MANDEVILLE's New Years' Eve Party Cancelled!

Mandeville Resturant Cancels Party

We are canceling our New Year's Eve party due to the impending inclement weather predictions.

On behalf of Staff of Mandeville Restaurant we would like to thank you for your support; please join us in the new year as we continue to serve our patrons and explore more new and exciting events to ensure that you will enjoy Mandeville even more.

We look forward to an even better and more successful 2010!

Thank You,

The Staff of Mandeville Restaurant.

Mandeville's Carnival Themed New Year's Eve Bash!

If you haven't decided where you're spending New Year's Eve or if you're going somewhere check this out, come alone, or come with someone...

Mandeville's Contemporary themed Restaurant is hosting a Carnival themed Gala @ $65 per person or $125 for two.

The staff will be dressed in Carnival themed attire for this 5-Course sit down dinner with Lobster Tails and Braised Short Ribs, a midnight dessert buffet and more all in the warm Mandeville ambience.

Complimentary favors and noise makers to ring in the new year along with wine and champagne. If you think you'd like to join us please have your name added to the list; call Roger to make your reservation at 973-672-2900.

This is the restaurants' first holiday bash and they've asked the Community Collaborator to invite my friends.

So come ring in the New Year with us!!!

http://www.mandevillenj.com/


Driving directions from NY to Mandeville Restaurant

Brooklyn/Long Island - Take the Holland Tunnel to NJ
Exit onto US-1/US-9 toward I-280/Jersey City/Kearny;
take US 1 & 9 to I-280 (Harrison-Newark) stay in left lane
to get to I-280. Take the I-280 ramp and keep right
at the fork to continue and merge onto I-280 W
Take exit 11B toward Day St/Orange/Essex Ave.
make a slight left at Distributor Rd.
then turn right at South Essex Ave.

Free street parking, as well as free parking
in the NJ Transit Orange Station and in front of the
Main Street Library is available.

WHAT AN OASIS!

This Oasis is no Mirage…
A TRAVEL GENIE SPECIAL FEATURE -- By Allison Skeete

The Travel Genie and Ace Photographer set out on a special excursion to bring you the details of the largest ship at Sea, Royal Caribbean’s new Oasis of the Seas --

If you live on the East Coast or in the Midwest you normally cruise from Florida, the convenience factor and local attractions are good for passengers who now have an even more BIG reason to head out of Fort Lauderdale as its port is the home of the newest and largest cruise ship… Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Sea; standing at 20 stories high it is unmistakable against the skyline when one enters the port area or happens to be sitting in view of it when your plane is landing at Hollywood Airport says, Travel Genie Ken. A sight of awe and wonder that brings many to stand still along the bridges, roads and even alleyways that provide a small glimpse of the ship.

Have you ever felt small in a crowd? Have you ever felt as small as Tom Thumb or Thumbelina in their fairy tales? Have you ever felt like everything around you is ‘gi-normous’ that you don’t know how you’ll ever see all there is in life to enjoy… Well, that’s the feeling many will get when they get on board Royal Caribbean’s newest vessel; it’s four times the size of the Titanic and it offers as much in variety with activities… something essential for a great vacation.

With seven neighborhoods to explore and we explored them all… the Oasis of the Sea offers entertaining for long overdue vacationers, families and groups with an eye for adventure and calm. With babysitting available if needed; hands-on activities for tots like singing, dancing, storytelling; theme parties and arts & crafts as well as fun rides on the colorful musical carousel for kids. Older children can learn or improve their computer skills at stations provided for them or choose from four swimming pools for appropriate ages to enjoy a cool splash; while teens can enjoy less structured activities in their own lounge and youth gym with parties and movie nights.

The adventurous can choose rock climbing with Geckos that align the two walls available; wave riding, and a zip line that rides high above for a great view of the Promenade and Central Park neighborhoods. Miniature golf, physical fitness, yoga, Tai Chi or swimming at any of the 10 gyms and Spas onboard lends to great relaxation and revitalization.

Head for the solarium and gaze out on the skyline as you sit seemingly right over the sea waters below or get lost in the cabanas for a snooze, cuddling or just some me time. Joggers can take a run 2.4 times around the ship for a one mile work out or cycle the pounds away in the gym. We rang the bell on the rock wall, zipped across the zip line, and birdied hole #7 on the miniature golf course; next time… we’re going surfing!

Night life is abundant with many restaurants and bars to choose from but reservations must be made for any in the Central Park neighborhood where jackets are required. Have a drink in the Rising Tide Bar and choose which floor to get off as it’s an elevator bar going up for three floors and shooting a falling water cascade beneath its rising lift. Step into the casino if you’re with Lady Luck or enjoy a family gathering with the ice show. Take in entertainment by top celebrities like Rihanna who made history as the first to perform for the Oasis of the Sea inauguration. Feel like dancing check out the clubs or settle in for a night at the theatre which features a moving stage for glimpses of the beautiful sea below.

Cabins feature a view… if you’re not on the ocean view side of the ship, not to worry inside cabins overlook the promenade or Central Park or the Boardwalk… there’s always something to see from your porthole or balcony on the Oasis of the Sea. Want to get married at sea, this ship features a non-denominational chapel; facilities for a reception and even loft style cabins for your private gatherings are available too.

Early risers can treat themselves to freshly baked cupcakes at the Cupcake Cupboard or enjoy a leisurely stroll in Central Park, or along the Boardwalk… you won’t get lost… there directional touch screens beside the elevators to help you navigate around this floating city. Shopping is always a great pastime and there are many stores to browse and find something for even the most discerning tastes… speaking of tastes, if you enjoy wetting your palette… the Wine Bar is a must… There is something for everyone and everywhere on the ship… about the only thing you may complain about is not having enough time to see it all.

The Oasis of the Sea set off on its maiden voyage last week on December 12, you can be on the next one... this Travel Genie will make your cruising dreams come true; contact me to book your vacation that will be no mirage indeed.

Travel Genie Kenneth Smith
Dreams Come True Travel
http://www.traveldreams.tv/
973 206-9338
dctken@comcast.net

Mandeville's Flair a Big Hit in New Jersey

Mandeville's Debuts with Flair


By Allison Skeete

Orange, NJ: – Wondering what to do this weekend... want to try something new… Mandeville Restaurant may be just what you need; Mandeville is a contemporary, Caribbean-style eatery with a relaxed, warm and sophisticated atmosphere.

Having opened this past Summer in Orange, New Jersey; Mandeville’s quickly built a loyal following of patrons who come out to hear the likes of such noted musicians as Bradford Hayes and Tony Smith for Thursday Night Jazz or to enjoy Sunday Brunch. Other featured artists who’ve performed on Jazz Night include saxophonist Greg Tardy who’s worked with Roberta Flack at her music school; he also performs with Joel Weiskopf in a Quartet that’s making a last 2009 appearance on December 17 at Mandeville.

Planning to celebrate… it's just the place; intimate and with a nice flair. Renowned Jamaican National Derek Williams, one of the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s founding members (seen at left)… enjoyed the venue at such an event. Williams, who is currently running the Dance Program at Germany’s Janusphere Dance Company was pleased to note that the food and ambience were a wonderful compliment to the service and evening he enjoyed there. Williams is planning to return to the U.S. once his commitment in Germany concludes.

Mandeville features a menu that showcases at least one dish in honor of the countries of the Caribbean Diaspora. Try the Jerk, Spanishtown Salmon, Maracas Bay Chicken, or Garlic Pork or the Codfish fritters and Demerara Shrimp... Sunday Brunch is also another reason to come enjoy Mandeville and they cater too.

Getting there is easy, don't want to drive, no problem… take NJ Transit to the Orange Station and its just steps from the stations' parking lot... or take 280 W to exit 11B, ample street parking is available as well as at the train station’s parking lot.

Contact the Manager, Roger for further information or visit the website; Mandeville is located at 15 So. Essex Avenue, Orange NJ - 973 672-2900 - info@mandevillenj.com - http://www.mandevillenj.com/home.htm

See reviews of Mandeville at the Urbanspoon Blog Site http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/53/1448395/restaurant/North-Jersey/Orange/Mandeville-City-of-Orange-Twp

Mandeville Again Presents the Joel Weiskopf Quartet

Joel Weiskopf Plays Mandeville Tonight



Orange, NJ – December 16, 2009: Mandeville Contemporary Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant showcases the last engagement for 2009 of the Joel Weiskopf Quartet on Thursday night December 17, 2009 from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m., for Thursday Night Jazz .

The Quartet which features Weiskopf on keyboards, Donna Cumberbatch on vocals; Greg Tardy on Tenor Saxophone and Jaimeo Brown on Drums has become a regularly featured group at the contemporary Caribbean inspired eatery as has the reknowned Bradford Hayes.

Mandeville's intimate atmosphere has quickly become a favorite for many patrons, it is easily accessible when driving or using mass transit. Take Rte. 280W or New Jersey Transit to the Orange Station; ample parking available and is free during the holiday season in the area.

Mandeville will be hosting a Carnival themed New Year's Eve celebration check this blog for futher details or see their website at http://www.mandevillenj.com/ or contact the manager, Roger, at 973-672-2900.

Carol's Story... When Cancer Hits Home

When Cancer Hits Home


By Allison Skeete
____________________________________________
Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 - Queens, NY: Imagine you’re the head of an organization to benefit Cancer Patients providing them education and information, free care and surgeries and nutrition... then suddenly finding out that you are stricken by the very disease you work so hard to help others survive… Carol Bagot, founding member of the Organization for Social and Health Advancement in Guyana & the Caribbean (OSHAG-C) found herself facing just this challenge shortly after the New Year 2009 began. OSHAG-C provides educational, medical and nutritional care information, and support to Cancer patients and more in the areas stated in their name. They have been responsible for sponsoring groups of doctors, nurses and volunteers who take the time to provide free care, surgeries and health seminars in the developing Diaspora; most of whom don’t often get the care to combat thier illnesses as readily.

Carol found herself facing the unexpected life changing event that would galvanize her commitment more to Cancer patients once she faced it down and won the battle. She self-diagnosed what would turn out to be Cancer in her own body. “You must know your own body”, she says, it can make the difference in how you handle a crisis of illness when it occurs. It took a little convincing for her doctor to realize that she was right… and once the facts were evident Carol found herself in the shoes of many whom she had helped when they learned they were stricken with Cancer.

Yes, she was not happy; yes those thoughts of ‘why me” and ‘am I going to die’ do cross the mind … she had moments of doubt and worry and loneliness… for though people can sympathize with you, be around and still love you; they can’t really know how you feel she said. No one can understand the need to develop a will power so strong that it builds a vigilant spirit in you to overcome the disease.

After putting things into perspective she decided on a radical plan of action, she took a leap of faith… although her doctors wanted her to wait six months for the complete results of all tests, she was adamant that she preferred not to wait and immediately began a rigorous series of chemotherapy and radiation. The pain and lethargy she lived with was only tempered by the support of her family; her daughter stood by her side and often took her for her treatments despite her inability to walk or sometimes even stay awake. She amazed her doctors and other care givers who watched her beaten but willful in her desire to overcome and live on. Today, she is a proud Cancer Survivor and she’s even more adamant about her mission to help other patients.

When your treatment is over, your work isn’t done she said, now you must speak with your doctors and set a plan of action to remain Cancer free, that means changing your diet and sticking to proper nutrition. Know what your body should look like after treatment and how to recognize any change that might signal something is wrong. The irony of her involvement with the group she co-founded is not lost and it is why she will be a Cancer Surviving Honoree as deemed so by unanimous vote of OSHAG-C's members on December 4, 2009.

For more information on the work done by OSHAG-C and the groups that benefit, visit their website at http://www/oshag2.org. You can also make a tax deductible contribution to the group. Donations help fund free medical missions to Guyana and the Caribbean as well as for purchasing Wigs and Prosthetic Bras for Cancer Survivors.

OSHAG-C ANNUAL DINNER DANCE & FUND RAISER

THE ORGANIZATION FOR SOCIAL HEALTH & ADVANCEMENT FOR GUYANA & THE CARIBBEAN

Presents

OUR ANNUAL DINNER DANCE & FUND RAISER

Friday, December 4, 2009

Starting at 8:00 P.M.

CHATEAU ROYALE
110 – 17 ATLANTIC AVENUE
(Corner of 110th Street)
RICHMOND HILL, NEW YORK 11419

THEME: When Cancer Hits Home

Book a Table in Honor of a Cancer Survivor or in Memory of Someone Lost to Cancer

It's a Friday Nite Lime with OSHAG!

The Organization for Social Health & Advancement

in Guyana & the Caribbean

It’s an OSHAG Hang… Come Lime with us…

Friday, October 30, 2009

9:00 p.m. – 2 :00 a.m.

Green Leaf Café

2414 Snyder Avenue

btwn: Bedford & Rogers Aves., Bklyn

Tickets - $15

Contact us for information and tickets

Lorna @ 646-522-8005 - Maria @ 917-385-6409

Carol @ 347-683-1291 - Barbara @ 718-228-2060

See the events calendar at the website http://www.oshag2.org

Thurday Night Jazz @ Mandeville, NJ's Newest Hot Spot

(Joel Weiskopf Quartet performs at Mandeville)

Joel Weiskopf Quartet Appearing at Mandeville Restaurant

Orange, NJ – October 16, 2009: Mandeville Contemporary Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant is pleased to announce the return engagement of the Joel Weiskopf Quartet on November 12, 2009 from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m., for Thursday Night Jazz .

This is the second appearance for the Quartet which features Weiskopf on keyboards, Donna Cumberbatch on vocals; Greg Tardy on Tenor Saxophone and Jaimeo Brown on Drums.

Mandeville features contemporary Caribbean inspired cuisine and a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere. Mandeville is easily accessible by car using Rte. 280 or by New Jersey Transit with ample parking available and tastes for every palate to enjoy.

Though new to the area, Mandeville’s quickly built a loyal following of patrons who come out to hear the likes of such noted musicians as Bradford Hayes and Tony Smith for Thursday Night Jazz. Sunday Brunch is also another reason to come enjoy Mandeville.

See their website for directions and details at www.MandevilleNJ.com or contact the manager, Roger, at 973-672-2900.

# # #

Outcry Against BET

BET, Why Do You Hate Us?
Monday Jul 6, 2009 – By Zettler Clay




Janita Patrick is a FICTIONAL character.



Dear Debra Lee,

I’m Janita Patrick, a 15-year-old African-American female from Cincinnati. Recently, I watched the 2009 BET Awards and felt the strongest urge to reach out to the program. My family is of the typical middle-class variety; both parents and four brothers. See, I’m a junior in high school (got skipped), so naturally EVERYBODY in my age group watches BET. I’m used to seeing the sagging pants, tattoos, lack of emphasis on reading and respecting women that makes up your videos. People in my class live this out everyday, while teachers tell us that we’re acting just like the people in your shows.

In your shows. That struck me as odd, because I would think that with your show being the primary outlet for black entertainers and musicians, and considering the context of blacks in this country, there’s a social responsibility factor to consider. I would never blame BET alone for the way a great deal of my classmates act and talk and dress. Everybody makes their own choices. However, if anybody is aware of the power of television on impressionable minds, it’s the people running the television operations. If you are not aware, then perhaps you shouldn’t be running the operations.

Guess who watches your network the most? Not those who are intelligent enough to discern foolishness from substance, but those who are barely teenagers, impressionable and believing. It’s awfully cruel to plant seeds of ignorance in fertile minds. You know it’s really bad when the co-founder of BET, Sheila Johnson, said that she “really doesn’t watch it” anymore.

I am constantly fighting against the images and messages put forth on your program. What made you think that it’s okay to bring my classmates on stage to dance behind Lil Wayne and Drake to a song talking about boffing “every girl in the world”? Why does reality train wrecks have to be thrown in our faces? Are you aware of the achievement gap going in inner-city African-American communities? A report from America’s Promise Alliance, a non-profit group started by Colin Powell, recently stated that 47 percent of high school students in the nation’s top 50 cities don’t graduate. This isn’t because of BET per se, but I don’t see any episodes on your show doing anything to counteract this disturbing trend. In fact, your show is a part of this cycle of media depicting us at our worst.

My older brother told me something about profit being the number one goal for every business. I’m not sure I understand what that means, but I do know that your shows have to be entertaining enough to generate viewers, which is how you make your money. But surely our culture is rich enough to entertain without anything extra to “boost” ratings; why the over-the-top foolery? I listen to classmates talk about Baldwin Hills like it’s the Manhattan Project. It doesn’t take much effort to produce a throng of degenerative reality shows, nor does it take much to eliminate socially conscious shows off the air. MTV isn’t much better, but since when does two wrongs ever make a right? It’s one thing for white television shows to depict us in a particular way, but for black television shows to do it is just baffling.

Why do you hate us?

All of the values that my parents seek to instill in me and my brothers seems to be contradicted by a more powerful force from the media, and your show is at the forefront. Your network is the only network that features rap videos and shows exclusively to children of my color. I know that you have no control over the music that the artists put out, but you do have influence as to how you air these videos. I’m sure if a stand was taken to use the talent in your organization to actually crank out thought-provoking entertaining shows and videos, then artists will follow suit.
Being that they need you as much as you need them.

There was one awkward segment in the BET Awards when Jamie Foxx singled out three black doctors-turned-authors, but the introduction was so powerless that many of the viewers had no idea who they were. Had they been introduced as Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, three brothers who overcame major obstacles to become a success without the use of lyrics that berate women, the sell of substance that destroy communities or through raps about loose gunplay, then maybe my classmates would have come to school talking about more than Beyonce, T-Pain’s BIG ASS CHAIN and Soulja Boy Tell Em’s hopping out the bed.

But they weren’t introduced like that. It seemed like a throwaway obligatory tribute to appease some irritated fans. It missed the mark. Big time. Ask Michelle Obama if she watches BET or encourages Sasha and Malia to do so. Ask President Obama. It’s a reason he is the leader of the free world, and it isn’t because of Buffoonery Exists Today.

You’d be surprised how smart young black children can be with the absence of Blacks Embarrassing Themselves. If your goal is to deter engaged, forward-thinking articulate black minds, then consider your goal fulfilled. It’s hard-pressed to think that your shows are working to promote cultural betterment. However, it’s quite easy to conclude that the destruction of black children through the glorification of immoral behavior and rushed production is by design. Poison is being swallowed by every viewer who adores your network, and the worse thing is, these viewers – my classmates – are not even aware what they’re swallowing.

There is nothing edifying for black women on your show. I don’t judge people who do throng to your programs though; I mean, if a jet crashes in right in front of me, I’ll watch it too. That’s why I don’t flip by your channel… I don’t even want to be sucked in.

I have aspirations of acquiring a law degree and possibly entering the public sphere, so I can counteract conditions in my community perpetuated by the images on your channel. So I should thank you, because in a weird sense, your shoddy programming is the wind behind my back. And it is my hope that I can accomplish my dreams despite BET’s pictorial messages, because Lord knows it won’t be because of them.

Sincerely,


Janita Patrick


Janita Patrick is a fictional character. Luckily for Janita, her heartfelt and articulate letter is a result from a lack of BET. Too many others aren’t as lucky.

http://clutchmagonline.com/lifeculture/feature/bet-why-do-you-hate-us/

A different game of Football for Guyana Native

PENN STATE AT ILLINOIS 2:30 P.M. SATURDAY, WLS-CH. 7
Illinois defensive end from Guyana a fast learner
In just 6 years playing football, he has become a Big Ten starter

Defensive end Clay Nurse hauls down Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor by his facemask at Ohio Stadium. (Jamie Sabau, Getty Images / September 26, 2009)

By Shannon Ryan
Tribune reporter
October 2, 2009

CHAMPAIGN -- Just five years ago, all Clay Nurse knew about playing football was to run as fast as he could and try to flatten the guy with the ball. Six years ago, he didn't even know that.

A native of Georgetown, Guyana -- a coastal town in northern South America -- Nurse traded in cricket and soccer for football once he arrived in Maryland. He made a quick ascent from football novice to being on scholarship at Illinois.

"He had no idea about the game," Nurse's mother, Marcia Leitch, said. "But Clay fell in love with it so much.

"Nurse, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound senior, will be a key part of the defensive line Saturday trying to contain Penn State and quarterback Daryll Clark when the Illinios play their Big Ten home opener.

Both teams will try to re-establish themselves in the conference -- Illinois from a 30-0 blowout at Ohio State and Penn State from a 21-10 upset loss to Iowa.

After playing primarily on special teams the last two seasons and taking a medical redshirt after a shoulder injury as a freshman, the defensive end had two tackles for a loss against Ohio State and a forced fumble against Illinois State.

"Clay probably played his best game (against Ohio State)," Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "I'm really proud of him. He has done a remarkable job. Clay sometimes tried to play his own game and he has gotten more and more disciplined from that standpoint.

"Watching football was a once-a-year experience in Guyana, when the Super Bowl was on TV.

When Nurse was 15, he moved to America with his mother, brother and sister. He started playing football when he was 16 after the High Point High School football coach noticed the new student was pretty big.

Nurse's size helped make up for his limited knowledge.

"I'd look to people on the sidelines and they'd yell to me what to do," he said, laughing.

He had attended a private secondary school in Guyana that he describes as the best in the country. But a teacher there told him he would fail in America because he came from a poor area.

"Most people in my neighborhood are not expected to do much with their life," Nurse said. "I was not expected to go anywhere. (The teacher said) she expected me to come back in a casket. My mom was (angry) when she heard this and said, 'From this day forward you have to prove every single person wrong.'

"His mother pushed Nurse academically more than athletically.

"I didn't want to raise an ordinary child," said Leitch, who raised Nurse as a single mother. "I wanted him to have the opportunity that life and the land of opportunity has to offer. There is a gift from God in Clay and I think football will help that come out of him.

"Nurse remembers her sacrifices and advice.

"Every time I step on the field it's a personal vendetta against all the people who told me I couldn't make it," said Nurse, who's majoring in kinesiology.

Nurse said he doesn't think he's on the NFL's radar yet, but he's not worried about that. He's eager to keep learning.

"I learned on the fly," he said. "Coach Zook reminds me all the time, 'You haven't played that much. I have forgotten more about football than you have learned.' At the same time, he's proud of the progression I've made."

sryan@tribune.com

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-02-illinois-football-oct02,0,1611118.story

HERG Enjoys a Night of Support and Success

Above: Ambassador Bayney Karran brings greetings; Center: 2009 Awardees; Below: Members & HERG Volunteers

By Allison Skeete

Friday, October 2, Queens, NY-- The Health & Education Relief for Guyana Inc.; (HERG Inc.) hosted their annual dinner event recently at the beautiful Terrace on the Park venue in Queens, NY; the proceeds from the event goes back into their work to continue providing medical care, treatment, surgery and follow-up in Guyana. The group makes several trips annually to the country and have developed a following of patients who wait specifically for their care and often show their appreciation with gifts of fruit or something they’ve cooked as a way of saying thank you to a group who seeks no pay for their work.

The evening presented a chance for those new to HERG’s agenda to see their work on video shown throughout the evening. Founder Dr. Wayne Sampson expressed his enthusiasm for the work of the organization he founded when he said… “Tonight crystallizes HERG’s purpose and got more commitments” for support and participation from others. This is just a fantastic night he added, his gratitude and satisfaction were evident as was his passion for this cause that he truly believes in.

The head of the Guyana Nurses Association here in New York, Oswald Billey seconded Dr. Sampson’s words. Trained as a nurse in Guyana he accompanied HERG on a medical mission this past summer to Guyana and said… “although it’s a lot of work it was fantastic to manage five patients who can’t get their needed medication due to the lack of funds or availability of the medications in Guyana”; they are eager to get the medical help we come and provide he said, nothing can make you feel more gratified than to know that what you’re doing in that short trip is so wholeheartedly appreciated. He said he’s ready to go again and that he’s committed to do so as often as he can.

HERG also takes residents and medical students along on their medical missions; for many, it’s a first encounter in a foreign country where they see poverty and lack of daily essentials they take for granted. It’s been an eye opener for them to see the difficulty in just getting around from village to village, the only means to do so is by water, one student volunteer expressed her amazement that when they arrived to begin seeing patients she didn’t expect the number of people who’d shown up; many of whom waited hours to get a number to be seen by the medical team. They have no telephones, cell phones or texting or internet but they obviously got the word and were there for care, she said.

The nights’ event was also held in honor of those whose support here in the U.S makes it possible for them to do the work in Guyana... and as such, the group acknowledged New York State Senator John Sampson, Nakosi Stewart a medical student volunteer, Mr. Charles Corbin and Ricardo Carrion, M.D. posthumously. Guyana's U.N Ambassador, the Honorable Bayney Karran also brought greetings of support for HERG; this support matches the dedication of the organization and the appreciation of their patients in Guyana.

To make a tax deductible contribution to HERG, visit their website: http://hergweb.org/index.cfm

Reaching out with Medical Care & Support

Medical Missions Groups Give Back to Native Countries

By Allison Skeete

New York, NY: September 25, 2009 – As the Fall Season begins across the U.S, two things happen, the Social Season of Black-tie and upscale events in support of causes begins and the fundraisers for more focused charity concerns begin. In the Caribbean Community many organizations host fund raisers in support of medical care and support benefitting the homelands of the many from the Caribbean Diaspora but who now call the U.S home.

One such group is the Health & Education Relief for Guyana Inc.; (HERG Inc.) established in January, 2000 as a non profit, 501 C-3 organization HERG Inc. is led by a governing Board of Directors and volunteers. HERG Inc.’s goal and purpose is to aid institutions delivering health care in Guyana, South America with medical care and follow-up support. Since its inception, HERG Inc. has sponsored annual medical missions to Guyana providing pediatric orthopedic care to children in many regions of the country. Doctors Wayne Sampson and Collie Oudkerk began the program after visiting their homeland while completing Medical Studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C. They and their volunteers have not looked back since their first medical mission to Guyana in December of 2000; their work continues to be appreciated and welcomed by grateful patients and the medical professionals in Guyana.

HERG is hosting their dinner event Saturday, September 26th in Queens; the proceeds go back into their work to continue providing medical care, treatment, surgery and follow-up in Guyana. To make a tax deductible contribution to HERG, visit their website: http://hergweb.org/index.cfm

The Organization for Social Health & Advancement in Guyana and the Caribbean (OSHAG-C) is another philanthropic group that focuses on the medical care, nutritional, education and research that helps Cancer patients in Guyana and the Caribbean. This group originally began as a collaborative effort between the Guyana Citizen’s Initiative and the Guyana Cancer Society. They quickly learned that throughout the Caribbean there was a severe need for help with Cancer patients since most treatment was not easily afforded in the Diaspora. The groups’ name was changed showing its inclusion of other Caribbean nations. They have previously partnered with the Caribbean Medical Mission (CMM) to take a team of doctors to Guyana in all disciplines of medicine; they provided medical and Cancer care, treatment and surgeries and hosted lectures in nutrition, health and hygiene. Check this blog for more details about their upcoming fundraiser; the event is slated to be held at Chateau Royal on December 4, 2009 in order to sponsor their 2010 Medical Mission and workshops that teach care and education fostering improved health in Guyana and the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Medical Mission (CMM) set in New Jersey and was founded in 1996 by six doctors and three nurses. Today the group includes the doctors and nurses as well as a diversity in which members who are professionals; these include clergy, business people and others who volunteer their time and service to provide medical care to the needy.

CMM is also a non-profit organization; their commitment means that their volunteers travel several times a year to provide the free care and support to the Caribbean Diaspora’s needy in Guyana, Jamaica, Nigeria, and St. Vincent/Grenadines; they also provide local health fairs in Essex County, New Jersey. Medical Mission participants pay their own travel expenses. They have just returned from Jamaica; they have also gone to Guyana, and Grenada and they are set to go to Nigeria in December to complete their missions for 2009. For more information or to make a donation to the Caribbean Medical Mission visit their website at http://caribbeanmedicalmissionnj.org/

The work and care provided by these groups is not often heralded by mainstream media but it is no less worthy or deserving of exposure. The dedication and commitment to do something for a home of the past to ensure a future to come is the common thread at the heart of all these groups purpose. To envision a collaborative of all these groups one day is certainly an idea to entertain. It would certainly bring a greater benefit to the Diaspora.

Monty Alexander, Jamaica's Internationally Renowned Jazz Pianist at Lincoln Center

Monty Alexander Returns To Lincoln Center


CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Sept. 9, 2009: Catch the `Harlem-Kingston Express` as Jamaica's internationally acclaimed Jazz piano great, Monty Alexander, C.D. (Commander of Distinction-Jamaica), returns to Jazz at Lincoln Center's Allen Room for 4 shows, October 2 & 3 at 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Alexander has been broughts back to Jazz at Lincoln Center by popular demand after his 2008 sold out hit program, "Lords of the West Indies." Come and experience Monty revisit his own personal and musical, adventurous, cross cultural JAmerican journey, as he takes you roundtrip from Jamaica to the great world of American Jazz where he performed/recorded with Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra, Sonny Rollins, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, George Benson, Milt Jackson, Natalie Cole, Clint Eastwood (in the film "Bird"-the life of Charlie Parker), and the greats from Jamaica: Ernest Ranglin, Sly and Robbie, Tony Rebel, Luciano, and more....

Performing with the maestro will be masters of both American Jazz and Jamaican music and heritage.

WHEN: October 2 & 3, 2009

7:30 pm & 9:30 pm

WHERE: The Allen Room, Frederick P. Rose Hall

(Broadway @ 60th St.,NYC )

HOW: Get Tickets $55 & $65 @ Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office (Bdway @ 60th St.) or call

CenterCharge at 212.721.6500 or via

http://www.jalc.org.

Box Office hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 am-6 pm, Sun. 12 pm -6 pm.

Saturday, October 3rd ONLY, at 5:30 pm: The Jamaica Tourist Board and Essence magazine, in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, will present a FREE pre-concert Jamaican Festival for all ticket holders, featuring live music, food and beverage samples, gift bags and more!

See her for details: http://www.jazzatlincolncenter.org/concerts/details309a.asp?EventID=2039 for more information.

Mayor Bloomberg & Colin Powell Headline Caribbean Parade 2009

By Allison Skeete

Brooklyn, NY: Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 -
The Caribbean community is no stranger to political association; this year was no exception, with the many primary race candidates vying for office the parade drew politicians of every district and intent all eager to connect with a crucial voter segment before next week's Democratic primaries. The parade route was peppered with campaign signs and many candidates’ glad handed revelers to get their vote next Tuesday.

The Census 2010 group also had several booths along the parade route spreading the word for all to ensure that they fill out the form come April 2010; there was a Census float in the parade with a theme of ‘Jump for the Count,’. They’re aim was to ensure an improved count of Caribbean Americans which would improve legislative and business progress in the neighborhoods inhabited by many Caribbean-American families. An undercount of the Caribbean-American voting block in 2010 after elections would mean that many of the seats now being run for could be subject to redistricting laws.

The biggest endorsement announced this year was that of Former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell who formally voiced his support of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s re-election on Monday after having expressed the view that the Mayor had done a tremendous job in NYC when he appeared on Larry King Live about two months ago. Powell who was born in the Bronx, and now lives in Virginia told Larry King that he would vote for Bloomberg if he were still a New York resident.

“I endorse him, and I hope he’ll win,” Mr. Powell said as he appeared next to Mayor Bloomberg at a news conference before the parade. “I would encourage everybody in the crowd, all the citizens of New York not just to go with an endorsement, even though endorsements are important, but to look at the record of the individual,” said Mr. Powell. “If they do that, I think they would find that Mike is the guy who ought to be mayor for a third term.” Mr. Powell, who is of Jamaican heritage, was a grand marshal.

Mayor Bloomberg thanked Powell, calling him a "great American and a great New Yorker," Bloomberg said that the former general is a man who "calls it like he sees it" and works with officials of every party.

Presently, Mayor Bloomberg trails Democratic challenger Bill Thompson among black voters in the city, so the Powell endorsement won't hurt.

Guyana's Former First Lady Doreen Chung passes on...

OP expresses condolences on passing of Doreen Chung
By Stabroek staff September 7, 2009

The Office of the President has expressed condolences to the family and friends of Mrs Doreen Chung, wife of the late President of Guyana Mr Arthur Chung, who passed away on Saturday. She was 77. Born Doreen Pamela Aun, like her husband, was born at Windsor Forest on the West Coast of Demerara. Mrs. Chung was the wife of Guyana’s first President Arthur Chung, who died on June 23, 2008.

According to a release from the Government Information Agency, Mrs Chung died on Saturday afternoon at a (St. Joseph's Mercy) city hospital after a brief illness.

Mrs Chung served as First Lady during her husband’s presidency from 1970-80; the couple was married for 54 years. Former President Chung passed away last June.

A relative of the late Former First Lady told Stabroek News yesterday that her relatives and friends are expected in the country this week for her funeral which is still being arranged. Those arrangements will be announced sometime this week.Mrs Chung leaves to mourn two children -Diane Pamela and Raymond Arthur (Jnr) – as well as numerous relatives and friends.

http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/stories/09/07/op-expresses-condolences-on-passing-of-doreen-chung/

Brooklyn Carnival BRASS FEST

Friday September 4th 2009

The Official Brass Fest 2009

Machel Montano HD, Patrice Roberts, Zan, Farmer, Bunji Garlin, Fayann Lyons & the Asylum, Iwer 'the boss' George, Kes the Band, KMC, Da Mastamind, Lyrikal, Pupa Lindee, MC Wassy

Music by: DJ Spice, Dr Jay, KUTTERS RHYTHM SECTION

SHOWTIME: 8:00PM - 3:00AM.

Admission: $35. - door $40.

ALL SHOWS HELD IN AT THE: BROOKLYN MUSEUM

200 EASTERN PARKWAY, BROOKLYN, NY Rain or Shine
FOR TICKETS & INFO CALL: 718.467.1797

Brooklyn Museum: 718.638.5000

EMAIL: wiadcainc@gmail.com http://www.wiadca.org/ www.myspace.com/wiadca

Mandeville comes to NJ with flare...

Mandeville Resturant is a contemporary, Caribbean-style food venue in a relaxed, warm and sophisticated atmosphere. Come for Thursday night Jazz or Sunday Brunch.

They cater too. Planning to celebrate, it's just the place, intimate with a nice flare, beautiful space all in Orange, NJ. Don't want to drive there, no problem take NJ Transit to the Orange Station and its just steps from the stations' parking lot...

Try the Jerk, Spanishtown Salmon, Maracas Bay Chicken, or Garlic Pork or the Codfish fritters and Demerara Shrimp... all these mouth watering flavors are yours to savor!

So head to Mandeville in Orange... See Roger and tell him the Community Collaborator sent you...

TUE - THU 11:00AM to 11:00PM
FRI & SAT 11:00AM to 1:00AM
SUN 10:00AM to 8:00PM
MON-CLOSED

Tel: 973 672-2900
Fax: 973 672-2998
email:info@mandevillenj.com
http://www.mandevillenj.com/home.htm

Will the White House address Caribbean Immigration Issues?

Caribbean Advocates Missing From Immigration Debate?
Immigration Korner
By Felicia Persaud

CaribWorldNews, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. Aug. 21, 2009: Caribbean immigrant advocates were missing in action as the White House yesterday hosted a conversation on the hot button issue with more than 100 immigration reform backers.

Among the myriad of organizations listed in attendance, not one was Caribbean or Haitian. Instead, participants were largely from major unions, general immigrant advocacy groups or Hispanic and Jewish.

The lack of Caribbean nationals at the table and around the hot button issue is a trend that has continued for years, despite the fact that thousands of Caribbean migrants are themselves in need of immigration reform.

The session was officially hosted by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, who has been sharply criticized by immigrant advocates in recent days for putting too much emphasis on enforcement and too little on reform legislation and making the immigration system more humane. President Obama dropped in briefly at the meeting.

The media was not allowed into the meeting, but Napolitano later issued a written statement emphasizing her commitment to reform.

`Today`s meeting on comprehensive immigration reform was an important opportunity to hear from stakeholders and build on the significant time I`ve spent on the Hill meeting with members of Congress on this critical subject. I look forward to working with President Obama, my colleagues in Congress and representatives from law enforcement, business, labor organizations, the interfaith community, advocacy groups and others as we work on this important issue,` she said.

The meeting came on the heels of comments by Obama that he will push the issue to the back burner for now, moving it from his first year in office to 2010.

The full list of yesterday’s participants were:

AFL CIO, Paul Almeida
AFL CIO, Ana Avendano
AFL CIO, Arlene Baker
Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform, Monte Lake
American Civil Liberties Union, Chris Calabrese
America`s Voice, Frank Sharry
American Farm Bureau, Ron Gaskill
American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, T.J. Donner
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Paul Booth
American Immigration Lawyers Association, Crystal Williams
American Jewish Committee, Chelsea Hanson
American Meat Institute, J. Patrick Boyle
Arizona Latino Commission, Eve Nunez
Asian American Justice Center, Karen Narasaki
Associated General Contractors, Katherine Knott
Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Robert Pleasure
Casa de Maryland, Gustavo Andrade
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Mark Franken
Cato Institute, Dan Griswold
Center for American Progress, Angela Kelley
Center for Community Change, Gabe Gonzalez
Change to Win, Anna Burger
Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Allison Johnson
Church World Service, Jen Smyers
Citigroup, Paul Thornell
Compete America, Rebecca Peters
Compete America, Bo Cooper
Esperanza USA, Mary Clark
Essential Worker Coalition, Laura Reiff
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Jon Adler
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society/Interfaith Immigration Coalition, Mark Hetfield
Hewlett Packard, Gina Bancroft
Immigration Equality, Julie Kruse
Immigration Policy Center, Mary Giovagnoli
Information Technology Industry Council, Dean Garfield
Intel, Ryan Triplette
Interfaith Worker Justice, Kristin Kumpf
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Terry Yellig
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, John Coli
International Chiefs of Police, Russell Laine
International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, Paul Shearon
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft workers, James Boland
Irish Apostolate, Geri Garvey
Jesuit Refugee Service, Shaina Aber
Laborers` International Union of North America, Bevin Albertani
League of United Latin American Citizens, Rosa Rosales
Legal Momentum, Lisalyn Raquel Jacobs
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, Leslie Velez
Major City Chiefs, Dean Keuter
McDonalds, Bo Bryant
Mennonite Central Committee, Tammy Alexander
Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, Dini Karasik
Microsoft, Bill Kamela
Migration Policy Institute, Marc Rosenblum
National Association of Asian Law Enforcement Commanders, John Lee
National Association of Evangelicals, Galen Carey
National Association of Homebuilders, Jenna Hamilton
National Association of Police Organizations, Andrea Mournighan
National Baptist Convention, Rev. L.B. West
National Council of Jewish Women, Elissa Froman
National Council of La Raza, Clarissa Martinez
National Day Laborers Network, Chris Newman
National Electrical Contractors of America, John Grau
National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Rev. Dr. Angel Nunez
National Immigration Forum, Jeanne Butterfield
National Immigration Forum, Ali Noorani
National Immigration Law Center, Marielena Hincapie
National Korean American Service & Educational Consortium, Eun Sook Lee
National Latino Peace Officers Association, Arturo Venegas
National League of Cities, Ricardo Gambetta
National Restaurant Association, Beth Johnson
National Sheriffs Association, Ann Yom
National Urban League, Valerie Wilson
New Democratic Network, Simon Rosenberg
Oracle, Dejan Pavlovic
PICO National Network, Jared Rivera
Police Executive Research Foundation, Chuck Wexler
Police Foundation, Hubert Williams
Presbyterian Church USA, Julia Thorne
Rights Working Group, Jumana Musa
Service Employees International Union, Eliseo Medina
Sheet Metal Workers International Association, Marc Norberg
Sisters of Mercy, Regina McKillip
Society for Human Resource Management, Mike Aitken
Sojourners, Rev. Jim Wallis
South Asian American Leading Together, Deepa Iyer
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, Helly Lee
Tech America, Jeff Lande
Tyson, Nora Venegas
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Angelo Amador
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ryan Dwyer
U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, David Ferreira
UNITE HERE, Brenda Carter
United Farm Workers, Arturo Rodriguez
United Food and Commercial Workers, Joe Hansen
University of Texas, Dr. Ray Marshall
Wal-Mart, Adam Hemphill
World Relief, Jenny Hwang

Guyanese offspring turned Tennis Pro at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON SACHIA VICKERY
Miramar teen fulfills dream of playing at Wimbledon

By MICHELLE KAUFMAN
mkaufman@MiamiHerald.com

Miramar's Sachia Vickery, then 11, practices at the Grove Isle courts in Coconut Grove on May 31, 2007. Vickery won her first-round juniors match Monday, June 29, 2009 at Wimbledon but lost Tuesday to top-seeded Kristina Mladenovic. FILE PHOTO

WIMBLEDON, England -- Sachia Vickery was a giggly tinsel-toothed 12-year-old curling up with Harry Potter books in her Miramar bedroom a few years ago, dreaming of someday getting a chance to play at Wimbledon. It seemed a far-fetched goal at the time.
Not anymore.

Vickery, who turned 14 a few weeks ago, made it through the qualifying rounds of the Wimbledon junior tournament, and was the youngest player in the junior main draw. She won her first-round match Monday, and on Tuesday had the misfortune of facing No. 1 seed Kristina Mladenovic, a 5-foot-11 player from France.

Mladenovic used her lethal serve and powerful forehand to beat the scrappy Vickery, 6-1, 6-3.
Vickery was in no mood to talk afterward. When her mother, Paula Liverpool, tried to console her, Vickery turned and walked away. She reluctantly agreed to do an interview, as her eyes welled with tears.

''Even though she is No. 1, I thought I could beat her,'' said Vickery, who recently turned pro and began training at a French academy in February. ``I thought I'd play better, so it's very disappointing.''

She finally attempted a smile, when reminded by her mother that it is an honor and great accomplishment to be the youngest player at Wimbledon. Billie Jean King watched Vickery's first match and had encouraging words afterward. Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, also watched the match and jotted down some suggestions on how to improve her game.

''I was really happy walking through the gates for the first time, getting my credentials,'' Vickery said. ``I came two years ago as a guest, but it's way better being a player. I didn't think I'd get here so soon.''

Vickery had been training at the Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton after receiving a scholarship, and also working with USTA coaches, but her mother thought she needed more individualized instruction, so she enrolled her at the Mouratoglou Academy in France.

Luis Moris, one of her coaches, sees great potential in his young student.

''Sachia should be very proud of herself, just for being here at her age,'' he said. ``She made it through qualifying, so she absolutely deserves to be here, and she won a difficult first-round match. She is one of the youngest most talented girls on the junior circuit and she has great potential.''

Vickery's mother and grandmother rotate and travel to France to spend time with Vickery, who admitted she gets homesick. Liverpool still works late-night shifts as a waitress at a North Miami nightclub to help fund her daughter's dream.

Tuesday morning, before the match, Liverpool sat Vickery down at the college dormitory where they are staying, and gave her a pep talk.

''I re-told her the story of David and Goliath from the Bible,'' Liverpool said. ``I reminded her that none of us expected her to be at Wimbledon at 14, and that she should soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the experience, just go out, have fun, and swing away.''

But like most junior tennis players, Vickery isn't in it for the fun. She wants to win. Too much sometimes, said her mother.

''Everyone talks about tennis players having pushy parents, but in our house it's the opposite,'' Liverpool said. ``I'm always trying to tell her to have realistic goals, but she is so driven. All I can do is back away and let her be alone for a while after losses. Then I go get her some sugar crepes. That is the only thing that sweetens her mood.''

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/tennis/story/1121563.html

Guyanese National Signed by Carolina Soccer Team

Forward Gregory Richardson is on trial with the Carolina RailHawks.

Richardson, a native of Guyana, previously played for the Trinidad & Tobago club Joe Public. Last September, he tallied a hat trick at Gillette Stadium in Joe Public’s 4-3 win over the New England Revolution during the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League. Richardson was on trial with Toronto FC during its preseason, and he scored a goal against the U.S. U-20 side in a 2-1 TFC win. TFC held the rights to Richardson before trading them to Colorado in February. Richardson was waived by the Rapids last Friday. He appeared in two matches and played a total of 101 minutes in Colorado.


Thursday, July 2, 2009

Richardson on trial with RailHawks


Forward Gregory Richardson is on trial with the Carolina RailHawks. He arrived this morning and trained with the team this afternoon.Richardson, a native of Guyana, previously played for the Trinidad & Tobago club Joe Publix. Last September, he tallied a hat trick at Gillette Stadium in Joe Publix's 4-3 win over the New England Revolution during the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.Richardson was on trial with Toronto FC during its preseason, and he scored a goal against the U.S. U-20 side in a 2-1 TFC win. TFC held the rights to Richardson before trading them to Colorado in February.Richardson was waved by the Rapids last Friday. He appeared in two matches and played a total of 101 minutes in Colorado.There's no word on the length of Richardson's trial with Carolina, whether he'll sign with the team or if he'll dress for Friday's friendly against Wilmington.

http://railhawksreport.blogspot.com/2009/07/richardson-on-trial-with-railhawks.html

GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL AWARDS 2009

GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION FOLK FESTIVAL AWARDS

June 25, 2009



The Guyana Cultural Association of New York announces its 2009 annual Folk Festival Awards. The ceremony will take place in New York City on September 2, 2009. Four honorees with contributions to the development and celebration of Guyanese Fashion, Food and Art will receive Awards. This year we recognize the altruism and achievements of individuals and the philanthropy of a business entity. Magda Lois Muriel Pollard is the recipient of The GCA Wordsworth McAndrew Lifetime Achievement Award. Donna Ramsammy-James, former Guyana President Janet Jagan and Western Union Company receive The Guyana Cultural Association Award.

The honorees were selected from nominations by the Guyanese Diaspora and have demonstrated by their individual or entity's action a sense of purpose in promoting Guyanese creativity and excellence. A committee evaluated each nomination considering relevant aspects of the Guyana Cultural Association published selection criteria.

Ms. Pollard has had an illustrious career as an educator, author and administrator. After graduation from university she spent a substantial part of her career as a lecturer and the Principal of the Carnegie School of Home Economics in Guyana. Attaining leadership positions in Guyana, across the Caribbean and in the United Nations permitted her to bring new insights to “strengthening relations between governments and non-governmental organizations.” Her dedication and exemplary contribution in “the movement for women’s empowerment” have led to better circumstances for the whole communities in which she worked.

Mrs. Ramsammy-James as a choreographer, a designer, and international creative consultant “celebrates and represents the rich diversity of the Caribbean.” In places as diverse as Guyana, Montserrat, and Kenya she pursued her passions and displayed leadership: lead female dancer and choreographer in the Guyana National Dance Theatre Company and co-founded the National Dance Theatre Company of Montserrat. In Kenya, Ms. Ramsammy-James expanded her designing talent by melding cultural sensibilities. Her designer trademark is a distinctive fusion of African, Caribbean, Indian and Latin American influences. These features reflect the creativity and pride of heritage.

Former President Janet Jagan was responsible for converting Castellani House into the National Art Gallery. It provided an appropriate location to store the growing national collection that had been building over several decades. “Today, that venue is an active site with regular rotating exhibitions, film festivals, and other cultural events.” Ms Jagan’s leadership has led to the establishment of “a cultural oasis--encouraging dialogue among painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, and the wider community, including school children.”Western Union’s philanthropic efforts include “supporting cultural inclusion”. The company recognizes “the importance of helping individuals and families build strong communities, in which all members can contribute their distinctive talents and feel at home.”

Guyana Folk Festival has witnessed Western Union demonstrate it corporate citizenship. In our experience it has been true and consistent to its value statement. Attendance at the Award Ceremony on September 2, 2009 at the Rotunda of the Brooklyn Borough Hall, New York is by invitation. All of the Awardees or their designees will be honored guests. Details about 2009 Folk Festival events are available on the GCA website www.guyfolkfest.org.

Our Cultural Director, Claire Goring can be contacted at telephone number 718.209.5207 or by emailmailto:claireagoring@aol.com.

Prepared by: Ronald H. Lammy,Co-Chair, Guyana Cultural Association Awards Committee


http://www.guyfolkfest.org/awards2009.htm

An Island Man - Anthony Wendell DeRiggs

Anthony "Wendell" DeRiggs was born in St. George’s Grenada. He was educated at the St. George’s Catholic Boys’ School and the St. John’s Christian Secondary School, known locally as Palmer and Schaper, respectively. After completing his education, he taught at Schaper until he left for the United States in 1978. He holds a BA in History from Brooklyn College (CUNY).
DeRiggs is a renowned author, poet and story teller and Reflections and Ole Talk is his third book. His first two books, Recollections of an Island Man and Island Reminiscences and Other Selections have been well received in the USA, Canada and the Caribbean where he has toured widely and wowed audiences.

Author of two celebrated books, Recollections of an Island Man and Island Reminiscences and Other Selections, De Riggs presents his most enigmatic work yet in a series of eclectic short stories and poems - Reflections and Ole Talk, taking his readers on a journey of everyday Caribbean life using dialogue which mixes standard English, American English and Creolism, and a vivid use of imagery and the portrayal of characters, to convey a richness of culture. He evokes in his readers symbolisms that make them laugh and cry at once. Moreover, he provides a rich volume of literature which will inform future generations of a way of life swiftly in decline.

See his Facebook page at the link http://www.facebook.com/anthony.w.deriggs

Another Stalwart of the Guyanese Community ‘Aunty Pat’ passes on…

Veteran broadcaster, Pat Cameron, dies
July 1, 2009 By Ananthsa Filed Under News

Condolences from far and wide are pouring in to the daughter of veteran broadcaster Pat Cameron. She died yesterday at 12:30hrs, according to information posted by her daughter, Gail Cameron-Langevine, on FaceBook.

Yesterday, another veteran broadcaster, Margaret Lawrence, offered deepest condolences to the entire family, from her radio ‘family.

‘Aunty Pat’, as she was familiarly known to most, will sorely be missed, Lawrence said.

On Friday last, Pat Cameron, aka ‘Auntie Pat’, one of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation’s veteran broadcasters was reported as hospitalized in a serious condition after she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm Thursday.

Pat Cameron, a doyenne of Guyanese broadcasters, was the host of the influential radio programme, On Show Young Guyana, which helped to give recognition to the musical abilities of many young Guyanese.

She was also a talented actor and an enthusiastic celebrator of Guyanese folk traditions. Reports from Gail Cameron-Langevine, Pat’s daughter, were that Pat, while reported to be brain dead after suffering a burst brain aneurysm but started breathing on her own when they removed the respirator.

Pat Cameron, on radio, was popular for hosting shows such as A Visit with Patricia, Woman’s World, Countryside Gaff, On Show Young Guyana, Colgate Cavity Fighters Club, Beauty that Endures, Hear What Ah Tell You, Salute to Senior Citizens, The Talking Book (for the Blind), Visits to Institutions at Christmas (Christmas at the Dharm Shala, ..at the Mahaica Hospital, ..at the Georgetown Hospital), A Theme for a Dream, A Song Like Poetry, Woman Home and Family, Music from Mackenzie, A Tapestry of Song, Randy (Randolph) Profitt and the Boys and Yesterpops.

http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2009/07/01/veteran-broadcaster-pat-cameron-dies

Keeping Caribbean Impact in Print

AN OPINION

Relight the Torch of the Caribbean Diaspora

BROOKLYN, NY: Is it just me... or is there a hint of the ‘we can’t do anything about it’ mentality when our small Caribbean-American focused newspapers stop printing? Yes, the economy is bad but news is always important and newspapers are the most believed venue for news and information for many in this Diaspora...

Well, I’m not happy about it, and I’m sure that the sage members of the Diaspora are not prepared to loose a part of their fiber that still resonates as the best way to get the real story… The printed words of newspapers have seen better days for centuries; newspapers moved from telling us who died, got married, bought land and who was wanted for crimes, to being tomes of information and financial betterment. What’s happening now is that people have more choices to get news. But newspapers are nowhere near becoming lost in our history, especially with the variety of community papers that are available for the Caribbean American Diaspora.

Print newspapers and their online versions combined today are more popular than imagined, and yet mainstream media reports always seem to imply the print industry as gasping for air at the throat in the clutches of a digital hand.

Case in point is Caribbean Impact, based in New York and known as the Torch of the Caribbean-American Diaspora in its tri-state hub. Since its inception, the paper has been published and distributed freely in their hub and transported to the Maryland-DC, Atlanta and Florida areas that boast significant numbers of Caribbean-Americans. They found a niche in ensuring coverage for each island in business, politics, culture and folklore. The print version was followed by an online version http://www.caribimpact.net which enjoyed viewership internationally from the Caribbean and Guyana, to Europe and Africa and even to Turkey.

I’m not complaining about the internet as a vehicle for delivery of news and more; I think the internet does lots of things right. It allows papers like Caribbean Impact to compete, on breaking or expanded news. It provides additional information beyond what’s printed on paper, including documents that substantiate specific news reports. It enables us to creating links to other stories and past articles can be easily retrieved from the online archives. It’s made the growth of our Diasporic publications like CaribbeanWorldNews.com, Caribbean360.com and Caribbeannetnews.com and more, progress nicely. However, I do think it’s a troubling that print newspapers are losing readership; and getting our very community to understand the importance of their support is

Your help is needed to fund the continued printing of this paper which is distributed and provided freely to you, the community it serves.

Apart from being among the contributing writers who volunteer their ability to the paper for its bi-weekly publishing I’m among those disturbed by the threatened loss of print news. If you’ve been paying attention, then you know this is a tough time for newspapers. Advertising revenues and circulation is down. Readership is shifting to the internet, and the economic base that sustained print papers is not presently there either. The consequences have meant an impromptu hiatus for papers like Caribbean Impact. Their last issue printed was published on April 1, 2009.

Caribbean Impact was founded in 2003 by Dennis Nelson, Edgar Henry and Godfrey Wray, their vision was to provided news and information for the Guyanese and Caribbean-American community members who’d emigrated here. With dedicated sections of news covering the various islands and countries, Caribbean Impact provides indebt reporting and coverage beyond the bits and pieces of mainstream publications and media, editorials and opinions. This publication includes the community it serves; there are personal highlights from milestone birthdays to academic achievement, humor and obituaries; customary for the audience who like the feel of reading something they would if still living ‘back-home’. Newspapers are valuable and authoritative sources of information in the ex-patriot Caribbean-American mind; and newspapers are the usual source of quick news updates reported on the radio.

MAKE AN IMPACT…

This is an appeal to the Caribbean Diaspora at large to step up and support Caribbean Impact to ensure that we maintain coverage of the current events that matter to us.

The Friends of Caribbean Impact is the first group to openly call for the revival and upkeep of this paper; they plan to host a series of fund raising benefits begining on July 4th. Show your support for Caribbean Impact by making a donation or becoming an Advertising Patron of the publication.

You can also make a personal donation to Caribbean Impact; send it to the Brooklyn office at 282 East 42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11203 – Attention: Godfrey Wray

Brooklyn's Free Summer Concerts - UPDATE 08.24.09

The Seaside Summer Concert Series, now in its 31st year, is the largest free outdoor music series in New York. Throughout the years, the Thursday-night series has attracted top-name classic rock, pop, oldies, contemporary and Latin performers to Asser Levy/Seaside Park, at West 5th Avenue and Surf Avenue in Coney Island/Brighton Beach.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series is celebrating its spectacular 27th season with a star-studded line-up of gospel, classic soul, contemporary, Caribbean and R&B artists. The free concerts are Monday nights at Wingate Field, entrances on Brooklyn Avenue (Rutland Road and Winthrop Street).

SEAN PAUL is being REPLACED TONIGHT with MACHEL MONTANO!

http://brooklynconcerts.com/index.html

From a youth for our youths

Saggin Pants

Pass this on to Our Youth, Our Parents, Our Black Men and Women
Letter from a college student

The other day, a friend of mine visited me in the lobby of my dorm just to chat while her laundry was drying. As we were chatting, two young freshmen came by. One of the 2 boys wanted to 'talk' to my friend (as in date). She asked him how old they were, and both of the boys replied 18. My friend and I both laughed hysterically because we are both 22 years old.

After my friend left, the young men were still hanging around and one wanted to know how he could gain her interest.

The first thing I told him to do was to pull up his pants! He asked why, and then said he liked saggin ' his pants. I told him to come over to my computer and spell the word saggin'. Then I told him to write the word saggin ' backwards.
S-A-G-G-I-N
N-I-G- G-A-S

I told him the origin of that look was from centuries ago. It was the intent of slave owners to demoralize the field workers by forbidding them to wear a belt as they worked in the fields or at any other rigorous job. In addition, men in prison wore their pants low when they were 'spoken for'. The other reason their pants looked like that was they were not allowed to have belts because prisoners were likely to try to commit suicide.
And, saggin' pants prevents you from running.

We as young Black people have to be the ones to effect change. We are dying. The media has made a mockery of the Black American. Even our brothers and sisters from Africa don't take us seriously. Something as simple as pulling up your pants and standing with your head held high could make the biggest difference in the world's perception of us. It is time to do right by ourselves. We need to love and embrace each other. No one is going to do that for us.

It all comes down to perception. What people perceive is what reality to them is. We have to change not only the media's perception of us, but we need to change our perception of ourselves.

Remember all eyes are on you Black Man. All eyes are on you Black Woman.. All eyes are on your Black Child. People point the finger at us and expect us to engage in negative and illegal activities, to manifest loud, boisterous behavior, to spend our hard earned money in their stores, buying goods we don't need, or really want. We have allowed not only the media, but the government and the world to portray us as a 'sub-culture. ' They have stripped our culture down to the point where the image of Black people is perpetuated as rappers, athletes, drug users, and consumers of junk food, expensive tennis shoes, expensive cars, expensive TVs, cell phones and not investing in homes for our families. We are so much more!!!!!!!

To all our Black Men : It's time to stand up. There are billions of Black Women who want to do nothing more than worship the ground that you walk on. We are so in love with your potential. We want to have your back, we want to love, support and cherish every ounce of your being. But with that you have to show that you are willing to be the head of our households. You have to prove yourselves worthy of our submission. We need you to be hard working...Not a hustler. We need you to seek higher education, to seek spirituality. We need you to stand! And trust us; we will have your back. We know! that it gets hard. We know you get weary. Trust and believe that there is nothing that a Black Man and a Black Woman can't handle with GOD on their side.

To all our Black Women : It is also time for you to stand up. It is time for you to stop using our bodies as our primary form of communication. It is time to be that virtuous woman that Proverbs spoke of. You cannot sit by the wayside while our men are dying by the masses. You are the epitome of Black Love. It starts within you. You need to speak with conviction to let not only our Black Men know, but the world, that you are the Mothers of this world. You are so powerful. You are so beautiful. You need to love ! and embrace every blessing God has given us physically, emotionally and spiritually.

For all our Black Children : We need to love them. We need to teach them. We need to stand up for them. We need to protect them. We need to show them that there are no 'get rich quick' schemes. We need to tell them that they WILL die trying if they submit to a life of crime and deceit. We need to teach our children that no one will love them the way we can. And being a basketball player, a rapper, or a drug dealer is not reality . It's not realistic and only a small percentage of people ever make it as a rapper or professional athlete. We need to teach our children that we can be more than rappers and athletes. ! We can be the owners of these sports teams. We can be the CEO's of OUR fortune 500 companies. We need to believe in literacy. I am almost certain if we were to look back to the 1930's and 40's, the literacy rates for Black American Children are probably still the same.

'This is the year of empowerment. ' God will empower us to accomplish things this year that will be mind blowing'.