution to the theoreti-
and a must watch. SN: How do you feel about being given generation of poets and novelists, like cal discussion of democracy and the analy-
Bullying of children by their parents is a this 'Caribbean Nobel'? Pauline Melville, Olive Senior, Lakshmi sis of democratic government, state,
shameful thing and as the story unfolds you DD: It's a great honour bestowed upon Persaud, Fred D'Aguiar, who in turn have culture, and institutions, in the Caribbean
begin questioning your treatment of your me, particularly special because it is a re- influenced succeeding talent. So the future and elsewhere.
child. As the film shows, the same yardstick gional decision. The Sabga Awards Project is bright. And, given global warming, the The book also furnishes the reader with
cannot be used for every child. is one of only a handful of activities and in- future is green, the most detailed statistical analyses avail-
The film is well scripted and all actors stitutions (cricket, University of the West I am sure the writers will be at the fore- able of First-Past-the- Post versus Propor-
have done a good job although some dia- Indies, Caricom) which are genuinely re- front of ecological struggle. This will not be tional Representation for all of Trinidad
logues are too heavy and preachy. gional. new, for Walcott is the muse of the sea, and and Tobago’s general elections from 1946
'Taare Zameen Par' would make for a I should also add that I am happy that the Harris is the spirit of the rainforest, and at to 2002, and all Tobago House of Assem-
good film for teachers and parents as well award went to a Guyanese. On many occa- the heart of Aubrey Williams' art and writ- bly elections from 1980 to 2001.
as kids who might be able to relate to the sions in the past years I have become so de- ing was the idea of catastrophe.
pressed by idiotic actions in Guyana (from

It pays to
protagonist in the movie. I should also add that when events and
Emotions shown in the film are not over banditry to the withholding of ads to personalities fade into history and then dis-
Stabroek News) that I decided to abandon

advertise in the
the top. They are real and often strike the appear from memory, it is the writing that
right chord. So don't forget to carry tissue the country to its own global insignificance. remains. For example, only a handful of
I thought I would relocate, imaginatively

Indo-Caribbean
paper. people remember the names of Victorian
Humanely covered in 'Taare Zameen Par' and physically, to India, which is a place, to politicians, but millions globally know the
some degree, of cultural greatness and

Times
is the dilemma of Ishaan Awasthy (Darsheel works of Charles Dickens.
Safary) - a child suffering from dyslexia. splendour. SN: What are you working on at pres-
His parents demand excellence from him in But I changed my mind and became even ent?
every aspect of life. When he fails to live more determined to stay with Guyana, be- DD: Happily, my new novel, Molly and
up to their expectations, he is subjected to cause writers should not abandon their the Muslim Stick, comes out with acmil-
punishment and sent to a boarding school. countries to politicians and bandits, espe- lan next month in the UK, so I will go to
He begs them to not send him away but the cially when the distinction between the two Guyana, after the prize-giving ceremony
over ambitious father ignores him. Life be- groups threatens to blur. in Trinidad in April, to launch the book.

Q-TREX INTERNATIONAL
comes more difficult for little Ishaan in the And, in moments of despair I remem-
boarding school - he is left alone to fend off bered the countless intelligent, compas-
bullies in the form of teachers. sionate, truly decent Guyanese whom I
The insensitivity of his peers, rough treat- would meet on my various visits, people 5040 Maingate Dr., Mississauga (Tomken & Eglinton)
who care deeply about the future of the
Ship 10 barrels (100 cubic feet) in one Calendar
ment by teachers and his parents' inability
to understand his problems take their toll on country, and whose shining character rep-
the nine-year-old boy. Eventually he loses resented the highest values of Guyanese so- Year and Ship the 11th Barrel (10 cubic feet) for FREE!
ciety. My duty as a writer is to keep
interest in everything, including his
company with such people, against the Enjoy this:
favourite hobby of painting, and stops in-
teracting with the outer world. petty and the idiotic. And I see my role too Guyana...............$45.00 per barrel
And then enters an unconventional art as reminding people that they should not
surrender to cynicism and self-abasement,
Trinidad..............$35.00 per barrel
Kingston............$45.00 per barrel
teacher Ram Kumar Nikumbh (Aamir
Khan) who had faced a similar problem in that there are many, many examples of eco-
his childhood and is able to connect with nomic, social and cultural progress in Montego Bay ....$45.00 per barrel
Guyana.
Ishaan. Nikumbh's gentleness and devotion
Our bounty is of course the rainforest, Barbados...........$55.00 per barrel
helps Ishaan overcome the trauma that he
has suffered. which has to be preserved from human We deliver empty barrels:
A brilliant script by Anil Gupte and ma- greed. It was truly wonderful when Presi-
dent Jagdeo announced a willingness to ex-
Plastic................$20.00
Steel...................$20.00
tured handling of a sensitive subject by
Aamir leave viewers overwhelmed with tend Desmond Hoyte's magnificent
tears rolling down their eyes. If Darsheel's Iwokrama initiative, I thought Jagdeo was Cardboard.........$15.00
being visionary and global as very few
name comes first in the credit, he deserves
leaders are. Delivery Service to any U.S. or Canadian city
it. The gifted child artist demonstrates every
nuance of a kid faced with such trauma, tor- My latest novels are partly set in Ask about our weekly a ir service
ture and humiliation and you feel like Guyana's rainforest, so I am very conscious to Guyan a and the Cari bbean
Call 905.290.1946 or
reaching out to him and comforting him. of its preciousness. Another visionary act
was to name the National Archives after
toll free 1 866 GO QTREX (881-5433)
Aamir fits the bill of an art teacher.'Taare
Zameen Par' tackles a sensitive social issue Walter Rodney, whose intellect and moral
and ended 2007 on a positive note.
CARIBBEAN Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 21
Global Indian Seeta gives back Revival of Hinduism (from Page 22)
group to set up to Guyana
TT chapter: L
In the absence of Swami Brahmananda- He visited Canada, America and London
ike many Guyanese, Seeta Oumadatt jee in Guyana, Swami Vidyanandajee be- and encouraged all the devotees to continue
came the principal of Hindu College and the activities of Guru Maharaj properly and

IC Times editor however,

left Guyana 38 years ago, revisiting
years later with her hands full. The items In-charge of Guyana Sevashram Sangha. told them in the same way, that he is going
were not for her or her relatives He is a vibrant monk and he has lot of com- back to Mother India forever to quit his

among 6 PIO’s to herThebirthwoman,

but for persons in need. mand on the Hindus of Guyana. Swami physical body.
who revisited the country of Purnanandajee sent Swami Vidyanandajee Swami Purnanandajee reached Calcutta
to New York (USA) in 1987 to establish a Headquarters before Maghi Purnima, he

be honoured
for the first time in 28 years, in
2000, to attend a relative's funeral, now re- branch. He established America Sevashram was in good health. Maghi Purnima and

G
turns at least twice a year to distribute items Sangha (in Jamaica Avenue, N.Y, USA), a Shivaratri festivals were passed. There was
to needy persons. branch of Bharat Sevashram Sangha. Purna Kumbela in March in Hardwar. All
OPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a new In the absence of Swami Vidyanandajee, the monks requested Swamijee to go to
This past Christmas, Oumadatt was busy
chapter of GOPIO International, will in Guyana, Brahmachari Bhaskar (Swami Kumbhmela with them. Swamijee told I
distributing gifts in several areas, even on
be inaugurated at a Fund-raising Dinner Shiveshwaranandajee) took charge of will not go; I am in Guru Maharaj’s Sid-
Christmas Day itself. This was her third trip
and Awards Ceremony to be held on Feb- Guyana Sevashram Sangha, also the Asst. dhapith, ‘this is my Hardwar, this is my
for the year.
ruary 29th, 2008, at the prestigious Hindu Principal of Hindu College. Guyana kumbhamela’. Most of the monks went to
Oumadatt, who works as a purchasing
Credit Union’s World Select Gem Conven- Sevashram Sangha is the first monastery kumbhmela in Hardwar. On April 11th,
manager for a veterinary laboratory in New
tion Centre in Freeport , Trinidad . and first Hindu college and Dormitory in 1986, His Holiness Swami Purnanandajee
York, revealed that seven years ago, after
The feature speaker will be the Indian South America. Maharaj gave up his mortal coil in Calcutta
an absence of 28 years, she returned to at-
High Commissioner, His Excellency Shri Swami Purnanandajee’s strong discipline, Head quarters at the Holy feet of Guru Ma-
tend a relative's funeral in Berbice and was
Jagjit Singh Sapra. Officers of the local great sacrifice, guidance and contributions haraj and took rest for ever in the sacred soil
struck by the poverty she saw.
chapter will be inaugurated by Mr. Ashook for the education insistences on moral dis- of Mother India.
Moved by the sight, upon her return to
Ramsaran, General Secretary of GOPIO In- cipline produced people in every profession Swami Purnanandajee, dynamic monk,
her New York home, she decided to gather
ternational, and Ambassador Mr. Krishna and field of activities in Trinidad and shed His blood and energy in the west for
together some items to send back to the
Nandoe, the Regional Vice- President of Guyana. By his grace, inspiration and the love of His master.
people. "I decided that I would do this once
GOPIO International, and President of blessings, America Sevashram Sangha, The people of the West are eternally
only", she stated. However, she was unpre-
GOPIO Suriname. Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Canada, Lon- grateful to Acharya Shreemat Swami Prana-
pared for the reaction she received from
Entertainment for the evening will be don Sevashram Sangha,Trinidad vanandjee Maharaj, founder of Bharat
persons, who upon learning of what she had
provided by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute Sevashram Sangha and Guyana Sevashram Sevashram Sangha, who continues to in-
done, contributed to her efforts.
for Cultural Cooperation. Sangha were founded. spire and unite the devotees to the spiritual
The members of the Mahatma Gandhi
Satsangh located in Hollis, New York, Swami Purnanandajee worked very hard. path thereby saving Hinduism which
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago’s Executive Of- He was very sick at the end of 1985. And teaches live and let live.
which she belongs to, contributed as did
ficers are: he was admitted to Hospital in London. At present there are lots of monks of
other mandirs in the area. Co-workers,
President: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath One night, Guru Maharaj (Acharya Swami Bharat Sevashram Sangha from India who
friends and family too donated clothing,
Vice President: Mr. Reuben Girdhar-Ni- Pranavnandajee Maharaj) appeared before are recruited to the West by the Sangha to
toys, dishes, school supplies, linen and
ranjan him and told him, “Purnananda! You have propagate the gospel of Hinduism and from
shoes among other items. Oumadatt said
Secretary: Ms. Rajnie Ramlakhan done a lot in the West. Your lifespan is at an time to time monks of the Sangha from
that the items are taken to the mandir, where
Asst. Secretary: Ms. Sacha Mahabal end. I am granting you few more months India are also visiting and propagating Hin-
they are sorted out and packed. Usually a
Treasurer: Mr. Venosh Maraj lifespan. You go and visit Guyana, Trinidad, duism in the West.
40 foot container is filled with the items and
Auditor: Mr. Davindra Singh Canada and America to meet all the devo- Om Shanti! Om Shanti!
shipped to Guyana. This year two 40-foot
Directors: Pandit Jaganath Seeram tees and encourage them to continue the ac-
containers were sent.
Maharaj, Mr. Doolarchan Hanoomansingh , tivities. Then come back to London and EDITORS NOTE;
The woman said that all the items are do-
Mr. Niranjan Bhaggan. finally come to Mother India, then I will
nated by persons who heard of the endeavor
by "word-of-mouth". take you.” Project A GITA FOR EACH HOME now
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago will honour Six Swami Purnanadajee rapidly recovered has another BULK DISTRIBUTION CEN-
For this season, in a hired canter truck and
PIOs (People of Indian Origin) whose ster- by the blessings of Guru Maharaj. At first TRE as Swami Pushkaranandji Maharaj,
accompanied by two 'Santas', sometimes in
ling contributions have impacted positively he came to Guyana. All the Brahmacharis one of the resident monks at Bharat
pouring rain, the woman distributed bags of
on our society. His Excellency Shri Jagjit were extremely happy as Gurujee is with Sevashram Sangha at 2107 Codlin Ave.
goodies in villages on the West Demerara
Singh Sapra will present awards to: them. They were nagging, Gurujee! You Rexdale now has supplies. He works with a
from Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika and also
along the West Bank Demerara up to Paten- will have to stay in Guyana Ashram with us lot of youths and hopes that all who were
~ Mr. Zahir Baksh for the rest of your life. Swamijee Said, My once associated with this movement in their
tia. Additionally, items were distributed in
~ Mr. Ramdath Jagessar Children! Listen, my lifespan is at an end, country of birth should inject renewed en-
villages along the East Bank Demerara, in
~ Ms. Valene Maharaj Guru Maharaj granted me a few months ergy in their Dharmic duties by ensuring
Georgetown and on the East Coast Demer-
~ Pundit Capildeo Maharaj lifespan to visit Guyana, Trinidad, Canada, that the youths are all supplied with a copy
ara. Items were also sent to Berbice. Ouma-
~ Ms. Phoolo Dhany-Maharaj America and London. Then I will go back of the Gita.
datt said that in previous years other places
~ Reverend Ralph Omraw to Mother India to quit my mortal body. It is hoped that all other Ashrams and
were visited and items were also donated to
orphanages and sent to the interior. Swami Purnanandajee stayed a few days Mandirs centres will soon follow his exam-
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of in Guyana. On day he proclaimed amongst ple of taking a supply of gitas whenever he
She noted that word is usually passed on
GOPIO International, is a nonpartisan, the Brahmacharies and devotees, Tomor- is invited to perform religious ceremonies
from person to person and when she is no-
non-political, and non-sectarian organiza- row morning I will fly to Trinidad. Next day at the homes of devotees.
tified about needy persons, a bag of goodies
tion engaged in promoting the wellbeing of early in the morning Swamijee did Guru He resides on the premises and can be
is usually prepared for the family. "When I
people of Indian origin, and enhancing co- Arati. Swami Purnanandajee blessed all the reached at 905 679 0987.
meet people, they tell me and I go to the
operation, understanding, and communica- Brahmacharies and devotees and encour-
neighbourhood", she said. She is assisted in
tion between people of Indian origin and aged them to carry out the activities of Guru
doing this by several persons, whom she
other communities in Trinidad & Tobago. Maharaj perfectly. Swamijee sat on the car
met during her trips. Oumadatt, who
seemed unable to sit still during the inter- and they all started to cry. The Brah- IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE
The Global Organization of People of In- macharies and devotees told, Gurujee!
view as she tended to arrangements or
dian origin (GOPIO) is a nonpartisan, non- Please look back and see what you have
sectarian global organization engaged in
checked bags, revealed that she never saw IN THE
herself undertaking something like this. done in the swampy land on the bank of At-
promoting the wellbeing of non resident In- lantic Ocean. Swami Purnanandajee
She said that the first time she distributed

INDO-
dians and people of Indian origin enhanc- replied, “I am the instrument of Guru Ma-
items the experience was "emotional" and
ing cooperation and communication haraj. Guru Maharaj did his work through
"now I get pleasure doing it,¦ seeing the joy

CARIBBEAN
between groups of Indians living in differ- this instrument.”
and happiness on their face". She noted that
ent countries and in furthering their coop- Swami Purnanandajee left Guyana on
such endeavours were also undertaken by
eration with India . Monday morning, December 9th, 1985 and

TIMES
her and others in New York and trips are
made to old peoples' homes and orphanages reached Trinidad. All the devotees of
http://www.Gopio. com Trinidad gladly came to meet him. He en-
especially during the holidays.
http://www.Gopio. net couraged them to carry out the activities of
Oumadatt says that she plans to keep on
with her charity work and her "ultimate Guru Maharaj. This time he was different.
416-289-3898
Deosaran Bisnath, He gave Prasad to every one and spoke very
goal" is to return to Guyana and retire.
President, Global Organization of People of softly. The devotees said to him, Gurujee!
Asked how she finds the time to undertake
Indian Origin (GOPIO) Trinidad and To- You are so kind to us. Swami Purnananda-
her journey here; she said that she utilizes
bago . jee said I am going back to Mother India to
her vacation time. She added that her boss
A chapter of GOPIO International. quit my mortal body; I will not come back
understands her endeavour.
physically to you.
SPORTS Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 22
Top 15 domino players for 2007 Cricket Soccer
receive awards from Horizon club West Indies Trinidad tops
gained new English speak-
respect in defeat ing Caribbean
by South Africa ranking in CFU
I
By Denesh Ramdin EIGHT-TIME Caribbean Cup champions
would like to start this week's diary by T&T retained third spot in the region and
congratulating South Africa for a well de- the label as highest rated English-speaking
served 2-1 victory in the Test series against Caribbean side in the Caribbean Football
us. Union (CFU) rankings yesterday.
That does not mean that I - like all the T&T made progress on the Fifa list,
other Windies players - was not bitterly dis- climbing three places to No 78. Cuba re-
appointed to lose (especially after our 1-0 captured the No 1 spot.
lead in Port Elizabeth), just that I appreciate Fifa’s January ratings show the Cubans
that they played the better cricket and retaining their Coca-Cola world ranking of
seized the majority of their chances. 71st while Haiti dipped four places to 73rd
The manner in which the Proteas exe- in the world, losing the CFU pinnacle posi-
Prem Sukhoo, 2007 Number 1 Domino Player in the World (centre, with trophy) is cuted their game plan and took us out of the tion they held in November and December

P
surrounded by other 2007 domino champions and the top 15 domino players. decisive match in Durban was an example last year.
of the consistency and level of profession- Cuba, semi-finalists in the 2006-2007
rem Sukhoo has taken the Grand Title place, Fred Lall was third, Navin Sukhoo
alism that is needed to be among the top Digicel Caribbean Cup a year ago, last held
of No.1 Domino Player in the World for took fourth place, and Mahendra Monilall
teams in international cricket. the CFU No 1 position in October last year.
2007, as the overall winner of all three tour- was the fifth place individual winner.
The 2008 Ontario Team Champion was After we lost the toss and were sent in to Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, who sank to an
namens hosted by the Horizon Cricket
bat, it was always going to be a challenge to all-time low 103rd three months ago, are
Club, including the Ontario Domino Cham- Rudy Bhoopaul, Munesh Bhoopaul and
negotiate the lively pitch at Kingsmead. To 98th in the world and stay fourth in the
pionship, The Canadian Domino Champi- Mahendra Monilall from Team CarTech
make matters worse, South Africa bowled CFU, while Guyana displaced St Vincent
onship and the World Domino
Team results particularly well and we were dismissed and the Grenadines (SVG) at No 5.
Championship.
very cheaply. The Guyanese, who defeated SVG 1-0—
He received a huge four foot trophy and
Then, the pitch and conditions changed on a Gregory Richardson goal—in a
a congratulatory letter from Canada's Prime 2nd Place
and batting became much easier and the op- friendly international on Sunday, are 129th
Minister Stephen Harper at a special cere- Furry Seegobin
position played us out of the deciding game on Fifa’s list while SVG plunged 29
mony held on January 12 at the Island Adrian Manahar
with a massive first-innings score. It was al- places—the biggest drop on Fifa’s world
Grove Restaurant in Brampton. Also re- Azam Ally
ways going to be a tough task to overhaul a list for January—and are now sixth in the
ceiving trophies and letters were Miguel
deficit of more than 400 runs. As it was, we CFU.
Parra, the 2007 Ontario Domino King, 3rd Place
lost by an innings and 100 runs.
Indian cricket tour of
Calvin Traverse the 2007 Canadian Percy Mangra
I managed the top score of 30 in our in-
Domino King and Rasheed Abdool the Karamchand Persaud

Australia to continue
Rohan Singh adequate first innings of 139 and then 25
2007 World Domino King,
the second time at the crease. It was again
4th Place frustrating to get starts but not make a sub-
The Top 15 domino players in the world
Terrence Ferreira stantial impact.
were awarded medals: India's beleaguered cricketers got good
Roy Persaud I'm not seeking to make any excuses for
how we performed but I'm compelled to say news on two fronts – suspended spinner
No 1. PREM SUKHOO Ken Dharilall Harbhajan Singh can play pending his ap-
that I think the losses of our captain Chris
No.2 MUKESH DYAL peal against a racism charge, and the um-
5th Place Gayle (through injury), Shivnarine Chan-
No.3 RAM SANKAR pire they complained vociferously about
Childs Kishore derpaul (through illness in the second in-
No.4 RUDY BHOOPAUL won't officiate in the next Test.
Harold Chan nings) and stand-in skipper Dwayne Bravo
No.5 MIGUEL PARRA International Cricket Council president
Steve Singh (through injury which prevented him from
No.6 MAHENDRA MUNILALL Malcolm Speed told a news conference
bowling) hampered us tremendously in the
No. 7 GOWKARRAN SINGH here Tuesday that a hearing into the India-
The 2008 Ontario Domino Championship final Test. I believe it could have been a far
No.8 GOVIND JAGROOP lodged appeal of Harbhajan's three-Test ban
was sponsored, in part, by Eldorado Rum, different issue had we been at full strength.
No.9 DINANAUTH MANGRU would be held held before the next Test,
and tournament judges were Fred Lall and Despite the circumstances, I know we
No.10 CALVIN TRAVERSE which was scheduled to start on January
Vishnu Singh. Upcoming tournaments for have earned quite a bit of respect over here,
No.11 ROGER MANOHAR 16.
the Horizon club are the 2008 Canadian both from the South African team and from
No.12 MUNESH BHOOPAUL The Board of Control for Cricket in India
Domino Championship – February 09, fans. The latter enjoyed the fact that we
No.13 ODIT PERSAUD had suspended its tour pending the outcome
2008, the Pools Tournament – February 23, challenged the Proteas in the first two Tests
No.14 RAKESH BUDHRAM of Harbhajan's appeal hearing.
208, and the 2008 Ontario Chess Master and, to some extent, showed a similar fight-
No.15 MILROY HOOSEIN Speed said if the hearing was not held be-
Championship – March 01, 2008 ing spirit in Durban.
The 2008 Ontario Domino Champi- fore the Perth match, Harbhajan would be
Please email Horizon Cricket Club at Now, it's back to the shortened version
onships were also held on January 12, and eligible to play in the third Test.
[email protected] or phone 905-794-5423 of the game with five One-Day Interna-
Azam Ally was crowned the 2008 Ontario Speed also said West Indian umpire Steve
for more information. or to register. tionals following the second Twenty20 In-
Domino King. Rudy Bhoopaul took second

CHESS, DRAUGHT AND

ternational tomorrow. We are putting the Bucknor had agreed to be replaced by New
Test series behind us and focusing on the Zealand's Billy Bowden for the next Test.
India had demanded Bucknor be removed

DOMINO TOURNAMENTS
upcoming matches.
We would love to win the second from the third Test following his perform-
Twenty20 as - having triumphed in the first ance in the second Test in Sydney, where up
game in December - it would mean we to five questionable decisions went against
clinch that series. It would be great to re- them in the match they lost by 122 runs.
Players of all skill levels (beginners to advanced) are turn home with some trophies. Speed acknowledged some people would
be unhappy because it looked like the ICC
invited to participate. Tournaments held every month I will be trying to continue improving
and, if given the opportunity to bat higher in was bowing to pressure from India.
during the winter. the One-Dayers, get some runs and post a Harbhajan was suspended for allegedly
big score for the team. calling Australian fielder Andrew Symonds
a monkey on day three of a controversial
See schedule at www.horizoncricketclub.com or phone
I've been enjoying my time in South
Africa. It's a beautiful country and we have Sydney Test.
905-794-5423. Also, adult and kids CHESS LESSONS been well treated. Some of us tried paint- Dr. M.V. Sridhar, India's media manager,
said the BCCI objected to the fact that
(beginners to advance). Learn to play the world’s best ball shooting earlier this week and had a
blast. Now, it's back to work on the field match referee Mike Procter took the word
board game. and we will be giving it our best shot as of three Australian players over that of
Registration information at usual. Harbhajan and veteran batsman Sachin
Tendulkar when there appeared to be no
www.horizoncricketclub.com other evidence.
 Indo-Caribbean Times JANUARY 2008 Page 23

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