Oct - Dec 2007 - High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad ...

Volume 30 15 October - 15 December 2007 

Season’s Greetings 

HISTORIC MOMENT: 

Prime Minister Patrick Manning is 

congratulated by H.E. G.M. Richards T.C., 

President of the Republic of Trinidad and 

Tobago, after taking the oath of office at 

Woodford Square, Port of Spain, on 

November 7, 2007.

Prime Minister’s 

Address 

PAGE 4 

Althea Bastien’s 

Batik 

Exhibition 

PAGE 15 

Eye on Trade 

Divali 

Celebrations 

PAGE 8 

PAGE 16 

The Govt. of 

Trinidad & 

Tobago 

PAGE 12 

Well done 

Martina 

PAGE 21 

Product of the High Commission of 

the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, London

NEWS 

Results are in and the PNM remains 

A 

fter the November 5, 2007, General 

Election in Trinidad and Tobago, the 

incumbent People‟s National Movement 

(PNM) was returned to office. 

The PNM won with twenty six (26) seats to the 

UNC Alliance‟s fifteen (15). The Congress of the People, 

contesting elections for the first time, did not secure a 

seat. 

The ruling party has rung in the changes upon its 

return to office and there are new faces in parliament and 

shifts in portfolios for most of the remaining elder-heads. 

(Please see The Government of Trinidad and Tobago 

on page 10). 

The President of the Republic of Trinidad and 

Tobago, His Excellency Maxwell Richards T.C., swore 

in the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and 

Tobago, the Honourable Patrick Manning, at a ceremony 

at Woodford Square at 3.00 pm, November 7 th , 2007. 

This swearing-in-ceremony was an historic event 

as it was being done for the first time in full public view 

and in the historic Woodford Square, The People‟s 

Parliament. It was also the first occasion in Trinidad and 

Tobago‟s history that a newly installed Prime Minister 

had decided to address the nation as part of the day‟s 

ceremony. The Prime Minister indicated that this 

departure from tradition signalled a continuation of the 

Government‟s intention to bring government closer to 

the people. He said: “Indeed we shall pursue the process 

of national consultation that we started in our last term, 

and facilitate, in appropriate ways, the involvement of the 

citizenry in important national decision-making.” 

The Prime Minister gave the solemn assurance 

that, in word and deed, his will continue to be an 

Administration for all the people of Trinidad and Tobago. 

He said that Trinidad and Tobago belonged to all of us. 

“Its resources will be deployed for the benefit of all; and 

together we shall all move over the next five years to 

make Trinidad and Tobago one of the best places on this 

planet.” 

Prime Minister Manning made the following points 

during his address: 

. All talents will be employed for the continuing 

development of the country. The Government will need 

a variety of skills at various levels for the successful 

implementation of our vision and policies. There are 

many positions to be filled on Boards and elsewhere, and 

I intend to ensure that our choices are in consonance with 

The Honourable Patrick Manning 

LONDON MISSION 3 

the very positive trends that were discerned during the 

campaign just ended. 

. The female population is coming more and more to the 

fore in this country and already enjoy a dominant 

presence in many sectors, including the Public Service, 

the Foreign Service and the Teaching profession. They are 

moving very rapidly in other areas including business, 

management, law, medicine and the media. And, as you 

can see, they are also moving in politics. The new 

Government will reflect this national reality and will be 

historic in the important roles that will be assigned to the 

women. 

. The Government intends to continue economic 

diversification, through deeper industrialisation with 

industries in plastics, aluminium, iron and steel and 

information technology; and also sustain our focus on the 

targeted non-energy industries; as well as our extremely 

successful efforts with tourism, manufacturing and small 

and medium enterprises 

. The Government also intends to keep down the price 

of food. Most importantly, they shall intensify their 

efforts at increased food production through their new 

vision for Agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago. Food 

security shall be a matter for major attention in the new 

administration. 

. The Government shall continue to deal with the need 

for affordable housing, especially for low and middleincome 

households; and shall maintain our target of 

constructing a minimum of eight thousand units per year 

to deal with this continuing problem.

10 4 LONDON MISSION NEWS 

PM’s address continued... 

A proud Patrick Manning makes his address to the nation. 

Above: Prime Minister Manning with wife and new Minster of 

Local Government, Senator the Honourable Hazel Manning, His 

Excellency George Maxwell Richards T.C., wife Mrs. Jean Richard 

their daughter Maxine at the swearing in ceremony. 

Below: The Honourable Prime Minister greets nationals after his 

address. Picture Courtesy Office of the Prime Minister 

. Further improvements in health care will be pursued, 

emphasising availability and accessibility of the best 

modern health care for the citizens of this country. 

. Plans for a vastly improved water supply shall be 

implemented; a comprehensive drainage programme; 

and enhanced power generation and transmission. 

. The problem of traffic congestion shall be dealt with 

through the many methods that the Government has 

outlined, including the construction of over passes, the 

removal of traffic lights, the establishment of free ways 

and the construction of a new network of highways 

throughout Trinidad and Tobago. 

. There will be continued focus on youth development 

with modernised education from nursery to tertiary; and 

through the many training programmes which have 

proven to be so successful. These shall now come under 

review for greater effectiveness and to ensure coverage 

over the entire country, providing all who are willing, 

with the opportunity for advancement in these areas. 

Tremendous new opportunities are also coming in the 

areas of culture and sport. 

. The battle against crime will continue. The law 

enforcement agencies will continue to be strengthened 

through improved management, better facilities, 

updated equipment including technology, and ongoing 

training in modern methods of policing, detection and 

crime prevention. The battle against the drug trade shall 

be intensified. 

The Prime Minister concluded his address by 

saying: “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are blessed with a 

country rich in human and natural resources, dynamic 

diversity and a culture of peace and harmonious living. 

This is also now a land of increasing opportunity for 

everybody. We should all strive, whilst improving our 

own lot, to contribute to a better society in our 

communities and in the nation as a whole. Let us all look 

out for one another and go forward as the family of 

Trinidad and Tobago; and let us remember to give 

thanks everyday to Almighty God for his bounty and 

blessings. 

May God bless each and every one of you. May 

God continue to bless our beloved country. May I thank 

you once again for the opportunity to serve you as Prime 

Minister. 

Thank you very much, Ladies and Gentlemen.” 

Patrick Manning

SPECIAL 


Extract From A Release 

From The Office Of The Prime Minister 

P 

rime Minister Patrick 

Manning adv is ed His 

Excellency The President 

George Maxwell Richards to appoint 

the 15 Government Senators. 

Former Minister of Labour, Small and 

Micro Enterprises, Senator Danny 

Montano was appointed to the Senate 

and was elected as the President of 

the Senate for the ensuing term of the 

new Parliament. 

The additional Senators appointed 

are George Hadeed of Arima, June 

Melville of Tobago, Laurel Lezama, 

also of Arima and Linus Rogers, the 

PNM‟s Elections Officer. 

These additional Senators joined the 

already named members of the 

Government in Salybia for a week 

long training and orientation 

programme. The session was the 

forum within which members were 

instructed in matters of government 

procedure and conduct, among other 

things. The newly formed 

government took up 

residence together for one 

week and was instructed in 

matters related to the rules 

and regulations associated 

with Government Business 

and Media and Public 

Relations. 

Members of Cabinet, 

subsequently on Monday 

The Honourable Patrick Manning 

Prime Minister 

19 th November, attended their first 

Cabinet meeting at Whitehall (as 

pictured below), following which 

they met with their respective 

Permanent Secretaries and reported 

to their Ministries. 

Prime Minister Brown congratulates Prime Minister 

Manning on his election victory 

The Honourable Gordon Brown 


United Kingdom 

I 

n a letter dated November 14, United Kingdom Prime 

Minister, the Right Honourable James Gordon Brown, 

congratulated Prime Minister, the Honourable Patrick 

Manning, on the People‟s National Movement‟s (PNM) 

General Election victory on November 5. 

Prime Minister Brown, in his statement, said: “I look forward 

to continuing the close cooperation our two countries have 

developed on the major international challenges we face, 

particularly in the fight against drugs and organised crime.” 

Three offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Coast Guard are 

currently being built by British shipbuilding company Vosper 

Thornycroft under a government to government arrangement 

between Trinidad and Tobago and Britain. The UK$150 

million contract was signed in Trinidad and Tobago on April 

5 and the Coast Guard will receive the first OPV in 2009. 

British police officers from Scotland Yard have also been 

brought in to assist the Special Anti-Crime Unit. 

The statement from Downing Street, London, also said: “I 

hope too that we can explore further ways in which we 

might expand the two-way flow of trade, particularly in the 

financial services sector, downstream petrochemical industries 

and defence-related services.” 

Prime Minister Brown added that he was looking forward to 

meeting with Prime Minister Manning at the Commonwealth 

Heads of Government Summit in Kampala, Uganda.

10 6 LONDON MISSION NEWS 

CANDIDATES FOR THE 2007 GENERAL ELECTION IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 

(PNM, UNC, COP) 

Successful candidate depicted in red 

1. Arima 

PNM - Pennelope Beckles 

COP - Rodger Dominic 

Samuel 

UNC - Wayne Rodriguez 

2. Arouca/Maloney 

PNM - Alicia Hospedales 

UNC - Diane Bishop-Bajnath 

COP - Kathy—Ann Jones 

3. Barataria/San Juan 

PNM - Joseph Ross 

COP - Jamal Mohammed 

UNC - Nazeemool 

Mohammed 

4. Caroni Central 

PNM - Shivanand 

Narinesingh 

COP - Prakash Ramadhar 

UNC - Dr. Hamza Rafeeq 

5. Caroni East 

PNM - Harold Ramoutar 

UNC - Dr Tim Gopeesingh 

COP - Ganga Singh 

6. Chaguanas East 

PNM - Mustapha Abdul- 

Hamid 

COP - Nirad Tewarie 

UNC -Dr. Kirk Meighoo 

7. Chaguanas West 

PNM - Frankie Ranjitsingh 

COP - Manohar Ramsaran 

UNC - Jack Warner 

8. Couva North 

PNM - Nal Ramsingh 

UNC - Basdeo Panday 

COP - Hulsie Bhaggan 

9. Couva South 

PNM - Naim Ali 

COP - Devant Maharaj 

UNC - Kelvin Ramnath 

10. Cumuto/Manzanilla 

PNM - Lennox Sirjusingh 

COP - Wendy Lee Yuen 

UNC - Harry Partap 

11. D'Abadie/O'Meara 

PNM - Karen Nunez Tesheira 

COP - Dr Lincoln Douglas 

UNC - Nathalie Small 

12. Diego Martin Central 

PNM - Dr Amery Browne 

UNC - Steve Alvarez 

COP - Nicole Dyer-Griffith 

13. Diego Martin East 

PNM - Colm Imbert 

COP - Joe Pires 

UNC - Andy Williams 

14. Diego Martin West 

PNM - Dr. Keith Rowley 

COP - Rocky Garcia 

UNC - Dr. Daphne Phillips 

15. Fyzabad 

PNM - Andre Bernard 

COP - Mahendranath 

Dhaniram 

UNC - Chandresh Sharma 

16. La Brea 

PNM - Fitzgerald Jeffrey 

UNC - Ravi Ratiram 

COP - Gilbert Agard 

17. La Horquetta/Talparo 

PNM - Roger Joseph 

UNC - Dr. Jennifer Jones- 

Kernahan 

COP - Delon Haynes 

18. Laventille East/Morvant 

PNM - Donna Cox 

UNC - Lennox Smith 

COP - La Toya Callender 

19. Laventille West 

PNM - Nyleung Hypolite 

UNC - Juliet Davy 

COP - Arthur Augustine 

20. Lopinot/Bon Air 

PNM - Neil Parsanlal 

UNC - Prakash Williams 

COP - Jerome Chaitan 

21. Mayaro 

PNM - Michelle Mischier 

Boyd 

UNC - Winston 'Gypsy' 

Peters 

COP - Rabindra Moonan 

22. Naparima 

PNM - Geeta Rampersad 

COP - Rekha Ramjit 

UNC - Nizam Baksh 

23. Oropouche East 

PNM - Shafeeq Mohammed 

COP - Carol Cuffy Dowlat 

UNC - Dr. Roodal Moonilal 

24. Oropouche West 

PNM - Dr Raghunath 

Mahabir 

COP - Kevin Ratiram 

UNC - Mickela Panday 

25. Princes Town North 

PNM - Marlon Mohammed 

COP - Dr Navi Muradali 

UNC - Subhas Panday 

26. Princes Town South/ 

Tableland 

PNM - Peter Taylor 

UNC - Clifton De Coteau 

COP - Desmond Lambert 

27. Point Fortin 

PNM - Paula Gopee-Scoon 

UNC - Fitzroy Beache 

COP - Selby Wilson 

28. Point-a-Pierre 

PNM - Christine Kangaloo 

UNC - Wade Mark 

COP - Carolyn Seepersad- 

Bachan 

29. Port of Spain North/St Ann's 

West 

PNM - Gary Hunte 

COP - Daniel Solomon 

UNC - Brent John 

30. Port of Spain South 

PNM - Marlene McDonald 

UNC - Anthony Sammy 

COP - Dr. Sharon—Ann 

Gopaul Mc Nichol 

31. San Fernando East 

PNM - Patrick Manning 

COP - Mervyn Assam 

UNC - Frederick Norman 

32. San Fernando West 

PNM - Junia Regrello 

UNC - Bishop Jankee 

Raghunanan 

COP - Marlene Coudray 

33. Siparia 

PNM - Lutchman Rampersad 

UNC - Kamla Persad- 

Bissessar 

COP - Govindra Roopnarine 

34. St Ann's East 

PNM - Anthony Roberts 

UNC - Tricia Moraldo 

COP - Gary Griffith 

35. St Augustine 

PNM - Nadra Nathai-Gyan 

UNC - Vasant Bharath 

COP - Winston Dookeran 

36. St Joseph 

PNM - Kennedy Swaratsingh 

UNC - Dr. Carson Charles 

COP - Gillian Lucky 

37. Tabaquite 

PNM - Heeralal Rampertap 

COP - Anand Ramlogan 

UNC - Ramesh Lawrence 

Maharaj 

38. Tobago East 

PNM - Rennie Dumas 

COP - Johnathan Stone 

39. Tobago West 

PNM - Stanford Calender 

40. Toco/Sangre Grande 

PNM - Indra Sinanan Ojah- 

Maharaj 

UNC - Keshore Satram 

COP - Dr. Lena Brereton 

Wolffe 

41. Tunapuna 

PNM - Ester Le Gendre 

UNC - Christine Newallo 

COP - Clyde Weatherhead

NEWS 

Climate change a Trinidad 

and Tobago priority 

C 

limate change, which proved to be the subject of much debate 

at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 

(CHOGM) which took place from November 23-25 in Kampala, 

Uganda, is set to be to top priority on the agenda of the next summit in 

Trinidad and Tobago in 2009, said Prime Minister Patrick Manning. 

The debate on climate change at CHOGM saw Trinidad and Tobago 

being identified by Canada as its only supporter for that country's 

position against any statement that would have only mandated the 

developed countries in the Commonwealth to make "binding 

commitments" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Climate change is a specific concern for small island states like Trinidad 

and Tobago as rising sea-levels have already resulted in minor, yet 

significant, signs of coastal erosion. 

In his address at the Meeting, the Prime Minister said: "This CHOGM, 

ladies and gentlemen, is outstanding for a number of reasons, 

particularly as it relates to Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean." 

"The question of climate change is very significant indeed, Trinidad and 

Tobago being now an industrialised country. It has become very clear to 

us following this CHOGM that we will have to move on very fast to 

deal with this whole question of greenhouse gas emissions, the effects 

on the world and our contribution to it." 

In the last World Carbon Dioxide Emissions from the Flaring and 

Consumption of Fossil Fuels report published by the US Energy 

Information Administration in 2004, Trinidad and Tobago ranked 

number eight in terms of CO2 emissions per capita, having released 

some 30 million metric tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere that year. 

The Prime Minister‟s delegation included Minister of Energy, Senator 

the Honourable Conrad Enill and High Commissioner to the United 

Kingdom, H.E Glenda Morean 

Phillip SC. (pictured right), who 

gave the closing address at the 

Commonwealth People‟s Forum held 

at the Africana Hotel, Kampala, on 

November 22, 2007. 

On November 25, the Prime 

Minister held bilateral talks with 

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta 

Museveni at the Munyonyo 

Commonwealth Resort, a 50-acre 

facility on the banks of Lake Victoria. 


Prime Minister Patrick Manning, left, chats with Uganda 

President Yoweri Museveni during bilaterial talks at the 

Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Uganda. Photo courtesy 

the Office of the Prime Minister. 

In a release, the Office of the Prime Minister stated: "The Prime 

Minister took the opportunity to raise with President Museveni several 

issues for continued co-operation, in the fields of energy, education, 

food security and cultural exchange. He reiterated Trinidad and 

Tobago's willingness to continue its assistance in the process of 

Uganda's monetisation of its recently-discovered oil and gas resources." 

The release also said that President Museveni indicated monetisation of 

Uganda's hydrocarbon resources would yield tangible rewards to that 

country's roughly 30 million citizens by 2009. 

UK teachers visit to seek TT links 

T 

en teachers from nine 

schools in the London 

Borough of Harrow visited Trinidad 

and Tobago from November 25-29 

seeking to establish school 

partnerships. 

The visit was organised by the British 

Council as it continues in its drive “to 

build mutually beneficial relationships 

and to broaden the international view 

of young people.” 

In a release the British Council said 

that “the outcome will be the 

formation of school partnerships with 

schools which apply for the United 

Kingdom‟s Government Department 

for International Development 

(DFID) Global School Partnership 

Programme eligible for funding to 

support visits and conduct joint 

curriculum work.” 

The teachers explored a range of 

subjects and issues from physical 

education, sport, raising standards for 

underachieving boys, languages, 

Caribbean culture and arts, science 

and improvements in writing skills. 

Trinidad and Tobago and British 

teachers participated in a two-day 

World Links workshop at the 

Courtyard, Marriott Hotel. The 

British teachers visited their potential 

partner schools. The schools chosen 

w e r e t h e G r a n t M e m o r i a l 

Presbyterian Primary, Muslim League 

School, Vistabella Presbyterian 

Primary, San Fernando Boys‟ School, 

St Gabriel‟s Girls, San Fernando Girls 

Government School, St Paul‟s 

Anglican School, San Fernando 

Methodist School, Naparima Girls‟ 

High School and St Joseph‟s Convent.

10 8 LONDON MISSION BUSINESS 

Trinidad and Tobago strengthening ties with Scandinavia 

The invitation to participate was certainly welcome, 

Especially as a part of Trinidad and Tobago‟s ongoing 

initiative to expand trade and tourism in Scandinavia. 

Trinidad and Tobago enjoys a productive relationship with 

Scandinavia, evident by the presence of several Scandinavian 

companies having branches in Trinidad. Tobago also 

remains a popular destination for Scandinavian travellers. 

Commercial Attaché Dionne Ligoure 

O 

n November 22, Condor Airlines sponsored a 

lunch and dinner for media and tourism industry 

stakeholders in Stockholm, Sweden. Trinidad and Tobago 

was invited to attend and do presentations to media and 

the stakeholders on developments in the twin island state. 

In charting the way forward, the High Commission, 

London is working closely with the Tourism Development 

Company to continue to network with airlines, agencies 

and other stakeholders in tourism and trade in order to 

advance the objectives of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Very special thanks to Condor for being brilliant hosts and 

sponsoring this event. 

Trinidad and Tobago was represented by Dionne Ligoure, 

Commercial Attaché at the Trinidad and Tobago High 

Commission, London, Christine Engen, Tourism Development 

Company (TDC) representative for Scandinavia 

and Andrew Hillier of the TDC‟s London office. Martina 

Johnsson, Sales Manager Scandinavia and Matthias Koster, 

Manager International Sales represented Condor. 

The event was attended by over 100 stakeholders, who 

were quite enthusiastic about Trinidad and Tobago. It was 

a clear indication that building relationships with stakeholders 

is a worthwhile endeavour, especially in the UK/ 

Europe market. 

One of the highlights of the event was an exotic chocolate 

and rum tasting done by Duane Dove. Duane is a Tobagonian, 

who lives and owns a chocolate and coffee shop in 

Stockholm, Sweden – Small Island Chocolates and Coffee. 

Duane‟s chocolates are all made by small batch artisan 

European chocolate houses with the cocoa being sourced 

in Trinidad and Tobago, 100 per cent Trinitario, fine/ 

flavour cocoa. 

Duane Dove with Public Affairs , Culture and 

Tourism Attaché Ashton Ford in Sweden, 2005.

BUSINESS LONDON MISSION 9 

To get you better acquainted with the activities of the Honorary Consuls we are 

introducing a global page, which will profile the individual Consuls. 

In this issue we look at Norway 

Profile of Honorary Consul Mr. Rolf Holmen. 

Mr. Rolf E. Holmen has been Trinidad and Tobago‟s 

Honorary Consul in Norway since 1999. He is an 

experienced businessman with varied interests in the 

energy, real estate and marine sectors. Mr. Holmen‟s 

wealth of experience is integral to maintaining and 

expanding links between Trinidad and Tobago and 

Norway. He is well acquainted with the trade and tourism 

policies of our twin-island state and is a fervent follower of 

carnival. As Honorary Consul, Mr. Holmen has regular 

contact with Trinidad and Tobago nationals living in 

Norway. 

Since 2006, he has been the President of the Diplomatic 

Corps in Norway. Mr. Holmen‟s interests outside of 

business include skiing, golfing, travelling and boating. He 

is married with two sons. 

Links between Trinidad and Tobago and Norway: 

Business links between Norway and Trinidad and Tobago 

are mainly in the energy sector. The Norwegian firm 

YARA has three Ammonia plants in Point Lisas, Trinidad. 

The national oil company STATOIL is set to explore 

offshore T&T. STATOIL is an integrated oil and gas 

company and is the leading operator on the Norwegian 

continental shelf. The company has been experiencing 

strong growth in its international production. 

Additionally, for the fourth year in a row, STATOIL is 

ranked number one among the world's oil and gas 

companies in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index 

(DJSI World). 

Norwegian ships, yachts and boats frequently call at T&T 

ports. 

There is cooperation in the cultural, education, 

environment and agriculture sectors. The Royal 

Norwegian Society for Development (an independent, non 

-profit organisation) is working with the Trinidad and 

Tobago Government to assist local farmers. 

His Excellency Dag Mork Ulnes, the Norwegian 

Ambassador to the Caribbean, including Trinidad and 

Tobago, has also been very active in promoting business 

and cultural relations between the two countries. 

Mr. Rolf E. Holmen 

Trinidad and Tobago’s 

Honorary Consul in Norway 

Nationals in Norway held their end of year function in Oslo

10 

LONDON MISSION BUSINESS 

THE OTHER BLACK GOLD: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO COCOA 

Introduction: 

Trinidad and Tobago‟s cocoa industry has declined from a 

high production in the 1930's of 70 million pounds per 

annum to less than two million. Unlike sugar, cocoa has a 

good market both in terms of volume and price. The 

demand for fine flavour cocoa, for which T&T is famous, 

is likely to increase. In our efforts to diversify the 

economy, cocoa is a good candidate both in terms of 

producing a basic raw material and for processing to high 

value products. 

by a full flavour with pleasant ancillary flavours such as 

molasses, liquorice, caramel and raisin, and is simply 

described as fruity. 

There is a niche market for Trinidad and Tobago‟s cocoa, 

which is mainly used in specialty products. T&T‟s cocoa 

has developed a reputation for purity. It is desirable to 

develop the cocoa industry as it is a crop well suited for 

T&T‟s soil and climate. 

History: 

Since 1930, Trinidad and 

Tobago has been looked at as 

a source of new cocoa 

production technology. In 

that year, cocoa research was 

initiated as a five-year scheme 

at the Imperial College of 

Tropical Agriculture. In 

1955, the Regional Research 

Centre was specially 

established to devote more 

time to improving cocoa 

production. In 1963, the 

Cocoa Research Unit (CRU) 

was established. In the 

intervening years, major 

studies were conducted on 

agronomy, breeding and genetics, nutrition, propagation 

and more. The CRU has maintained a multi-disciplinary 

research programme in conservation, characterisation, 

evaluation and utilisation (germplasm enhancement) of 

cacao genetic resources. The results of these activities are 

well documented and have been of enormous value to 

cocoa researchers worldwide and thus the global cocoa 

industry. In addition, the CRU manages one of the moist 

diverse collections of cacao germplasm in the world. 

Trinidad and Tobago in the Cocoa World: 

Trinidad and Tobago produces a superior quality of 

cocoa, which fetches a premium price on the world 

market. It is known in the trade as fine or flavour cocoa 

and is produced from Trinitario beans. It is characterised 

Cocoa 

Most of Trinidad and 

Tobago‟s cocoa is exported to 

Europe – France, Italy and 

Spain, where the small batch 

artisan chocolate houses are 

located. Some notable French 

artisan chocolate houses are: 

Pralus Chocolate House in 

Roanne, Valrhona Chocolate 

House and Tain-I‟Hermitage. 

Amedei Chocolate House in 

Tuscany, Italy is also well 

known. 

Tobago cocoa estate owner, 

Duane Dove, is one of 

Trinidad and Tobago‟s 

strongest cocoa advocates in 

Europe. He has visited many of the small batch artisan 

chocolate houses in Europe which use T&T‟s fine flavour 

cocoa in making their chocolates. 

His Tobago estate also doubles as a heritage park and 

takes an agro-culinary approach to tourism. Visitors to 

the estate can learn about cocoa cultivation and other 

companion crops. A tour of the estate also comprises a 

chocolate tasting. Dove, a sommelier by profession, has 

become a well-known site at major tourism fairs world 

-wide, including the World Travel Market, London, 

where he offers Angostura‟s barrel aged rum to visitors 

which he pairs with different chocolates. He has spent 

ten years visiting rum distilleries and cocoa estates in the 

Caribbean and Latin America.

BUSINESS LONDON MISSION 

11 

THE OTHER BLACK GOLD continued... 

Duane Dove is in good company. As a cocoa farmer, he is 

now counted alongside business magnate Lawrence 

Duprey of CL Financial. Mr. Duprey, through Prism Agri 

Estates Limited has quietly bought four estates, with a 

total acreage of 1,650 acres. He processes Trinidad and 

Tobago cocoa in France and exports it under the Tamana 

label as a super premium brand of chocolate in Japan. It is 

hoped that Mr. Duprey will expand his initial penetration 

into the international market and progress to making fine 

chocolates inTrinidad and Tobago. 

Other key players in the Trinidad and Tobago Cocoa business 

are: 

 

 

 

Paul Manickchand, owner of Produce Marketing 

Associates in Sangre Grande. He reaps an exquisite 

harvest from his estate. Lindt International and 

Guittard are among his distinguished customers. 

The German-owned Hendelschaft, 1,000 acre farm 

in Gran Couva which is managed by Kamta Persad. 

This estate is known as the San Juan estate and has a 

very close relationship with the French Chocolate 

House – Valrhona. Valrhona has a chocolate called 

Gran Couva, which states that it‟s made from 64% 

cocoa made from dark chocolate from Gran Couva, 

Trinidad. 

Mr. Paul de Verteuil (San Antonio Estate) 

Von Det Agricultural Holdings Limited has a 300 

acre estate in Claxton Bay. 

 

 

George Bernard has a 200 acre estate in Gran Couva 

Paul Merry has an 100 acre estate in Santa Cruz. 

Source : CSO Agricultural Section Production Figures & 

CSO * Annual Trade Report & CCIB 

*2005-2006 – 1 metric tonne of cocoa was valued at 

USD,4200 

 

 

The Agricultural Development Bank has reserved 

TTD 7 million in loans for its Cocoa Revitaliser 

campaign. 

The demand for anti-oxidant rich dark chocolates 

has tripled in the last four years 

For more information on Trinidad and Tobago’s 

Cocoa, you may read ‘The History of Cocoa Production 

In Trinidad and Tobago’, as well as John 

Spence’s articles in the Trinidad Express. 

This article is comprised of excerpts from the 

Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce 

magazine CONTACT and John Spence’s articles in 

the Trinidad Express. 

Fast facts T&T Cocoa: 

Trinidad and Tobago Cocoa Production 

Year Total production Domestic exports (000 kg) Value of exports ($000) 

TTD 

2002 1721 1242 19,200 

2003-2004 1152 - 26,127 

2004-2005 915 - - 

2005-2006 732* - 19,369

12 10 LONDON MISSION FEATURE 

The Honourable 

Patrick Manning 



Karen Nunez-Tesheira 

Minister of Finance 


Christine Kangaloo 

Minister of Science, Technology, 

and Tertiary Education 

Senator the Honourable 

Martin Joseph 

Minister of National Security 


Kennedy Swaratsingh 

Minister of Public 

Administration 


Hazel Manning 

Minister of Local Government 

The Honourable Gary Hunt 

Minister of Sport and 

Youth Affairs 


Paula Gopee-Scoon 

Minister of Foreign Affairs 


Marlene Mc. Donald 

Minister of Community 

Development, Culture and 

Gender Affairs 


Conrad Enill 

Minister of Energy and 

Energy Industries 


Jerry Narace 

Minister of Health 

The Honourable Arnold Piggott 

Minister of Agriculture, Land 

and Marine Resources 

The Honourable Donna Cox 

Minister of State - Ministry of 

Community Development, 

Culture and Gender Affairs 

Senator Dr. the Honourable 

Lenny Krishendath Saith 

Minister in the Office of the 



Esther Le Gendre 

Minister of Education 

The Honourable Joseph Ross 

Minister of Tourism

FEATURE 



Bridgid Annisette George 

Attorney General 

The Honourable Colm Imbert 

Minister of Works and Transport 

Dr. the Honourable 

Keith Rowley 

Minister of Trade and Industry 


Mustapha Abdul-Hamid 

Minister of Public Utilities 

Dr. the Honourable 

Amery Browne 

Minister of Social Development 

The Honourable Rennie Dumas 

Minister of Labour, Small and 

Micro Enterprise Development 

Senator Dr. the Honourable 

Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde 

Minister of Planning, Housing 

and the Environment 


Neil Parsanlal 

Minister of Information 


Peter Taylor 

Minister of Legal Affairs 


Stanford Callender 

Minister of State - Office 

of the Prime Minister 


Mariano Browne 

Minister of State - 

Ministry of Finance 


Alicia Hospedales 

Minister of State - Ministry 

of Social Development 


Fitzgerald Jeffrey 


Science, Technology and Tertiary 

Education 


Tina Gronlund-Nunez 


Planning,Housing and 

the Environment 

Mr. Ni Leung Hypolite 

Parliamentary Secretary 

Ministry of Works and Transport 

The Hon. Junia Regrello 


Minister of Community 

Development , Culture and 

Gender Affairs 


Wesley George 


Ministry of Health

14 10 LONDON MISSION BUSINESS 

Business Appreciation 

Event at the 

TTHC London 

Above: Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. (centre), Commercial Attaché Dionne Ligoure and Trinidad and Tobago Miss World 

participant, Valene Maharaj with members of the Croydon Business Group that travelled to T&T earlier this year. 

O 

n December 5, 2007, the Trinidad and Tobago 

High Commission, London, hosted an Appreciation 

Reception. The event was aimed at re-connecting 

with the business community to celebrate the year‟s 

achievements and set the pace for an even more productive 

2008. The Mission also had the good fortune of the 

presence of, Trinidad and Tobago Miss World participant, 

Valene Maharaj, who placed fourth at the recently concluded 

competition in China. 

In her address to the guests, H.E. Glenda Morean 

Phillip stated: “In 2008 you will see and hear more from 

the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London. We 

have several activities planned as we advance the trade, 

tourism and cultural agenda of Trinidad and Tobago. The 

Mission is structured to meet and treat with these and 

other needs. 

One of the key tools to stay in touch with you 

and keep you well informed will be our new website. 

The finishing touches are being added and it will be re 

-launched in the coming weeks. 

Trinidad and Tobago is serious about business and 

the London Mission is here to facilitate your needs. The 

Trinidad and Tobago economy has been enjoying solid 

economic growth and the Government is using the resources 

gained to execute the Vision 2020 national development 

plan. While energy is the pillar upon which 

the economy rests, we are actively developing other key 

industries, as part of the drive to diversify the economy. 

We have a trade programme in place, an integral 

part of which is networking events. Our business model is 

changing and our proactive approach will be reflected in 

increased business and network building activities to provide 

opportunities for UK and Caribbean businesses to 

exchange ideas, best practices and explore the many 

opportunities that Trinidad and Tobago has to offer. 

We look forward to working closely with you and 

to developing even stronger links and partnerships in 

2008. 

A happy and peaceful Christmas to you all and the 

very best for 2008.” 

The charming Miss Maharaj was very popular with the 

guests at the event. Pictured here with London hotelier 

Carl Morris.

CULTURE 


Althea Bastien’s Batik Exhibition ‘Expressions in Fabrics’ held at High Commission 

by Geoff Lowe 

Her interest was further heightened in 1989 after a friend 

gave her a book entitled „Fabric Art‟ and she began experimenting 

in that medium and has stuck with it ever since. 

Batik is the Indonesian art of creating patterns on fabric by 

using dye and wax. The word „batik‟ means "writing with 

wax". 

Fabric Art or fabric collage is the creation of pictures using 

scraps of fabric in lieu of oils, acrylics or water colours, 

but at the same time achieving an image of a water colour 

etc. Batik fabric, because of its many colours in one piece 

of fabric and also the different textures in fabric, is therefore 

ideal for such results. The result of this creative process 

highlights Althea‟s versatility and creative prowess. 

Althea Bastien 

H 

er Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. 

hosted a reception at the High Commission on 

October 18, 2007, for the pre-exhibit viewing of 

„Experiences in Fabrics‟ by the illustrious Trinidad and 

Tobago artist extraordinaire, Althea Bastien. The exhibition 

ran at the High Commission from 19 th – 25 th October, 

2007. 

Ms. Bastien is quoted as saying, "I like abstract forms - that 

way I can create as I go along, doing whatever I feel to do 

without anybody to account to….If you do a bird, they 

expect it to look like a bird." 

Since 1968 to the present, Ms. Bastien has exhibited her 

artistic creations in Trinidad and Tobago, England, USA 

(Washington D.C.), Bahamas, Norway, Jamaica, Switzerland, 

Suriname, Sweden, and Brazil. 

The exhibition was organised by the National Museum of 

Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of Community Development, 

Culture and Gender Affairs in association with 

this High Commission. 

Ms. Bastien is Trinidad and Tobago‟s foremost batik artist. 

After leaving school (St. Joseph‟s Convent, Port of Spain) 

she worked for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago 

and the Federal Government for about five years after 

which she migrated (in the early sixties) to England where 

she was employed by the London County Council (LCC) 

in the Children‟s Department. It was while working there 

she was awarded a bursary to attend the Froebel Educational 

Institute in Roehampton, London, where she 

trained as a Primary School Teacher. At the Institute, she 

was introduced to batik, became extremely interested in 

its concept and taught herself to produce it. 

The work of the much heralded artist attracted an audience of 

United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago nationals.

16 10 LONDON MISSION 

CULTURE 

High Commission 

holds 2007 Divali 

Celebrations 

On Saturday 3 rd November, 2007, 

the Trinidad and Tobago High 

Commission in London held its Divali celebrations. 

The popular national celebration drew a 

capacity crowd made up of a cross-section of 

Trinidad and Tobago‟s ethnic Diaspora, as the 

reception room at the TTHC was transformed into 

a serene place of worship and fervent celebration. 

After opening remarks by Public Affairs 

Assistant Attaché, Donald Chambers, the High 

Commission‟s Office Manager and resident pundit, 

Shree Krishna Ragbir, led the celebration. 

Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip 

S.C. was away on official business in Trinidad and 

Tobago at the time of the event. The High 

Commissioner however pre-recorded her address 

to the nationals which was aired to a receptive 

audience on the day. 

Her Excellency, through her address, 

acknowledged that: „This most spiritual festival on 

the Hindu calendar, which dates back to thousands 

of years, signifies the triumph of good over evil, 

the removal of darkness, the manifestation of light 

and the triumph of truth over untruth.‟ 

The High Commissioner went on to state 

that, „this sacred Festival definitely brings about an 

atmosphere of freedom, friendliness, joy and a 

special kind of unity - a unity which we as nationals 

of Trinidad and Tobago cherish and from which we 

have derived many benefits.‟ 

Shree Krishna Ragbir at the Divali Celebration, TTHC.

CULTURE 


High Commissioner praises 

Awardees and BAS 

I 

nternationally acclaimed pannist 

Earl Rodney, received the 

highest award from the British 

Association of Steelband (BAS) and 

will be placed in the Hall of Fame in 

London. This announcement was 

made by the Association‟s President, 

Mr. Pepe Francis on Saturday night 

(Dec. 1 st ) at BAS‟s 9 th annual awards 

ceremony at the Holiday Inn, 

London. 

Officials of British Association of Steelband (BAS) at the Awards ceremony at Holiday 

Inn, London, on Saturday night. From left Mr. Pepe Francis, Ms Debi Gardner, 

popular Choice radio host Martin J, Robbie Joseph and Attaché Ashton Ford of 

the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission. 

Trinidad and Tobago‟s High 

Commissioner, London H.E. Glenda 

Morean Phillip S.C., paid tribute to 

Rodney and Mr. Junia Rregrello, the 

newly appointed Parliamentary 

Secretary in the Ministry of 

Community Development and 

Culture. 

In her address to the large audience, 

H.E. Morean Phillip said that, in the 

past, participants in the steel pan 

movement were often ostracized and 

vilified. She noted that over the years 

those attitudes had changed and 

mellowed and today the steel pan art 

form was highly respected and 

continued to be an integral 

component of the culture and 

heritage of Trinidad and Tobago and, 

by export and assimilation, the 

cultures of other foreign countries. 

She further stated, “In keeping with 

the pride of place given to the steel 

pan, the Government of Trinidad and 

Tobago ensures that the national 

instrument has a voice in the national 

administration.” She told her listeners 

that in the last administration Mr. 

Eddie Hart, an ardent panman, was a 

Junior Minister and just recently the 

leader of Skiffle Bunch, Mr. Junia 

R e g r e l l o , w a s a p p o i n t e d 

Parliamentary Secretary in the 

M i n i s t r y o f C o m m u n i t y 

Development, Culture and Gender 

Affairs. 

According to the High 

Commissioner, Mr. Regrello visited 

the United Kingdom on several 

occasions with Skiffle Bunch which 

performed at London‟s Regent Park, 

Royal Festival and the Fairfield Halls, 

Croydon, as part of the Caribbean 

Carnival Extravaganza. 

H.E. Morean Phillip made an appeal 

to the assembly, “Please continue to 

spread the gospel of the glorious 

sounds and melodies of the sweet 

pan.” And in order to assist the 

association and the pan fraternity in a 

positive way to achieve this objective, 

the High Commissioner announced 

that beginning in 2008 the Trinidad 

and Tobago High Commission will 

present an award to a young person 

who demonstrates outstanding overall 

skill and leadership qualities within 

the steelband movement in the 

United Kingdom. 

The High Commissioner praised Pepe 

Francis, Chair of the BAS, for his 

dedicated and unstinting stewardship 

to the organization since its inception. 

She said that Mr. Francis and his 

fellow associates, past and present, 

had continued to maintain the legacy 

of those who preceded them and 

promoted the culture of our 

country‟s unique musical instrument, 

which was the national musical 

instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Her Excellency showered praise on 

the Association for their varied events 

over the years which included Pan 

Explosion, Pan in Leicester Square, 

Pan in the Parks, Trafalgar Square Pan 

Jamboree, Pan in the Victoria and 

Albert Museum, National Panorama 

competition, Pan on the Road for 

Notting Hill carnival and the annual 

awards function. 

Several organisations and individuals 

involved in cultural activities in the 

United Kingdom were also honoured 

by the Association.

18 10 

14 LONDON MISSION CULTURE 

A REVIEW OF THE ABC’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMME 2007 

T 

he Association of British Calypsonians (ABC) 

once again put together a Black History Month 

cultural programme in October 2007 which included both 

its adult and junior membership. 

On Friday 26 th October the ABC presented 

„Calypso Fuh So‟ a showcase featuring the majority of its 

members as well as a special guest from Trinidad and 

Tobago. The audience enjoyed the supreme talent of 

Karene Asche (pictured) who more than adequately filled 

the space created by “T & T‟s” reigning Calypso Monarch, 

Cro Cro‟s unavailability. The MC for the evening was 

Mr. International who had previously kept audiences in 

very good humour during 

the summer London 

Calypso Tent. 

UK‟s first time consecutive female monarch) and much 

appreciated by the audience and fellow calypsonians alike. 

Karene Asche first came to England from Trinidad 

as part of the ABC‟s Junior Calypso exchange several years 

ago and earned herself a genuine fan base here with her 

unique style and sheer talent. Her surprise appearance at 

the ABC‟s „Calypso Fuh So‟ concert on the 26 th October 

was indeed a success. Those who had witnessed her in performance 

before and those who were newly acquainted 

with this true „Calypso Queen‟ were mesmerised by 

Karene‟s presence on stage. Her calypsos, „Brother‟ and 

„Wheel of Conversion‟ were offered up to the audience as 

deep and spiritual musical gems which fitted seamlessly 

into the overall ethos of the ABC‟s Black History Month 

programme. 

The show opened 

with a mellow but significant 

performance by 

the calypsonian Explorer 

who accompanied himself 

on guitar with his 

song „You Can Make It If 

You Try‟. 

The audience 

certainly responded to 

those calypsos which had 

been popular during the 

recent London Calypso 

Tent season as well as to some which were sung especially 

for the occasion of BHM. It was noted that many of the 

calypsos sung during the season and again at the show on 

26 th October were quite apt in regard to what was being 

celebrated and highlighted during October. 

Songs like „Who is really Free?‟(D Admiral), 

„Give Thanks‟ (Wen D), „Soca Worldwide‟ (Cleopatra), 

„Guns and Knives‟ (Sweetfoot), „Immigrant 

Song‟ (Akima) „The Warning‟ (G String) and „History 

Soca Style‟ (Reverend B) were among those offered up to 

the audience at the „Calypso Fuh So‟ showcase. Kiki B 

(Kiana Smith), the current Junior Calypso Monarch and 

Black History Junior Monarch, was also a special guest at 

the show and sang her winning song from 2006 entitled 

„Books‟ to a rapturous audience response. The 2006 and 

2007 Calypso Monarch, Brown Sugar (Beverley Browne), 

sang „Terrorist‟ and „Free Your Mind (the 2007 winning 

calypso). Both calypsos were powerfully delivered (by the 

On Saturday 27 th October the ABC‟s Junior Calypso 

Tent put on a special show celebrating Black History 

Month which saw several junior calypsonians share some 

of their favourite calypsos with an encouraging audience. 

Oba the King (Oba Thompson) was the sole male junior 

calypsonian who performed on the 27 th October. A former 

Black History Month Monarch, his song „Marcus 

Garvey‟ was one which was well known as it had been his 

winning calypso a couple of years ago. Other juniors who 

performed on the 27 th October were: Princess Tia 

(„Harriet Tubman‟), Lady Pine („What Do You See?‟), 

Little L („Mother‟), Fearless Taiyo („Slavery‟) and Precious 

Jada („Without the Black Race‟). The reigning Junior 

Calypso Monarch and Black History Month Monarch, Kiki 

B, also performed on the 27 th October offering her winning 

BHM calypso „My Tribute‟ to the audience. There 

were guest performances by Karene Asche and Reverand 

B as well as a dance sequence by Broken Soles and the Yaa 

Yout‟ Holiday Project Dance Group. 

The ABC wishes to thank all those who made the 

effort to attend either one, or both events over that weekend 

in October. The ABC‟s Administrator especially 

thanks those patrons who, upon ringing up about tickets 

and being informed that Cro Cro was no longer performing 

on the 26 th , nevertheless expressed enthusiasm about 

coming to the show to enjoy what the ABC‟s calypsonians 

had to offer. Our thanks also to High Commissioner 

Glenda Morean Phillip and Cultural & Information Attache 

Ashton Ford who continue to be enthusiastically and 

practically supportive of the ABC‟s aims and objectives.

CULTURE LONDON MISSION 19 

Commemoration of the 200 th Anniversary of the 

Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade 

O 

n November 28 th , 2006, 

the United Nations General 

Assembly adopted Resolution A/ 

Res/61/120on the “Commemoration 

of the two hundredth anniversary of 

the abolition of the Trans-Atlantic 

Slave Trade” unanimously declaring 

March 26 th , 2007, a day for worldwide 

commemoration of the two hundredth 

anniversary of the abolition of 

the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. 

It is to be noted that the 

inclusion of an agenda item on the 

commemoration on the abolition of 

the trans-Atlantic slave trade was at 

the request of CARICOM Member 

States of the United Nations following 

up on an initiative of the Government 

of Jamaica. The draft resolution 

was tabled at the United Nations 

General Assembly by the Permanent 

Representative of St. Vincent and the 

Grenadines to the United Nations on 

behalf of CARICOM Member States. 

In their Explanatory Memorandum, 

CARICOM Member States 

noted the following: 

“It is estimated that the Trans- 

Atlantic Slave Trade, which lasted for 

almost 500 years, is responsible for the 

forced removal of millions of persons 

mostly from West Africa to the „new world‟ 

of the Americas, including Brazil, the Caribbean, 

the United States and the Spanish 

Empire as slaves work mostly on sugar 

plantations. This massive relocation has 

caused permanent and enormous damage 

to our ancestors and their descendants on 

every continent bordering the Atlantic. It 

led to the depopulation and stifling of 

African creativity and production and was 

the genesis of a dependency relationship 

with Europe. 

It is estimated that about 13% of 

Africans being transported on the Middle 

Passage succumbed to the rigors of the 

journey and a further significant number 

died on account of resistance to slavery and 

rebellion. The real figures in both cases 

are unaccounted for. 

Slavery and the slave trade are 

among the most serious violations of human 

rights in the history of humanity and 

will always remain the nadir of human 

brutality. Yet it took nearly 200 years for 

the international community to acknowledge 

it as a crime against humanity. Today 

the issue of reparation and compensation 

for the crime also remain outstanding. 

Other recent situations such as 

genocide in Rwanda, Kosovo, Iraq and 

other parts of the world, the Holocaust 

and events such as the forced trafficking of 

persons for economic gains and other like 

atrocities, reinforce the need for constant 

reminders and the need to educate and 

ensure that such situations do not become a 

part of the „history of the future‟.” 

In Trinidad and Tobago, a number of 

activities were held throughout the 

year 2007 at both the state and nonstate 

levels to mark the commemoration 

of the abolition of the Transatlantic 

slave trade beginning on March 

26 th , 2007 the day designated for 

worldwide commemoration. 

Miss Roanna Gopaul 

First Secretary 

The Trinidad and Tobago 

High Commission, London, has lent 

its full support to commemorative 

events taking place in the United 

Kingdom. In August, the High 

Commission was represented by First 

Secretary Roanna Gopaul (pictured) 

at an event organised by the African 

Community Centre in Swansea, 

Wales held under the patronage of 

the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Councillor 

Susan Waller 

This past October, the High 

Commission was represented at a 

tree planting and plaque unveiling 

ceremony organised by the London 

Borough of Waltham Forest under the 

patronage of the Lord Mayor of 

Waltham Forest, Councillor Liaquat 

Ali, JP.

20 10 

CULTURE 

14 LONDON MISSION 

Dear Readers, 

My name is Farai Masaisai, I am a law 

graduate of the University of 

Huddersfield and also a postgraduate 

student of The College of Law of 

England and Wales. You may ask 

what‟s this to you, but it‟s because of 

the people of Trinidad and Tobago 

that I write. In 2004, I began my 

Law degree (LLB) course and over 

the past three years I have received 

financial assistance, blessings and 

prayers from you. I write to thank 

you the citizens of Trinidad and 

Tobago who have assisted in my 

education in England over the past 

three years and also briefly share 

some of my experiences. 

Life in London has indeed been 

very hectic, to use a moderate 

term. It is a much faster pace and 

the cost of living is far higher than 

our beautiful twin isles. At 

university, there are students from 

every continent, a boiling pot of 

diversity, and a cosmopolitan core 

which reminds me so much of 

home. Most of my colleagues in 

London are eager to visit, as I have 

spoken fondly of our carnival, the 

soca warriors and various aspects 

of our culture which has tickled 

their fancies in a way only a true 

Trinidadian could. 

It is important that you note that 

my life in London has not been 

solely in pursuit of academic 

success. I view myself as a musical 

ambassador for our national 

instrument, the steel pan. Along with 

my brother who is also a Law student 

we have had the good fortune of 

being able to market ourselves to play 

for weddings, restaurants and store 

openings across England. I also do 

voluntary social work for a charity 

called „SENCE‟ which assists deaf and 

blind people; it has contributed to my 

loving nature and has helped to build 

my character along the lines of 

humility and respect for humanity. I 

am still a regular worshipper at the 

church in my area, though British 

society seems secular, my spiritual 

Farai at Graduation. 

upbringing will not permit such 

conformity. 

Once again, I am appealing to the 

youths of Trinidad and Tobago to 

acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and 

accept him as your personal saviour. 

From my limited experience, I can 

testify that it is only to our benefit to 

have faith in him. It is vain to trust in 

man, but in God you shall do 

valiantly. He has not failed Farai 

Masaisai yet and I am confident that 

he can do even more for you. I have 

not written to brag neither boast but 

to be a source of inspiration in a time 

of great disbelief. I hail from the grass 

roots of Belmont, Port of Spain, and a 

single parent family. Youths! Do 

not succumb to the vicious system 

that seeks to retard your growth 

and keep you in the cycle of 

poverty and crime. Social mobility 

is a reality and with God your 

missions will never be impossible. 

My ambition is to return home to 

make a contribution to the nation 

of my birth, a nation that educated 

me for seven years free of charge 

at Trinity College, a nation that 

has made me whatever I am. My 

tree will bear fruit in Trinidad and 

Tobago for you the people that I 

love. 

If there is anyone willing to assist 

me financially in completing my 

post graduate studies, the 

contribution will be greatly 

appreciated. Please contact my 

mother June Thomas 753-9326 

or 624-5135(Trinidad) or 

07738758388 (London) 

F.Masaisai 

To send letters to the editor 

please e-mail to: 

tthc@btconnect.com or post to: 

Mr. Ashton Ford 

Attaché - Public Affairs, Culture 

& Tourism 

High Commission of the 

Republic of Trinidad and 

Tobago 

42 Belgrave Square 

London SW1X 8NT

CULTURE LONDON MISSION 21 

Trini...a synonym for excellence! 

by Donald Chambers 

T 

he classy woman that she is, I fear she may cringe 

at the undoubted bias of this report. But as a 

proud Trini, I can‟t help it…Martina Laird deserves 

unabashed acclaim from all and sundry. And from those of 

us who have seen her in her latest play- Othello – that 

praise is free-flowing. 

Michael Grandage‟s Othello pits Martina as Bianca, the 

sultry love interest of Cassio (Tom Hiddleston). 

Her appearance is not until the latter part of the play but 

it‟s worth the wait. The former Bishop Anstey student 

holds her own sharing the stage with Hollywood 

powerhouses Ewan McGregor (Iago) and Chiwetel Ejiofor 

(Othello), both of whom qualify their status as the best of 

British talent with stand-out performances. 

Ejiofor (pictured at right 

with McGregor), in 

particular, has received 

excellent reviews in the 

British press, and for 

good reason. Othello as 

he portrays him is 

charisma personified – a 

passionate man who 

commands the respect of 

his fellow men and the 

love of the beautiful 

D e s d e m o n a ( K e l l y 

Reilly). The audience is 

understandably transfixed 

by the charm of the 

character and the 

romantics among it can be forgiven if, for a fleeting 

moment, they are left in hope that Shakespeare‟s play has 

been rewritten, with Othello emerging as a modern-day 

hero, all-conquering and with the leading lady in his arms 

at the end (alive). But this is not to be. Othello‟s 

transformation from reverent leader to jealous murderer is 

inevitable and in the context of this play, made believable 

by the effect of the swindling Iago, played by McGregor. 

And that is the crux of this play – everyone, from the 

person doing the lighting, to the experienced director, to 

the flirtatious Bianca (Martina), does his/her part, making 

this the compelling, believable, sold out production that it 

is, with tickets going 

on e-bay at £1,200 a 

pair. 

And with that I say 

again, no praise is 

too much for 

Martina Laird. A 

role that must have 

been coveted by 

many other leading Martina Laird and Tom Hiddleston 

actresses, she got and 

she delivered. Maybe some of her success had to do with 

her motivation: 

“Othello has always been one of my favourite plays,” says 

the Trinbagonian. “I first studied it at school, Bishop 

Anstey High School and our English teacher, Mrs. Davis, 

told us that the speeches we learnt then would stay with us 

like old friends. She was right and it's wonderful to get to 

spend time with this old friend.” 

Martina herself is a fan of anything Shakespeare and of how 

Grandage has depicted Othello: “This is an exciting 

production and the subject matter makes it one with many 

levels of resonance.” 

The Trinbagonian actress, who is very well settled in the 

United Kingdom (see list of some of her work below), 

admits that she would love to be part of a note-worthy 

project in Trinidad and Tobago: “I would love to do a 

production in Trinidad and Tobago, not only because of 

the complexities of our culture but I have found that 

Trinidadian versions of Shakespeare make the language 

alive with a contemporary relevance that, ironically, can 

get lost in England." 

So if you see her name on a billboard for a production in 

T&T in the future, buy your ticket. You are guaranteed a 

credit worthy performance - this above all, I know to be 

true. 

Martina‟s work includes: 

THEATRE - The Five Wives Of Maurice Pinder (National 

Theatre); Arabian Nights (West End and World Tour) and; 

Breath Boom (Royal Court), among others. FILM- The Hurting; 

Dead Meat. TV - Casualty; The Bill; and Jonathon Creek, among 

others.

22 10 

CULTURE 

14 LONDON MISSION 

Advertisement provided by CARIVOG INTERNATIONAL

Visit of the Coast Guard to the Office of the High Commissioner 


Right to left - Ordinary Seaman De Vaughn Modest , Petty Officer Rajesh 

Lalla, Commander Mark Williams, Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip 

S.C., Lieutenant Commander Douglas Archer, Petty Officer Satesh Nowbut 

and Assistant Writer Prince Granger 

Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. 

and Assistant Writer Prince Granger 

High Commissioner hosts Students’ & Nationals’ Christmas Party 

Student Officer at the TTHC, Martin Baptiste, greets 

arriving students at the High Commission. 

Students enjoy the festive affair at the High Commission. 

Left: Jeanette De Coteau 

with her 91 year old 

mother, visiting from 

Trinidad and Tobago at 

the Nationals‟ Christmas 

reception 

Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. 

extends Christmas greetings to nationals. 

Left: Nigel Guy and Jim 

Mungul at the Trinidad and 

Tobago Professional‟s Network 

UK (TTPNUK) end of year 

meeting, which was held at 

the Trinidad and Tobago 

High Commission.

Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. and South Africa High 

Commissioner, Her Excellency Dr. Lindiwe Mabuza at Althea Bastien‟s 

Batik Exhibition 

Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. and World Travel Market 

delegates from Tobago at a reception held in their honour at the 

High Commission 

Nationals celebrated their end of year function at the Mission in true 

Trini style- from left to right - Petty Officer Rajesh Lalla, Ms. Isabella 

Birbal and Ms. Silvia Shoon 

Rasheda Morton holding her “ Outstanding Staff Member Award” 

at the High Commission‟s Christmas luncheon 

Celebrants at Divali reception held at the High Commission 

Ancil Barclay addresses guests at the TTPNuk end of year meeting 

held at the High Commission 

High Commission of the Republic of 

Trinidad and Tobago 

42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT 

Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065

Oct - Dec 2007 - High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad ...

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