1. From the tomato
fields of the Bahamas
to Medal of Freedom
I nternationally acclaimed Bahamian American actor Sidney Poitier was among 16 who
were awarded the Medal of Freedom recently by President Barack Obama, at the White House.
“The recipients of the Medal of Freedom did not set out to win this or any other award.
They did not set out in pursuit of glory or fame or riches. Rather, they set out, guided by
passion, committed to hard work, aided by persistence, often with few advantages but the
gifts, grace, and good name God gave them, the president said.
“So, let them stand as an example here in the United States — and around the world — of
what we can achieve in our own lives. Let them stand as an example of the difference we
can make in the lives of others. Let each of their stories stand as an example of a life well
lived,” Obama said.
Ambassador and actor, Sidney Poitier has left an indelible mark on American culture. Rising
from the tomato farms of the Bahamas, his talent led him to Broadway, Hollywood, and
global acclaim. In front of black and white audiences struggling to right the Nation’s moral
compass. Sidney Poitier brought us the common tragedy of racism, the inspiring possibility
of reconciliation, and the simple joys of everyday life. Ultimately, the man would mirror the
character, and both would advance the Nation’s dialogue on race and respect.
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ad in florida’S caribbean sun!
Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun 13

2. Our apologies.....but Caribbean looking for
we’re coming on stronger development agreements
with US, Canada
F or the first time in almost six years of publishing, the Caribbean Sun newspaper missed
being published last month, due to a number of circumstances beyond our control. We
regret that we were unable to publish our August edition of your favorite newspaper and
– Continued from page 1 –
apologise for any inconvenience this would have caused our readers, advertisers and the He said that these agreements would provide enhanced arrangements for the export of
Caribbean American community as a whole. products and services from the Caribbean region and urged Jamaican entrepreneurs to gear
themselves to expand their capacity to export to these major markets. He said the Jamaica
We know from your telephone calls and other enquiries how much the Florida Caribbean government was providing incentives for investment in the economy by foreign investors
American community and our other readers look forward to the Caribbean Sun newspaper and had made the process very investor friendly.
and we want to assure you that the newspaper is till in business and will continue to serve
the community, as it has done faithfully since January 2004.
Apart fromn the fact that our main computer crashed just prior to the publication of the August
edition, our publisher and editor-in chief, Mr. Wesley Kirton has now taken up a new appoint-
ment which requires extensive travel outside of Florida. Consequently, new arrangements have
had to be put in place to ensure the timely publication of the newspaper each month.
While Mr. Kirton will remain the publisher and editor-in-chief of the newspaper, there have been
some changes in responsibilities which will be announced in our October edition. It is also
expected that our revamped Internet edition of the publication will also be launched next month.
We look forward to the support of Florida’s business community in helping to ensure not
just the survival but the expansion of this newspaper which continues to inform, educate,
entertain and project a positive image of Florida’s Caribbean American community and to
help find solutions to the problems which confront the community.
Enjoy reading yet another edition of the Caribbean Sun newspaper!
Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Kenneth Baugh (left) with Laparkan’s Air
Cargo Operations Manager John Green (right) and Consul General for Florida
Sandra Grant Griffiths.
bm
One Big Miami
Caribbean
Carnival in
c
2155 West Colonial Dr.
Booth Z 4 - 5 October
Magic Mall - Last Entrance
(Next to the Caribbean Hut & Finlays Shipping) F ollowing years of having two Carnival pa-
rades, Miami will this year have one big Car-
ibbean Carnival in downtown Miami and orga-
nizers say that the city’s carnival weekend prom-
ises to be the biggest and best ever.
The Miami Carnival 2009 parade and festival will
take place on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 9 a.m.
to 11. p.m. at Bicentennial Park, downtown Miami.
This 25th anniversary of celebration of Miami
Caribbean Carnival is in honor of Selman Lewis
and Desmond Worrell.
DJs from Miami- Dorenzo, Eternal Vibes, Gary
Enforcement, Giselle D’ Wassi One, House Ar-
rest, Maestro, Mixx 96 Crew, Soca Tech, Super
C, and Tidal Wave Sound; from New York- Back
to Basics, Fess, Natural Freaks, Rhythm Interna-
tional and Xtreme Productionz; from Orlando -
Crown Prince and Tha Vibz; and from Atlanta-
Ibis International, Jaspa, Stephen, Tony Tempo
along with steel bands from Miami and Orlando
will form part of the line up for the event.
There will also be Caribbean food, drinks, arts
and crafts on sale.
Parade starts at 12:00 noon on NE 27th Street at
NE 2nd Avenue. Proceeds South on NE 2nd Av-
enue, East on NE 15th Street, South on Biscayne
Boulevard, East on NE 13th Street, South on
Bayshore Drive and into Bicentennial Park,1075
Biscayne Blvd., Downtown Miami.
Directions: I-95 North/South to #112 East. Exit
at Biscayne Blvd. Drive South on Biscayne Blvd.
Discounted Parking available in the area.
14 Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun

3. September 2009
Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun 15

4. Lifestyles
Tips for your kids as they
return to school Caribbean
The long summer holiday will soon come to an end and our children will be returning to school. As
our kids begin the new school year it is important that we put in place guidelines and rules for
Horoscope for
ensuring their safety and success, Here are some tips you’ll find helpful:
MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER
September 2009
• Remind your child that s/he is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of
school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sep 23)
everyone feels as comfortable as possible. Compadres are poised to get you into all sorts of trouble this September.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. S/he’ll see old friends and meet Good thing too - things were getting too boring and mundane around here!
new ones. Refresh her/his positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned Virgins will be surprised at how artistic they can be when they are inspired.
Resolve to be outrageous, creative and awe inspiring in any group situation.
home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.
Pack a cushion for all those dropping jaws.
• Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride
with on the bus. LIBRA (Sep 24 - Oct 23)
• If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk) to school and pick her/him up on the first Libras impress the power elite with a few well chosen words and deeds. What
day. is it that will get you in front of the bosses? Whatever it is, grab at the chance
and show them what you can do. Also, ask advice of parents or any sage-like
BACKPACK SAFETY family figures. There are things you can learn from the past that will give you
added ammunition for the future.
• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
• Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22)
the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your Plan a great getaway. Pack your bags and hit the road with a companion and
child’s body weight. explore parts unknown. The goal is to expand your vision and experience
• Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. mind altering, perspective changing things. Anything that you do now has
• Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must global repercussions. So if money and time are tight and you can’t travel far,
tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may find unusual diversions closer to home. Anyone we know?
be difficult to roll in snow.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 22)
TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL Archers are not known for their robust sex drive but now, you are a sensual
force with whom to be reckoned. What a nice change of pace! Make the most
Review the basic rules with your youngster: of this rare energy and spread your good cheer to all. Gallop to the nearest
meet market and see who is hanging on the hook and ready to be bought. The
School Bus summer is almost over but you can still stoke the grill....
• If your child’s school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times CAPRICORN (Dec 23 - Jan 20)
when in the bus. If your child’s school bus does not have lap/shoulder belts, encourage the You meet someone who will tip one of your sacred cows. It is uncomfortable
school to buy or lease buses with lap/shoulder belts. but necessary. But ultimately you will be agog and amazed. Caps often re-
• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. frain from taking risks but now there is greater risk in inaction. Break out of
• Do not move around on the bus. your shell; the cosmos hands you a sledgehammer. Light taps will not do it so
• Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing. smash through all barriers and dance through the opening.
• Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.
• Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or AQUARIUS (Jan 21 - Feb 19)
to the school building. Attending to health related matters will have a dramatic, beneficial impact on
your spiritual outlook. Aquarians can flush their systems which are currently
Car clogged with the detritus of secrets, fears, undermining behavior and loss of
personal confidence. It won’t be easy - you have to work at it. A fresh new
New Teen Drivers breeze is in the air! Avoid the usual trashy crowd.
Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20)
should require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow eating, drinking, cell Let your muse be your guide. Pisces have a plethora of fantastic ideas that are
phone conversations or texing to prevent driver distraction; and limit nighttime driving and driving a bit off the beaten track. Thinking outside the box will dazzle the crowd and
in inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your teen’s graduated drive license law and con- move you into and on the top of important powerful organizations. Friends in
sider the use of a parent-teen driver agreement to facilitate the early driving learning process. high places carry you along if you ask for the ride. Hurry before your creativ-
ity takes a powder and you are buried in the shifting sands.
Bike
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)
• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. Changes in your concept of “home” can impact your career path ... for the
• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic. better. (Although it won’t seem that way initially.) Rams with a bone to pick
• Use appropriate hand signals. find novel ways to poke with it that moves something or someone out of the
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs. way. Or maybe you need to move out of your own way? Stop standing in the
• Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility. way of your own success. Become transparent and flexible.
• Know the “rules of the road.” (http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm)
TAURUS (Apr 21 - MAY 21)
Nothing remains the same forever. Growth, evolution and just plain change
Walking to School make your current circumstances irrelevant and in need of sprucing. Septem-
ber brings a refreshing opportunity to enliven your life. That is why Bulls are
• Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at advised to map out possible new paths that can take them on satisfying, suc-
every intersection. cessful journeys. The world is your oyster. Chow down.
• Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less
cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school GEMINI (May 22 - Jun 21)
without adult supervision. If you are looking for love this month it will be delivered to you in dollops.
• If your child is young or is walking to a new school, walk with them the first week to make sure The trick is how to choose from the delicious array of treats. Choose care-
they know the route and can do it safely. fully - Twins can fall head over heels and can also cost much more than you
• Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers. initially think. Will it be a trip to the moon on gossamer wings or just one of
• In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider starting a “walking school bus”, in those crazy old things? Let’s try and guess.
which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.
CANCER (Jun 22 - Jul 23)
DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS Life is one big ying yang now. Partners demand much more of your time. Try
to find creative ways of balancing the often conflicting needs of yours, mine
• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent and ours. Are you prepared to compromise so you can make everyone else
work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy. happy? Crabs are known for giving more than they get but a change to this
• Set aside ample time for homework. specific dynamic is now required. If not now, then when?
• Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
• Supervise comput er and Internet use. LEO (Jul 24 - Aug 23)
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for her. No sooner do you attempt to exercise and attend to healthy outlets than some-
• Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be one sabotages your efforts. Are they strewing your jogging path with cook-
helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will ies? Are they spiking your wheatgrass with a hair of the dog? No matter what
not be too disruptive. happens this month, keep your eye on the prize and on your waistline. Swim-
• If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren’t able to help her yourself, a suit season is fast morphing into to holiday party season.
tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child’s teacher first.
16 Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun

5. Lifestyles
Caribbean Profile RECIPES! RECIPES! RECIPES! RECIPES!
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
E ach issue of the Caribbean Sun newspaper features a brief profile of
a Caribbean country/island provided by welcometothecaribbean.com
Black Angel Hair Fritters
Antigua & Barbuda INGREDIENTS:
Official Name: Antigua and Barbuda * 2 oz Blue crab meat
Area: 280 square km (108 sq. miles) * 2 oz. minced conch
Capital: St. John’s
* 2 oz. minced vegetables
Nationality: Antiguan and Barbudian
Official Language: English * 1 oz. cooked black angel hair pasta
Population: 67,000 * 1 egg
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) * Hint of baking powder
Exchange Rate: U.S. $1.00 = EC$ 2.70
* Seasoning
Time Zone: EST -1; GMT-4
Phone Code: Country code (268),
plus the local number
DIRECTIONS:
Mix crab and conch together Add the vegetables, egg and the baking powder season to
taste and very carefully add the black angel hair. Heat the deep fryer to 2500 and fry to
satisfaction. Present on a nice dinner plate with a mild curry sauce and garnish with fried
parsley and diced tomatoes.
Pork Chops With Banana And Bacon
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS:
Geography
Antigua and Barbuda are
located at the southern end * 4 pork chops, about 1" thick
of the Leeward islands. * 3/4 tbsp. cumin
This state includes * Salt and pepper (to taste)
Redonda an uninhabited
* Juice of 1 lemon
rock. The total area is 171
sq. miles (442 sq. km). The * 2 tbsp. Softened butter
main island of Antigua has * 2 large bananas
no forests, mountains or * 6 strips bacon
rivers. There are a few
* Beer (optional)
springs and prolonged
droughts are experienced from time to time. Barbuda, a coral island, lies 25 miles north of
Antigua. It is a game reserve, flat and well wooded. The capital, St. John’s, is located on
DIRECTIONS:
mainland Antigua.
Combine the butter, salt, pepper and cumin. Rub mixture into both sides of the meat. Sauté
History
the bacon briefly, until some of the fat has rendered. Remove and drain. Peel bananas and
Antigua was first sighted by the Spaniards but was later colonized by the British who
cut into 1 1/4" chunks. Place bananas on a dish and sprinkle with lemon juice. Cut the
established tobacco plantations. Later in the century sugar cane proved to be a more
bacon strips into lengths just long enough to wrap around each banana slice. Place on
profitable crop and the first large sugar estate was established by Sir Christopher
bananas on skewers, threading through where the bacon slice overlaps. Place the pork
Codrington in 1674. He leased Barbuda to grow provisions for his plantations with
chops on a hot grill, for 15 minutes, turning once. Turn grill down to medium, adding the
slaves imported from Africa. The slaves were emancipated in 1834 but economic op-
bacon and bananas; grill another 10 minutes, turning both the meat and the bananas. For
portunities for these free laborers were limited by a lack of surplus farming land, no
extra flavor, baste with beer, while the meat cooks.
access to credit and an economy built on agriculture rather than manufacturing. After
many years of hardship and struggles Antigua and Barbuda gained its independence in
November1981.
Economy Diwali celebrations in
Antigua and Barbuda’s economy is now based on services, principally tourism and
offshore banking. Hotels and restaurants contribute about a quarter of GDP and em- Ft. Lauderdale
ploy about one-third of the workforce. Agriculture is mainly directed to the domestic
market while manufacturing comprises enclave type assembly for export, with major Fort Lauderdale will hold its second annual Diwali celebrations from October 14-16, 2009
products being bedding, handicraft and electronic components. Tourism is the leading at the new Central Broward Regional Park located at the corner of SR 7 and Sunrise Blvd
foreign exchange earner but financial services (offshore banking) and information in Lauder Hill.
based industries including Internet gaming have emerged as complimentary industries.
The principal exports are chemicals, food products, live animals, miscellaneous manu- The celebration, put on by Divali Nagar, Inc.-a registered non-profit organization, is one
factured goods and petroleum products. of the most celebrated and auspicious occasions of the East Indian community throughout
the world. Celebrations are also held in other cities in Florida including Orlando and Tampa.
People & Culture
Most inhabitants of this country are of African descent, although a minority of En- “We are anticipating a mixed attendance of multi-ethnic patrons to experience Divali
glish, Portuguese, Lebanese and Syrian descendants are still active in business and during our 3 day festival and to partake in the great ethnic foods, refreshments, live
commerce. The language spoken is English and most people are Anglican with small entertainment, cultural seminars, kids’ workshops and a host of other activities which
groups of other Protestant sects and Roman Catholics. Carnival, which is held late we have been planning since November of last year. We will culminate the event with
July/August highlights the cultural aspects of the country which includes a unique a grand cultural display second to none, with ethnic songs, dance and a queen Contest
brand of soca (soul calypso) made internationally popular by an Antiguan band named featuring ethnic garments on Friday, October 16th 2009", the organizers said in a
Burning Flames. press release.
Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun 17

6. Protecting your
pets from
Dear Shanti,
My dad is a drunk and needs serious help, but I’m only 13. I told my mom but she says that
heartworm disease
dad is just having a tough time. I hate her so much. She knows it’s a big problem. I hate
Pet owners throughout Florida are being warned to take steps to protect their pets from the
him too and I so scared for myself and little sister. The other day he drove me to school
debilitating heartworm disease. The warning comes from veterinarians and from County
while under the influence. Is there anything I can do? Animal Services departments who say that thousands of animals are affected by the dis-
ease each year.
The child of a drunk
“Heartworm disease is a silent killer,” said Katie Lockett, Manager of Orange County
Animal Services. “It affects thousands
Dear the child of a drunk, of animals in our community, but many
pet owners are unaware of the danger
There isn’t much you can do if he doesn’t want help. I have 2 great books for you. facing their pets.”
The first is called Lush by Natasha Friend and published by Scholastic. Their web
address is www.scholastic.com. Also check out a book called My dad loves me, but Heartworms result from the bite of a
mosquito, infect primarily dogs and
he has a disease by Claudia Black.
There are some numbers you should call and they are free to call.
• Alateen- 1-800-344-2666
Web address- www.al-anon.alteen.org
• National Association for Children of Alcoholics- 1-888-554-COAS (2627)
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST), M-F
Their website: www.nacoa.org progress into a disease that affects the
heart and lungs. The worms damage
blood vessels and reduce the heart’s
Hope this information is helpful.
pumping ability, resulting in severe lung and heart disease that can result in death. Though
treatable, the treatment process can be difficult on the animal, lengthy and expensive.
-Shanti
“Last year alone, nearly 600 animals tested heartworm positive at our shelter. This figure
You may email Shanti at Shanticaribsunnews@gmail.com or write to shows us how widespread the disease is in our community, and we want to make sure pet
owners understand that it’s inexpensive and easy to prevent heartworm disease,” said
Attn: Shanti Lockett.
Florida’s Caribbean Sun News
301 East Pine Street, Suite 150 Preventing heartworm disease consists of a simple monthly chewable, tablet or topical
Orlando, FL 32801 dose that can be prescribed by veterinarians. Many chewables cost less than $5 per month.
Pets should be tested prior to starting on heartworm preventative.
For more information about preventing heartworm disease and finding a veterinarian in
your area, please visit www.ocfl.net/pethealth.
Caribbean issues
to feature at CBC
Legislative Conference
A number of issues affecting Caribbean Americans and the Caribbean region itself will be dis-
cussed during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, a four-day event
to be held this month at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Thousands of elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media, emerging
leaders and everyday Americans including a number of Caribbean American elected offi-
cials and community leaders will participate in the conference and its dozens of policy
forums, general sessions, massive exhibit showcase, job fair, book signings and vast net-
working opportunities.
The conference will be held September 23-26.
The Congressional Black Caucus is comprised of the African-American members of the
U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and is currently co-chaired by Con-
gresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Caribbean American.
The conference brings together diverse organizations and individuals to collectively dis-
cuss common issues and concerns. Its program includes more than 70 workshops, semi-
nars and information forums on relevant topics that capture and portray the concerns of
African Americans. Participants discuss the challenges facing underserved populations,
including health care, economic success and failures, global and domestic security as well
as highlight successes and provide critical information that will help to build strong com-
munities, organizations and individual families. The conference also features the success-
ful Emerging Leaders Empowerment Series, which is gaining widespread attention as it
speaks to our future successors. In addition, the exhibit hall offers demonstrations and
social events to complement the substantive content of the conference.
The Annual Legislative Conference is one of the most important gatherings of African
American leaders. They really need and want all constituents to seize this opportunity to
speak freely and often about their concerns, to network and build relationships, and to
gather as much information as possible to take home and share within their communities.
Support our
advertisers . . .
Tell them you saw their ad in
florida’S caribbean sun!
18 Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun

7. Sports L
s
Digicel sponsors US-based
Caribbean soccer
Venezuela, US ‘Golf’ War
The United States recently took a swing at Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez’s criticism of golf as a “bourgeois”
Mobile telecommunications giant Digicel has announced its three-year sponsorship of sport, insisting he was “out of bounds.”
New York’s long-running Caribbean Football Cup.
“As the Department of State’s self-appointed ambassa-
dor-at-large for golf, I wish to protest the unwarranted
Valerie Estime, the conglomerate’s general manager for the Diaspora Region, told a launch- attack by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on the
ing ceremony recently that she was very excited to sign the sponsorship. game of golf,” joked PJ Crowley, a State Department
spokesman.
“We’re here because Digicel is a lifeline of the Caribbean and Central America,”
she said. He was referring to the leftist Chavez’s criticism of
the sport, and a New York Times report that said his
“Digicel is a strong support of football in the Caribbean and Central America. It is government planned to close golf courses in Maracay
only normal that we are here tonight to kick off this event and give support to further and Caraballeda.
the Cup.”
“Once again Mr Chavez, one of the hemisphere’s most divi- PJ Crowley. AFP PHOTO
sive figures, finds himself out of bounds,” Crowley said.
The Miami-based Estime, however, declined to state the sponsorship price tag and the
terms and conditions of the contract but said the company would, in the remaining five On his live Sunday television program last month, Chavez dismissed golf as a “bour-
weeks of the tournament, “roll out some exciting promotions and competitions” to sup- geois” sport.
port what is now called Digicel Caribbean Cup New York.
“I respect all sports,” the Times quoted him as saying. “But there are sports and there are
Curtis Chance, the Cup’s Guyana-born operations manager, said he was excited that Digicel sports. Do you mean to tell me this is a people’s sport? It is not.”
has decided to come on board to enhance a tournament that has operated on a shoe string
budget over the years.
“Today is very exciting for Caribbean Cup soccer,” he said, stating that the championship,
which started in 1992 with seven teams, had grown to 12 teams with little or no sponsorship.
West Indies team for ICC
“We do not get a lot of monetary support from companies in Brooklyn. Our fans have been Championship Trophy
very loyal.
The West Indies selectors have named the following players for the International Cricket
“This partnership is very important. It brings together a reputable company with the re- Council’s Champions Trophy limited-overs tournament in South Africa from Tuesday,
sources to get to our goal.” September 22 to Monday, October 5.
The players are: Floyd Reifer (Captain), Darren Sammy (Vice Captain), David Ber-
The 12 teams participating in the Cup are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Colombia, nard, Tino Best, Royston Crandon, Travis Dowlin, Andre Fletcher, Nikita Miller, Daren
Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Powell, Kieran Powell, Dale Richards, Kemar Roach, Devon Smith, Gavin Tonge,
the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago. Chadwick Walton.
Jamaica has won the championship for the last four years. Lance Gibbs is the team’s manager.
Bolt coasts to victory, trio share $1 million
By Philip Blenkinsop
Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva and
BRUSSELS, Belguim (Reuters) — Triple Olympic Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele, Olympic and world cham-
and world champion Usain Bolt cruised to 200 meters pion at 5,000 and 10,000, shared the money with Richards.
victory in a Brussels Golden League meeting record
recently while three athletes shared the final $1 mil- Isinbayeva, who failed to retain her world title in Berlin
lion jackpot. last month, secured victory by dint of fewer failures at
4.70 meters before making three failed attempts to break
The irrepressible Jamaican, paraded around the King her world record of 5.06 set in Zurich last week.
Baudouin stadium in a convertible car at the start, glided
round the bend on the newly-laid track to clock 19.57 The Russian said she was over-confident and too re-
seconds and beat the previous best of American Tyson laxed in Berlin.
Gay (19.79) in 2006.
“There, my head was at the top of the mountains, in the
“I was feeling kind of fatigued. That’s why I backed off sky. Now I’m back on earth,” said Isinbayeva.
in the last 25 to 30 meters,” Bolt told reporters.
Bekele was made to fight hardest for his prize, pushed all
“Oh my God, I can’t wait. I’m really looking forward to the way to the line in the 5,000 by four other Africans
going home,” added the sprinter, who has been on the who all set personal bests. His winning time was 12:55:31.
road since July 1.
The capacity crowd at the Memorial Van Damme meet-
Bolt delighted the capacity crowd at the rain- ing were denied a sprint duel between Bolt and the world’s
soaked meeting with his customary theatrics and second fastest man when Gay opted to run the 100.
broad grin.
Gay (10.00) made a poor start and finished second in
“I was just having some fun out there ... the crowd the blue riband event to Jamaican Asafa Powell (9.90).
gave me the final push ... I enjoy giving the fans a
show,” he said. “I just got my butt kicked,” said Gay.
Earlier, world champion Sanya Richards romped to vic- Kenya broke the world record in the rarely run 4x1,500
tory in the 400 in a meeting record of 48.83 seconds to relay with a time of 14:36:23.
claim a share of the $1 million jackpot.
Usain Bolt of Jamaica wins the Mens 200m race during the The time was almost two seconds better than the previ-
The American said the money would ensure her wed- IAAF Golden League memorial Van Damme meeting at the ous best set by a West Germany team in 1977, which
ding in February would be even more lavish. king Baudoin Stadium in Brussels. AFP PHOTO until Friday was the oldest existing world record.
Competitors must win their events at all six of the season’s Golden League meetings to earn The meeting marked the end of 12 seasons of the Golden League. Next year it will be
the cash prize. replaced by the Diamond League, a 14-city tour including events in Asia and United States.
Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun 19

8. Miami donates trucks,
equipment to Haiti
The City of Miami recently donated several trucks and hurricane emergency equipment
to the capital city of Haiti- Port-au-Prince- under the Sister Cities program.
City Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones led a delegation to Haiti last month to present
donated surplus trucks and equipment to the City of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The 15 mem-
ber delegation included representatives of the public, private and non-profit sectors.
The delivery of the trucks to Port-au-Prince could not come at a better time, with several
hurricanes and storms brewing in the Atlantic. The donated trucks and supplies are part of
an educational campaign called “Leve! An Nou Kimbe Potoprens Pwop !” (Wake Up!
Let’s Keep Port-au-Prince Clean) in partnership with the City of Miami’s Sister City in
Port-au-Prince, Haiti and the Mayor’s International Council.
The initiative will assist Port-au-Prince in the operations of an efficient and environment
friendly solid waste system and provide training to the City’s Solid Waste Department that
focuses on operations, administration and maintenance.
“The overall objective of the campaign is to assist and educate residents in Port-au-Prince
on how to keep the environment clean; said Commissioner Spence-Jones “It also provides
training that will prepare them sho uld another disaster strike Haiti.”
During the visit there was the establishment of an art and cultural exchange partnership
between Port-au-Prince and the City of Miami.
Caribbean needs
international support-
President Jagdeo
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will need the support of International Financial
Institutions (IFIs), as it seeks relief for debt-burdened member states, in the face of the
global financial crisis.
President of the Republic of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, told journalists at Jamaica House re-
cently, that there is a clear need for urgent financing for many CARICOM states to avoid a
catastrophic situation.
Mr. Jagdeo, who was in the island on a working visit, was speaking in his capacity as Chair of
a special Prime Ministerial Task Force, which includes Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Bruce Golding,
set up by CARICOM to craft appropriate responses to the impact of the crisis on the region.
“We are not seeking a write off, at this time, to a specific amount of debt. What we are seeking
to do is to get these institutions, in principle, to agree that middle income countries of a particu-
lar kind, and those can be found in our region, where they have specific vulnerabilities, that
they should be eligible for multilateral debt relief,” the Guyanese President said.
Chand’s West “They must also be eligible for financing, so they can refinance some of the high cost, short
term debt,” Mr. Jagdeo added.
Indian Groceries The Task Force has completed a dossier on each country, outlining the gaps that exist in each
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20 Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun

9. New AirTran service Guyana expelling
from Orlando American church leaders
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. has announced introduction of Guyana has refused to renew the visas for about 50 United States citizens who are mem-
service to Nassau, Bahamas, and Montego Bay, Jamaica. bers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints, some of whom were detained by
police while efforts to address the issue were ongoing at a diplomatic level.
Pending final government approval, AirTran Airways will begin flights to Nassau on De-
cember 17, 2009, and to Montego Bay, Jamaica, on February 11, 2010. Both destinations The church began operating in Guyana about two decades ago having received permis-
will feature nonstop flights from Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, and Orlando, and con- sion from the then administration of late President Desmond Hoyte. The church has been
necting service from over 40 other AirTran cities. involved in missionary and humanitarian work in several communities around Guyana.
“We are extremely excited to be connecting not only Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington and The Guyana government has denied speculation that its action is based on suspicion that
Orlando to these popular tourist destinations, but in fact, almost our entire network,” said the church members are involved in espionage on behalf of the US government, pointing
Kevin Healy, senior vice president, marketing and planning. out that “this is an immigration issue.”
AirTran Airways is already a leading carrier to winter sun destinations, with flights to Cancun, The Ministry of Home Affairs said that in accordance with the Immigration Act, it had
Mexico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Phoenix, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and nine cities in Florida. issued letters denying work permits and extension of stay to 50 missionaries belonging to
the Church. They were ordered to leave the jurisdiction, the ministry explained in a state-
ment issued after members of the Church were detained at the Criminal Investigation
Department (CID), Eve Leary for several hours. The statement also sought to correct a
Mediation process breaks down, report which it said purportedly originated from the US embassy that the missionaries
were being expelled because “they were engaged in espionage activities”-a claim denied
– Continued from page 1 – by the embassy. The missionaries were subsequently given a 30-day period to leave, after
a meeting between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Church representatives.
Indies cricket in jepoardy. President Jagdeo has also blamed the Board for the breakdown.
The main opposition party has criticised the government’s handling of the incident, call-
ing it an assault on the religious community, while warning that it could have implications
In response, the Board has denied that it is at fault, pointing out that the Players Association was
never committed to the process and accusing Sir Shridat of breaching the rules of procedure. for the treatment of Guyanese abroad.
Fans of the West Indies cricket team were hopeful that a secure and permanent end to the Caribbean Sun understands that discussions are taking place at various levels including
troubles that have plagued their team for the past decade will emerge from the mediation diplomatic which are aimed at allowing the church to continue its work in Guyana.
process assigned to former Commonwealth Secretary General, Guyanese Sir Shridat Ramphal.
Ramphal was appointed by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chairman, Guyana’s Presi-
dent Bharat Jagdeo to mediate a dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board and the
West Indies Players Association which resulted in many of the senior players withdrawing
their services for the tour of the West Indies by Bangladesh last month.
West Indies was forced to use a second rate test team which lost both the test and one-day
series to Bangladesh, giving them their first series win ever.
Following on the withdrawal of the senior players, and the selection by the Board of a new
team, the Players Association wrote to current CARICOM Chair, President Bharat Jagdeo
of Guyana seeking the intervention of Caribbean governments on the matter.
Jagdeo immediately brought the two sides together out of which emerged an agreement
for mediation to be supervised by Sir Shridat. While the mediation process has begun, the
WI Board has named a squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in South Africa this
month which does not include the players who had earlier withdrawn their services.
Retired Guyana and West Indies off-spinner Lance Gibbs, who has been named as man-
ager ofthe team for the Champions Trophy,told Caribbean Sun in an exclusive interview
that the players who withdrew their service at short notice acted irresponsibly and failed to
appreciate the importance of cricket to West Indian nationhood.
“Their withdrawal at the ninth hour prior to the start of the Bangladesh tour could have
brought an end to West Indies cricket. Had the Board not been able to assemble a team
quickly there would have been financial losses from which it would have never recovered.
There could also have been law suits for breach as contracts including television rights.
This was a serious situation which could have killed West Indies cricket,” Gibbs stressed.
Gibbs was also critical of former West Indies captain Chris Gayle and the senior players
who failed to turn up at at an ICC ceremony in St. Lucia to launch next year’s twenty/20
World Cup in the competition in the West Indies. He said the players demonstrated by
their abscence a lack of pride and honor for West Indies cricket.
A former world record holder for the most wickets in test cricket, Gibbs said he was
particularly concerned that some of the younger players of the senior team such as Narsingh
Deonarine and Lionel Baker would allow their future to be put in jeopardy by a misguided
West Indies Players Association. He is of the view that many of the players joined in the
“strike action” without fully understanding the implications.
“All these players, including the senior players will now have to fight for their places in
the team in the future,” Gibbs said, while paying tribute to members of the hurriedly put
together team whom, in his view, put up a good showing against Bangladesh.
“These were players who were awakened in the middle of the night to be asked to travel
the next day to plat Test cricket. Look at the performance of Downlin, Roach, Bernard and
the young wicketkeeper who has taken 12 catches in two Tests,” Gibbs pointed out.
Ramphal had earlier said that he hoped the mediation process could end by August, indicating
that the Board should have proceeded with naming the best team for the South Africa tour.
“For the removal of doubt and avoidance of misunderstanding, I make clear that the Me-
diation Process following the Georgetown Agreement between the West Indies Cricket
Board and the West Indies Players Association in no way affects the obligation of WICB
to select the best West Indies team available for the ICC Champions Trophy tour of South
Africa; and that the WICB has at least until 22 August to do so, including any changes to
lists earlier supplied — notwithstanding the ongoing Mediation Process,” Ramphal said
in a statement.
However, the Board went ahead with a team that does not include the players who with-
drew their services and has indiacted that these players will have to earn selection into a
future West Indies team through their performance in the regional tournaments.
Meanwhile, West Indies fans around the world are hopeful that the mediation process
would bring about a lasting solution to the problems that have plagued the team over the
years and that this would allow the players to perform at their full capacities, thereby
returning West Indies cricket to its glory days of yesteryear.
Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun 21