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TIMES

Indo-Caribbean
Young achiever: Panday dominates Trinidad-
Musician and political news Page 5
singer Randy
Mahadeo Profile: Indo Caribbean Cul-
Page 11 tural Society of B.C. Page 11
Why I left Guyana
Chanderpaul is the new
to come to Canada
West Indies cricket captain
By Roop Misir
Page 22

May is South Asian Heritage Month


Page 19 Another kidnap horror
Vol 1. No 3 May 2007 Tel: 416-289-3898 ictimes@rogers.com story Page 10

Indo-Caribbeans
mark 99th year in
Canada in 2007
One million South Asians in Canada cel-
ebrate South Asian Heritage Month this
May. They mark the 110th anniversary of
the coming of Indians to Canada, which
happened in 1897.
Punjabi soldiers in the British Army who
had gone to England for Queen Victoria’s
Diamong Jubilee, passed through Canada
on their way back home. They were spe-
The Aishwariya Rai and Abhishek Bachan wedding in India cially impressed with British Columbia and
decided that some would return to begin the
Bollywood royalty tie the knot in the “wedding of the century”

PPP accused of
Indian presence in Canada.
More pictures on Page 12
Kenneth Mahabir arrived
long ago in Halifax in 1908

economic genocide on
KENNETH Grant Mahabir, who arrived
in 1908 at Dalhousie University, Nova Sco-
tia to study medicine, is the earliest known

African-Guyanese
Indo-Caribbean to come to Canada, and
maybe the first Indo-Trinidadian to gradu-
ate as a medical doctor in Canada.
Young Kenneth, born in 1890 in San Fer-
nando, came to Canada when he was 18,
Hong Kong Regiment visiting Vancouver,
and was reportedly a brilliant student at
“second class citizens in a land our foreparents
enroute from London, England where they
Dalhousie. Soon after graduating in 1912 as
had celebrated Queen Victoria's Diamond

built with their blood” says trade union leader


a doctor, he enlisted in the army when
Jubilee in 1897. Some stayed and others
World War 1 broke out in 1914. He served
later returned and remained in Canada.
as a major in the Royal Army Medical
President of the Guyana Trades Union He said that Africans are being told that The 200,000 Indo-Caribbeans in Canada Corps, spending time in the battlefields of
Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, has crit- they are wrong to vote for the party/par- gladly acknowledge the coming of the In- Europe.
icised political parties for their failure to ad- ties of their choice, that they are racist dians from India in 1897, but we have
dress the pressing issues affecting the when they align with self and demand something special to celebrate too. This is (SEE SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE ON
African-Guyanese community. their rights to representation, equality and the 99th year since young Kenneth Mahabir PAGE 9)

Anava Financing
Two hundred years after the abolition of justice. from Trinidad arrived in Halifax by boat in
the slave trade, Lewis said, Africans are still However, he noted that Guyana 's polit- distant 1908. He is believed to be the first
struggling to be treated as equals. ical history and reality are of race-based Indo-Caribbean person to become a resi-
Lewis made this disclosure during a con- parties with each party having sprinklings dent of Canada.
ference, which was organised by the GTUC of other races. Since that time, many others have fol-
and included members of the African- lowed, from Guyana, Suriname, Grenada,
416-410-7501
Lewis posited that the 2006 elections
Guyanese community and members of the confirmed that there are two African- St Lucia, St Vincent, Martinique, Guade-
political opposition. based parties- the People's National Con- loupe, Jamaica, and Belize. They have
Rudy Lochan
The conference was held to explore the gress and the Alliance for Change. spread out through every province and ter- Broker
Mortgage Financing
progress made by African-Guyanese since He said that the extent to which they are ritory in Canada, with the biggest group of
the abolition of the slave trade. around 150,000 concentrated in the Greater
Debt Consolidation
representing the African community con-
“We are second class citizens in a land our tinues to be troubling. Toronto Area and Southern Ontario.
fore parents built with their blood, sweat With dozens of temples, churches and Loans Credit Advice
and tears. We are still struggling for our (CONTINUED ON PAGE 3) mosques, numerous organizations and hun- Line of credit Visa Cards

DUCKY’S
rights to identity, expression, association, SEE REPLIES TO LEWIS ON dreds of businesses behind us, Indo- www.anavafinancing.com
self determination and advancement,” PAGE 4 AND PAGE 7. Caribbeans have said we are here to stay. anava@anavafinancing.com
Lewis lamented. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)

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Unite or suffer under PNM is only choice in TT
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007 Page 2

Many of us Indo- when I came up to Canada 18 years ment for another five years. Thou- PNM. But together they have a
Caribbeans in Canada ago. Quite frankly, it doesn't look sands of Indians will probably de- chance. They owe it to the Indian
have been looking at good for them. All the signs are cide to run away from Trinidad community to give them that
the coming elections there for another crushing victory by because they can't stand the barely chance.
in Trinidad with more the mostly African backed ruling disguised racism of the PNM gov- I know a dozen people will jump
Ram Jagessar attention than we nor- People's National Movement over ernment, the discrimination, and the up to tell me why the UNC and COP
mally pay to our own the Indian community split between incompetence that comes with the can't get together to oppose the
elections in Canada. We are not as and the United National Congress package. They can't take the crime, PNM. I don't want to hear it. I don't
worried about the Ontario elections and the Congress of the People. the kidnapping, the high prices, the want explanations, excuses or
due this year, or Canadian elections It's all very simple mathematics. lack of basic resources like water apologies. They have got them-
that could come any time, than we The PNM has massive support of and affordable food. selves in this mess and they have to
are about the Trinidad elections also more than 90% of the Africans and That would be a tragedy for Indi- get themselves out of it.
due this year. We have good reasons the mixed race group and can count ans who decide to leave. They I am not going to tell them how to
for that. on the votes of at least 15% of the would becomes exiles like the do it because I don't know. I’ve been
Many people don't vote in Cana- Indians. Guyanese or Fijian Indians, forced living in Canada, but I maintain a
dian elections because Canadian The UNC has a partial share, no- to flee the land of their birth. They deep interest in my people in
elections don't really change their body knows exactly how much, of would become us, who left Trinidad Trinidad.
lives. Things continue in very much the Indian voters, and less than 5% because we did not see a bettter- Politican unity in Trinidad is not
this same way no matter which party of the Africans and the mixed race future for ourselves in the land of my horse to ride, but I can tell the
is elected. group. The Congress of the People our birth. UNC and COP that if they don't get
It's not the same in Trinidad. Gen- has a partial share, probably less So what message can we send on the horse together they are both
eral elections are a life and death, than the UNC, of the Indian voters, from Canada to the UNC, COP and heading for a hard fall. And they
prosperity or misery, stay or leave and also only a tiny slice of the the Indian community in Trinidad? will be taking the Indian community
the country issue for entire groups Africans and the mixed-race group. It's just this. A house divided cannot in Trinidad with them.
of people like the Indians and the If it sounds like I'm confusing poli- stand. You have to get your act to- So I say again, the fate of Indians
Africans. Just look at what hap- tics with race, it's only because pol- gether or the PNM will roll over you in Trinidad for the next five years
pened to them both when the UNC itics in Trinidad is all about race and like an express train. rests in the hands of the UNC and
left office and the PNM took over. nothing else. The UNC in its present condition COP. Do what you have to do to pre-

Own A Piece Of America


My interest in the 2007 elections So if things continue as they are cannot beat the PNM. Neither can vent Indians from rotting in a PNM
is mostly in the fate of my Indian today, the PNM will win the elec- the COP. Even the two of them jail until 2012.
brothers and sisters I left behind tions with ease, and run the govern- united are not a guarantee to beat the

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COMMUNITY NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007 Page 3
Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto
to open Indo Canadian Museum
Diaspora Indians from Caribbean, Fiji to be included
(TORONTO STAR)

Slated to open this July, the $25 million


1,800-square-metre museum is designed to
showcase and preserve the heritage of
nearly one million Canadians who trace
their roots to the Indian subcontinent.
Located on a 7-hectare site just off of
Highway 427 and Finch Ave., the museum
is part of the Swaminarayan complex,
which includes a Hindu temple and Haveli Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto
(meeting hall). "I think it will address what I think
Construction of the museum, which began will be one of our biggest challenges that
in April 2005, is based on Vedic engineer- we still have as a society namely improv-
TT 50 Plus & Seniors Executive Ready for Year 12
ing principles, without using steel or nails, ing our understanding of each other.
said Naresh Roy Patel, a trustee of the com- "As tourists come to visit, not only will
Farouk Hydal has been re-elected to lead the Trinidad and Tobago 50 Plus and Seniors As- plex. they enrich our economy...but they too
sociation into their 12 year of existence. Elections took place at the Birkdale Community The museum will include exhibits on the will learn about and join us in celebrating
Centre in Scarborough. Executive members in the picture above are, seated front row, contributions of Indian civilization to the the diversity we have in Ontario."
from the left, Secretary Indra Mohammed, Assistant Secretary Monica Edoo, Trustee world in such areas as science, mathemat- Being able to build such an edifice marks
Yolanda Russell. Back row standing, from left, are Director Shazak Ali, PRO and Founder ics, medicine, art and language. a coming of age for the Indo-Canadian
Rasheed Sultan-Khan, Second Vice President Anthony Mohammed, Vice President Steve It will also serve to chronicle the history community, said Patel.
Khan, President Farouk Hydal, Treasurer Frank Taylor, Director Joseph Chadwick and and the migration of the Indian Diaspora to "Initially as immigrants, you are focused
Trustee Clyde Gill. Canada via Africa, the Caribbean and Fiji. on settling down, doing a balancing act of

PPP accused of economic genocide


The aim is to educate the broader Cana- trying to fit in while preserving your her-
dian society, as well as enhance a sense of itage.
(Continued from Page 1)
pride in Indo-Canadians in their heritage, "As the community has prospered and es-
said Patel. tablished itself, now is the time to think of
"This is the new Canada," said provincial our legacy. And that's what this is all
Immigration Minister Mike Colle, one of about."
“ It is public knowledge the African community's disappointment with these two par- several guests at a recent tour of the The museum joins a very short list of in-
ties in standing up and speaking forthrightly on Black issues. site."This is what is so special about stitutions with exhbits on Indo-Canadians,
Canada because where else in the world which includes the Canadian Museum of
In other parts of the world, like the USA and South Africa , the issues and rights of race would you have the introduction of a civi-
are frontally discussed. Yet in this the 21st century in Guyana we are refusing to honestly Hindu Civilization in Richmond Hil, the
lization that goes back 10,000 years...that Royal Ontario Museum and the Matsqui-
acknowledge the race factor, or to put in place mechanisms to ensure the equality and we as Canadians of all walks of life will
rights of all races,” Lewis told the gathering which included the AFC's 2006 Presidential Sumas- Abbotsford Museum Society in
forever be grateful for." Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Candidate Raphael Trotman and PNCR Leader Robert Corbin. The museum, which is bound to attract
“We do not ask you to ignore your other constituents. What we have been asking is that There is as yet no museum in Canada that
visitors from across Canada and the U.S., focuses on the 200,000 Indo-Caribbeans
you pay attention to the gravity of our situation,” Lewis said. will act as a cultural bridge, said Opposi-
He noted that in the US , England and other developed nations, Black leaders represent who have a 99 year history of settlement in
tion Leader John Tory. this country.
African issues from various platforms.
Lewis gave the example of William Lucy, an African who is the International Secretary

SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH 2007


Treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AF-
SCME), one of the largest unions in the US .
He is the highest ranking African American in the USA labour movement, founder and
president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), which body represents and
articulates the interests of the African community by establishing linkages with leaders at
the federal, state and local levels.
The Indo-Caribbean Times &
“We have to represent our interests for it is naïve of us to expect other groups to initiate
our programme of empowerment. But we expect them to be decent citizens and hold any
IndoCaribbeanHeritage.com
government accountable for acts of destruction against its citizens.
“To do so would be a noble human rights task…We invite rights' activists and advocates invite you to
to be part of the solution for we cannot develop our beautiful country with half of its pop-
ulation oppressed and the majority in poverty as we keep afloat with narco-economic,
narco-politics and narco-security,” Lewis stated.  Celebrate 99 years of Indo-Caribbean
On the business front, Lewis pointed out that the present regime has adopted a strategy presence and heritage in Canada
to ignore the retooling and optimizing of any industry in the African community, prefer-
ring to let that industry fail.  Launch the indocaribbeanheritage.com
“Millions are found to optimise the performance of the sugar industry, on the Skeldon
community web site
Sugar Project and modernizing of Enmore factory, to name a few in a predominantly In-

Sunday May 27, 2007


dian-centered labour force.
“The government deliberately destroyed the bauxite industry's pension plan, the largest
single pool of money ever owned by Africans in this country,” Lewis stated. Compound-
ing the situation, he said that while this is done the government instructs Guyana Sugar From 4.30 p.m.
Corporation (GUYSUCO) to find money to sustain the sugar industry's pension fund in Venue: To be announced
order to protect the pension of a predominantly Indian work force.
“Even the little that we have is being forcefully taken from us. This is a process of eco-
nomic deprivation, of subjugation, of control, of enslavement and ultimately destruction. Indian Cutural program
This is economic genocide,” Lewis claimed. Stories of early Indo-Caribbeans in Canada
He also pointed to the criminalisation and demonisation of Africans in Guyana and the
incarceration of Mark Benschop who is in prison awaiting a second trial for treason. Lewis
also expressed dissatisfaction that Commissioner of Police and his team cannot identify Buffet available
even one suspect in the execution-style murder of Ronald Waddell.

Admission free
The GTUC president also called on the elected members to consult with him from time
to time and anchor their presentation in parliament, based on issues that have direct ben-
efits to communities. The museum, which is bound to attract visitors from across Canada
and the U.S., will act as a cultural bridge, said Opposition Leader John Tory.
Donation welcomed
"I think it will address what I think will be one of our biggest challenges that we still have
as a society namely improving our understanding of each other.
"As tourists come to visit, not only will they enrich our economy...but they too will learn Contact: Ram at 416-289-3898, Reynold at 416-540-0192
about and join us in celebrating the diversity we have in Ontario."
COMMENTARY Page 4
Lessons from the Last Ship: Going Home
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007
Indo-Caribbean Times is pub-
lished monthly in Toronto by
Indo-Caribbean Times Ltd.
Editor/Publisher: Ram Jagessar By Nalini Mohabir whom distanced India from Indo- and some Afro-Trinidadians were also plan-
Caribbeans by advising ex-indentureds to ning a return to Liberia.
Editorial Committee: More than fifty years have passed with stake their future in the colonies. Notwith- Can one ever travel back to find home?
Reynold Ramdial, Gulcharan Mo- barely a mention of an important moment standing official disapproval, these ex-in- This desire is complicated by our history of
displacement and forced migration. As I
habir, Lloyd Harradan, Sandy in Guyanese history. On September 4 dentureds successfully claimed their
contractual right to return to a liberated was trying to understand why - after a life
Kissoonsingh, Roop Misir, Deoraj 1955, the M.V. Resurgent sailed from
built in Guyana and only distant memories
Georgetown to Calcutta, the last official India.
Narine, Jiantee Jagessar,Krishna ship to return ex-indentured labourers The reasons for desiring return were as of India - a small but strong-minded group
Nankissoor, Rudy Lochan from the Caribbean back to India. Return complex and individual as the returnees, so desired to return, the front page of
Offi
ficce: 17 Gaiety Drive, ships often made more than one stop in and included hope for deliverance from Canada's national newspaper caught my
hardships, dreams of Hindi film stardom, or eye. As if speaking directly to me, the head-
Toronto ON Canada M1H 1B9 the colonies before going back to India,
line asked: "How Canadian are you?" The
but on this last voyage, although Suri- a desire to have one's ashes scattered in the
Tel: 416-289-3898 river Ganges. However, the last Repatria- news of the day reported that both immi-
name, Trinidad and Jamaica were asked to
E-Mail: ictimes@rogers.com join the ship, no other government ex- tion Officer (my great-uncle, the late Chh- grants and their children born in Canada
pressed an interest in return. ablal Ramcharan), attributed the main (like me) continue to feel vulnerable to ex-
Even for the vast majority who had reason to sentimental longing. Indenture- clusion. Surely, this contributes to the
ship historian Hugh Tinker suggested that search for home and belonging in places
Opinions given in this newspaper made Guyana their home, the last return
other than where we live. Partly, this is my
captured the popular imagination. Two the suspension of the constitution in 1953
are those of the authors and do thousand people travelled from across the contributed to the Resurgent's voyage. interest in the M.V. Resurgent.
not necessarily reflect the views country and gathered in and around Spros- According to Ramcharan's first-hand ac- The question that Alissa Trotz has posed
of the Indo-Caribbean Times. tons' No.1 Wharf and the Dharm Shala in count, this was not accurate as most re- ("What kind of tribe are we?"; January 15,
Georgetown to honour those determined turnees were from villages and estates, not 2007) calls for the input of second-genera-
to go back. the urban areas affected by political insta- tion "Guyanese out of Guyana." Existing in
We welcome letters, e-mails and bility. Although Ramcharan's use of "senti- a state of hyphenated breaks, "Indo-
While the right of return passage was
comments on matters relevant to written into indentured contracts, nearly mental" is open to many interpretations Guyanese- Canadian" (not necessarily in
Indo-Caribbeans. All content forty years had passed since the end of In- including nostalgic desire for the mother- that order and missing my Trinidadian
roots, my mother being Trinidadian) has its
must comply with the require- dentureship, and six years since the previ- land, I prefer to understand "sentimental"
as a desire to belong somewhere - to find a drawbacks, like the perpetual sense that I
ments of Canadian law ous ship, the M.V. Orna, had sailed.
will never simply be Canadian. However,
Consequently, repatriation was discour- way not to be left behind by history.
aged by the BG colonial administration, Based on agitation for return, the colonial travelling through the connections of these
certain urban Indo-Guyanese profession- government expected at least a thousand terms I can find my roots and seek continu-
Letters ity with my history.

Come on Indian
als, and Pandit Nehru himself, all of people would register to sail, but the Resur-
gent sailed with only 250 passengers. Forty- Canada has only been seen as a multi-
Trinidad that can shake us. Stop allowing, four people changed their mind at the last racial society for forty years. Guyana and

men, stand and


yes, we are the ones allowing this to hap- minute, some before and others on the day by extension the Caribbean, has been rec-
pen. of departure, with one older man jumping ognized as multi-racial for centuries.
Trinidad is very precious to me and like

fight for what is


ship just before it sailed - "Nah me bhaaya!" Guyana has many lessons to offer, one
most Indo-Caribbeans I know the value of Upon reaching India, many discovered this being reckoning with the inheritance of
just visiting there if just for 2 weeks, the joy 'sentimental' journey was not quite the multiple homelands, not as a threat to "one

yours!
and feeling of being HOME. But our own home-coming they had anticipated. Con- nation, one people" (although at times it has
people there see us as outsiders just watch- fronted with the realities of India, about been misconstrued in this way) but as an ac-
ing from a distance. They don't know the forty people asked Ramcharan to take them knowledgement of the places where our
deep sense of loss and helplessness we feel back home - to Guyana. India was home in roots emerged, and also where our homes
when we hear and see what is happening in memory, but not in actuality. have become. Sometimes going home is
Dear Editor, Trinidad. How sad to see all the good that East Indians were not the only ones necessary to make peace with the process
once existed in Trinidad being destroyed by "going home." In the mid-1950s, some of change.
I must thank you and commend you on a few men in black clothes.
your strong voice on what is happening in Afro-Guyanese also attempted to charter a Nalini Devi Mohabir
Please, editor, keep informing us Indo- ship, the Coptic, to return to Mother Africa, mohabirnalini@ yahoo.com
Trinidad, to the Indian community in Caribbean people of the truth and it is time
A Reply to ‘Economic Genocide’ charge against the PPP
It’s Indians who built modern Guyana
Trinidad. The funny thing about this whole that we do something to help our Indian
situation is all the Indo- Caribbean people people in Trinidad, not just talk about it.
are thinking the same thing. But the Indian
people there seem to be oblivious of what is The statement by Guyanese trade union modern Guyana with their blood, sweat,
THANK YOU tears, cutlasses and grass knives. We don’t
happening to them. leader Lincoln Lewis about economic geno-
K.S say we own Guyana, but ‘tenants’ we are
Why aren’t the Indian men and Indian cide against black people is nothing more

Guyana school
community doing some thing about what is than so much garbage and historical lies. not.
happening to them there? Why don't they But I have to reply to this sick nonsense Indians were the ones who were made

seeks teachers
stand together strong and proud and fight if only because so many black people in second class citizens by Burnham, his man
for their very existence in Trinidad? Guyana believe this sick nonsense. They Lewis and his black supporters in the PNC.
I visit Trinidad almost every 3 months and are the ones who have the gall to call Indo- It was we who couldn’t get jobs, places in
all the men there are concerned about is The Editor, Guyanese ‘tenants’ in a country owned by the university, who couldn’t get dhal and
"rum and where is the next lime." They are Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) estab- black people. They are the ones who sup- rice to eat, and fair elections to vote in.
living demon lifestyle, this is the truth. lished five years ago is already one of the ported the racist dictator Burnham when he Meanwhile Burnham emptied the treasury
They are forgetting where they came top four secondary schools in Guyana. To stole Guyana through crooked elections and over the heads of his black supporters like
from, how hard our ancestors worked to be able to continue this brilliant tradition inflicted over 25 years of economic and eth- Lewis. They got the good government jobs
make Trinidad the country it WAS and can and to avert a possible crisis we are now nic genocide against Indians in the country the special food supplies, the places in the
still be. Every time I go there I see the dras- looking for teachers, people with a mis- that we built. They were the ones who sup- university, the houses. Burnham made them
tic changes in the Indian community, all the sionary zeal with a comittment to further ported Burnham when he made Indians sec- first class citizens, and many of them still
values, morals, culture and knowledge to Hindu education. ond class citizens, when he made Guyana have those good jobs and priveleged places
live as one human community in a society, We are completely autonomous. The the second poorest country in the hemi- in the country.
all going down the drain. government of Guyana has no hand in our sphere. The hundreds of thousands of Indo- Is the PPP depriving and subjugating the
The Indian community is living like affairs. Guyanese in the USA, Canada, and African-Guyanese and denying them an
demons and they are allowing the black We are looking for teachers to prepare stu- England are there because of the racist equal place? Absolutely not. What the PPP
community to walk on them and destroy dents for CSEC, GSCE, CAPE, A-levels. treatment they received from people like government has been doing for the last 15
them. What happened to equality in the The academic areas are: English Lan- Lincoln Lewis and his black supporters. years is not giving the blacks the lion’s
eyes of god and in the law, is that just for guage, English Literature, Caribbean His- Let’s set the record right. Did Lewis’ share of the resources they had enjoyed
the black community? Does the Indian tory, Social Studies, Information black foreparents build Guyana with their since the sixties. The PPP has been trying
community think they are not worthy of liv- Technology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology. blood, sweat and tears? No sir. The black to give the Indians and the Africans equal
ing in peace and security in their own Persons with a frst degree, diploma in ed- slaves helped build the old slave labour shares. People like Lincoln Lewis don’t like
homes? ucation, retired teachers, persons trained at Guyana, the old slave sugar plantation the message that they have to earn their
Come on, Indian men, stand and fight for the teachers training college etc are wel- Guyana. That Guyana collapsed and died share. They have to work for it, instead of
what is rightfully yours. I am a proud 24 come to enquire. when the slaves were freed in 1834. getting it handed to them because of their
year old Indian woman from Trinidad and I Guyana as a country was basically dead race or party card. They’re getting what we
believe that if the Hindus and Indian com- Swami Aksharananda on its feet when Indians were brought in want, which is a fair chance. Welcome to
munity stand together there isn't a force in swami_aksharananda@hotmail.com from 1838 to save the economy. They did the 21st century, Lewis & Co.
it magnificently. It was Indians who built Jewan Lall, Toronto
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NEWS Page 5
Panday dominates TT politics despite having no seat
Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007

support. Neither looks likely to happen, in UNC MPs, Panday was blocked by police Narine imposed a $3,000 fine on each
By Ram Jagessar which case both opposition parties take a when he arrived at 1.05 pm, to enter the woman and gave them six months to pay
hit, and have to try a long haul to confront Parliament via the Knox Street entrance. the fine. He ended by telling them he hoped
To the utter consternation of his many po- the PNM again in distant 2012. Many Panday was informed by Senior Superin- that they would not get themselves involved
litical opponents, former Prime Minister things can change in five years. Panday is tendent Wayne Gilbert that on instruction in this sort of thing in the future.
Basdeo Panday’s star has risen again. The in his seventies, and he doesn’t have the from the Commissioner of Police, he could It was alleged that on Octo-ber 5, 2000 at
ageing , silver haired Panday was counted time. But he may have enough gas in the not enter Parliament. Barataria, both women made false state-

Hearing
out from politics after his trial began on tank to spoil the COP playbook. Gilbert, who held the gate against Panday, ments that they changed their address from
charges of failing to declare his assets was supported by a team of police behind Shende Street, San Juan to Water Lane,
Panday was forced to give up his position him. Panday subsequently vowed to remain Sunshine Avenue in San Juan, in 1996. The

on Panday
as Opposition Leader, and when he was there along with his team. The stand-off on court heard that both women lived at 43
convicted and sentenced to jail, he was the steps, at the front of the entrance, lasted Shende Street.
quickly stripped of his parliamentary seat for almost 72 minutes. On October 5, 2000, they went to the EBC

return to
by the President. He remained chairman of Panday said of his conversation with the office at Fifth Street, Barataria and tendered
his United National Congress, and still a Speaker,”I said the Appeal Court quashed two Form 22 forms to the Commission.
powerful politician, but observers saw him the conviction against me and that nullified This form re-quires a person to notify the

start in June
as a spent force who should step aside from the vacancy declared in the seat, so I?m en- EBC of a change of address.
politics entirely. titled to enter Parliament and do the work Investigations by the EBC later revealed
All that has changed in quick time since for which 25,000 people elected me.? that the two forms were invalid. The EBC
the dramatic collapse of charges against Panday said Sinanan hinted about action then handed over the forms to Assistant
Cheif Justice Sharma. When Chief Magis- ALL STEPS are being taken to have a to block him. Commissioner Gilbert Reyes, of the CID.
trate Sherman McNicholls refused to give speedy resolution of a lawsuit which will “I didn”t realise it was going to be here on Two policemen were appointed to investi-
evidence earlier this year, the case against determine whether United National Con- the doorstep...But thissituation had to hap- gate the matter. On November 1, 2000, the
Sharma failed. Since McNicholls was the gress leader Basdeo Panday can return to pen since it forms the basis of legal action,” lawmen went to the home of both women.
magistrate who had sentenced Panday to a Parliament, and the trial was yesterday headded. When questioned about the Form 22, Judy
harsh jail term, Panday’s appeal against his fixed to proceed at the end of June. He said blocking him from entering the Joseph said: “I really did that because Mr
sentence was allowed. It appeared as if the Panday's Couva North seat was declared building was an illegal act and breach of the Hinds never really do nothing for me.” Five
chief magistrate had been prejudiced and vacant on October 24 last year, after no Constitution. days later, both women were arrested and
Panday’s conviction was quashed, and a steps were taken by members of his party “This is clearly a conspiracy between the charged. They both gave statements to the
new trial ordered. It is unlikely that there to extend the time to allow him an opportu- Speaker and the PNM to keep the issue of police.
will be a retrial soon, certainly not in time nity to appeal against his conviction and the seat in the court until elections, since In her statement, Judy Joseph admitted
to prevent Panday leading his party into the sentence, on charges of failing to declare a nothing has happened on the court?s end telling the EBC she was living at Water
2007 elections. London bank account to the Integrity Com- since the matter was filed,” he said. Lane and wanted to vote in the San

PNM women
Panday is greatly feared by Prime Minis- mission. Juan/Barataria constituency, not Morvant/
ter Manning for his feat of bringing down House Speaker Barendra Sinanan had al- Laventille. Judy Joseph said she committed
the PNM from power a stunning three lowed Panday a total of 150 days to appeal, the offence on her own. “Nobody told me

convicted of
times. No politician in Trinidad has come but the conviction and sentence was only to do that. When the police came, I told
even close to his record against the PNM. overturned on March 20 this year. them what I did and why,” she said in her
This may be the cause why the PNM The Appeal Court ordered Panday to face statement. Joseph did not want to call any

voter padding
through the Speaker of the House has been a retrial on the basis that there was an ap- names, neither did she want to make the
trying to prevent Panday from returning to pearance of bias on the part of Chief Mag- PNM look bad.

Robinson
his seat in the House. His return has been istrate Sherman McNicolls, who had found
sent to the High Court for a ruling, though him guilty on April 24, 2006.
there seems to be no reason why the Panday is insisting he can contribute in

l a w s u i t
Speaker cannot simply allow Mr Panday to debates in Parliament because the court's TWO FEMALE supporters of the ruling
resume his seat after his jail sentence was ruling, in effect, rendered his entire criminal People’s National Movement (PNM) have
quashed. trial a nullity, but Sinanan disagrees. pleaded guilty to voter-padding. This was

against Bas
When Panday tried to force the issue and Clerk of the House of Representatives, the first time someone was actually con-
take his seat, the country was treated to the Jacqui Sampson, in compliance with a res- victed and sentenced for voter-padding.
spectacle of a large police squad blocking olution approved by Parliament, filed an ap- Voter-padding reared its head in 2000

dismissed
him from entering the Parliament building. plication to present a vacancy petition on when allegations were made against the
This was a clear denial of Mr Panday’s right March 29, seeking to have the High Court United National Congress (UNC). Several
to enter the Parliament even to to to the pronounce on Panday's right to return to UNC supporters were arrested and charged,
public gallery. If Mr Panday was believed Parliament. but most of them were later discharged.
to be without his seat in Parliament, then he On April 3, Justice Charmaine Pemberton However, the arrests of two PNM sup-
becomes an ordinary citizen who is entitled granted Sampson leave to present the peti- porters were kept low-keyed. The prelimi-
to see Parliamentary activities from the tion and Panday was subsequently served A DEFAMATION lawsuit filed by former
nary inquiry at the Port-of-Spain
spectator’s gallery. Panday has been with a copy of the proceedings on April 13. president Arthur NR Robinson against for-
Magistrates’ Court was also kept away from
wronged, and the whole country can see it. Lawyers representing Sampson filed a no- mer prime minister Basdeo Panday has
the glare of the media. The only time the
The other casualty of Panday’s rebirth has tice before the court on April 23, seeking to been dismissed in the High Court.
media found out about the arrests of the
been former Panday heir Winston Dook- fix a date and time of the trial. The lawsuit, which was filed on July 1,
PNM supporters was just before their guilty
eran and his Congress of the People, which After an hour of working out an agreed 2002, and had remained idle for more than
plea yesterday.
is largely stocked with ex- UNC politicians time-table to complete pre-trial arrange- two years, was thrown out by Justice Zain-
Judy Joseph, 52, and her daughter Aleena,
and supporters. ments, the judge fixed three days for the ool Hosein.
29, were before Justice Rajendra Narine in
After a nasty break with the UNC, Dook- hearing of the matter-June 27, 28 and July It was related to statements made by Pan-
the Port-of-Spain First Criminal Court
eran started his own party and decided to 2. day on April 24, 2002, which criticised
charged with making a false statement to

Armed police
take a run at unseating the PNM in 2007. Robinson's decision to appoint Patrick
the Elections and Boundaries Commission
Things seemed to be developing well, with Manning as Prime Minister, following the
(EBC).

block Panday
the COP scoring heavy points against a unprecedented electoral 18-18 tie in the
They claimed that they moved from the
UNC led by a convicted criminal. 2001 general elections.
constituency of Morvant/Laventille because
The removal of Panday’s conviction is a Panday had filed a defence denying
their Member of Parliament Fitzgerald
definite setback for COP, which was plan- Robinson's claim. It is open for Robinson's
Hinds, gave them nothing. They further
ning to contest all 41 seats and steal away attorneys, led by Douglas Mendes SC, to
claimed they moved to the San Juan/
the bedrock Indian support from the UNC. United National Congress (UNC) leader seek to reinstate the lawsuit.
Barataria constituency, but when the EBC
That looks very doubtful now. Basdeo Panday is considering legal action Attorneys Devesh Maharaj and Shiva
and police caught up with them, both
Few observers believe the COP can beat after he made it only as far as the steps of Sawh represented Panday.
mother and daughter confessed.
the PNM in a rough and tumble general the Red House late last month, before being
The two Josephs entered in a plea agree-
election. All it can do is split the votes that blocked by armed police from entering the
ment with the State and their lawyers
forrmerly went solidly to the UNC, and let Parliament.
pleaded for a fine. In passing sentence, Jus-
in the PNM to greater victories. The UNC It was a dramatic lead-in to the resump-
tice Narine said the offences were very se-
can’t win either, so now both parties have tion of Lower House sittings which had al-
rious. He said the court could not condone
to try to swallow the impossible. Unite to ready been on hold for three weeks because
such offences, but he took into account their
unseat the PNM or make electoral agree- of Panday.
clean record and the fact they did not waste
ments to make the best of their popular Accompanied by his daughter Mikela and
the court’s time.
$1 Billion for wasteful CEPEP idlers,
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007 Page 6

nothing to diversify TT sugar cane industry


By Ram Jagessar ing even. It would be too expensive. entry and exit routes. told police she was blindfolded, gagged and
Would it be as expensive as subsidising With no way out the kidnappers tried to hog-tied, before being gang-raped.
CEPEP workers to stand by the side of the hide Shiva in a lonely area, but he put up a
113 CEPEP MILLIONAIRES road, to the tune of $200 million a year? struggle and after a fight he was thrown out In the meantime, officers are appealing to
TAKE IN $200m ANNUALLY Probably not, but then cane farmers don't of the car. He was beaten and bruised, but the public to assist them in solving the
usually vote for the PNM. safe. The kidnappers escaped but without cased. Senior officers said they found it
In stark comparison, Guyana has pledged any ransom strange that nobody had witnessed the kid-
It was suspected all along but is now
to continue and expand the sugar industry, Now that's how the police should respond, napping even though it had occurred in
proved. The People's National Movement
and is enthusiastically supporting a project every time. We hope it's not just accidental broad daylight.
is creating millionaires of the 113 CEPEP
to turn bagasse into ethanol. Trinidad is that the police party was headed by Sgt.
contractors who get over $200 million each
year. That amounts to over $1 billion over willing to help Guyana sugar, but not its Harrilal and Inspector Jagdeo. 9 WEEKS WAIT
the last five years. own, FOR PASSPORT
Government has released figures show-
ing $207 million was paid out to 113 MOST OF TRINIDAD BOLD FACED CRIMINALS Not even a one man protest demonstra-
CEPEP contractors for the financial year IS ARIMA - NO WATER tion could get a Trinidad man his passport
2005-2006. Everybody already knows what Trinidad criminals have absolutely no fear after waiting nine weeks. Imam Iqbal Hydal
CEPEP workers do, which is little more of the police, and they are showing it by re- applied for his passport since February 21
Thousands of people are talking about
than collect money for standing up by the ally bold faced crimes out in the open. and was told that it would take 21 days or
water in Trinidad, water they don't have in
side of the road. They are supposed to clean Item 1. A man tried to abduct a woman in three weeks.
their pipes. In Arima, Central and especially
up the environment by cutting grass, pick- the centre of the capital city of Port of But nine weeks passed and he still did not
South Trinidad, there are a bunch of angry,
ing up garbage, cleaning drains and the like, Spain, just after 8 o'clock in the morning. A get his passport. That's why he staged his
thirsty, and smelly Trinis complaining about
but the country has certainly not seen a bil- private security officer driving along Aber- protest outside the Immigration Division
having to tote water in buckets and even
lion dollars worth of that. cromby Street near the National Library office on Frederick Street in Port of Spain.
box carts like the old days.
Opposition politicians say CEPEP is re- observed a screaming woman trying to The frustrated man added that he paid the
This is beyond incredible, that a country
ally nothing more than a handout to sup- jump out of a passenger car. The driver of $250 fee but believes that he
with such high rainfall and oil money to
porters of the ruling PNM. The CEPEP the car was trying to hold on to the woman. has not received his passport because he did
burn cannot deliver a basic necessity like
workers, up to 60 per contractor, know that The car sped off but the security officer fol- not pay $50 more to expedite the process.
water in the taps. Trinidadians who mi-
they are not being hired to work, so they lowed and blocked the car in front of the Last week Friday nothing had changed.
grated to Canada as far back as the 1960's
don't do much work. They are being paid Ministry of National Security, where army People could not get their passports or com-
can remember that same problem over 40
off because they support the PNM. officers rescued the woman and arrested the puterized birth certificates. The computer
years ago. The PNM government of the day
Those who think no harm is done have to kidnapper. That entire area of Port of Spain had reportedly broken down. The ministry
couldn't deliver water either.
think again. It's no surprise that the rise in holds several courts, the Parliament, Police said a technical problem was caused by a
Prime Minister Patrick Manning has
gun violence and murders in the East-West Headquarters, and the Ministry of National power outage two days before.
called for people to hold strain and have pa-
corridor, and specially around Port of Security, and is usually packed with police. It looks like people have to “hold strain”
tience. The government is working on the
Spain, coincides with the rise of CEPEP Not enough to scare this kidnapper, it and have patience. Now where did we hear
problem. It's the same message we used to
and about a dozen similar make work proj- seems. that before?
get in the sixties.
Item 2. A San Fernando thief was busy

PNM plans to
ects. Most of the violence seems to be about He admits that only 30 per cent of the na-
control of the CEPEP money. Men who breaking into a store next to the traffic
tional community receives a 24-hour water
lights at Rushworth Street and Cipero
postpone local polls
used to hang around the street corners with supply on a seven-day basis. This is a very
empty pockets are now contractors han- streets at 2 am one night recently. This is a
dry season. The desalination plant in Point
dling million dollar budgets. People will very busy main intersection in San Fer-
Lisas has broken down and is not delivering
kill for that kind of money, and they are nando, well lit and busy with traffic stop-
its 24 million gallons of water a day. A big PRIME Minister Patrick Manning pro-
doing just that. ping at the lights.
36 inch main is leaking. The main problem poses to seek Cabinet support to postpone
The thief was spotted by a passing busi-
is "substandard equipment in the transmis- the local government elections, giving way
nessmen who had stopped his car at the
sion and in particular the distribution of instead for a 2007 general elections.
lights. The businessman said he shouted to
water.” The whole water system will have With both local government and general
the thief, and had to shoot him when the
to be replaced at a cost of $27 billion. Gov- elections also due this year, Manning said
man ran towards his car.
ernment is sensitive and is giving the mat- two elections in the country at the same
Item 3.One day after she was kidnapped,
ter high priority. time "could lead to a tremendous amount of
gang raped and beaten, police officers res-
Haven't we heard that kind of story over confusion, which we do not want".
cued a Debe businesswoman at the side of
and over and over before? Mr Manning has According to political sources, Manning
the M-2 Ring Road, in La Romaine on Sun-
no shame. Most of Trinidad has no water. can postpone the local government elec-
day night.
tions up to six months or a year by a simple
FINALLY A GOOD The woman, whose identity police are with- majority.
S ugar cane worker- gone forever KIDNAP STORY holding, reported that she been brutalised

The Lighter side


by four men after being snatched from out-
GOVERNMENT SAYS NO A young Princes Town man has escaped side of her businessplace on the SS Erin
HELP TO SUGAR INDUSTRY kidnappers for the second time this year, Road, Debe, on Saturday.
DIVERSIFICATION. this time with some surprising help from
the police. In her statement to police, the 23-year-old Missing the old NDP days
Government has dished out more punish- Shiva Sieunarinesingh ran into trouble on woman said she had gone to dump garbage
ment for Trinidad's dying sugar industry. January 22, when two kidnappers tried to in a public bin around 2.30 pm on Saturday,
An old lady from Trinidad was taking the
Caroni Ltd is already closed down and its push him into a car outside his parents' when a black car pulled up.
oral Canadian citizenship test some years
lands being divided. After this year govern business place Mona Sieunarinesingh and
ago, but Aji wasn’t doing so well. She had
ment will not buy and more cane from cane Sons Hardware and Transport. Shiva She said four men walked up to her and
already made two mistakes and the citizen-
farmers, so they are on their own. knocked out the gun from the hand of the locked her neck. The men then covered her
ship judge told her if she made another mis-
Cane farmers tried a desperation move to armed kidnapper and escaped. mouth, lifted her up bodily and placed her
take she would fail.
continue their livelihoods. The Sugarcane Last week kidnappers struck again, grab- inside the trunk of the car, she said. They
“Just two more questions now,”said the
Farmers Co-operative Society proposed to bing Shiva outside a gym in Harmony Hall. then drove away.
judge. “What is the capital of Ontario?”
buy out the Sugar Manufacturing Company The kidnappers immediately called the
“Ottawa!” said Aji.
which owns the sugar mills, to make paper family and demanded $200,000 in ransom. Around 9.30 pm on Sunday, a team of offi-
“Right.” said the judge. “Last question now.
and other products with a French company But Shiva would have none of it. He cers from the Southern Division were on
Who is the premier of Ontario?”
CIVM. That would secure the livelihoods shouted out to his parents not to pay the patrol along the M2 Ring Road, when they
Aji didn’t know the answer to that one. She
of about six thousand cane farmers, their ransom ? ”Don't pay it!Let them kill me,” saw the woman lying on the road. She was
figure now she fail. Aji hold she head and
families and their workers and produce Sieunarinesingh shouted. bleeding heavily and was in a semi-con-
say, “Bap ray!”(Father help me!)
something useful. The family made a call was made to the scious state.
“Correct!” said the judge. “Bob Rae is the
Government turned down the proposal Gasparillo Police Station and the Anti-kid-
Premier of Ontario. You pass!”
just like that. They said it would require napping Squad immediately responded. Of- The woman was rushed to the San Fer-
large subsidies for five years before break- ficers led by Sgt Harrilal and Insp Jagdeo, nando General hospital where she remains
quickly locked down the area, blocking all warded in a critical condition. The woman
Afro-Guyanese cry .. Race
GUYANA NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007 Page 7

ment banned any group or association. No Many new hotels have been built. Eco- Samuel Hinds has indicated that the legal
By Lloyd Harradan one is blocking the advancement of Afro- tourism is being contemplated. But with the opinion at the moment is that the lump sum
Guyanese. The have had nearly 200 years poor service and the high crime rate payments cannot be made as the recipients
President of the Guyana Trades Union to advance to whatever position they tourism, the regions highest money earner, could legally return at their retirement age
Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, has crit- wished. So far they have only advanced isn’t going anywhere. “Guyana,” Raymond and ask to be paid a pension
icised political parties for their failure to ad- into criminality Chickerie writes, “is not ready for tourism. The government is seeking a legal opin-
dress the pressing issues affecting the On the business front, Lewis pointed out Yes, there are claims that tourism is in- ion on whether the provisions of the trust
African-Guyanese community. Two hun- that the present regime has adopted a strat- creasing but that is merely due to an in- deed of the bauxite industry pension plan
dred years after the abolition of the slave egy to ignore the retooling and optimizing crease of expatriates visiting Guyana. A could be changed to allow for Linmine
trade, Lewis said, Africans are still strug- of any industry in the African community, Danish tourist was robbed recently in broad workers with more than twelve years serv-
gling to be treated as equals. “We are sec- daylight and on my arrival in ice to be repaid their contributions.
ond class citizens in a land our fore-parents Guyana on April 14, 2006 at This pension plan seems to be another ex-
built with their blood, sweat and tears” about 3 pm on BWIA flight ample of PNC maladministration which the
This is a fantastic misrepresentation of re- 426; there were only two im- PPP has to sort out, with no hope of getting
ality. Afro-Guyanese were the oppressors migration officers there to any thanks. Pension plans, under the laws
for almost three decades and have been process incoming passen- of Guyana are either self-administered (by
committing atrocities against Indians for gers. None were at the booths trustee) or by a company offering such
half a century. Their actions against Indians for non-Caricom visitors. service, usually an insurance company. Ac-
have been characterized as genocide. Some Nothing moved, and the cording to the Supervisor of Insurance the
500,000 Indians have fled Guyana . The vi- place was packed with pas- BIPP is administered by the HHIT (for-
olence against Indians continues. Robbery, sengers. Eventually, I made merly GNCB). We feel that the HIHT
kidnappings, murder are daily threats that some noise and three more should be left to wind up the BIPP.
Indians still face. Suddenly, we are told that workers crawled to their It is strange that Lewis made no mention
Afro-Guyanese are the victims. posts arguing with passen- of the golden parachutes that the bauxite
Open pit bauxite mine at Linden
What kind of blithering idiot would make gers and further delaying the workers got. All the Linmine workers as at
such a claim? Lewis is not the only one. preferring to let that industry fail. process. July 31 were made redundant and received
But let’s deal with Lewis. Why is the He did not give examples, but he proba- I guess they were liming and not aware termination benefits which included six
President of the Guyana Trade Union Con- bly meant the bauxite industry. Guyana was when international flights were arriving. weeks pay for every year of service up to
gress, an umbrella organization, which known to have a 350-million-ton bauxite The episode did not end there. Some days 104 weeks and a training grant equivalent
should be embracing all Guyanese unions, reserve, one of the world's highest concen- later, on April 21st, on a Meta Flight from to 10 per cent of the termination pay. Both
representing workers of all races, speak trations of the valuable mineral. But pro- Paramaribo to Georgetown, which arrived payments are tax-free.
only on behalf of Afro-Guyanese? Is he try- duction of bauxite dipped sharply after the at CBJIA at about 7 pm, the same fiasco Compounding the situation, he said that
ing to tell us that only Afro-Guyanese are government nationalized the industry in the was repeated. while this is done the government instructs
workers? And why is he assuming that 1970s. In the mid-1980s, bauxite produc- I had to make some noise again. Where Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) to
Afro-Guyanese are struggling to be treated tion hovered around 1.5 million tons per are the supervisors? Who supervises these find money to sustain the sugar industry's
as equal? year, or half the annual level of the 1960s people? pension fund in order to protect the pension
After 15 years of PPP government, Afro- and 1970s. I have pictures to prove that these are not of a predominantly Indian work force.
Guyanese are still up to 95 per cent of the The state-owned Guyana Mining Enter- allegations but facts. This is where Guyana The government is doing everything to
Army, Police and Civil Service. To attain prise Limited (Guymine) suffered repeated is in stark difference with its neighbours; ensure that the bauxite workers’ pensions
equality, this percentage has to be de- losses as a result of inefficient management, there is no customer service, and service in are preserved. Why shouldn’t they do the
creased. They would be in a worse position declining world prices for bauxite, and pro- all sectors is “rude and crude.” same for sugar workers? And why doesn’t
if they got equality. So that far from being longed strikes by workers. The losses But Lewis, like Jeremiah, continues his Mr. Lewis want them to? As a trade union-
second class citizens, in a land their fore- drained the company's capital reserves and lamentation. “Millions are found to opti- ist, shouldn’t he be speaking for all work-
parents built, they are first class citizens, led to deterioration of plants and equip- mise the performance of the sugar industry, ers, and not just for black workers?
still oppressing everyone else. And what ex- ment. Guyana 's single alumina plant, lo- on the Skeldon Sugar Project and modern- He also pointed to the criminalisation and
actly did these black fore-parents build with cated in Linden , used to separate 300,000 izing of Enmore factory, to name a few in a demonisation of Africans in Guyana and the
their blood, sweat and tears? tons per year of aluminum oxide from raw predominantly Indian-centered labour incarceration of Mark Benschop who is in
It became clear after Indians arrived in the bauxite ore until the facility closed in 1982. force. prison awaiting a second trial for treason.
West Indies that African slavery was the From then on, Guyana was forced to export It makes perfect sense. Sugar production He lamented the death of Afro-Guyanese
most inefficient system of production ever only unprocessed bauxite ore, foregoing the has doubled in the last ten years. That criminal Ronald Waddell.
devised. Productivity only increased after added revenues to be gained from refining means Guyana now produces 160,000 tons Eusi Kwayana in an article posted at
Abolition. By my calculation, only one the mineral. more sugar. That is a lot of sugar. The gov- guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com lamented that
third of slaves were engaged in productive In the 1970s, Guyana had the advantage ernment is correct in trying to maximize “The Masterminds have made a village
activity. And this third was not very pro- of being the world's leading supplier of so- these gains, by improving processing effi- which was not their own into a cemetery.
ductive. They bankrupted the West Indian called calcined bauxite, a high grade of the ciency. Lewis should have said something At last I am joining the number of persons
plantocracy. mineral used for lining steel furnaces and about the rice industry, where production who have expressed alarm or sorrow at the
After emancipation Afro-Guyanese es- other high-temperature applications. After quadrupled. If he, or his PNC buddies. are recent crimes on the East Coast, or con-
tablished what has been described as the 1981, however, China emerged as a major reading this, that means it increased four demned them, or sympathised with those
village system in Guyana . They bought source of calcined bauxite, and Guyana be- times. left to mourn or to care for the disabled.
bankrupt plantations and shared out the came known as a less reliable supplier. “The government deliberately destroyed When the disturbances started many at
land. These villages became rural slums, By 1990, China had displaced Guyana as the bauxite industry's pension plan, the home in Guyana and also many abroad
and not centers of production. The very the leading exporter of calcined bauxite, largest single pool of money ever owned by thought they saw some kind of liberation at
names of these villages – Buxton , Victoria, even though Guyana had the advantage of Africans in this country,” Lewis stated. work. They poured scorn on those of us
Golden Grove, and Agricola – are synony- being closer to the major North American How exactly did the government do that? African Guyanese who condemned the vio-
mous with black ineptitude, destitution and and European markets. Today China is Once a pension plan ceases to have con- lence directed first against Guyanese of an-
criminality. flooding the market with cheap bauxite, and tributors, it ceases to exist and must be other race.
“We are still struggling for our rights to Guyana , faced with high production costs, wound up. With the pension plan frozen at One trigger-happy writer even went so far
identity, expression, association, self deter- especially the high cost of fuel, cannot com- July 31, 2006 the retrenched workers are as to hint that we received "benefits" from
mination and advancement,” Lewis pete. The PPP is currently negotiating with clamouring to be paid the contributions that position.
lamented. Their rights to identity? Who is the Chinese to take over bauxite. made on their behalf. The provisions of the Many saw the well known, actual poverty
denying them that? They can identify them- Apart from the bauxite industry Afro- plan do not provide for such payments to be among large groups of Africans, as the
selves as anything they want – Guyanese, Guyanese are not involved in large numbers made. The plan covers not only the Linmine cause of, and even the reason for the vio-
Africans, Afro-Guyanese, thieves, bandits, in any other industry. They monopolise the workers but also those at Bermine, and lent attacks against the "other". I know
choke-and-robbers, murderers – but we Army, which isn’t fighting anybody, the Po- Bidco and has an estimated 4,000 members about the poverty as well as those persons.
would discourage them from using the n lice, which isn’t fighting crime and the including the existing pensioners. During I have lived in it and shared in it.
word. It isn’t polite. And all the world re- Civil Service which isn’t providing service. their employment they contributed 4 per
members that under the Afro-Guyanese Inefficiency, discrimination and corruption cent of their pay and Linmine paid 11 per
government there was no freedom of the characterize all three services. Black po- cent. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)
press in Guyana . licemen routinely stop Indian taxi drivers At 2001, according to actuarial estimates,
Now that there is freedom of the press and demand a “towel” (Guyanese slang for the value of the plan was about $2.6 billion.
under a PPP government, blacks are using a thousand dollars). To get anything done Since then the government has paid over
that freedom to claim marginalization of the by any civil servant you have to pass a the outstanding contributions owed by Lin-
black community. Neither has the govern- bribe. mine and Bermine. The Prime Minister
GUYANA NEWS Page 8
Killers turn to the Chinese
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007

Afro-Guyanese Cry Race (FROM PAGE 7)


THREE Guyanese residents are murdered
Science being If poverty was the cause, why did the Mas- politics into clean work and dirty work and

marginalized
and eighteen armed robberies occur every terminds not deliver fifty, seventy comput- left the poor youth and others to do the dirty
week, on average, according to last year's ers, and get teachers to train the youth in the work.
police statistics. But, given their tiny num-

in Guyana schools
skills needed to use them? Lessons Place No one has put together a narrative of
bers, Chinese restaurateurs seem to be the would have helped with the language, the these series of events that began around
victims of a disproportionate amount of mathematics, and the culture including the 1997, when the PNC having lost the elec-
these murders and armed robberies. sex education. No! all that was old fash- tions again tried to destabilize the country.
Although science is designated a core sub-
Yun-Sun Chen, the owner of the Carrefour ioned. Marches and rioting in Georgetown were
ject in Guyana's school system, few Gen-
restaurant on Hadfield Street I want to leave aside in this letter the at- not enough. By 2002 they set up some
eral Secondary Schools (GSS) enter all of
in Georgetown, was one of the the most re- tacks on the "other", the stranger, the non- blacks to turn to criminal activities. This is
their fifth form students - or at least all of
cent victims. Shot in his chest by bandits at belonger which were so boldly explained what Kwayana is talking about. As he
those students who are entered for English
his business probably after misunderstand- away, even defended. I come to the attack stated they started to attack Indians and
Language - for at least one science subject
ing his assailants who left empty-handed, on the self, on fellow African villagers. I then turned their guns on black people.
at the level of theCaribbean Secondary Ed-
he died soon afterwards in hospital. But he also am not discussing here the fate of Then they attacked the wrong people,
ucation Certificate (CSEC) examination
was not the first and, certainly, will not be workers in uniform, nor their abuses. I am whoever they were. These people are the
Classroom observation of the quality of
the last. also not discussing the Phantom. I am try- ones who wiped them out. Between 2002
teaching and learning in some of these sci-
Back in January 2005, five armed men ing to show where the Masterminds, by and 2004 fifty people were killed, includ-
ence-based programmes reveals that inade-
barged into Li Kechao's Village Restaurant using people they can fool, have landed us. ing eight policemen. Robberies, netting
quate resources dictate that students work
at Kuru Kururu on the Linden-Soesydke I am dealing with the fiction that the vio- millions of dollars, were committed. After
in large groups in order to complete their
Highway, dragged himfrom his kitchen, lence was at any time serving an African every robbery there was a celebration in
practical activities. Discussions with un-
stripped his clothes off, emptied the cash cause. Buxton. Money floated around like leaves
dergraduates during and /or upon comple-
register and then shot him in the abdomen, When the young businessman, Bryan falling from trees. Kids went to school with
tion of their practical activities indicate that
after which he died. Hamilton, fell, his killers and their friends thousand dollar banknotes.
many of them are unable to hypothesise,
And in December last year, Ru Fu Hua, then killed his reputation. He became a sus- But the masterminds did not give up.
design experiments to test hypotheses, pre-
proprietor of the Phoenix Chinese Restau- pect. But they had first ruined his business, After this bunch of criminals were killed
dict possible outcomes or evaluate their
rant at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, these liberators of Africans, who are with- they arranged for their supporters in the
methodology.

Sick Indian
was stabbed to death. Wong Lee Dong was out a doubt under- represented in business. army to allow some AK-47 rifles to be
also shot during a robbery at Green Farm Many, perhaps not all of the gunmen, thank stolen. These rifles were used to murder
on the Coverden Public Road, East Bank

woman beaten
God, did not feel threatened by women. Minister Sawh and his family. The crimi-
Demerara, but he survived his injury. They raped many causing them to suffer nals then went to a black village, Agricola,
The list of armed robberies is long and this "fate worse than death" in silence. and slaughtered their own kind.

to death as
alarming. A gang of four robbed Zhou's …Now, days after attacking two villages in- So who is criminalizing and demonizing
Pearl Restaurant at Vreed-en-Hoop, West habited by Indian Guyanese, they kill one Africans in Guyana ? The PNC (sorry, I
Coast Demerara in January 2006. The next

“old higue”
of the finest examples of the young African mean the masterminds) tried to create “free-
month, another gang of four robbed Wong generation Nigel Amsterdam, young, dom fighters” who would kill Indians, cre-
Ton Woon, his cashier and a customer at the gifted, black, industrious and poor. He was ate disorder and allow the PNC to return to
Eastern King restaurant on Sheriff Street, a trained manual worker. At a quick esti- power. In a strange twist of fate, the “free-
Georgetown. The next month, March, an- In one of the more bizarre cases in recent mate perhaps he was the tenth local victim, dom fighters” became criminals and
other armed gang robbed the Chinese-oper- times of superstition gone wrong, a men- I am omitting those even assumed to be slaughtered the very people they were sup-
ated Bonny's Supermarket on Church Street tally disturbed Good Hope woman was killed by the police, or by the Phantom, the posed to “liberate.”
and Seiko Garden Restaurant at Regent and beaten to death by residents of Bare Root, death squad of the other side… To blame President Jagdeo, or the PPP or
Oronoque streets. East Coast Demerara, in the belief she was There are liberators attacking residents of Indians for this type of behaviour is to ab-
Jiang Li Yan on the Soesdyke Public Road an Old higue” who had sucked the blood of Golden Grove and Victoria. These villages, solve Afro-Guyanese from responsibility
on the East Bank Demerara; Thong Hung- a village child. like fallen Buxton itself, are part of the his- for their action. That type of irresponsible
Wang at Melanie Damishana on the East Fifty five year old psychiatric patient, Ra- toric village movement of two centuries people are not the type that should be in
Coast; Leung Kam Sing; Lin Hao Biao and bika Singh, of 713 Phase Two, Good Hope, ago. Victoria should be sacred to the mem- charge of any country, least of all Guyana .
Suta Quing at Sparendaam, also on the East East Coast Demerara, wandered half naked
ON THE LIGHTER
ory of all descendants of the enslaved…
Coast; Yang Mei Lan of the Cambo Restau- into Bare Root Village and was killed by The Masterminds intervened in a bad sit-

SIDE OF GUYANA
rant on Regent Street, have all been victims. fearful villagers. uation and left it worse, with a smaller pop-
As recently as late March, two armed men Near to her body were rice grains, a man- ulation.
robbed the Ming Xing restaurant at Indus- icole broom (made from fronds of the palm Their programme worsened relations with
try on the East Coast Demerara. tree) and three pieces of wood. CONFESSIONS
Buxton's neighbours. earned for the village
How many gangs can exist and operate According to a resident, around 5 am two a criminal reputation, endangered women,
undetected? The number of cases is enor- men who were on their way to work saw a Rakesh was on his death bed. His wife
placed the residents under a reign of terror
mous and certainly, by now, the Police person who they thought was a girl from the Leila was maintaining bedside. She held his
and fear, destroyed the village as a place for
Force's Criminal Investigation Department village. They reportedly called out to her fragile hand, tears ran down her face. Her
business, created child soldiers, made many
should have discerned a pattern, determined and were greeted by a snarling sound from praying roused him from his slumber.
of its poor youth into self -paid mercenaries
thegangsters' almost amateurish modus the woman. Scared, the men called out to and robbers, destroyed their chances of em-
operandi, and decided on a course of action other residents who ran out. At the same He looked up and his pale lips began to
ployment, wiped out several youth with a
to enforce the law. time a resident nearby discovered that her move slightly. "Mih dahlin Leila," he whis-
future, brought escaped prisoners into the
Robbers seem to be very young, fre- six-month-old baby had a red mark on his pered.
village and encamped them there, made a
quently teenagers; they enter thepremises chest. village which was not their own into a
pretending to be customers; robberies occur Residents surrounded the woman, who it "Hush mih love," she said. "Rest.
cemetery…
in good light, in the evening between 20:00 was claimed at the time was just a ball of Shhh...doh talk." He was insistent. "Leila"
Are the Masterminds taking any blame for
and 22:00 hours; they do not bother to con- hair. They threw rice around her, which she he said, in his tired voice. "Me have somet-
the results? No. They cleverly divided their
ceal their identities by wearing masks; they did not count as an old higue is supposed to ing me hafa confess to yuh." "Yuh have nut-
are armed with hand guns which they are do. Ssome threw kerosene and tried to burn $22 million, 20 ft. statue of Pres. tin to confess." replied the weeping Leila.
prepared to use with deadly accuracy and her, but she did not ignite, according to a "Everyting alright, go to sleep mih love."
without provocation; their booty, often no witness. The residents then "waved" a man-
Jagdeo to go up next to Cuffy
more than a single day's takings, are sur- icole broom over the woman, whose dres "No, no, me hafa die in peace, love. "Me
The famed Cuffy statue at the Square of
prisingly low in relation to the high risk of was only halfway on. She was apparently sleep wit yuh sister, yuh best friend and
the Revolution is to have a companion - a
taking or losing life; and their escape, nor- beaten with the wood by by some villagers. yuh mudda."
statue of His Excellency President Bharrat
mally unhurried, is on easily identifiable According to local legend, an "Old Higue" Jagdeo.
motor cars or motorcycles on long road- is an evil spirit, usually a woman, who "Me know," answered Leila, "dats why me
ways with little traffic. transforms into a ball of fire and sucks the poison yuh rass.”
A GINA press release said the 20 ft high
Although both urban and rural premises blood of people. statue would be created by famed Hungar-
have been attacked, the attraction has been She must remove her skin in order to per- CHECK THE VOICES
ian sculptor Mikhail Shropozovich who
towards isolated rural restaurants. The re- form this act. She can be stopped by grains A Guyanese and a Trini man were having
will carve it out of Italian marble, now
action of the poorly-manned police stations of rice, which she is apparently forced to a magnificent meal at one of the finest
being shipped to Guyana. The total cost will
has been notoriously slow. In addition, rob- count and by being beaten with a manicole restaurants in New York .At the end of the
be G$22M.
beries occur so swiftly that there is hardly broom. evening the waiter came over to present the
time to activate security alarm systems to A man and a woman, believed to be part check and a Guyanese voice said "dat's all
The statue will recognize the president's nu-
summon contracted private security serv- of the gang that killed Rabika, have been right man, jus gimme the check".
merous achievements in bringing peace
ices. In light of the mounting evidence, arrested by police. The headlines in all the local Caribbean
and prosperity to his country.
there certainly needs to be better protection newspaper next day proclaimed "Trini
and swifter reaction, and better identifica- ventriloquist found beaten to death".
tion of the gangsters and their capture.
SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007 Page 9
Indo-Caribbeans KENNETH What did you want to know about Indo-
celebrate 99 years MAHABIR Caribbeans in Canada and our heritage? Try
in Canada (From Page 1)
IndoCaribbeanHeritage.com
(From Page 1)
Indo- Caribbeans have been the driving
force behind South Asian Heritage Month, After the war he returned to Canada and
which is often acknowledged by former conducted a successful medical practice in A community web site for Indo-Caribbeans in Canada
MPP Raminder Gill who piloted the South Halifax, Nova Scotia until his death in the
Asiah Heritage Month Act in the Ontario early forties. He was married to Jean (now
Legislature. deceased), and had no children.
Some of the materials available on the site include:
THE CARIBBEAN
In the Caribbean Indians started the pat- Kenneth was a San Fernando boy, the
son of Kate and James Mahabir , an or- Religious Heritage
tern with Indian Centenary celebrations in
ganist and piano tuner at Susamachar Pres- 1. Hindus of South America
Guyana in 1838, and 1845 in Trinidad. In
byterian Church on Coffee Street. 2. Religion in St Lucia by Richard Cheddie
the late seventies Indo-Trinidadians revived Photos: 198 photographs of Indians in the
He attended Grant C.M. School and Na- 3. Muslims in Guyana
the celebration as Indian Arrival Day, now Indentureship Period
parima College in San Fernando. His six Preserving Our Culture
a public holiday. Our Roots In India: The castes of the
sisters worked to send him and his two 1. Indian Culture and its transformations in
Indo-Caribbbeans in Canada took up the indentured Indians
brothers to university abroad, with some Trinidad
challenge in 1988 when the Toronto group Why We Left Indian Indentureship: The
help from the Canadian Mission. 2. Researching the Indian presence in
OSSICC (Ontario Society for Services to new slavery of British capitalism
One brother, a pharmacist died young. St Lucia
Indo-Caribbean Canadians) marked the Voyages: 90 Days of Horror: The voyage
The other, Jules Mahabir, studied law in Sense of Identity
150th anniversary of the coming of Indians of the Fatel Razack
England, practiced in Trinidad, and was the 1. Commemorating Indian Arrival in
to the new world (on May 5, 1838 in
first Indian to be appointed a magistrate in Guadeloupe 1854-2004
Guyana) with a series of events. For many Arrivals:
Trinidad. 2. Osley Baptiste Vincentian of Indian
years later OSSICC carried on an annual 1.Indians indentured in 14 colonies
Kenneth's relatives in Canada include his descent
event called Indo Caribbean Heritage Day. 2. Indian Emigrants to the Caribbean by
nephews the late Winston Jules Mahabir, a 3. Jamaica: Indian Heritage Day is May 10
The Indo Trinidad Canadian Association country
retired doctor and former Trinidad and To- 4. Indian Arrival Day in Florida
picked up the baton from 1997, and to- 3.Indians in St Vincent
bago cabinet minister, and Rodney Ma- 5. Dougla: The double/triple heritage

Canada
gether with several other groups began pro- 4. Indian arrivals in St Lucia
moting Indian Arrival and Heritage Month habir, a psychiatrist practising in Toronto,
5. Arrivals of Indians in St Vincent
in May . Groups in Hamilton, Winnipeg and both sons of Jules Mahabir.
6. Indians in St Vincent: 1861 to the present
Ottawa joined in and soon there were over 7. The coming of Indians to Trinidad
SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH
a dozen celebrations of Indian Arrival in Indentureship System List of Plantations
Canada. by country that received indentured East In- Early Settlement
An Act to proclaim May as South Asian
It waas this concept that Raminder Gill dians 1. Indo-Caribbeans in Canada
Heritage Month and May 5 as South Asian
took up in 2001 when he successfully saw 2. Kenneth Grant Mahabir, Indo-Caribbean
Arrival Day
the South Asian Heritage Act through Par- New Settlement: pioneer to Canada (1908)
liament. The Act is now low in Ontario, and 1. Indians in St Vincent and the Grenadines
Assented to December 14, 2001
South Asians from places other than the 2. Indians in Belize Cultural Artistes
Caribbean have taken up South Asian Her- 3. Tamil migrations to Guadeloupe & 1. Where do we go from here? By Manshad
Preamble
itage Month and greatly broadenied its Martinique Mohammed
scope. 4. The Arrival of the Indians in Jamaica 2.Madeleine Coopsammy: Winnipeg poet
South Asian immigrants began arriving in
The celebration of South Asian Heritage 5. A brief history of East Indians in 3. Indo-Caribbean Canadian writers:
Ontario at the start of the 20th century.
Month is now entering the school system Suriname A bibliography
Working primarily in the sawmill industry,
and the media. Indians, Pakistanis, 6. East Indians in Guyana
South Asian immigrants settled in various
Bangladeshi, Sri Lankans, Fijians, Mauri- After Indenture: Achievers in Canada
parts of the province. For South Asians, the
tians are among the groups who consider 1I. Indians, Indo Jamaicans rooting for 1. Journalist Ian Hanomansingh
month of May has been a time of celebra-
themselves South Asian enougth to cele- change by Beryl Williamson 2. Ken Hussain: Academy Award winner
tion and commemoration of their arrival
brate. May 5 rightly remains South Asian 2.The Jahajis of Maracas Valley (Trinidad) 3. Dev Bansraj Ramkissoon: Indian
from the Indian subcontinent to the Ameri-
Arrival Day, as it marks the arrival of musical teacher supreme
cas beginning on May 5, 1838.
Indo-Guyanese ancestors of people who Survival In New World: 4. Evans Morgan (St Vincent): Politician
have now made a second migration to 1.The Attenuation of the Caste System 5. Dr Unus Omarali
While most South Asians came to our coun-
Canada. Among Hindus in the Caribbean
try from India, many others came to On-
Jamaica has been celebrating May 10 as 2. Amongst the Indians of St Lucia by Indian Arrival Day:
tario from such places as Pakistan, Sri
Indian Heritage Day, and the National Martin Latchana Indian Arrival Day in Canada
Lanka, Bangladesh, Uganda, Kenya, South
Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica has 3. Racism in St Vincent Against Indians
Africa, Mauritius, Singapore, Malaysia,
been sponsoring a week of activities in May Local Essays and Articles
Fiji, the United Kingdom, Trinidad and To-
around the them of Indian Arrival and Her- Publications: Indo-Caribbean Writers 1.Sharing experience with our children
bago and Guyana. Today, South Asians
itage. National Development 2. Carnival culture irrelevant and
make up a significant proportion of On-
This year the St Vincent and Grenadines In- 1. The East Indian legacy in St Lucia meaningless
tario's population and are proud to draw
dian Heritage group marks an Indian Ar- 2. Pausing to reflect:.Indian presence in 3.Web sites on Indo-Caribbeans by Lloyd
upon their heritage and traditions, con-
rival week of activities commencing Whit Jamaica Harradan
tributing to many aspects of culture, com-
Monday, May 28, 2007 and climaxing on 3. The importance of the Indian to Trinidad South Asian Heart Health
merce and public service across this
Indian Arrival Day, Friday June 1, 2007 Agriculture: The Rice Industry in Guyana 1. South Asian HEART: Another enigma
province.
with activities for the entire day. These in- Caribbean Achievers of ARRIVAL
clude a cricket match in the morning and 1. The Indian achiever from Guadeloupe 2. The rising toll of coronary heart
It is appropriate to recognize and pay trib-
performance by contingent from India in Ernest Moutoussamy disease
ute to the contributions South Asians have
an afternoon’s programme. The St Vincent 2 The legendary Siewdass Sadhu, 3. South Asian Heart: Action Plan for
made, and continue to make, to the devel-
government has officially declared June 1 builder of the Temple in the Sea Change
opment and general welfare of Ontario.
as Indian Arrival Day and pledged to help 3. Ria Ramnarine, Trinidad's first 4. Coronary artery disease and diabetes
the group preserve the Indian heritage. female world boxing champion in South Asian emigrants
Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the ad-
This year is another first for Indo- What's Our Name? Indian Arrival Day
vice and consent of the Legislative Assem- 5 Heart Healthy Eating for South Asians
Caribbeans, as a group of Grenada Indians
bly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as
has decided to stage that island’s first every
follows: Set up and maintained by Indo-Caribbeans in Canada
Indian Arrival Day celebrations.
In Trinidad, where Indian Arrival Day is Freely available to all with internet access
a public holiday, the month of May has
South Asian Arrival Day
Specially useful for students
1. May 5 in each year is proclaimed as
been taking on the appearance of Indian
South Asian Arrival Day. Contributions from the community welcomed
Heritage Month, with dozens of celebra-
tions being held all over the island.
South Asian Heritage Month We aim to become a “one stop shop” for everything
Multiple celebrations with extensive pub-
2. The month of May in each year is pro you wanted to know about Indo-Caribbeans
claimed as South Asian Heritage Month.
lic support have also been seen in Guyana,
Commencement View the web site at www.indocaribbeanheritage.com
where community groups continue to cele-
3. This Act comes into force on the day it Contact us:
brate Indian Arrival Day in defiance of the
government that seems to prefer Arrival
receives Royal Assent. Ram Jagessar 416-289-9088 gaiety17@yahoo.ca
Day for all immigrant groups in Guyana.
Short title
Lloyd Harradan 905-796-1683 lharradan@hotmail.com
4. The short title of this Act is the South
Asian Heritage Act, 2001.
Good cop, Bad Cop
MORE KIDNAP STORIES Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007 Page 10
And she revealed that during one fright-
ening conversation with the kidnappers,
they actually called the name of one of the
AKS officers who was assisting the family
No. 4 in Anand Ramlogan’s sensational exposé on the ugly truth of Trinidad kidnapping in negotiating the ransom payment from the

Police ignore mother’s frantic plea “My daughter’s been kidnapped!” home phone.
The kidnappers called this officer’s name
Two police officers sat behind the desk. first came into the police station and she some rape and murder of 12-year-old in an effort to prove their claim that the po-
They stared at her blankly. Neither man started begging the officers, literally, to do Radha Pixie Lakhan whose body had only lice too, was involved in the crime. Though
moved a muscle; they stared at her as something. They eventually agreed to ac- recently been discovered, she had been it frightened her, she did have her doubts
though she had horns growing out of her company her back to her home, but said murdered. She remembered that little about this claim.
head. they had to wait because there was no ve- Radha’s mother had expressed a cruel and She had been reading up on kidnapping
She realised she was not commanding the hicle currently available. She offered to ironic sense of relief that at least her daugh- on the Internet and read that the kidnappers
policemen’s attention nor conveying any take them with her, but they said that that ter’s mutilated corpse had put to rest the claiming the police were involved was a
sense urgency of her plight. She tried again. was “contrary to policy because she was a nasty rumours leaked to the media by the common tactic designed to erode trust and
She cleared her throat and raised her voice civilian.” police that her daughter had gone off with confidence in the cops so that the family
to repeat: “My daughter has just been kid- They had to wait until the official police a man. She remembered that that was the would bow to the wishes of the kidnappers
napped!” main theory and lead the police were work- and pay up. But still, she did not ignore or
One of the policemen, rising sluggishly, ing on until a search party stumbled upon discount the possibility that the police could
asked, the child’s lifeless body. be involved. She thought of that particular
“So how A few hours later, three officers from the officer who was so intent on advising the
yuh know AKS arrived at the family home. She said family on how to go about raising money
she get they appeared more concerned and gen- to pay the ransom; who constantly sought
k i d - uine, unlike the other officers who the fam- information from her about local and for-
napped?” ily has seen so far. The AKS officers treated eign bank accounts, properties and other as-
Franti- sets. He had told her to sell off a piece of
cally, she land she had inherited from her father and
explained seemed to be more than just disappointed
that her when she appeared to be reluctant to take
daughter this advice. He had even jokingly offered to
w a s purchase the land himself, commenting
snatched aloud that he was looking for a nice place,
Saada Singh, 3 year old kid- Reshma Boodoo-thrown out she recalled.
while she
napped at nursery school of kidnap car and killed
driving
through the front gate of their home. vehicle, which was on inquiries, returned, One good Samaritan
As her words poured out, she began to cry. they told her. Her belly started churning
The policemen asked for a description of with a mother’s grief and gut-wrenching The ransom money was eventually paid and
the vehicle, but she couldn’t give any be- pain. She telephoned her husband who had Victim Nadie Rampersad, 16 her daughter was released. She walked for
cause she, the mother, was not at home at already marshalled several vehicles with miles in the dark, until the sun was coming
the time her daughter was kidnapped in the friends, villagers and family to go in search up and a kind and brave motorist stopped
driveway of their home. She said a neigh of their daughter. her daughter’s disappearance as a real kid- for her. While she was walking, several
She was comforted a bit and found herself napping and not a missing person’s case. drivers slowed down, observed her dishev-
profusely thanking her husband who an- The AKS officers told her they needed to elled and tattered appearance, but refused
grily retorted, “What stupidness yuh talkin, tap her phone line. She agreed, the exces- to stop. The duct tape that had been repeat-
is my child yuh know?” She gave the offi- sive protocol and bureaucracy took two edly ripped from her mouth during her two
cers the “good news” only to be told that whole days. The officers told her that it was weeks of captivity had left the flesh raw.
they were wrong to take the law into their not necessary for any technician to visit her With her hands having been tied behind her
o w n home as the phone line could be tapped at back, she had been unable to drive away the
hands source through TSTT. It was that easy. A flies and mosquitoes; her face was covered
and not crude tape recording device was then used with the insect bites. Back at the police sta-
wait for to monitor and record all telephone calls. tion, the police refused to allow the mother
the po- The unimpressive, archaic recording de- to see her daughter saying they were await-
l i c e . vice led her to question the officers about ing instructions. She almost went insane.
“Allyuh the availability of more modern equipment. How could they prevent her from seeing
eh need The officers explained to her that although her daughter? As she sat in the waiting
no po- such high-tech equipment existed, it was room, she saw an officer enter the station,
Victim Neisha Seeteram, nine years old lice, al- not available to the AKS because it was look at her daughter and heard him say,
lyuh is “being used for other purposes by the “How all yuh have dis woman smelling up
bour who saw the entire incident described all yuh State.” de place so. W’appen to she? Like she get
the vehicle as a heavily tinted, white B13 Pixie Lakhan kidnapped, killed own po- They confessed to not having the neces- rape or what?” Her daughter was eventually
Sentra. lice,” an sary equipment and resources to do their examined by a doctor and allowed to go
The policemen asked her whether her officer told her. job, but seemed committed to getting the home with her.
daughter had a boyfriend. She said no. The She left the station. An hour later, two po- job with what they had, she said.
other officer picked up the photo of her lice officers arrived at her home saying that Secret and death
daughter from the counter and exclaimed, they had come in connection with “some Praise, criticism for AKS
“Yuh mean to say ah good lookin gyul like ting about some kidnapping.” They said this One of the AKS officers who was stationed
dis eh have a boyfriend? Yuh mean you doh not only with an air of disbelief, but also The mother was full of praise for the AKS at her home while her daughter was in cap-
know if she have one?” with more than a hint of sarcasm. They then officers as they lived through the ordeal tivity subsequently paid her a secret visit.
Confused and dazed, aware of the fact that proceeded to ask the same question that the with the entire family with great empathy This officer confessed to having grave mis-
time was passing quickly and frustrated by policemen at the station has asked her: and understanding. She wondered whether givings about one of his senior colleagues.
the casual attitude and irrelevant questions Whether her daughter had a boyfriend. these officers receive counselling as they She saw him as one of the more profes-
of the policemen, the mother asked, “What They then interrogated her about whether moved from one case to the next. sional and caring officers and she allowed
does whether she has a boyfriend or not she had any enemies. Unable to cope with There was, however, one particular offi- him to speak with her traumatised daugh-
have to do with the fact that she was kid- the trauma and confusion of the thoughts cer whom she said she did not trust — he ter, to see if she could be of any assistance
napped?” that were now assailing her, she called for seemed more interested in providing finan- in his attempts to investigate the possible
the neighbour who had witnessed the kid- cial advice as to how she could raise the involvement of his senior colleague in the
Dead silence. napping, to speak with the officers. ransom money as opposed to trying to find kidnapping.
her daughter. Truth be told, she felt that She never saw or heard from this officer
The officer asked his colleague (who was Worthless police theories with only the odd-looking tape recorder at again, but was to subsequently read in the
holding the picture) whether he should call their disposal, the AKS officers were more newspapers that he had been killed in a po-
the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS). He She swears that as long as she lives, she helpful at counselling the family than con- lice station by another officer whose
replied, “For what? We eh have no proof would never be able to forget the snide ducting a serious investigation into the kid- firearm had allegedly been accidentally dis-
dat dis gyul was kidnapped.” comment she overheard from one of the of- napping. The kidnappers knew that the charged.
ficers that “she (her daughter) probably run residential line was tapped, they contacted
Contrary to policy away with a man for a few days.” the family through friends and relatives,
She panicked as she heard the cop say she said.
Almost 30 minutes had gone since she this, remembering reading about the grue-
Page 11
A young music prodigy
ACHIEVERS Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007

Indo Caribbean Cultural


Society of B.C. keeps the
is always the problem-solver. He even plays
in lead role in getting her to practice her

heritage alive in the West


By Staff Writer music more often”, says a very proud Mrs.
Flashback to 1999, Randy’s debut per- Sheila Mahadeo who has successfully
formance at age 6 is at York University , for passed on values from back home in
the Scott-Mendez cultural program. At first Trinidad to both her children. The Indo Caribbean Cultural Society of in the beginning didn’t have a high impres-
he is nervous, but after his performance “Randy has received trophies at his British Columbia has over 75 paid up mem- sion of Caribbean Hindus, who speak
bers today, just six years after the group mostly English and appear somewhat west-
was formed in 2001. That is just amazing ernized. That ended when the noted
when you consider that by most accounts Guyanese Pundit Prakash Gossai held his
there are just a few hundred Indo- first yagna at the Fijian mandir in 2004.
Caribbeans in all of British Columbia. The Fijians were surprised and greatly
ICCSBC members and their families could impressed at Gossai’s ability to read in
be as much as half of the Indo-Caribbean Hindi and Sanskrit, and to explain so well
population in the province. in English. His bhajan singing was a reve-
When a group of nine Indo-Guyanese and lation to the Fijians, who also learned that
Indo-Trinidadians got together in Rich- Caribbean Hindus practiced very accept-
mond to form a group six years ago, all they able Hinduism. Gossai will be doing a
wanted was to have a Divali celebration. yagna again at the beginning of June, and
The Trinidad and Tobago Association that Naraine has graciously invited Caribbean

Racquel and Randy Mahadeo perform at a recent cultural program in Mississauga


deafening applause breaks out. This makes school of music for things like best per-
him feel a little less nervous, a little more formance at school ceremonies.
proud of himself, a little more confident. It People love Randy to perform and they
gives him a sense of accomplishment. He pay him what they want, but are always
does three film songs, "Kuch Kuch Hota very generous."
Hai" title song from the film of the same Randy has been learning music from the
name, "Suraj Kab Door" from "Karan Saaz O Awaaz school under teacher Dev
Arjun" and "Karlo Karlo", film not known. Bansraj Ramkissoon since he was 4. Noth-
Now fast forward to April 28th, 2007 , his ing keeps him away from class, not even
most current performance is at his home heavy traffic in winter and he has missed
during a family puja. In addition to the only one or two days at most. Former ICCSBC president Naraine Mohabir and wife Joyce at a recent function
usual slate of bhajans, he renders "Jheene Being so focused is rare in for most chil- most of them belonged to refused to have a Hindus from all over Canada to come as
Re Jheene" in different ragas. This draws dren, yet Randy has kept up his attendance Divali event, so they walked away and their guests.
spontaneous applause from the small reli- at school and perseveres with regular prac- formed their own group. Today the ICCSBC is moving to
gious gathering even though culturally it is tice on a daily basis at home when other Former president Naraine Mohabir related strengthen itself and prepare for the coming
unusual to applaud at religious functions. young people would be doing other fun that he, his wife Joyce, Ena and Arnold years. Several young people have been
"Applause is always nice. It makes me feel things! He has been going to his music Bridgelalsingh, Ram Ramsaroop, Harnan brought in at the board level to make sure
proud of myself," says Randy, recalling the classes for the past ten years, no mean feat. Singh, Hollis Kelly, Ruben Paul and Sheila there is another generation of leaders to
occasion. A love for music coupled with his Guruji’s Omaid just got together and started the carry on. There is an active 20 member
Meet Randy Mahadeo, rising star, child backing make for a powerful mixture in his group with a bang. With strong support youth group that handles the dances and
prodigy in Indian music and a young role musical life. from Indo-Caribbeans not only in Rich- performances in their programs. They
model for all young people everywhere. mond, but also in Victoria, Vancouver, Sur- have Indian dance classes and Hindi class-
What is your motivation, what keeps you rey and Burnaby, their Divali celebration esThey have set up a web site, and are busy
Age: 14 years Grade 9, West Humber Col- going in your music? was a huge success. Over 400 people turned making contacts in Canada and back in the
legiate up, among them the mayor of Richmond, Caribbean. A magazine could be on the
Started music: Age 4 First public perform- "Music inspires me, but an even bigger and then BC Attorney General Ujjal horizon. Some of the Hindu members have
ance: age 6 inspiration is Guruji. He makes me want to Dosanjh (who later became the first Indo- published their own Lakshmi Handbook
Activities: sings, plays tabla, and keyboard advance more, go deeper. About me, he Canadian Premier of BC). this year.
Favourite singer: Anup Jalota thinks I have a lot of potential. However, Starting as a Diwali Committee 2000, There are challenges, which should be ex-
Favourite actress: Aishwarya Rai he won’t say who his best student in school the group registered as the ICCSBC in pected for a tiny community far away from
Favourite film: Umrao Jaan 2006 is. He never wishes to make anyone feel 2002. It filled a need for East Indians, large Indo-Caribbean communities in
Favourite sport: basketball bad or make them stop music. He loves whose ancestors had left India in the mid places like Toronto and from their home
Favourite TV show: Eye on Asia everyone the same. Guruji always says that nineteen century and whose interpretation countries.
Favourite season: summer practice makes perfect and recommends of Indian Culture is based on a homeland Naraine says one challenge comes from
Favourite summer activity: playing sports one hour of practice every day, but I do two from another time and largely based in the older Trinidadians, who came to B.C. as
Favourite subject in school: Music, both to two and a half hours a day.” Uttar Pradesh and Bengal . early as the 1950’s. “At the time there were
Eastern and Western "Because of my music, I have grown a lot. Diaspora Indians from Trinidad , Guyana , few Trinidadian women here, so they mar-
Role model: My Guriji (Bansraj It doesn't interfere with my school work and Mauritius and Fiji , have enjoyed a com- ried white Canadians. Now many years
Ramkissoon of Saaz O Awaaz Music all my grades are good.” mon camaraderie and even their names are later, they are searching for their roots and
School of Brampton) similar. we are trying to accommodate them.”
Wanna be: I want to explore my opportuni- How has the transition from childhood to From then on it was full speed forward. An equally tough challenge comes from
ties probably in music, preferably Eastern youth and adolescence affected your Next year the group added Holi celebra- the young people, who are an ultra tiny mi-
music. music? tions, Indian Arrival Day and a summer pic- nority in B.C. “While they are young and
Award received: 2005, “For Contribution nic in August to their annual agenda. It has in school it’s okay, but later they seem to
Toward Enhancing the Lives of Tabla “Moving from elementary school to high pulled the Indo-Caribbean community to- have problems with their identity as Indo-
Kendar Students" from the Tabla Kendar school has not interfered with my music. gether in ways they never expected. Mem- Caribbeans. Some are marrying outside of
School. When my voice changed, though, I had to bers are very generous in supporting any the group and find their partners not too
practice more. Although love for music is projects. They socialize and support each ready to relate to our culture and commu-
Randy lives with Mom Sheila and younger my main motivation, I get a lot of encour- other, and operate almost like a village nity,” he says.
sister Racquel. Mom speaks in a soft, hum- agement from my cousin Ramona Sylvan. community that just happens to be spread But these challenges are the same for
ble voice about Randy: She often accompanies me on the tabla and out over hundreds of kilometers. larger Indo-Caribbean communities in On-
“He is devoted to his culture and is a very is extremely enthusiastic. She attends the Many of the members are Hindus, who tario, Quebec and elsewhere. B.C. with its
pleasant child, humble and loving. He al- Tabla Kendar School that gave me the 2005 have yagnas and pujas in their homes. As five hundred odd Indo-Caribbeans is not
ways liked going to the mandir, doing puja award. My sister, Racquel, is also into yet, they don’t have their own Hindu even 1 percent of the 200,000 Indo-
and singing bhajans. music. She also practices regularly, and she mandir, but visit the Vedic Cultural Soci- Caribbeans in Canada, but its ICCSBC
“He gets along well with Racquel. There is also does well." ety/Ram Krishna Mandir run by Fijian Hin- group may have some lessons for us as a
little misunderstanding between them and (CONTINUED ON PAGE 17) dus. whole on how to make an Indo-Caribbean
if any misunderstanding does arise, Randy Naraine said the Hindi speaking Fijians community in Canada.
SAY IT IN PICTURES Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007 Page 12

It is no exaggeration to say that over a billion people were intensely interested when top Bollywood stars Abishek and Ash married in what many called the Bollywood of the
century. India alone has over 1.2 billion people and most of them were definitely interested. Many Indo-Caribbeans were just as interested, though some of the Trinidadians
were not too happy with the balisier flowers in the curtains behind Aishwarya (see picture at top left).

Guyana President Bharratt Jagdeo and wife Varshnie, seen here in They’re still talking about Hollywood actor An Indian woman carries her child into a pollice sta-
happier times at their wedding, have disclosed that their marriage Richard Gere’s kiss with Bollywood’s Shilpa tion in Kampala. Uganda, after rioters targeted
is over and they are getting divorced. The announcement came as a Shetty that shocked millions of Indians. He was Asians.Scores of Asian Indians were beaten and one
surprise to many Indo-Caribbeans in Canada who were not aware making the point that AIDS cannot be spread by man killed. In 1971 dictator Idi Amin expelled all
of any problem in the marriage. kissing on the cheek, but Indians didn’t buy it. 75,000 Asians , with much popular support.

What’s the biggest tourist attraction in Trinidad these days? It’s the world famous, Dhoom 2 and its raft of stars, including newlweds Abhishek Bachan and Aishwarya Rai,
and unique Hindu temple in the sea, originally built by one man, Sewdass Sadhu. are up for numerous awards at the Bollywood Movie Awards on May 26 in New York.
Check out sizzling
CONSUMER WATCH Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007 Page 13
IT IS UP TO THE CONSUMER
Caribbean hot spot at
This writing is not intended to educate the such shape? I was tempted to speak to the
reader on facts about foods or tell you how parents but decided against doing so.

Albion & Islington


to choose what you eat. These facts are I see this as an example of typical unin-
available from various sources including formed consumers buying based on taste
government issued guidelines etc. The in- and or to appease their kids. There is ab-
tention is to point out that it is entirely up to solutely no thought given to health.
you, the consumer to make the right It bothers me to no end and it should
choices. bother you too, that manufacturers would
beneficial. After all, when there is competi- One would hope that in this day of health make and sell goods that they know are un-
tion, isn’t there a chance that business will consciousness, that consumers would make healthy. I dare say that the vast majority of
be lost to the guy next door or that there choices based on information on labels of fast food is unhealthy. This includes burg-
may not be enough business for everyone? food packages. This information is quite ers, donuts, muffins, fried chicken and
useful and includes things like the amount French fries At one time, muffins were pro-
The Indo Caribbean Times has both sur- of fat, sodium, calories, fiber, etc of the con- moted as healthy. Coffee with added caf-
veyed all of the businesses and gotten opin- tents. feine to get us addicted, pop and juices with
ions from patrons and owners. It is a During a recent trip to the grocery, a boy too much sugar and artificial sweeteners
resounding affirmative that everyone wins caught my attention. The way he walked are proven to be bad for us.
in this situation. From the survey, the result
By Reynold Ramdial is that all establishments are very ade-
looked strange. He was actually dragging Even healthy foods like salads and some
his feet rather than lifting them in the nor- sandwiches become unhealthy when dress-
By way of definition, a Caribbean Hot Spot quately patronized with no shortage of cus- mal manner. I noticed his face was swollen ings and sauces are added to them. It is
would be an area where one can find au- tomers and business. As for the patrons, and puffy and his expression was one of equally bothersome that consumers buy
thentic Caribbean cuisine, food stuff and they get good value for their money and discomfort. these items. The decision to buy is based to
other items not normally found in the main choices galore. Talking about value, Tues- Further along I saw that the kid was quite a very large extent on taste, convenience
stream shops. Thirty five years ago, one of days are known as “Toonie Tuesday” when overweight. Both parents looked to be nor- and lower prices. The results of eating these
the few truly hot spot in the Toronto area food can be bought for somewhere around mal size, not overweight at all. I thought foods are more kids like the one in the gro-
was a single specialty grocery store called a Toonie. that maybe the kid had a medical condition cery. Not to mention obesity at epidemic
Piri’s Dixieland at Lawrence and Pharmacy.
but what I saw confirmed otherwise. proportions.
If one wanted some traditional food, pep- We have come a very long way from the The father was just filling the shopping It is up to consumers to know what is
pers etc. that was the place to get it. days when we had to travel long distances cart with all of the wrong things, chips, pop, good for them and to make the right
Chances were that one would run into ac- to get our kind of stuff. We are no longer at candy etc. It turned out that the majority of choices. If we must buy then choose the
quaintances there. the mercy of the merchant with “take it or items purchased by this family were things healthier items and maybe we will send a
leave it” prices and attitudes. Service is they should be avoiding. The shopping cart strong enough message that we do not want
A major Caribbean hot spot nowadays is friendly and prices are reasonable. was full of things like muffins, burgers, the other junk items. This may influence the
the Albion and Islington area,1 block east
homo milk and cheese, a variety of snack, product offerings and no doubt we would
and 1 block west of Islington. In this area These Caribbean Hot Spots are good meet- croissant and white bread. be better off health-wise.
is located three of the GTA’s best known ing places weather by accident or design. It
and most popular Indo Trinidad eateries. Is there any wonder that the kid was in

A
is likely to have a good ole talk with about
Saturday special is breakfast buffets and the everything and anything and especially
choices are incredible. The food is totally about back home affairs and politics.

F
wholesome, healthy and home style What’s
more; these establishments are not like hole My personal experience is that I always

T
in the wall but places where families and enjoy good food, meet interesting people
friends can enjoy comfortable dine-in ac- and enjoy the back home style atmosphere.
commodations.

E
Indo Caribbean Times, in fulfilling its com-
mitment to the community, will continue to
There are also two major specialty gro- bring readers up to date with and inform

R
ceries and convenience stores where one them of more Caribbean Hot Spots. The
can get just about anything tropical. numbers of these locations are on the rise
Choices of fresh vegetables, fresh and and sometimes not quite as noticeable to the
frozen meat and ground provision are as passerby.
good as one could expect to find in a mar-
ket back in the Caribbean. If you know of a Caribbean Hot Spot in

B
your community, give us a call at 416 289
To the competing business owners this 3898 or email to ictimes@rogers.com.

E
could be viewed as either not desirable or

F
O
R
E
COMMUNITY Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007 Page 14
ANNOUNCEMENTS
awards five bursaries annually, each val-
VEDIC CULTURAL CENTRE SEND YOUR
COMMUNITY NEWS
ued at $200 each, to students who must be
graduates of an Ontario high school and ANNUAL EXHIBITION &
DEVI MANDIR at 2590 Brock Road, first year students in an accredited Cana-
dian post secondary institutions. Appli-
CULTURAL PROGRAM TO THE ICTIMES AT 416-289-
Pickering presents the contemporary dance FOR
performance Nrityargha on Saturday May cants must also be a NAAC student 3898, EMAIL TO
SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH
5, at 6.30 pm. Dances will be performed by member for the last two years. ictimes@rogers.com, or mail
Sukalyan and Entourage, an ensemble of Saturday May 5, 2007 to 17 Gaiety Drive, Toronto
ISLAMIC FORUM OF CANADA in-
talented artists from India, Canada and the Exhibition from 5:30pm, ON Canada M11H 1B9
United States, and directed by Sukalyan vites you to their International Food
Stage Program from 7:00pm
Bhattacharya. Children from the Devi Bazaar 2007, on Sunday May 6 at the Is- CANADIAN Museium of Civilization
# 4345 14th Avenue. Markham,
Mandir will also perform. Entrance is $15 lamic Forum of Canada, 200 Advance presents Festival of India, August 24-26,
(905) 475-5778
for adults, $5 for children under 12. For Boulevard, Toronto (next to the Fabulous at 8640 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill.
info contact the mandir at 905-686-8534, Flea Market). Over 10,000 are expected per day to
Theme of Program: Scientific and techno-
Amar at 416-249-3579 or Sam at 905-428- This family experience begins at 1 pm, enjoy a panorama of experiences from
logical Contributions from South Asia
6905. and features delicious foods fromAfrica, India including:
Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, Guyana, Ayurveda and Health care
Keynote Speakers: Dr Desai from UFT;
SOUND SENSATIONS present a Gala India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, St Yoga and Meditation
Dr Naresh Singh, UNDP scientist,
Dinner Concert on the Father’s Day Week- Lucia, Trinidad and much more. For info Astrology and Palmistry
Dr V. Rambihar, Cardiologist, Scarbor-
end, Saturday June 16 at 7 pm. Venue is the call 905-799-0763, 416-790-8859, 416- Ethnic Foods
ough Grace Hospital
Royal Banquet Hall, 185 Statesman Drive, 840-5714, 41-791-7173, or e-mail at Music Concerts
Brampton (North of Derry, off Edwards info@islamicforum.net. Spiritual Discourses
Other attractions: Ethnic Food Bar,
Blvd. East of Hwy 10 and West of Hwy Cultural Program of songs, music and Bollywood Playback Singer
410). Featured artistes include Rajmini, GUYANA AWARDS (2007) GALA in Folk dances and Puppetry
dance
Romena Ali, Jaya and Devarti from India, commemoration of the Independence of Indian movies and documentaries
Admission Free
Bebe, Shanti Jackree, Shalindra, Sherry, Guyana will be held on Saturday May 26 Fashion shows
Donations welcome
and Bobby Armoogam. Music by Sound at the Sheraton Hotel, Richmond Hill, Puppetry
Sensations led by Bobby Armoogam. Ad- starting at 6 pm. The Gala, held under the
auspices of the Consul General of Move into that dream home ! Children’s theatre
mission is $30 and dress code is formal. For Handicraft
Guyana, honours notable Guyanese liv-
Call Peter Seepersad
info and tickets call Bobby at 905-450- Explanations of Indian religions
8420, Shalindra at 905-812-1887 or Shanti ing in Canada. Past recipients include Dr Artist’s Village
Bhudendra Doobay, Ken Singh, Sherene
at 416-588-7827. RE/MAX Rouge River Indian books
Shaw, Ron Fanfair and Norman Sue.
June 1-3, INDO-CARIBBEAN CUL- Music is by Byron Lee and the Drago- 416-286-3993 Rituals for Indian gods and goddesses

TURAL SOCIETY OF BRITISH CO- naires and Victor Shim. Tickets are $100
LUMBIA holds a Three Day Yagna at the and dress is formal. For info call 416-412-
Vedic Cultural Society, Ram Krishna 6093 or 905-686-4711.
Mandir, 8200 #5 Road, Richmond BC.
Pundit Prakash Gossai will conduct the SATYA JYOTI CULTURAL SABHA
yagna. celebrates its 18th anniversary with a for-
mal dinner and Evening of Film, Ghazal
THE CANADIAN COUNCIL OF and Chutney Music on Saturday May 5,
AHLESUNNAYATWAL JAMAAT, a starting at 7 pm. Venue is the Royal Ban-
coalition of 29 masjids in the GTA, invites quet Hall, 185 Statesman Drive, Missis-
all to Prophet’s Day on May 20, from 1.00 sauga (Highway 10 and Derry), with
p.m. at Queen’s Park, Toronto. The event, entertainment from Hewant Panwar,
which is a celebration of the birthday of the Sachin Sharma, Shanti Jakree, Neil Suru-
Prophet Mohammed, begins with a parade jdeo,Karan Persaud and Dennis Latch-
down University Avenue, prayers for the mana. Tickets are $30 a person. For info
sick in front of Sick Kids Hospital, and call 416-543-5357, 905-913-0131 or 416-
989-5571. WEST INDIAN CUISINE Industrial Technical Services
ends at City Hall with a public function.
Takeout Dine in Catering
Addresses by dignitaries such as
Streetsville MP Wajid Khan are included, BHAGVAD GITA FOR EACH HOME 905-494-5927 Commercial and Industrial
along with Islamic singing, and Fun Day Bulk distribution centres. 1098 Peter Robertson Rd, Controls and Service
for children. The Gita can be available in bulk at the Unit 10, Brampton Chemical Feed Systems & Pumps
following contacts: Donations are ex- All our meats are Halal 1-888-487-8677
THE CANADA HINDU HERITAGE pected to fund further copies; any indi-
CENTRE’s Kala Niketan (School of Per- vidual or organization wishing to assist in “This quaint, friendly family owned restau- W intronic Computers
forming Arts) presents Rabindranath this project can contact us. rant serves real home style food in a
Tagore’s Laadakwai (The Spoilt One), a
CANADA
homely atmosphere. AMD Sempron 300+ $299
live dance drama in English on Saturday
May 19 at 6.30 p.m. The drama, which is Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton Service is courteous and friendly and is lo-
choreographed and directed by Ella Devani RamnarineSahadeo 905 671 9233 e-mail
cated just off Torbram Rd. N of Bovaird” 400 Dundas Street E. Unit 105A
and Sunil Lakhani, is being held at the ramjihindu@rogers.com, Omesh Sharma
Omesh@flexomark.com, Chandan Per-
Tel: 905-281-0204
Meadowvale Theatre, 6315 Montevideo
Road, Mississauga (off Battleford, West of saud 416-754-2382,
Erin Mills, and South of the 401). Also fea- Gulcharan at 416 481-5777 gmo-
tured is the annual dance recital of upcom- habir@hotmail.com, Ram Jagessar
ing stars of the school. Tickets are $15 and 416 289 9088 or ram@eol.ca Don Goertzen, CGA
$10. For info contact Tara at 905-696-8886. Investment Representative
Richmond Hill Quadrus Investment Services
THE NAPARIMA ALUMNI ASSOC- O m o P e r s a u d
CIATION OF CANADA will hold its An- omo@globalspectruminc.com 905-886- 2 Autumn Drive
nual General Meeting and Election of 1724 Caledon, Ontario L76 OT8
Officers on Satuday May 26, from 1.30-
Quadrus Investment Services Ltd.
Office: 519-927-3937
3.30 pm at the Montessori Teacher Training Winnipeg: Fax: 519-927-3802
Centre, 1050 McNicoll Avenue, Scarbor- Ajodhya Mahadeo 204-661-6643 tksfinancial@sympatico.ca
ough. For info call Ian Ramdial at 905-844-
1254. GUYANA
Saraswati Vidya Niketan ph. 2760013/14
Swami_aksharananda@hotmail.com
BODYMAN REQUIRED
APPLICANTS for 2007 bursaries from
the Naparima Alumnia Association of Busy body shop in Brampton
Canada are asked to download applications TRINIDAD
and guidelines from the group's web site at Hindu Students Council: Professional Service & Excellent Salary
www.naactoronto.ca/documents/NAACBur hsclink@gmail.com Own tools preferred
saryApplication.pdf. The deadline for ap- Call Bobby 905-451-5843
plications is November 16, 2007. The group
How to establish
BUSINESS AND FINANCE Page 15
Make use of an unused
Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007

and maintain an
asset hiding in your home

excellent personal
uity in your home, but no cash unless you
sell your house. It makes all the sense in the
world to use your equity wisely now.

credit rating
The key word in that phrase is the word
wisely. You can get a home equity line of
credit from the bank and buy a new car, the
big screen TV or other things that depreci-
ate in value. But that is not so wise, and
does not help your financial position in the
long term.
This will start generating a credit score on What you can do instead let a reputable fi-
which you will be rated. By Ijaz Hosein nancial adviser get you a home equity line
5. If you have bruised credit or there are of credit, and use that to secure your finan-
inaccuracies on your report you need to It's a common condition for home owners cial future. He can get you a loan of 75% of
clear these up. For inaccuracies on the re- in Canada to find themselves struggling to the equity in your home, which would be,
port you need to contact Equifax and re- pay their bills, pay their mortgage, pay for for example, $187,500 of that $250,000 eq-
quest that the report be corrected. For their car loans and credit-cards, as well as uity. By yourself you can only get a 50 per-
By Rudy Lochan derogatory items on your report, you need saving towards their retirement. Their cent loan.
to contact the reporting institution to re- salary is not enough to go around, and they With that $187,500 he will pay off your
Why is a good credit rating so necessary solve them. Once it has been resolved, they have no other way to bring more into the mortgage on the house, and maybe your car
and important? If you wish to purchase a will request Equifax to update the report to pot. Cutting down on expenses is almost loan as well, leaving you with around
house, a car, furniture, get a phone, cable reflect the correction. impossible for most people. $75,000 to be invested. You will pay the
TV, etc. The vendor will check your credit 6. To maintain good credit you need to: What they don't know is that most of them same amount for the line of credit as you
rating. If your credit is good you are fine.  make all payments in a timely manner are sitting on an asset that is not being used did for the mortgage. Your $75,000 will be
However, if you have bruised credit, you’ll even if it is the minimum payment. to strengthen their financial position and invested in safe and protected funds that
have some challenges. The vendor may re-  try not to exceed 75% of your credit build for their future. This asset is the eq- will double it 10 years or less.
fuse to work with you or he may request a limit. For example if your credit limit is uity in their home, which can be valued up So here you are now with your mortgage
guarantor or co-signer. But most often you $1000.00 then your balance should not ex- to several hundred thousand dollars in cash. paid off, your debts consolidated and paid
are seen as high-risk and will therefore at- ceed $750. Maxing out or exceeding your In most cases the equity in their homes is off, with no extra payments and money ac-
tract a higher interest rate as well as more limit can hurt your rating. Better yet; pay just sitting there doing nothing while they cumulating in your retirement fund. In 10
stringent credit terms. off the entire balance every month if you pay off the typical 25 year mortgage on years time when you would have paid off
In Canada it is relatively easy to borrow can. their home. your mortgage and found yourself house
money at competitive terms if you have a  have a minimum of 2 cards/loans/trade- Let me explain equity in the home. Eq- rich but cash poor, you find yourself with
good credit history. A good credit history lines for 2 years. A good track record is im- uity is the difference between the current at least $150,000 in investments. And it was
includes making all your payments on time. portant. Generally a minimum of two years value of your home and what you owe on all done with an unused asset, your home
It is easy to develop or establish good credit history is needed. Many lenders your mortgage. So if you bought a house 10 equity, with minimal risk.
credit. It is even easier to harm or destroy would also like to see a minimum credit years ago for $250,000 and it went up in This is not something we knew in the
your credit. Here are some key points to limit of $2000. So just remember 2:2:2 (2 value by $100,000, then $350,000 is the Caribbean, where many of us own houses
bear in mind with respect to your credit trade lines, for 2 years with a minimum current value of your home. You still owe before we came to Canada . But it is cer-
health: limit of $2000) the bank $100,000 on your mortgage, so tainly something worth considering for a
1. You need to have debt to create a credit  limit Equifax credit enquiries to 1 every you have $250,000 in equity in your home. home owner now living in Canada .
rating. When you borrow, the loan is regis- 4 months. Too many enquiries will hurt the That's a lot of money to leave lying
tered with the credit bureau. As you repay rating. Once an institution pulls your credit around unused. There is no way you can Ijaz Hosein is a financial adviser with
your loan it is recorded and monitored by it is recorded on your credit report and stays save that kind of money from your salary, Boosterlink Financial Inc. and the above
the bureau’s computer tracking system. there for 3 years. If you make a soft inquiry or by accumulating RRSP's a few thousand description is their Wealth Booster Plan.

Selling or buying?
Not having a loan is bad and the conse- (one done directly by you to the credit bu- dollars a year. When you pay off your mort- He can be reached at 905-470-9997 ext.
quences can be the same as those for some- reau) this will not be recorded and it will gage you will have a hundred percent eq- 255 or ihosein@boosterlink.com
one with a bad credit rating have no adverse impact on your credit re-
2. Equifax credit rating (called Beacon port. A report can be obtained through a soft
score) ranges from 300 to 900. Excellent inquiry directly from Equifax for a small
being 900 and very poor being 300. Above fee of just $23.95.
680 is considered fairly well and above 720
can be considered excellent.
 do not take out more that 3 cards or
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS Page 16
Favourite sleeping position may give pain
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007
Check your
heart health
this South Asian
A new survey suggests that our favourite lower back and awkward neck and shoul-
position in bed may be causing headaches, der postures.

Heritage Month
tendon strain and sleepless nights.
The third most popular sleep position is the
The "Arrow" -- where snoozers sleep
lengthwise on their sides -- is the most pop- By VS Rambihar MD, cardiologist.
ular position for Canadians, but causes
strain on the back and pelvis, according to Make every day a Heart Healthy Day,
a poll released by the Better Sleep Council and everyday ask yourself -
of Canada.
What have I done for my heart today?
To help promote Better Sleep Month, the
BSCC has released a survey on Tuesday This month we celebrate our culture as
that shows the sleeping habits of Canadians part of South Asian Heritage Month. We
may be causing neck and back problems. should also plan for the future and make
it one filled with health and happiness by
"If left unchecked, improper sleep posture also making it South Asian Heart Month.
can wreak as much havoc on our bodies as
spending long hours seated improperly at a Our culture is rich and vibrant but there a
computer," Kathy Kawaja, a certified er- Five per cent of Canadians say they sleep few aspects we must change. South
gonomist, said. Sleeping on your stomach, also known as in the Surrender position. Asians worldwide are very sensitive to
the Skydive is another position to avoid. moving to places like Canada where we
put on weight, eat less healthy than we
"Zombie" position, 15 per cent of Canadi- placed under the head but not under the
should and exercise less. Studies have
ans say they sleep on their back with their shoulders, and that they should be thick
shown that this causes much earlier and
arms by their side. enough to allow the head to rest in a com-
more severe diabetes, heart and blood
fortable position.
vessel disease and early death in South

Most Canadians
Asians than others.
Meanwhile, the least popular position is the

are “too salty”,


"Surrender" position; five per cent of Cana- We now know how to prevent this, and it
The Arrow is the most popular position, dians say they sleep on their back with their requires your help. We now have to
specially with men, with 39 per cent of arms up by their head.

study finds
change our culture to one of health, eat-
males surveyed saying it is their preferred ing more healthy, exercising more, find-
slumber position. But the Arrow tends to ing out our risks early and living
cause strain on the back and pelvis. according to our risks.

Sleeping regularly in bad positions may We have to ease upon We have to include our children in this,

the salt shaker or face


also deform the structure of a sleeper's back to teach them healthy habits or let them
bone and lead to chronic joint and muscle teach us, and share these as families and
strain in the neck, shoulder, and back, as
well as chronic headaches and poor posture. heath risks like high in the community. We have to start right

blood pressure
here in the community, before it becomes
bad enough to see doctors.
"Considering we spend approximately one-
third of our lives in bed, it's just as impor- All of us are at greater heart risk than we
A new study suggests that most Canadi-
tant for our bodies and overall health to think, and we should use the great things
ans are consuming far more salt in their av-
practice the same good posture while asleep about our culture to change this. So talk
erage daily diet than is necessary or
as when we are awake," Kawaja said. to your friends, plan things for yourself,
recommended.
The Statistics Canada study, based on a and plan community things to make
The survey shows four in 10 sleepers have The third most popular sleep position is health happen.
2004 survey, found that average daily
awoken with some form of pain or discom- the Zombie. sodium intake was far beyond the recom-
fort and 43 per cent of that group said it was Find out your risks and make healthy
mended upper limit, regardless of age.
a result of an improper sleep position. Married Canadians are said to experience choices, for yourselves, for your children
Among adults ages 19 to 70, the upper
more pain than solo sleepers, with 44 per and for the community. Make heart
limit was surpassed by more than 85 per
Men are most likely to prefer the "Arrow," cent saying they sleep separated from each health a part of every community event.
cent of men and 60 per cent of women.
with 39 per cent of males surveyed saying other in bed, while just 28 per cent said they Some people have called this a crisis so it
The tolerable upper-intake levels for
it is their preferred slumber position. both sleep on their side. requires different methods. Ask your doc-
sodium established by the independent In-
stitute of Medicine in Washington, D.C., tor to treat you the usual and different be-
Women tend to favour the "Tummy Tuck," "The best advice for couples is to remember cause of increased risk – increased
range from 1,500 to 2,200 milligrams a day
which resembles the fetal position when to apply some of those critical individual prevention and treatment. The usual is
for children aged one to three, to a maxi-
they sleep. sleep posture tips when someone else is not good enough.
mum of 2,300 mg for people aged 14 or
there," Kawaja said.
older.
Talk about health for 2 minutes at every
"You might want to try hugging or spoon- occasion, even weddings, pujas, services,
The Globe and Mail
ing, but if you're uncomfortable, are feeling community event and everywhere else.
pain or have limbs falling asleep that obvi- It’s a new rule that whoever has a micro-
The study found that in 2004, the average
ously isn't the best sleep position to be in." phone in their hands must speak about
for all Canadians was 3,092 mg of sodium
However, experts say the position you pre- health for 2 minutes. And plan special ac-
a day, one-third more than the point beyond
fer while asleep may not be the only thing tivities for South Asian Heritage Month
which the risks of adverse health effects, es-
to cause discomfort. and South Asian Heart Month to remind
pecially those linked to hypertension, rise
significantly. us to do more.
Kawaja says sleepers should think of their
Women tend to favour the Tummy Tuck, Sodium consumption exceeded the rec-
mattress and pillow as tools to help them at- It is time for action. It is a crisis that we
which resembles the fetal position when ommended levels throughout the country,
tain a restful slumber. should not let continue. Your health and
they sleep. It’s better than the Arrow. but two provinces stood out, Quebec and
British Columbia, where the average daily your life is at stake. Each one of us
"People need sleep to recover from the should ask - what can I do for myself and
intake for people aged one or older was
Experts recommend a comfortable version day's activities, so it's obviously important for the community to make for better
about 3,300 mg.
of the "Tummy Tuck," with a pillow be- to consider what you're sleeping on to fa- health and happiness.
A relatively small grouping of foods ac-
tween the legs to keep the spine aligned. cilitate that recovery," Kawaja said.
counted for close to one-third of all the
Sleeping on your back with a pillow under Start a walking group, dancing, yoga, etc,
sodium Canadians consumed in 2004: The
the knees is another recommended sleep A good mattress, usually with a lifespan be- and change things at home, at the temple
“sandwich category, pizza, sandwiches,
position. tween 8 and 10 years, should allow the and in the community to make health
submarines, hamburgers, hot dogs”, led the
sleeper to maintain the same natural spine happen – eat better, get more exercise,
way, representing 19 per cent of sodium in-
Sleeping on your stomach, also known as alignment they have when standing. keep as slim as possible and talk to each
take, while soups accounted for 7 per cent
the "Skydive," is another position to avoid other about health..
and pasta dishes 6 per cent.
because it causes overextension of the Experts also recommend pillows should be
RELIGION Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007 Page 17
No botox for Muslims in Malaysia US company to produce diesel fuel
Cosmetic surgery also not approved from beef, chicken and pork fat
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's highest Is- He said Botox injection were still allowed HINDUS, Muslims, Jews and vegetarians mentally friendly alternative, there are fears
lamic authority has banned Muslims from for medical treatment but only in extreme generally are expected to react with disgust it may not be to everybody's tastes or ethics.
using Botox injections for cosmetic pur- cases and if administered by specialists. to the news that the American oil company Mr Webster admitted that they were yet to
poses. "This decision refers to situations where ConocoPhillips and Tyson Foods, the discuss this new product with vegetarian
The National Fatwa Council on ruled the there are no alternatives for medical treat- world's biggest meat producer, will produce and religious groups. The diesel when pro-
jabs were unsuitable because they contain ment," Shukor said. diesel from pork fat. Cows and chickens duced will be pumped into a network and
prohibited substances, including some "Since its introduction, there have also will also be transformed to power motor ve- mixed with other types of diesel. It will not
made from pigs, the New Straits Times re- been many fake products in the market and hicles. be possible to tell at petrol stations whether
ported. that is another reason why it is 'haram'," he The companies say that this renewable the diesel is made from animal fat or not.
The council has no legal powers but Mus- added, using the term for something for- source of energy will be cleaner than con- In a statement, the animal rights group
lims who ignore their decrees are said to be bidden under Islamic precepts. ventional diesel. It is hoped that it will be PETA expressed its dismay. "Clearly, the
committing a sin. Botox injections have become popular available at petrol stations by the end of the answer to global warming isn't to fill gas
It made its decision "after studying reports among affluent people in Malaysia, a year. guzzling cars with ground up remains of
from abroad, local specialists and fatwas mainly-Muslim country, where many pre- In two years, ConocoPhillips expects to tortured animals, it is to go vegetarian,
made in Middle Eastern countries", council fer to use it as an alternative to cosmetic produce in the region of 175 million gallons which is something every person can afford
chairperson Shukor Husin told the newspa- surgery which is also generally prohibited of animal diesel a year. to do and should do for the sake of their
per. under Islam.

A young
While animal diesel may be an environ- own health, animals and the environment.”

music prodigy TJ FASHION AND DESIGNS

SUMMER SPECIAL
(Continued from Page 11)

How has music changed your life?

B L OW O U T SAL E
"Music relates to religion. It promotes
culture and love for your parents and Guru.
It provides discipline and is a factor in
character building," he says. "My sister
and I don't fight, don't want to fight. We
don't compete with each other because
music brings a lot of love. It grounds you
and if you are really inspired you want to

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Canada Striving to Accommodate Immigrants
CANADA Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007 Page 18

birthrate increases to the point where it can mous apology from the House of Commons A Guyanese in
Toronto won’t
By Roop Misir, PhD sustain a viable national population. for his detention and torture in Syria

celebrate on day of
(http://righttruth.typepad.com/right_truth/2
Recent Census Accommodation to Minority Groups 007/01/maher_arar.html).

Immigration continues to be the driving


force behind Canada's population growth.
With immigrants from all over the globe
now being part of the Canadian ethno-cul-
Any Closure for Air India Tragedy Inquiry? Wismar massacre
Data from the recently released 2006 cen- tural mosaic, the demographic mix can be There are people in Guyana who are afraid
The tragic downing of Air India Flight 182
sus puts Canada's population at 31.6 mil- truly overwhelming. The Charter of Rights to say it. There are some in Canada who
off the coast of Ireland in 1985 has been de-
lion, an increase of 5.4 per cent since the and Freedoms enacted in 1982 stipulates don't want to think about it. So I will say it
scribed as the greatest terrorist incident in
2001 census. During the intervening period, that essentially every citizen should be for them. Guyana Independence Day
Canadian history. Of the total 329 people
Canada admitted some 1.2 million immi- treated with respect and with dignity. Be- should be changed from May 26th.
who lost their lives, 82 were children. In-
grants. Currently, four out of five people fore the enactment of the Charter however, Guyanese should not have to celebrate their
cluded among them were 280 people (many
live in the urban centres. Those cities with things were not so clear cut. And there were independence on the same day as the worst
formerly from the Indian subcontinent) but
populations in excess of one million include instance of racial and cultural preferences, day of the Wismar massacre of Indians.
holding Canadian citizenship. Over the
Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, prejudices and biases. years, there have been lengthy investiga-
Vancouver and Ottawa-Gatineau. Alto- Many Indo-Guyanese in Canada say quite
tions and trials, and now an ongoing Inquiry
gether, some 45 per cent of Canadians re- However, we can now ask: Should we openly that May 26 is not their Independ-
launched by Prime Minister Mr Steven
side in these six metropolises. Immigration blame our present generation for historical ence Day. It is Forbes Burnham's inde-
Harper. The hope is that a "thorough and
is also having an impact on smaller cities wrongs committed by Canadian politicians pendent day, chosen deliberately by that
compassionate investigation" will provide
like Barrie and the town of Milton (both sit- of a different era? Those people in govern- racist dictator to humiliate Indians. Guyana
answers, and thus bring satisfactory an-
uated on the outskirts of Toronto) . ment with different mindsets from current has gotten rid of much of the Burnham
swers to this tragedy. But what questions
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/200 Canadian thinking? At times, it is easy to Legacy. His Independence Day should be
that still demand answers still linger in the
7/03/13/3742894.html. condemn others for things that used to be thrown out along with the other rubbish.
minds of the victims’ relatives and friends.
the norm in bygone days. Thankfully, in re- Such as: What form of closure can Canadi-
According to Doug Norris, formerly a cent times governing political parties in the May 26th remains an important day for
ans expect? An apology? Some sort of apol-
Statscan official and now chief demogra- Government of Canada have made bold Indo Guyanese in Canada and in other parts
ogy plus a compensation package modelled
pher at Environics Analytics, “Births are moves to redress previous wrongs as they of the world where they fled to get away
after the Arar example? In this context, it is
pretty much matching up with deaths. It's seek to win the confidence of the electorate. from Burnham's Guyana ahead. It marks
noteworthy that Canada looks forwards to
clear that the number of immigrants will the real beginning of the Indian Holocaust
receiving substantially increased numbers
drive the growth.” If present trends con- Japanese and Chinese Canadians in Guyana at the hands of Burnham's goon-
of immigrants from India in the years
tinue, the net influx of immigrants is likely das and thugs. Those murders and the de-
ahead.
to become the only source of population Some 22,000 Japanese Canadians were in- struction of an entire Indian settlement of
growth by about 2030. (http://www.the- ternally displaced and interned during the first blows in anti-Indian pogrom that
Future Immigration Trends
globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.2 World War II. Economic losses and mental chased tens of thousands of Indo Guyanese
0070313.wcensuslede0313/BNStory/Front) trauma experienced had to be redressed. out of the land of their birth, their dharti
Immigrants from all over the world come
After much negotiation, the government of mata. people will tell you simply that they
to Canada to seek better opportunities. In
Immigration Essential to Economic Health Canada agreed to pay $21,000 for each sur- are here in Canada because of Wismar and
their efforts to earn an honest living, they
vivor, plus $12 million to for a community what Wismar started.
may also quite unwittingly help making
Canada continues to be a country with a fund, with the pledge to set up a Canadian Canada an ethnically diverse society. Tra-
modern lifestyle and very high standard of Race Relations Foundation. Not enough to You cannot forget something like the day
ditionally, immigrants used to come mainly
living. Yet as some of us appreciate, truly compensate victims for economic and when your brother and sisters were slaugh-
from parts of Europe. However, as more
Canada’s population is also growing old. In other losses suffered, but nonetheless a tered and driven from their burning homes.
and more of us started coming from Asia,
contrast, rapidly ‘developing’ countries recognition that an honest attempt was Most of the people who committed these
Africa and Latin America, the demographic
(like Brazil, China and India) are now get- being made by the government to correct a crimes are still alive in Guyana today.
shift is becoming increasingly palpable.
ting more affluent, but before their popula- historical wrong. This settlement marked "a should we forgive them? Would those Wis-
Today, at least one in five persons living in
tions become old. In the Canadian situation, great day for justice and human rights" and mar Indians lying in their graves agree that
Canada was born outside of the country. In
controlled immigration may be having the "a historic day for Canadians of Japanese these murderers should be forgiven? prob-
larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the
positive impact by attempting to offset the ancestry who have been struggling so long ably not.
figure is much larger. Undoubtedly, there is
effects of an aging national population. to resolve the injustices of the 1940s". broad consensus that immigrants enrich
Since immigrants are significantly younger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Miki). Should we put Wismar behind us and see
various communities economically as well
than residents, one result is that our aging Independence Day on May 26th as just an
as culturally. Indeed, the ever increasing
population becomes rejuvenated or is made Some years ago, Chinese Canadians also unfortunate coincidence with the massacre?
numbers of ‘visible Canadians’ in the
“younger.” Of course, there are some Cana- received a similar settlement and an apol- There are some who are suggesting this.
Greater Toronto Area (GTA) add a kaleido-
dians who feel the need for curbs to immi- ogy from the government of Canada. The But it is doubtful they represent the major-
scope of colours to our “melano-cultural”
gration. However at least for the arrangement was for a one-time payment of ity of Indo-Guyanese in Canada. We know
mosaic.
foreseeable future, the reality is that large $2.5 million to Chinese Canadians to cor- the saying that those who forget the lessons
intakes of immigrants are essential to main- rect wrongs for the hated “head tax”, im- of history are condemned to suffer those
Conclusion
taining Canada’s economic health. The cur- posed exclusively on Chinese immigrants lessons again and again. I shouldn’t need to
rent low replacement level birth rate that who were admitted to Canada between remind people that since Wismar we have
Undoubtedly, the latest census data shows
accentuates Canada's aging population cer- 1885 and 1947. seen numerous smaller scale attacks on In-
that immigration is having a positive impact
tainly casts doubt that Canadians can con- dians in Guyana. Indo-Guyanese have been
on the national and provincial economies of
tinue to enjoy an affluent lifestyle and other Justice for a Tortured Canadian suffering the lessons of Wismar.
Canada. Certainly, a honest dialogue on im-
things we now take for granted—like pen- migration is vital. Discussion must focus on
sion plans, health care, income redistribu- The recent case against Maher Arar serves Now for the practical details. There is no
not only on strategies of skimming the
tion programs and other social services. as a fine example of the extent to which the real problem with changing the date of In-
cream of talent from developing countries,
Canadian government is prepared to go in dependence Day. May 26 has no particular
but also to take meaningful measures to ac-
Since immigrant workers are engaged in order to ensure justice for all citizens. A significance over May 22 or June 10 or
commodate these newcomers. Undoubt-
various industries within the economy, they dual-citizenship (Canadian/Syrian), Arar September 14. We have changed the name
edly, this would maximize immigrants’
contribute directly via taxation. In addition, was nabbed by US authorities shortly after of the country from British Guiana to
contribution of their talents and skills
they produce goods and provide services the 9/11 incidents while changing planes in Guyana. We can change the date of Inde-
within the Canadian workplace and busi-
for domestic consumption and export. Fur- New York City en route to his home in pendence just as easily, if enough people
ness arena. Perhaps if these noble goals are
thermore, they are consumers of food, live Montreal. Contrary to international law, he say noisily enough they want it changed.
to be achieved, no doubt Canada will be on
in houses, drive cars and visit places of en- was sent to Syria, tortured there for ten the road becoming a coveted place where
tertainment. Thus, increased numbers of months, and then released with no charges I will not be celebrating Guyana Inde-
all citizens can coexist peacefully in dig-
immigrants mean that there are more chil- having ever been laid. After a lengthy and pendence on May 26. I am a citizen of
nity?
dren to educate, ensuring continued viabil- costly Commission of Inquiry, a settlement Canada now, as well as a citizen of Guyana.
ity and high standards in our schools, of $10 million plus another $2 million to But I remain a proud Indo-Guyanese no
colleges and universities. When viewed in cover his legal fees was reached. Accord- matter where I live. So Instead I will 'Re-
this light, it is apparent that Canada will ing to some sources, the actual dollar value member Wismar' and ponder the lessons I
[Dr. Roop Misir is a Teacher with the
have to admit increasing numbers of immi- of the inquiry and Ottawa's court costs put have learned from that terrible day, one of
Toronto District School Board. He can be
grants, at least in the short term. Or until the settlement somewhere in the area of $30 which was my physical independence from
reached at roop.msir@gmail.com].
perhaps such time when Canada’s natural million. In addition, Mr. Arar got his the land where I was born. I will keep my
wish—to clear his name—that of a unani- celebration for July 1, Canada Day.
K. Singh, Scarborough
SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH Page 19
My coming to Canada- Choice or Expediency?
Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007

One story of Indian Arrival from Guyana to a new land


Dis a na wan Brer Anancy Story! [This is lighted one’s differences! For me though, life was reasonably all- go and work in Guyana, she exclaimed:
no cock n' bull story.] So what does this say about the British right. Having completed studies in Science “You maad, nah man?’ (Are you mad,
and the demanded loyalty expected of her and Teaching at the University of Guyana, man?).
Guianese subjects? Was our connection the only way for me was up. And yet some- Then later: “If you really want to go, you
with the Crown and Mother Britain fading? how, I felt uncomfortable that some day I can go and give it a try. Myself and the chil-
Despite being taxpayers and free men and might be required to fall in line with party dren will wait and see how if you like it.
women of the British Empire, are we now policies if only to achieve my career objec- Then we will let you know what we’ll do.”
being abandoned? I guess that as the colony tives as High School teacher, and not be That was over 25 years ago.
was “maturing”, Guianese were expected to harrassed by the local politburo informants. Later with the restoration of democracy
solve their domestic problems—regardless Then a party hack confided with me: following free and fair elections in 1992,
By Roop Misir of the consequences! “Comrade, times are changing. You “coolie Guyanese from every walk of life were ec-
Shortly thereafter, Guianese were to learn people” are behaving as if you are still static, if not euphoric. Many who could
During our study of British Empire his- that our country would be granted political INDIANS, not GUYANESE.” were heading back home. I myself did
tory and geography in colonial British independence two years thence. “So how could I be a Guyanese, a patri- make the trip after an absence of over
Guiana, no other country fired my imagi- And what would be that date? You may otic one too?” I inquired. twenty one years. But sad to say: Did I feel
nation so much as far away Canada. The de- guess it by now. May 26 1966. "For starters, join the Party. Someone as so truly welcome in what is supposed to be
feat of French General Louis Mountcalm in Who set that date? Why was that date cho- bright and smart as you should command a my home and native land?
a decisive battle in the French and North sen? Your guess may be as good as mine! much higher status—in your profession, in “Ah weh you bin deh all dem year wen
American Indian wars by General James Forty years later at the May 2006 the party, in the community, and in the abbee poor peeple dese bin a punish?”
Wolfe in 1759 heralded British supremacy “Guyana Festival” in Toronto, talking about country.” (Where were you all these years when our
in Canada. Wismar is still a taboo topic. Why? Na- To me this sounded like a religious zealot people were punishing?), some of my very
Like the much later (Indian Mutiny/ War tional political leadership groups have thus admonishing me that world peace can by own friends would ask me?
of Independence) in 1857, we were condi- far remained mum on the topic. Was it be- achieved only through mass conversion to “Now dat tings OK yu wan fu come to
tioned to believing that colonial Britain was cause its severity was overblown in the first supposedly the only religion that seeks true hang yu mout weh de soup a leak. Da de
chosen by some higher force to civilise place, as some might have suggested? No peace! Eliminating the problem rather than prablem bout yu foreigner!”(Now that
non-white savages. Thus we had little doubt, future generations of Guyana’s sons addressing it in a rational way seemed to be things are OK, you want to come and hang
choice but to take pride in our empire over and daughters may not know, or be able to the Party’s stated unofficial policy. So I told your mouth where the soup is flowing.
which [in the minds of loyalists, at least] the speak and come to terms with this Wismar him that while I could understand his line That’s the problem with you foreigners!)
sun would never set. But the independence incident. Presumably, part of the political of reasoning, I’d have to get back to him Deeply hurt, I soon realised that I might
of India was to prove that even though the silence of collusion designed to promote shortly. have been too long away from my matri
sun is fixed in the firmament, what goes national harmony and integration—aiming But for how long more could I take it? bhoomi (mother country).
around does come around….eventually. for the utopian ideal of One Country, One Shortly afterwards, I left the shores of my Perhaps, I may have to adopt Canada, and
We were subjects to the Crown though Nation, One Destiny? beloved country. Having been convinced consciously adapt myself to life in my new
still not strictly British citizens. Yet we Can we see any parallelism of the Guyana that I would live to serve our country, I pro- country, I thought.
could travel to certain sister counties like Wismar Massacre with the consequences of ceeded to Universities in western Canada Did I have much of a choice then? Canada
Canada without the need for travel visas. pre-European occupation and ethnic cleans- where I studied agricultural sciences, ma- and other recipient countries need skilled
The expansive Canadian prairies, literally ing in India? Not on the same scale in joring in Animal Science. A growing popu- immigrant to fuel their economic engines
as a major breadbasket of wheat for a hun- British Guiana, perhaps! But still not very lation needs food, much of which is of growth. Was this why these countries
gry world, and major port cities Halifax on pleasant! imported, but which can be produced lo- didn’t raise any objection while Guyanese
the east coast, and Vancouver on the west The hearts of reason clearly clashes with cally, I thought. were fleeing with their lives and scant pos-
coast, conjured in me vast opportunies for the mind of acceptance! My father, himself a rice farmer was not sessions by the scores of thousands for their
the future. If there was any place I’d like to As I watched helplessly, Indians were in- too thrilled at the prospects of me studying shores?
visit, certainly it had to be Canada. creasingly kicked around. Many taking it agriculture—the same type of work for With my parents and most of my siblings
Many British Guianese had shown the on the right cheek would at times be forced which our ancestors were shipped like and relatives safely out of Guyana, are we
way by going abroad. During WW II many to turn the other cheek. An eye was not for beasts of burden from our ancestral home now the new crop of Guyanese exiles
went overseas to defend the Empire. A few another eye. Mahatma Gandhiji once said India to Guyana, the Caribbean and other who’d love to return, but somehow feel un-
returned, but many decided to settle and that this tit for tat thing would make the parts of the Empire following the abolition welcome in the country of our birth by the
stay in foreign lands. Those who returned world truly blind. And wasn’t it Lord Jesus of African slavery. very people who've grown up with?
on rare visits would paint pictures of what Who saw it coming, didn’t He, when He Indeed, he said: “Babu, why not study True, reality can strike hard, especially
wonderful places there were beyond the spoke these prophetic words: Medicine? If not Law, why not Accounting, when it does sink in.
shores of our tiny country. Stories like these “Verily, I say to you, Do not resist one or Engineering? In my heart of hearts, I’d like to think
stood in striking contrast to those Guianese who is evil. But if any one strikes you on Eventually, I was able to convince him that I vowed always to be Guyanese. But
who went to study at overseas institutions the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” that my choice was not unreasonable in since by culture and no accident of history
of higher learning. A consolation for the helpless many? But view of my stated determination to be part I’m Indian, I am now living in Canada.
Having concentrated on their studies and certainly this ahimsa and UN-cheeky stuff’s of Guyana’s nation building team if and Here though I may be a citizen equal in
graduated as accountants. doctors, engi- not for me! when conditions improved. Hopefully by law to every other citizen, I have since re-
neers and lawyers, the vast majority of them With almost every economic entity, ex- then, a new and more representative gov- signed myself to being referred to as Indo-
were only too happy to return home where cept the corner cake shop or rum shop, now ernment would be in charge of the affairs of Guyanese Canadian.
they could be placed in plum positions upon the property of the Cooperative Republic of the nation. So here we are, and coming full circle.
their arrival. Many would get married, and Guyana, jobs were plentiful yet scarce for And so after studies at the University of Born and raised in one colony now living
live happily while serving the country with most of us. And job-seeking Guyanese had Manitoba, and thereafter at the University in another former one, far removed in
dedication and at times distinction ever af- to have party cards to be considered for of Alberta, and some work experience, I felt time and geography. One now fighting for
terwards. placements. Plus, monthly monetary con- qualified to return and make my contribu- its survival as it haemorrhages through
As I was fast tracking my studies in High tributions to the Party were a must. And toe- tion in the land of my birth. backtracking, politicking and intriguing;
school, the now infamous politically-in- ing the party line were required to keep Just about this time, we heard stories of the other, the envy of the world in terms
spired riots of the early 1960’s were in full one’s job. hardships unimaginable. Of Guyanese from of economic prosperity and the quality of
swing. Undoubtedly, these left on my im- With no hope in sight for the restoration every walk of life leaving in droves. And of life. Both sharing aspects of the same
pressionable mind memories so indelible of sanity in our country, many Guyanese how professional people and rich farmers colonial history.
that perhaps one explanation for their ever- were forced to stake their future and fortune would drive up to Timehri International Perhaps what is consoling is that I can
reminding presence is that some events be- overseas, mainly Canada, the USA, and the Airport, park their Morris Oxford and still intermingle amongst so many of my
came imprinted into my gene pool of UK. Later, as things got really desperate, Vauxhall Velox cars, board the plane and Guyanese compatriots that I feel as if my
permanent recall. One such incident some- others were forced to go to any country that head off to distant lands. Leaving all their proverbial navel string (umbilical cord) is
times referred to as the “Wismar Distur- would take them, including impoverished worldly possessions including mansions, somehow now transplanted into my
bance”, or the “Wismar Massacre”—a Haiti and parts of Mother Africa. Our coun- lands, cattle, tractors and combines, and not adopted country. A land where citizens of
period in May 24-26, 1964. During this or- try and its people were in a state not unlike even looking back! long standing welcome me and address
deal, Indian people were murdered, Indian present-day Zimbabwe. Here with another As one friend having established himself me by my first name. In contrast to my
women raped, Indian-owned properties African strongman for life Robert Mugabe in Winnipeg reminded me later: own people in my very own Guyana who
burned, and hundreds of Indians forced to reigning supreme, he blames former colo- “Babu, once there’s life there’s hope. As call me funny names, citizens of my new
flee from their homes. nialists for his errors of governance and long as I live in peace, I can always start country are not ashamed to welcome me
Why were fellow Guianese victimized sheer incompetence. Another third rate po- over fresh and rebuild.” as a friend and greet me as a fellow Cana-
and demonized? No doubt, among litical misfit with a trait for ignorance and So after graduation and working for a year dian!
Guianese one’s ethnicity defined and high- arrogance, if not downright stupidity? when I asked my wife if she wanted me to
The Mask Caribbean
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Page 20
Remember
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007

Hindus in Wismar
of Death British
By Naraine Datt

Columbia
It was a dark and red-lettered night
When they swept down on peaceful Wis-
mar
A short story Leaving a people in a miserable plight

publish
Leaving each with an indelible scar
By Rena Toolsie
The mastermind was the infamous Chippy
"Ladies and gentlemen, please buckle

handbook
Whose ambition was to kill every man
your seat belts as we prepare for take off." Woman and child in that peaceful commu-
The flight attendant’s voice broke into nity
Shani’s reverie, bringing her back into the By carrying out the X-13 Plan
present. She breathed a sigh of relief as the
plane soared into the clear blue sky, taking They swept down viciously on doves like
her away from the island she loved so hawks
dearly. An island immortalized in calypso, A group of Indo-Caribbean Hindus in mantras in Hindi and Sanskrit are provided
With blazing guns and set bayonets
"Sweet, sweet Trinidad, how I love my British Columbia have taken a giant step in for those who normally communicate in
Annihilating all that walks and all that
country bad." publishing their own Hindu Handbook in English.
talks
It happened one year ago when she was Praise of Maha Lakshmi. According to the BC Hindus who assem-
Sparing none with their racial bullets
making her way to the village shop in En- The 86 page book has a complete collec- bled the handbook, many Indo-Caribbean
deavour, Central Trinidad. She was going tion of information and explanations Hindus do not have a temple they can at-
Not even the sleeping babies escaped
to purchase some grocery items she had run needed for worship of the Goddess Lak- tend on a regular basis. There are few
Not even the pregnant women and moth-
out of. The shop was a fifteen minutes walk shmi. Among them are the eight Legends Caribbean pundits available. They therefore
ers
from her house, where she lived alone, hav- of Ashta Lakshmi, and hymns to support conduct their worship at home, and need to
Even the young and aged were raped
ing been widowed recently. the legends, and lists of the special days for know how to perform their favourite poo-
Even the children, and little sisters
It was late in the evening. The sun had al- the worship of Maha Lakshmi. jas and rituals on their own.
ready gone down and the only light came A complete step by step guide to complet- Copes are being sold for $10 and can be
And as if that was not enough for these
from the dim bulb of the street light. The ing a Lakshmi Pooja is given, as well as obtained in Ontario by callling Ram at 416-
animals
village was alive with activities. Young men mantras in praise of Mother Lakshmi, Lord 289-9088, or in British Columbia by e-
All the innocent females were defiled
Vishnu, and the Gayatri mantra. mailing vssg@hotmail.com.or calling

Bollywood awards coming


liming in clusters. Other women strolling to And many were crippled as in historical
the shop. Cars zooming past. Dogs barking. English translations of prayers and Naraine Mohabir at 604-274-8938.
annals
Then she heard it. Of wars of the barbarous and the wild

to New York on May 26


Bang! Bang! Followed by screaming. Be-
fore she could even react the street became After they butchered the inhabitants
deserted. Everyone, even the dogs, dashed They did their looting and burning
for the safety of their homes. She had un- Pillaging the shops and restaurants
fortunately become transfixed to the spot. And swiftly left Wismar a-smoking
Suddenly a tall dark figure loomed over India’s top actors and film makers will be
and, lifting her eyes slowly, she stared into coming to New York for the annual Bolly- Best Actress Yes they left the city ablaze
the barrel of gun, hovered over by a masked wood Movie Awards 2007 to be held on Aishwarya Rai (Dhoom 2) And the waters red with blood
face - the face of death. Saturday, May 26th, 2007 at the Nassau Bipasha Basu (Corporate) This was only the first phase
Before she swooned into a dead faint, she Coliseum, New York. Kajol (Fanaa) Leaving body parts in the mud
heard the gun click and the blare of police The celebrities slated to perform at this Kareena Kapoor (Omkara)
sirens in the distance. year’s magnum opus include Bipasha Basu, Rani Mukerjee (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehnaa) Death was welcomed by those in excruci-
Shani regained consciousness in the Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi, Urmilla Ma- ating pain
nearby health center. She was informed by tondkar, Soha Ali Khan, Neha Dhupia, As the waters of the Demerara carry the
the police who stood guard over her that the Kangana Ranaut. Mona Singh (“Jassi Jaise Best Actor in A Supporting Role (Male) chill
owner of the shop was shot dead in a rob- Koi Nahi” and winner of “Jhalak Abhishek Bachchan (Kabhi Alvida Naa Many committed suicides and many be-
bery that was executed by a lone gunman. Dikhlaja”), UK's Raghav, Pakistan’s top ac- Kehna) came insane
Family members notified the roving police tress and singer Shahida Mini, Caribbean Arshad Warsi (Lage Raho Munnabhai) And their plight is always remembered
car that was in the area and they responded Singer Ricki Ramdehal and Pakistan’s pop- Kunal Kapoor (Rang De Basanti) still
immediately. ular singer –Waris Beg. John Abraham (Baabul)
In his bid to escape the gunman came Other stars confirmed to attend are Danny Vivek Oberoi (Omkara) And on a very still or clear day one can
upon her standing at the side of the road. Glover, Mira Nair, Phylicia Rashad of The hear
"You are very lucky to be alive, Madam. Cosby Show, Anupam Kher, Kirron Kher, The cries of babies and their groans from
The bandit was about to pull the trigger Upen Patel, Lage Raho Munnabhai Direc- Best Actor In A Supporting Role afar
when we arrived. Why didn’t you run?" tor, Raj Kumar Hirani, Anuj Saxena and (Female) The wailing wenches and women in
"I just froze when I heard the shots and many others. Kirron Kher (Rang De Basanti) agony and fear
the screaming. I wanted to run but it was Konkona Sen Sharma (Omkara) Amidst the flow and ebb of the waters of
like if my feet were glued to the spot. What Nominees for Best Film include Preity Zinta (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna) Wismar.
happened to the bandit? Did you all catch Dhoom 2, Soha Ali Khan (Rang De Basanti)
him?" Lage Raho Munnabhai Ameesha Patel (Ankahee)
"We had to shoot him. He died on the Omkara Best Music Director
spot. It was you or him." Rang De Basanti Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (Shankar-
Shani decided there and then that she Kabhi Alvida Na Kehnaa Best Actor In A Negative Role (Male/Fe- Ehsaan-Loy)
would move to Scarborough, Ontario as male) Rang De Basanti (AR Rahman)
soon as it was legally possible for her to do Best Director Aamir Khan (Fanaa) Omkara (Vishal Bharadwaj)
so, both with respect to the investigation Rakesh Roshan (Krrish) Esha Deol (Ankahee) Dhoom 2 (Pritam)
into the crime and getting her immigrant Karan Johar (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehnaa) Saif Ali Khan (Omkara) Pyar Ke Side Effects (Pritam)
status for Canada. She would join her sister Rajkumar Hirani (Lage Raho Munnabhai) Shah Rukh Khan (Don)
and her family. They would walk in the Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (Rang De Bas- Shiney Ahuja (Gangster)
park. Whisk away for a weekend in Niag- anti) Best Playback Singer (Male)
ara. Go shopping in Gerard Street. Savour Vishal Bharadwaj (Omkara) Best Actor In A Comic Role (Male/Fe- KK (Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai – Gangster)
the picturesque fall season. Enjoy the latest male) Shaan (Chand Sifarish – Fanaa)
Bollywood movies and shows. Best Actor Chunky Panday (Apna Sapna Money Sonu Nigam (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehnaa -
And in time Shani would forget the island Aamir Khan (Rang De Basanti) Money) Kabhi Alvida Na Kehnaa)
she loved so much. Even more importantly, Ajay Devgan (Omkara) Anupam Kher (Khosla Ka Ghosla) Sukhwinder Singh (Omkara – Omkara)
she would forget the mask of death. Hrithik Roshan (Dhoom 2) Arshad Warsi (Lage Raho Munnabhai) Himesh Reshimiya (Jhalak Dikhalaja -
"Ladies and gentlemen, buckle your seat Sanjay Dutt (Lage Raho Munnabhai) Tushaar Kapoor (Golmaal) Aksar)
belts as we prepare for our descent into the Shah Rukh Khan (Kabhi Alvida Na Uday Chopra (Dhoom2) Karan Johar (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehnaa)
Pearson International Airport." Kehnaa)
SPORTS Page 21
Brian Lara says goodbye,
Indo-Caribbean Times May 2007

Awesome Australia,
Cricket World Cup review

leaves good memories behind


but awful organising Getting into
Brian Lara took his leave from Test and

healthy sports
One Day cricket during the Cricket World
Cup, but he leaves behind fabulous memo-
ries. He was for years the best batsman in
Big fish India, Pakistan, West Indies disappointed millions of fans the world, holding numerous records in-
By Sambit Bal cluding the highest Test score, and highest The Indo-Caribbean Times plans to en-
score in first class cricket. In the end what courage, endorse and promote sports in any
It was hardly Australia's fault they couldn't make it to the final. mattered most was the answer to the ques- form. The community is full of enthusiasts
reached such heights that no team came Percy Sonn and Malcolm Speed, the top- tion the Trinidad cricket legend asked at his and practitioners who are willing to help
within touching distance. last match. Did he entertain the fans? Yes meet the need for us to get involved for the
It was entirely appropriate that a sorry he did. He sent them over the boundary sake of fun, fitness and discipline. The com-
tournament should have a sorry end, though with excitement. munity is growing not only with new im-
it must be said that the embarrassment in migrants but 2nd and 3rd generations.
the final moments far exceeded anything Sports should be a major activity.
that preceded it. That the magnificent Aus-
tralians were reduced to pleading for some Golf: Play or Learn
positive coverage for themselves was a re-
flection of the pathetic depths this tourna- level ICC officials, were booed at the pres- Golf has become quite a popular sport
ment had slumped to. But even they knew it entation ceremony. The contrast couldn't among Indo Caribbeans. There is a large
was futile: even their towering, majestic have been sharper because the same crowd contingent of golfers from Trinidad and
and wholesome performance could not rise gave a thumping ovation to Garry Sobers Guyana flocking to the courses, having fun
above the shambles. and Everton Weekes moments later. and keeping fit. There are golfers at levels
In a sense they contributed, though in an When hosts are booed at their own party, 2 and 4 handicap. What that means is that
entirely different and positive way, to the you know how much it has soured. Admin- these players can score 2 to 4 strokes over
Brian Lara par for the course. These players are ac-
hollowness of this World Cup. But it was istrators who feel no kinship for sport will
hardly their fault they reached such heights never find affection from its supporters. En- complished amateurs, playing for the love
that no team came within touching distance. tirely fittingly, it was Sonn who presented of the sport. There are many tournaments
They dominated the tournament like no the trophy to the winner, for it was his pre- throughout the season.
team has ever done in the history of cricket, rogative as the president of the ICC. Sobers Some of these players would like to offer
and had it not been for the disgraceful fin- is merely the greatest cricketer that ever free clinics and form a players group open
ish, they would even have been entitled to lived. to anyone interested in both playing games
two victory celebrations. They were almost Of course, the players were not blameless. and learning to golf. This is an opportunity
twice as good as their opponents. Many teams played soulless, spiritless for parents and children alike to take part in
Sri Lanka, their closest competitors in the cricket. And it didn't help that India and a sport for fun and fitness.
one-day arena, kept apace with them for Pakistan, two of the tournament's biggest Anyone interested can contact IC Times at
about 20 overs in their first-round match, draws, combusted before the party began. 416 289 3898 or ictimes@rogers.com
and for a few overs today, Kumar San- Ironically, Bangladesh and Ireland, the
gakkara, and to a lesser extent, Sanath Jaya- teams that provided the most exciting days Cricket
suriya were able to match them with their in the first round, also doomed the Super
skills. But over the whole length of the tour- Eights to a series of meaningless matches. Cricket has long been one of the favourite
nament, they were overwhelmingly awe- But they could hardly be faulted when sports for Indians back in the Caribbean,
some. It could have been hardly imaginable teams worthier than them featured in equal and it is still quite popular here in Canada.
that they could better their performance of mismatches. England were an embarrass- Lara breaks Garfield Sobers’ long There are cricket fields all over the GTA
2003, when they didn't lose a game. But ment before South Africa, who capitulated standing 365 run Test score (1994) and in other parts of Canada as well, where
they have, and in doing so, they have set even more abysmally before Australia. cricket is played and enjoyed. Many of the
new limits for execution of cricket skills. West Indies lost horribly to South Africa schools have cricket programs, including a
The organisers have done exactly the and New Zealand even more horribly to Sri special exciting kind of indoor cricket
same. It was thought nothing could get Lanka. Matches went from bad to worse at played in gymnasiums. You have to see
worse than the World Cup in South Africa, such pace that in the end no expectations re- these school cricket matches to appreciate
which felt interminable, tiresome and sti- mained. It was a tournament in which jour- the excitement they bring. Remember we
fling. The ICC has succeeded in dragging nalists spent more time focusing on the want to see our boys and girls (and the par-
the level even lower. They have brought the poor performances than celebrating stirring ents too) fit and healthy and enjoying life.
World Cup to the most joyous and sponta- ones. The Horizon Cricket Club (www.horizon-
neous part of the cricket world and Good moments were scarce. There was cricketclub.com) is just one group that is
squeezed every ounce of enjoyment out of Tamin Iqbal's sensational charge against bringing cricket, as well as chess, to our
it. Since they measure success in terms of India, Boyd Rankin's energetic bowling community. We don’t lack for role models,
cash, it has been bragged that the tourna- against Pakistan, Herschelle Gibbs' six not with Sunil Dhaniram on the Canadian
ment has broken records in cash receipts, sixes, Muttiah Muralitharan's magical spell cricket team, Ramnaresh Sarwan as West
but in all other ways, it has been an abysmal against India, Lasith Malinga's sensational Indies captain, and stalwarts like Chandra-
failure. four-in-four, AB de Villier's turbo-charged paul and Denesh Ramdin on the team, as
Such has been the level of alienation hitting on one leg against West Indies, Ma- well as Indians dominating cricket in
among the passionate fans here that many hela Jayawardene's sublime hundred Guyana and Trinidad.
locals have come to view the ICC's organi- against New Zealand in the semi-final, and
sation of the tournament as occupation of ultimately, Adam Gilchrist's demolition of Reaching 501 runs in an inning Soccer
their land. Cricket lover after cricket lover Sri Lanka in the final. Too few for a tour-
has lamented the pricing and the fact that nament lasting 46 days. One thing that Community members of the Peel region
"they have taken the party, the culture out of might emerge from this is a shorter event, are heavily involved in soccer. Some are
our stands". but it may be for the wrong reasons. Spon- among the best coaches and have been
It can be argued the tournament has been sors and television channels can't afford to doing this for many years and not surpris-
conducted in an efficient manner. The lose India early. So expect the format to be ingly; this includes both men and women.
grounds have been spruced up, the players tweaked to ensure India's presence at the IC Times has also learned that there is an
have been looked after well, and from a business end. over 35 soccer league operating in Peel and
media point of view the facilities have been In the end, it will be a tournament that will has been for more than 4 years.
excellent. But they have failed to grasp the be remembered for the bad, ugly and terri- The spirit of sport is teamwork, discipline
priorities. Perfection has been achieved in ble. A horrible death, under-performances, and achievement and as pointed out by one
the most trivial things. Not a can of Coke resignations, sackings, and retirements kept of the coaches, there is no greater lesson
has entered the stadiums, fans have been us busy. The legacy of this vast and mean- and forum to teach our kids these values.
asked to turn their garments carrying of- ingless World Cup will be despair and This sport can be played year round as there
fending logos inside out or face eviction, emptiness. It couldn't have ended sooner. are outdoor facilities for summer and in-
but they failed to feel the pulse of the door’s for winter.
cricket fan, a far more significant "stake- Sambit Bal is the editor of Cricinfo and Anyone interested in getting themselves or
holder" in cricket than the sponsors. Cricinfo Magazine their kids involved in playing in the Mis-
Herschelle Gibbs' six sixes in an over The big one- passing Alan Border’s record sissauga area can contact IC Times at 416
were a highlight for South Africa, but they of 11,000 runs in Test cricket. 2893898 or ictimes@rogers.com
SPORTS
Sarwan takes over as
WORLD CUP CRICKET Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2007 Page 22

new West Indies captain


Fourth Indo-Caribbean captain after Rohan Kanhai,
Alvin Kalliecharan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul
A NIMBLE, Chaplinesque right-hander, and even then it came against the less-than-
Ramnaresh Ronnie Sarwan has been con- m i g h t y
firmed by the West Bangladeshis.
Indies Cricket But, as the likes
Board (WICB) as of Graham Gooch
the man to take and Steve Waugh
over as captain can testify, the

Massive start to Toronto soccer season


from Brian Lara, first time is often
who quit interna- the hardest, and
tional cricket dur- since then, his bat-

Indiscipline causing the


ing the Cricket ting has achieved A sold out crowd of over 20,000 at the first home game of the Toronto FC signalled a
World Cup.. a greater level of brave start to top class club soccer recently. All home games are also sold out.
Being entrusted consistency.

mess in Windies cricket


with the arduous A dream series
task of taking West against South
Indies cricket for- Africa in 2003-04,
ward, `Sars’, as he where he averaged
is familiarly called nearly a 100 runs a
by team-mates and Test, was followed
close friends, be- by a lean run By Tony Cozier
comes the seventh against England. this World Cup.
Guyanese cricketer But he battled Rev. Wes Hall, someone who has spent Nothing exemplifies the WICB's com-
to captain the West on, and returned to all of his adult life intimately involved in pliance to such defiance than its inaction
Indies. He is also form in a stunning West Indies cricket, touched on a theme that over the behaviour during the 2007 Carib
the fourth person Ramnaresh Sarwan manner with an has recurred time and time again during its Beer Challenge Final between Trinidad
of Indian descent to unbeaten 261 against Bangladesh in June. headlong plunge into mediocrity over the and Tobago and Barbados at Guaracara
hold the top job in West Indies cricket. Then came the England tour in 2004 past dozen years. Park in Trinidad.
Sarwan is following in the footsteps of his where he began and ended the tour on a low The West Indies, he noted in his address At the televised presentation ceremony
illustrious compatriots Maurius `Pacheco’ note, but was prolific in the middle. How- to the Rotary Club last week, have some of that followed the match, Deryck Murray,
Fernandes, Rohan Bholalall Kanhai, Clive ever, West Indian fortunes were on the as- the most talented cricketers in the game. Al- the former West Indies vice-captain,
Hubert Lloyd, Alvin Isaac Kallicharran, cendency in one-dayers as they reached the ways have. What has led to the present founder member of the West Indies Play-
Carl Llewellyn Hooper and Shivnarine finals of the NatWest Series and then won mess is indiscipline at all levels and its cer- ers' Association (WIPA) and now, as Pres-
Chanderpaul. the ICC Champions Trophy with Sarwan tain derivative, a non-existent work ethic. ident of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket
Brought up in Wakenaam, Essequibo, playing a big hand in both tournaments. As player, selector, manager and West In- Board (TCCB), a WICB director, wasted
Sarwan made his first-class debut for However, he was one of the players in- dies Cricket Board (WICB) president, Hall no time in expressing his disgust.
Guyana at age 16 and his Test debut in 2000 volved in the contract dispute between with is well placed to appreciate where much of "I don't think I have ever played or been
against Pakistan at age 19. After Sarwan’s WICB and missed the first Test against the responsibility lies. a spectator at a game where the umpires'
his first Test innings of 84 not out against South Africa in 2005. On his return he When Pat Rousseau became board presi- job has been made so difficult," he said.
Pakistan, the former England captain Ted scored attractive runs, but was again over- dent in 1996, one of his first decisions was Anyone watching the live television cov-
Dexter was moved to predict a Test average looked for the captaincy when it was to drop the last word of the organization's erage of the climax of the domestic West
of more than 50 - an unfair millstone to handed back to Brian Lara. He didn't fare title that had existed since its formation in Indies season would not have considered it
hang around any young player's neck. well with the bat in the 2006-07 season, av- 1927. So "Control" disappeared. hyperbole. It was nothing short of dis-
But on his first tour, to England in 2000, eraging just 25.90 in 13 games he played It was, no doubt, simply an exercise in se- graceful.
Sarwan lived up to the hype by topping the till the end of the Champions Trophy. mantics. Instead, the board has, on all evi-
averages. In a shocking gesture, he was dropped dence, taken it literally, especially in Murray revealed that seven incidents
His footwork, which seemed to require no from the second Test against Pakistan in the relation to its attitude to the matter of disci- were reported to the match referee, adding
early trigger movements, was strikingly away series in November. He returned for pline. that these did not take into account the oth-
confident and precise. It was a surprise the third It has appointed as captain two players, ers that were not.
when he then produced a horror run of three Test and sustained Brian Lara and Carl Hooper, with more dis- "Here are the two best teams in the re-
runs in five innings in Australia, but against a foot injury which kept him out of the one- ciplinary charges against them than any gion, role models for our cricket in the fu-
India in 2001-02 he was back to his com- dayers against Pakistan and the tour of other and allowed both to be laws onto ture," Murray noted.
posed best. India. themselves. "We need in the West Indies Cricket
Sarwan, who took over as Brian Lara's More misery was in store when he was During his long and otherwise celebrated Board and the West Indies Players' Asso-
vice-captain in March 2003, required 28 sidelined for three weeks after suffering a career, Lara has issued no fewer than seven ciation to address that issue and ensure that
matches and 49 innings to post his maiden hand injury in February 2007 while batting public apologies for his own indiscretions. it doesn't happen again."
Test century, 119 in December of 2002 - for Guyana. The eighth, last week, was on behalf of his He was over-optimistic in believing that

CHESS, DRAUGHT AND


team. Yet he has been twice persuaded to there would be any action from the WIPA.
return to the leadership. It didn't, after all, involve increased money
There are countless other examples that contracts.

DOMINO TOURNAMENTS
condemn the control-less WICB. He would surely have expected some re-
It turned a blind eye to the astonishing sponse from his own organization but, as a
choice of four players to head for the par- recently appointed director, he might not
tying Red Stripe Mound at Sabina Park im- have appreciated just how inefficient it had
Players of all skill levels (beginners to advanced) are mediately after the West Indies had been
humiliated by an all-out total of 47 and
become.
It is almost two months since that con-
invited to participate. Tournaments held every month heavy defeat by England. tentious match and nothing has been heard
during the winter. It slapped a few offenders on the wrist from the WICB. Not a word. Zilch.
after the disastrous 'A' team tour of England It is not known whether match referee
in 2002 that prompted Wisden, the game's Clarence Shaffralli has lodged his reports.
See schedule at www.horizoncricketclub.com or phone bible, to comment on some of the younger He summoned the Barbados players, cap-
905-794-5423. Also, adult and kids CHESS LESSONS players that "their behaviour made more of
an impact than their cricket".
tain Ryan Hinds, Floyd Reifer and Dwayne
Smith, all West Indies representatives, to a
(beginners to advance). Learn to play the world’s best And do on, ad infinitum. meeting during the match but that's about
board game. It is no wonder that players now have far as it has gone.
Registration information at
such a disregard for curfew times. It ex- There is enough blame for the state into
plains why they can walk off the ground in which West Indies cricket has dipped to go
www.horizoncricketclub.com the middle of a training session, complain- around several times over. WICB weak-
ing it is too taxing, as has been the case in ness deserves more than an even share.
Remembering Our Indentured Ancestors
OUR ANCESTORS Indo-Caribbean Times M ay 2007 Page 23

A Brief History In Perspective:


pose but to work. tificates of 1st Generations are located at and Trinidad.
Though many have written about the In-
A standard Charter party (shipping con- the National Archives. In the past, many researched these records
dian Diaspora, there is much that remains
tract) for transporting Indian Indentured Wouldn’t you like to know the Lineage of but only a fraction was successful and this
undocumented, unsaid and unknown, wait-
labourers to the West Indies was introduced your Ancestry? was only partial research for studies or to
ing for the DECENDANTS to take a peek
and legislated. This confirmed the British Many of the 1st, 2nd , 3rd, generations of complete their own personal family ge-
into their forebear’s past. India of the early
Government's new policy of trying to en- our Jahajees have relocated to AU, EU, UK, nealogical records. These records must be
1830’s was ravaged by famines, droughts,
sure that indentured labourers were given US, Canada and other foreign countries, ‘Preserved for Posterity’. This is our His-
drastic land reforms that resulted in starva-
tolerable conditions on the voyage to these new-gen foreign born nationals will tory. Our forbears struggle to create a
tion & poverty which led the Hesperus &
Guyana, Caribbean. The document revealed eventually lose touch with the ancestral Guyana that lived, breathed and survived
Whitby to land in B.G. on 5th May 1838.
a great difference between the earlier trans- roots of their forefathers, not knowing that from the sweat and blood of the Indentured
Against such severe conditions, several
portation of enslaved Africans, and that in- the original “root” came from India. Jahajees.
Colonial Emigrant Acts were written with
tended for Indian labourers. Africans had The older generations were not aware of Active participation is absolutely neces-
a series of statutes, legislated to regulate the
been bound by chains in the lower decks of the great importance of these records; to sary to inform the Government of the criti-
Emigrant process and facilitated transplan-
slave ships and fed meagre rations; whereas questions their grandparents, record and cal situation these records are being kept in
tation of migrating individuals and family
the Indian workers were to be supplied with preserve documents pertaining to their Em- and to stop the deterioration of these pre-
members of the Indian population as IN-
all their dietary needs, including rice, dhal igration & Repatriation. cious documents. It is feared that the lack
DENTURED Laborers to British Colonies
and chillies, as well as the medicines they In order to facilitate this long denied task, of preservation, and climatic conditions
by the East India Company. The Colonial
might need on their long voyage. the Guyanese communities abroad need to have already taken their toll and damaged
Acts lead to compilation of Annual Reports
However, this did not, guarantee that become aware of the horrendous conditions the once well kept Ledgers and Registers
that tabulated the Departures and Repatria-
these rations were supplied in all cases, al- these records are kept in, the misplaced, that the Colonial Masters spent time, effort,
tion of the Indentured Emigrants to distant
though workers were of no use to the Plan- mismanaged and non systematic research energy and cash to document for our
foreign lands beyond their expectations,
tation owners if they arrived in poor health, processes, and the difficulties to manually Records. We the descendants need to spend
some realizing this committed suicide;
emaciated or died enrouted as was the case locate Emigrants information. our energy and time, cash if needed to pre-
jumped overboard.
with many of the Emigrants on board. It is imperative that the Guyana Govern- serve this Legacy bequeathed to us by our
Rules and Regulations did not ensure pro-
Documents have been systematically and ment, President B. Jagdeo, Members of the Indentured forefathers.
pitiatory designation in recruitment stan-
extensively researched to assist research Cabinet, in collaboration with the As we approached this memorable day,
dards. The processes involved illegal agents
scholars and descendants to trace their an- Archivists, GPO Staff, IAC members, IDP may the descendants abroad; around the
and sub-agents; abducted, duped, coercion,
cestral roots. This is possibly the shortest - Indenture Database Project, and other Or- globe reflect on their Indentureship, hard-
enticed villagers, kidnapped unwilling fe-
bridge to a lost era in time. ganizations be supportive to work towards ship and struggle to survive in these for-
males, used force, beatings of old & young
I would like to bring to my fellow achieving this goal. The Government of eign lands under such intolerable
to embark on a perilous journey that be-
Guyanese attention the absolute mandatory Guyana is probably unaware that the and challenging conditions for our benefit.
came a death sentence to many widows and
co-operation of all descendants of our In- Guyanese abroad would like to have these Today, let us all put our hands together
minors. Even orphans were not spared the
dentured Jahajees in support of digitizing Indentureships records digitalize unless we and whisper a special prayer with Love,
harsh whip of cruel recruiters nor young
these precious records of our forefathers. publicize it. Hence, we need to write and in- Reverence, and Gratitude for their Acts of
workers by unrelenting Owners/ Managers
These records are kept at the National form ‘the powers that be’ how important Bravery without Medals.
on Colonial Plantations. Labeled “Hill
Coolies”, the tribals’ villagers were classed Archives at 26 Main Street, Georgetown. these documents are to us; to trace our An-
The Ledgers with the Emigrant’s Pass are cestral Roots back to its original source. Respectfully,
as animals; their sole requirements to be fed
located at the Guyana Archives. All Gen- Several countries have started this Digi- Ruby Ishak
and given a bed; as they serve no other pur-
eral Registers with the BR info on birth cer- tizing Records process inclusive of Surinam Cambridge, Canada.

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