Born in Haiti, Ms. Jarvelle was raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., and attended the best schools and colleges. Her mother, Yanissa Elie, nicknamed, "Lola," was a beautiful black woman, whose glamorous voice attracted tourists and VIP's visiting Haiti in the late fifties. She used to sing when tourism in Haiti was booming. Ms. Jarvelle shares a very similar soul with her mom. However, she is not committed to singing, but rather to serving. As she often says, "You waste your life when [you're] not serving others. Changing the attitudes of Haitians in New York, motivating others to help their community and helping people to be themselves, such are her dreams and challenges.
As if her precious life and freedom were a game of poker, the FBI upped the ante or bounty on [Assata Shakur] to $1 million two weeks ago. In a television address last Tuesday, Cuban leader Fidel Castro rejected calls to hand over Shakur, stating that she was not a terrorist but a victim of racial persecution. "They wanted to portray her as a terrorist, something that was an injustice, a brutality, an infamous lie," Castro said in his televised speech, while never mentioning Shakur's name. "They have always been hunting her, searching for her because of the fact that there was an accident in which a policeman died."
Ever since [Assata Shakur] (nee Joanne Chesimard) became a member of the Black Panther Party and subsequently a member of the Black Liberation Army, she has been involved in revolutionary activities to change the racist policies of America. She found herself in the crosshairs of the criminal justice system in the early 1970s after she and her comrades were stopped on the New Jersey Turnpike by New Jersey State Troopers. Assata was traveling with Zayd Shakur and Sundiata Acoli in May 1973 when they were stopped, the troopers said, because of a faulty tail light on their car. Shortly after the stop, a shootout occurred. "There were lights and sirens," Shakur recalled in her autobiography. "Zayd was dead. My mind knew that Zayd was dead. The air was like cold glass, my mouth tasted like blood and dirt. Suddenly the [car] door flew open and I felt myself being dragged out onto the pavement. Pushed and punched, a foot upside my head, a kick in the stomach. Police were everywhere. One had a gun to my head," she wrote.
The political awareness of Afro Cubans remains exclusively tied to the Revolution. "And [Fidel Castro] is the one sustaining the Revolution: the reason Cuba is so strong is because of Fidel," said a prominent U.S.-based Afro Latino journalist who preferred not to be named. "After Fidel, the Cubans in Miami will simply pounce on the island," this journalist contends. "They have connections in Cuba; they have their people in place in Cuba already. When they take over they're going to be opening up the political arena to the U.S. again. Cuba has ostensibly been "independent" since Dec. 10, 1898, following decades of fighting between the nation's independence army, the Cuba Libre, and Spain. By 1898, the war was between Spain and the United States, but Cubans had declared their independence as early as Oct. 10, 1868. At that time, they'd also called for the island to end its enslavement of Black people, but emancipation from slavery was not made law until Oct. 7, 1886.
Top music industry stars visited the MMPRM booth, sang some of their songs and signed autographs. Haitian-American Hip-Hop and R'n'B artist Jimmy Carter came with his entourage, including a group called "Starvin Krew and he sang his songs "The World," "If You Want To Roll" and some "free style." Special Kudos go out to E-Uneek who M.C'd along with Emmanuel Marcellus. E-Uneek's rendition of his songs from his CD, "200 Years Of Blood, Sweat and Tears" and "Voule" were well received by the crowd. Sweet Micky a/k/a, "The Bad Boy of Haitian music"'s latest CD, "GNB" was represented at the MMPRM booth as Sweet Micky was in Miami and couldn't make it.
The last week of January 2005, the Fifth Annual World Social Forum was held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, bringing together 150,000 grassroots leaders, intellectuals and activists to discuss how the world can be made more free and more just. The conference's theme was "Another World Is Possible," and the speakers and participants showed that another, more fair treatment of Haiti is possible. The conference's keynote speaker, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, discussed the debt that the world owes Haiti in a press conference. He acknowledged that Haiti's Constitutional President had been kidnapped, and declared that he and other Latin American Presidents understood that there could be no solution to Haiti's crisis without President Aristide. At a workshop in Porto Alegre, called "Haiti, the International Community's Dictatorship," speakers from Haiti, the U.S. and the Caribbean led a discussion of the human rights crisis in Haiti, and explored ways that people from outside Haiti could promote the country's sovereignty and the return of its democracy.
"Lakou Trankil" is the work of an artist quietly reflecting on the personal, the political, the light and heavy sides of Haitian life. The album's lead song, "Lakou", blends a soulfully acoustic reggae with thoughtful metaphors that borrow from the wisdom of Haiti's country folk. Belo's strong baritone seems fashioned after Bob Marley's own and this distinct quality is definitely heard when he wails "dread natty dread..." in that song's plaintive chorus. The R&B-styled "Tenza", a song about love gone bad, displays the artist's consistent ability to lend complex melodic verses into simple chord progressions. The playful "Luv to luv" features the kind of vocal precision and acrobatics that have made a star of Jamaican artist Buju Banton and is backed by a masterful blend of acoustic guitars and percussion.
Commenting on the sanctity of the family, the president delivers a clear message in the song, "Pap Divoce," for which his cabinet has already delivered an entertaining video. [Mickey] has taken note of the disposition of the nation's young in regard to Haiti's current state and delivered a very club friendly response in the melodious "Non, non, non". Presidential advisor Wyclef Jean makes a bullet-riddled entrance in "Men nou" that should have dedicated supporters either rushing for shelter or the nearest ballot box. Djazz La Vol. 5 is probably the very best effort this talented drummer/producer has ever released.
Wyclef Jean - the trailblazing hip-hop artist and Haiti's answer to Jamaica's Bob Marley and Ireland's Bono - last month unveiled an ambitious new philanthropic effort aimed at bringing the power and wealth of his own celebrity - and the collective muscle of the Haitian Diaspora - to bear to help his native land. Wyclef christened the emerging non-profit "Yéle Haiti" during a tour of Haiti last month, in which he announced plans to help fund the reconstruction of schoolhouses and a vast scholarship program, among other initiatives.
Regarding Haiti's educational history, two visionaries Elie Dubois and Louis Joseph Janvier are worth mentioning. [Fabre Geffrard] chose Dubois as Minister of Education in 1859 who established a national school structure at all levels, with a focus on solid foundation at the elementary level by opening Ecole Normale Primaire et Ecole Normale Supérieure. Louis Joseph Janvier (1855-1919) a respected Haitian scholar, trained in medicine, a diplomat in London and Paris, envisioned mandatory elementary schools in urban and rural areas as well as in Masonic temples. Educating the girls and empowering women through voting and having them teach Haitian values were his priorities also.
As I reflect on last year's political, social, and ecological events in Haiti and observing a future that looks dim for the younger generation, I want to take the same position that Dr. Rosalvo Bobo (1873-1929), a political leader, a physician, a researcher on herbal medicine, took at the eve of Haiti's centennial. I am not celebrating. Since January 1st is also a World Day of Peace, I would rather peacefully reflect on the following translation of Dr. Bobo's centennial speech addressed circa the end of 1903.
To me, it's a miracle that elections are even being held in Haiti this fall. It's a wonder that such an expression of democracy even exists after the last two years the country has been through. My greatest concern isn't fraud, it's whether or not there will be bloodshed. Also, whether or not enough eligible voters will make it to the polls in order to make Haiti's elections legitimate. News reports coming from Hurricane Rita's brutal assault on the U.S.'s Gulf Coast indicate that mercifully, there was no loss of life as a direct result of the hurricane. My prayer is that the same will be said about the upcoming Haitian elections. I need to remind myself that Hurricane Rita was not man-made, but elections are. Honestly, I have more confidence in a "God thing" than in something that's "man's doing." On the other hand, I do believe that just as God controls the world's weather systems, He can also control Haiti's elections. The second piece of evidence that things haven't changed all that much in Haiti Chen was the report that shipments of food and aid to the victims of last year's Gonaives flood are still sitting in the Port of Port-au-Prince because of bureaucratic "red tape." In other words, someone wants a bribe that relief agencies aren't willing to pay. This is horrendous and absolutely intolerable! Something's gotta change.
Haitians or anyone with an intimate knowledge of Haiti knows what a historic event [Michaelle Jean]'s selection is. For her, and for Haitians in Canada and throughout the world. We all know what an improbable and almost impossible choice this is for anyone, except perhaps for Michaelle Jean. Born in Port-au-Prince, Jean and her family fled from Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier's regime in 1968, and came to settle in Montreal when she was only eleven years old. "I have come a long way," Jean told a news conference in Canada's capital on August 4th, when she was introduced as Canada's 27th governor general. "My ancestors were slaves, they fought for freedom. I was born in Haiti, the poorest country in our hemisphere. I am a daughter of exiles driven from their home by a dictatorial regime." "I think it's a fascinating appointment," John Aimers, director of the Canadian Monarchist League was quoted by the CanWest News Service. "Because of the astonishing range of work she's done in Quebec, she's clearly a federalist voice who will be listened to and respected."
African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Notes:
404 p., France experienced a period of crisis following World War I when the relationship between the nation and its colonies became a subject of public debate. The author focuses on two intersecting movements that redefined imperial politics— colonial humanism led by administrative reformers in West Africa and the Paris-based Negritude project, comprising African and Caribbean elites.
Sisters and Brothers in the Diaspora outside Jamaica, Season's Greetings and remember in your prayers, in this time of fellowship and love, not just your own family and friends, but the larger family of Jamaicans and our homeland, Jamaica. In the coming year, we must, must have a conference of Jamaicans in Canada - and, before the middle of the year. Let us sit together, as many Jamaicans as possible, in workshops to thrash out the solutions. We know what the problems are. Time to stop talking about them and start dealing with solutions among ourselves, in a rational, quiet manner, as our forefathers did in order to end slavery and colonialism.
HAUP's Chairperson, Mr. Yves Merry Telemaque is counting on private matching contributions to provide desperately needed funds to keep the Queens Community Center functioning at its current location at 221-05 Linden Blvd. in Cambria Heights, Queens.
These new citizens know they made the right choice. This day also offers the time to meditate about those less fortunate than themselves, like families and friends left behind in their country of origin, where the plague of daily insecurity has decimated whatever lifestyle remained of their easy going beautiful paradise, and where participation in the electoral process is not so easily accomplished. Reflections abound -- then reality sets in. Indeed, Haitian-Americans are delighted and proud to have adopted America as their fatherland. At the same time they are sad that their country of origin is in such turmoil.
More than two hundred Haitian artists came together at "Russo's On the Bay" in Queens, New York on June 5th, 2005. They came from Haiti, Canada and throughout the USA. Namely painters, dancers, musicians, gospel singers, writers and poets, they came to celebrate the birth of the United Haitian Artists' Foundation. It was a glamorous endeavor with excited people of Haitian culture, united in their noble and national mission to bring about awareness, growth and excellence to Haitian artists as a whole, and to the world at large.
Haitian Catholic artists are as excited about this event as the rest of the community is. Some of them will attend the convention, and Jean Robert Themistocle, one of the pioneers of the organization of Haitian Catholic artists in the diaspora, composed a song based on the theme of the convention. The guests at the convention will be the first to hear and to sing this song with Jean Robert. It is a time of great grace for the Haitian community in the diaspora.
Another report pointed out that prisoners were upset because guards had ignored their allegations that another inmate had tried to sexually assault several prisoners. A strong contingent of police officers from the GUARD and Emergency Branch (GEB) stormed the cell block section of the San Fernando Magistrates' Court to quash a threatened uprising by about 100 prisoners on April 1. One of the country's daily newspapers reported that the prisoners were protesting cramp and overcrowded conditions at the cellblock of the courthouse in southern Trinidad. And they threatened to beat and the handful of police officers assigned to secure them.
The service for Donna Andrea Messado, sociologist of New York and resident of Hope Pastures, St. Andrew, was held on Saturday, October 15 at St. Stephen's United Church in Cross Roads, St. Andrew, Jamaica. The funeral for the late 'One Order' gang strongman Omar 'Tickerus' Campbell was held on Sunday, November 6, at the Lighthouse Assembly in Ellerslie Pen, St. Catherine.
Traditional drumming, choreography and songs by legendary singer/dancer, La Sosso and Trass' La" will give the night an Afro-Caribbean flan. Also appearing will be the upbeat and energetic "Jeff Joseph & Gramacks New Generation," who is a favorite at festivals in Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint-Martin and Martinique with his mix of reggae, meringue, calypso and soca. Mayer Morisset and Decibel will bring their island spirit to the crowd as well as Christiane Valejo, the internationally known singer/songwriter and zouk sensation from Martinique.
What even serious individuals must note is that 40 or 50 years ago, the kind of jobs that illegal immigrants migrate towards today are the same positions that African Americans were relegated to. How else can we explain highly educated African Americans, even some with Ph.D's, being forced to work at the post office or as a hotel waiter. The barriers for African Americans were Jim Crow; for Hispanics or Latinos fleeing Mexico, El Salvador, Guatamala or other South American countries, it is the wretched poverty in those countries. For them, such jobs are a "step up" from what they had to accept in their country.
"I am not disappointed because right now I am unfit. I'm not at 100 per cent so I didn't expect anything," the Boys' Champs Class One champion told The Weekly Gleaner following his fourth place finish in Saturday night's, March 26, final at the Dwight Yorke Stadium. A silver medallist at last year's Carifta Games in Bermuda, [Rose] clocked 10.58 seconds, again beaten by last year's champion Daniel Bailey of Antigua & Barbuda (10.36).
Head of Arsenal in the community Alan Sefton said: "We are looking forward to our second visit to Guadeloupe in the summer, when Arsenal community coaches will deliver coaching sessions to the island's young coaches and young footballers."
High Commissioner [Maxine Roberts] was praised for her dedication and commitment to both Jamaica and Jamaican community in the United Kingdom (UK). Manager of National Commercial Bank, UK Operations, Dale Robinson said Miss Roberts was a true friend to the Jamaican businesses operating in the UK.
Boston First Baptist Church and Mattapan's Saint Angela's Catholic Church choirs uplifted the service with songs. Rev. Father Charles Gabriel of Dorchester's St Matthew Catholic Church gave thanks to God for the country's blessings. Rev. Gary Theodat of Golgotha Seventh Day Adventist of Roslindale asked for deliverance for Haiti, while Reverend Nicholas Homicile of the Baptist Tabernacle of the Evangelical Voice prayed for unity. The President of the Association-of Haitian Pastors of New England, Rev. Pastor Paul Daniel of Evangelical Baptist Church of the North Coast, closed the worship with a prayer of consecration and the final blessings. The reflection part of the gathering ended with a series of short and precise messages.
"We select one or two villages to host cultural activities which conclude at the end of October with the grand celebration of the International Creole Day," said George Alphonse, poet, historian, F.R.C. board member, and the chairperson of St. Lucia Creole Heritage Month Committee. "This year, the committee had chosen four villages to hold those activities for the month: Anse-La-Ray, Dennery, Laborie, and Monchy. This is to contribute to the social-economic development of these villages."
Explores the association of altars with religious practice known as Espiritismo or Spiritism in the Caribbean culture, particularly the Indians and Congo. Attributes of Espiritismo; Distinction of an Espiritismo altar from other non-Christian altars assembled in observance of the Caribbean religions; Relation of Espiritismo with the religion Palo Monte Mayombe in Cuba.
The murder of the three children Dwayne Davidson, 15, Sue-Ann Gordon, 13, both students of St. Mary High School, and Shadece Williams, 4, has torn at Jamaica's 'heart strings'. "I am not really related but hearing about the deaths. It was so horrible I had to come," said Amy Bailey from Portland who broke down in tears when she was unable to "even get a glimpse of the casket," due to the massive crowd at both church services. Bishop Dunn challenged the crowd, stating, "Don't let those children die in vain."
"As the largest umbrella organization for Black communities throughout Central America and the Caribbean, ONECA has brought people together," said Arthur Samuels, the Costa Rican-based ONECA secretary of education. "We're organized so that we can have more force in each of our countries." The Guatemalan-born Mario Gerardo Ellington, ONECA's legal representative, said that the one thing Black Central Americans have come to realize is that identifying themselves by the nations they reside in can be pointless. "We didn't seek out these different nations to live in," he pointed out. "We only live in these places because this is where, eventually, our cultures were able to settle."
One group of Black immigrants have become involved in the economic and political life of Miami, and their power is being felt in North Dade. I call this the New Haitian Revolution. It began on many fronts. I remember listening to some Black American men laughing-at Haitians because family members would pool their money to buy a home. Multiple families would live in the house, and then the families would pool together and buy another house. Eventually, all of the Haitian families would own a home. I wonder what those same Black men are saying now, when Haitians now own homes and their detractors are still renting. This was the start of a quiet new Haitian revolution. Haitians working together to improve their economic fortunes - a method employed by other successful immigrant groups such as Jews and Cubans. The revolution took place quietly, but it is now clear that there is a new power group in this community. Haitians have started successful medical practices, radio stations, law firms, and other businesses. They have taken over the politics of the City of North Miami, and are one of the new power groups being courted by anyone running a county wide race.
"We shouldn't celebrate a scheme that brought women from the West Indies to Canada and kept many of them under domination and subordination by Canadian families," says Ms. [Antonia Sealy], a founding member of several community groups. "Personally, I regret making the decision to come on that scheme," she says. "I had a comfortable life in Barbados and a good job in the public service, but I was young and I wanted to travel and seek other opportunities. Had I known better I would have waited and sought out a commonwealth scholarship," she said. Ms. Sealy says that nothing she was told before leaving Barbados could have prepared her for the life of "subordination" at the homes of various families in Toronto.
African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Notes:
236 p., Examines the global unfolding of the African Diaspora, the migrations and dispersals of the people of Africa, from antiquity to the modern period. Gomez's "Movement people," pp. 193-218 includes topics Freedom and fire -- Developments in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe -- Cultural innovations.
"While the work of the Jamaican Diaspora is being praised for its success in keeping the linkage with Jamaica very strong, I submit that a look at the experience of other Diasporas will provide us with valuable lessons of how we can even more effectively utilise the resources available to us to enhance both the Diaspora as well as our homeland."
The presenters discussed topics ranging from democratic reform and transition in Haiti to health concerns in the Haitian diaspora. One presentation by Lunine Pierre-Jerome, Ed.D., titled "Identity Development among Low-Literacy Haitian Adolescent Newcomers: Collective and Integrative View of the Self" was particularly poignant. Dr. Pierre-Jerome's case study explored how low-literacy Haitian adolescent newcomers identify themselves; their perceptions of family, peer relationships, community and schooling; and their opinions about attending a literacy program.
Lachatañeré,Rómulo (Author) and Ayorinde,Christine (Author)
Format:
Book, Whole
Publication Date:
2005
Published:
Princeton, NJ: M. Wiener Publishers
Location:
African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Notes:
156 p, Distinguishes between the two most important religious forms - the Regla de Ocha (Santeria), which promotes worship of the Oshira (gods), and the traditional oracles that originated in the old Yoruba city of lle-lfe', which promote a more animistic worldview. Africans who were brought to Cuba as slaves had to recreate their old traditions in their new Caribbean context. As their African heritage collided with Catholicism and with Native American and European traditions, certain African gods and traditions became more prominent while others lost their significance in the new Afro-Cuban culture. This book, the first systematic overview of the syncretization of the gods of African origin with Catholic saints, introduces the reader to a little-known side of Cuban culture.
Now there are at least two places in Jamaica called [Mocho]. There's one in St. James near Garlands, but most persons agree that the Mocho from those infamous insults is the tiny town in Clarendon, between Thompson Town and Green Park. "Well Mocho is basically what you see here. There isn't much more. Things are quiet and we all know each other. We don't have anything to worry about, like crime. So whatever anybody want to say about Mocho, that is their problem. We are all quite alright," the perky woman grinned. We eventually stumbled on to a heated game of dominoes well in progress. It was like a festival of profanity as these self-proclaimed 'country people' enjoyed themselves in the best way they know how. One man got a bit excited and threw his hands into the air and ordained himself the domino king of Mocho. But a whisper from a female bartender confirmed that it was just the alcohol talking.
CAFTA is also a step backward for labor rights. Under CAFTA, Central American countries are only obligated to uphold their own labor laws, which have been judged inadequate by the International Labor Organization in more than 20 ways. What's more, the enforcement of these deficient laws cannot be encouraged through the use of dispute settlement, fines or trade sanctions. Even putting labor conditions aside, CAFTA is bad the health of people of co south of the U.S. border. The countries of Central America have high rates of infection of HIV/AIDS and other diseases, rates that go up even more if you look at just the Afro-Latino communities. Provisions in CAFTA would actually delay or limit the introduction of cheaper, generic drugs to combat or cure many diseases and other health conditions. The result? Many of the 275,000 Central America living with HIV/AIDS will not be able to afford antiretroviral drugs. This impact will hit especially hard on Afro-Latinos, who make up a third of Latin America's population but represent 40 percent of Latin America's poor Maybe that's why Doctors Without Borders, the American Public Health Association and many others have come out strongly against CAFTA.
[Peter Adrien], 37, born in Antigua and resident of Miami since age 14, was invested as a new judge last Friday for the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Dade County. Surrounded by family and friends at the Dade County Courthouse on Flagler Street, the new Judge Adrien promised to bring a new vigorous effort to his role behind the robe. As an attorney, Adrien participated in the teen court program, which he felt was a good diversionary program for teens that had made bad mistakes in their lives got second chances. Adrien liked the program and stated as a judge he will try to find alternative programs that may help keep certain defendants, especially teens from getting criminal records that could haunt them for the rest of their lives.
A notice published by the Jamaica Stock Exchange in its daily stock market report on Tuesday, February 8, advised "on December 17, 2004, AIC Barbados Limited transferred 6,274,263 shares in National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd. to Mr. [Aubyn Hill]." The disclosure by the JSE contradicts previous reports published elsewhere in the print media which suggested that the former NCB executive had collected a settlement amount of between US$750,000 and US$1 million. It is clear that, excluding NCB's board and Mr. Hill, no one knows for sure what were the exact terms of the settlement at the negotiating table.
"It must be relevant because most of the Jamaican population is of African stock, and we have never been able to forge that link between the motherland and the Caribbean," he told IPS. "It's very important to decide on our next step (to develop) a South-South relationship because we've always been looking to the North." Pan-Africanism is in one sense a united movement of countries on the African continent, but in the wider sense, encompasses a collective consciousness of all peoples of African descent. "[Marcus Garvey], as the father of Pan-Africanism, always tried to forge that link - that's why he started the (shipping line) Black Star liner," said Mutabaruka. "Politicians, people don't see the necessity to deal with Africa because they say Africa is not a place of development." "There wasn't a single nation or country with people of African descent and Africans which did not celebrate Nelson Mandela becoming president (in South Africa), because there was such a strong sense of identification with that," [Zweledinga Pallo Jordan] notes. "(But) it wasn't just identification, it was based on the fact that everyone in the entire African community across the Atlantic had participated in one way or another, some in big ways, some in small ways, but everyone had made a contribution, that's why people felt it was their victory."
My companion and I chose the same things, so I can leave 'the person' out after this sentence. Sorry mi dear. Next, I had a Scelta Di Pasta Farfalle Bella Casa, which basically means Bow Tie Pasta with wonderful things from the house. As I am not a lover of Bow Tie Pasta - not wanting to ruin my dinner by eating a man in full suit and, yes, bow tie -- I opted for my favourite, Fettuccine. A small bowl arrived, just perfect for the occasion. The sauce -- a tomato basil mixture with loads of delish mushrooms and artichokes enhanced with bella crema and sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese -- was absolutely perfetto. I followed that with Agnello Alla Rosmarino, which is a Parmesan Crusted Lamb, marinated in Rosemary and Garlic Au Jus with Potato. The lamb was exactly as I ordered it - medium rare - and it was, to tell the truth, melt-in-your-mouth good. I have to tell you, it's as if the gods just didn't want me to divulge this little Italian secret. This morning, all settled in to begin the procedure it takes to write one of these Thursday reviews, I could not find the notebook I had so carefully written all my information in this last time. Hello. I was suicidal. Not again, thought I. The possibility of having to visit Hedo III yet again sent shivers throughout my body. But I persevered. Hours later all was found, buried on my desk which is unfortunately covered almost to the ceiling in notes, papers, CDs and heaven only knows what else.
One of the things attracting tourists has taught us is to value the habit of preservation. We have to depend on devoted scholars and archeology diggers and always, tenacious individuals like Dr. Walter Roth. He was a medical man of German stock who moved to Guyana by way of Australia and was the moving spirit in the rise of Georgetown's museum of natural history. As a youth I made many trips to this museum and was fascinated by its presentation and displays; for instance the diorama of gold-digging operations in the far interior, the lighted fish tanks with fish such as the blood-thirsty pirai, a lifelike representation on the wall of the world's biggest freshwater fish, the arapaima, caught in Guyana. A huge live anaconda pans have all but vanished.
ATLANTA, Georgia: The Jamaican community in Atlanta, commenced a week long series of activities to celebrate Jamaica's 43rd year of independence with a Thanksgiving service at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church Hall on Sunday, July 31, 2005. Approximately three hundred Jamaicans and well wishers were in attendance. The sermon was delivered by Bishop Charles DuFour, Roman Catholic Bishop of Montego Bay. Jamaica's Honorary Consul to Atlanta, Vin Martin, read the Prime Minister's message. The first lesson was read by Allan Alberga, President of the Atlanta Jamaican Association and the second lesson was read by Tamara Cox. Union of Jamaican Organizations in Atlanta is comprised of Atlanta Jamaican Association, Atlanta Montego Bay Sister Cities, Benevolent Missions of Atlanta, Calabar High School Alumni Association, Clarendon College Alumni Association, Caribbean Sports and Social Club, Integrity Children's Fund, Kingston College Alumni Association, Queen's High School Alumni Association, St. Hugh's High School Alumni Association, Carilanta Players, Tropical Sports Club and United for Jamaica.
In his farewell address as outgoing Caucus chair, U.S. Representative Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as chairman during the 108th Congress and praised [Melvin L. Watt]'s intellect, skill, and balanced approach to solving today's public policy challenges. The new officers of the CBC for the 109th Congress are: Watt, chair; U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, 1st vice chair; U.S. Rep. Carolyn C. Kilpatrick, 2nd vice chair; U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis, secretary; and U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, whip. "We have to have dialogue, and we're trying to create opportunities for that dialogue to take place," said Watt, who admitted that it's hard sometimes for the CBC to take aggressive positions in the areas of trade because of differing views among its own constituents. "We have not been aggressive in the area of trade, advocating one trade policy over another, as we have on some of the more core issues."
The fundraiser night titled "Brazil Comes to Harlem" will feature "live performances from NYC's hottest Afro-Brazilian dancers, musicians and capoeristas!" [Lorelei Williams] said. "It should be a lot of fun and interesting as well." The New York-born Williams, who has a twin sister, admitted that her humongous task of founding and helping to coordinate POMPA activities across the sea and here has been exhausting but very rewarding. "We launched POMPA in 2004."
