News

DIASPORA MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Healthy Kinder International, in partnership with Future Focus Empowerment, will provide both the Youth Mental Health First Aid and ADULT Mental Health First Aid Certification Training Programs in Trinidad & Tobago this October 2023 during Mental Health Awareness Month.  

The Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification Program allows participants to learn about the warning signs of mental health issues experienced by youth and equip adults with the tools and resources to better support youth and their families.  The Adult Mental Health First Aid Certification Program adults support other adults who struggle with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. 

The Three Year Certification courses are designed to reduce stigma and discrimination against those who are impacted by mental health issues, and promote overall mental well-being for community members whether in schools, workplace or community at large. 

This Fall, Healthy Kinder International has partnered with several establishments in Trinidad & Tobago and in the USA, to sponsor a total of 60 certifications in Mental Health First Aid. 

The kind and generous donors include Healthy Kinder International (HK), Future Focus Empowerment (FFE), St. Francois Girls College Alumnae Association (SFGCAA), Trinidad and Tobago Association of Washington DC (TTADC), Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora Associations Network (TTDAN), Trinity College Alumni Association (TCAA NA), The Art of Wellness (Malawi), University of The West Indies (UWI) and several individuals.  The courses will be facilitated by Dr. Astril Webb, MD.

For more information, please contact: healthykinderintl.pr@gmail.com

Trinidad & Tobago Converts Long-Closed Air Force Base To A Potential Driver For Its Economy

A place that once played an important role in winning the second World War will now play a critical role in winning new investments through the country of Trinidad & Tobago's first Science and Technology Research Park - Tamana InTech Park. The island Republic in the Caribbean has repurposed the Waller Field Air Force Base, a former United States World War II Air Force base located in northeastern Trinidad, to satisfy the country's goal of transforming its booming energy-based economy to a knowledge-based one. WATCH VIDEO

Waller Field AFB was activated in September of 1941 to establish a flying facility within the United States Army Fort Read post, to protect the oilfields and refineries, and to stand guard over the merchant ships that gathered in the Gulf of Paria. The air force base was named after United States Army Air Force Major Alfred J. Waller, a distinguished World War I combat pilot.

The air force base experienced many shifts in its use after World War II and closed May of 1949 due to budget cuts. Now, Five decades later, the former Air Force base has been transformed into Tamana InTech Park.

Tamana InTech Park claims it stands out for its cutting-edge technology tailor-made for cross-linked business opportunities and resource clustering. Situated among moriche palms on a natural reserve, supported by the on-site campus of University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), and outfitted with state-of-the-art telecom and security systems, the Park is both technologically advanced and relevant to its natural environment. The Park's Tier III data centre is one of only a few in the region and offers a complete suite of data centre services for Tamana's tenants.

"Tamana InTech Park is an example of the country's ICT readiness," said Angela Hordatt, Vice President of Business Development at Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development Company Ltd. [eTecK], one of the implementing agencies under the Ministry of Trade & Industry in charge of developing Tamana InTech Park. "The park is well positioned to become a home for global companies and site selectors, with plenty of room to meet a company's existing and future needs."

FMI: www.tamana.com

On May 5, 2023, the Panmasters Steelband Organization, currently located at the Van Buren United Methodist Church, 35 Van Buren Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, will celebrate 38 years of providing Steelband music in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Pan Masters attributes its success to a strong belief in the family, outstanding support from Caribbean Organizations in the Washington Metropolitan Area, a determined group of excellent musical arrangers, and an experienced administrative and promotional organization, which continuously emphasizes quality, performance and good clientele relationships.

In addition to showcasing the “PAN”, Pan Masters has included in its diverse cultural activities, an Annual Pan Jamboree, Calypso Extravaganza, participating in the DC Caribbean Carnival, Norfolk Carnival and Baltimore Carnival as well as local programming at area Universities including Howard University, Georgetown University, The University of Maryland and Gallaudet College plus outreach programming at Nursing Homes and Community Centers.

Today, Pan Masters has grown to over 25 players (some being the children of the founding members), with several dozen more people being active members of the Pan Masters Organization. The organization boasts a diverse membership in both age and nationality.

Members hail from various parts of the Caribbean, or descendents of people from all over the Caribbean, but over the years several American pannists have joined the group, having learned to play at the local CAFE organization, colleges and high schools throughout the US.

Notable Recognition:

• Recipient of the 2009 - Volunteer Service Award issued by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley
• The 2011- North Brentwood Citizens Community Services Award; and
• The 2014- Prince George’s County Police Department Certificate of Appreciation
• The "Cora Rice Christmas Party for" Deserving Children”.

'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