News

On Saturday 2nd December 2023 WRAP TT hosted a walk together for the purpose of  the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. 

In the washington DC Metropolitan area, the walk was held at the Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington, D.C.

Supporters who could not make it to the listed areas, were encoutaged to walk in their own neighbourhoods. Many of the participatnts were decked out in their WRAPTT Shirts and Sweats which was all that was needed to do join the walk. Pictures were shared by emailing them to Hello@wraptt.org

WRAPTT will host a series of educational programming between the Elimination of Violence period Nov 25th to Dec 10th.

Here is the Welcome Message

  OUR WALK LOCATIONS ARE

Walks were hosted in three other areas:

• Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY
• Synder Park, FT Lauderale, FL
• Queen's Park Savannah, Trinidad

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO
   WATCH VIDEO

YOU CAN STILL PURCHASE A TEE SHIRT TO SUPPORT

WRAPTT continues its good work by partnering with NIHERST, and is excited to announce its upcoming information session titled 'International Scholarship Opportunities.'

This session is dedicated to empowering our youth and their parents with vital knowledge about scholarship opportunities in the fields of both sports and academia. We strongly emphasize the critical role scholarships play in shaping one's educational journey. Save the date, and be sure to keep an eye out for the registration link and additional details. Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to pave the way for your educational and career success.

The virtual event is FREE and is carded for Wednesday 15th November, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Event Goals:

1. To furnish parents and students with comprehensive information about the availability of international scholarships, encompassing both academic and athletic programmes.
2. To broaden the spectrum of educational and sporting opportunities for our nation’s youth.
3. To engage our youth, their parents, and all stakeholders invested in their development in a constructive discussion about any concerns or queries regarding securing a scholarship to a foreign institution.
4. To provide a step-by-step process for applying for scholarship application and approvals.

Stay tuned for further information

Today marks the 112th anniversary of the birth of our Founding Father, Dr. the Honourable Eric Eustace Williams. His, is a rich legacy of service, vision, leadership and patriotism.

Dr Williams has been credited as an instrumental figure in leading the country to political Independence from Britain.

Williams formed the People's National Movement in 1956, and then won the national election, and became the chief minister of the country from 1956 to 1959, premier from 1959 to 1962, and prime minister from 1962 to 1981.

During his term as leader, he led Trinidad and Tobago into the Federation of the West Indies, to Independence in 1962, and to republican status in 1976.

As prime minister, Williams practiced what was called “pragmatic socialism,” which stressed the delivery of social services and public goods. He managed to improve education, and fostered unrivalled economic development in his 25 years as leader.

Dr Williams was also an author of great acclaim, and left behind a volume of Works which are still referenced today by academics and students alike. The Negro in the Caribbean (1942), Capitalism and Slavery (1944), History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago (1962), British Historians and the West Indies (1964), Inward Hunger: The Education of a Prime Minister (1969), and From Columbus to Castro: The History of the Caribbean, 1492–1969 (1970).

It was Capitalism and Slavery which was instrumental to the development of the Plantation Economic Model, and which helped shift the narrative on the reasons why slavery was ended, from one of humanitarian ambitions to an economic argument that the system was financially unsustainable.

Dr. Eric Williams remains one of the most significant leaders in the history of modern Trinidad and Tobago.

Born Sept. 25, 1911, he died March 29, 1981, at the Prime Minister's Residence in St. Ann's.

Dr. Eric Eustace Williams (September 25, 1911 - March 29, 1981)

#WeRemember #celebratingEricWilliams #wearethePeoplesNationalMovement

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