London Mission Newsletter volume 34 (Feb - Mar 2008)

Volume 34

February 20 - March 25, 2008

2004

2008 2008 www.tthighcommission.co.uk

don Trinidad &Tobago welcomes Barbados PM

Nationals meeting roundup PAGE 12

PAGE 4

A Royal Visit

Eye on Trade

PAGE 5

PAGE 13

Nationals honour High Commissioner

Youth Representation

PAGE 8

PAGE 14

Product of the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, London

FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

3

by Donald Chambers

T

he Trinidad and Tobago High Commission bids farewell to its leader of the past four years, Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip.

The services of this highly accomplished professional will not be lost to the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, but instead, will be transferred to the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in Washington D.C., where Her Excellency will assume duties as our country’s new Ambassador to the United States of America, Mexico and the Organisation of American States.

“It is with notable sadness that I leave my posting in London, as it is with any goodbye, but at the same time I look forward to taking up the challenge of my new post in Washington,” said outgoing High Commissioner Morean Phillip.

The High Commissioner’s apparent contentment with her pending departure is understandable given the overwhelming feeling among those she served (the T&T nationals and members of the business community in the UK) that her job here has been done efficiently. As Crown Prosecutor and T&T national, Travers Sinanan, put it “she came, she saw and she conquered.”

Mr. Sinanan was speaking at a function organised by a group of nationals, who, fuelled by their deep appreciation for the work of H.E. Morean Phillip, held the event to honour “Queen Glenda,” as she was dubbed on the day (see article on page 8).

That the High Commissioner should receive such a high level of praise and appreciation should come as no surprise, according to Public Affairs Attaché Ashton Ford. “The results of her hard work and accomplishments

are there for all to see, even literally,” said Mr. Ford, making reference to a refurbished and revitalised 42 Belgrave Square.

These are some of notable achievements for the High Presentation of Credentials to the Queen in 2004 Commission under Her • T h e e s t a b l i s h me n t o f Excellency’s watch: • The refurbishment of the Trinidad and Tobago associated High Commission (as mentioned) – groups and organisations – the this received some attention in High Commission has facilitated and parliament but as nationals and fostered the establishment of groups members of staff have testified, it was and organizations that encompass the worth the money spent. Nationals can interests of the citizens and feel proud as they step into their home descendants of Trinidad and Tobago at away from home which is well heart. While most of these groups are equipped to meet their needs while of a cultural nature, one noteworthy visitors are presented with a statement business-related organisation is the of our country’s burgeoning Trinidad and Tobago Professionals Network in the United Kingdom development.

• The expansion of the (TTPNUK). This is effectively a cultural and public relations pooling of our nation’s skilled labour programme – the Mission now in the United Kingdom. For more boasts a cultural directive that seeks to i n f o r m a t i o n p l e a s e v i s i t accommodate the needs of a diverse www.ttpnuk.com Diaspora. With events such as • The revamping of the Independence Day Celebrations, Mission’s publication, the Indian Arrival Day Celebrations, London Mission and the website Emancipation, Spiritual Baptist - making information easily accessible Shouter Liberation Day, Divali, Eid and readily available has been a and the Students and Nationals priority of the High Commissioner.

Christmas gatherings, Trinidad and Please visit: Tobago nationals are encouraged to www.tthighcommission.co.uk participate in the heritage and are These achievements are the result of a afforded the space and occasion to collaborative effort of a visionary celebrate their customs collectively. leader and the staff that she inspired.

• The expansion of the trade agenda – the Mission has undertaken As the members of staff anticipate the a proactive approach to trade and arrival of our new Head of Mission, investment in the UK and throughout we take this opportunity to wish Europe, highlighting Trinidad and outgoing High Commissioner, Her Tobago’s ‘open for business’ status. Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, all This is tangibly evidenced by the best and are thankful for her time numerous trade presentations made in London. on behalf of the country and the Please see tributes from members of staff partnerships established with trade on page 9. bodies and key stakeholders in the industry.

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NEWS

LONDON MISSION At left:The Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

At: Right:The Hon. David Thompson,Prime Minister of

Barbados

O

n Wednesday 20 February 2008, the Honourable David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados, paid his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago at the invitation of the Honourable Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

Prime Minister Thompson was accompanied by the Honourable Christopher P. Sinckler, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business; the Honourable Dennis Kellman, M.P., Ambassador-designate to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Miss Teresa Marshall, Permanent Secretary, (Foreign Affairs) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business and Mrs. Antoinette Williams, Permanent Secretary, Defence and Security, Prime Minister's Office.

Trinidad and Tobago Welcomes Barbados Prime Minister

At this meeting, the Prime Ministers raised concerns about the Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME).

Both Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to bringing the 2015 vision to a reality.

Prime Minister Manning referred to some of the challenges ahead in creating this Single Economy, mainly the issuance of a single currency. Prime Minister Thompson related that he had suggested to the CARICOM Secretary General that since there were five new members a forum for their inclusion in the process was necessary. As a senior head, Prime Minister Manning agreed to arrange along with fellow heads a convenient date.

Regarding the matter of PETROCARIBE, both Heads of Government understood the economic benefits to be derived from such a venture but were

concerned about the long term debt implications.

Prime Ministers Manning and Thompson reviewed developments regarding security within the southern Caribbean, including the improvement of the drug interdiction capability, the CARICOM Arrest Warrant and free movement arrangements.

Regarding the Fisheries Agreement they were both confident that after the regional fish stock assessment was completed, the matter could be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

Prime Minister Thompson concluded with appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s hospitality and thought that considerable progress had been made through his discussions with Prime Minister Manning.

TT$89M Fight against Crime

N

ational Security Minister, Sen. the Hon. Martin Joseph, revealed that the Trinidad and Tobago Government spent a total of $89,648,969.48 on 602 vehicles and 63 motorcycles for the Police Service from 2002 to 2007 to boost efforts in the fight against the nations rising crime situation.

Minister Joseph’s revelation came by way of a written statement circulated during a sitting of the Senate.

In terms of current vehicle distribution within the Police Service, the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch has the most with 65, followed by the Southern Division with 62 and the Transport and Telecom Branch with 59. The Special Branch, Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau, Inter-Agency Task Force, Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Guard and Emergency Branch, CID/ Criminal Records Office, Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau, Fraud Squad and Police Band now have 24, 22, 27, 16, 16, 37, 3 and 0 vehicles respectively.

NEWS

A Royal Visit

LONDON MISSION

Pictures of The Royal Couple’s visit to the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus. Photos by Tariq Khan.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall start Caribbean tour in Trinidad & Tobago

T

heir Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, graced the shores of Trinidad and Tobago with a three-day nationwide visit that commenced on the Tuesday 4th March, 2008. The Royals landed in Tobago and were welcomed by Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, Mr. Orville London.

Later that day, they paid courtesy calls on President Professor George Maxwell Richards and Prime Minister Patrick Manning in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Prince Charles and the Duchess made several landmark and cultural visits while in Trinidad and Tobago. On their first day in Trinidad, the Royal Highnesses visited the ASA Wright Centre in Arima, one of the oldest nature centers in the West Indies. While there, Prince Charles launched a collaborative documentary on ‘Climate Change and the Caribbean’.

Above: Prince Charles is welcomed by students of the St. Augustine Girls High School.

Their Royal Highnesses also visited the University of Trinidad and Tobago Maritime Training Centre in Chaguaramas. There they were impressed by the state-ofthe-art equipment and enjoyed a simulation of the uses of them.

A showcase of the diverse culture of Trinidad and Tobago was displayed at the Queens Park Oval on the Thursday 6th March, 2008. The Royals were treated to Tassa and African drumming, Steel Pan music Moko Jumbies and an impressive show of cricketing skills by the Blind Cricket team. The Prince then joined in to demonstrate his batting skills much to everyone’s pleasure. He also received a short pan lesson from members of the St. James Youth Club.

5

Their Royal Highnesses stop to have a word students from the University of the West Indies Primary School.

Above: The Duchess of Cornwall looks on as Prince Charles tries his hand at the steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and (at left) the Royal Couple signs the UWI guest book before departing.

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NEWS

LONDON MISSION

7th President Sworn in elected unopposed on March 11th, 2008 by the Parliamentary electoral college.

E

lected unopposed for a second term in office, President George Maxwell Richards TC, CMT, PhD, took his oath of office publicly at the Hasley Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain on Monday 17th March, 2008.

President Maxwell Richards was first sworn in on March 17th 2003 and re

possible to live in social, cultural, institutional and political stability.

Thousands of spectators, including many students, were afforded the opportunity to witness the first public swearing in of the Head of State.

The ceremony was similar to that of Prime Minister Patrick Manning's swearing in at Woodford Square, birth place of the People’s National Movement. The President himself had administered the oath in a public setting deviating from tradition.

His Excellency urged the nation not to become a failed state, one in which there was war and famine and one which failed to achieve its fullest potential. Rather he encouraged the nation to be one that prevailed, indicating to the world that it was

A chemical engineer by profession, married to Dr Jean RamjohnRichards, a father of two and is now the 7th President of Trinidad and Tobago.

Highest Accolade in store for Lara

T

he CARICOM’s highest honour, the ‘Order of the Caribbean Community’ (OCC), will be awarded to batting sensation and former West Indies captain, Brian Charles Lara, in July of 2008.

The announcement was made after the CARICOM Heads 19th Inter-sessional meeting in Nassau, Bahamas, on the 8th of March 2008.

Lara retired from international cricket in 2007, impressively having played 131 test matches and gaining a total of 11,953 runs, the most of any international batsman to date. The legendary batsman who scored 34 centuries, amongst them, his world record 501 not out, also still holds world records for his six fours in an over; most runs in a single day’s play (390); and most runs in a test over (28), to name a few.

File photo: Brian Lara with President George Maxwell Richards.

Lara joins three other outstanding persons for the honour: Professor Rex Nettleford of Jamaica; Dr Nicholas Liverpool of Dominica; and Gordon Lamming of Barbados.

The event will be held in Antigua and Barbuda.

He is also the only batsman to gain a century, a double century, triple century, quadruple century and a quintuplet century in the international arena.

FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

7

MEET OUR NEW MINISTERS

THE HONOURABLE JOSEPH ROSS: A MAN OF THE PEOPLE

T

he Member of Parliament for Barataria /San Juan, the Honourable Joseph Ross, is not a stranger to public office. Prior to his victory in the November 5, 2007, general election, Mr. Ross served as Chairman of the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation and also as a member of the Barataria Village Council.

The new Minister of Tourism is a Certified Auditor (CIA) and possesses a BSc (Hons) in Industrial Management and has worked as a Public Servant in the Auditor General’s Department and the Ministry of Finance.

Minister Ross was the Chief Internal Auditor at Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company before his appointment to the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister Ross was involved in several community activities for many years in the Barataria/San Juan area among them being a Board Member and Lay Preacher of the Church of the Nazarene, San Juan.

The Honourable Minister is married and is the father of four children.

THE HONOURABLE MARLENE Mc DONALD: A LOYAL AND COMMITTED WORKER

T

he Honourable Marlene Mc Donald served as the Attorney for the Diego Martin Credit Union Co – operative for over twenty (20) years before taking the oath of Office as the Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs.

She was also a school teacher before attending the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine and Cave Hill, Barbados where she obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from Sir Hugh Wooding Law School.

The new Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South is also the holder of a BA in Economics and served as the Legal Advisor to the Board of Tobago Express and the Board of El Dorado Consumers Co-operative.

Minister Mc Donald was also very active in community activities having worked with groups such as St. Vincent de Paul and the St. Martin Welfare Association which would undoubtedly assist her in new dual role as a Member of Parliament and a Government Minister.

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LONDON MISSION

Nationals toast

FEATURE Pictures by Kevin Joseph

‘Queen Glenda’

by Donald Chambers

I

n an unprecedented collective show of appreciation, Trinidad and Tobago nationals in the United Kingdom independently organised a tribute event to celebrate High Commissioner Morean Phillip’s term in office and to wish her well in the future.

As convenor of ‘The Committee to recognise our High Commissioner,’ Ansel Wong stated, “we simply had to say thank you.” And they did so in grand style.

The Committee, made up of no less than twenty four members who represented more than eighteen organisations, put together a programme that was dominated by presentations by icons of the T&T Community in the UK, powerful speeches and heartfelt testimonies. All of which were well received by an audience of Her Excellency's peers in the diplomatic community, lawyers, UK as well as T&T businessmen, religious and community leaders, nationals and general well-wishers.

Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip and Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip. Portrait by Ainsley Yearwood.

Part of the audience attending the function.

Person after person candidly expressed their appreciation to the High Commissioner for her contribution to the Trinidad and Tobago communities in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Be it an eloquent speech, as was delivered by Travers Sinanan, or the masterful bit of extempo calypso by Tobago Crusoe, in song after song and speech after speech, the overriding themes were the same: gratitude; praise and genuine adulation.

National Jeanette De Couteau, referred to H.E. Morean Phillip as ‘our Queen’ and to Mr. Oscar Phillip, the High Commissioner’s husband as ‘our very own Prince Phillip.’

Cultural promoter Shabaka Thompson who spoke on behalf of the Association of British Calypsonians (ABC), stated that the organisation was under no illusions as to why relations between the ABC and the High Commission had grown from strength to strength over the years. He thanked the High Commissioner and Culture Attaché Ashton Ford for their support in the development and promotion of calypso and the arts in the wider community.

Angela Cox of Carivog International and organiser of Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK, described Her Excellency as an inspiration to all and a role model for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

Her Excellency was presented with a portrait painted by Ainsley Yearwood and a framed citation commemorating her achievements as High Commissioner.

From left: Attaché Ashton Ford, prominent actor and one of two Masters of Ceremonies (MC) for the event, Rudolph Walker, Honouree Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, Co-MC, Floella Benjamin and Oscar Phillip.

A clearly moved High Commissioner thanked those present for such an overwhelming show of appreciation and stated that whatever the Mission accomplished over the years would not have been possible had it not been for the support and enthusiasm of the devoted nationals of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Masters of Ceremony were well-known television personalities Rudolph Walker and Floella Benjamin.

FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

9

To get you better acquainted with the activities of the Honorary Consuls we continue with our global page, profiling the individual Consuls.

Hamburg, Germany He was born in Manchester, England, but has been living in Germany since 1955. Before retirement, Howard enjoyed a very successful and dynamic career as a banker. Having lived and worked in many major cities throughout the world, he brings a wealth of experience to the job of Honorary Consul. Howard is a Trinidad and Tobago enthusiast and this is demonstrated through his dedication to his position.

H

oward M.S. Kroch (pictured) has been the Honorary Consul for Trinidad and Tobago in Hamburg since 1989 and looks after 8 German States.

In January 2008, Howard worked closely with Commercial Attaché, Dionne Ligoure, to arrange business presentations to key stakeholders at the Chamber of Commerce in Hamburg. The success of the event

was evidence of his vast network and expertise.

Some of Howard’s responsibilities as Honorary Consul include passport, visa and consular matters. He also keenly promotes opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago and represents the country at other countries national days.

In addition to his duties as Honorary Consul, Howard is also very active in several charitable organisations. He has two main hobbies, collecting old cars and used telephone cards.

Staff Tributes to Her Excellency

Ashton Ford, Public Affairs Culture and Tourism Attaché – Mr. Ford’s posting at the Mission coincided with that of the High Commissioner’s.

Victoria Farley, Head of Chancery – Ms. Farley has served as the second in command, following the death of Mr. Evans King, for most of the High Commissioner’s term.

Geoff Lowe, Executive Officer – Mr. Lowe is one of the longest serving members of the locally recruited staff, having been employed at the Mission for over 30 years.

“She led passionately, we followed willingly and the Trinidad and Tobago Community has benefited tremendously. I wish her all the best.”

“What you see is what you get. High Commissioner is open, accessible, practical, cheerful, a believer in and proponent of, the ‘art of the possible.’ We wish our High Commissioner and Mr. Oscar Phillip a safe and happy stay at our Embassy in Washington D.C.

“High Commissioner Morean Phillip brought a breath of fresh air and her legacy lives on through the expanded mandate of the Mission. I wish her all the best.”

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NEWS

LONDON MISSION

LAWS TO PROTECT CHILDREN Minster promises early debate in Parliament

M

inister of State in the Ministry of Social Development, the Honourable Alicia Hospedales, declared that legislation to protect children will be laid before the House of Representatives in the near future.

The Honourable Minister made this comment while creating history as the first Government Minister in the newly formed administration of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to address nationals living in London, United Kingdom.

Mrs Hospedales was a guest at a function jointly organised by the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission and Horizons Trinidad and Tobago, which focused on Community Mental Health and Rehabilitation Programme on 7th March 2008.

Members of the Group along with Minister Hoespedales and Attaché Ashton Ford.

From Left to right: Carl Ryan, Rudi Paige, Ashton Ford, Minister Alicia Hospedales, David Michael, Morris Ellington, Ansel Wong, Juliet Walker and Carl Gabriel.

Kingdom was done under the auspices of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

Mr. Carl Ryan, Project Leader of the Horizons Mental Health and

enterprise and increasing productivity amongst individuals.

He said that the programme provides a holistic support to health, social and faith professionals and encourages local co-operation and international collaboration across institutions and sectors.

Mr. Ryan, now a qualified psychiatric nurse, further stated that Horizons’ programmes adopt a Community Development approach for the reduction of poverty, disability discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse and sexual health.

“Legislation would attempt to address all hindrances to healthy and happy childhood in T&T – especially child abuse. One of the major developments on the agenda is the presentation of a children’s package legislation in the House of Representatives in due course,” the Minister said.

The group has offered to carry its programme to Trinidad and Tobago, having carried out successful ventures in other countries across the globe.

Responding to questions from the audience, Minister Hospedales said that the Ministry would provide grants to support families at risk under the National Family Services Programme.

Minister Hospedales with her former teacher at University of the West Indies (UWI) Mr. Gregory Mieres. The Minister paid tribute to Mr. Mieres during her address to the nationals at the meeting.

She also gave a comprehensive review of the work undertaken by the Ministry of Social Development locally. Her visit to the United

Rehabilitation Programmes said that the role and function of his group is to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty by encouraging

Minister Hospedales said that she would discuss the proposal from the group with her colleagues since some aspects of the programme must be handled by other Ministries.

FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

9 11

10 12

NEWS

LONDON MISSION

Nationals Meeting Roundup MARCH - Nationals had their last meeting with Her Excellency Glenda Morean Philip.

Attending persons were keen to address High Commissioner Morean Phillip for the last time and wished her well. In a special impromptu moment, retired medical research officer, Herbert Ramsey, presented Her Excellency with a token of his appreciation - a drawn portrait of the High Commissioner.

Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, High Commissioner, with Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaché, Ashton Ford.

Curious as to what lay ahead in terms of the status of the Mission, inquiries were made as to what succession plans were in place and who would succeed Mrs. Morean Phillip as High Commissioner. They were assured that the Mission’s mandate was secure but no official comment was made as to her successor.

Members of staff in attendance: Victoria Farley, Head of Chancery, Roanna Gopaul, First Secretary, Ashton Ford, Attaché Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism and Donald Chambers, Assistant Attaché III, Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism.

FEBRUARY - Travers Sinanan, award winning* Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was the guest speaker for the February Meeting, chaired by Immigration Attaché, Nirmal Bhaggan.

Mr. Sinanan led a lively discussion on the new immigration laws effected in the United Kingdom, and delivered a knowledgeable discourse on the repercussions for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Commonwealth.

Crown Prosecutor Travers Sinanan presents Immigration Attaché Nirmal Bhaggan with copies of the New Immigration Point Based System and the Identity Cards Act 2006, before the meeting.

*Travers Sinanan’s skills in the courtroom were acknowledged when he received a special staff award at CPS, known as an OSCAR (Outstanding Staff Commitment and Achievement Recognition ) for the period 2003- 2004 Members of staff in attendance: Immigration Attaché Nirmal Bhaggan, Assistant Attaché III Donald Chambers and Assistant Attaché III Donna Philip-Forde.

JANUARY - Qualified Nurse Suresh Rambaran (pictured) was the guest speaker for January’s Nationals Meeting. Mr. Rambaran made a presentation on prostate caner to a full to capacity audience for the year’s first monthly meeting.

Nationals Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month unless otherwise advised.

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday 30th April, 2008 @ 6pm

Mr. Rambaran has travelled to several parts of Africa and Asia to make similar presentations. For more information on prostate cancer visit www.realmendo.org.uk .

All nationals of Trinidad and Tobago are welcome Suresh Rambaran

Members of staff in attendance: Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaché, Ashton Ford (Chair) and Assistant Attaché III Donna Philip- Forde.

BUSINESS

LONDON MISSION

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by Dionne Ligoure In a letter to the High Commission dated August 07, 2007, Zubair Abad of Tripak Developers wrote: ‘We would like to thank you for the co-operation and guidance we received during the recent visits we made to your office. The information you provided and the contacts that were arranged proved to be of extreme help. Trinidad and Tobago is looking to us as a great market and we are already in the process of the formation of a company there…’

Z

Tripak Developers Limited trading in Trinidad and Tobago as Abadix Limited

ubair Abad and Kern Radix are the founders and driving force behind Tripak Developers Limited trading in Trinidad and Tobago as Abadix Limited.

Zubair Abad, born in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and Kern Radix, born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, visited the High Commission in June 2007. Zubair and Kern were quite enthusiastic about business prospects in Trinidad and Tobago and after a briefing with Commercial Attaché, Dionne Ligoure, they expressed a strong desire to set up a branch of their business there. The pair later held more detailed discussions with Ms. Ligoure who thoroughly guided them through the process of establishing a business in Trinidad and Tobago and provided introductory links to facilitate the start up in quick time.

Both Zubair and Kern visited Trinidad in July to do the necessary groundwork. There were challenges, as is expected with any company expanding into a new country. Nonetheless, by September 2007, Tripak Developers started trading in Trinidad and Tobago. Kern Radix relocated to his birthplace in order to be onsite for the set-up. Zubair Abad remained in the United Kingdom to send off the first shipment of Tripak’s quality kitchen collections.

The Ultimate Kitchen Collections Tripak Developers offers a wide range of kitchens specifically designed for today’s homes. These kitchens are designed and developed to complement and meet the needs of modern living with products and styles to suit all tastes and affordability. Kitchens can come with a full variety of accessories depending on the requirements of the customer.

Tripak Developers have 15 years experience in the construction industry. The majority of the work done during this time was with many of the top developers in the United Kingdom like Bryant Homes and Westbury Homes.

Tripak’s mission is to anticipate and exceed customers expectations, needs and experience. Their vision is to be recognised as the preferred source of kitchen products

and services for contractors and individuals engaged in single and multi-family residential, repair and remodelling of kitchens.

Tripak offers a four-step service, starting with: • Initial contact; • Free plan and design; • Delivery and installation; and • After Sales Service.

Tripak Developers is one of the on-going success stories of the Trade Department at the High Commission, London.

Contact Tripak: For more information please visit: www.tripakdevelopers.co.uk or email: info@tripakdevelopers.co.uk Tripak’s Trinidad and Tobago branch, Abadix Limited, is located at 53 Savannah Heights, Charlieville, Chagaunas.

Telephone/fax: 868.671.5706; mobile: 868.307.5229

Foreign Exchange Rates as at April 8 , 2008

Currency

Counter: Buying

Selling

Notes: Buying

Pound Sterling

11.5226

12.7720

12.1290

US Dollar

6.0000

6.3499

6.1650

Source: Scotiabank Trinidad & Tobago Limited

WTI Cushing Spot Crude Oil Price on April 8, 2008 $109.09 per barrel

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FEATURE

LONDON MISSION

Youth Representation

G

ood day, or as my friend from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea would say “Monijin yu stap gut.”

The Commonwealth Day celebrations was hosted on 10th March 2008, by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at the Houses of Parliament, Palace of Westminster, London, United Kingdom.

The programme was designed to promote both the virtues of the Commonwealth and also Parliamentary Democracy to the younger generation. I was fortunate to be nominated by the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago to represent our youth.

All the youth ambassadors from the various nations were treated to a tour of The Houses of Parliament and our guides provided us with stimulating and entertaining facts about the history of Parliamentary Democracy in Britain.

Akin to the eternal flame outside our Red House, the rebuilding of the Parliament of Westminster symbolises the power of democracy and a determination of a people irrespective of gender, race, religion or culture. We also had the opportunity to participate in debates and were addressed by various Labour and Conservative MPs, High Commissioners and Commonwealth Parliamentary Representatives.

Her Majesty addressed us on the topic “The Environment Our Future” and this theme was well reflected throughout the content of the day’s programme. I quote from the Buddhist Dhammapada “As a bee without harming the flower, its colour or scent, flies away collecting only the honey, even so should the wise man wander in the village.” This means we should take only the minimum necessary for our requirements without harming or spoiling the environment.

It was appropriate that the Commonwealth Day programme ended with an impressive reception in the beautiful setting of Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London.

In attendance were Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal

Farai debating at the Atlee Suite, Portcullis House, Palace of Westminster.

A cross-section of some of the youth representatives.

Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, The President of the Republic of Uganda, Parliamentarians from both the UK and the Commonwealth, the High Commissioners, the CPA staff and the youth representatives.

As the Ankole tribe from Uganda would say “Mugume ho gye”, good bye.

Farai Masaisai

Are you a young citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, pursuing your studies or working in the United Kingdom?

Please send us your success story.

Mr. Ashton Ford, Attaché - Public Affairs, Culture & Tourism, High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Note: Letters to the Editor can also be sent to Mr. Ford at the said address.

SPORTS

LONDON MISSION

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JASON SCOTLAND IS LEADING GOALSCORER IN LEAGUE ONE

by Ashton Ford

L

ast football season Dwight Yorke, Carlos Edwards and Stern John played a major role in ensuring that Sunderland Football Club returned to the Premiership of the English Football Association.

Once again, nationals from Trinidad and Tobago namely Jason Scotland, Dennis Lawrence and Kevin Austin are making waves for another British Club, Swansea Football Club, in the League One Division, which are almost certain to be promoted to the Championship Division.

Scotland (pictured at right) is currently the leading goal scorer in the Division, having scored 29 goals so far this season, while Lawrence is the main defender for the team along with his fellow Trinidad and Tobago player Austin who plays on the left side.

Lawrence (pictured below) was the goal scorer for the Soca Warriors in the crucial game against Bahrain in 2005 in order for Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the first time in the World Cup Football finals which took place in Germany in 2006.

Jason Scotland

The trio at Sunderland continue to give a good account of themselves this season despite the fact that Carlos Edwards was injured for a major part of the season.

Jones made a great impact on the field to the extent that his coach Roy Keane is on record as stating emphatically that he will not take any offers from the top English clubs to transfer the dashing forward.

Sunderland is out of the danger zone having scored a major victory (2 – 1)over West Ham on March 29th in a crucial encounter. Jones scored the first goal for his team in that game.

Dennis Lawrence

One of the most significant events scheduled to take place on the international football calendar is the clash between Trinidad and Tobago and England on June 1st at the Haseley Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Scotland was transferred to Swansea from Dundee in the Scottish League this season, while Lawrence moved from Division Two team Wrexham this season.

The game is being organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of football in Trinidad and Tobago.

Another Trinidad and Tobago player, Goalkeeper Clayton Ince, has been doing a remarkable job for Walsall in League 1, having had a clean sheet for 19 games.

It will also be historic moment due to the fact that it will be the first time that England’s national team will be playing in Trinidad and Tobago.

Above: Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip and members of staff toasted Lt. Col Sharon Alfonso before her departure to Trinidad and Tobago to wed husband to be Mark Farrell. Photograph by Kevin Joseph. Right: Mr. and Mrs. Mark Farrell are all smiles after they tied the knot at the St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Trinidad and Tobago.

Left: While in Trinidad and Tobago recently, Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaché Ashton Ford paid a courtesy call on Ashmeer Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer, KC Confectionary.

Below: Singer and songwriter Colin Bell, pays tribute to Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip with his version of ‘wonder wall' at the ‘Toast to Honour Queen Glenda.’

Below: BT Melodians’ Terry Noel and opera singer Neil Latchman were among the host of nationals who turned out to honour the High Commissioner. Photograph by Edwin Phillips.

High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065