News

'Surfing The Boundless Innerverse' is the third book written and published by Hollis Lashley.  Most people who are familiar with Hollis 'Flash' Lashley may know him as an MC or a Stand up Comic.  What they do not know is the breath of his artistic talent.

This article was written by Mark Loquan a posted on Duvonne Stewart's Pan Chronicles page with the intent of promoting the upcoming premier of  "The Journey and Impact of PAN ON THE MOVE, a tribute to Dr. Ray Holman",  on Sunday 13 March.  It is being reproduced with Mr. Stewart's permission.

By Mark Loquan:
50 years ago, a 28 year old arranger, Ray Holman, decided to go against the tide at the time, and decided to compose and arrange his own tune for Panorama 1972, called Pan on the Move with Starlift. At the time, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, who had been a player in that band under Ray for about 6 years, was then 19 years old. After that year, Boogsie formed his own band, Phase II, and started to compose and arrange his own tunes for Panorama for decades, winning in 1987 some 15 years later with his own tune. Decided to shine a light on the story of Pan on the Move, composed by Ray, with lyrics by Alvin Daniell, who captured the essence of the story in the chorus :

"Don't doubt it, we sit down and write we own song
Arrange it, we own self, so we could rock town.
When ya hear it, you go get in the groove
Pardners, is pan on the move"

The move was bold and caused ripples in the pan world, only to be followed up by Ray the year after, composing and arranging Pan on the Run. The story includes narration by Ray and Boogsie themselves who, during the project which lasted over the last one and half years, were both conferred their honorary doctorates from the University of the West Indies making the project that more meaningful. The documentary will feature on this coming Sunday's (March 13, 2022) Pan Chronicles by Duvone Stewart and my You Tube Channel, after which it will be made public for all to share and comment. Presented as a 50th Anniversary gift for all to learn about this unique story, and as a tribute to Dr. Ray Holman, the documentary is produced by Gerelle Forbes, with live performance of Pan on the Move by Dr Ray Holman, Dr. Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, Kenneth Clarke, and myself.

EXONERATION FOR MARCUS MOZIAH GARVEY

Dear Members and Friends:

In recognition of Black History Month, February 2022, we feature the Honorable MARCUS MOZIAH GARVEY, and encourage you to explore his work and to sign the petition to exonerate him.

Marcus Garvey: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots:”

MARCUS MOZIAH GARVEY, Jamaica’s first National Hero, was born in St Ann’s Bay, on August 17, 1887.  He died on June 10, 1940.  Garvey was recognized as a political activist, journalist, entrepreneur, and distinguished orator.  His ideas for the improvement and upliftment of African people garnered worldwide support, particularly in New York, London and the Caribbean.  He promoted Black Nationalism and was the designer of the popular Red, Black and Green Flag.  He is generally recognized as the father of Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism.

MARCUS GARVEY is best remembered for his founding of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914.  The UNIA espoused black pride, self-reliance, economic independence, and Black unity.  Garvey’s movement, also known as Garveyism, garnered support around the world, and at one time claimed a following of two million supporters.  Among the projects initiated by Garvey was the shipping line called “The Black Star Line” which was intended as an economic enterprise to engage in commerce between America, the Caribbean and Africa.

Garvey raised funds for The Black Star Line by selling stock in the shipping line.  However, complaints about the fundraising and accounting led to the United States Government bringing charges of fraud against him with regard to the fundraising and operation of the enterprise.  In 1923, Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in connection with his operation of The Black Star Line and was imprisoned in Atlanta.  He served part of a five-year sentence and was deported to his home country, Jamaica.  Consequently, his global movement for racial and economic justice never regained its footing.

To learn more about his life and work and to sign the petition, please visit http://justice4garvey.org/

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcus-Garvey

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5121

Nigel Scott

President, TTADC

The Embassy, Washington, D.C., wishes to inform members of the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora, who are seeking to apply for a CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Skills Certificate, of the recent launch of the CSME e-Appointment and live-chat digital platforms.

Kindly note that the online platforms—a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs and the Ministry of Digital Transformation—allow members of the public to book in-person or virtual appointments with CSME Officers, in respect of applications for a CSME Skills Certificate, and applications for the Right of Establishment and the Right to provide a Service. The virtual appointment and live-chat facility can also be used by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora to gather information regarding available opportunities, and their rights and responsibilities under the CSME Free Movement Regime.

Interested parties are invited to visit the iGovTT website, where they can access a live agent who will answer questions on the CSME during working hours, and a chat-box outside of working hours. In addition, they may view available service categories, or book appointments as needed.

The Embassy is pleased to share this statement delivered by Senator the Honourable Dr Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARIOCM Affairs, on the occasion of the launch of the CSME digital platforms, together with the attached press document, for your information.

The Embassy would be grateful if you could kindly share the above information with members of your respective associations, and with those in your wider networks.

Courtesy:
Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
1708 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 467-6490
Web: www.foreign.gov.tt/embwashington

 DMV caribbean Ridazz hosts its inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Ride

Please support DMV caribbean Ridazz for their inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness ride Sunday October 24. All proceeds will go directly to affected families. The registration site is now live and spots are limited. Visit their website for more information at DMV Caribbean Ridazz

“Let’s Talk” Virtual Discussions

Please join Senator  Melony G. Griffith on October 14 at 6:00pm for the next in her series of “Let’s Talk” virtual discussions.
During this session our very own Sherma Jack-Brisseau will present, speaking about Healthy Eating on a Budget.  Sherma is a District 25 Nutrionist.
You will also hear from Capitol Area Food Bank Nutrition Educator Aliza Ottenheimer.
Register at:   https://tinyurl.com/jjyshxwb

Vacancies at the Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Washington, DC

• The Embassy, Washington, DC wishes to inform of the following vacancies at the Mission:

  • Messenger Chauffeur - Office Management – The deadline to submit applications is Friday November 26, 2021. Mailed applications should be post marked by November 26, 2021
  • Clerk - Accounts and Reception – The deadline to submit applications is Friday October 29, 2021. Mailed applications should be post marked by October 29, 2021
  • Clerical Support Officer - Immigration – The deadline to submit applications is Friday October 29, 2021. Mailed applications should be post marked by October 29,  2021

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

In commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child 2021, the Women’s Roundtable Action Platform of Trinidad and Tobago (WRAP-TT), in collaboration with Future Focus Empowerment Institute International, will host an event under the theme, Girls Speak Out: A Virtual Conversation “Closing the Digital Divide to Accelerate Change”, on Monday, October 11, 2021.

Kindly note that this virtual conversation will be streamed live at 5 PM (EST) on WRAP-TT's Facebook and YouTube platforms.

Registration is now open.Click below now.
 REGISTER

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN
For 2021 Tobago Awards

CATEGORIES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS

TOBAGO MEDAL OF HONOUR GOLD

For distinguished and outstanding service to Tobago

TOBAGO MEDAL OF HONOUR SILVER

For long and meritorious service to Tobago

TOBAGO MEDAL OF HONOUR BRONZE

For loyal and devoted service beneficial to Tobago in any field of human endeavour or for gallantry or human action

CHIEF SECRETARY'S AWARD

For outstanding contributions and significant achievements towards the development of Tobago. Eligibility period from December 1, 2020 to November 5, 2021

Nomination forms can be collected from and delivered to the Chief Administrator, Tobago House of Assembly, Smithfield Plaza, Smithfield, Scarborough, Tobago (next to the Tobago Regional Health Authority) or downloaded HERE and sent to oca.secretary@tha.gov.tt

CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS
FRIDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2021
2:00 pm.

We wish to extend congratulations Shawn Thwaites, second son of Robert (Bullet) and Nola Thwaites, now making a name for himself in Sacramento, California, where he was recently appointed to the Board of the San Francisco Chapter of the Recording Academy.

Shawn grew up in DC, playing and arranging for Pan Masters Steel Orchestra before earning a scholarship to study at Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he earned his Bachelors Degree.

He is the leader of The Shawn Thwaites Rebel Quarter (STRQ)  which was nominated for The Samuel J. Heyman Service Award (Sammies) in 2019. 

The Recording Academy which was formerly known as the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences is best known for producing the Grammy Awards. The San Francisco Chapter is one of twelve chapters in various locations throughout the United States.

Shawn is looking forward to the opportunity to serve and to help to promote his genre of music which influenced his career.

We extend best wishes to Shawn for continued success in his pursuit for excellence in his craft.