Oct - Dec 2007 - High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad ...
Oct - Dec 2007 - High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad ...
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Volume 30 15 <strong>Oct</strong>ober - 15 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2007</strong><br />
Season’s Greetings<br />
HISTORIC MOMENT:<br />
Prime Minister Patrick Manning is<br />
congratulated by H.E. G.M. Richards T.C.,<br />
President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Republic</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago, after taking <strong>the</strong> oath <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice at<br />
Wood<strong>for</strong>d Square, Port <strong>of</strong> Spain, on<br />
November 7, <strong>2007</strong>.
Prime Minister’s<br />
Address<br />
PAGE 4<br />
Al<strong>the</strong>a Bastien’s<br />
Batik<br />
Exhibition<br />
PAGE 15<br />
Eye on Trade<br />
Divali<br />
Celebrations<br />
PAGE 8<br />
PAGE 16<br />
The Govt. <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> &<br />
Tobago<br />
PAGE 12<br />
Well done<br />
Martina<br />
PAGE 21<br />
Product <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Republic</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago, London
NEWS<br />
Results are in and <strong>the</strong> PNM remains<br />
A<br />
fter <strong>the</strong> November 5, <strong>2007</strong>, General<br />
Election in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago, <strong>the</strong><br />
incumbent People‟s National Movement<br />
(PNM) was returned to <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
The PNM won with twenty six (26) seats to <strong>the</strong><br />
UNC Alliance‟s fifteen (15). The Congress <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> People,<br />
contesting elections <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> first time, did not secure a<br />
seat.<br />
The ruling party has rung in <strong>the</strong> changes upon its<br />
return to <strong>of</strong>fice and <strong>the</strong>re are new faces in parliament and<br />
shifts in portfolios <strong>for</strong> most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> remaining elder-heads.<br />
(Please see The Government <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
on page 10).<br />
The President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Republic</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago, His Excellency Maxwell Richards T.C., swore<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Republic</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago, <strong>the</strong> Honourable Patrick Manning, at a ceremony<br />
at Wood<strong>for</strong>d Square at 3.00 pm, November 7 th , <strong>2007</strong>.<br />
This swearing-in-ceremony was an historic event<br />
as it was being done <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> first time in full public view<br />
and in <strong>the</strong> historic Wood<strong>for</strong>d Square, The People‟s<br />
Parliament. It was also <strong>the</strong> first occasion in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago‟s history that a newly installed Prime Minister<br />
had decided to address <strong>the</strong> nation as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day‟s<br />
ceremony. The Prime Minister indicated that this<br />
departure from tradition signalled a continuation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Government‟s intention to bring government closer to<br />
<strong>the</strong> people. He said: “Indeed we shall pursue <strong>the</strong> process<br />
<strong>of</strong> national consultation that we started in our last term,<br />
and facilitate, in appropriate ways, <strong>the</strong> involvement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
citizenry in important national decision-making.”<br />
The Prime Minister gave <strong>the</strong> solemn assurance<br />
that, in word and deed, his will continue to be an<br />
Administration <strong>for</strong> all <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago.<br />
He said that <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago belonged to all <strong>of</strong> us.<br />
“Its resources will be deployed <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> benefit <strong>of</strong> all; and<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r we shall all move over <strong>the</strong> next five years to<br />
make <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best places on this<br />
planet.”<br />
Prime Minister Manning made <strong>the</strong> following points<br />
during his address:<br />
. All talents will be employed <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> continuing<br />
development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. The Government will need<br />
a variety <strong>of</strong> skills at various levels <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> successful<br />
implementation <strong>of</strong> our vision and policies. There are<br />
many positions to be filled on Boards and elsewhere, and<br />
I intend to ensure that our choices are in consonance with<br />
The Honourable Patrick Manning<br />
LONDON MISSION 3<br />
<strong>the</strong> very positive trends that were discerned during <strong>the</strong><br />
campaign just ended.<br />
. The female population is coming more and more to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong>e in this country and already enjoy a dominant<br />
presence in many sectors, including <strong>the</strong> Public Service,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Foreign Service and <strong>the</strong> Teaching pr<strong>of</strong>ession. They are<br />
moving very rapidly in o<strong>the</strong>r areas including business,<br />
management, law, medicine and <strong>the</strong> media. And, as you<br />
can see, <strong>the</strong>y are also moving in politics. The new<br />
Government will reflect this national reality and will be<br />
historic in <strong>the</strong> important roles that will be assigned to <strong>the</strong><br />
women.<br />
. The Government intends to continue economic<br />
diversification, through deeper industrialisation with<br />
industries in plastics, aluminium, iron and steel and<br />
in<strong>for</strong>mation technology; and also sustain our focus on <strong>the</strong><br />
targeted non-energy industries; as well as our extremely<br />
successful ef<strong>for</strong>ts with tourism, manufacturing and small<br />
and medium enterprises<br />
. The Government also intends to keep down <strong>the</strong> price<br />
<strong>of</strong> food. Most importantly, <strong>the</strong>y shall intensify <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
ef<strong>for</strong>ts at increased food production through <strong>the</strong>ir new<br />
vision <strong>for</strong> Agriculture in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago. Food<br />
security shall be a matter <strong>for</strong> major attention in <strong>the</strong> new<br />
administration.<br />
. The Government shall continue to deal with <strong>the</strong> need<br />
<strong>for</strong> af<strong>for</strong>dable housing, especially <strong>for</strong> low and middleincome<br />
households; and shall maintain our target <strong>of</strong><br />
constructing a minimum <strong>of</strong> eight thousand units per year<br />
to deal with this continuing problem.
10 4 LONDON MISSION NEWS<br />
PM’s address continued...<br />
A proud Patrick Manning makes his address to <strong>the</strong> nation.<br />
Above: Prime Minister Manning with wife and new Minster <strong>of</strong><br />
Local Government, Senator <strong>the</strong> Honourable Hazel Manning, His<br />
Excellency George Maxwell Richards T.C., wife Mrs. Jean Richard<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir daughter Maxine at <strong>the</strong> swearing in ceremony.<br />
Below: The Honourable Prime Minister greets nationals after his<br />
address. Picture Courtesy Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister<br />
. Fur<strong>the</strong>r improvements in health care will be pursued,<br />
emphasising availability and accessibility <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best<br />
modern health care <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> citizens <strong>of</strong> this country.<br />
. Plans <strong>for</strong> a vastly improved water supply shall be<br />
implemented; a comprehensive drainage programme;<br />
and enhanced power generation and transmission.<br />
. The problem <strong>of</strong> traffic congestion shall be dealt with<br />
through <strong>the</strong> many methods that <strong>the</strong> Government has<br />
outlined, including <strong>the</strong> construction <strong>of</strong> over passes, <strong>the</strong><br />
removal <strong>of</strong> traffic lights, <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> free ways<br />
and <strong>the</strong> construction <strong>of</strong> a new network <strong>of</strong> highways<br />
throughout <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago.<br />
. There will be continued focus on youth development<br />
with modernised education from nursery to tertiary; and<br />
through <strong>the</strong> many training programmes which have<br />
proven to be so successful. These shall now come under<br />
review <strong>for</strong> greater effectiveness and to ensure coverage<br />
over <strong>the</strong> entire country, providing all who are willing,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> opportunity <strong>for</strong> advancement in <strong>the</strong>se areas.<br />
Tremendous new opportunities are also coming in <strong>the</strong><br />
areas <strong>of</strong> culture and sport.<br />
. The battle against crime will continue. The law<br />
en<strong>for</strong>cement agencies will continue to be streng<strong>the</strong>ned<br />
through improved management, better facilities,<br />
updated equipment including technology, and ongoing<br />
training in modern methods <strong>of</strong> policing, detection and<br />
crime prevention. The battle against <strong>the</strong> drug trade shall<br />
be intensified.<br />
The Prime Minister concluded his address by<br />
saying: “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are blessed with a<br />
country rich in human and natural resources, dynamic<br />
diversity and a culture <strong>of</strong> peace and harmonious living.<br />
This is also now a land <strong>of</strong> increasing opportunity <strong>for</strong><br />
everybody. We should all strive, whilst improving our<br />
own lot, to contribute to a better society in our<br />
communities and in <strong>the</strong> nation as a whole. Let us all look<br />
out <strong>for</strong> one ano<strong>the</strong>r and go <strong>for</strong>ward as <strong>the</strong> family <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago; and let us remember to give<br />
thanks everyday to Almighty God <strong>for</strong> his bounty and<br />
blessings.<br />
May God bless each and every one <strong>of</strong> you. May<br />
God continue to bless our beloved country. May I thank<br />
you once again <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> opportunity to serve you as Prime<br />
Minister.<br />
Thank you very much, Ladies and Gentlemen.”<br />
Patrick Manning
SPECIAL<br />
LONDON MISSION 5<br />
Extract From A Release<br />
From The Office Of The Prime Minister<br />
P<br />
rime Minister Patrick<br />
Manning adv is ed His<br />
Excellency The President<br />
George Maxwell Richards to appoint<br />
<strong>the</strong> 15 Government Senators.<br />
Former Minister <strong>of</strong> Labour, Small and<br />
Micro Enterprises, Senator Danny<br />
Montano was appointed to <strong>the</strong> Senate<br />
and was elected as <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Senate <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> ensuing term <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
new Parliament.<br />
The additional Senators appointed<br />
are George Hadeed <strong>of</strong> Arima, June<br />
Melville <strong>of</strong> Tobago, Laurel Lezama,<br />
also <strong>of</strong> Arima and Linus Rogers, <strong>the</strong><br />
PNM‟s Elections Officer.<br />
These additional Senators joined <strong>the</strong><br />
already named members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Government in Salybia <strong>for</strong> a week<br />
long training and orientation<br />
programme. The session was <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong>um within which members were<br />
instructed in matters <strong>of</strong> government<br />
procedure and conduct, among o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
things. The newly <strong>for</strong>med<br />
government took up<br />
residence toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>for</strong> one<br />
week and was instructed in<br />
matters related to <strong>the</strong> rules<br />
and regulations associated<br />
with Government Business<br />
and Media and Public<br />
Relations.<br />
Members <strong>of</strong> Cabinet,<br />
subsequently on Monday<br />
The Honourable Patrick Manning<br />
Prime Minister<br />
19 th November, attended <strong>the</strong>ir first<br />
Cabinet meeting at Whitehall (as<br />
pictured below), following which<br />
<strong>the</strong>y met with <strong>the</strong>ir respective<br />
Permanent Secretaries and reported<br />
to <strong>the</strong>ir Ministries.<br />
Prime Minister Brown congratulates Prime Minister<br />
Manning on his election victory<br />
The Honourable Gordon Brown<br />
Prime Minister<br />
United Kingdom<br />
I<br />
n a letter dated November 14, United Kingdom Prime<br />
Minister, <strong>the</strong> Right Honourable James Gordon Brown,<br />
congratulated Prime Minister, <strong>the</strong> Honourable Patrick<br />
Manning, on <strong>the</strong> People‟s National Movement‟s (PNM)<br />
General Election victory on November 5.<br />
Prime Minister Brown, in his statement, said: “I look <strong>for</strong>ward<br />
to continuing <strong>the</strong> close cooperation our two countries have<br />
developed on <strong>the</strong> major international challenges we face,<br />
particularly in <strong>the</strong> fight against drugs and organised crime.”<br />
Three <strong>of</strong>fshore patrol vessels (OPVs) <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Coast Guard are<br />
currently being built by British shipbuilding company Vosper<br />
Thornycr<strong>of</strong>t under a government to government arrangement<br />
between <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago and Britain. The UK$150<br />
million contract was signed in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago on April<br />
5 and <strong>the</strong> Coast Guard will receive <strong>the</strong> first OPV in 2009.<br />
British police <strong>of</strong>ficers from Scotland Yard have also been<br />
brought in to assist <strong>the</strong> Special Anti-Crime Unit.<br />
The statement from Downing Street, London, also said: “I<br />
hope too that we can explore fur<strong>the</strong>r ways in which we<br />
might expand <strong>the</strong> two-way flow <strong>of</strong> trade, particularly in <strong>the</strong><br />
financial services sector, downstream petrochemical industries<br />
and defence-related services.”<br />
Prime Minister Brown added that he was looking <strong>for</strong>ward to<br />
meeting with Prime Minister Manning at <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth<br />
Heads <strong>of</strong> Government Summit in Kampala, Uganda.
10 6 LONDON MISSION NEWS<br />
CANDIDATES FOR THE <strong>2007</strong> GENERAL ELECTION IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO<br />
(PNM, UNC, COP)<br />
Successful candidate depicted in red<br />
1. Arima<br />
PNM - Pennelope Beckles<br />
COP - Rodger Dominic<br />
Samuel<br />
UNC - Wayne Rodriguez<br />
2. Arouca/Maloney<br />
PNM - Alicia Hospedales<br />
UNC - Diane Bishop-Bajnath<br />
COP - Kathy—Ann Jones<br />
3. Barataria/San Juan<br />
PNM - Joseph Ross<br />
COP - Jamal Mohammed<br />
UNC - Nazeemool<br />
Mohammed<br />
4. Caroni Central<br />
PNM - Shivanand<br />
Narinesingh<br />
COP - Prakash Ramadhar<br />
UNC - Dr. Hamza Rafeeq<br />
5. Caroni East<br />
PNM - Harold Ramoutar<br />
UNC - Dr Tim Gopeesingh<br />
COP - Ganga Singh<br />
6. Chaguanas East<br />
PNM - Mustapha Abdul-<br />
Hamid<br />
COP - Nirad Tewarie<br />
UNC -Dr. Kirk Meighoo<br />
7. Chaguanas West<br />
PNM - Frankie Ranjitsingh<br />
COP - Manohar Ramsaran<br />
UNC - Jack Warner<br />
8. Couva North<br />
PNM - Nal Ramsingh<br />
UNC - Basdeo Panday<br />
COP - Hulsie Bhaggan<br />
9. Couva South<br />
PNM - Naim Ali<br />
COP - Devant Maharaj<br />
UNC - Kelvin Ramnath<br />
10. Cumuto/Manzanilla<br />
PNM - Lennox Sirjusingh<br />
COP - Wendy Lee Yuen<br />
UNC - Harry Partap<br />
11. D'Abadie/O'Meara<br />
PNM - Karen Nunez Tesheira<br />
COP - Dr Lincoln Douglas<br />
UNC - Nathalie Small<br />
12. Diego Martin Central<br />
PNM - Dr Amery Browne<br />
UNC - Steve Alvarez<br />
COP - Nicole Dyer-Griffith<br />
13. Diego Martin East<br />
PNM - Colm Imbert<br />
COP - Joe Pires<br />
UNC - Andy Williams<br />
14. Diego Martin West<br />
PNM - Dr. Keith Rowley<br />
COP - Rocky Garcia<br />
UNC - Dr. Daphne Phillips<br />
15. Fyzabad<br />
PNM - Andre Bernard<br />
COP - Mahendranath<br />
Dhaniram<br />
UNC - Chandresh Sharma<br />
16. La Brea<br />
PNM - Fitzgerald Jeffrey<br />
UNC - Ravi Ratiram<br />
COP - Gilbert Agard<br />
17. La Horquetta/Talparo<br />
PNM - Roger Joseph<br />
UNC - Dr. Jennifer Jones-<br />
Kernahan<br />
COP - Delon Haynes<br />
18. Laventille East/Morvant<br />
PNM - Donna Cox<br />
UNC - Lennox Smith<br />
COP - La Toya Callender<br />
19. Laventille West<br />
PNM - Nyleung Hypolite<br />
UNC - Juliet Davy<br />
COP - Arthur Augustine<br />
20. Lopinot/Bon Air<br />
PNM - Neil Parsanlal<br />
UNC - Prakash Williams<br />
COP - Jerome Chaitan<br />
21. Mayaro<br />
PNM - Michelle Mischier<br />
Boyd<br />
UNC - Winston 'Gypsy'<br />
Peters<br />
COP - Rabindra Moonan<br />
22. Naparima<br />
PNM - Geeta Rampersad<br />
COP - Rekha Ramjit<br />
UNC - Nizam Baksh<br />
23. Oropouche East<br />
PNM - Shafeeq Mohammed<br />
COP - Carol Cuffy Dowlat<br />
UNC - Dr. Roodal Moonilal<br />
24. Oropouche West<br />
PNM - Dr Raghunath<br />
Mahabir<br />
COP - Kevin Ratiram<br />
UNC - Mickela Panday<br />
25. Princes Town North<br />
PNM - Marlon Mohammed<br />
COP - Dr Navi Muradali<br />
UNC - Subhas Panday<br />
26. Princes Town South/<br />
Tableland<br />
PNM - Peter Taylor<br />
UNC - Clifton De Coteau<br />
COP - Desmond Lambert<br />
27. Point Fortin<br />
PNM - Paula Gopee-Scoon<br />
UNC - Fitzroy Beache<br />
COP - Selby Wilson<br />
28. Point-a-Pierre<br />
PNM - Christine Kangaloo<br />
UNC - Wade Mark<br />
COP - Carolyn Seepersad-<br />
Bachan<br />
29. Port <strong>of</strong> Spain North/St Ann's<br />
West<br />
PNM - Gary Hunte<br />
COP - Daniel Solomon<br />
UNC - Brent John<br />
30. Port <strong>of</strong> Spain South<br />
PNM - Marlene McDonald<br />
UNC - Anthony Sammy<br />
COP - Dr. Sharon—Ann<br />
Gopaul Mc Nichol<br />
31. San Fernando East<br />
PNM - Patrick Manning<br />
COP - Mervyn Assam<br />
UNC - Frederick Norman<br />
32. San Fernando West<br />
PNM - Junia Regrello<br />
UNC - Bishop Jankee<br />
Raghunanan<br />
COP - Marlene Coudray<br />
33. Siparia<br />
PNM - Lutchman Rampersad<br />
UNC - Kamla Persad-<br />
Bissessar<br />
COP - Govindra Roopnarine<br />
34. St Ann's East<br />
PNM - Anthony Roberts<br />
UNC - Tricia Moraldo<br />
COP - Gary Griffith<br />
35. St Augustine<br />
PNM - Nadra Nathai-Gyan<br />
UNC - Vasant Bharath<br />
COP - Winston Dookeran<br />
36. St Joseph<br />
PNM - Kennedy Swaratsingh<br />
UNC - Dr. Carson Charles<br />
COP - Gillian Lucky<br />
37. Tabaquite<br />
PNM - Heeralal Rampertap<br />
COP - Anand Ramlogan<br />
UNC - Ramesh Lawrence<br />
Maharaj<br />
38. Tobago East<br />
PNM - Rennie Dumas<br />
COP - Johnathan Stone<br />
39. Tobago West<br />
PNM - Stan<strong>for</strong>d Calender<br />
40. Toco/Sangre Grande<br />
PNM - Indra Sinanan Ojah-<br />
Maharaj<br />
UNC - Keshore Satram<br />
COP - Dr. Lena Brereton<br />
Wolffe<br />
41. Tunapuna<br />
PNM - Ester Le Gendre<br />
UNC - Christine Newallo<br />
COP - Clyde Wea<strong>the</strong>rhead
NEWS<br />
Climate change a <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
and Tobago priority<br />
C<br />
limate change, which proved to be <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>of</strong> much debate<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Heads <strong>of</strong> Government Meeting<br />
(CHOGM) which took place from November 23-25 in Kampala,<br />
Uganda, is set to be to top priority on <strong>the</strong> agenda <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> next summit in<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago in 2009, said Prime Minister Patrick Manning.<br />
The debate on climate change at CHOGM saw <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
being identified by Canada as its only supporter <strong>for</strong> that country's<br />
position against any statement that would have only mandated <strong>the</strong><br />
developed countries in <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth to make "binding<br />
commitments" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<br />
Climate change is a specific concern <strong>for</strong> small island states like <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
and Tobago as rising sea-levels have already resulted in minor, yet<br />
significant, signs <strong>of</strong> coastal erosion.<br />
In his address at <strong>the</strong> Meeting, <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister said: "This CHOGM,<br />
ladies and gentlemen, is outstanding <strong>for</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> reasons,<br />
particularly as it relates to <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean."<br />
"The question <strong>of</strong> climate change is very significant indeed, <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago being now an industrialised country. It has become very clear to<br />
us following this CHOGM that we will have to move on very fast to<br />
deal with this whole question <strong>of</strong> greenhouse gas emissions, <strong>the</strong> effects<br />
on <strong>the</strong> world and our contribution to it."<br />
In <strong>the</strong> last World Carbon Dioxide Emissions from <strong>the</strong> Flaring and<br />
Consumption <strong>of</strong> Fossil Fuels report published by <strong>the</strong> US Energy<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation Administration in 2004, <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago ranked<br />
number eight in terms <strong>of</strong> CO2 emissions per capita, having released<br />
some 30 million metric tonnes <strong>of</strong> CO2 into <strong>the</strong> atmosphere that year.<br />
The Prime Minister‟s delegation included Minister <strong>of</strong> Energy, Senator<br />
<strong>the</strong> Honourable Conrad Enill and <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>er to <strong>the</strong> United<br />
Kingdom, H.E Glenda Morean<br />
Phillip SC. (pictured right), who<br />
gave <strong>the</strong> closing address at <strong>the</strong><br />
Commonwealth People‟s Forum held<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Africana Hotel, Kampala, on<br />
November 22, <strong>2007</strong>.<br />
On November 25, <strong>the</strong> Prime<br />
Minister held bilateral talks with<br />
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta<br />
Museveni at <strong>the</strong> Munyonyo<br />
Commonwealth Resort, a 50-acre<br />
facility on <strong>the</strong> banks <strong>of</strong> Lake Victoria.<br />
LONDON MISSION 7<br />
Prime Minister Patrick Manning, left, chats with Uganda<br />
President Yoweri Museveni during bilaterial talks at <strong>the</strong><br />
Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Uganda. Photo courtesy<br />
<strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister.<br />
In a release, <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister stated: "The Prime<br />
Minister took <strong>the</strong> opportunity to raise with President Museveni several<br />
issues <strong>for</strong> continued co-operation, in <strong>the</strong> fields <strong>of</strong> energy, education,<br />
food security and cultural exchange. He reiterated <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago's willingness to continue its assistance in <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong><br />
Uganda's monetisation <strong>of</strong> its recently-discovered oil and gas resources."<br />
The release also said that President Museveni indicated monetisation <strong>of</strong><br />
Uganda's hydrocarbon resources would yield tangible rewards to that<br />
country's roughly 30 million citizens by 2009.<br />
UK teachers visit to seek TT links<br />
T<br />
en teachers from nine<br />
schools in <strong>the</strong> London<br />
Borough <strong>of</strong> Harrow visited <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
and Tobago from November 25-29<br />
seeking to establish school<br />
partnerships.<br />
The visit was organised by <strong>the</strong> British<br />
Council as it continues in its drive “to<br />
build mutually beneficial relationships<br />
and to broaden <strong>the</strong> international view<br />
<strong>of</strong> young people.”<br />
In a release <strong>the</strong> British Council said<br />
that “<strong>the</strong> outcome will be <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>of</strong> school partnerships with<br />
schools which apply <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> United<br />
Kingdom‟s Government Department<br />
<strong>for</strong> International Development<br />
(DFID) Global School Partnership<br />
Programme eligible <strong>for</strong> funding to<br />
support visits and conduct joint<br />
curriculum work.”<br />
The teachers explored a range <strong>of</strong><br />
subjects and issues from physical<br />
education, sport, raising standards <strong>for</strong><br />
underachieving boys, languages,<br />
Caribbean culture and arts, science<br />
and improvements in writing skills.<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago and British<br />
teachers participated in a two-day<br />
World Links workshop at <strong>the</strong><br />
Courtyard, Marriott Hotel. The<br />
British teachers visited <strong>the</strong>ir potential<br />
partner schools. The schools chosen<br />
w e r e t h e G r a n t M e m o r i a l<br />
Presbyterian Primary, Muslim League<br />
School, Vistabella Presbyterian<br />
Primary, San Fernando Boys‟ School,<br />
St Gabriel‟s Girls, San Fernando Girls<br />
Government School, St Paul‟s<br />
Anglican School, San Fernando<br />
Methodist School, Naparima Girls‟<br />
<strong>High</strong> School and St Joseph‟s Convent.
10 8 LONDON MISSION BUSINESS<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago streng<strong>the</strong>ning ties with Scandinavia<br />
The invitation to participate was certainly welcome,<br />
Especially as a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago‟s ongoing<br />
initiative to expand trade and tourism in Scandinavia.<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago enjoys a productive relationship with<br />
Scandinavia, evident by <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> several Scandinavian<br />
companies having branches in <strong>Trinidad</strong>. Tobago also<br />
remains a popular destination <strong>for</strong> Scandinavian travellers.<br />
Commercial Attaché Dionne Ligoure<br />
O<br />
n November 22, Condor Airlines sponsored a<br />
lunch and dinner <strong>for</strong> media and tourism industry<br />
stakeholders in Stockholm, Sweden. <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
was invited to attend and do presentations to media and<br />
<strong>the</strong> stakeholders on developments in <strong>the</strong> twin island state.<br />
In charting <strong>the</strong> way <strong>for</strong>ward, <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>,<br />
London is working closely with <strong>the</strong> Tourism Development<br />
Company to continue to network with airlines, agencies<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r stakeholders in tourism and trade in order to<br />
advance <strong>the</strong> objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago.<br />
Very special thanks to Condor <strong>for</strong> being brilliant hosts and<br />
sponsoring this event.<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago was represented by Dionne Ligoure,<br />
Commercial Attaché at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>Commission</strong>, London, Christine Engen, Tourism Development<br />
Company (TDC) representative <strong>for</strong> Scandinavia<br />
and Andrew Hillier <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> TDC‟s London <strong>of</strong>fice. Martina<br />
Johnsson, Sales Manager Scandinavia and Matthias Koster,<br />
Manager International Sales represented Condor.<br />
The event was attended by over 100 stakeholders, who<br />
were quite enthusiastic about <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago. It was<br />
a clear indication that building relationships with stakeholders<br />
is a worthwhile endeavour, especially in <strong>the</strong> UK/<br />
Europe market.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highlights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> event was an exotic chocolate<br />
and rum tasting done by Duane Dove. Duane is a Tobagonian,<br />
who lives and owns a chocolate and c<strong>of</strong>fee shop in<br />
Stockholm, Sweden – Small Island Chocolates and C<strong>of</strong>fee.<br />
Duane‟s chocolates are all made by small batch artisan<br />
European chocolate houses with <strong>the</strong> cocoa being sourced<br />
in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago, 100 per cent Trinitario, fine/<br />
flavour cocoa.<br />
Duane Dove with Public Affairs , Culture and<br />
Tourism Attaché Ashton Ford in Sweden, 2005.
BUSINESS LONDON MISSION 9<br />
To get you better acquainted with <strong>the</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Honorary Consuls we are<br />
introducing a global page, which will pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>the</strong> individual Consuls.<br />
In this issue we look at Norway<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> Honorary Consul Mr. Rolf Holmen.<br />
Mr. Rolf E. Holmen has been <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago‟s<br />
Honorary Consul in Norway since 1999. He is an<br />
experienced businessman with varied interests in <strong>the</strong><br />
energy, real estate and marine sectors. Mr. Holmen‟s<br />
wealth <strong>of</strong> experience is integral to maintaining and<br />
expanding links between <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago and<br />
Norway. He is well acquainted with <strong>the</strong> trade and tourism<br />
policies <strong>of</strong> our twin-island state and is a fervent follower <strong>of</strong><br />
carnival. As Honorary Consul, Mr. Holmen has regular<br />
contact with <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago nationals living in<br />
Norway.<br />
Since 2006, he has been <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diplomatic<br />
Corps in Norway. Mr. Holmen‟s interests outside <strong>of</strong><br />
business include skiing, golfing, travelling and boating. He<br />
is married with two sons.<br />
Links between <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago and Norway:<br />
Business links between Norway and <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
are mainly in <strong>the</strong> energy sector. The Norwegian firm<br />
YARA has three Ammonia plants in Point Lisas, <strong>Trinidad</strong>.<br />
The national oil company STATOIL is set to explore<br />
<strong>of</strong>fshore T&T. STATOIL is an integrated oil and gas<br />
company and is <strong>the</strong> leading operator on <strong>the</strong> Norwegian<br />
continental shelf. The company has been experiencing<br />
strong growth in its international production.<br />
Additionally, <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> fourth year in a row, STATOIL is<br />
ranked number one among <strong>the</strong> world's oil and gas<br />
companies in <strong>the</strong> Dow Jones Sustainability World Index<br />
(DJSI World).<br />
Norwegian ships, yachts and boats frequently call at T&T<br />
ports.<br />
There is cooperation in <strong>the</strong> cultural, education,<br />
environment and agriculture sectors. The Royal<br />
Norwegian Society <strong>for</strong> Development (an independent, non<br />
-pr<strong>of</strong>it organisation) is working with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago Government to assist local farmers.<br />
His Excellency Dag Mork Ulnes, <strong>the</strong> Norwegian<br />
Ambassador to <strong>the</strong> Caribbean, including <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago, has also been very active in promoting business<br />
and cultural relations between <strong>the</strong> two countries.<br />
Mr. Rolf E. Holmen<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago’s<br />
Honorary Consul in Norway<br />
Nationals in Norway held <strong>the</strong>ir end <strong>of</strong> year function in Oslo
10<br />
LONDON MISSION BUSINESS<br />
THE OTHER BLACK GOLD: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO COCOA<br />
Introduction:<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago‟s cocoa industry has declined from a<br />
high production in <strong>the</strong> 1930's <strong>of</strong> 70 million pounds per<br />
annum to less than two million. Unlike sugar, cocoa has a<br />
good market both in terms <strong>of</strong> volume and price. The<br />
demand <strong>for</strong> fine flavour cocoa, <strong>for</strong> which T&T is famous,<br />
is likely to increase. In our ef<strong>for</strong>ts to diversify <strong>the</strong><br />
economy, cocoa is a good candidate both in terms <strong>of</strong><br />
producing a basic raw material and <strong>for</strong> processing to high<br />
value products.<br />
by a full flavour with pleasant ancillary flavours such as<br />
molasses, liquorice, caramel and raisin, and is simply<br />
described as fruity.<br />
There is a niche market <strong>for</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago‟s cocoa,<br />
which is mainly used in specialty products. T&T‟s cocoa<br />
has developed a reputation <strong>for</strong> purity. It is desirable to<br />
develop <strong>the</strong> cocoa industry as it is a crop well suited <strong>for</strong><br />
T&T‟s soil and climate.<br />
History:<br />
Since 1930, <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago has been looked at as<br />
a source <strong>of</strong> new cocoa<br />
production technology. In<br />
that year, cocoa research was<br />
initiated as a five-year scheme<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Imperial College <strong>of</strong><br />
Tropical Agriculture. In<br />
1955, <strong>the</strong> Regional Research<br />
Centre was specially<br />
established to devote more<br />
time to improving cocoa<br />
production. In 1963, <strong>the</strong><br />
Cocoa Research Unit (CRU)<br />
was established. In <strong>the</strong><br />
intervening years, major<br />
studies were conducted on<br />
agronomy, breeding and genetics, nutrition, propagation<br />
and more. The CRU has maintained a multi-disciplinary<br />
research programme in conservation, characterisation,<br />
evaluation and utilisation (germplasm enhancement) <strong>of</strong><br />
cacao genetic resources. The results <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se activities are<br />
well documented and have been <strong>of</strong> enormous value to<br />
cocoa researchers worldwide and thus <strong>the</strong> global cocoa<br />
industry. In addition, <strong>the</strong> CRU manages one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> moist<br />
diverse collections <strong>of</strong> cacao germplasm in <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago in <strong>the</strong> Cocoa World:<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago produces a superior quality <strong>of</strong><br />
cocoa, which fetches a premium price on <strong>the</strong> world<br />
market. It is known in <strong>the</strong> trade as fine or flavour cocoa<br />
and is produced from Trinitario beans. It is characterised<br />
Cocoa<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago‟s cocoa is exported to<br />
Europe – France, Italy and<br />
Spain, where <strong>the</strong> small batch<br />
artisan chocolate houses are<br />
located. Some notable French<br />
artisan chocolate houses are:<br />
Pralus Chocolate House in<br />
Roanne, Valrhona Chocolate<br />
House and Tain-I‟Hermitage.<br />
Amedei Chocolate House in<br />
Tuscany, Italy is also well<br />
known.<br />
Tobago cocoa estate owner,<br />
Duane Dove, is one <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago‟s<br />
strongest cocoa advocates in<br />
Europe. He has visited many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> small batch artisan<br />
chocolate houses in Europe which use T&T‟s fine flavour<br />
cocoa in making <strong>the</strong>ir chocolates.<br />
His Tobago estate also doubles as a heritage park and<br />
takes an agro-culinary approach to tourism. Visitors to<br />
<strong>the</strong> estate can learn about cocoa cultivation and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
companion crops. A tour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> estate also comprises a<br />
chocolate tasting. Dove, a sommelier by pr<strong>of</strong>ession, has<br />
become a well-known site at major tourism fairs world<br />
-wide, including <strong>the</strong> World Travel Market, London,<br />
where he <strong>of</strong>fers Angostura‟s barrel aged rum to visitors<br />
which he pairs with different chocolates. He has spent<br />
ten years visiting rum distilleries and cocoa estates in <strong>the</strong><br />
Caribbean and Latin America.
BUSINESS LONDON MISSION<br />
11<br />
THE OTHER BLACK GOLD continued...<br />
Duane Dove is in good company. As a cocoa farmer, he is<br />
now counted alongside business magnate Lawrence<br />
Duprey <strong>of</strong> CL Financial. Mr. Duprey, through Prism Agri<br />
Estates Limited has quietly bought four estates, with a<br />
total acreage <strong>of</strong> 1,650 acres. He processes <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago cocoa in France and exports it under <strong>the</strong> Tamana<br />
label as a super premium brand <strong>of</strong> chocolate in Japan. It is<br />
hoped that Mr. Duprey will expand his initial penetration<br />
into <strong>the</strong> international market and progress to making fine<br />
chocolates in<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r key players in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago Cocoa business<br />
are:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Paul Manickchand, owner <strong>of</strong> Produce Marketing<br />
Associates in Sangre Grande. He reaps an exquisite<br />
harvest from his estate. Lindt International and<br />
Guittard are among his distinguished customers.<br />
The German-owned Hendelschaft, 1,000 acre farm<br />
in Gran Couva which is managed by Kamta Persad.<br />
This estate is known as <strong>the</strong> San Juan estate and has a<br />
very close relationship with <strong>the</strong> French Chocolate<br />
House – Valrhona. Valrhona has a chocolate called<br />
Gran Couva, which states that it‟s made from 64%<br />
cocoa made from dark chocolate from Gran Couva,<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong>.<br />
Mr. Paul de Verteuil (San Antonio Estate)<br />
Von Det Agricultural Holdings Limited has a 300<br />
acre estate in Claxton Bay.<br />
<br />
<br />
George Bernard has a 200 acre estate in Gran Couva<br />
Paul Merry has an 100 acre estate in Santa Cruz.<br />
Source : CSO Agricultural Section Production Figures &<br />
CSO * Annual Trade Report & CCIB<br />
*2005-2006 – 1 metric tonne <strong>of</strong> cocoa was valued at<br />
USD,4200<br />
<br />
<br />
The Agricultural Development Bank has reserved<br />
TTD 7 million in loans <strong>for</strong> its Cocoa Revitaliser<br />
campaign.<br />
The demand <strong>for</strong> anti-oxidant rich dark chocolates<br />
has tripled in <strong>the</strong> last four years<br />
For more in<strong>for</strong>mation on <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago’s<br />
Cocoa, you may read ‘The History <strong>of</strong> Cocoa Production<br />
In <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago’, as well as John<br />
Spence’s articles in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> Express.<br />
This article is comprised <strong>of</strong> excerpts from <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce<br />
magazine CONTACT and John Spence’s articles in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> Express.<br />
Fast facts T&T Cocoa:<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago Cocoa Production<br />
Year Total production Domestic exports (000 kg) Value <strong>of</strong> exports ($000)<br />
TTD<br />
2002 1721 1242 19,200<br />
2003-2004 1152 - 26,127<br />
2004-2005 915 - -<br />
2005-2006 732* - 19,369
12 10 LONDON MISSION FEATURE<br />
The Honourable<br />
Patrick Manning<br />
Prime Minister<br />
The Honourable<br />
Karen Nunez-Tesheira<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Finance<br />
The Honourable<br />
Christine Kangaloo<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Science, Technology,<br />
and Tertiary Education<br />
Senator <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Martin Joseph<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> National Security<br />
The Honourable<br />
Kennedy Swaratsingh<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Public<br />
Administration<br />
Senator <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Hazel Manning<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Local Government<br />
The Honourable Gary Hunt<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Sport and<br />
Youth Affairs<br />
The Honourable<br />
Paula Gopee-Scoon<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Foreign Affairs<br />
The Honourable<br />
Marlene Mc. Donald<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Community<br />
Development, Culture and<br />
Gender Affairs<br />
Senator <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Conrad Enill<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Energy and<br />
Energy Industries<br />
Senator <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Jerry Narace<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Health<br />
The Honourable Arnold Piggott<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, Land<br />
and Marine Resources<br />
The Honourable Donna Cox<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> State - Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Community Development,<br />
Culture and Gender Affairs<br />
Senator Dr. <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Lenny Krishendath Saith<br />
Minister in <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Prime Minister<br />
The Honourable<br />
Es<strong>the</strong>r Le Gendre<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Education<br />
The Honourable Joseph Ross<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Tourism
FEATURE<br />
LONDON MISSION 13<br />
Senator <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Bridgid Annisette George<br />
Attorney General<br />
The Honourable Colm Imbert<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Works and Transport<br />
Dr. <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Keith Rowley<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Trade and Industry<br />
The Honourable<br />
Mustapha Abdul-Hamid<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Public Utilities<br />
Dr. <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Amery Browne<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Social Development<br />
The Honourable Rennie Dumas<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Labour, Small and<br />
Micro Enterprise Development<br />
Senator Dr. <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Planning, Housing<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Environment<br />
The Honourable<br />
Neil Parsanlal<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> In<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
The Honourable<br />
Peter Taylor<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Legal Affairs<br />
The Honourable<br />
Stan<strong>for</strong>d Callender<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> State - Office<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister<br />
The Honourable<br />
Mariano Browne<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> State -<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Finance<br />
The Honourable<br />
Alicia Hospedales<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> State - Ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> Social Development<br />
The Honourable<br />
Fitzgerald Jeffrey<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> State - Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Science, Technology and Tertiary<br />
Education<br />
Senator <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Tina Gronlund-Nunez<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> State - Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Planning,Housing and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Environment<br />
Mr. Ni Leung Hypolite<br />
Parliamentary Secretary<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Works and Transport<br />
The Hon. Junia Regrello<br />
Parliamentary Secretary<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Community<br />
Development , Culture and<br />
Gender Affairs<br />
Senator <strong>the</strong> Honourable<br />
Wesley George<br />
Parliamentary Secretary<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Health
14 10 LONDON MISSION BUSINESS<br />
Business Appreciation<br />
Event at <strong>the</strong><br />
TTHC London<br />
Above: Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. (centre), Commercial Attaché Dionne Ligoure and <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago Miss World<br />
participant, Valene Maharaj with members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Croydon Business Group that travelled to T&T earlier this year.<br />
O<br />
n <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, <strong>2007</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>, London, hosted an Appreciation<br />
Reception. The event was aimed at re-connecting<br />
with <strong>the</strong> business community to celebrate <strong>the</strong> year‟s<br />
achievements and set <strong>the</strong> pace <strong>for</strong> an even more productive<br />
2008. The Mission also had <strong>the</strong> good <strong>for</strong>tune <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
presence <strong>of</strong>, <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago Miss World participant,<br />
Valene Maharaj, who placed fourth at <strong>the</strong> recently concluded<br />
competition in China.<br />
In her address to <strong>the</strong> guests, H.E. Glenda Morean<br />
Phillip stated: “In 2008 you will see and hear more from<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>, London. We<br />
have several activities planned as we advance <strong>the</strong> trade,<br />
tourism and cultural agenda <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago. The<br />
Mission is structured to meet and treat with <strong>the</strong>se and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r needs.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> key tools to stay in touch with you<br />
and keep you well in<strong>for</strong>med will be our new website.<br />
The finishing touches are being added and it will be re<br />
-launched in <strong>the</strong> coming weeks.<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago is serious about business and<br />
<strong>the</strong> London Mission is here to facilitate your needs. The<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago economy has been enjoying solid<br />
economic growth and <strong>the</strong> Government is using <strong>the</strong> resources<br />
gained to execute <strong>the</strong> Vision 2020 national development<br />
plan. While energy is <strong>the</strong> pillar upon which<br />
<strong>the</strong> economy rests, we are actively developing o<strong>the</strong>r key<br />
industries, as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> drive to diversify <strong>the</strong> economy.<br />
We have a trade programme in place, an integral<br />
part <strong>of</strong> which is networking events. Our business model is<br />
changing and our proactive approach will be reflected in<br />
increased business and network building activities to provide<br />
opportunities <strong>for</strong> UK and Caribbean businesses to<br />
exchange ideas, best practices and explore <strong>the</strong> many<br />
opportunities that <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago has to <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />
We look <strong>for</strong>ward to working closely with you and<br />
to developing even stronger links and partnerships in<br />
2008.<br />
A happy and peaceful Christmas to you all and <strong>the</strong><br />
very best <strong>for</strong> 2008.”<br />
The charming Miss Maharaj was very popular with <strong>the</strong><br />
guests at <strong>the</strong> event. Pictured here with London hotelier<br />
Carl Morris.
CULTURE<br />
LONDON MISSION 15<br />
Al<strong>the</strong>a Bastien’s Batik Exhibition ‘Expressions in Fabrics’ held at <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong><br />
by Ge<strong>of</strong>f Lowe<br />
Her interest was fur<strong>the</strong>r heightened in 1989 after a friend<br />
gave her a book entitled „Fabric Art‟ and she began experimenting<br />
in that medium and has stuck with it ever since.<br />
Batik is <strong>the</strong> Indonesian art <strong>of</strong> creating patterns on fabric by<br />
using dye and wax. The word „batik‟ means "writing with<br />
wax".<br />
Fabric Art or fabric collage is <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> pictures using<br />
scraps <strong>of</strong> fabric in lieu <strong>of</strong> oils, acrylics or water colours,<br />
but at <strong>the</strong> same time achieving an image <strong>of</strong> a water colour<br />
etc. Batik fabric, because <strong>of</strong> its many colours in one piece<br />
<strong>of</strong> fabric and also <strong>the</strong> different textures in fabric, is <strong>the</strong>re<strong>for</strong>e<br />
ideal <strong>for</strong> such results. The result <strong>of</strong> this creative process<br />
highlights Al<strong>the</strong>a‟s versatility and creative prowess.<br />
Al<strong>the</strong>a Bastien<br />
H<br />
er Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C.<br />
hosted a reception at <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong> on<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 18, <strong>2007</strong>, <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> pre-exhibit viewing <strong>of</strong><br />
„Experiences in Fabrics‟ by <strong>the</strong> illustrious <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago artist extraordinaire, Al<strong>the</strong>a Bastien. The exhibition<br />
ran at <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong> from 19 th – 25 th <strong>Oct</strong>ober,<br />
<strong>2007</strong>.<br />
Ms. Bastien is quoted as saying, "I like abstract <strong>for</strong>ms - that<br />
way I can create as I go along, doing whatever I feel to do<br />
without anybody to account to….If you do a bird, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
expect it to look like a bird."<br />
Since 1968 to <strong>the</strong> present, Ms. Bastien has exhibited her<br />
artistic creations in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago, England, USA<br />
(Washington D.C.), Bahamas, Norway, Jamaica, Switzerland,<br />
Suriname, Sweden, and Brazil.<br />
The exhibition was organised by <strong>the</strong> National Museum <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago and <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Community Development,<br />
Culture and Gender Affairs in association with<br />
this <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>.<br />
Ms. Bastien is <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago‟s <strong>for</strong>emost batik artist.<br />
After leaving school (St. Joseph‟s Convent, Port <strong>of</strong> Spain)<br />
she worked <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Federal Government <strong>for</strong> about five years after<br />
which she migrated (in <strong>the</strong> early sixties) to England where<br />
she was employed by <strong>the</strong> London County Council (LCC)<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Children‟s Department. It was while working <strong>the</strong>re<br />
she was awarded a bursary to attend <strong>the</strong> Froebel Educational<br />
Institute in Roehampton, London, where she<br />
trained as a Primary School Teacher. At <strong>the</strong> Institute, she<br />
was introduced to batik, became extremely interested in<br />
its concept and taught herself to produce it.<br />
The work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> much heralded artist attracted an audience <strong>of</strong><br />
United Kingdom and <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago nationals.
16 10 LONDON MISSION<br />
CULTURE<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong><br />
holds <strong>2007</strong> Divali<br />
Celebrations<br />
On Saturday 3 rd November, <strong>2007</strong>,<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>Commission</strong> in London held its Divali celebrations.<br />
The popular national celebration drew a<br />
capacity crowd made up <strong>of</strong> a cross-section <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago‟s ethnic Diaspora, as <strong>the</strong><br />
reception room at <strong>the</strong> TTHC was trans<strong>for</strong>med into<br />
a serene place <strong>of</strong> worship and fervent celebration.<br />
After opening remarks by Public Affairs<br />
Assistant Attaché, Donald Chambers, <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>Commission</strong>‟s Office Manager and resident pundit,<br />
Shree Krishna Ragbir, led <strong>the</strong> celebration.<br />
Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip<br />
S.C. was away on <strong>of</strong>ficial business in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago at <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> event. The <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>Commission</strong>er however pre-recorded her address<br />
to <strong>the</strong> nationals which was aired to a receptive<br />
audience on <strong>the</strong> day.<br />
Her Excellency, through her address,<br />
acknowledged that: „This most spiritual festival on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Hindu calendar, which dates back to thousands<br />
<strong>of</strong> years, signifies <strong>the</strong> triumph <strong>of</strong> good over evil,<br />
<strong>the</strong> removal <strong>of</strong> darkness, <strong>the</strong> manifestation <strong>of</strong> light<br />
and <strong>the</strong> triumph <strong>of</strong> truth over untruth.‟<br />
The <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>er went on to state<br />
that, „this sacred Festival definitely brings about an<br />
atmosphere <strong>of</strong> freedom, friendliness, joy and a<br />
special kind <strong>of</strong> unity - a unity which we as nationals<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago cherish and from which we<br />
have derived many benefits.‟<br />
Shree Krishna Ragbir at <strong>the</strong> Divali Celebration, TTHC.
CULTURE<br />
LONDON MISSION 17<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>er praises<br />
Awardees and BAS<br />
I<br />
nternationally acclaimed pannist<br />
Earl Rodney, received <strong>the</strong><br />
highest award from <strong>the</strong> British<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> Steelband (BAS) and<br />
will be placed in <strong>the</strong> Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame in<br />
London. This announcement was<br />
made by <strong>the</strong> Association‟s President,<br />
Mr. Pepe Francis on Saturday night<br />
(<strong>Dec</strong>. 1 st ) at BAS‟s 9 th annual awards<br />
ceremony at <strong>the</strong> Holiday Inn,<br />
London.<br />
Officials <strong>of</strong> British Association <strong>of</strong> Steelband (BAS) at <strong>the</strong> Awards ceremony at Holiday<br />
Inn, London, on Saturday night. From left Mr. Pepe Francis, Ms Debi Gardner,<br />
popular Choice radio host Martin J, Robbie Joseph and Attaché Ashton Ford <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>.<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago‟s <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>Commission</strong>er, London H.E. Glenda<br />
Morean Phillip S.C., paid tribute to<br />
Rodney and Mr. Junia Rregrello, <strong>the</strong><br />
newly appointed Parliamentary<br />
Secretary in <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Community Development and<br />
Culture.<br />
In her address to <strong>the</strong> large audience,<br />
H.E. Morean Phillip said that, in <strong>the</strong><br />
past, participants in <strong>the</strong> steel pan<br />
movement were <strong>of</strong>ten ostracized and<br />
vilified. She noted that over <strong>the</strong> years<br />
those attitudes had changed and<br />
mellowed and today <strong>the</strong> steel pan art<br />
<strong>for</strong>m was highly respected and<br />
continued to be an integral<br />
component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> culture and<br />
heritage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago and,<br />
by export and assimilation, <strong>the</strong><br />
cultures <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>for</strong>eign countries.<br />
She fur<strong>the</strong>r stated, “In keeping with<br />
<strong>the</strong> pride <strong>of</strong> place given to <strong>the</strong> steel<br />
pan, <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago ensures that <strong>the</strong> national<br />
instrument has a voice in <strong>the</strong> national<br />
administration.” She told her listeners<br />
that in <strong>the</strong> last administration Mr.<br />
Eddie Hart, an ardent panman, was a<br />
Junior Minister and just recently <strong>the</strong><br />
leader <strong>of</strong> Skiffle Bunch, Mr. Junia<br />
R e g r e l l o , w a s a p p o i n t e d<br />
Parliamentary Secretary in <strong>the</strong><br />
M i n i s t r y o f C o m m u n i t y<br />
Development, Culture and Gender<br />
Affairs.<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>Commission</strong>er, Mr. Regrello visited<br />
<strong>the</strong> United Kingdom on several<br />
occasions with Skiffle Bunch which<br />
per<strong>for</strong>med at London‟s Regent Park,<br />
Royal Festival and <strong>the</strong> Fairfield Halls,<br />
Croydon, as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caribbean<br />
Carnival Extravaganza.<br />
H.E. Morean Phillip made an appeal<br />
to <strong>the</strong> assembly, “Please continue to<br />
spread <strong>the</strong> gospel <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> glorious<br />
sounds and melodies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sweet<br />
pan.” And in order to assist <strong>the</strong><br />
association and <strong>the</strong> pan fraternity in a<br />
positive way to achieve this objective,<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>er announced<br />
that beginning in 2008 <strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
and Tobago <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong> will<br />
present an award to a young person<br />
who demonstrates outstanding overall<br />
skill and leadership qualities within<br />
<strong>the</strong> steelband movement in <strong>the</strong><br />
United Kingdom.<br />
The <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>er praised Pepe<br />
Francis, Chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> BAS, <strong>for</strong> his<br />
dedicated and unstinting stewardship<br />
to <strong>the</strong> organization since its inception.<br />
She said that Mr. Francis and his<br />
fellow associates, past and present,<br />
had continued to maintain <strong>the</strong> legacy<br />
<strong>of</strong> those who preceded <strong>the</strong>m and<br />
promoted <strong>the</strong> culture <strong>of</strong> our<br />
country‟s unique musical instrument,<br />
which was <strong>the</strong> national musical<br />
instrument <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago.<br />
Her Excellency showered praise on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Association <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir varied events<br />
over <strong>the</strong> years which included Pan<br />
Explosion, Pan in Leicester Square,<br />
Pan in <strong>the</strong> Parks, Trafalgar Square Pan<br />
Jamboree, Pan in <strong>the</strong> Victoria and<br />
Albert Museum, National Panorama<br />
competition, Pan on <strong>the</strong> Road <strong>for</strong><br />
Notting Hill carnival and <strong>the</strong> annual<br />
awards function.<br />
Several organisations and individuals<br />
involved in cultural activities in <strong>the</strong><br />
United Kingdom were also honoured<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Association.
18 10<br />
14 LONDON MISSION CULTURE<br />
A REVIEW OF THE ABC’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMME <strong>2007</strong><br />
T<br />
he Association <strong>of</strong> British Calypsonians (ABC)<br />
once again put toge<strong>the</strong>r a Black History Month<br />
cultural programme in <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>2007</strong> which included both<br />
its adult and junior membership.<br />
On Friday 26 th <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>the</strong> ABC presented<br />
„Calypso Fuh So‟ a showcase featuring <strong>the</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> its<br />
members as well as a special guest from <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago. The audience enjoyed <strong>the</strong> supreme talent <strong>of</strong><br />
Karene Asche (pictured) who more than adequately filled<br />
<strong>the</strong> space created by “T & T‟s” reigning Calypso Monarch,<br />
Cro Cro‟s unavailability. The MC <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> evening was<br />
Mr. International who had previously kept audiences in<br />
very good humour during<br />
<strong>the</strong> summer London<br />
Calypso Tent.<br />
UK‟s first time consecutive female monarch) and much<br />
appreciated by <strong>the</strong> audience and fellow calypsonians alike.<br />
Karene Asche first came to England from <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ABC‟s Junior Calypso exchange several years<br />
ago and earned herself a genuine fan base here with her<br />
unique style and sheer talent. Her surprise appearance at<br />
<strong>the</strong> ABC‟s „Calypso Fuh So‟ concert on <strong>the</strong> 26 th <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />
was indeed a success. Those who had witnessed her in per<strong>for</strong>mance<br />
be<strong>for</strong>e and those who were newly acquainted<br />
with this true „Calypso Queen‟ were mesmerised by<br />
Karene‟s presence on stage. Her calypsos, „Bro<strong>the</strong>r‟ and<br />
„Wheel <strong>of</strong> Conversion‟ were <strong>of</strong>fered up to <strong>the</strong> audience as<br />
deep and spiritual musical gems which fitted seamlessly<br />
into <strong>the</strong> overall ethos <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ABC‟s Black History Month<br />
programme.<br />
The show opened<br />
with a mellow but significant<br />
per<strong>for</strong>mance by<br />
<strong>the</strong> calypsonian Explorer<br />
who accompanied himself<br />
on guitar with his<br />
song „You Can Make It If<br />
You Try‟.<br />
The audience<br />
certainly responded to<br />
those calypsos which had<br />
been popular during <strong>the</strong><br />
recent London Calypso<br />
Tent season as well as to some which were sung especially<br />
<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> occasion <strong>of</strong> BHM. It was noted that many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
calypsos sung during <strong>the</strong> season and again at <strong>the</strong> show on<br />
26 th <strong>Oct</strong>ober were quite apt in regard to what was being<br />
celebrated and highlighted during <strong>Oct</strong>ober.<br />
Songs like „Who is really Free?‟(D Admiral),<br />
„Give Thanks‟ (Wen D), „Soca Worldwide‟ (Cleopatra),<br />
„Guns and Knives‟ (Sweetfoot), „Immigrant<br />
Song‟ (Akima) „The Warning‟ (G String) and „History<br />
Soca Style‟ (Reverend B) were among those <strong>of</strong>fered up to<br />
<strong>the</strong> audience at <strong>the</strong> „Calypso Fuh So‟ showcase. Kiki B<br />
(Kiana Smith), <strong>the</strong> current Junior Calypso Monarch and<br />
Black History Junior Monarch, was also a special guest at<br />
<strong>the</strong> show and sang her winning song from 2006 entitled<br />
„Books‟ to a rapturous audience response. The 2006 and<br />
<strong>2007</strong> Calypso Monarch, Brown Sugar (Beverley Browne),<br />
sang „Terrorist‟ and „Free Your Mind (<strong>the</strong> <strong>2007</strong> winning<br />
calypso). Both calypsos were powerfully delivered (by <strong>the</strong><br />
On Saturday 27 th <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>the</strong> ABC‟s Junior Calypso<br />
Tent put on a special show celebrating Black History<br />
Month which saw several junior calypsonians share some<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir favourite calypsos with an encouraging audience.<br />
Oba <strong>the</strong> King (Oba Thompson) was <strong>the</strong> sole male junior<br />
calypsonian who per<strong>for</strong>med on <strong>the</strong> 27 th <strong>Oct</strong>ober. A <strong>for</strong>mer<br />
Black History Month Monarch, his song „Marcus<br />
Garvey‟ was one which was well known as it had been his<br />
winning calypso a couple <strong>of</strong> years ago. O<strong>the</strong>r juniors who<br />
per<strong>for</strong>med on <strong>the</strong> 27 th <strong>Oct</strong>ober were: Princess Tia<br />
(„Harriet Tubman‟), Lady Pine („What Do You See?‟),<br />
Little L („Mo<strong>the</strong>r‟), Fearless Taiyo („Slavery‟) and Precious<br />
Jada („Without <strong>the</strong> Black Race‟). The reigning Junior<br />
Calypso Monarch and Black History Month Monarch, Kiki<br />
B, also per<strong>for</strong>med on <strong>the</strong> 27 th <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>of</strong>fering her winning<br />
BHM calypso „My Tribute‟ to <strong>the</strong> audience. There<br />
were guest per<strong>for</strong>mances by Karene Asche and Reverand<br />
B as well as a dance sequence by Broken Soles and <strong>the</strong> Yaa<br />
Yout‟ Holiday Project Dance Group.<br />
The ABC wishes to thank all those who made <strong>the</strong><br />
ef<strong>for</strong>t to attend ei<strong>the</strong>r one, or both events over that weekend<br />
in <strong>Oct</strong>ober. The ABC‟s Administrator especially<br />
thanks those patrons who, upon ringing up about tickets<br />
and being in<strong>for</strong>med that Cro Cro was no longer per<strong>for</strong>ming<br />
on <strong>the</strong> 26 th , never<strong>the</strong>less expressed enthusiasm about<br />
coming to <strong>the</strong> show to enjoy what <strong>the</strong> ABC‟s calypsonians<br />
had to <strong>of</strong>fer. Our thanks also to <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>er<br />
Glenda Morean Phillip and Cultural & In<strong>for</strong>mation Attache<br />
Ashton Ford who continue to be enthusiastically and<br />
practically supportive <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ABC‟s aims and objectives.
CULTURE LONDON MISSION 19<br />
Commemoration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 200 th Anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Abolition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Transatlantic Slave Trade<br />
O<br />
n November 28 th , 2006,<br />
<strong>the</strong> United Nations General<br />
Assembly adopted Resolution A/<br />
Res/61/120on <strong>the</strong> “Commemoration<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> two hundredth anniversary <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> abolition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Trans-Atlantic<br />
Slave Trade” unanimously declaring<br />
March 26 th , <strong>2007</strong>, a day <strong>for</strong> worldwide<br />
commemoration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> two hundredth<br />
anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> abolition <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.<br />
It is to be noted that <strong>the</strong><br />
inclusion <strong>of</strong> an agenda item on <strong>the</strong><br />
commemoration on <strong>the</strong> abolition <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> trans-Atlantic slave trade was at<br />
<strong>the</strong> request <strong>of</strong> CARICOM Member<br />
States <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations following<br />
up on an initiative <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Government<br />
<strong>of</strong> Jamaica. The draft resolution<br />
was tabled at <strong>the</strong> United Nations<br />
General Assembly by <strong>the</strong> Permanent<br />
Representative <strong>of</strong> St. Vincent and <strong>the</strong><br />
Grenadines to <strong>the</strong> United Nations on<br />
behalf <strong>of</strong> CARICOM Member States.<br />
In <strong>the</strong>ir Explanatory Memorandum,<br />
CARICOM Member States<br />
noted <strong>the</strong> following:<br />
“It is estimated that <strong>the</strong> Trans-<br />
Atlantic Slave Trade, which lasted <strong>for</strong><br />
almost 500 years, is responsible <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong>ced removal <strong>of</strong> millions <strong>of</strong> persons<br />
mostly from West Africa to <strong>the</strong> „new world‟<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Americas, including Brazil, <strong>the</strong> Caribbean,<br />
<strong>the</strong> United States and <strong>the</strong> Spanish<br />
Empire as slaves work mostly on sugar<br />
plantations. This massive relocation has<br />
caused permanent and enormous damage<br />
to our ancestors and <strong>the</strong>ir descendants on<br />
every continent bordering <strong>the</strong> Atlantic. It<br />
led to <strong>the</strong> depopulation and stifling <strong>of</strong><br />
African creativity and production and was<br />
<strong>the</strong> genesis <strong>of</strong> a dependency relationship<br />
with Europe.<br />
It is estimated that about 13% <strong>of</strong><br />
Africans being transported on <strong>the</strong> Middle<br />
Passage succumbed to <strong>the</strong> rigors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
journey and a fur<strong>the</strong>r significant number<br />
died on account <strong>of</strong> resistance to slavery and<br />
rebellion. The real figures in both cases<br />
are unaccounted <strong>for</strong>.<br />
Slavery and <strong>the</strong> slave trade are<br />
among <strong>the</strong> most serious violations <strong>of</strong> human<br />
rights in <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> humanity and<br />
will always remain <strong>the</strong> nadir <strong>of</strong> human<br />
brutality. Yet it took nearly 200 years <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> international community to acknowledge<br />
it as a crime against humanity. Today<br />
<strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> reparation and compensation<br />
<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> crime also remain outstanding.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r recent situations such as<br />
genocide in Rwanda, Kosovo, Iraq and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world, <strong>the</strong> Holocaust<br />
and events such as <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>ced trafficking <strong>of</strong><br />
persons <strong>for</strong> economic gains and o<strong>the</strong>r like<br />
atrocities, rein<strong>for</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> need <strong>for</strong> constant<br />
reminders and <strong>the</strong> need to educate and<br />
ensure that such situations do not become a<br />
part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> „history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> future‟.”<br />
In <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago, a number <strong>of</strong><br />
activities were held throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
year <strong>2007</strong> at both <strong>the</strong> state and nonstate<br />
levels to mark <strong>the</strong> commemoration<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> abolition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Transatlantic<br />
slave trade beginning on March<br />
26 th , <strong>2007</strong> <strong>the</strong> day designated <strong>for</strong><br />
worldwide commemoration.<br />
Miss Roanna Gopaul<br />
First Secretary<br />
The <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>, London, has lent<br />
its full support to commemorative<br />
events taking place in <strong>the</strong> United<br />
Kingdom. In August, <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>Commission</strong> was represented by First<br />
Secretary Roanna Gopaul (pictured)<br />
at an event organised by <strong>the</strong> African<br />
Community Centre in Swansea,<br />
Wales held under <strong>the</strong> patronage <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Lord Mayor <strong>of</strong> Swansea, Councillor<br />
Susan Waller<br />
This past <strong>Oct</strong>ober, <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>Commission</strong> was represented at a<br />
tree planting and plaque unveiling<br />
ceremony organised by <strong>the</strong> London<br />
Borough <strong>of</strong> Waltham Forest under <strong>the</strong><br />
patronage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lord Mayor <strong>of</strong><br />
Waltham Forest, Councillor Liaquat<br />
Ali, JP.
20 10<br />
CULTURE<br />
14 LONDON MISSION<br />
Dear Readers,<br />
My name is Farai Masaisai, I am a law<br />
graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong><br />
Huddersfield and also a postgraduate<br />
student <strong>of</strong> The College <strong>of</strong> Law <strong>of</strong><br />
England and Wales. You may ask<br />
what‟s this to you, but it‟s because <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
that I write. In 2004, I began my<br />
Law degree (LLB) course and over<br />
<strong>the</strong> past three years I have received<br />
financial assistance, blessings and<br />
prayers from you. I write to thank<br />
you <strong>the</strong> citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago who have assisted in my<br />
education in England over <strong>the</strong> past<br />
three years and also briefly share<br />
some <strong>of</strong> my experiences.<br />
Life in London has indeed been<br />
very hectic, to use a moderate<br />
term. It is a much faster pace and<br />
<strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> living is far higher than<br />
our beautiful twin isles. At<br />
university, <strong>the</strong>re are students from<br />
every continent, a boiling pot <strong>of</strong><br />
diversity, and a cosmopolitan core<br />
which reminds me so much <strong>of</strong><br />
home. Most <strong>of</strong> my colleagues in<br />
London are eager to visit, as I have<br />
spoken fondly <strong>of</strong> our carnival, <strong>the</strong><br />
soca warriors and various aspects<br />
<strong>of</strong> our culture which has tickled<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir fancies in a way only a true<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong>ian could.<br />
It is important that you note that<br />
my life in London has not been<br />
solely in pursuit <strong>of</strong> academic<br />
success. I view myself as a musical<br />
ambassador <strong>for</strong> our national<br />
instrument, <strong>the</strong> steel pan. Along with<br />
my bro<strong>the</strong>r who is also a Law student<br />
we have had <strong>the</strong> good <strong>for</strong>tune <strong>of</strong><br />
being able to market ourselves to play<br />
<strong>for</strong> weddings, restaurants and store<br />
openings across England. I also do<br />
voluntary social work <strong>for</strong> a charity<br />
called „SENCE‟ which assists deaf and<br />
blind people; it has contributed to my<br />
loving nature and has helped to build<br />
my character along <strong>the</strong> lines <strong>of</strong><br />
humility and respect <strong>for</strong> humanity. I<br />
am still a regular worshipper at <strong>the</strong><br />
church in my area, though British<br />
society seems secular, my spiritual<br />
Farai at Graduation.<br />
upbringing will not permit such<br />
con<strong>for</strong>mity.<br />
Once again, I am appealing to <strong>the</strong><br />
youths <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago to<br />
acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and<br />
accept him as your personal saviour.<br />
From my limited experience, I can<br />
testify that it is only to our benefit to<br />
have faith in him. It is vain to trust in<br />
man, but in God you shall do<br />
valiantly. He has not failed Farai<br />
Masaisai yet and I am confident that<br />
he can do even more <strong>for</strong> you. I have<br />
not written to brag nei<strong>the</strong>r boast but<br />
to be a source <strong>of</strong> inspiration in a time<br />
<strong>of</strong> great disbelief. I hail from <strong>the</strong> grass<br />
roots <strong>of</strong> Belmont, Port <strong>of</strong> Spain, and a<br />
single parent family. Youths! Do<br />
not succumb to <strong>the</strong> vicious system<br />
that seeks to retard your growth<br />
and keep you in <strong>the</strong> cycle <strong>of</strong><br />
poverty and crime. Social mobility<br />
is a reality and with God your<br />
missions will never be impossible.<br />
My ambition is to return home to<br />
make a contribution to <strong>the</strong> nation<br />
<strong>of</strong> my birth, a nation that educated<br />
me <strong>for</strong> seven years free <strong>of</strong> charge<br />
at Trinity College, a nation that<br />
has made me whatever I am. My<br />
tree will bear fruit in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago <strong>for</strong> you <strong>the</strong> people that I<br />
love.<br />
If <strong>the</strong>re is anyone willing to assist<br />
me financially in completing my<br />
post graduate studies, <strong>the</strong><br />
contribution will be greatly<br />
appreciated. Please contact my<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r June Thomas 753-9326<br />
or 624-5135(<strong>Trinidad</strong>) or<br />
07738758388 (London)<br />
F.Masaisai<br />
To send letters to <strong>the</strong> editor<br />
please e-mail to:<br />
tthc@btconnect.com or post to:<br />
Mr. Ashton Ford<br />
Attaché - Public Affairs, Culture<br />
& Tourism<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Republic</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago<br />
42 Belgrave Square<br />
London SW1X 8NT
CULTURE LONDON MISSION 21<br />
Trini...a synonym <strong>for</strong> excellence!<br />
by Donald Chambers<br />
T<br />
he classy woman that she is, I fear she may cringe<br />
at <strong>the</strong> undoubted bias <strong>of</strong> this report. But as a<br />
proud Trini, I can‟t help it…Martina Laird deserves<br />
unabashed acclaim from all and sundry. And from those <strong>of</strong><br />
us who have seen her in her latest play- O<strong>the</strong>llo – that<br />
praise is free-flowing.<br />
Michael Grandage‟s O<strong>the</strong>llo pits Martina as Bianca, <strong>the</strong><br />
sultry love interest <strong>of</strong> Cassio (Tom Hiddleston).<br />
Her appearance is not until <strong>the</strong> latter part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> play but<br />
it‟s worth <strong>the</strong> wait. The <strong>for</strong>mer Bishop Anstey student<br />
holds her own sharing <strong>the</strong> stage with Hollywood<br />
powerhouses Ewan McGregor (Iago) and Chiwetel Ejio<strong>for</strong><br />
(O<strong>the</strong>llo), both <strong>of</strong> whom qualify <strong>the</strong>ir status as <strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong><br />
British talent with stand-out per<strong>for</strong>mances.<br />
Ejio<strong>for</strong> (pictured at right<br />
with McGregor), in<br />
particular, has received<br />
excellent reviews in <strong>the</strong><br />
British press, and <strong>for</strong><br />
good reason. O<strong>the</strong>llo as<br />
he portrays him is<br />
charisma personified – a<br />
passionate man who<br />
commands <strong>the</strong> respect <strong>of</strong><br />
his fellow men and <strong>the</strong><br />
love <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> beautiful<br />
D e s d e m o n a ( K e l l y<br />
Reilly). The audience is<br />
understandably transfixed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> charm <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
character and <strong>the</strong><br />
romantics among it can be <strong>for</strong>given if, <strong>for</strong> a fleeting<br />
moment, <strong>the</strong>y are left in hope that Shakespeare‟s play has<br />
been rewritten, with O<strong>the</strong>llo emerging as a modern-day<br />
hero, all-conquering and with <strong>the</strong> leading lady in his arms<br />
at <strong>the</strong> end (alive). But this is not to be. O<strong>the</strong>llo‟s<br />
trans<strong>for</strong>mation from reverent leader to jealous murderer is<br />
inevitable and in <strong>the</strong> context <strong>of</strong> this play, made believable<br />
by <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> swindling Iago, played by McGregor.<br />
And that is <strong>the</strong> crux <strong>of</strong> this play – everyone, from <strong>the</strong><br />
person doing <strong>the</strong> lighting, to <strong>the</strong> experienced director, to<br />
<strong>the</strong> flirtatious Bianca (Martina), does his/her part, making<br />
this <strong>the</strong> compelling, believable, sold out production that it<br />
is, with tickets going<br />
on e-bay at £1,200 a<br />
pair.<br />
And with that I say<br />
again, no praise is<br />
too much <strong>for</strong><br />
Martina Laird. A<br />
role that must have<br />
been coveted by<br />
many o<strong>the</strong>r leading Martina Laird and Tom Hiddleston<br />
actresses, she got and<br />
she delivered. Maybe some <strong>of</strong> her success had to do with<br />
her motivation:<br />
“O<strong>the</strong>llo has always been one <strong>of</strong> my favourite plays,” says<br />
<strong>the</strong> Trinbagonian. “I first studied it at school, Bishop<br />
Anstey <strong>High</strong> School and our English teacher, Mrs. Davis,<br />
told us that <strong>the</strong> speeches we learnt <strong>the</strong>n would stay with us<br />
like old friends. She was right and it's wonderful to get to<br />
spend time with this old friend.”<br />
Martina herself is a fan <strong>of</strong> anything Shakespeare and <strong>of</strong> how<br />
Grandage has depicted O<strong>the</strong>llo: “This is an exciting<br />
production and <strong>the</strong> subject matter makes it one with many<br />
levels <strong>of</strong> resonance.”<br />
The Trinbagonian actress, who is very well settled in <strong>the</strong><br />
United Kingdom (see list <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> her work below),<br />
admits that she would love to be part <strong>of</strong> a note-worthy<br />
project in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago: “I would love to do a<br />
production in <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago, not only because <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> complexities <strong>of</strong> our culture but I have found that<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong>ian versions <strong>of</strong> Shakespeare make <strong>the</strong> language<br />
alive with a contemporary relevance that, ironically, can<br />
get lost in England."<br />
So if you see her name on a billboard <strong>for</strong> a production in<br />
T&T in <strong>the</strong> future, buy your ticket. You are guaranteed a<br />
credit worthy per<strong>for</strong>mance - this above all, I know to be<br />
true.<br />
Martina‟s work includes:<br />
THEATRE - The Five Wives Of Maurice Pinder (National<br />
Theatre); Arabian Nights (West End and World Tour) and;<br />
Breath Boom (Royal Court), among o<strong>the</strong>rs. FILM- The Hurting;<br />
Dead Meat. TV - Casualty; The Bill; and Jonathon Creek, among<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs.
22 10<br />
CULTURE<br />
14 LONDON MISSION<br />
Advertisement provided by CARIVOG INTERNATIONAL
Visit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Coast Guard to <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>er<br />
LONDON MISSION 23<br />
Right to left - Ordinary Seaman De Vaughn Modest , Petty Officer Rajesh<br />
Lalla, Commander Mark Williams, Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip<br />
S.C., Lieutenant Commander Douglas Archer, Petty Officer Satesh Nowbut<br />
and Assistant Writer Prince Granger<br />
Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C.<br />
and Assistant Writer Prince Granger<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>er hosts Students’ & Nationals’ Christmas Party<br />
Student Officer at <strong>the</strong> TTHC, Martin Baptiste, greets<br />
arriving students at <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>.<br />
Students enjoy <strong>the</strong> festive affair at <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>.<br />
Left: Jeanette De Coteau<br />
with her 91 year old<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r, visiting from<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Nationals‟ Christmas<br />
reception<br />
Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C.<br />
extends Christmas greetings to nationals.<br />
Left: Nigel Guy and Jim<br />
Mungul at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and<br />
Tobago Pr<strong>of</strong>essional‟s Network<br />
UK (TTPNUK) end <strong>of</strong> year<br />
meeting, which was held at<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>.
Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. and South Africa <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>Commission</strong>er, Her Excellency Dr. Lindiwe Mabuza at Al<strong>the</strong>a Bastien‟s<br />
Batik Exhibition<br />
Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip S.C. and World Travel Market<br />
delegates from Tobago at a reception held in <strong>the</strong>ir honour at <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong><br />
Nationals celebrated <strong>the</strong>ir end <strong>of</strong> year function at <strong>the</strong> Mission in true<br />
Trini style- from left to right - Petty Officer Rajesh Lalla, Ms. Isabella<br />
Birbal and Ms. Silvia Shoon<br />
Rasheda Morton holding her “ Outstanding Staff Member Award”<br />
at <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>‟s Christmas luncheon<br />
Celebrants at Divali reception held at <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong><br />
Ancil Barclay addresses guests at <strong>the</strong> TTPNuk end <strong>of</strong> year meeting<br />
held at <strong>the</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong><br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>Commission</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Republic</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> and Tobago<br />
42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT<br />
Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065