London Mission Newsletter volume 27 (May 2007)

May 2007

Volume 27

Inside this Issue IMF lauds the economy of Trinidad and Tobago

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From the Office of the Prime Minister

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Trinidad and Tobago open for investment

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Minister salutes new Heads of Missions

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Letter to the Editor

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Calypso and Samba clash in London

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The complete guide to Tobago

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E-mail the Editor at: tthc@btconnect.com

Story on page 8

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LONDON MISSION

IMF lauds the economy of Trinidad & Tobago

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Tobago was enjoying revenues from developing new gas fields and its petrochemical industry and now the construction sector was booming.

uring his address at a seminar at the Central Bank on 7 May 2007 to present the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) regional economic outlook, Mr. Max Alier, IMF Mission Chief for Trinidad and Tobago, described as “quite a remarkable achievement, the fact that Trinidad & Tobago has been able to double its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the last five years.”

He added that: “Everything is quite broad-based. You also now have the lowest unemployment on record.”

Mr. Alier said that Trinidad and

Mr. Alier stated that the IMF had seen “very favourable developments

The IMF expects a growth rate of 6 1/2 percent in Trinidad and Tobago in 2007.

on the inflation front in Trinidad and Tobago. Not only has headline inflation been coming down, and is now around 8 percent after having peaked at around 10 percent, but core inflation has also started to trend down.”

He said that the IMF believed this was due to Central Bank policy and improved coordination between the Central Bank and the Treasury which had helped the Central Bank with liquidity management.

TIC 2007 excels

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he annual Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) took place on May 16th – 19th, 2007, at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Trinidad and Tobago. In its eighth consecutive year, it is the annual flagship project of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), and is sponsored by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and RBTT Bank Limited.

TIC 2007 was opened by the Prime Minister, the Honourable Patrick Manning, who praised the organisers of the event for contributing to the Government's goal of making Trinidad and Tobago a hub of finance and commerce for the region.

The region’s largest business-to-business event, TIC 2007 proved once again to be an ideal forum

for manufacturers, service providers, buyers and distributors, financial institutions and investors from around the world, to meet and conduct business.

At TIC 2007, over 300 companies (spanning 16 different countries) exhibited in 235 booths, 12 kiosks and 4 pavilions. The Convention excelled previous years and drew thousands of the most influential business associates from around the region and the globe.

TIC is responsible each year for millions of dollars in inter-regional trade and international business transactions.

TIC 2007 Chairman, Anthony Aboud, said that he was very proud and pleased with this year's turnout and activities. He raved that the event con-

A view of the Convention

tinued to exceed expectations.

One of the major highlights of the event was an "Agri Tunnel" which was one of the largest displays at TIC 2007. The tunnel was actually a greenhouse that was a presentation of collaborative alliance of Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), National Agro Chemicals Ltd. (NACL) and National Agriculture and Marketing Development Company (NAMDEVCO). These three companies gave visitors to their booth helpful hints on how to grow food.

Other highlights were various seminars that were well attended by the local business community. One such seminar was on the manufacturing sector in Korea. This was hosted by the Ministry of Trade an Industry. It gave the manufacturing community some insights into the phenomenal developments made by Korea in this industry.

The consensus with buyers, exhibitors and attendees was that the TIC 2007 was a resounding success.

LONDON MISSION

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From the Office of the Prime Minister PM to farmers - retool and re-educate The farmers discussed plans to retool and reThe Hon. Prime Minister meets with representatives of the Cunupia Farmers Associaeducate farmers to he Cunupia Farmers meet the demands of the A s s o c i a t i o n h a s modern farming sector, praised the Government of and ensure that practitioTrinidad and Tobago for ners in both the food crop formulating a policy strat- and dairy farming sectors egy to ensure sustained were up to date with curfood security for the na- rent technologies. The tion. The group, headed farmers thanked the Prime

by President Anil Ram- Minister for recent steps narine, paid a courtesy call taken by the Government on the Prime Minister at to improve the infrastrucWhitehall, to discuss a va- ture used by the farmers of riety of issues including Central Trinidad. They collaboration with the gov- indicated that these imernment to ensure im- provements, which inproved efficiency of food cluded the reconstruction crop production in Central of access roads and bridges had directly impacted on Trinidad. increases in crop production.

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The farmers told the Prime Minister that they currently make a significant contribution to the food production and export market of Trinidad and Tobago, describing their territories as the ‘food basket’ of the nation.

The delegation indicated that among the challenges they faced were lack of irrigation facilities, land insecurity and praedial larceny. The Prime Minister assured the farmers that he would consider their concerns as part of the Government’s plan to further enhance the capability of the national farming sector.

Mr. Manning indicated to the farmers that government would require an

eventual shift to organic farming as the way forward for the industry and called on the farmers to integrate this approach into their plans for the future. The farmers responded positively to this position being taken by Government, pointing out that their farmer reeducation packages already included the use of organic technologies and fertilizers.

In addition to the President, the delegation that visited the Prime Minister was made up of Secretary Suraj Ramnarine, Communications Officer Mahendra Rambally and Bahadoo Ramjattan, Marketing Officer.

SUNWAY GROUP ASKED TO PARTNER WITH GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST WITH ENHANCING SKILLS

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he Prime Minister is making moves to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago derives long term benefits from the presence of experienced foreign construction firms in the country.

At a meeting with a delegation from the Sunway Group at Whitehall, President of the Group, Chew Chee Kin, responded to a call from the Prime Minister to partner with the Government in an effort to expose local contractors to the technologies

and models used by his firm in its successful construction projects. Mr. Chew told the Prime Minister that the Sunway Group would embrace the opportunity to share its expertise with the people of Trinidad and Tobago, as a continuance of the company’s good relations with this country.

The Prime Minister indicated to the Sunway Group that it was critical that the skill level of local small contractors was raised during the period

of intense infrastructural development that the country was currently undergoing. The Prime Minister outlined to Mr. Chew the government’s priorities in relation to the areas of development of the sector, construction management and manufacturing of construction materials.

The delegation was headed by President Chew and included Country Manager Poon Koon Hoo and Senior Managing Director of the Sunway Group, K.L Tan.

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LONDON MISSION

Angostura looks to London Stock Exchange and solutions for sugar….

by Dionne Ligoure

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awrence Duprey, Chairman of CL Financial and CL World Brands, announced at the end of May that Angostura Holdings Limited, one of the company’s subsidiaries, would be listed on the London Stock Exchange within 24 months.

Angostura, a rum and spirits company, is parent to brands such as the world renowned Angostura Bitters, Angostura 1919 and 1824 and Royal Oak Rum. Mr. Duprey estimated the Angostura Group to be worth over US$ 100 million. On the heels of the London Stock Exchange listing announcement, Mr. Duprey spoke about the demise of the local and regional sugar industry and its impact on Angostura. He indicated that rising costs was a challenge his management team was faced with everyday.

He made the statement in specific reference to molasses (a by product of sugar) and a key ingredient to Angostura’s core business of rum production. However, Mr. Duprey was actively seeking solutions to address the issue and indicated that Angostura was looking at engaging in joint ven-

tures with cane producers around the region and the world to get raw material for its products.

He said that Angostura (Barbados) Ltd plants cane in Barbados. “It’s highly mechanised. It involves a different strategy. We have cane experience. I was looking to plant cane in Mozambique,” stated Duprey.

Lawrence Duprey

He also highlighted that Angostura was also looking to plant cane in Mauritius, but the country was too small for cane cultivation, although it had the technology, which had been transferred to Mozambique where there was more land and it was cheaper to plant cane.

Mr. Duprey ended by stating that the combination of technology, capital, finance and natural resources were all about creating value for the Third World.

World, we are open for investment - Min. Valley

The Honourable Kenneth Valley

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abinet has recently approved a Green Paper for a new investment policy promoting greater economic diversification.

According to the Hon. Kenneth Valley, Minister of Trade and Industry, the new policy aims to lessen the country’s reliance on oil and natural gas by developing Trinidad and Tobago’s non-energy sector.

“For some time now, the Government has been working on a new draft investment policy that would really promote Trinidad and Tobago as an attractive location for both foreign and domestic investment,” he told reporters during the post-Cabinet news briefing at Whitehall in Port-of-Spain.

“Therefore, we thought that such a position should really put investment in an investment-friendly environment—that it should cater for the economic diversification for which we seek. We have been saying that we have a window of opportunity...We are using our energy reserves to build sustainability in the

non-energy sector, but that we have to build the nonenergy sector,” said the Minister, who also went on to state that increased foreign investment would be vital to the process.

On the policy’s key objectives, Minister Valley said: “What we intend to do...is to take some of the conditions that we would normally put in a bilateral investment treaty and put it in our investment policy so that no longer will there be a necessity to negotiate bilateral investment treaties...We are telling the world that we are open for investment.”

In the new policy, foreign share ownership will see an increase from 30 to

49 percent and there will be measures to facilitate industrial expansion, with special emphasis on services, as well as the promotion and diversification of exports.

“The dual mechanisms for achieving these aims include the attraction of foreign investment and the stimulation and encouragement of domestic investment,” he added.

The Hon. Minister said that the policy must be viewed in the context of the Government’s desire “to provide an environment that would see T&T as a manufacturing hub, a trans-shipment hub and a financial and commercial centre.”

LONDON MISSION

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Dulha Mil Gaya ….Where It All began…

by Dionne Ligoure

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ulha Mil Gaya (Say Yes To A Relationship) is the first major Bollywood film to be shot on location in Trinidad and Tobago. It will be released by December 2007. The movie has a stellar cast including major box office scorers Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen. This is a significant accomplishment for a country with a Film Company that is less than one year old.

The movie, a warm sometimes funny look at contemporary relationships, will be the final product. However, the making of the film itself has a story…a story which began at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in London.

In February 2006, film producer and financier CK Shah met with Ashton Ford, Information Attaché at the High Commission, expressing interest in Trinidad and Tobago as an ideal location for filming.

The team at the High Commission in London immediately recognised the opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago and the wheels were put in motion to facilitate the realisation of the project. The project was further fast tracked after the UK leg of the Trinidad and Tobago Trade Mission to Germany. At the UK Business Forum, Mr. Claude Forbes, Media Ad-

viser, and CK Shah met with Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Trade and Industry, the Hon. Kenneth Valley.

Minister Valley invited them to visit Trinidad and Tobago to see first hand all the country had to offer.

They wasted no time and shortly after a contingent including Mr. Claude Forbes and renowned Bollywood Director Viveck Vaswani flew to Trinidad and Tobago to meet with officials and to scout the location.

The Tourism Development Company extended courtesies to the visitors and ensured that they met with relevant government agencies and private enterprise, including the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company. However, Mr. Vaswani needed no convincing once he landed in Trinidad and Tobago and soon returned to India to line up cast and crew. Not long after, Vaswani and his team began their journey half way around the world to scenic Trinidad and Tobago.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago supported the project by making available finance as per the legislation and support through the relevant agencies responsible for the development of film and television in Trinidad and Tobago.

By the end of May 2007, the film crew completed shooting in

From left: Bollywood actor and one of the stars of Dulha Mil Gaya Mohit Chadda, H.E. Glenda Morean Phillip and Director Dulha Mil Gaya Viveck Vaswani.

Trinidad and Tobago and returned to India to complete final editing. On their return via London, Mr. Vaswani visited the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London, to thank High Commissioner Her Excellency Glenda Morean Philip S.C. and her team for the invaluable contribution made in ensuring the success of this project.

Dulha Mil Gaya has already captured the imagination of the Bollywood industry with interviews being requested by various media companies worldwide. To date, there are over 13,000 web-site articles associating the film with Trinidad and Tobago. In speaking with the High Commissioner, Mr. Vaswani indicated that the film laboratory in London when reviewing the footage, had stated that the shots were the most beautiful they had seen in the last ten years.

TTHC welcomes our new Commercial Attaché

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ionne Ligoure has joined the team at the Mission in the capacity of Commercial Attaché. She brings over 12 years professional experience in several areas to the position, including strategic planning, communications, international business and project management. Before joining the Mission, she was the Director, Corporate Affairs for BWIA, then Caribbean Airlines.

Ms. Ligoure was also the Communications Specialist at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Dionne has international experience having worked in the United States and the United Kingdom. She holds a Master of Science, Information and Communication Sciences as well as a B.Sc. Management Studies. Dionne is an avid reader and absolutely loves cars!

Dionne Ligoure Commercial Attaché TTHC London

A post-production marketing campaign is planned to include a global presence in major cities. It is anticipated that over 2 billion people will have some visual exposure to the film, with a significant percentage actually viewing the movie.

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LONDON MISSION

- High Commissioner has strong words for new radio station.

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n 23rd May, 2007, Voice of Africa Radio, the first and only legally licensed African radio station in the United Kingdom, was launched at the prestigious City Hall in London.

The affair was fittingly cultural and academic in nature. Lively African drumming preceded a more sombre yet equally stimulating session featuring addresses by a select group of high profile guest speakers, among them, Lee Jasper from the Mayor’s Office and Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip.

While Mr. Jasper spoke about the mainstream media’s portrayal of the African Community, High Commissioner Morean Phillip made a specific plea to the African station – tell the story.

The following is what the High Commissioner had to say: Let me begin by thanking you, Fola, and the rest of your team at Voice of Africa Radio FM at this pre-launch programme, for giving me this opportunity to venture an opinion on how the medium of radio can bring African and Caribbean people together. I also wish to congratulate VOAR for its pioneering effort in ensuring that the African community and, by extension, the Afro-Caribbean community, have not just a voice but also a stake in the electronic media in the United Kingdom, VOAR being the first and only legally licensed African radio station in the United Kingdom. Please correct me if I am wrong in so saying.

A major way in which VOAR can foster a

better relationship between people from the African continent and their cousins of the Caribbean Diaspora is by ensuring that the story giving Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip birth to that Diaspora is told.

There is a story to be told in many ways, the story to be told from the perspective of over and over. It merits repetition to high- the African Diaspora. VOAR has an imlight the historical links, similarities in portant part to play in ensuring that this physical features, music, culture in gen- aspect of the story is told. I look forward eral, religion and cuisine, to mention a to the promulgation of these aspects by few, between Africans from the continent Voice of Africa Radio. and the people from the Caribbean Diasporic States. For it is only by understand- At the recently-concluded African Unioning the past that we can come to terms Caribbean Diaspora Conference held under with the present and plan for the future, auspices of the South African High Comand that future is the cultivation of the mission in London, the Caribbean Diasporic States were referred to as the sixth relationship described above. regional member of the African Union, a The highlighting of VOAR’S success in definition that came from the African Unthis the bicentennial year of the Abolition ion itself. This designation should serve to of the Transatlantic Slave Trade provides strengthen the resolve of the radio station a wonderful opportunity for telling this to bring about that vital connection bestory, which has its genesis in the slave tween the peoples of the Continent and the trade through which countless Africans Caribbean Region. were transported across the Atlantic to work in the plantations of the then colo- A word of caution, however - we must take nial masters, and which continued with care that we do not confuse nationality the struggles of the many Africans who with ethnicity. For example, I consider myself to be a citizen of Trinidad and Towaged battles to secure their freedom. bago of African heritage. My links with It is important for us to tell the story from Africa are important to me but so also are our perspective and this is where VOAR my links to Trinidad and Tobago. I take has a part to play. In fact, I am delighted pride in my ethnicity and I am also proud that at last, through this medium, we have to be a Trinbagonian. an opportunity to put forward our point of view not only on this issue but also on all I have spoken briefly on the historical aspect of our relationship but VOAR can do other issues pertinent to us. a lot to cement that relationship between You will recall that a major focus of the Africa and its diaspora by programmes bicentennial celebrations in the United which highlight the music, etc. Time does Kingdom is the part played by William not permit me to go into these aspects in Wilberforce in the legal dismantling of the detail but suffice it to say that this radio Transatlantic Slave Trade. However, this station can and must, through its prois one aspect of the story told from one grammes, connect Africa with its diaspora. perspective. But there are other aspects of

LONDON MISSION

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LONDON MISSION

The Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal Display

with pictures and story by Donald Chambers

Sheer delight: Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip congratulates designer Joan Wilson on the Society’s Gold Medal achievement.

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here are seventeen annual shows held in the United Kingdom by the Royal Horticultural Society and of those seventeen, none is held in higher regard than the Chelsea Flower Show. In fact, this horticultural showcase held in the heart of up-market London, is considered to be the world’s most prestigious and sought after horticultural event.

When you think of Chelsea, you think of opulence, high standards and style; throw in the Chelsea Flower Show and you have all those elements plus colour, flair, excellence, meticulous detail, admiration, scrutiny, high expectations and delivery. The Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago faced all these elements, stood tall amongst its peers, and delivered walking away once more with Gold!

Commenting on the theme for this year’s Gold Medal display “Honouring Our Past” – designer Joan Wilson said, “It marks 200 years of the Abolition of the Slave Trade, and we drew on the positive aspects and influences that developed and shaped our culture, environment and music, i.e. our heritage. Reflecting the strong musical influences of the era was the song ‘Amazing Grace’. It was written by John Newton, a converted British Slave Trade abolitionist, and was depicted by the use of white orchids, anthuriums, natural

cotton and fruits with vegetables. The combined elements of white that you see, bursts into the colour of reflected light that represents relieved fears and new-found hope. The fact that we received a Gold Medal means that in the judges’ eyes, we did justice to the theme.

And for that I am thrilled.”

The other members of the Society who contributed to the Chelsea display were Sundar Narinesingh, Chan Ramkisoon, Janice Benjamin, Tony Tang Kai, Joan Hampton, Cynthia Baptiste and Judith Theodore. Trinidad and Tobago nationals in London, Jeanette De Couteau and Sylvia Shoon provided their usual support for the team.

The Gold Medal is the most recent in a long list of accolades for the Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago and this year’s medal is the tenth received in Joan’s tenth year representing her country at both the Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Shows, and is the twelfth the Society has received, along with seven Silver-Gilt and 2 Holford Medals (given to an amateur for most outstanding display of flowers for the year).

So recognised is their expertise that in November 2006, the Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago was

invited to participate in the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek in Thailand, an International Horticultural Flower Show which was held as a joint commemoration of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60th Anniversary of his Accession to the throne and his 80th birthday. He is the world’s oldest reining monarch. This invitation was extended based on Trinidad and Tobago’s outstanding performances at the Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Shows. The expo site which featured displays from thirty-one countries, spanned 80 hectares of land, lasted ninety-two days (Nov. 2006 – Jan 2007) and attracted 3.6 million visitors, bringing great exposure to the beautiful fauna and creative talents of the land and people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Given the track record of these acclaimed florists, we can anticipate another strong showing at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July next.

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LONDON MISSION

A wonderful evening at the Trinidad & Tobago High Commission...

by Donald Chambers

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Dr. Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw

Arima in the spotlight: In a special moment, former Mayor of Arima, Attaché Ashton Ford, presents former Arima resident, Dame Louise Horne, with a card and a cake on behalf of the High Commissioner and Staff, to commemorate Dame Louise’s 94th birthday.

Defying the years: Dame Lousie reads from her prepared speech without the use of her glasses.

he Trinidad and Tobago High Commission has, over the years, been the location of choice to honour and feature the talent and ultimate achievers of Trinidad and Tobago, and on the evening of Thursday 3rd May, 2007, it was business as usual. The High Commission featured the works of former Independent Senator, Dame Louise Horne, and acclaimed writer, Dr. Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw, at an official launch of their most recent publications.

In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip was high in praise of the featured publications – Four Taxis Facing North (Dr. WalcottHackshaw) and The Evolution of Modern Trinidad and Tobago (Dame Louise Horne) – and was even more complimentary

of the authors themselves, describing Mrs. WalcottHackashaw (Professor at the University of the West Indies and daughter of Nobel Prize Winner Derek Walcott) as, “a gifted scholar whose love for her culture is evident in her work,” and Dame Loiuse Horne (former Member of Parliament and recipient of the Medal of Merit -Gold), as, “an amazing woman who has not only written about the history of Trinidad and Tobago, but one who, at the age of ninety-three, continues to make it.”

The event was attended by representatives of various High Commissions in London, members of the press, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, other invited guests and members of staff at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London.

Foreign Exchange rates as at 31 May 2007

Currency

Counter: Buying

Selling

Pound Sterling

12.3707

12.7418 11.5000

US Dollar

6.1362

6.3203

Notes: Buying

6.0000

Source: Scotiabank Trinidad & Tobago Limited

WTI Cushing Spot Crude Oil Price on 31 May 2007 $64.89 US per barrel

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A new Exhibition at the MCC Museum, Lord’s Ground

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rian Lara is a name instantly recognisable to all cricket fans. The most prolific run-scorer of his generation, he has dominated the imagination of the cricket world since scoring his maiden test century - 277 against Australia at Sydney in 1990. He is the greatest run-scorer in the game’s history and the holder of the record highest scores in test and first class cricket. His record-breaking innings of 375, 400 and 501 are iconic moments in the history of the modern game and, in 2006, he was recognised by his contemporaries as the greatest batsman in the world.

Brian Charles Lara

Yet Lara remains something of an enigma. These remarkable innings have all taken place during an era when West Indies cricket has been in decline. His run-scoring record underscores his genius - many of his highest innings being made in the face of defeat - but he has also experienced criticism for his captaincy of the side.

His retirement from the game in April 2007 provides a timely opportunity to evaluate Lara’s lasting legacy in West Indies and international cricket .

This summer, MCC is hosting an exhibition in the Museum at Lord’s celebrating the career of Brian Lara, with themed displays that explore different aspects of Lara’s life, both in and out of cricket. Each section is illustrated with items of memorabilia from Lara’s personal collection that have been brought from his home in Trinidad specifically for this exhibition and which are being displayed to the public for the first time.

The exhibition opened on May 17 and is accessible to members of the public with match tickets (admission price to the MCC Museum is £3 adults/£1 concessions) or on non-cricket days via the Tour of Lords (for details please call 020 7616 8595).

Dear Sir, We would like to thank the High Commission for its generosity in sending us information representing the culture of Trinidad and Tobago which we displayed at International Women’s Day in order to promote cultural awareness and diversity. The event was a huge success with approximately 350 women from a variety of cultures attending and much interest was shown in the information about your country which you kindly sent to us.

Activities included entertainment from different cultural dances, a

cultural fashion show, face painting, henna painting and ongoing pampering sessions. Information and advice were provided from different organisations which included health, education, housing, benefit, charitable groups and employment. There were also displays and workshops giving women the chance to socialise and exchange information and ideas which may bring about changes to improve their quality of life.

We hope that we will be able to continue hosting this event in future years. Once again thank you for your help.

Yours faithfully, Sabra Ahmed Liverpool Network for Change

To send letters to the editor please e-mail to: tthc@btconnect.com or post to: Mr. Ashton Ford Attaché - Public Affairs, Culture & Tourism Trinidad and Tobago High Commission 42 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8NT

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LONDON MISSION

by Geoff Lowe

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Nostalgia Steelband performing at the event.

anning House, London, was the venue on May 31, 2007, for a unique encounter between Trinidad & Tobago and Brazil – weaving calypso and samba together in a dynamic first-ever fusion of its kind in the United Kingdom. Attaché Ashton Ford represented the High Commission.

Trinidadian musicians, including Alexander D. Great and Lionel McCalman from Nostalgia Steel Band, showcased their musical heritage to Brazilian artistes Bosco de Oliveira and Co, Mestre Carlao from Kabula and Ian Pattinson from Paraiso School of Samba – who in turn serenaded the gathering with samba stories and rhythms.

This was a truly multi-cultural evening where two cultures with strong African links got the chance to share and explore each other’s musical roots, culminating in a vibrant jam session.

A section of the crowd on the night.

Record year for ISS Fair

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he annual International Social Service of the United Kingdom (ISS) Spring Fair was held at the Kensington Town Hall on 15th and 16th May 2007.

The Fair is a celebration of food, music and crafts from various countries across the world. As in years past, Trinidad and Tobago was one of the participating countries with a stall displaying some of its well known products and also a pannist, Samuel Du Bois, who entertained the crowd in the foyer.

The proceeds of the Fair go towards helping children and families across national borders, spanning over one hundred and thirty countries.

This year’s event proved to be a resounding success and raised a record one hundred and five thousand pounds (£105, 000) for the projects of the International Social Service of the United Kingdom (ISS).

Right: Ms. Ulin Friday and Mrs. Donna Phillip Forde, who represented the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission. Mr. Geoff Lowe (not Pictured) was the head of the TTHC team for the Fair.

View from above: The Trinidad and Tobago stall at the Fair.

LONDON MISSION

The Bishop Anstey High School Choir

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he Bishop Anstey High School Choir and Steel Orchestra from Trinidad and Tobago have had the distinction and privilege of being selected to compete in the 2007 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to be held in Wales from 9th – 15th July, 2007.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is a world famous celebration of international culture which includes song, dance, poetry and instrumental folk groups. Started in 1947, this festival has been held annually and attracts competitors from over 40 countries and an audience of over 4,000 persons each night over the five days of the festival.

The festival fosters a spirit of international solidarity, peace and acceptance of diversity and, in 2004, the Eisteddfod was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, its motto being “Blessed Is the World that Sings, Gentle are its songs”.

Bishop Anstey High School was founded in 1921 to offer educational opportunities to girls comparable to those long available to the boys of the country. From its inception, music played an integral part in the curriculum and extra-curricular life of the school leading to a long tradition of musical excellence.

The Bishop Anstey High School Choir has been in existence for over seventy years and is the cornerstone of the school’s musical tradition. The choir

has on seven occasions, won the coveted Trinidad Music Association Shield at the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival and produced vocalists and musicians of international acclaim.

The choir’s ever-expanding range and repertoire include Classical, Contemporary and Gospel Music as well as African, West Indian Folk and Calypso.

In July 2005, the Senior Choir and Steel Ensemble were accepted to participate in the 59th Annual Llangollen International Musical Eistedfodd in Wales. The Choir competed in the categories for Female and Youth Choirs and placed 4th in both. In addition, the choir was selected to perform at the three matinee concerts for children hosted by the Eistedfodd Committee.

The recently formed Dance Group have also been invited to perform at an evening concert on Wednesday 11th July on the Pavillion Stage at the Eisteddfod The present choir mistress, Lorraine Granderson, herself a past student and member of choir, assumed responsibility in 1996 and has continued the tradition of excellence and achievement. The Choir has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the Most Outstanding School Choir at every Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival since 1997.

At the 2006 Biennial Music Festival, the Junior Choir won The Providence Shield, and the Senior Choir emerged winners of The TMA Shield, The Marionette’s Cup,

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The Judge Russell Cup, The Joyce Spencer Trophy and the Prime Minister’s Trophy. Many choir members won or were placed in the top three positions in their individual categories. The choir was also awarded a trophy for Excellence at the recently held “National Youth Action Top Twenty Stars of Tomorrow, 2006”.

The Bishop Anstey High School Steel Orchestra, also under the direction of Lorraine Granderson, was formed in 1996. It performs not only as a complement to the choir but has distinguished itself at the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival, the National Schools Panorama and at various public performances.

In addition to competing in the Instrumental Folk Competition at Llangollen, the steel orchestra had been specially invited to perform at three Outreach Performances for the people of Llangollen.

Their participation is also an opportunity for the Choir to represent Trinidad and Tobago at a highly acclaimed international forum. Youth choirs and orchestras from all over the world will gather to compete but, more importantly, this competition is yet another opportunity for the girls to showcase the talent, excellence and culture of Trinidad and Tobago, and to be ambassadors, continuing the tradition of excellence that has produced successive generations of musicians, singers and composers.

Please note: the Choir and Steel Ensemble will be performing at St. Margaret’s Church, London, on FRIDAY 20TH JULY, 2007. For tickets and information, please contact Suresh Rambaran at 07799063126.

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LONDON MISSION

www.cocoyea.com

www.galleryhendon.com

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The complete guide to With its choice of the Caribbean Sea or Atlantic Ocean, palm tree or rainforest, dozing or diving, and three types of sand, this is a paradise island in the sun like no other, says Marian Amos of The Independent Traveller magazine.

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he shores of Tobago have plenty of coral reefs, and are rewarding for novices and experts alike, as they are surprisingly undeveloped. With over 300 types of coral and countless fish, including parrot fish, and every sort of angel fish, the waters surrounding Tobago have international drift-dive recognition. You can swim among dolphins, manta rays, turtles and sharks, as well as the rarer shortnose batfish and toadfish.

The real challenge, for expert divers with local guides, is the deep London Bridge dive. Here, the ocean's forces have engineered a natural arch amid the swirling currents off the coast at Charlotteville. The rock "bridge" crowns large ocean pinnacles rising up from a depth of 30 metres. Divers can ride the rapids one at a time through a porthole arch, then dramatically drop and explore the folds and canyons of

PART V

the pinnacle base.

Colonies of star and brain coral abound, sponges cling to the walls, while tangs and trumpet-fish keep patrol. Elsewhere, pirate ships, Spanish galleons and Second World War vessels lie on the sea floor.

Snorkelling, a slightly more sedate pursuit, is similarly rewarding. Arnos Vale, in the northwest, offers some of the best, and in relatively sheltered conditions. Angel Reef, just off Little Tobago in Batteaux Bay, is perfect territory for inexperienced and younger snorkellers, who can see puffer fish, parrot fish and pipe fish swimming among the dead man's fingers and seafan corals.

Tobago The seas off the island can be rough, and riptides are numerous. Always check conditions and weather reports before you set off. It's also worth contacting the Association of Tobago Dive Operators for advice and specialists (www.tobagoscubadiving.com).

(See PART VI in next issue)

VACANCIES

LECTURER IN LITERATURES IN ENGLISH Department: Liberal Arts Faculty: Humanities & Education Deadline Date: Saturday, June 30, 2007 LECTURER/SENIOR LECTURER IN ECONOMICS Department: Economics Faculty: Social Sciences Deadline Date: Saturday, June 30, 2007 SENIOR LECTURER/LECTURER IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department: Management Studies Faculty: Social Sciences Deadline Date: Saturday, June 30, 2007 LECTURER/ASSISTANT LECTURER IN GOVERNMENT Department: Behavioural Sciences Faculty: Social Sciences Deadline Date: Saturday, June 30, 2007

U.W.I. Application procedure Complete two copies of the application form provided and submit with the application form, your full particulars of qualifications, experience, date of birth, marital status and addresses of three (3) referees (one of whom should be from your current organisation).

This information should be forwarded to: The Campus Registrar The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. Fax: 1 868 663 9684 Email: appts@admin.uwi.tt Particulars of advertised posts and applications forms are available at the above address and at http://www.uwi.tt. In order to expedite the appointments procedure, applicants are advised to ask their referees to send references under confidential cover directly to the Campus Registrar at the above address.

At the Brit Oval with the West Indies: Back row - Steve Malkin (TDC-PR), Nova Alexander (TDC-Mgr), Andrew Baker, Daily Telegraph, Sprots Feature Writer , Denesh Ramdin, Ashton Ford (TTHC), Stephen Thorpe, freelance travel writer and Huw Turbervill, Daily Express Sports Desk. Front row - Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan (capt.), Daren Ganga (v.capt.) and Michael Findlay (Mgr.) Left: TTHC’s Donald Chambers with Jenny Collyer, Subject Area Leader, Multimedia Systems, London Metropolitan University, at the University’s Summer Reception, held at the Tower of London. Mr. Chambers was attending on behalf of Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip. In the background is the armour of King Henry VIII.

Ms. Claudia Cupid (left) and Mrs. Donna Phillip-Forde of the TTHC are joined by national footballer Carlos Edwards and his daughter at the Office of the High Commission.

Above: Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip with Dr. Floella Benjamin at Trinidad and Tobago’s display at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Women in Diplomatic Service: H.E. Glenda Morean Phillip (far right) with other High Commissioners accredited to Norway.

From left: H.E. Fatoumata Sire Diakitè (High Commissioner, Mali), H.E. Theresia Samaria (High Commissioner, Namibia) and H.E. Bernadette Sebage Rathedi (High Commissioner, Botswana) on the steps of a national monument in Norway.

Trinidad and Tobago High Commission 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065 E-mail: tthc.information@btconnect.com