TIMES
I ndo- Caribb ean
Rita 416-743-1826
Wedding Cards/ Accessories/
Bangles and Jewellery Vol 2. No 4 April 2008
As food prices jump across the board
Food looters shock Trinidad
R ising food prices and shortages of basic food products in
Trinidad have caused rationing of items like flour, and the
new crime of foodnapping or food robberies by armed gangs.
Three robberies of food trucks has caused the National Flour
Mills to request police protection for food transport vehicles. Last
week Tuesday a gunman and two accomplices in a car inter-
cepted a food delivery truck heading to Glencoe, assaulted the
driver and delivery man before looting the food. Reports are that
14 cases of foodstuff-including mayonnaise, peas, ketchup,
mauby and peanut butter-were taken at gunpoint, along with a
ten-kilogramme sack of flour that belonged to one of the men.
The bandits took the foodstuff, valued at $977, while threaten-
ing to find and kill the men if they reported the matter to the po-
lice.
Two other food robberies happened in Port of Spain the week
before. Bandits took things into their own hands, attacking and
looting two vehicles transporting flour, milk and juice along the
Beetham Highway.
Van driver Ian Hitlal was stuck in five o’clock rush hour traf-
fic on the Beetham Highway with a load of flour when he was
ambushed by a large group of men. Hitlal was beaten and
Jadgeo shuts down TV station
On air caller threatened to kill Guyana’s president
G
uyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo has ordered CNS Channel
Six off the air for four months over an on-air licence in-
fringement in which a woman being interviewed threatened to
kill the president.
The unfiltered telephone call on February came four days after
the Bartica massacre, and three weeks after the Lusignan slaugh-
ter, when fear and tensions were running high. . , fear gripped all
parts of the country and members of the public were no doubt
given to extravagant postulates and declarations. The offending
caller, an elderly woman, said in part “…look at these killings
and nobody can’t give account about these people’s lives and
Jagdeo going to take a high risk job by going and tell people to
calm down; he’s going to bury the dead bodies. If anything is
going to happen to my family. I am going to kill Jagdeo”.
The segment was rebroadcast three times on CNS Channel
Six. In a letter addressed to C.N. Sharma, Jagdeo said he found
Sharma’s explanations unsatisfactory as to why the offending
broadcasts was played four times on CNS Channel 6, even after
Sharma recognised that the content of the programme infringed
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dragged out of the vehicle, and the looters made off with most of
the 185 bags of flour on the van. The bandits were not concerned
with the fact that hundreds of witnesses were sitting in vehicles in
the traffic jam along the highway.
Police were called out and they arrested several of the looters
and recovered some of the food. But they had to go right out
again soon afterwards, as another vehicle on the Beetham High-
way was looted of its load of milk and orange juice.
The incidents have highlighted the country’s food crisis, with
prices for flour based foods like roti and doubles rising sharply
in recent weeks. The popular doubles are now selling at $4, and
there are reports that the humble pholourie are selling at two for
$1, and roti going for as much as $15.
Like most Caribbean countries, Trinidad has felt the relentless
pinch of rising food prices during the last few months, at the same
time as local food production continues to languish. Trinidad im-
ports much of its food, including flour, oil, soyabeans, animal
feed, milk products, and even vegetables and root crops.
Grocery bills for a family of four can be as high as $2,000 TT
per month, making it difficult for lower income people to survive.
More shortages and high prices are predicted for later this year.
the conditions of his licence.
Jagdeo is the sole authority vested with power to decide whether
a licensee has breached the terms and conditions of their licence,
and he has the power to suspend or cancel the Licence. “Under
no circumstances can the Minister allow a Licensee to use the air-
waves, without sanction, to advocate the killing of any citizen,
moreso a Head of State and Government”, the release added.
CNS has been taken off the air before for several weeks when
the station superimposed of an image of President Jagdeo danc-
ing on scenes of the immense flooding from 2005.
Sharma said the move to close him down was, “a sad one that
will hurt the 35 people working here” and decalred that the cam-
paign against him had deepened. He and his affected staff will
take to the streets in protest and will continue “until the President
realizes his mistake.”
“They want me to run, pack up and go away but it ain’t happen-
ing today or tomorrow. I will fight this and the people of Guyana
will fight this,”, he said.. Several media and political groups have
condemned the closure of the television station..
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MORTGAGE SPECIALIST
Richard Aziz
416-832-7293
Mani Singh urges
fight vs planned
immigration rules
C
Mani Singh (right) and Jack Layton
ommunity activist Mani Singh is calling
on Caribbean people in Canada to join the
New Democratic Party’s campaign to stop
changes in the immigration system proposed
by the ruling federal Conservative party.
Speaking at a recent NDP fundraiser in
Brampton attended by NDP leader Jack Lay-
ton, Mani warned,”If this law passes we could
see drastic changes with family reunions any
time the Immigration Minister feels like it. She
could decide to focus on immigrants with a
high level of education and skills at the ex-
pense of family reunion with our siblings, chil-
dren, or parents and grandparents. Where is the
human side to policies like this?”
Mani, a former NDP candidate in Bramp-
ton during the last federal election, received
strong support from Jack Layton, who warned
the new law would give the Immigration Min-
ister arbitrary power, and not discretionary
power.
“Many people came to Canada to get away
from arbitrary power. The Minister could say
we are not going to take any more family re-
unification. This bill is against the family, and
we are going to fight these changes in the Par-
liament. We need fair and just immigration
laws for all our communities,” said Layton.
MP Olivia Chow is leading a nationwide
mobilisation plan to fight the new changes.
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CANADA & COMMUNITY NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times APRIL 2008 Page 3
Petition seeks help for Guyanese South Asians now What’s the drop out
refugee claimants in Canada
biggest visible minority rate for Indo-Caribbean

D
By Roop Misir, PhD
ata from the recent census suggest that
immigrants are coming to Canada in
record numbers. An article in the Globe and
Mail indicates that the number of visible
minorities has reached five million. This
represents 16.2 per cent of Canada’s total
population (data released April 02 2008).
Now for the first time ever, South Asians
form Canada's largest visible minority
group, surpassing citizens of Chinese ori-
gin. Included among South Asians are Indo-
Caribbean peoples.
“Visible minority” is the term to describe
persons who are not of the majority race in
a given population. In March 2007, the UN
Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination described this term as racist,
since it singles out a specific group. Despite
students?
Toronto school board trustee John Matlow
doesn’t have school dropout figures for
Indo-Caribbean students, but his stats for
some other immigrant groups should give
us thought.
Josh wants to improve the performance
of six groups who are failing in school at an
alarming rate. The Portuguese speaking stu-
dents have a drop out rate of 42.5%, Span-
ish speaking students follow closely at
39.1%, Somali students at 36.7%, Persian
students at 30.7%, Arabic speaking students
at 27.8% and Vietnamese students at
24.6%.
The Toronto District School Board says
40 per cent of Caribbean-born students drop
out, and 32 per cent from East Africa. Fig-
ures are not kept for Indo-Caribbeans

U.S. admiral says

this, Canadians have grown accustomed to
its use. To us, “visible minorities” refers to

Caribbean poses
“persons (other than Aboriginals) who are
non-Caucasian in race or non-white in
color”. Statistics Canada uses it as a demo-

terror threat
MP Gurbax Malhi (with turban) receives the 500 plus signature petition seeking help graphic category to reflect our country's
for Guyanese refugee claimants from Mrs Kawale Ojah (left), Surendra Singh and multiculturalism. Visible minorities are des-

A
Ahmad Khan. Malhi will be presenting the petition to the Canadian Parliament . ignated as a protected group under the

Young Muslims
Canadian Employment Equity Act. A top American military officer is warning
petition asking for humanitarian con-
In Canada, the term “South Asian” refers that the Caribbean poses a possible terrorist

debate media and

sideration for failed Guyanese
to any person whose ethnicity is associated threat to the United States . Admiral James
refugee claimants is steadily picking up
with the southern part of Asia, or one who Stavridis, head of the U.S. Southern Com-

youth violence
support in the GTA.
self-identifies with the South Asian visible mand, says the region has the potential to
Last week representatives of the petition
minority group. This definition encom- host terrorist bases.
group presented over 500 signatures to
Stavridis noted that conditions in the re-
Brampton MP Gurbax Malhi for submis- Daniya Muhammadi took home the first passes people from a great diversity of eth-
prize in the primary category and Rehan nic backgrounds-Afghanistan, Bangladeshi, gion present fertile ground to breed insur-
sion to the Canadian Parliament.
gency.
More signatures are being added to the Khan topped the secondary school category Bengali, Goan, Gujarati, Hindu, Ismaili,
"The conditions in parts of the region -
petition, which says that in view of the mas- when the North American Muslim Federa- Kashmiri, Nepali, Pakistani, Punjabi, Sikh,
easily skirted borders, black market
sacres in Guyana and the weak security tion (NAMF) held their the seventh annual Sinhalese, Sri Lankan and Tamil ancestry.
economies, corruption, poverty, established
conditions, the Canadian government NAMF speech competition and Fundrais- South Asians may have been born in
illicit trafficking routes - all could provide
should review all cases of unsuccessful ing dinner last week. Canada, on the Indian sub-continent, as
The topic this year was: 'Is the media the well as in Africa, Great Britain, the manoeuvring room for any form of terror-
Guyanese refugee claimants, stop all re-
primary cause of youth violence in Cana- Caribbean (Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago), or ism to exploit, to include Islamic radical
movals to Guyana and allow the applicants
dian society?', and nine enthusiastic speak- elsewhere. groups," he said.
to remain on humanitarian and compas-
ers were in the finals vying for the three top The growth in the visible minority popu- The admiral made reference to the al-
sionate grounds.
prizes: laptops, Psps and Mp3 players. The lation was driven largely by immigration leged involvement of a Trinidadian and
At present refugee claimants are sent-
judges described the competition as “tight”, (as opposed to natural birth). Between 2001 three Guyanese nationals in an alleged plot
back to Guyana, which the group feels is
with each participant doing their very best and 2006, it soared 26.2 per cent, five times to bomb the gas lines leading to John F.
putting them back in a country where their
to win one of the popular prizes. The pres- faster than the 5.4 per cent increase for the Kennedy International Airport in New
safety is not guaranteed.
entation showed individuality, sincerity, population as a whole. South Asians are York.
Parliament requires signatures on paper
careful research, and distinct points of view. now Canada's largest visible minority.lion He said, "the leading suspects' roots in
with full addresses, and those who wish to
The caliber of presentations was excellent people—a 38% increase. The next largest the Caribbean raise the specter of Islamic
support the petition should call 905-671-
terrorist activity gaining traction."
9233. The petition can be located at and every speaker deserved to win. The visible minority group comprises Canadi-
"We believe members, facilitators, and
www.ipetitions.com/petition/guyanese- judges were Mr. Nadeem Memon, a PhD ans who self-identified as Chinese in-
candidate at OISIE/UFT, who teaches at creased 18.2% to 1.2 million. sympathizers of Islamic terrorist organiza-
needhelp.
Centennial College; Mr. Omar Zia, who Indo-Guyanese arrivals showed a 4.2%, tions are indeed present in our hemisphere,"
Meanshile another petition seeking to
holds a Masters in Education and teaches in and Trinidad & Tobago (2.5%). Admiral Stavridis added.
have the United Nations create a Commis-
the Peel District School System and Mr. Over the past 25 years Canada's visible CIA reports have named the Jamat al-
sion to assist in revamping the justice and
Mark Persaud a lawyer and community minority population has grown steadily. In Muslimeen of Trinidad and Tobago and its
security system in Guyana has picked up o
leader. 1981, the estimated 1.1 million represented leader, Imam Yaseen Abu-Bakr, as possible
836 signatures.
In attendance was the honorable Minis- 4.7 per cent of Canada's total population. suspects in plotting insurgency directed
A message fron Message from the peti-
ter of Labor of Ontario, Mr. Brad Duguid. Today, this figure stands at five million. If against the United States and U.S. interests.
tion author Sharir Chan and other con-
He applauded the efforts of the ‘nervously current immigration trends continue, visi- The Muslimeen staged an attempted
cerned Guyanese thanks the signers and
seated’ students and emphasized the value ble minorities will account for about one- armed coup in Trinidad in 1990, with the
saidthe petition was submitted to the Office
of competitive challenges, like this one, as fifth of Canada's population by 2017. intention of setting up an Islamic state in the
of the President on around March 15th,
it marks a bright future for Canadians, an twin island republic.
2008.
issue he is dearly committed to. (CONTINUED ON PAGED 20)

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COMMENTARY
Indo-Caribbean Times is
published monthly in Toronto
by Indo-Caribbean Times Ltd.
Editor/Publisher: Ram Jagessar
Editorial Committee:
Reynold Ramdial, Gulcharan Mo-
habir, Lloyd Harradan, Sandy
Kissoonsingh, Roop Misir, Deoraj
Narine, Jiantee Jagessar,Krishna
Nankissoor, Rudy Lochan
Offi
ficce: 17 Gaiety Drive,
Toronto ON Canada M1H 1B9
Tel: 416-289-3898
E-Mail: ictimes@rogers.com
Opinions given in this newspaper
are those of the authors and do
not necessarily reflect the views
of the Indo-Caribbean Times.
We welcome letters, e-mails and
comments on matters relevant to
Indo-Caribbeans in Canada and
abroad, and also those at home in
the Caribbean. All content must
comply with the requirements of
Canadian law.
A copy of this newspaper is
posted on the internet in as a pdf
file immediately after publication,
and the entire contents can be
read online by anyone with a
computer and an internet con-
nection.
Past and current issues of the IC-
Times can be found at
http://www.esnips.com/web/Indo
-CaribbeanTimes
Readers are also invited to look at
the website
www.indocaribbeanheritage.com
which contains abundant infor-
mation on Indo-Caribbeans in
Canada and our Caribbean her-
itage and history.
COMMENTARY
Rudy Lochan’s keynote speaker comments
at the One Love Guyana Benefit Day held
in Mississauga., Ontario on March 29.
T
oday’s event was triggered by the re-
cent massacres in Guyana. These hor-
rific acts of terrorism shocked us all, but it
moved Leon and Patrick to do something
about it and hence this event here today.
The goal of this event is to raise funds for
the relatives of the victims of the Lusignan
and Bartica slaughter and bring awareness
to the situation in Guyana.
Friends, the history of racial hatred and
animosity in Guyana goes back a long time
with its origin rooted in the politics and eco-
nomics. Of course the British policy was
to divide and rule. Our turmoil of racial ha-
tred really crystallized with the formation
of the PPP in the late 40’s. Burnham and
Jagan were both founders of the party to
create a common front against the British.
Indo-Caribbean Times
Marking the first century in Canada
From the editor’s desk
A
year like this one
will only come
around for Indo-
Caribbeans in Canada in the
year 3008. This year we
mark the first century of the
settlement of Indo-
Ram Jagessar Caribbeans in this country.
For the small number of the 200,000 odd
Indo-Caribbeans who don’t know, let me
repeat the old story.
.One hundred years ago, when our
Caribbean homelands were still colonies,
when Indians were still being brought from
India as “bound coolies” to work on the
sugar estates, one young man decided to
come to Canada.
He was young Kenneth Mahabir from
San Fernando in Trinidad, a bright 19 year
old graduate of Naparima College looking
for new horizons. His connections with the
Presbyterian Church turned him on to Dal-
housie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia,
and in 1908 young Kenneth sailed over to
pursue a course to become a medical doc-
tor. The day he came to Canada is really our
Indo-Caribbean Arrival Day.
That was just 11 years after the first In-
dians from India visited Canada in 1897,
and began the march of South Asians to
Canada.
Kenneth completed his medical degree
and remained in Halifax for the rest of his
life. He even served in the army medical
corps in World War 1 and saw action in Eu-
rope. He even saved the life of an Arab
sheik during the war. Back in Canada, he
served his patients and reared horses, a re-
spectable occupation for a gentleman at the
time. He is the first Indo-Caribbean whom
we know of as an immigrant to this country,
Disappointing reaction of gov’t, opposition in Guyana crisis
Burnham then broke away from the PPP to
start the PNC. That’s where the philoso-
phy of “making the country ungovernable”
was really conceived. Hoyte was only liv-
ing out the dream of Burnham when he
echoed this phrase in the 90s.
I was a child living in Georgetown in
May of 1964 when the Wismar massacre
took place. An entire village of 1600 peace-
ful Indians was decimated at Wismar. Men
were slaughtered, women and girls were
raped in public view, babies and young chil-
dren were ripped apart. It was two days
after the slaughter that the British sent two
boats to evacuate the remainder of the in-
habitants. They were dumped at the wharf
in Georgetown like animals where they
slept on the bare concrete floors for days
until they found shelter. This barbarism of
racist genocide was engineered and exe-
cuted by the PNC.
The International Commission of Jurists
(ICJ) recommendations which the PNC
government agreed to implement is the
racial balance of Guyanese armed forces.
They also stated that this will prevent any
further "ethnic cleansing" of other commu-
nities. This recommendation was never im-
plemented by the PNC or by the PPP.
The pains of Wismar still reverberates
until today in the lives of those who expe-
rienced it, their relatives and friends and
those who have a sense of justice and com-
passion. I was five years old and remember
that the legendary singer Tilak moved next
door to us at 43 Station Street Kitty after his
Wismar. He died after a few months. Wis-
mar was not only an act of butchery and
and his life is well known.
Less well known is the identity and life
of M.E Santoo, a native of Guyana (then
known as Demerara) who by sheer coinci-
dence also came as an immigrant to Can
ada in 1908. He passed through Halifax on
his way to Montreal as an immigrant. We
think he may well have been an Indian or
born in Demerara as the child of an Indian
immigrant.
Wouldn’t it be a marvellous accident of
fate if he were in fact an Indo-Caribbean,
giving us Guyanese and Trinidadian co-pi-
oneers in the same year?
From such small beginnings have sprung
our now large and growing Indo-Caribbean
community in Canada. 1908 is by any count
our birth date in this country, and like any
birthday well worth celebrating.
Few others came during the 59 years
heading up to 1967, when the Liberal gov-
ernment of the day opened up Canada’s
doors to immigrants from all over the
world. Before that people like us were de-
liberately excluded from Canada or kept out
by legislation and regulations.
Since the sixties of the last century, our
numbers have steadily grown by migration
and birth. Indo-Caribbeans have settled in
all provinces, but the majority gravitated to
the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal. The
largest number came from Guyana and
Trinidad, but over the years small groups
have been coming from over 12 Caribbean
countries. They include Martinique and
Guadeloupe, Suriname and even French
Guyana, Jamaica, Belize and a surprising
amount of second migrants from Britain,
the United States, the Middle East and
every region you can think of. Not many of
those who end in Canada ever return to the
Caribbean or move on to other countries,
barbarism against Indians. It is a crime
against humanity and shame on the politi-
cians for allowing it to go unpunished.
Both the PNC and PPP and failed to bring
the criminals to justice.
When the PNC negotiated Guyana’s In-
dependence Day in 1966, which day do you
think they proposed as Independence Day?
Yes, that is right! May 26, the day of the
Wismar massacre. The PNC wanted to en-
sure that every year that they celebrated In-
dependence Indians must cringe and quiver
in pain and shame at the memory of Wis-
mar. How this date was accepted as inde-
pendence day is beyond me. Anyone with
a sense of civility should mark May 26 as a
national day of shame and mourning. There
is nothing for me or anyone of us to cele-
brate on May 26.
The race politics of the PNC has not
helped the Africans, the Indians or any
Guyanese. As a boy growing up in Guyana
I heard Burnham saying, “comrades, the
Africans work hard to mine the gold in the
interior. Who do you see wearing the gold?
Who does the gold really belong to?” He
was sending a clear message to the Africans
that it was OK to choke and rob Indians.
In April 2001, I went home with rela-
tives for vacation. On driving back from
Mahaica we were stopped and told to turn
back because they were beating up Indians
in Buxton. We returned to Mahaica where
we waited it out for two days before going
to Georgetown. Do you really think that
was remembered as a vacation for us? It
was a horror experience. I have not taken
my family back since.
APRIL 2008 Page 4
except for some fleeing the cold in Florida
and warm southern regions of the United
States. For most of us, Canada is a final
destination, just as it was for the jahajis for
well over a hundred years in the Caribbean.
Today we have rough figures of 200,000
Indo-Caribbeans in Canada, with about
125,000 with roots in Guyana, over 50,000
with links to Trinidad, and smaller numbers
for at least 10 other Caribbean nations.
Generally it is true that we have done
well in this country. We have been a law
abiding, hard working people who have
largely maintained our culture and heritage
while making serious contributions to
Canada.
We have much to be proud of, and little
to be ashamed of when we look at our
record in Canada.
That is what we must mention when we
celebrate our first centenary in 1908. Just
as the jahajis came to work in the Caribbean
but stayed to build many nations, so have
we stayed to help build Canada. Most of us
came here voluntarily, at the invitation of
the Canadian government. We can say with
pride that we are Canadians, and with equal
pride say that we are Indo-Caribbeans. Our
Indian and Caribbean heritages can fit well
with the Canadian heritage we are develop-
ing here. Most of us know by now that our
initial ideas of staying for a while in Canada
and returning to the Caribbean will not be
carried through.
So I ask our many Indo-Caribbean read-
ers to plan to do something to mark our cen-
tenary this year, not just in May when
South Asian Heritage Month comes around.
Each organization, each family, each indi-
vidual should make it a point. It’s our re-
sponsibility to have our birthday parties.
Happy Centenary to all.
The real big disappointment and most
frightening is the reaction of the leadership
in Guyana. This includes the present Gov-
ernment and the opposition. The govern-
ment is like a deer frozen in its track by the
lights for an oncoming truck unable to react
to the problem, just waiting to be run over.
The government is mumbling and fumbling
with no real plan on how to manage this en-
demic problem.
The opposition on the other hand appears
to be the source of the terrorist activity. It
is no secret that Buxton is a nest for these
terrorist criminal elements. On the night of
the Lusignan slaughter, it is said that oppo-
sition leaders visited Buxton. It is beyond
me why the opposition followers would
want to be led by a man who promotes and
encourages terrorism and murder. There
are indications that the terrorist criminals
are ex-army defectors with close links to
the opposition party. The Government
knows this and sits there twiddling its
thumbs while innocent Indian babies,
women and men are butchered in bed. It’s
unable to protect its citizens and maintain
law and order. I was talking to a PPP
diehard in on Toronto and his rationale on
crime in Guyana is that “boy, you know in
Jamaica, already 300 people get murdered
so we not doing bad because crime is all
over the place.” What a loser mentality!
He is not comparing Guyana to the more
progressive countries of the world but to the
worst. With that kind of mentality progress
is nowhere in sight.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 18)
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NEWS
Trincity Mall is car thief heaven Cuban experts
C ar thieves have stolen 113 cars in the
first 11 weeks of this year from the
Trincity Mall carpark. Glen Hackett, Assis-
tant Superintendent of the Stolen Vehicles
Squad, has said that of the 366 vehicles
stolen from January 1 to March 14, a full
30 percent or 113 vehicles were taken from
Trincity Mall. The thieves’ favourite cars
were the Nissan B11 and B12, along with
the Mazda 323. He said the vehicles which
are no longer manufactured are stolen for
their scarce parts.
Trincity Mall, arguably the country's largest
mall, makes up part of the Home Construc-
tion Limited's premier malls, along with
Long Circular Mall and the Valpark Shop-
ping Complex. For the same period, the two
other malls combined only accounted for a
total of three stolen cars. Trincity Mall has
no Closed Circuit Television (CCTVs), in-
sufficient patrols and no exit and entry
check points.
Bullets in buckets
Police have found 200 rounds of am-
munition hidden in buckets in the bushes in
Tableland, after a police search in Robert
Village . They are believed to belong to a
wanted 31-year-old fugitive, said to be the
biggest arms dealer in Trinidad and Tobago
Early last month almost 2000 bullets were
found in Lopinot.
Soldiers caught stealing
Two soldiers were caught stealing from a
car being kept at the West End Police Sta-
tion, Diego Martin. The two suspects, ages
22 and 27, of the Teteron Battalion, worked
in joint patrols with the police. Investiga-
tors said the soldiers were found with an
MP3 player which had been inside a car in-
volved in a vehicular accident. An officer
spotted them trying to pry open the door of
another car
Police suspected of
stealing ganja, gun
Three police officers assigned to a high-
profile unit in the Port-of-Spain Division
are the subjects of a police probe after 12
kilos of high-grade compressed marijuana
and a gun disappeared from a crime scene
after a shoot-out between lawmen and sus-
pected drug dealers.
Five Ghanians held
Five Ghanian nationals were arrested at a
Warren Street, St Augustine house during a
joint police/army patrols.They were handed
over to officers of the Immigration Depart-
ment and may face deportation..
Indo-Caribbean Times
Family believe botched
operation killed Sandra
Sandra Harry
The family of 41-year-old mother of four
Sandra Harry is looking to the courts to find
justice in her death, which they blame on a
botched Caesarian section operation dur-
ing childbirth. Sandra died on March 6 at
the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Com-
plex in Mt Hope, five days after giving birth
to a healthy daughter.
Sandra died from a massive internal in-
fection, caused by faeces and urine leaking
into her abdomen because of a ruptured gut.
The official cause of death was massive
peritonitis, hemoperitoneum caused by the
lower segment C-section.
Husband Bridgelal Harry said at the fu-
neral “I want answers...I want justice.”
Pastor Selwyn Jagdeo said people were
now renaming the infamous medical com-
plex from Mt Hope to Mt Hopeless. The
family believes Sandra's internal organs
were accidentally punctured during the
Caesarean section.
Court cases collapsing
Water taxis, railways
at increased rates
Thirty five people accused of murder have coming on fast
walked free since 2006, mainly because
witnesses refused to testify or life on the
witness stand. Several matters have also
had to be thrown as witnesses are too afraid
to testify, especially in gang-related mur-
ders. Magistrates, lawyers, police, prison
officers, top public servants, and civilians,
have also been guilty of failing to cooper-
ate with the courts.
Since the start of 2006, at least 33 major
cases, including murder, attempted murder,
shooting at the police, drug trafficking and
arson matters in both the High Court and
Magistrate's Court, have collapsed because
of witnesses' refusal to testify, police found
to have lied and witnesses changing their
evidence. Police have also been accused by
judicial officers of interfering with the
statement of witnesses, lying, and relying
on unreliable testimony.
coming to start
mega-farms M embers of the United States Army,
C
Navy and Marines are busy working
on building a school and clinic at the St
uban technical farm experts are ex-
pected in Trinidad on April 28, to start
up the long awaited mega-farm in Tucker
Valley . The rest of the Cuban team will be
in the country by May 5.
Government officials said the establish-
ment of the Tucker Valley large farm along
with mega-farms on other sites throughout
the country would not place small and
medium farm operators in jeopardy. Small
and medium farmers would be contracted
to provide crops that are in demand and ap-
proved by the Trinidad and Tobago Agri
Business Association.
Government is moving ahead to estab-
lish large 100 acre farms on 13 sites to
boost local food production, with some ex-
pected to begin operations in November
Corn, sweet potatoes, beef, fish and citrus
fruits are some of the foods that would be
produced by the large farms.
More $ for new
passports to help
foreign nationals
Trinidad’s cabinet has allocated an addi-
tional $9.5 million for equipment and per-
sonnel to expand the machine readable
passport application and distribution system
to include specific Trinidad and Tobago
diplomatic missions abroad. Many people
seeking to acquire new passports are lining
up from as early 3 a.m. outside the Immi-
gration Division headquarters in Port of
Spain to apply for them. Nationals living
overseas were unable to apply for the new
passports abroad.
Four used fast ferries have been bought at a
cost of US$12.6 million (TT$ 85 million)
for the water taxi service. They will be used
in the interim while government looks at
buying four new vessels. They will proba-
bly be used them for services such as the
Port of Spain-to-Chaguaramas route, and
San Fernando-to-Point Fortin route.
Also in the transport world, government
has committed US $32190 million to start
a Rapid Rail Transit System, with a further
US$42 million to come for the second
phase. Cost of the whole project is US$1.2
billion (TT$7 billion). The first segment of
the rail project from Port of Spain to St
Joseph and to Chaguanas, could be opera-
tional within three years. Other segments
include a Diego Martin-to-Port of Spain
Land for sale in Florida
route, Port of Spain to Arima, Arima to San-
gre Grande and Curepe to San Fernando.
$49, 000 US
For two side by side lots each 80'x125'
Zoned for singe family residence, paved road
Address: 1114 Ramiro Street, Leisure Lakes Section 18,
Lots 3 & 4 Block 534, Lake Placid 33852
Contact: Joey Seukumar
joe2se@yahoo.com
APRIL 2008 Page 5
Marines building
orphanage school
Mary’s Children’s Home. The officers have
been in T&T for the last month, working on
the two projects at Tacarigua. They will also
be building another school at the Princess
Elizabeth Centre, Woodbrook. All expenses
would be borne by the United States gov-
ernment. The projects are expected to be
completed by mid-June.
The projects, estimated at US$150,000,
were a partnership between the T&T De-
fence Force and the US military, known as
the Partnership of the Americas Engage-
ment Team.
A ship with construction capabilities will
be docking at Port-of-Spain in October, to
fix the bathrooms and prepare a playground
at the All in One Child Development Cen-
tre in Laventille. At the Cyril Ross Home in
Tunapuna, the partnership will be fixing a
flooding problem plaguing the home and
also rewiring it.Also, the dormitory at the
St Jude’s Home for Girls would be reno-
vated—new ceilings, floors and rewiring
would be done.
Ready to build
aluminium smelter
Construction of the first aluminium smelter
plant in T&T will "start very shortly." Prime
Minister Patrick Manning said equipment
to begin construction is on its way from
China . Recently Aluntrint chief executive
officer Phillip Julien said first phase of con-
struction of the plant was scheduled to start
this month and that between 1,000 and
1,500 skilled Chinese workers were being
brought to the country to work on the piling
required for the plant. Manning also an-
nounced that construction of a new port,
east of Sea Lots, will begin at the end of
2008.
NIS pensions rise and
linked to cost of living
Government has been able to increase the
retirement benefits of the National Insur-
ance system with little increase to the con-
tribution, says Minister of Finance Karen
Nunez-Teshiera.
An actuarial consultant reviewed the per-
formance of the system at the end of 2005,
and predicted that by 2055 the number of
retirement pensioners would be 46 per cent
higher than projected". An increase in the
minimum levels of retirement pension was
recommended, and the board decided to in-
crease the retirement pension from $1,000
to $2,000, and that NIS benefits would be
indexed to the cost of living.
No equity for Hindus
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
says Sat Maharaj
H
Sat Maharaj
indu labour helped build the wealth of
Trinidad and Tobago but Hindus do
not have a equal share in the prosperity of
the country, Sat Maharaj, secretary general
of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, has
said.
"You must belong to a certain ethnic and
religious group before you get equity and
equality," Maharaj declared as he addressed
the start of the recent children's Phagwa fes-
tival.
Calling for a cultural committee to be set
up to ensure "equality" in the handing out of
money, Maharaj said T&T's strength was
not in the "depth of the oil wells but in the
diversity of the people".
He also noted that this year's celebrations
marked the first time in the history of host-
ing the festival that the Maha Sabha got
funding before the event itself. He said a
cheque for $200,000 was received from the
Ministry of Culture on Friday. This is the
28th such festival hosted by the Maha
Sabha.
"My only gratitude is that we get it yes-
terday (Friday). But what is $200,000 op-
posed to $60 million for other festivals.
$200,000 is only a pittance. Our forefathers
toiled and developed this land. But we do
not enjoy equity," Maharaj said.
Over 60 school and cultural groups took
part in the festival, performing religious
songs and dances, and spraying abheer, to
mark the beginning of Spring.
Did the jahajis
get land grants?
By Dr. Bridget Brereton
(From a lecture at the National Museum ,
Port of Spain on February 27, 2008)
From The Afrocentric Narrarive:
“After the abolition of slavery in the 1830s,
the Afrocentric narrative focuses on the
struggles and sufferings of the emancipated
people and their descendants. The ex-slaves
received no land or other forms of compen-
sation—their owners received a large sum
of money from Britain as compensation for
loss of property—and the local authorities
did all they could to stop them from pur-
chasing state-owned lands. An important
aspect of the narrative is the idea that all the
Indians received free grants of land on the
expiry of their indentures, allowing them to
become landowners while the Africans
were given no grants and prevented wher-
ever possible from buying plots with their
savings. (This is only partially true: the ex-
indentureds received free grants of land for
only a few years, 1869-80, and most of the
lands obtained by the Indians were pur-
chased by them).
From the Indocentric narrative:
Despite the sufferings of the indentureds,
Indo-Caribbean Times
they endured and overcame all the hard-
ships, and through their discipline and hard
work, they ‘saved’ the local sugar industry
which might have collapsed if it had con-
tinued to depend on scarce and unreliable
labour from the Creoles. In a wider sense,
they also ‘saved’ the whole agrarian econ-
omy of Trinidad. Their ‘innate’ love of the
land, their culturally determined propensity
for landownership and agriculture, created
a sturdy independent small farming class,
growing canes, rice, and a whole range of
food crops, as well as raising livestock for
milk and meat. Indians made a tremendous
contribution to Trinidad’s economic devel-
opment in these ways. Moreover, they
achieved their successes in agriculture (and
business) on their own: the idea that all In-
dians received free grants of land after their
indentures were up was firmly (and cor-
rectly) rejected. As the Maha Sabha stated
in 1998: ‘It is not government grants or
State patronage which sustained …the
Is Carnival dying
Hindu community’.
By Stalin Neehall
Each year we see Carnival moving fur-
ther and further from its original state. Is
this movement evolution or devolution?
One only has to go back to the days of
George Bailey, Harold Saldenah, Irvin Mc
Williams to appreciate the craftsmanship
and pride that these bandleaders took in the
portrayals in their respective bands. Even
the steelbands were as authentic as they
could be.
The question is “What has gone wrong
with the designers?” Maybe I should ask
“Are there any designers?”
Each year we hear bandleaders com-
plaining about the cost of materials going
up, and each year the costumes are skimpier
and skimpier. Of course we are told that is
what the people want.
You see basically the same thing year
after year in the Kings and Queens Compe-
tition. Calypso is a dying art form, killed by
Soca, Power Soca, Groovy Soca and the ris-
ing Chutney. The only saving grace is that
the young calypsonians give some fantastic
renditions at their competitions, but they
too will eventually bow to Soca, with all the
attending jump and wave, get on bad, mash
up the place and wine down low.
Carnival fetes are now reduced to a
Woodstock type of party where dancing has
been replaced by waving, jumping, putting
your hand in the air, and screaming when
given the cue by the performer.
The steelbands now are reduced to play-
ing at the Panorama competition, where the
big money is, of course. Gone are the days
when each steelband went into Port of
Spain with a solid repertoire which in-
cluded calypsos of the day, pop songs and
classical pieces for the bomb competition.
Another troubling aspect of the carnival
is the “all inclusive” factor. In the big
bands, almost every section is “all inclusive
” or should I say all exclusive as it effec-
tively excludes many persons who would
like to be on the road carnival days in cos-
tume. No longer do the grassroots play an
integral part in the festival.
The big question is, “What can we do to
save the Carnival?” I have been saying
some years now that all competition should
be stopped for a couple of years.
Water for all in five years & $5 billion
I t will take just $10 billion to end
Trinidad’s water woes and deliver
"water for all" by 2012.
Public Utilities Minister Mustapha Abdul-
Hamid made this brave promise as he un-
veiled a Water Master Plan, aimed at
providing a 24- hour/7-day a week supply
to "at least 60 per cent" of the households in
Trinidad and Tobago, and designed to en-
sure that no one would have less than three
days of water per week.
The plan would involve six major initia-
tives. The first is the "aggressive imple-
mentation" of a universal metering "pay for
what you use" system.
The second plank would be the establish-
ment of five new large desalination plants
and the expansion of the existing desalina-
tion plant, he said. This would entail the
construction of 20-million-gallon-a-day fa-
cilities in Port Fortin, Chaguaramas and in
Ortoire/Mayaro, the establishment of a 25
to 40-million- gallon-a-day facility in Point
Lisas and a five-million-gallon-a-day facil-
ity in Tobago. At the same time, the capac-
ity of the current Point Lisas Desalination
Plant would be increased from 25 million
gallons to 40 million gallons a day.
The third pillar of the plan would be the
construction of a new national water trans-
mission and distribution pipeline network.
Abdul-Hamid noted that the poor state of
the pipeline network allowed 40 per cent of
water be to lost via leaks, illegal connec-
tions and inefficient use.
The fourth plank, he said, would be the
construction of a new dam in Moruga, with
a storage capacity of five billion gallons
and a production of 25 million gallons per
day.
The fifth pillar of the plan would be the
expansion of the Arena Dam from a storage
capacity of 10 billion gallons to 14 billions
gallons, and an increase in production of
water from 75 million gallons a day to 95
million gallons a day.
The sixth and final prop of the plan will
focus on supplying the industrial sector.
This will be addressed by completing the
Beetham Water Re-use project, which
would purify effluent produced by the
Beetham Wastewater Treatment Plant.
These six initiatives would increase the
country's water production from 222 mil-
lion gallons a day to 407 million gallons a
day, he said. He added that it would provide
the country with a supply system that would
have the capability to withstand drought for
"at least" three consecutive years, thereby
"ensuring water security".
He said the preparation of the plan, "the
first revolutionary step to address the vari-
ous problems", was on schedule and is now
"more than 50 per cent complete".
Trinidad is
major cocaine
trafficking hub
A vast amount of the cocaine trafficked
through Trinidad and Tobago arrives on
commercial and sailing vessels at the na-
tion's sea ports, in addition to small fishing
boats, says a United States government re-
port.
This is one of the startling findings con-
tained in the United States Department of
State International Narcotics Control Strat-
egy Report 2008.
The report, however, noted that despite
the increase in illegal drug trafficking
through this country - the quantity of drugs
APRIL 2008 Page 6
transiting Trinidad and Tobago does not
have a significant effect on the US .
Nonetheless, the report said "strengthen-
ing border protection by automating the
method to include container scanning", is
one of the initiatives the Government of
Trinidad and Tobago .
" Trinidad and Tobago is a transhipment
country for the movement of cocaine and
heroin from Colombia to the US , Canada
and Europe . As a result of Venezuela 's re-
cent lack of cooperation with the US , there
has been an increase in the transhipment of
cocaine and heroin from Colombia, through
Venezuela ," the report said.
"The majority of the cocaine that arrives
on Trinidad is via commercial vessels, sail-
ing vessels and small fishing vessels, in
amounts upwards of several thousand-kilo-
gramme quantities."
Change method of in-
vestigating police in TT
An internal affairs unit for law enforcement
has been recommended by the United
States Department of State as a key weapon
in this country's war on drugs.
The recommendation was contained in
the State Department's International Nar-
cotics Control Strategy Report 2008 re-
leased this month.
In addition, to making the recommenda-
tion, the report also said that at the request
of the Trinidad and Tobago Government the
US government has "polygraphed police
and mid-and high-level officials selected
for training or entering elite units to ensure
that reputable and reliable personnel are
chosen".
At present, the Police Complaints Au-
thority is the agency which handles com-
plaints against police officers and the State
Department is recommending a unit simi-
lar to that in the police departments across
the United States .
Those units are comprised of police offi-
cers and operate as completely separate en-
tities. They investigate all police shootings
and police officers suspected of being in-
volved in criminal activity.
NIB pays out
$1billion in 2007
The National Insurance Board (NIB) has re-
vealed that 131,718 beneficiaries of the Na-
tional Insurance System (NIS) received
over $1 billion in benefits in the 2007 fi-
nancial year.
The number of insured persons was over
500,000 persons and $1.5 billion was col-
lected in contributions during the last year.
NIB chairman Calder Hart says in the in the
company’s 2007 annual report that the NIB
achieved a strong financial performance
last year with a 7.23 percent return on its
investment portfolio and a growth in the
National Insurance Fund to $14.3 billion.
Hart said the NIB upped certain benefits
including increase in the minimum monthly
retirement pension from $1,500 to $2,000,
minimum retirement grant of $2,000, min-
imum widows and widowers pension of
$400 per month and increasing the mater-
nity grants from $2,000 to $2,500.
Hart also said the NIB plans to extend
coverage to self-employed personswho ac-
count for 19 percent of the workforce. He
noted these persons have not enjoyed social
insurance coverage since the inception of
the NIS in 1972, though they have the same
risks as regular workers.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Panday thrown out of Parliament Flour prices may
O pposition Leader Basdeo Panday has
been suspended from Parliament for
the remainder of the session, which can ex-
tend until December 16, 2008,
Panday was suspended for defying the
Speaker, who ruled that Panday was using
his government issued laptop without get-
ting the permission of the speaker. At the
time Panday said he was not sure if he
would need his laptop until he heard pre-
sentations from the government, and he
could not say if he would need permission
to use it. Police failed to remove Mr Pan-
day from the House that day, but on a later
session he was barred from entering Parlia-
ment. The Opposition is protesting the ac-
tion and boycotting the House.
Basdeo Panday
Panday loses
case in Privy
Council
Already wounded by the possibility of heart
surgery for his ailing wife, Oma, and sad-
dled with the indignity of being suspended
from Parliament, Opposition Leader Bas-
deo Panday suffered a third body blow yes-
terday after the Privy Council threw out his
appeal.
The leader of the United National Con-
gress-Alliance, who turns 75 next month,
will now have to try and convince a local
magistrate why he should not face a new
trial on charges of failing to declare a Lon-
don bank account to the Integrity Commis-
sion for three consecutive years, while he
held office as prime minister-on the basis
of his fear of imprisonment, his deteriorat-
ing health and his increasing legal bill of
close to $1 million.
Panday is scheduled to appear before Sen-
ior Magistrate Ejenny Espinet on April 15,
when a date for his retrial is expected to be
fixed. The same magistrate has also refused
to step down, on the basis of apparent bias,
as the sitting magistrate in the corruption
case against Panday, his wife, former gov-
ernment minister Carlos John and busi-
nessman Ishwar Galbaransingh.
Equality Act to be
implemented at last
Eight years after the United National Con-
gress-piloted Equal Opportunity Act was
passed in the Parliament, the Peoples' Na-
tional Movement Government has agreed
to implement the legislation.
It means that for the first time complaints
of discrimination in the public and private
sectors in this multiracial, multi-religious
society would be dealt with, not in a politi-
cal atmosphere, but there would now be an
objective, judicial environment-the Equal
Opportunities Commission and Tribunal-to
adjudicate on such matters.
Indo-Caribbean Times
Local gov’t elections
coming this year
Local Government elections will be held
before October 12, Prime Minister Patrick
Manning has said.. Although the elections
are constitutionally due on July 12, the
Trinidad and Tobago Constitution allows
for a three-month grace period without the
matter being debated in Parliament. The
three-month grace period expires on Octo-
ber 12.
Accomodation in local
polls possible: COP
An accommodation with the UNC Alliance
is an option on the Congress of the People’s
(COP’s) table for local government elec-
tions.
“It has been raised at meetings but we
have made no decision,” political leader of
the COP Winston Dookeran said this week.
He added that an accommodation was
also an option for national election but the
party voted against it.
“We will maintain the integrity of the
party, offer the country a real alternative
and will not compromise our position,”
Dookeran said.
Manning: TT now
in troubled times
Prime Minister Patrick Manning says the
people of Trinidad and Tobago are now liv-
ing in a "very troubled time."
He was speaking one day after President
George Maxwell Richards warned this
country not to become a failed state and
urged that more attention be paid to the na-
tion's children who comprise the "genera-
tions that have to solve the problems that
have been created."
"At this very troubled time in the lives of
the people of Trinidad and Tobago, where
a view has been expressed that we are con-
cerned about our young people might not
all be going in the direction we wish them
to go, we believe that the intervention that
is being made today is indeed very timely
and appropriate," Manning said.
Gangs fighting
over state projects
National Security Minister Martin Joseph
says "it is very possible" criminal gangs
identified by the Government as the source
of the nation's escalating homicide rate may
be fighting over State-funded social pro-
grammes.
Although Joseph did not identify any spe-
cific social programme, on February 22,
Justice Anthony Carmona in a judgment in
a criminal case, said that while the Unem-
ployment Employment Relief (URP) does
serve a social purpose, there is rank crimi-
nality in its bowels which needs to be ad-
dressed by the authorities. Critics of the
URP, including members of the Opposition,
have long claimed it has been infiltrated by
criminal elements.
Several URP employees have been killed
in gang warfare in the last few years, and
there are persistent reports of “ghost
gangs” being used to enrich criminals.
send doubles to
$5, roti to $18
B C
e prepared to pay much more for bread,
cakes, pastries, roti and doubles.
Flour prices have gone up from April 1,
the National Flour Mills has confirmed, in
some instances by nearly 40 per cent.
Most of the increases are likely to be
passed on to customers, several bakers said.
Roti shop owners who sold a chicken roti
for $15 said the price could move up to $18
while plain buss-up-shut is likely to go
from $25 to $30. A loaf of bread costing
$6.90 today could rise to $10 and a hops
bread that cost 70 cents will go up to at least
$1.
Market experts were also looking at dou-
bles, the cost of which went up from $3 to
$4 recently. The popular fast-food is likely
to move to $5 once the price increases be-
come effective. There are reports that
pholourie is already selling at two for $1.
Bakers, roti makers and doubles vendors
said that they will have no choice but to
pass on the increased prices to their cus-
tomers.
Flour prices up 30%,
chicken hits $10 a lb
National Flour Mills has raised its prices
for flour suddenly, to the surprise of gro-
ceries. Xtra Foods CEO Joanne Le Gall re-
ported when her staff went to collect an
order of flour at NFM in Port-of-Spain, they
were flabbergasted that the prices of 10kg
and 2 kg packs of flour had gone up be-
tween 25 to 30 percent.
Similarly, an official from the manage-
ment team at Food Giant Supermarket,
Barataria, said there was a marked increase
in flour prices when compared to when
they last received stock. He said NFM is
now selling a 10-kg pack of Ibis all-purpose
flour for $50, an increase of $10. Other
flour brands and products such as 2 kg
packs and 45 kg of Lotus Bakers Flour are
now being sold at $10.30 and $222 respec-
tively which according to the source was a
significant increase. As a result the grocery
has already raised their prices.
In light of NFM’s price increase, con-
sumers are worried about the imminent
price increase of other food items such as
rice and chicken. When asked about any
move to raise rice prices, employees at
some supermarkets said their prices had not
changed. Poultry owners on George Street,
Port-of-Spain, also said their prices have
not been raised, but one manager said an in-
crease may be inevitable. Following the last
increase a few months ago, chicken is being
sold at $10 per pound.
IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE
IN THE
INDO-
CARIBBEAN
TIMES
416-289-3898
APRIL 2008 Page 7
Police corruption
clouds public faith in
complaints vs cops
orruption in the Police Service has
caused the public to have very little
faith in any proper investigation of com-
plaints against police officers, according to
a United States Department of State's Coun-
try Reports on Human Rights Practices for
2007.
And while the US report also says there
are no politically motivated killings or dis-
appearances and no political prisoners in
Trinidad and Tobago, it noted there were
"problems in some areas" such as "police
killings, prison conditions and abuse of
prisoners in police custody".
It also said less than 10 per cent of en-
quiries into alleged police killings of civil-
ians have been completed in the last 10
years.
Under the section entitled Trinidad and
Tobago, the report highlighted ongoing
concerns about corruption within the 7,000-
member strong Police Service.
"Police corruption continued to be a prob-
lem, with some officials suggesting there
were officers who participated in corrupt
and illegal activities," the human rights re-
port said.
The report said Police Service Commis-
sion restrictions limited the division's abil-
ity to dismiss police officers, and this has
had a very serious impact on how the pub-
lic perceives the complaints.
"The public had little confidence in the
police complaints process because the au-
thority had no power to investigate com-
plaints, and because those investigating
complaints against the police were them-
selves police officers," the report said.
However, report said that police killings
were among areas of concern.
"The Government or its agents did not com-
mit any politically motivated killings; how-
ever, 29 persons died during the year while
in police custody or at the hands of law en-
forcement authorities," the report said.
"Authorities investigated or opened in-
quests into all such killings, but only six per
cent of inquiries into police killings of civil-
ians have been completed since 1999. In
cases where charges were brought, 50 per
cent of the officers were acquitted."
Seebaran is fifth
“kidnap for
ransom” victim
A La Horquetta businessman was released
in Sangre Grande just 19 hours after being
snatched from his La Horquetta home.
Car rental owner 22-year-old Dave See-
baran who was abducted from his home
around 8.30 p.m on Wednesday walked into
the Arima Police Station around 3.30 p.m.
the next day.
A $100,000 ransom demand was made
for his safe return but police said this was
not paid.
Police said Seebaran, who is listed as the
country's fifth kidnap victim for the year,
also refused a medical examination.
Reports of kidnapping for ransom have
been down in Trinidad this year, but the rea-
sons for this are not fully known. Some
local commentators believe that it could be
due to moves by kidnappers to collect pro-
tection fees or “coward tax” from wealthy
business people rather than actual kidnap-
ping.
GUYANA NEWS
High prices has gold sector booming Bartica miner
T market has pumped vigour into the untouched rainforest, a range of ecosystems charged for
he high gold price on the international
past sugar's for last year as a result of new mated to be in excess of 200 mammals, 800 massacre deaths
mining sector and driving export earnings with a diverse flora and fauna species esti-
investments and financing for small and reptiles and amphibians, 6,500 plants and
medium scale miners.
With gold toppoing US$1,000 an ounce
recently, Secretary of the Guyana Gold and
Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA)
Edward Shields said that many people were
either getting into gold mining or getting
back into it after a lull.
There have been record declarations for
the first three months of this year, he said,
adding that he was assured that this was be-
cause of the price being paid.
Shields, whose association represents
tens of large and small miners, said that be-
cause of the boom in prices and in produc-
tion, miners were finding it easier to access
financing to purchase the necessary equip-
ment.
For last year, total investment in the min-
ing sector was estimated at US$100 mil-
lion, with in excess of 12,000 small claims
and 4,000 medium-scale permits issued.
The declared production of gold in 2007
was 246,199 ounces with a total production
value of $62 billion. The average export
price for Guyana 's gold in 2007 rose to
US$659.23 an ounce, an increase in 16.6
per cent over 2006.
Major progress
in battle vs TB
Guyana has made major strides it its fight
against tuberculosis as the National TB pro-
gramme continues its aim of reducing the
incidence and prevalence of the disease in
Guyana, so that it no longer poses a public
health threat.
Manager, National TB Control Pro-
gramme at the Georgetown Chest Clinic,
Dr Jeetendra Mohanlall says Guyana is
achieving its goal of decreasing the sever-
ity and death rates caused by tuberculosis
in the Guyanese population.
He attributes this success to a large extent
to the Directly Observed Treatment, Short
Course (DOTS) programme which is now
effectively reaching patients in all ten ad-
ministrative regions of the country. Guyana
now has a complement of 45 dedicated
DOTS outreach workers in the regions who
are contributing to controlling the disease
in Guyana .
The programme has increased its diag-
nostic and treatment capacity tremendously.
Four-drug therapy treatment for TB patients
with the DOTS approach continues. Mean-
while, BCG vaccination is ongoing with
newborn babies to help prevent tuberculosis
in the early years.Over 95% BCG coverage
is achieved annually.
‘Birding’ fast becoming a
success story in Guyana
With tremendous support from the United
States Agency for International Develop-
ment (USAID), the much talked about bird-
ing programme in Guyana is proving to be
a success.
During last year February, ‘Bird watch’,
one of the premier bird watching maga-
zines, published an article on Guyana that
said, “With such a wealth of birds, com-
bined with an unrivalled spirit of both ad-
venture and hospitality, it seems very soon
that Guyana is destined…to become well
and truly established as a first-class birding
destination.
Indo-Caribbean Times
There are millions of acres of virtually
more than 815 species of birds."
According to USAID, Guyana has all the
necessary components of a great eco-
tourism destination, but lacks the interna-
tional recognition.
In 2006, USAID partnered the Guyana
Tourism Authority (GTA), tour operator
Wilderness Explorers, the Guyana Amazon
Tropical Birds Society, and local tourism
suppliers to launch the Birding Tourism
programme..
Among the birding enthusiasts that travel
to Guyana the Cock-of-the-Rock was the
most sought after bird in Guyana . One such
visitor, who was in Guyana with the Clipper
Adventurer cruise ship had said, “To see the
Cock-of-the-Rock at any time during the
trip would be the climax of my vacation.”
Good prices for rice
Investment opportunities abound in the rice
sector given the high prices for the product
on the world market and the potential ben-
efits outweighing the risks, says one rice
miller and exporter.
Dr Peter de Groot, CEO-Production of
Fairfield Rice Inc, said the profit margins
being offered by rice were unmatched in
any other sector. He said that farmers could
make as much as almost double the money
that they invested, and a bag of paddy could
easily reach a high of $4,000 per bag before
the end of the crop in a few weeks time.
Such returns, he said, were encouraging
to investors, even though there were risks
such as the unpredictable weather, high fuel
prices and the high cost of fertilisers. The
shortage of rice had increased the competi-
tion among the farmers for the supply of
paddy, and this too was sending up prices.
"It's a seller's market," he explained. "The
rice farmers are in control now."
Over the past weeks since the Christmas
holidays, the price of rice has doubled. This
past week saw rice prices still at an all-time
high, approaching or in some cases sur-
passing $400 per gallon for white rice, and
No phantom gangs
$600 for brown rice.
Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister Clement
Rohee says there is no credible information
that there has been any re-emerging of the
phantom gangs in Guyana.
Such gangs are said to have executed
scores of criminals a few years ago, al-
legedly under the direction of a government
minister. After the Lusignan massacres ear-
lier this year several protesters openly
called for the return of the death squads,
and for Gajraj Singh and Roger Khan , two
individuals believed to have been leaders.
Minister Rohee criticized a recent report
in the local newspaper Stabroek News
which asked whether the 'phantom' death
squad had come out of retirement, and said
the paper should present such information
to the police.
The article in question had pointed to the
recent killings of Marcyn King, sister of
wanted man Rondell Rawlins and George
Barton and similarities with killings during
the period when the dead squads were
thought to be in business. The Stabroek
News editor says police have failed to prop-
erly investigate dozens of execution-style
killings since 2002 and the government ap-
peared unwilling to take the necessary steps
to reverse this.
Court system
collapsing
t took 14 years for Oscar Green, 72, to se-
Roger Simon
Almost eight weeks after the gruesome
slaying of 12 persons at Bartica, a 44-year-
old resident of the community has appeared
at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court
charged with the murders.
Roger Simon of 25 Fifth Avenue Bartica,
a miner and father of nine, was not required
to plead to the 12 indictable counts of mur-
der. A preliminary inquiry will be con-
ducted to determine whether there was
sufficient evidence to commit him to stand
trial in the High Court.
Simon stood in court with his head low-
ered and his eyes red, struggling to control
his emotions. He wore a Bob Marley t-shirt
with the quote: “Just can’t live that nega-
tive way…Make way for the positive way”
Fake police
hijack fishermen
Two men who allegedly posed as police-
men to hijack a fishing boat then used it to
rob unsuspecting fishermen are facing seri-
ous charges from the real police. The men
are from the Number 65 and Number 68
Villages, Corentyne, Berbice, and were
identified as part of a gang of pirates that
went on a two-day rampage last month,
robbing about 15 vessels.
On March 8 a Georgetown fishing boat
encountered problems and was moored at
Number 65 Village for repairs. While there,
five men who allegedly identified them-
selves as policemen requested that the men
take them to sea as there was urgent police
work to be done.However, the “policemen”
turned out to be pirates as they reportedly
held the men captive and used the boat to
attack 15 other unsuspecting fishing boats.
The boats were robbed of millions of dol-
lars in fish and fish glue.
On March 4 and 6, several other boats
were also hijacked. Almost 50 boats and
over $30 million were estimated to have
been lost last year due to piracy.
Fishermen missing
since February 13
The fate of three three Guyanese fisher-
men is still unknown after they left on a
routine fishing trip nearly three months ago.
Mahadeo Ramdeo, Ramnarine Jagmohan
and Jason Marshall left aboard the vessel
from the PSI wharf at Mc Doom, East Bank
Demerara on January 23, last, and were
scheduled to return on February 13 last.
The crew was last heard from on February
9, via radio transmission. An extensive
search has failed to locate the men.
APRIL 2008 Page 8
I
cure judgement in the High Court for in-
juries he sustained when his car was struck
by another on the East Coast Demerara
Highway . But the case has been appealed
and the elderly pensioner may not live to
collect the $20 million judgement awarded
The backlog can be found in every aspect
of judicial proceedings. The 2006 annual
report on the operations of the court stated
that in that year there were 1,114 applica-
tions for probate and letters of administra-
tion in the three countries, adding to a
backlog of 242 in Georgetown and 247 in
Berbice. All told there were 1,836 such ap-
plications. The courts only heard 1,266.
More than 500 were left pending.
The situation was no different in matters
pertaining to the Land Court where there
are petitions for prescriptive rights. In
Georgetown , 481 applications filed for
prescriptive rights, 275 in Berbice, seven
in Suddie. Backlog of 451 in Berbice.
Total matters to be heard 1,214, but only
339 were completed in Georgetown and
366 in Berbice, leaving a backlog of 508
petitions.
Similar problems exist with land registra-
tion (180 backlog cases), full court crimi-
nal appeals ( 9 of 45 heard), Guyana Court
of Appeal (52 appeals not heard), (17,000
cases not heard at the end of 2006) Magis-
trates’ Courts. In Georgetown , for exam-
ple, there were some 12,000 cases pending
at the start of 2006. A further 14,000 cases
were made in 2006. Nearly 9,000 matters
were completed that year leaving an even
greater backlog of some 17,000 at the end
of the year, New Amsterdam magisterial
district and Whim (25,112 backlog cases at
the end of 2006).
Buxton man killed
A Buxton Sideline Dam man has been
killed in what the Joint Services said was
an exchange of gunfire.Tyrone Pollard, 46,
of Lot 81 Buxton Sideline Dam, died after
receiving a gunshot wound to the upper
right side of his back. The police said that
ranks of the Joint Services had been con-
ducting a cordon and search operation on a
house at Webster Avenue, South Buxton,
when Tyrone Pollard ran out of the build-
ing as they approached.
"Tyrone Pollard managed to reach the
Buxton Sideline Dam at which point he
pulled out a firearm and discharged rounds
at the Joint Services ranks that were in pur-
suit. He then jumped into and crossed the
Sideline Canal over to the Eastville Dam
from where he again opened fire on the
ranks. The ranks returned fire during which
he was fatally shot," the statement said.
He was wanted for questioning in the
2005 killings of policeman Somdat Ra-
moutar and civilian Chandrika Persaud at
Brusche Dam Railway Embankment, Bux-
ton, and the murder of Army Corporal Ivor
Williams who was shot and killed during a
confrontation between the Joint Services
and a group of armed gunmen in Buxton on
January 23, 2008.
It pays to
advertise in the
Indo-Caribbean
Times
Sections of East Coast Demerara flooded
GUYANA NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times APRIL 2008 Page 9

U Families of slain soldiers

nusually heavy spring tide waves
pounded the sea defense and over-
topped the seawall in East Coast Demerara,
causing two nights of flooding and damp-
ening the holiday spirit in the
Montrose/Vryheid’s Lust area.
Although there were isolated reports of
flooding in some parts of the Essequibo and
Corentyne coastlands, the three East Coast
Demerara villages, including Better Hope,
were the hardest hit.
Residents recalled hearing the pounding
waves, which in some cases sent water as
high as 15 feet into the air after the waves
slammed into the seawalls. Other residents
who lived as far as a mile away from the
seawall claimed that they were awakened
by the sound of the raging sea. Another res-
ident of Vryheid’s Lust North, Munniram
Moses Singh, who said that he had been liv-
ing in the village for more than 30 years,
said he had never experienced such an oc-
currence. According to Singh, the area had
in the past experienced high tides but not to
this extent.
“All these years I living here and never
see something like this wave I see. It taller
than me…like de world coming to an end,”
get $1m cheques
Cheques totaling $1 million each were
handed over by Chief-of-Staff of the
Guyana Defence Force, Commodore Gary
Best, to family members of two soldiers
who were slain in the line of duty in 2004
and 2008 respectively.
In 2004, Lance Corporal Shemton Dod-
son was shot and killed while on an opera-
tion in Buxton, East Coast Demerara. He
was survived by two children, a ten-year-
old son and a daughter aged nine. Both mi-
nors were recipients of $300,000 each,
which was put into Fixed Deposit accounts
at the Bank of Nova Scotia and would only
be accessible after the children would have
attained the age of eighteen.
And Corporal Ivor Williams was killed in
late January this year when the army vehi-
cle in which he was travelling came under
attack on the Buxton railway embankment.
In addition to other benefits, his mother
Oret Pitman received $100,000, which was
donated by the GDF Corporals' Club.
few years ago but was of the view that her
condition did not warrant medical atten-
tion.The East Coast Demerara resident said
she assumed she was in fairly good health
but, in 2005, she began experiencing pains
and was admitted to hospital.The woman
said that late last year, she became very ill
after her condition worsened.
Doctors later revealed to Shivram that
she needed a donor for a kidney transplant
in India .She pointed out that the procedure
is estimated to cost at least US$36,000. But
I don’t have that kind of money. My hus-
band has volunteered to be my donor but I
do not work and the little money I have is
being spent on dialysis,” Shivram
lamented.
Shivram explained she is forced to have
two treatments per week with each costing
$36,000.She added that on weekends, pa-
tients are required to pay an additional
$10,000. The same additional charge is ap-
plied if they are tardy. Former First Lady,
Varshnie Singh, of Kids First Fund, has
pledged to provide Shivram with
US$1,000.Meanwhile, an account
#0110030591 has been opened at Guyana
Bank for Trade and Industry
American pulls out in May. The Minister
also refuted claims that Travel Span will
also be permanently discontinuing its serv-
ices to Guyana .He said that the airline has
suspended services temporarily, and will
recommence operations on June 23 for the
summer peak season.
Baliram says food prices in
Region 2 rising too high
A letter writer from Region 2 says food
prices are getting out of control.
Baliram Persaud, in a letter to the
Stabroek News, said , “A dramatic increase
in the price of local commodities in Region
#2 which stretches from Pomeroon to Su-
penaam is making it hard for the residents
to cope with the escalation in the cost of liv-
ing.
Rice prices were upped again at my buy-
ing place from $440 to $480 per gallon with
brown rice being more expensive. The fur-
ther increase was said to have resulted from
a higher price being paid to farmers now for
their paddy as compared to the last crop.
Plucked chicken has jumped to an all
time high price for as much as $340 per
pound at some places while a similar quan-

Delta to fly to the USA

the pensioner said.

No takers for $50m

What was strange was the fact that only tity in pork has moved up to $300.
the seawall at Montrose experienced such Live ducks and creole fowls are fetching

reward for Fineman

fury. While the northern section of the East
Coast Demerara Public Road was flooded,
the southern area remained virtually unaf-
fected.
In the heat of the bloody crimes that flared
up here recently, police placed a $50M re-
After commencing operations here, Delta
Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the
world, will be doing four direct flights per
week from the US to Guyana . Minister of
as much as $450 and $300 respectively per
pound. Mutton and Venison are being sold
at $600 a pound while a crab is $50 and one
Hassar $100. A parcel of 4 hot peppers is
$100, 5 limes $200 with the price of fruits,

Charlestown man
killed in drive by
Gunmen executed a Charlestown man at
Laing Avenue in what appeared to be a
well-planned drive-by attack. Dead is
ward for information leading to the arrest
of the country's most wanted man, Rondell
Rawlins, but more than six weeks later
there has been no serious response to the
offer.
A senior detective at the Criminal Inves-
tigation Department said that there had not
Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manni-
ram Prashad, confirmed this at a press con-
ference on Wednesday. The Minister also
noted that the airline will be coming on
board in time for the peak season. He as-
sured that Delta will be here before North
plantains, eddoes cassava and sweet pota-
toes also mounting. Even eddoe leaf calaloo
that was being given away in the past is
now being sold at $100 for a handful parcel.
The pressure is too much to handle but life
must go on somehow or the other.

George Barton called 'Burlin', 48, of 34
Howes Street , Charlestown. Barton's
teenage daughter Anika Barton, who was
In Memory of the
been any significant report or information
on Rawlins' whereabouts al-though he said
I
that persons had called in with information

Guyana Massacre Victims

with him at the time of the attack, sustained
a gunshot wound to her right leg. She was
rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital
where she was receiving treatment up to
press time. She recalled that while she and
her father were walking, four men in a
white car pulled up and called out his name.
which led them nowhere. The $50M reward
is the highest the force has ever offered for
one man.
The Stabroek News randomly interviewed
five persons asking them if they knew
We extend sincere condolences for all
where Rawlins was whether they would tell
the police and if the $50M reward is entic-

the victims of the Lusignan and Bartica

One of them, she said, then shouted, "shoot ing enough. One man said that he would not
him."

Moving NIS
tell the police anything and the $50M re-
ward had not jumped out at him. "You can-
not depend on the police to conceal your
massacres, and to their families.

pension age to 65
identity if you give such information and
there is no witness protection programme
I hope and pray that those cowardly
just a proposal
in this country," the man declared.

criminals who committed the massacres

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS)
Dr Roger Luncheon said that the consider-
ation to move the eligibility age for Na-
tional Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensions
from 60 to 65 is "simply a recommendation
A minibus driver plying the Kitty/ Camp-
bellville route said, "The minute you tell the
police where 'Fineman' is the next five min-
utes the police would tell `Fineman' who will be caught and severely punished,
told them," he said.
A security guard told Stabroek News that
and that there is no recurrence of these
'selling out' `Fineman' is like signing your
death warrant. The man said that the police
horrible incidents.
could not be trusted and it would be a grave

The lives of all those victims will remain

by the NIS reform committee."
Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet
press briefing, the cabinet Secretary noted
the concerns of citizens over the past few
weeks about the proposal.
"Some citizens have, over the past few
weeks, been expressing concern about this
move and have stated that they do not agree
with it as some pensioners may not even
live to see the age.”
He said that from Cabinet, where the pro-
posals are at present, they will be taken to
Parliament in the form of legislation.
Reaction to the 65 year limit for NIS pen-
sions has been mostly negative throughout
Guyana.
risk to engage in such a deal with them.
Nalini needs a forever in the memory of all Guyanese at
kidney to live
home and abroad, and all others who
An ailing 36-year-old woman is pleading understand their sacrifice.
with the general public to offer her a sec-
ond chance to lead a normal life. The
woman, Nalini Shivram, is appealing to
Gulcharan Mohabir CGA. FCCA, B.Soc.Sc
anyone for assistance.Shivram, of 65 Mon 2608 Islington Avenue,
Repos, East Coast Demerara, currently ex- Toronto, Ontario M9V 2X3
ists on costly dialysis treatment because of
her failing kidneys. 647-430-3612
She was diagnosed with kidney failure a
BUSINESS
Misinformation about the Immigration Representatives
Indo-Caribbean Times APRIL 2008 Page 10

role of the mortgage broker

you.
For example, a family member or

R
udy Lochan has handled some tough
challenges during his years as a mort-
gage broker. The mortgage consultants at
his brokerage Anava Financing in Toronto
have been sniffing out the lowest mortgage
rates at times when rates have jumped
around like yo-yos.
Rudy has been helping first-time buyers
navigate the intricacies of prepayment and
penalties, and liningd up lenders for the
kind of high-risk clients that traditional
lenders would have shunned.
"The mortgage broker is understood but
it's definitely not at the level it should be,"
Lochan said. "There's still a lot of misin-
formation out there."
Research shows that a large number of
consumers turn to brokers to find the best
mortgage deal but that large chunks of the
population still don't understand the role
brokers’ play. About 26 per cent of mort-
gages in Canada are arranged through mort-
gage brokers, according to the Canadian
Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders.
That's up from about 14 per cent in 1999.
Consumer attitudes towards mortgage
brokers have improved since 2001, Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corp. said in an-
other study released last month. Fifty-one
per cent of consumers say brokers offer a
valuable service when arranging a mort-
gage, up from 37 per cent in 2001.
But lots of consumers remain in a state of
semi-darkness when it comes to brokers.
"Consumers are still uncertain about
whom brokers really work for, with 32 per
cent of the view they work for lenders and
36 per cent thinking they work on behalf of
consumers," CIMBL said.
Mortgage brokers function as middlemen
between home buyer and lender. They
match borrowers with bankers by identify-
ing mortgages that best suit the needs of
their consumer clients. Brokers appeal to
many buyers because of their track record
at arranging mortgages at rates lower than
those posted by the banks and they are paid
by the lender.
The payment ranges from a flat fee to a
percentage of the value of the mortgage.
Borrowers, however, may have to pay fees
if their broker is arranging a high-risk mort-
gage.
Lenders see brokers as vehicles that bring
them more business, said Mark Webb, a
senior director with CIMBL. Lenders only
pay a broker if they accept a mortgage. That
lets them boost their mortgage volume
without having to build more branches, he
said.
Over the past five years, a broker's role
has evolved beyond that of rate-chaser,
Lochan said. The growing complexity of
mortgage products has added a financial ad-
visory dimension to a broker's job, he said.
These days, more than ever, it's essential to
get a handle on a client's financial situation,
from credit history to employment, to pres-
ent them with appropriate mortgage op-
tions.
"One of the things people in the industry
are saying is that if you're just going to sell
rates, you're going to have a problem,"
Webb said. "With all the competition, you
can go to more than one person who will
give you a good rate."
Since 2002, brokers have increased their
market penetration among first-time buyers
to 32 per cent from 22 per cent, CMHC
said.
But they're losing ground among those
renewing a mortgage. Broker usage by re-
newers has fallen to six per cent from 11 per
cent in 2002. Renewers, according to
CIMBL research, show a high degree of
loyalty to their current lender.For front-line
brokers like Lochan, this requires ongoing
professional development to add value to
their service.
It means harder work to retain clients and
trigger word of mouth that draws new busi-
ness."You have to focus long term. If you
look out for customers and they're happy,
then they'll refer friends and family."
friend, member of a non-governmental or
religious organization.
Using an authorized representative en-
sures that your immigration representative
meets the standards of the organization to
By Balwant Persaud
which they belong. If you are not satisfied
with an authorized representative, you can
An Immigration Representative is some-
file a complaint with their regulatory
one who is appointed by a person to coduct
body.
business on their behalf with Citizenship
Regulatory bodies impose a code of pro-
and Immigration Canada (CIC), the Immi-
fessional conduct on their members to pro-
gration and Refugee Board (IRB) and the
tect public interest. They also have rules for
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
disciplining their members and compensat-
You are not obliged to hire a representa-
ing clients.
tive for immigration matters. The Govern-
Members of the public should be fore-
ment of Canada treats everyone equally,
warned to deal with only an authorized rep-
whether they use the services of a repre-
resentative.
sentative or not. If you choose to hire a rep-
Authorized Immigration Representatives
resentative, your application will not be
who are members of a regulatory body are
given special attention nor can you expect
issued membership cards with a photograph
faster processing or a more favourable out-
of the representative. Verify that the repre-
come.
sentative is authorized. You can check on
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
the regulatory body’s website to see if that
(CIC) realizes that the use of a representa-
person is a member of good standing with
tive to assist in completing your immigra-
the regulatory body.
tion application is a personal choice. The
Advertisements in the newspapers and on
Government of Canada does not recom-
the Internet does not mean that the person is
mend or endorse any individual representa-
an authorized representative. Many people
tive.
are being ripped off of their hard earned
In accordance with the Immigration and
cash daily by “ghost immigration consult-
Refugee Protection Regulations, CIC only
ants” and “ lawyers”. Ask for references
recognizes representatives who are mem-
and do some background checks on the im-
bers of
migration representative before hiring him
1. A Canadian Provincial or territorial law
or her.
society
2. The Canadian Society of Immigration
Balwant Persaud is a Certified Immigration
Consultants (CSIC) or
Consultant and a Member of The Canadian
3. The Chambre des notaries du Quebec
Society of Immigration Consultants. For
No other representative may charge a fee
answers to your problems on this forum,
in relation to an application or proceeding,
send all enquiries to
be it inland or overseas.
balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca
Applications to CIC submitted by other
representatives who charge a fee will not responsibly and pay them off on time.
be processed and will be returned to the Don’t open accounts that you do not in-
applicant. tend to use. Having 5 or 6 of the same type
Therefore, only an authorized of credit card (Visa for example) does not
representative can charge a fee to a client. work in your favour.
A person or organization that does not Note that having a credit card or instal-
charge a fee for the service may represent ment loan can help boost your score, as

How credit scoring can affect your financial health

By Ijaz Hosein
The credit score also referred to as the
“FICO score” or the “Beacon score” is a
mathematical formulae created by Fair
Isaac and Company.
The credit score is used by most compa-
nies to decide if the applicant is a good
credit risk or not. Equifax and Trans Union
will crunch numbers from the credit report
and spit out a number somewhere between
300 and 900.
700 plus puts the applicant in the lenders
good books. This is where we all want to be
as it means that borrowing money may cost
less.
Scores are calculated by weight and
points given to each of five factors.
Payment History 35% weight 315 points
Bankruptcy, late payments, past due ac-
counts and wage attachments, collections,
judgements
Amounts Owed 30% weight 270 points
Amount owed on accounts, proportion of
balance to total credit limit
Length of Credit History 15% 135 pts
account activity
New Credit 10% weight 90 points
Number of recent inquiries, number of re-
cently opened accounts
Types of Credit 10% weight 90 points
Number of various types of accounts (credit
cards, retail cards, mortgage etc.)
Here’s how you can improve your credit
score:
Order a copy of your credit report, review
it carefully and correct any significant er-
rors.
Always pay bills on time.
long as you don’t have too high a balance.
Keep balance low in relation to available
credit. If the credit limit is $10000, keeping
the balance below $2500 (or 25% of the
limit) will improve the score. Balances
above 75% of the limit will decrease the
score. Going over the limit has a strong
negative effect.
Pay off credit card debt instead of mov-
ing it around to lower rate cards. Moving
balances to other credit cards (called a “bal-
ance transfer” ) and closing out the old ac-
count can hurt your score.
Remember that your aim is to achieve a
high credit score through the responsible
use of credit.
Ijaz Hosein is a Financial Advisor with
BoosterLink Financial Inc and can be
reached at 647-401-1608

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Indo-Caribbean Times APRIL 2008 Page 11
 Curry & Roti Restaurant
Indo-Caribbean Times APRIL 2008 Page 12

celebrates milestone of
35 years of service

This Indian dancer was one of several artistes who came out to perform for the

T
he Persads were serving complimen-
tary carrot cake and hot chaiat their
Scarborough based Curry & Roti Restau-
rant during the last week of March, and
with good reason. This year the restaurant
celebrates 35 years as the pioneer
Caribbean restaurant in the East, with a
third generation stepping in since it was
founded in 1973.
Unlike most other roti shops in Toronto,
the Curry and Roti Restaurant in Scarbor-
ough has a web site and an e-mail address.
That is how they get customer feedback like
this from the Mirfields from distant Sud-
bury.:
“Hi! I was down to Toronto on April 2,
and stopped at your store to order 5 roties to
go!! They were delicious!! I had taken my
daughter and a friend to the David Bowie
concert the night before, didn't have much
time to organize the roti pick-up as we
headed back north to Sudbury. Your hus-
band did an amazing job, since just as we
*
n
lizing I
Specia e Style
es
Guyan Food
e
Chines
“One Love Guyana Family day” held on March 29 at Centre in Mississauga to
raise funds for children of the Guyana massacre victims. The show was broad-
arrived to order; he also had 8 people wait- cast live on the internet at www.baselineradio.net.
ing to order their lunch. Thank-you for
prompt service in spite of the rush; we
loved the food, and will continue to stop in
when we get to Toronto. Next time (if we
are organized!!!!) we will order ahead of
time. Please feel free to use our email to
support your customer service. Regards,
the Mirfields, Sudbury.”
Cathy, visiting from Sydney, Nova Sco-
tia, was also quite as enthusiastic.“Just to
add to your compliments. I think your roti
is the best. We used to live in Don Mills
and frequented your store often. We also
attended cricket tournaments with friends
and enjoyed your roti during the evening
celebrations. I just returned for a visit to
Toronto and had the pleasure of enjoying
your chicken roti once again. It was as
good as I remember nine years ago.
Thanks Cathy Targett, Sydney, Nova Sco- Charming young ladies show the faces of the Indo-Jamaican community at the annual t
tia.” Roti Fesival held in Kingston, Jamaica recently. The roti and festival were a hit.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 11)
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 Indo-Caribbean Times APRIL 2008 Page 13

Members of the Canadian Caribbean Business Network pose for a group shot after a re-
cent meeting held at Anava Financing in Etobicoke. Formed late last year with the aim
Well known devotional singer and musician Sonny Moonilal (second from right) cele- of sharing business information and referrals, the group has been picking up members at
brated his 60th birthday with a traditional havan and satsangh at the Peel Arya Samaj a steady rate. The group has a base of Caribbean business owners and professionals but
temple with family and friends recently. Afterwards he flew off to Hawaii on a trip paid membership is open to all who wish to network and share contacts as a method of over-
for my close family from Toronto. coming the disadvantage of being immigrants and newcomers.

Toronto Arya Samaj held its annual Phagwah concert on March 29 with grand show
featuring songs, dances, music and drama.Here is a scene from the play highlighting in-
India’s Nano is world’s cheapest car
tergenerational issues that afflict many families. From left to right are Richard Umadas India’s Tata Motors has unveiled the five-seater, four-door Nano car , at $2,500 easily
(friend), Tara Umadas (daughter) and Almel Murugun (mother).The play was directed the world's cheapest car. It is promising to revolutionise car sales in developing coun-
by Leila Tikaram and was a big hit at the show. The Sur Sangeet Ork provided musical tries. The Nano has no radio, passenger-side mirror, central locking or power steering, and
entertainment. only one windshield wiper, but its two-cylinder 0.6-liter gasoline engine with 33 horse-
Next month the Samaj hosts a special Centenary Celebration of the arrival of Indo- power will get 50 miles per gallon and a top speed of about 60 mph. Tata Motors plans
Caribbeans in Canada, which took place in 1908 with the coming to Canada of Trinidad to make 250,000 Nanos per year, and run up to 1 million in a few years. Presently the
born student Kenneth Mahabir and Guyanese clerk M.E. Santoo. The event will feature Nano will be sold only in India, but Tata said the company hopes to export it to develop-
a special exhibition focusing on Indo-Caribbeans in Canada and the heritage they ing nations across Asia, Latin America and Africa in two or three years. The move has
brought from the Caribbean and replanted in this new country. frightened car makers in North America, Europe, Japan and Korea, whose cheapest cars
are well over $10,000. French auto maker Renault SA and its Japanese partner, Nissan
Motor Co., are working on a compact car for under $3,000 to compete with the Nano.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times APRIL 2008 Page 15
Anup Jalota Live at TRI DEOTA MANDIR invites you to a legal and political ramifications of Bill C- INDO-CANADIAN NETWORKING

Devi Mandir April 11

Ramayan Yagna to be held at the Caledo- 50 from leading community researchers and COUNCIL OF HAMILTON AND SUR-
nia Community Recreation Hall, 110 immigration lawyers and help us build an ROUNDINGS invites all to a Gala Dinner
Lotherton Pathway, Toronto, from Friday effective and coordinated educational and and Concert of Indian Music and Dance in
April 18 to Sunday April 20. Friday and political campaign against these regressive celebration of South Asian Heritage Month
DEVI MANDIR presents Anup Jalota Live
Saturday sessions begin at 6 pm and Sun- changes to IRPA. , at the Hamilton Convention Centre, on
in Concert Friday April 11 at 7 pm at the
day from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm. Officiating For more information please contact: co- May 3, from 5-11 pm. Tickets are $55 per
mandir on 2590 Brock Road, Pickering.
priest is Pandit Balchand Persaud. For info ordinator@statusnow.or or visit www.sta- person. Entertainment includes the Steel
Anup is accompanied by Tony Ramasar on
contact Pt Balchand at 416-665-7902 or tusnow.org Bandits steel orchestra, musician Ashtar
tabla, Devin Latchmana on dholak and
Ganeshwar Persaud at 416-766-0022. Roy Allen, Bharatnatyam dances and more.
Basheer on bul-bul tarang.Admission is
NAPARIMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION For info call Mohan Ragbir at 905-648-
free. For info call 905=686-8534 or 416-
TRIVENI SANGAM KIRTAN GROUP OF CANADA celebrates its 30th an- 5122 or Kamal Shankerdass at 905-627-
897-8005.
presents Randy and Ramona Mahadeo in niversary with a Dinner and Dance at the 9420.
Concert on Saturday April 26, at the Elm- Holiday Inn Select, Brampton on May 24.
bank Community Centre, 10 Rampart Tickets at $60 for members and $65 for non BHAGVAD GITA FOR EACH HOME
EMPIRE BANQUET HALLS presents a
Road, Etobicoke (Martindale Road south of members are available from Merle at 905-
Mother's Day Dinner and Dance, on Satur-
Finch). Artistes include Shanti Jackree and 844-1254 or Norma at 416-283-0675. A Bulk distribution centres.
day May 10, from 7.30 pm at 246 Brock-
dancrd by Baby Sarah, and tassa by Sylvan special hotel room rate of $95 is available The Gita can be available in bulk at the fol-
port Drive, Toronto (Highway 27 and
Bharath Tassa Group. Tickets are $10. For for persons attending the function. The As- lowing contacts: Donations are expected to
Highway 409). Treat your mother to a
info or tickets call Rawle Bissoon at 416- sociation holds its Annual General Meeting fund further copies; any individual or or-
lovely evening of dining and dancing – she
821-7608 or Sheila Mahadeo at 416-745- on Saturday May 31, at 1.30 pm at the ganization wishing to assist in this project
deserves it! Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner,
5727. Montessori Teacher Training Centre, 1050 can contact us.
live entertainment and dancing all night
McNicoll Avenue, Scarborough.
long. Roses will be presented to all moth-
COMMUNITY ACTION MEETING CANADA
ers. $30 admission. For info call 416-679-
to say NO to Harper’s immigration amend- Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton
9403.
ments! and NO TO BILL C-50! THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 50 Ramnarine Sahadeo 905 671 9233 e-mail
Wednesday April 23, 2008, 6:00 to 8:00 PLUS AND SENIORS Association of ramjihindu@rogers.com, Omesh Sharma
TORONTO ARYA SAMAJ holds its An-
at St. Stephen's Community House (260 Canada will hold their monthly meeting at Omesh@flexomark.com, Chandan
nual General Meeting on Sunday April 20
Augusta Avenue). Birkdale Community Center on Sunday 27 Persaud at 416-754-2382, Gulcharan at
at 12.30 p.m. at #4345 * 14th Avenue.
Recently the Harper Conservative gov- April, 2008 at 1.30pm.. For more informa- 416 481-5777 gmohabir@hotmail.com,
Markham, (at Kennedy Road,
ernment tried to sneak changes to the Im- tion please call 416-281-5264. Ram Jagessar at 416 289 9088 or
Markham).for info contact secretary Dave
migration and Refugee Protection Act ram@eol.ca
Ramoutar at 416-663-4037
(IRPA) through the House of Commons via CALYPSO HISTORIAN George Maharaj
C-50 (the budget implementation act). launches Volume 2 of his History of Ca- RICHMOND HILL
TORONTO ARYA SAMAJ’s annual
These sweeping changes will give enor- lypso in Toronto on Sunday May. 4th, at Omo Persaud at omo@globalspectru-
South Asian Heritage Month Program takes
mous powers to the Minister to decide the L'Amoreaux Community Center, minc.com 905-886-1724
place on Saturday May 31 starting at 5 p.m.
which categories of immigration applica- Toronto at 4 pm. Cost of the book is $20
It features an exhibition focusing on the
tions will be processed, and which would and copies are available at the launch.This Winnipeg:
100th anniversary of the arrival of Indo-
be ignored or discarded. It will also limit new volume is 181 pages long with over 25 Ajodhya Mahadeo 204-661-6643
Caribbeans in Canada. and a cultural/stage
several kinds of applicants based on hu- vintage photos and includes the contribu-
program celebrating the Indo-Caribbean
manitarian and compassionate grounds that tion to calypso of Indo-Trinidadians, Chi- British Columbia
culture and heriage. Admission is free.
Canadian sponsors can use to bring their nese and Syrians, calypsoes on cricket and Chameli Seegobin 604-945-9510, e-mail
Venus is the Vedic Cultural Centre at #4345
relatives into Canada, and gives the Minis- profiles of over 1,000 calypsonians. For address maylee34@hotmail.com, and
* 14th Avenue. Markham, (at Kennedy
ter extraordinary powers to deny visas to info go to www.rootsofcalypso.com or call Naraine Mohabir at 604-274-8938
Road, Markham). For info contact Dave at
those who meet all the immigration crite- 905-621-6157.
416-663-4037 or 905-475-5778.

Kamla’s Fashions Inc.

ria. GUYANA: Saraswati Vidya Niketan ph.
Join us on April 23 to learn about the 2760013/14

Wholesale Garment Manufacturer

1510 Birchmont Road
Units 106 & 107
Scarborough, Ontario M1P 2G6
Phone: (416) 913-2379 Fax: (416) 752-1105
e-mail: KamlasFashion@gmail.com

We accept orders from schools, clubs and organizations

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

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

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

geographical/Souvenir from 50 cents.

Immigration bill could change Canada
I
By Carol Goar
t is possible that Immigration Minister
Diane Finley wants more power to do ex-
actly what she says: clean up her depart-
ment's enormous backlog of unprocessed
applications.
It is also possible that she is equipping
herself to transform Canada's overloaded
immigration system into a lean, business-
friendly recruitment tool.
Both interpretations fit the available
facts. The determining factor will be how
the minister uses her expanded mandate.
Legal experts are still parsing the changes
to the Immigration and Refugee Protection
Act, introduced on March 14. But the pre-
liminary consensus is that they are much
more significant than Canadians have been
told.
Under the new legislation, the immigra-
tion minister would have the authority to:
Limit the number of immigration appli-
cations Canada accepts.
Deny admission to applicants already ap-
proved by immigration officers.
Block the entry of would-be immigrants
"by category or otherwise."
These measures, backed by a $22 million
funding boost in last month's budget, would
certainly allow the government to whittle
down its pile of 900,000 unprocessed im-
migration applications.
If visa offices cut off new applications,
the staff could tackle the six-year accumu-
lation of paperwork in their files. If the min-
ister instructed them, as a first priority, to
discard all applications from individuals
who have died, immigrated elsewhere or
decided against coming to Canada, the pile
would shrink appreciably.
But if clearing the backlog is Finley's ob-
jective, why does she need the power to bar
certain types of immigrants? Why does she
seek the authority to reject applicants who
have already met Canada's admission crite-
ria? Why doesn't she just give managers of
visa offices in countries such as China,
India and the Philippines the discretion to
close the intake pipe when their workloads
become unmanageable?
The sweeping nature of the changes pro-
posed in Bill C-50 suggests something big-
ger than housecleaning is afoot.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty called it
"modernizing the immigration system" in
his Feb. 26 budget. He said the government
wants a "just-in-time competitive immigra-
tion system, which will quickly process
skilled immigrants who can make an im-
mediate contribution to the economy."
The fastest way to get there is to cen-
tralize control in the minister's office.
That is what Bill C-50 would do. If Fin-
ley wanted to block the inflow of relatives
sponsored by family members in Canada,
she could do it. If she wanted to exclude im-
migrants from certain countries, she could
do it. If she wanted to propel foreign work-
ers needed by a government-friendly em-
ployer to the front of the queue, she could
do that, too.
"This fundamentally changes our immi-
gration policy," said Lorne Waldman, a
lawyer who has practised in the field for
more than 30 years. "The minister could
issue an instruction overriding all of the ex-
isting criteria."
What this means, Waldman said, is that
Canada would no longer be an immigrant-
welcoming country. It would be a rich
Western power that shops for high-value
immigrants. Federal officials would no
longer use objective standards to determine
whether an individual qualifies for a visa.
The minister would be able to set and
change the rules at will.
"I'm very concerned," he said. "These
changes are far more serious than people
have been led to believe."
The federal Liberals, in combination with
any other opposition party, could defeat the
proposed amendments to the Immigration
and Refugee Protection Act. But such a
vote would trigger an election because the
changes are embedded in Flaherty's budget
implementation bill.
Moreover, the Liberals' own record on
this issue is nothing to boast about. It was
their ham-handed attempt to bring in strin-
gent new entry criteria in 2002 that caused
most of the backlog.
What is sorely needed – and not likely to
happen – is a thorough debate.
Perhaps Finley has no intention of curry-
ing favour with ethnic voters, catering to
the demands of business or keeping out
people from certain regions. But if this bill
becomes law, there will be nothing to stop
her.
Sugar supply to Caricom down
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco)
has reduced its supply of sugar to Caricom
by 80,000 tonnes over 2004 levels and in-
creased supply to the European Union,
Chief Executive Nick Jackson said.
He said this was because of reduced pro-
duction, mainly owing to inclement
weather.
In response to queries Guyana’s sugar ex-
ports, Jackson said Guyana has given up
exporting raw sugar to Suriname, Barbados,
Grenada and St Lucia this year.
Curry & Roti celebrates 35 years
(From Page 11)
Television host Kenty Khan from
Toronto gave his unsolicited praise that
,“The fare at Curry and Roti Restaurant is
both healthy and delicious. I can certainly
attest to that”.
That’s music to the ears of the proud
owners of Mac and Rozanne Persaud and
their children Jonathan & Simone. They
feel it’s the result of a full 35 years of ex-
perience as aCaribbean restaurant in East-
ern Toronto that they’ve established
themselves and expanded their client base
well into mainstream Canada.
Curry and Roti has also been positioning
itself as a healthier choice for roti, doubles,
and other mostly Guyanese and Trinidadian
cuisine on their menu. For promoting a
healthier lifestyle and striving to exceed r
expectations, it has been recognized with
“Awards of Excellence & Healthy Eating”
from the City of Toronto EATSMART Pro-
gram each year since 1995.
Rozanne’s uncle, Kunj Persaud pio-
neered The Curry & Roti Restaurant in
1973 by offering the favourites from the
Caribbean islands and Indian delicacies like
roti and curry in particular. The two new
generations pride themselves on carrying
on the original plan of offering a healthier
choice in eating. It's won them several
awards and a dedicated clientele from many
groups in Toronto as well as the Caribbean
community,
' They've done it by offering meats that
are not frozen, ordered fresh from the
butcher, trimmed of excess fat and cooked
fresh the same day. Their curries have no
additional oils added and any residual fat is
skimmed away. They avoid the salty,
greasy or excessively sugary foods that are
so dangerous to body health. And they take
pains to bring out the delectable flavour that
is such an attraction of Caribbean foods.
Indo-Caribbean Times
Brampton trials show plans for
Canadian terror bombings
T
he "shocking and sensational" inner
workings of an alleged homegrown
Canadian terror cell were unveiled in a
Brampton court – and included the plotting
of an attack "much greater" in scale than the
London 2005 bombings that killed 52 peo-
ple.
In a document made public for the first
time, the Crown painted a broad picture of
the expected evidence in the trial of a youth
who pleaded not guilty to belonging to a
terrorist group. The trial opened recently.
According to the allegations, the so-
called Toronto 18 were attempting to secure
a safe house to store weapons and practise
military drills, and embarking on a mission
to destroy the West – one they should be
willing to die for.
Details of the alleged plot, which also in-
cluded storming Parliament Hill and be-
heading politicians, emerged in a factum
filed by the Crown that described the case
against the accused as "shocking and sen-
sational."
The document contains transcripts of
wiretaps and videotapes that include one
conversation in which one of the accused
speaks of the group's ambitions.
"They're probably expecting what hap-
pened in London or something," he said. "...
Some bombing in a subway kills 10 people
and everybody gets deported. We're not
doing that. ... So our thing it's, it's much,
much greater on a scale ... you do it once
and you make sure they can never recover
Mac,who is the main cook, delivers the
classic white roti, but also offers 100% or-
ganic whole grain roti as well, with every
single single nutrient from the whole grain
- bran, endosperm and germ – being used
to supply all the vitamins, minerals, anti-
oxidants and fibre that are present in the
whole grain. Their roti is low in saturated
and no trans fat and is a source of fibre that
are all components of healthy eating that
may reduce the risk of heart disease; great
for reducing blood sugar levels and keep-
ing a trim waistline. There are no preserva-
tives or the dreaded MSG, emphasizes
Rozanne.
She continues to explain, “Now more
than ever; people are taking control of their
lives. Whether it is through their diet, nu-
trition or exercise, people have begun to
pay attention. Health issues such as obe-
sity, heart disease, cancer, stress and addic-
tion affect us every day. People are seeking
alternative solutions to their particular
health needs.”
Some years ago their oldest daughter
started a catering option that has caught on
well, as more people avoid the task of cook-
ing large meals at home in favour of or-
dering out. The restaurant has put out the
welcome mat for seniors, and invites them
to interact with other seniors Monday to
Wednesday between 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm,
with a 15% discount on purchases.
Their invitation says it all. You are in-
vited to “ Live Well, Love Lots, Laugh
Often” when you visit them at their land-
mark site at 1732 Lawrence Avenue East,
(North east corner of Victoria Park) Scar-
borough, Ontario, telephone number 416-
757-6635. Their website at
www.curryandroti.com gives a detailed list
of their offerings and their program.
APRIL 2008 Page 16
again."
The accused were among 18 adults and
youths arrested in a massive police sweep
in 2006 for allegedly belonging to an Al
Qaeda inspired cell. Charges against three
youths have been stayed. Of the adults, 10
remain in jail and four are out on bail. One
of the youths has a Trinidad connection, as
the son of a Trinidad born doctor now living
in Canada.
Some of that expected evidence includes:
Videos of terrorist indoctrination, in
which the accused are exhorted to wage
battle in the new empire of "Rome" in
North America, "whether we get arrested,
whether we get killed."
Wiretap surveillance in which they dis-
cuss their desire to "establish the religion of
Allah and to get rid of the oppressors" and
the need for funds to finance their goals of
building a "team" to "go make an attack."
The construction of a "radio frequency
remote-control detonator" that needed to be
improved because its range was nine me-
tres.
Allegations the accused attended two
training camps. One was a 12-day camp
near the town of Washago, Ont., where they
practised military-style exercises in cam-
ouflage gear and undertook firearms train-
ing with a 9-mm firearm. The second was a
two-day camp at the Rockwood Conserva-
tion Area, where they donned camouflage
clothing and made a propaganda-style
video of their military drills.
According to the Crown, the alleged ter-
rorists first popped onto the radar of police
in August 2005, when two of the adults
were stopped at the Canada-U.S. border in
a rented vehicle while attempting to smug-
gle firearms and ammunition into the coun-
try. Po homed in on a few individuals and
contacted Mubin Shaikh to act as a police
agent.
Shaikh, a well-known member of the
city's Muslim community, was told to at-
tend a banquet hall on Nov. 27 and make
contact with two of the adults. It was there
that Shaikh met the youth now on trial.
Topics of discussions between Shaikh and
the adults included the worldwide oppres-
sion of Muslims and the Canadian Security
Intelligence Service. A few days later,
Shaikh and an adult drove to a park, where
he laid out his plans to attack various tar-
gets, including the Parliament buildings. He
said he needed to assemble a group and
planned to organize an outdoor training
camp. Because Shaikh had military experi-
ence, he agreed to be an instructor at the so-
called camp.
In late December, 13 men and youths
drove to a rural wooded area about 150
kilometres north of the city, where they par-
ticipated in military marches, obstacle
course runs and firearms training. Shaikh
used a 9-mm gun brought by an adult to
teach the others basic gun safety.
The prosecution alleges the true nature
of the camp was revealed by an adult in a
series of lectures he delivered to the group
– lectures that were videotaped and subse-
quently found by police when they exe-
cuted a covert search warrant at the home
of another adult in May 2006.
In the video, the man is seated in the dark
under what appears to be a tent. He ad-
dresses the group passionately, explaining:
"Our mission's greater, whether we get ar-
rested, whether we get killed. ... Rome has
to be defeated. And we have to be the ones
that do it."
RELIGION
Nava Durga (Nine Forms of Goddess Durga)
NAVA-DURGA
By Swami Dibyananda
S
age Markendeya asked Lord Brahma to
explain to him the NINE SECRET
FORMS OF GODDESS DURGA which
has not yet been explained to any one. The
secret forms of Goddess Durga are known
as ‘NAVA DURGA’ (Nine forms of Devi
Durga). In CHANDI (Devi-kavaj), the
verses are:
Prathamam Shailaputreeti Dwiteeyam
Brahmacharini /
Triteeyam Chandaghanteti Kusmandeti
Chatoorthakam //(3)
Panchamam Skandamateti Shastham
Katyayanee Tatha
Saptamam Kalaratreeti Mahagoureeti
Chastamam // (4)
Navamam Siddhidatree Cha Navadurgah
Prakeertitah //
SHAILA-PUTREE
‘Shaila-putree’ is the first secret form of
NAVA DURGA. SHAILA means moun-
tain and Putree means daughter. Giriraj, the
Mountain King Himalaya did strive
penance to get Goddess Durga (the divine
mother of the universe) as His daughter. Ac-
cording to SKANDHA PURAN, a Yajna
was performed in the presence of all the
Gods and Rishies. When Prajapati Daksha
appeared there, all the Gods and the Rishies
stood up and paid him salutation, only the
triumvirate Gods: Lord Brahma, Vishnu
and Mahesh (Shiva) did not pay him re-
spect. (Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord
Vishnu is the sustainer and Lord Mahesh
(Shiva) the destroyer). Prajapati Daksha
thought Lord Brahma should not pay me re-
spect as he is my father, also he is the cre-
ator and Lord Vishnu is lord of three worlds
and he is sustainer. But Lord Shiva should
pay me respect as he got married to my
daughter, Shatee. He is my son-in-law. Why
didn’t he pay respect to me? He became
very angry and felt criticized.
Prajapati Daksha returned to His king-
dom and organized a Yajna; he invited
everyone in the three worlds including all
the Gods, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu
and all the Rishes except Lord Shiva and
his consort Shatee. When Shatee heard, her
father - Prajapati Daksha is performing a
Yajna, she wanted to go, but Lord Shiva
told Shatee, it does not require an invitation
to go to your father’s house, but remember,
your father organized this Yajna to criticize
me. That’s why you should not go. Never-
theless, Shatee, Lord Shiva’s consort went
to her father’s house. No one spoke to her,
even her father. He along with others started
to criticize her husband (Lord Shiva). Only
her mother Prasuti spoke to her. Shatee
could not bear her husband’s criticism and
immediately left her mortal coil through
‘yoga’ (she died). Upon hearing, Lord
Shiva sent Virbhadra to destroy the yajna.
Lord Shiva then came and took Shatee’s
dead body on His shoulder and with anger
started to dance as if he will destroy the
World. Lord Vishnu, realizing it would be
very difficult to save the world from Lord
Shiva’s anger; with His Sudarshan Chakra
cut Shatee’s body into 51 parts. Wherever
they fell became SHAKTI PITHAS (Devi-
Tirtha).When lord Shiva realized Shatee
was no longer on His shoulder, he became
quiet and sat in deep meditation.
The demons (asuras) were always fight-
ing with the Gods; and were occupying the
Heaven over and over. All the Gods went to
Lord Brahma and asked for advise. He ad-
vised them, ‘by the union of Lord Shiva and
Indo-Caribbean Times
Durga a giver of knowledge, bliss
and serenity.
son will
be born
who will
defeat KUSHMANDA
t h e The forth form of God-
demons’. dess Durga is Kushmanda.
All the Ushma means tap (heat).
G o d s The name of ugly heat is
t h e n Kushmanda. In this mortal
went to world there are Adhib-
Goddess houtich (Elemental), Adhi-
Durga doubick (providential) and
and re- Adhyatmik (spiritual) the
quested tritap (three kinds of heat-
her to ing). Bhagawan Srikrishna
appear drank the Davanal (confla-
One image of the Divine Mother Durga gration) of Braja (Vrinda-
on the
earth again as the consort of Lord Shiva. In van) to save His devotees. Bhagwan Shiv
order to fulfill the desires of the Gods she Shankar drank the Halahal (Poison) which
was born as the daughter of Giriraj Himalay came out during the churning of Milky
and Menoka Devi, Shaila-Putree. Ocean by Devatas and the Asuran. The Di-
As daughter (putree) of Giriraj, the Hi- vine mother Durga is called KUSH-
malaya Mountains (Shaila), Parvati or MANDA. Those who take Refuge of
Hemvati represents the first of the nine Divine mother Durga, she drinks their
Durgas (Nava-Durga). She is depicted as Kushmanda, the ugly heating – cause of de-
holding a trident and a lotus in each of her struction. She is very kind to her children,
two hands and is shown mounted on a bull. she is the savior and always protects her
children.
BRAHMACHARINEE (Female ascetic) The Goddess Durga, Kushmanda is de-
Goddess Durga was born as the daugh- picted as emanating a cosmic aura and is
ter of Giriraj Himalay and Menoka Devi depicted as having eight hands, seven of
(Shila-Putree) to fulfill the desires of the which carry weapons while the eighth car-
gods and also to reunite with her husband, ries a rosary.
LORD SHIVA. She was named Parvati.
Brahmacharinee the name indicates the SKANDAMATA
phase of Parvati's life when she was in- Deva-Senapati (Commander in Chief of
dulging in severe austerities to appease Gods) is Kumar Kartick, he is known as
Lord Shiva into marrying her. She had SKANDHA. Goddess Durga took birth as
pledged that she would remain unmarried the daughter of Giriraj Himalaya and
(Brahmacharinee) till Lord Shiva gives his Menoka Devi, she was named Parvati.
consent to marrying Parvati. When Parvati was young, Kamdev (Cupid)
She is shown as holding a water pot appeared before Lord Shiva in order to
(Kumbha) in one hand and a rosary in the break his austere penance, by the request of
other. She is considered as the symbol of the Gods. Kamdev was reduced to ashes by
knowledge and wisdom. Rudrakhsa (rosary the flame of anger of Lord Shiva. Parvati
beads) is her form of favorite ornamenta- realized it required austere penance without
tion. which she cannot be dear to Lord Shiva.
Parvati, started austere penance, her mother
CHANDA-GHANTA Menoka Devi requested her over and over
When the demons (asuras) occupied the not to do it, but she did not listen. She is the
Heaven, all the Gods assembled and started Shakti, she is the consort of Lord Shiva,
to pray to the Divine Mother of the Uni- how can she stay without Lord Shiva? At
verse to appear and save them from the the beginning stage of penance she was eat-
demons. Goddess Durga appeared as Ma- ing leaves from the trees but after a while
halakshmi from the union powers of all the she stopped eating the leaves also.
Gods to kill Mahishashur. All the Gods pre- Lord Shiva has been in deep meditation
sented weapons to her. Indra the King of for Shakti (Parvati) and Parvati is in deep
Heaven presented her Chanda-Ghanta meditation for Lord Shiva. The stone
(Ringing bell). Those who are proceeding hearted Lord Shiva melted by stead fast
towards the path of righteousness, towards prayer of Parvati. Lord Shiva got married
the path of spirituality, can hear the NAD- to Parvati. By their union Kumar Kartick
BRAHMA, the spiritual sound. Goddess was born. He was the Commander in chief
Durga shows them spiritual light (Jyoti (Deva-Senapati) Skandha who defeated the
Darshan). The spiritual scholars say, the demons. Devi Parvati becomes SKANDA
sound of the bell is the combined sound of MATA. We are proud of Skandha as he is
all the musical instruments. Those who the son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.
passed their life with desires, by hearing Parvati is proud of her heroic son Skandha
the sound of the bell they are scared and and she is Skandhamata.
think Yaamraj, the death is coming to them The goddess is shown as having four
riding on a buffalo and the bell is hanging hands, two of which carry lotuses while two
on the neck of the buffalo. But those who are in defending and granting gestures. She
are the devotee of mother and always en- is shown sitting on a lion with her son
gage in the path of righteousness can hear Skanda in her lap.
the Chanda-Ghanta (Nad-brahme) and al-
ways feel the presence of divine mother KATYAYANEE
Durga and enjoy their spiritual life. KATYAYANEE is the sixth form of God-
As Chanda-ghanta, the goddess is de- dess Durga. Shatee left her mortal coil,
picted as having golden skin and with a Lord Shiva took the dead body of Shatee on
moon-crescent near her forehead. She is His solder and with anger started dancing
shown as having three eyes and ten hands, as if he will destroy the Universe. Lord
eight of which carry weapons and two of Vishnu realizing it would be very difficult
which form gestures of giving boons and to save the Universe from His anger, with
stopping harms. She is shown as sitting on His Sudarsan Chakra cut the dead body in
a tiger. She is usually associated with the 51 parts and were thrown in different parts
APRIL 2008 Page 17
of Bharat-Desh and where ever it fell, cre-
ated 51.
SHAKTI-PITHAS.
When Lord Shiva saw Shatee is no more
on His solder, he became quiet and sat in
deep meditation. The mother of the uni-
verse (Shatee) is residing in 51 Shakti-Pi-
thas in different forms. One of the parts of
Shatee’s body fell in Vrindavan. Shatee
Devi is residing there as Katyayanee. In
Vrindavan Katyayannee Shakti-Pith, those
who pray to Devi-mata, she blesses them
for Bhakti(Devotion). In CHANDI,
katyayanee Devi blessed King Surath for
happiness and Samadhi Vaishya for mukti,
moksha (liberation). Indian mothers pray to
Katyayanee Devi to find honest boys (Son-
in-law) for their daughters. Katyayanee
Devi showers her choicest blessings to her
devotees. Katyayanee: Katyaynaee is so
named because of her stay at the hermitage
of sage Katyayan for the purpose of
penance. She is sometimes also said to be
the daughter of sage Katyayan.
She also is shown astride a lion and has
three eyes and four arms. In one hand she
holds a lotus and in another a weapon. The
third and fourth hands show defending and
granting gestures.
KALRATRI
Kalratri is the seventh form of Devi
Durga. In Rig-Vedas (10th Mandal) God
(Paramatma, Parabrahma) is said as Ratri
(dark-night). The Divine mother of the uni-
verse is the Shakti (strength of the dark-
night) of Ratri. At night animal kingdom
(Jeeb-Jagat) take break from work and
sleep and all the tiredness is removed. At
the time of Maha-pralay (universal destruc-
tion) the world takes shelter on the lap of
the Divine mother. The night of annihila-
tion is the dark night (Maharatri). Kal-Ratri
is darker than Maharatri. In Maharatri the
whole universe is destroyed, but Bhagawan
Vishnu is awake. At the time of Kal-Ratri
(the darkest night) Bhagawan Vishnu
sleeps. Kal-Ratri is the Yogo-Nidra of Bha-
gawan Vishnu. In CHANDI, Lord Brahma
prayed to Yogo-Nidra Devi to awaken up
Bhagawan Vishnu. This Yogo-Nidra is
Maha-Kalika or KALRATRI. At the end of
the day we all take rest and in the morning
we all awake up. At night on whose lap we
sleep, she is Kalratri, she is Yogo-Nidra,
and she is the divine mother of the universe.
KALRATRI is depicted as having black
skin with bountiful hair, four arms and
astride a donkey. In one hand she holds a
cleaver and in another a burning torch. With
the other two hands she forms gestures of
granting and defending. She represents the
enemy of darkness and ignorance.
MAHA-GOUREE
It is said that when Parvati, consort of
Lord Shiva, became dark while observing
penance, Lord Shiva jokingly addressed
Her Kalo-meye (dark girl), being conceited
she sat in severe penance. By severe
penance, she gave her dark colour to her
husband Lord Shiva and she became the
fairest complexion and thus she came to be
known as Maha-Gouree (Gouree means
fairest).
Maha-Gouree depicted as the fairest of
the nine Durgas and is often dressed in
white or green. She emanates peace and
compassion and is shown with three eyes
and as riding a bull. She also has four arms,
one of which carries a tambourine and an-
other trident. The other two forms are in de-
fending and granting gestures.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 20)
WORLD NEWS
Trinidad born Sgt Dhanoolal Chinese may take over Air Jamaica
killed in Iraq, casualty # 4012 F
T World food crisis
rinidad-born Sgt Dayne Darren
Dhanoolal, of Brooklyn, New York,
was killed in Baghdad on March 31.
Dhanoolal, 26, originally from Acono
Road, Belle View, Maracas, St Joseph, mi-
grated to the United States in 1997 when he
was 15 years old. He was due home from
Iraq in three weeks’ time, when he died.
Dhanoolal was wounded when an im-
provised explosive device detonated near
his vehicle.
He was the son of Monica Mary Brown,
who now lives in Killeen, Texas, and
Sylvon Dhanoolal, of Acono Road, Belle
View, Maracas, St Joseph. Dhanoolal is the
4,012th American soldier to die in the war
in Iraq.
His sister Natalie Dhanoolal said the US
Department of Defence yesterday an-
nounced the death of a soldier who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was
Dhanoolal’s second tour in Iraq.
Natalie said he was assigned to the Sec-
ond Battalion, 69th Armour Regiment,
Third Brigade Combat Team, Third In-
fantry Division, Fort Benning, Georgia.
He attended New Dorp High School in
Staten Island and went on to Brooklyn Col-
lege to start his higher education studies.
Natalie said Dhanoolal decided not to
continue with his studies and then joined
the Army in 2002.
Dhanoolal was the only son of his parents.
He had three sisters, Karlene Fenton, Jillene
Fenton, also a soldier in the US Army, and
Natalie.
Natalie said her sister Jillene was on her
fourth tour in Iraq and rushed home to at-
tend to the funeral arrangements.
He is believed to be the first Trinidad
born casualty in the Iraq war that has also
seen thousands of US soldiers wounded.
Disappointing reaction of gov’t,
opposition in Guyana crisis
(From Page 4)
The solution is clear. The problem is racial
and the problem is fixable. Three things
must be done:
The armed forces must be racially bal-
anced now. Commission after commission
has recommended this. The PPP continues
to make excuses about Indians not wanting
to join the army and police. We all know
this is not true. Balram Singh Rai made it
happen in 1961. This was thwarted in its in-
fancy. Why can’t it happen now? Reason
is simple. Without a balanced force both
the Indians and Africans are suffering.
The country needs to be structured under
a federal system of administration. This
will allow for Africans and Indians to have
control of areas where they are in a major-
ity. No race can then complain about not
being able to make progress because of the
other.
And thirdly, justice must be served.
Crimes cannot go unpunished. Especially
hate crimes. The Jews will dig out the last
living fascist who remotely assisted in the
holocaust from the bowels of the earth even
if he is 90 yrs old and bring him to justice.
We have to pursue and enforce justice with
a passion.
Friends history has shown that both the
PPP and PNC have failed Guyana. It is
clear that leadership does not exist in
Carib heads told of
world food crisis
is upon us now
The long predicted food crisis has finally
hit the world like a tsunami, with rice short-
ages and high prices causing pains in Asia.
Prices have almost doubled on international
markets in the last three months and created
major problems in countries where rice is
the staple diet.
In Pakistan troops have been sent to
guard trucks carrying wheat and flour.
There have been protests in Indonesia over
soubeaan shortages. China has put price
controls on cooking oil, grain, meat, milk
and eggs.
Food riots have broken out in Guinea,
Mauritania, Mexico, Senegal, Uzbekistan,
and Yemen. Rice exporters have cut their
shipments abroad to meet local needs, and
this has driven up world prices.
Vietrname is cutting rice exports by 25%
this year. India has banned the export of all
but the expensive basmati rice. Egypt is
banning rice exports for six months, and
Cambodia is not allowing private busi-
nesses to sell rice abroad.
There are several reasons for the food
crisis. Countries like India and China are
more prosperous and demand is greater.
Drought and bad weather have cut produc-
tion. Some rice farmers have turned to other
crops that bring more money. In Vietnam a
plant disease has affected rice yields. Gov-
ernments that used to hold large reserves of
rice have been drawing down on stocks
while rice consumption grew faster than
production in the last decade. are turning to
cash crops.
Guyana. But history is on our side because
history has proven and demonstrated that
all the great revolutions were born outside
of those countries. Vladimir Ilich Lenin
initiated the Russian revolution from Ger-
many; Fidel Castro launched the Cuban
revolution from Mexico when he attacked
moncada. The Ayotola brought his power
change when he returned form France.
Friends, the future leadership of Guyana
is here in Toronto and New York. You are
the future leaders of Guyana.
Concerning this ‘One Love” dream. I
like it but it is yet to be achieved. I don’t
feel any love when five year kids are mur-
dered in bed like dogs with their bowels
pouring out of them. How can there be love
without justice and respect? Love does not
happen by magic.
The road to love is long and requires sac-
rifice and commitment. It is a noble goal!
I commend these two gents, Leon and
Patrick for taking the initiative. Let’s name
today’s event “Call for Action & Justice”.
That mean Love has arrived!
Thank You! God Bless!
Rudy Lochan
Indo-Caribbean Times
inance and the Public Service Minister
Audley Shaw told The Gleaner this
week that the Chinese national airline, Air
China, has had initial talks with the Gov-
ernment with a view to operate Air Jamaica.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in his first
radio call-in programme on January 30, told
listeners that Air Jamaica was costing the
country too much to maintain. He said the
Government had plans to remove it from
the national budget.
Air Jamaica has racked up significant
losses, costing the country more than
US$100 million (J$7 billion) to maintain
annually.
Ex Belize PM Musa
to step down
Former Prime Minister Said Musa has
hinted that it was time for him to step down
as political leader of the People's United
Party (PUP), which crashed to a heavy elec-
toral defeat in February 7 general elections.
The Opposition United Democratic
Party's (UDP), led by 56-year-old attorney-
at-law Dean Barrow, scored a resounding
25-6 victory in the election crushing the as-
pirations of the PUP which was seeking an
unprecedented third successive term in gov-
ernment.
Musa, 63, said he accepted the will of the
people and saw the electoral result as evi-
dence of the country's strong democratic
systems at work.
The UDP's victory ended its stint in the
political wilderness since 1998.
Musa said defeat was no stranger to the
PUP and that the party would rebound.
He said the party will conduct an inter-
nal assessment of its performance at the
polls and will reach out to former members
to restore it to its position as the party of
choice for Belizeans.
"Election is over, no bitterness, no re-
criminations; let us move on, confident that
we can all make life better for everyone
when we work in unity with malice towards
none and in a spirit of Belizean solidarity,"
he added.
Biofuel worsens food crisis
Influencing the food crisis is the move in
North America and Europe to biofuel in an
effort to ease global warming and reduce
reliance on imported energy.
A surge in demand for biofuel has re-
sulted in a sharp decline in agricultural land
planted for food crops. About 16% of U.S.
agricultural land formerly planted with soy-
beans and wheat is now growing corn for
biofuel.
For the first time in history, there is a
clear link between the price of fuel and the
price of food. As a result the supply of
grains like wheat and soya has been declin-
ing and prices have been rising ominously.
APRIL 2008 Page 18
At their recent conference in the Bahamas ,
the director general of the United Nations
(UN) Food and Agricultural Organisation
(FAO) Jacques Diouf alarmed heads of
government of the Caribbean Community
(Caricom) with the warning that the world
is on the brink of a serious food shortage.
Recalling the moment at a press confer-
ence on March 14 in the Ministry of Fi-
nance tower, Eric Williams Financial
Complex, Independence Square , Port-of-
Spain, Trade and Industry Minister Dr
Keith Rowley said, "He gave the data, he
gave the figures with respect to the signifi-
cant reduction in the availability of food
around the world.
And he told Caricom heads that he had
come to the meeting to impress upon them
this grave situation, to let them know they
must do everything possible within their
borders to produce whatever they can be-
cause the prognosis is that food on the
world market would become more and
more in short supply and automatically be-
come more and more expensive."
Rowley said Diouf also warned that in
the future there would come instances
where, even if the money was available,
"the stocks would not be available for pur-
chase."
Rowley said there are already concerns
over the availability of rice, which might
become the first food item in short supply
to citizens of T&T.
He said Guyana is a major supplier of
rice to T&T, but some local importers try-
ing to place advance orders with their
Guyanese suppliers had received written re-
sponses indicating that Guyana would not
be able to supply as expected. "
US Hindus win a
battle on textbooks
California Parents for the Equalization of
Educational Materials (CAPEEM) scored a
major victory when Judge Frank C. Dam-
rell, Jr. of the United States District Court of
the Eastern District of California rejected
the defendants' motion to dismiss
CAPEEM's lawsuit to correct inaccuracies
in sixth grade history textbooks.
CAPEEM's complaint contends that the
process to adopt the textbooks discrimi-
nated against Hindus and that the textbooks
indulge in indoctrination of Abrahamic re-
ligions while using disparaging language
against Hinduism.
American Hindus have been waging a
campaign in several states about the way
school textbooks portray Hinduism as an
idol worshipping, animal worshipping and
caste ridden, backward religion, ignoring
the views of the Hindus themselves.
INDIANS IN THE CARIBBEAN
Rural Developments on Sugar Estates in Jamaica (Part 2)
By Ruby Samlalsingh
(A paper presented to the Conference on
Social Development organized by the Fed-
eral Government of the West Indies in Port
of Spain, Trinidad on March 1959.)
Contined from the March issue
Others have arranged courses lasting six
to eight weeks on local government and
have invited some persons knowledgeable
on the subject to conduct them. Under the
guidance of the Welfare Officer, the mem-
bers take charge of the proceedings, plan
the programme, introduce the speaker and
keep records. All this is good training if and
when the areas are taken into the Local Au-
thority, and if they are not it will still be
good training in leadership and will help to
break the old tradition of dependence on
management for everything.
It has not been easy to get the people to
form Tenants' Associations. And some of
them are still very hesitant because they are
very suspicious of innovations and are
afraid that it is a first step towards the Local
Authority, under which for the first time in
their lives they will be called upon to pay
rates and taxes.
If through the Tenants' Associations we
could instil into the residents a feeling of
belonging and foster a social consciousness
so that they will take pride in their housing
area, and develop a sense of responsibility
for what happens in it, we shall have
achieved something of lasting value.
Educational and Recreational
Opportunities
Members of the Educational Councils
which function through the community cen-
tres decide what is needed to try to meet
the educational needs in two ways. They
arrange a series of popular lectures by well-
known people on subjects of general in-
terest, such as health, sanitation,
co-operation, etc., to which the whole com-
munity is invited , and they enlist the help
of teachers and other people with special
skills and knowledge who undertake to
conduct regular classes for those who wish
to study such things as arithmetic, book-
keeping, English, economics, etc. These
are, of course, limited by the number of
voluntary helpers available in the vicinity.
One more ambitious council sponsored
classes is to enable under-privileged boys
to study for the G.C.E. To date it is not pos-
sible to report any passes, but it shows that
the people are beginning gradually to real-
ize that by their own efforts they can sup-
plement Government and other services to
satisfy their own needs.
In a country such as British Guiana,
where 50 per cent of the population is under
twenty, and where the opportunities for ed-
ucation beyond the primary level are so
few, membership in youth clubs and organ-
isations of one kind or another is very im-
portant for every boy and girl leaving
school. These clubs can provide a continu-
ing education of an informal nature which
can help to fill the void caused by the lim-
ited amount of formal education available
for most of the young people. There are nu-
merous youth clubs, boys' clubs, scout
troops, handicraft classes, improvement as-
sociations, discussion groups, cricket
clubs, volley ball clubs, athletic clubs, table
tennis clubs, dramatic clubs, etc., function-
ing in each of the community centres. Each
meets the needs of some of the youth, and
constant supervision by the Welfare Officer
endeavours to ensure that their affairs are
conducted according to democratic proce-
dure and each member gets an opportunity
of developing his leadership ability and ex-
pressing his views. There is often a danger
of putting programme before people, and
sometimes when groups programmes do
not go successfully, or they seem to achieve
nothing specific, we and the members be-
come discouraged. Yet the time and effort
devoted by our officers is not wasted be-
cause the development of human personal-
ity is an end in itself, and the opportunities
which participation in group activities give
to the individual for achieving status and
significance in his relationship with other
people, is an important part of our work.
Two film shows arc provided monthly hy
the companies and these are supplemented
by documentaries from the British Council,
the U.S.I.S. and the Government Informa-
tion Services.
On each estate, libraries of about 700
books are provided by the company and a
small sum is granted annually by the
Labour Welfare Fund Committee for sup-
plementing and repairing the books. Fifty
percent of all the books are for juveniles
and this section of the libraries has, for ob-
vious reasons,
been most popular. A recent survey re-
vealed that in the group under eighteen, one
person in five is unable to read, whereas in
the group eighteen to forty-five, as many as
one in two is illiterate.
Cricket gear and all other sports equip-
ment are replaced by the groups themselves
and all functions and projects of the com-
munity centres are financed by membership
subscriptions and by funds raised. If any
group wishes to learn a skill or craft which
the .Welfare Officer is not qualified to teach
and for which voluntary help is not avail-
able, the centre and the group are responsi-
ble for paying the fees and buying the raw
material.
In many cases the collection of member-
ship fees is very difficult, partly for the rea-
son that most organisations everywhere
find it difficult to collect fees, and partly be-
cause there is still the lurking feeling that
that the estate management should provide
everything free. But Estate We1fare Offi-
cers arc advised to be very firm on this
point. Fees are nominal and constitute an
important discipline. The raising of funds
presents no difficulties, as dances, sports,
fairs, raffles, and all the traditional and ac-
cepted methods of doing so well supported,
if for no other reason than that there are no
social activities in which everyone can par-
ticipate except those sponsored by the
Community Centre Councils.
Extensive use has been made of the com-
petitive spirit in promoting dramatic activ-
ity on sugar estates. For a while, very little
progress was made in this field until we
started an inter-estate Drama Festival four
years ago. The first fcstiva1 was folJowcd
up by drama training courses, and since
then the standard and interest in theatre
continues to increase. Last year, from our
fifteen estates there were forty-three entries.
Some of the preliminaries ran for two suc-
cessive evenings, and in several places
largc numbers had to be turned away. Play-
reading and play-producing are now regular
features of community centres and girls'
clubs programmes. One remarkable aspect
of the Drama Festival has been the better
understanding and friendships it has forged
between workers and management.
Indo-Caribbean Times
Work with Women and Girls
Great importance is placed on our work
among the women and girls because
women are traditionally the preservers and
transmitters of culture through the family.
The psychologists tell us that the early
years of a child's life are the most impor-
tant. The educationd and well informed
mother will provide a better home and have
greater knowledge and understanding of the
problems and needs of childhood. There is
no appreciation of the neccesity and value
of play for young children, and one is sur-
prised at the heavy tasks and and responsi-
bilities of quite young children of four or
five. Jobs such as fetching water, lifting and
caring for baby brothers and sisters occu-
pies the hours before and after school. The
physical care and feeding of babies is still a
hit-and-miss affair, and though the strong
babies survive, the weak child does not
stand a chance. The obvious lack of under-
standing by parents of the needs and atti-
tudes of adolescent children make for much
unrest and unhappiness in family life.
With the gradually improving conditions
of work and wages on the estates, less ancl
less married women will need to go out to
work. It is also part of the long-term policy
of the companies not to employ female
labour in field work. In order to help to ben-
efit to the fullest from the new leisure and
the better economic status so that there will
be a corresponding improvement in the
standard of living, we have planned a pro-
gramme for better living which includes
classes in cookery, nutrition, home im-
provement, mothercraft, hygiene, dress-
making and various handicrafts. Instruction
in these subjects is undertaken by the
Woman Welfare Officer with, the aid of
volunteers skilled in various crafts.
Through the use of films, posters, demon-
strations, exhibitions, and other visual aids,
learning is made easy and attractive. Where
too great reluctance to come to the centres
is evident, our programme has to be taken
into the homes, and in each housing scheme
the officer conducts c1asses in the home of
one of the residents.
Encouragement is given to the playing of
games. Indoor games such as draughts,
checkers, snakes and ladders, cards and
table tennis, are very popular. Outdoor
games such as volley ball and rounders are
gaining in popularity and in a few places
inter-estate competitions have been
arranged and played. There is a strong prej-
udice, however, among East Indians of girls
playing such games in public and this of
course has to be recognised. It is breaking
down slowly, but we must not appear to
force the change. Recognition of the habits
and beliefs of the people are important if we
are to enlist their support and participation
in our programme.
In order to keep up the interest of the
members as well as the community as a
whole, a series of special "Weeks" and
events are arranged, and practically every
month there is some special feature. Par-
ents' Day, Child-CareWeek, Home and
Family Week, Exhibitions, Conferences,
Picnics, Outings and Drama Festivals are
some of the main features.
Traditional Values and
Social Change
Work with women is confronted with
many difficulties, the chief of which is the
traditional practice which keeps post-school
girls carefully guarded at home and older
women bound by the four walls of their
APRIL 2008 Page 19
home, except for the necessary excursions
to the market or, if she is a working woman,
to the field. Indian women are still very
much under the control of their husbands.
The influence of the pundits is important.
There is a great fear of what they call
"Western culture" but which they cannot
verbalise. It is the fear of losing those habits
and attitudes to life which are the products
of Indian culture. It is symbolised in the re-
ligion, diet, family life, respect for elders,
and in the celebration of their religious and
other festivals. Naturally, it is no part of our
organisation to destroy what is good in In-
dian culture, but to foster and encourage all
that is best in the culture of the six races
which comprise the peoples of Guiana and
to foster and promoten the Guianasation of
all the elements. But among the illiterate
and semi-literate masses who have lived in
ignorance and poverty for so long, there is
a tendency to confuse education and
progress with "Western culture".
These factors are important and their im-
plications must be faced. In promoting and
influencing social change, we have to be
careful not to cut across the traditional be-
liefs and institutions of the people, and es-
pecially not to undermine the influence of
their religious leaders. Any form of educa-
tion which might have a disintegrating or
upsetting effect upon the people must be
carefully eschewed, and efforts must be
made to conserve all sound elements tbat
constitute the fabric of social life. Our offi-
cers are therefore advised to work with and
through the existing groups and to use the
influence of the local leaders in forming
new ones.
It is still rather early to assess achieve-
ment nnd progress, but the indications are
that people are slowly awakening to the
possibility of social and economic progress
brought about by their own action. Once it
is realised that they can create change, they
will no longer be afraid of it, because they
know that they can also to some extent con-
trol and influence it.
One very noticeable change that has
taken place over the past four years is the
rousing of the social conscience of various
local religious and other groups. Many of
them have risen from long sleep and are try-
ing to institute programmes that will meet
the needs of their members.
Social change is a slow process and
changing people's attitudes takes time and
patience. I cannot, therefore, hope to pre-
cipitate people into a project for social ame-
lioration and expect it to be successful
overnight, but so long as the general trend is
towards progress there is hope for the fu-
ture.
This English edition of the Community De-
velopment Bulletin is produced by the
Clearing House with assistance both from
the Commission for Technical Co-operation
in Africa South of the Sahara to whom it is
made available as part of an extension of
services to Member Governments of the
Commission, and from Unesco to
strengthen the international coverage of the
Bulletin.
It pays to
advertise in the
Indo-Caribbean
Times

South Asians now Canada’s biggest visible minority (From Page 3)
Traditionally, the vast majority of visible
minority (nearly 96 per cent) resides in met-
ropolitan areas, mainly in Toronto, Vancou-
ver and Montreal. In recent year however,
other cities like Abbotsford BC, and Cal-
gary AB are also attracting large numbers.
Competing for Immigrants
For most countries, it is established that a
vibrant economy requires a large popula-
tion. Like Canada, other developed coun-
tries also experience similar declines in
their natural population growth, and they
wish to maintain their already high stan-
dards of living. The fear is that their eco-
nomic prosperity will be compromised
unless they have a large resident population
to produce goods and services for domestic
use and also for overseas markets. Thus, the
campaign is on to attract skilled immi-
grants.
Immigrants as “Enrichment”
As far as the European Union (EU) is con-
cerned, opinion polls suggest that citizens
believe immigrants make a meaningful con-
tribution to the economy and society.
Speaking at a conference in Lisbon re-
cently, EU Justice Commissioner Franco
Frattini informed his audience that Euro-
pean governments should regard immigra-
tion not a threat but as an “enrichment". He
pointed out that while the US was getting
55% of all skilled migrants, Europe was
able to attract a mere 5%. He noted that
skills shortages were already noticeable in a
number of sectors, and that this trend was
not going to improve any time soon. He
then called for an overhaul of the immigra-
tion system to attract more skilled immi-
grants.
Ways Canada Attracts Immigrants
The following can be considered the dream
of every qualified prospective immigrant.
Are peoples from the Caribbean taking
note?
Reduced Application Fee
A Permanent Residence fee of $975 per
person was imposed in 1995. This was later
reduced to $490. Of course, many people
argue that the fee should be eliminated al-
together.
Trained Student Ambassadors
Foreign students on visa can study and
Indo-Caribbean Times
work concurrently if they choose to do so.
Upon graduation, they can apply for immi-
grant status. However, even if some choose
to return to their home countries, their work
experience and fond memories will make
them ambassadors of Canadian businesses
and technology. In this way the rest of the
world can get a better picture of the won-
derful country of Canada—a vast land rich
in culture and valuable resources (lumber,
minerals, petroleum). Only recently, Prime
Minister Steven Harper described Canada
as an “energy superpower”; but equally im-
portant is the manufacturing sector (aero-
space, automobiles, high technology,
shipbuilding). Indeed Canada’s cutting
edge technology makes it more than a just
an agricultural country (producing wheat,
canola, dairy and meat). This latter distinc-
tion has earned the Canadian Prairie
Provinces the reputation as being the “bread
basket of the world”. So foreign students
trained at Canadian universities and col-
leges are in the best position to advertise
our country to the outside world, making it
more attractive to prospective immigrants.
Secular Education System
The type of broad-based education avail-
able in Canada is the envy of the world.
And even if new immigrants fail to find
their dram jobs upon arrival, at least they
can take comfort that their children are
going to get the best type of education. Here
students are taught tolerance and open-
mindedness in non-segregated schools.
They learn modern ways of looking at old
problems. In the process, they develop mu-
tual respect and embrace technological in-
novation. And living in multicultural
Canada gives them to appreciate the big
cultural picture. It makes them better citi-
zens of the world—one where eventually
the question of one’s race, belief system and
ethnicity is less important than their contri-
bution to society.
Temporary Workers
In 2005, there were there were some 95,000
temporary workers to cover a wide range of
jobs. Many found employment in the agri-
culture sector, and in the booming housing
sector. But since then, economic activity
has temporarily slowed.
On the larger question of immigration to
Canada, can a Temporary Foreign Worker
Program be part of the solution? No doubt,
some of them may choose to become im-
migrants in due course; but many appar-
ently prefer to be migrant workers. Under
this arrangement, they can live in their
home countries, and choose to work for part
of the year in Canada. If this seems like
having the best of both worlds, then perhaps
it is. However, large numbers of temporary
workers tend to highlight the need to pub-
lishing information on the specific cate-
gories of skilled immigrants needed in
Canada. This is to ensure that those who
come here have meaningful jobs, and are
not part of a greater problem.
And what about “illegal” workers? Are they
going to play a greater role in the Canadian
economy in the years ahead? Will they ac-
quire legal immigration status at some time
in the future?
Implications for Canada
The number of visible minorities in Canada
has cracked the five million mark for the
first time in history. Over the years, many
people from Guyana and Trinidad & To-
bago came as immigrants to settle here.
Canada is demonstrating to the world that
when faced with a declining birth rate, an
enlightened immigration policy can meet
population targets and skills requirements
to facilitate continued economic prosperity.
In this respect, Canada may be emulating
what South Asian countries have done for
millennia. For example India offered home
for peoples from all over the world. While
a great many came as marauders, plunder-
ers and conquerors, collectively their pres-
ence did have positive outcomes. Today, as
India and other South Asian countries re-
claim their rightful place on the world
stage, Canada is also demonstrating that by
attracting people from diverse backgrounds
to our shores, that the peoples of the world
can be one family.
[Dr. Roop Misir is an Indo-Canadian
Teacher with the Toronto District School
Board. Please send your comments to
roop.misir@gmail.com.]
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APRIL 2008 Page 20
Nine forms of Durga
(From page 17)
SIDDHIDATREE
SIDDHIDATREE is the ninth and final form
of Goddess Durga. Siddhidatri means the
giver of siddhis (magical or spiritual powers
for the control of self, others and the forces of
nature). In RAMAYAN, (Kirtibasi) in Lanka-
Kand, Bhagawan Ramchandra performed
Durga-puja to kill Ravan; Devi Durga ap-
peared and blessed him. In MAHABHARAT,
before the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhagawan
Krishna told Arjuna to pray to (Durga-stv)
Goddess Durga for the victory. Goddess
Durga appeared as the ‘giver of Siddhis’ by
the pray of Arjun and blessed him, ‘very soon
you will be victorious’.
It is said in ‘Devipuran’ that the Supreme
God, Lord Shiva received all of these powers
by propitiating the Maha Shakti. The Goddess
is sometimes shown atop a lion and some-
times atop a lotus. She is shown as having
four arms, which hold a club, a conch shell
and a lotus. The fourth hand forms a gesture
of granting. Siddhidatree is considered to be
the most powerful of all the nine forms of
Durga.Durga is said to be extraordinarily
beautiful; she does not use her beauty for se-
duction, but rather entrapment. She entices
her victims and then defeats them. She rides a
lion, and it appears whenever her strengths are
needed. Her role is not that of creator, but
rather that of a maintainer: she maintains cos-
mic order by defeating demons that plague the
universe. Goddess Durga is not only a pow-
erful force for cosmic order but also a protec-
tor of her devotees. She listens to her devotees
and attends to their needs.
The Devi Mahatmya describes her as a per-
sonal savior who will save her devotees from
forest fires, wild animals, robbers, imprison-
ment, execution and battle. Goddess Durga
keeps up the play of the divine universal God
through the three attributes of Nature, namely,
Satva (equilibrium and serenity), Rajas (dy-
namism and kinesis) and Tamas (ignorance
and inertia). Knowledge, peace, lust, anger,
greed, egoism and pride, all are her forms.
Maha Saraswati is Her Sattviki Shakti or
power of equilibrium. Maha Lakshmi is Her
Rajasik Shakti or power of activity. And Maha
Kali is Her Tamsik Shakti, the power of de-
struction. All these are feminine forms. The
animal world (Jeev-Jagat; Yogi, Bhogi, Tyagi,
Sadhak, Bhakta, Grihi, Tapswee), Yogis,
sanyasi’s, devotees, non-devotees, even the
triumvirate Gods: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu
and Lord Shiva are doing penance to receive
Siddhis by the grace of Siddhidatree-Goddess
Durga-the Divine Mother.
SPORTS
CRICKETCricket:
Windies win a test,
T he West Indies won a Test match this
week. And they won two out of three
one day internationals against the Sri
Lankans to complete a series sweep at
home that has been long in coming. Much
of it was due to Guyanese star batsman
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, especially the first
one day international where he scored the
final 10 winning runs off the last two balls.
Ecstatic cricket fans at the Queen's Park
Oval's have not seen anything like this for a
long, long time.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Fans were singing hymns of praise and
words of thanks rang out of the Sir Learie
Constantine Stand last week when Devon
Smith spanked Muttiah Muralitharan to the
extra cover boundary to complete a six-
wicket win over Sri Lanka.
Witnessing the event were some young-
sters who would never have seen the West
Indies win a Test here. The last success for
the home side at the Oval was against Zim-
babwe--eight years and fives matches ago.
Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine made
gave them new memories with a 157 runs
partnership for the fourth wicket to wrest
the game away from the Sri Lankans.
Windies shared the two match series and
avoided an embarassing whitewash at
home.
After handing the West Indies a win over
Sri Lanka in the first limited overs match at
the Queen’s Park Oval last Thursday, Shiv-
narine Chanderpaul did it again on Satur-
day when he pulled the team out of a tricky
situation and on to victory in the second
Digicel limited overs international. West In-
dies has now won the series with an un-
beatable two victories out of three.
CHESS, DRAUGHT AND
DOMINO TOURNAMENTS
Players of all skill levels (beginners to advanced) are
invited to participate. Tournaments held every month
during the winter.
See schedule at www.horizoncricketclub.com or phone
905-794-5423. Also, adult and kids CHESS LESSONS
(beginners to advance). Learn to play the world’s best
board game.
Registration information at
www.horizoncricketclub.com
Indo-Caribbean Times
TT’s world boxing
one day series champ Giselle sports
Chanderpaul one of eight world titles
F
Wisden’s top five
cricketers
emale super welterweight champion
Jisselle Salandy (16-0, 6 KOs) retained
her WBC/WBA/IWBF/WIBA world titles
Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year in-
clude two West Indian Test players-one cur-
rent, one former. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
received cricket's oldest accolade after sus-
taining his side's batting almost single-
handed during the tour of England in 2007
Chanders sweeps awards
The excellence of Shivnarine Chanderpaul
in 2007 earned him a clean sweep of indi-
vidual awards. But it was his former team-
mate Jimmy Adams who defined the
evening at the West Indies Players Associ-
ation (WIPA) awards and dinner Sunday
evening at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. A
judges' panel headed by Clive Lloyd, an-
other former WI captain, voted the
Guyanese left-hander as the International
Cricketer of the Year, 2007, the One-day In-
ternational Cricketer of the Year and Test
Cricketer of the Year. Those accolades were
earned after a year in which Chanderpaul
averaged 111.60 in Tests and 76.64 in
ODIs.
Jack Warner saves
TT football again
The fortunes of T&T football are on the rise
again, according to Jack Warner, Special
Adviser to the T&T Football Federation, at
a reception to honour the youthful T&T
footballers who held a strong Jamaica XI to
a 2-2 draw in Jamaica.
Warner, often described as the godfather
of T&T football, has saved the T&T Foot-
ball Federation further financial embarrass-
ment once again. Facing another crisis with
regards to the payment of staff and players,
Warner came to the rescue of the federation
by paying salaries owed to the players and
staff since December.
“Football is living by the grace of God
since the Government has failed to deliver,”
stated the Fifa Vice President. “I have had
to mortgage a property to keep the game
alive.”
“Under no condition, they (the Govern-
ment) will frustrate the federation. They
have discriminated against football, basket-
ball and boxing. We are being held to ran-
som.”
“As long as there is a breath of life in my
body, the fortunes of football will not go
down,” he said.
, the removal of Canadian troops from
and added the WIBF/GBU belts of Karolina
Lukasik (9-1, 1 KO) with a controversial
ten round unanimous decision at the Jean
Pierre Complex in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
& Tobago. Scores were 97-94 on all cards
for the hometown favorite.
After narrowly winning her toughest
bout, Salandy (16-0) now has among her
eight titles the WBA, WBC, WIBA, WIBF,
IWBF, and GBU junior-middleweight
crowns. Lukasik of Poland was suffering
her first defeat in ten matches.
Ministry pumps $3.5m
into pro boxing
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs
contributed $496,500 to the world title fight
between Poland 's Karolina Lukasik and
Trinidad and Tobago 's Jizelle Salandy,
which took place at the Centre of Excel-
lence, Macoya.
Sports Minister Gary Hunt said that his
Ministry's most recent contribution has
brought the Government's funding of pro-
fessional boxing to TT$3.5 million, putting
T&T second, only to Thailand, in terms of
its funding of the sport on a professional
level.
Salandy is the country’s second women’s
world boxing champion, with the first being
young Ria Ramnarine. Ria is currently
training to resume her boxing career after a
period of financial difficulty caused by lack
Brampton terror trials
of sponsorship funds and training facilities.
(From Page 16)
He goes on to say, "We already started strik-
ing cause you know what, this training is
striking at them."
On Feb. 4, 2006, Shaikh and an adult were
joined by two others as they drove to
Opasatika, a rural town near Timmins
where they had hoped to set up a safe house
where they could practise drills and store
weapons.
On the way back to Toronto they discussed
Operation Badr, a plot to storm Parliament
Hill, take politicians hostage and demand
Afghanistan and the release of Muslim pris-
oners in federal institutions, police allege.
If their demands weren't met, they'd "kill
everybody," said an adult, who also re-
minded the others that the prime minister
wasn't "Paul Loser" or "Paul Martin" – as
they suggested – but was in fact "the other
guy, Harper."
After their return, an adult reported he had
built the "first radio frequency remote-con-
trol detonator," but pointed out it only had
a range of 30 feet (nine metres), "which is
not good." In response, another man
pointed out "30 feet away? So you have to
get blown up? Might as well sit in the car."
He explained that if they could get the det-
onator to work from 300 metres, "then we'll
do it." He then said that when the bomb
went off on Front St., innocent people
would be killed, which would be "too bad
for them," according to the Crown's factum.
APRIL 2008 Page 22
Horizon Club day
of chess is May 3
The Horizon Cricket Club is inviting all
chess all chess players, beginners to grand-
masters, rated or unrated to come and enjoy
a day of chess at their 2008 Ontario Recre-
ational Chess Champtionship.
It takes place on Saturday May
03 at Island Grove Restaurant (905-913-
1200).4525 Ebenezer Rd, Brampton (Off
The Gore Road, North of Hwy 7 (Queen
St), starting at 1:00 pm SHARP. Registra-
tion is from 12:30 pm. The club can
arrange hotel accommodation for players
coming from out of town.
Type of Tournament: 5 Rounds Swiss. 15
minutes per player, followed by playoff.
Rules will be explained on tournament day.
Sections: Three sections.
(1) Ratings of below 1500 (Advanced Sec-
tion)
(2) Ratings of 1500 to 2400 (Chess Master
Section)
(3) Ratings of above 2400 (Grandmaster
Section)
Unrated players can choose to register in
either the Advanced or Chess Master sec-
tions. Registration fee: is only $20 per
player, and dinner is included.
There are lots of trophies at stake and a
chance to compete for the Grand Title of:
2008 Ontario Recreational Chess Cham-
pion. Players must bring a chess set and a
chess clock.
Pre-Registration: Please pre-reg-
ister ASAP by phone (905) 794-5423 or by
email to lall4@rogers.com. To pre-register,
simply provide your name, phone number,
email address and desired section, plus the
names and sections of any players accom-
panying you.
For more information: Fred Lall. Phone:
905-794-5423. Email: lall4@rogers.com
www.horizoncricketclub.com
On March 5, two of the adults met with a
man named Talib, hoping he would help
them generate funds to purchase military
assault rifles and other weapons, which one
of them had already paid a down payment.
As they attempted to recruit Talib, one man
expressed their desire to establish "the reli-
gion of Allah," adding "we're not just a
bunch of young guys." The other spoke of
the "global fight."
Meanwhile, a second, more advanced
training camp was in the works and took
place at Rockwood May 20-22, police al-
lege. A number of the accused attended, as
well a man named Shal Syed, who later vol-
untarily met with investigators and offered
a statement about an adult's comments and
the group's activities.
Syed said an adult said the purpose of the
camp was to "train" and to prepare for
jihad. Again, an adult led a discussion circle
inside a tent discussing so-called military
strategies. One of the men asked Syed if he
could teach others how to use firearms and
grenades and whether he had access to such
weapons. He also promised to show Syed
recorded lectures given by Osama bin
Laden.
On June 2, about 400 police officers con-
ducted a series of arrests that garnered in-
ternational headlines. On that day 17 men
and youths were arrested. An 18th suspect
was arrested two months later.
 Indo-Caribbean Times APRIL 2008 Page 23

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