Obama’s Second Term: Views from the Street on Inauguration Day
By: ALLISON SKEETE
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Four years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., for the first inauguration of Barack Obama as president of the United States. I was able to travel along as the president and vice president-elect rode the Abraham Lincoln Whistle Stop tour down to the nation’s capitol.
Excitement was in the air everywhere you looked and everywhere you turned.
Four years later there was still excitement in the air as President Obama took his oath of office for a second and final term on January 21. This time, the crush of people, though overjoyed at the making of history as the first African-American president was sworn in once again, was far smaller and more cautious in their views on what was to come.
There was much concern about changes that may or may not occur in the next four years. Elliott Stanley, a recent law school graduate, said he didn’t anticipate major changes that would benefit him. The president spent the past four years working through the fiscal morass he inherited from the previous administration, Stanley said, and will continue to battle with the stubbornly partisan legislative before he could make significant progress in other areas.
“I think he should be more decisive in his push for administrative gain than conciliatory,” said Stanley, who hasn’t been able to find a permanent job since leaving school.
Joycelin, a Washington D.C. resident who declined to give her last name, said the first-term sheen has worn off for the president, adding that he learned the hard way that there may well have been a decision by republicans in the partisan House of Representatives to “just say no” to any, or many, of his policies and proposals.
“He’s learned that whether he plays golf or not with the republicans he can’t win them over with his demeanor,” Joycelin said. And while President Obama, like all presidents, wants to leave a positive legacy, the looming fights over the debt ceiling and spending cuts as House republicans continue to refuse to “play nice” may derail his attempt to do so, Joycelin said.
Others cited persistent unemployment as a major worry. Many said they were pleased with the changes to healthcare engineered by the president, but fear this would be the only legacy of his historic presidency if the agenda of the republican majority in the House is to deliberately stymie progress.
A group of business owners who traveled from Florida, Ohio, Maryland and New York to attend the inauguration said President Obama has already secured his legacy with historic healthcare reform. They insisted, however, that in order to have a broader legacy of success, he has to ensure that the funding mechanisms to carry through on this reform are sustainable, and he has to manage the economy for the next generation, specifically by improving the nation’s aging infrastructure, fixing the weaknesses of our education system and immigration policies, and reforming so-called entitlement programs.
http://www.tnj.com/perspectives/obama%E2%80%99s-second-term-views-street-inauguration-day
https://guyaneseonline.wordpress.com/tag/allison-skeete/
http://www.newsamericasnow.com/what-does-the-barack-obama-second-term-mean-for-america/
Posted by CommunityCollaborator at 11:06 AM
Monday, January 28, 2013
Mentoring & the Multicultural Arts Management Internship Program
Mentoring & the Multicultural Arts Management Internship Program (from The pARTnership Movement)
TOPIC: PRIVATE SECTOR
WRITTEN BY ALLISON SKEETE ON JANUARY - 17 - 2013
Throughout my life there have been people I admired and looked up to. I realized the value and impact of having mentors in my life when I spent a summer working for a charitable group as a camp counselor for challenged teens. I learned as much from them as they did me and what I felt and shared that summer left me with a lasting impression.
From that point forward, I decided that I’d have to support and or mentor someone in the future. It has now been more than 20 years that I’ve been a mentor in some way in many programs to young women and men within the communities where I’ve worked, played, and lived. Seven years ago, when I was asked to be a mentor in the multicultural summer program hosted by the Arts & Business Council of NY, I didn’t hesitate to respond ‘yes!’
I believe as a mentor I have an important role in assisting the mentee to learn how to manage priorities and perspectives. I firmly believe everyone has natural gift they can share with others. To share knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is a gift. Helping others to achieve their goals and dreams can impact not only the lives of those who are being mentored, but the lives of everyone they touch. For me, helping others reach their potential is fulfilling in ways I can’t begin to explain.
The Multicultural Arts Management Internship program (sponsored by my employer conEdison) promotes diversity in administrative staffing, introducing undergraduates to career options with a business focus in the arts. Each year, a select group of students the program places emphasis on students of African-American, Asian-American, and Latino backgrounds, who are matched with New York City arts organizations to complete summer-long, project-based internships in a variety of disciplines.
The program is a unique in that it focuses on the diversity in administrative staffing and it introduces undergraduates to career options with a business focus in the arts. Each year hundreds of applications are filled out by students from across the nation as well as a few who are international students vying for a space in this summer long internship program. ABC/NY has developed creative partnerships between the arts and business communities that enhance the business and creative skills by engaging volunteers as mentors who care about and enjoy the arts.
I’ve had several great interns to mentor, but the one that stand out for me is from the class of 2010—Keilah Johnson. I have maintained contact with most of the young ladies I’ve met in this program, but Ms. Johnson has made me feel the most rewarded as she has progressed and is now a business owner and accomplished college graduate who changed her entire perspective and career path as a result of her experience in the ABC/NY summer internship.
I met an introverted young woman whose aunt accompanied her to the opening breakfast and who was unsure of why she was in this internship program, but that it felt like it was something she must do.
We began spending time together as I took Keilah to a number of events at which my husband and I volunteered or that he wanted to attend in order to take photos (one of his hobbies). This turned out to be a great arrangement for establishing our relationship. It became like on-the-job training for her and she blossomed with her exuberance and curiosity.
I truly enjoyed how she sought my input and assured her that an idea wasn’t silly or when she got an idea I shared she hadn’t thought of. She developed her ideas, adapted them, and used what she learned to become an integral part of special projects at WNYC radio where she helped to develop their social networking identity.
Keilah went back to her hometown university after this internship and started her own business. I could not have been more proud to think I had helped her achieve a goal she didn’t even know she’d bring to life when she applied for the ABC/NY program.
But, the point of greatest humility and thanks I experienced being her mentor was when her family invited us to meet them at her sister’s birthday party and her mother expressed thanks for helping her as I did.
Mrs. Johnson said that Keilah is the child who picked a career path that none of the rest of her family had any inkling of a way in which to help and guide her to succeed. She said ‘thank you’ and ‘I appreciate you’ because now they had a clearer understanding about her ideas and drive. She said they could not have done so on her own and the family was glad she had me as a mentor to help.
Because of experiences like this, I will continue to be a part of this program as long as I can. It is a most rewarding learning and teaching experience for me.
(This post is one in a weekly series highlighting The pARTnership Movement, Americans for the Arts’ campaign to reach business leaders with the message that partnering with the arts can build their competitive advantage. Visit our website to find out how both businesses and local arts agencies can get involved!)
Second Public Swearing in...
Obama gets ready for Public Swearing In
By Allison Skeete
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand together in the Blue Room of the White House, before a brunch celebrating the Inauguration, Jan. 18, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
News Americas, WASHINGTON D.C. Sun. January 20, 2013: Temperatures in the high 40’s encouraged numbers of about 13,000 people, in addition to more than 100 service organizations, to participate in the Service Summit on the National Mall on Sunday, Jan. 20th.
People from all 50 states came together to honor the commitment to serve more than one million hours volunteering in many ways at the start of the 57th inaugural weekend honoring Dr. Martin Luther King with a National Day of Service; creating a lasting opportunity of service and marking the second historic swearing in event weekend of President Barack Obama.
Elsewhere, the preparations continue for tomorrow’s swearing in when the temperatures are supposed to drop almost or just as low as they were four years ago when the nation first saw history made with the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States of America but its first African-America. The anticipation is building for another four years in office for the second term of President Obama.
Although the official swearing in of the Vice President and the President both took place today, the public event will begin at 11:30 tomorrow morning with New York Senior Senator Charles Schumer calling the event to order with his welcome remarks.
Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of Civil Rights Leader, Medgar Evers, will give the invocation and Brooklyn’s own Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir will perform a special selection written by choir director Carol Cymabla.
Other performances will be by musicians James Taylor, Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce. While there is anticipation in the air, there are fewer crowds here for this year’s event than there were four years ago. It has been much easier to maneuver through the checkpoints and DC’s Metro stations than at the previous swearing in. However, the general feeling is that it’s still a moment of history for most and they’re taking advantage of the chance to record it for their personal moments of posterity.
http://www.newsamericasnow.com/obama-gets-ready-for-public-swearing-in/
By Allison Skeete
News Americas, WASHINGTON D.C. Sun. January 20, 2013: Temperatures in the high 40’s encouraged numbers of about 13,000 people, in addition to more than 100 service organizations, to participate in the Service Summit on the National Mall on Sunday, Jan. 20th.
People from all 50 states came together to honor the commitment to serve more than one million hours volunteering in many ways at the start of the 57th inaugural weekend honoring Dr. Martin Luther King with a National Day of Service; creating a lasting opportunity of service and marking the second historic swearing in event weekend of President Barack Obama.
Elsewhere, the preparations continue for tomorrow’s swearing in when the temperatures are supposed to drop almost or just as low as they were four years ago when the nation first saw history made with the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States of America but its first African-America. The anticipation is building for another four years in office for the second term of President Obama.
Although the official swearing in of the Vice President and the President both took place today, the public event will begin at 11:30 tomorrow morning with New York Senior Senator Charles Schumer calling the event to order with his welcome remarks.
Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of Civil Rights Leader, Medgar Evers, will give the invocation and Brooklyn’s own Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir will perform a special selection written by choir director Carol Cymabla.
Other performances will be by musicians James Taylor, Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce. While there is anticipation in the air, there are fewer crowds here for this year’s event than there were four years ago. It has been much easier to maneuver through the checkpoints and DC’s Metro stations than at the previous swearing in. However, the general feeling is that it’s still a moment of history for most and they’re taking advantage of the chance to record it for their personal moments of posterity.
http://www.newsamericasnow.com/obama-gets-ready-for-public-swearing-in/
Commemorating the Historic Obama Era
Commemorating the Historic Obama Era
By Allison Skeete
NEW YORK, NY, Friday, Jan. 25, 2013: Not everyone could have been in the nation’s capital last Monday to witness President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Not everyone wanted to either, not Republicans still upset about the President’s re- election. However, Obama fans can show their support, on their head, sleeves, feet even while drinking their morning coffee or sitting in front of the TV without a ticket to the swearing-in.
Inauguration collectibles are abundantly available online, especially at the Official Inaugural Store, and the physical store east of the White House. Items like woven throw blankets with the inaugural seal at $165 or a 57th Inaugural Hoodie at $75 with an official inaugural seal and “Obama 2013” on front are all available and even official Motorcade Mugs, for $25, and of course there’s the common array of lapel pins, caps and tube socks, among the dozens of other gifts are or sales to represent the history of the first two-term African America President of the United States of America.
Paula Taylor of Princeton, New Jersey has her own special commemoration keepsake that caught the eye of many on Monday; she’s the owner of a specialty handbag which is specifically made at a small boutique in Virginia and which sells for $150; it’s worth it said Taylor, I saw something on television about Diane’s boutique and I called the phone number shown, she had only a few left but she put this aside for me and shipped it for me once I gave her the payment information and I knew I’d have it with me here today… I just love it.
For Ethel Carson (at left), commemoration is simply being at the inauguration, she’s from the little town of Centre, Alabama which has just 1,300 registered voters. " I’m going to be 65 in July said Ms. Carson and I just had to be here, it’s history… I never thought I’d ever see this in my lifetime. I come from a small town and a time where this would never have been a thought that an African American would be president". She planned to be here and dressed for the event in elegant fashion wearing a beautiful blue outfit complete with a hat that many at the event complemented as reminiscent of Aretha Franklin from four years ago. The pride at being here and sharing this moment with her daughter Rita is the commemorative ideal Ethel will treasure when she returns home. She’s going to be sharing her experience with the members of her church and her town, she’ll be the local celebrity and says it’s all just overwhelming for her but she will enjoy it and relive it often and pass the experience on in tales as much and as often as she can.
By Allison Skeete
NEW YORK, NY, Friday, Jan. 25, 2013: Not everyone could have been in the nation’s capital last Monday to witness President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Not everyone wanted to either, not Republicans still upset about the President’s re- election. However, Obama fans can show their support, on their head, sleeves, feet even while drinking their morning coffee or sitting in front of the TV without a ticket to the swearing-in.
Inauguration collectibles are abundantly available online, especially at the Official Inaugural Store, and the physical store east of the White House. Items like woven throw blankets with the inaugural seal at $165 or a 57th Inaugural Hoodie at $75 with an official inaugural seal and “Obama 2013” on front are all available and even official Motorcade Mugs, for $25, and of course there’s the common array of lapel pins, caps and tube socks, among the dozens of other gifts are or sales to represent the history of the first two-term African America President of the United States of America.
Paula Taylor of Princeton, New Jersey has her own special commemoration keepsake that caught the eye of many on Monday; she’s the owner of a specialty handbag which is specifically made at a small boutique in Virginia and which sells for $150; it’s worth it said Taylor, I saw something on television about Diane’s boutique and I called the phone number shown, she had only a few left but she put this aside for me and shipped it for me once I gave her the payment information and I knew I’d have it with me here today… I just love it.
Paula Taylor of Princeton, NJ
Thursday, November 29, 2012
History confirmed, Legacy secured...
History confirmed, Legacy secured, Prayers Continue
Commentary - By
Allison Skeete
News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. November 9, 2012: Four years ago, the audacity of hope propelled an internationally untested bi-racial senator from Chicago onto the biggest stage in America and cast a colored shadow at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.. A resounding vote ushered Barack Hussein Obama in as the first African American President of a nation steeped in the rhetoric of an unhappy history and social repression.
Four years later, the audacity of Karl Rove to demand FOX News retract their statement that declared the re-election of Barack Obama show once again that though many of the nation’s history cannot be erased, voters are willing to hope that this unlikely choice is once again their best in the nation.
With his re-election to the nation’s highest office for another four years, to this voter, President Obama has confirmed his place in national and international history and secured his legacy by achieving a long, long overdue healthcare plan lacking in this most advanced western nation.
The many obstacles attempted to sully this outcome by states like Florida, which reduced the number of early voting days or Pennsylvania which enacted the need for voters to have and provide new State Identification, failed to turn away many voters and helped garner the success of the incumbent who thanked the nation for their prayers and support on the evening of November 6, 2012.
Whoever won this election is not going to please everyone but it is time to move on and rebuild to the level of respect that has been lost to America in the eyes of many nations on the world stage.
Source
President Barack Obama
hugs his campaign manager, Jim Messina, during an unannounced stop at his
campaign headquarters in Chicago, Ill., Nov. 7, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. November 9, 2012: Four years ago, the audacity of hope propelled an internationally untested bi-racial senator from Chicago onto the biggest stage in America and cast a colored shadow at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.. A resounding vote ushered Barack Hussein Obama in as the first African American President of a nation steeped in the rhetoric of an unhappy history and social repression.
Four years later, the audacity of Karl Rove to demand FOX News retract their statement that declared the re-election of Barack Obama show once again that though many of the nation’s history cannot be erased, voters are willing to hope that this unlikely choice is once again their best in the nation.
With his re-election to the nation’s highest office for another four years, to this voter, President Obama has confirmed his place in national and international history and secured his legacy by achieving a long, long overdue healthcare plan lacking in this most advanced western nation.
The many obstacles attempted to sully this outcome by states like Florida, which reduced the number of early voting days or Pennsylvania which enacted the need for voters to have and provide new State Identification, failed to turn away many voters and helped garner the success of the incumbent who thanked the nation for their prayers and support on the evening of November 6, 2012.
Whoever won this election is not going to please everyone but it is time to move on and rebuild to the level of respect that has been lost to America in the eyes of many nations on the world stage.
Congratulations Mr. President!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Allison Skeete is a Guyana-born writer.
Source
Friday, June 22, 2012
Author Selwyn Collins introduces his new book...
Collins uses his own insight to help others use their gifts and talents to help themselves and others.
Brooklyn, NY – June 15, 2012 - Selwyn A.
Collins is a writer, motivational speaker, artist, and webTV broadcaster; born
in Georgetown, Guyana. He is the last of
nine children; six of whom are his sisters who’ve had a great influence in his
life. He lives the uncommon principle in
life that defines his unwavering belief that the woman is the center of life
and our most sacred gift as evidenced in many of his inspirational writings.
With The eartHeart Knows, a unique and inspiring collection of
blessings and meditations for your daily life, he is exploring and exposing his
passion for writing at the urging of one of his twin sons who’s quoted as
saying “Dad , it would be an abomination for you to deny the world the gift or
your genius…” His inspirations have
drawn a huge following, especially on Facebook, where his daily posts have been
described by many as essential to their spiritual growth and well-being.
Though he’s
spent years in web-designing, building a successful web-design company, Selco2000 Web Solutions, in the last
year Collins created a webTV show called CWS
(Conversations With Selwyn). The
show has a styled conversation format focusing on how people are using their
gifts and talents to help others and to live life more powerfully and with greater
satisfaction. According
to Collins, you’ll learn to persist through challenges to create a better life
in helping others not someday, but now, today in reading The eartHeart Knows.
~~~ 30 ~~~
MEDIA
CONTACT:
1199 Ocean Avenue, Suite 408
Brooklyn, NY 11230
t: 718.233.6264
CABA Salutes Community Stalwarts & the late Congressman Donald Payne
CABA Salutes Community Stalwarts and the late Congressman Donald Payne
By Allison SkeeteCLARK, NJ: - June 15, 2012 – The Caribbean American Business Association of New Jersey celebrated its 7th year of success with a gala dinner where Attorneys Joan O. Pinnock, James H. Wolfe III, and Printing Delite owner, Felipe Gomez were honored and a tribute was also paid to the late Congressman Donald Payne who had been a prominent supporter of CABA from its inception. Congressman Donald Payne made history as the first African-American Congressman from the state of New Jersey; his son Donald Payne Jr. is continuing his legacy having recently won his father’s seat in elections.
(l-r: James H. Wolfe III, CABA President Vincent Huggins, Joan O. Pinnock & Felipe Gomez)
Joan O. Pinnock has established a prominent presence in the New Jersey and New York legalcircles; she’s been the resident expert in immigration law on WLIB 11:90 Radio for the show Immigration Talk in New York where she has one of her three offices, the others are in Englewood and Newark, NJ. In addition to her busy schedule Pinnock is an adjunct professor at Essex County College for the inaugural immigration law clinic at the school. She’s the co-founder and chairperson of the Network of legal Professionals, the first president of the Jamaican American Bar Association, NE and is a member of many other organizations in the legal arena. In 2007 Ms. Pinnock penned an article about the Urgent Need for Immigration Reform which was very well received and widely circulated when it was published.
Felipe Gomez who was born in Puerto Rico began his career in printing as a technician, his skills were encouraged by his employer A.B. Dick Printing Machinery Company; they sent him to Skokie, Illinois for advance training; this earned him a promotion with the company where he spent 10 years. In1998 the opportunity for ownership came when Gomez moved from Pressman and Supervisor at Printing Delite when the owners decided to retire after 26 years in the printing business. He hasn’t looked back since. His loyal customers applaud his quality work; dedication and talent which keep them coming back and introducing new customers. He’s a dedicated husband and father of four and has been active in the NAACP, YMCA, CABA and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Essex County. He’s received numerous honors for his work and community involvement from the Mayor’s Office of East Orange, Inroads Northern New Jersey Inc. and Metropolitan Baptist Church College Ministry to name a few.James H. Wolfe III, is a native of Orange, NJ whose illustrious career has a unique flair, he’s worked continuously and only in African-American owned law firms and he has been a partner at Brown, Lofton, Childress & Wolfe which became the largest African-American owned law firm in the state of New Jersey. Currently he’s in Private Practice and is the Municipal Prosecutor for the Township of Irvington and the Planning Board Attorney for City of Orange Township. He has a passion for giving back and serves as a mentor to many young men as well as dedicating time as a Board Member of the YMCA; serving as president of the Big O Booster Club which honors and financially supports scholars from Orange High School, his alma mater and he organizes the Annual Jesse Miles Track Meet. This stalwart gave credit to his mother for her tenacity and love, all of her children and grandchildren have either earned college and post graduate degrees or both; a legacy he is clearly proud of and one that keeps him mentoring many young men who have yet to dream and build their own legacy.
(l-r: Councilman Anthony Davis, Vincent Huggins & Irvington Mayor, Wayne Smith – VisionsInPictures Image)Capping the night’s event was a moment of silence and tribute honoring the late great Congressman Donald Payne who along with Senator Ronald Rice; Irvington Mayor, Wayne Smith and Councilman Anthony Davis have been consistent supporters of CABA. The organization issued a letter of condolence to his office in March upon his passing and voted to pay him tribute as he was often a presence at many CABA events; he also provide input and advice on growing the organization and ensuring its viability in the community. He is missed and we can never thank him enough said CABA President, Vincent Huggins, the Congressman was a true friend to the Caribbean American Business Community.
CABA Dinner Awards
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Celebrating Women's History Month 2012
First black female fighter pilot follows childhood dream
by Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Rojek
Defense Media Activity
2/23/2012 - FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- By the time she was in fourth grade, young Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell knew she wanted to be a fighter pilot.
What the now-Air Force major didn't know, however, was that she would knock down a racial barrier by becoming the first black female in the career field.
Kimbrell was born in Lafayette, Ind., on April 20, 1976, to Guyanese parents. Her mother and father, who were naturalized U.S. citizens by the time she was born, moved to the U.S. for education and opportunities. Their hard work and dedication paid off in her father earning a degree from Howard University and a doctorate from Perdue University, which in turn earned him a job offer in Parker, Colo.
That focus on education was a big part of life for Kimbrell and her three older siblings as they spent their school years in Parker.
"(Education) was the thing that opened doors," Kimbrell said. "If you got your education, you could do whatever you wanted to do. That was how our house was run."
On top of that family modus operandi, Kimbrell had a goal-driven personality from an early age. While in kindergarten, for example, she decided she wanted to be an astronaut, so she wrote a letter to NASA asking how she could join the program. But as she got older and did more research into joining the astronaut corps, she realized the career wasn't as exciting as she wanted it to be.
"I decided to focus on something I could do every day versus maybe going to the moon one time ... which would be awesome, but it's just one time," the major said. "So I started to look at the jets and flying fighters."
While Kimbrell remained fascinated with space, the freedom of flight is what she really wanted: aerial acrobatics, rolling inverted and more. With that goal in mind, she found every opportunity get closer to the flying world and the military.
She joined the Civil Air Patrol, worked at air shows and earned her private pilot's license. Eventually, she was accepted into the Air Force Academy. She did all of this despite people telling her as a child that there were no female fighter pilots, people asking her about all the what-ifs that would derail her plans.
"I think what kept me on the straight and narrow is that I didn't give myself any other options," Kimbrell said. "I didn't think about a back-up plan, I didn't think about a 'what if it doesn't work out plan.'
"I think sometimes you lull yourself into thinking, 'OK, I have that plan, and if it gets hard I'll go to the back-up plan,'" she added. "If you don't have it, you push through."
And push through she did. Kimbrell graduated from the Academy in 1998 and was accepted into pilot training. She earned her pilot wings in August 1999.
"I was in constant competition with myself, trying to do better, to make the grade," the F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot said. "There were times when I didn't think that I was going to make it through. It was in those times I learned to be humble and realize there is a point in everyone's struggle -- no matter how strong they are -- when they need help, and the key is to seek it out before it is too late."
Using her own advice has allowed the major a successful career: She has earned an Air Medal with one device, an Aerial Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal, among others. She has been stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan; Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; Aviano Air Base, Italy; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and now Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. She also flew combat sorties in Operation Northern Watch.
"The sorties (in Operation Northern Watch) were actually anticlimactic until I recognized that people were actually shooting at us," Kimbrell said.
Currently the course manager for the Air Liaison Officer Course at Nellis AFB, she teaches pilots how to work with the Army in air-to-ground integration. While off duty, though, she manages to find time to speak to children about dreaming big. She said she finds that a lot of children aren't told that they can achieve their dreams and don't realize that a lot of barriers have been knocked down.
"I literally see the lights turn on in kids' eyes when I talk to them when they realize that someone like me can go do something as cool as (being a fighter pilot)," Kimbrell said. "It's really awesome to be able to go out and talk to them and have them light up and say, 'I've heard people say that you can do whatever you want, but now I can put a face to the story and I can see that it can be done, which means I can go out and do whatever I want to do.' That is what I focus on and what I think is really important."
Of course part of her speeches focus on education, as that is what her parents instilled in her. But she also tries to show the children and even the adults that reaching those big dreams, no matter what age you are or what you look like, starts with setting a goal. She uses an analogy of building a road.
"It's really hard to build a road if you don't know where you're going," Kimbrell said. "A lot of people have goals, but don't really put them into context. If a goal is really your end state, you have to look at the terrain you have to go through to get there, how you're going to build that road and what you're going to do.
"Nothing's easy," she added. "Expect road blocks, expect that there are going to be people out there who don't want you to succeed, expect people are going to tell you no. But the desire that comes from within -- if it's something that you really want -- will carry you through."
Source
by Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Rojek
Defense Media Activity
2/23/2012 - FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- By the time she was in fourth grade, young Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell knew she wanted to be a fighter pilot.
What the now-Air Force major didn't know, however, was that she would knock down a racial barrier by becoming the first black female in the career field.
That focus on education was a big part of life for Kimbrell and her three older siblings as they spent their school years in Parker.
"(Education) was the thing that opened doors," Kimbrell said. "If you got your education, you could do whatever you wanted to do. That was how our house was run."
On top of that family modus operandi, Kimbrell had a goal-driven personality from an early age. While in kindergarten, for example, she decided she wanted to be an astronaut, so she wrote a letter to NASA asking how she could join the program. But as she got older and did more research into joining the astronaut corps, she realized the career wasn't as exciting as she wanted it to be.
"I decided to focus on something I could do every day versus maybe going to the moon one time ... which would be awesome, but it's just one time," the major said. "So I started to look at the jets and flying fighters."
While Kimbrell remained fascinated with space, the freedom of flight is what she really wanted: aerial acrobatics, rolling inverted and more. With that goal in mind, she found every opportunity get closer to the flying world and the military.
She joined the Civil Air Patrol, worked at air shows and earned her private pilot's license. Eventually, she was accepted into the Air Force Academy. She did all of this despite people telling her as a child that there were no female fighter pilots, people asking her about all the what-ifs that would derail her plans.
"I think what kept me on the straight and narrow is that I didn't give myself any other options," Kimbrell said. "I didn't think about a back-up plan, I didn't think about a 'what if it doesn't work out plan.'
"I think sometimes you lull yourself into thinking, 'OK, I have that plan, and if it gets hard I'll go to the back-up plan,'" she added. "If you don't have it, you push through."
And push through she did. Kimbrell graduated from the Academy in 1998 and was accepted into pilot training. She earned her pilot wings in August 1999.
"I was in constant competition with myself, trying to do better, to make the grade," the F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot said. "There were times when I didn't think that I was going to make it through. It was in those times I learned to be humble and realize there is a point in everyone's struggle -- no matter how strong they are -- when they need help, and the key is to seek it out before it is too late."
Using her own advice has allowed the major a successful career: She has earned an Air Medal with one device, an Aerial Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal, among others. She has been stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan; Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; Aviano Air Base, Italy; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and now Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. She also flew combat sorties in Operation Northern Watch.
"The sorties (in Operation Northern Watch) were actually anticlimactic until I recognized that people were actually shooting at us," Kimbrell said.
Currently the course manager for the Air Liaison Officer Course at Nellis AFB, she teaches pilots how to work with the Army in air-to-ground integration. While off duty, though, she manages to find time to speak to children about dreaming big. She said she finds that a lot of children aren't told that they can achieve their dreams and don't realize that a lot of barriers have been knocked down.
"I literally see the lights turn on in kids' eyes when I talk to them when they realize that someone like me can go do something as cool as (being a fighter pilot)," Kimbrell said. "It's really awesome to be able to go out and talk to them and have them light up and say, 'I've heard people say that you can do whatever you want, but now I can put a face to the story and I can see that it can be done, which means I can go out and do whatever I want to do.' That is what I focus on and what I think is really important."
Of course part of her speeches focus on education, as that is what her parents instilled in her. But she also tries to show the children and even the adults that reaching those big dreams, no matter what age you are or what you look like, starts with setting a goal. She uses an analogy of building a road.
"It's really hard to build a road if you don't know where you're going," Kimbrell said. "A lot of people have goals, but don't really put them into context. If a goal is really your end state, you have to look at the terrain you have to go through to get there, how you're going to build that road and what you're going to do.
"Nothing's easy," she added. "Expect road blocks, expect that there are going to be people out there who don't want you to succeed, expect people are going to tell you no. But the desire that comes from within -- if it's something that you really want -- will carry you through."
Source
Friday, February 3, 2012
Offshore drilling rig arrives in Guyana
Published on February 1, 2012
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA) — The way has been cleared for the Canadian oil exploration company, CGX to commence drilling one of two wells in the Guyana offshore concession with the arrival on Sunday of the Ocean Saratoga, a semi-submersible drilling rig.
President and chief executive officer of the petroleum exploration company, Stephen Hermestone, made the disclosure after meeting Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar.
The Ocean Saratoga rig departed the Gulf of Mexico on January 1, en route to Guyana’s territorial waters, and on its way stopped off in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago for refuelling.
Hermestone said that anchor lines were secured immediately after arrival and that drilling would be the next major operation.
The President and CEO of the company said he is hopeful of a good and safe operation and spoke with confidence about the operators conducting the drilling.
“We’ll see what the well results show us… we hope to find the oil … you always plan for success,” Hermestone said.
Drilling of the Eagle Well will last for a 60-day period and 180 days for the Jaguar well. The latter is being pursued through a joint venture operation among CGX, Repsol a Spanish company, Tullow Oil of London and YPF.
CGX recently announced that acclaimed Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) professor, Guyanese born Dr Suresh Narine, has been appointed on the board of directors of CGX Energy Incorporated.
He had expressed gratitude for the appointment and spoke of some of the benefits of Guyana as an oil producing economy against that of a fuel importer.
Recently CGX announced that the 1,160 square kilometre 3D marine seismic contract that was publicised in December was completed.
Hermeston had reported that “The seismic data is expected to provide better imaging of the up-dip limits of the Eagle Deep stratigraphic play at the Turonian and Campanian and has provided us with the first 3D seismic coverage on our two early Cretaceous, Albian prospects (Crabwood and Kabukalli) which are underlying the Company’s 100% owned Corentyne offshore Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL). Fast track processing and interpretation of the data will commence on the Albian prospects and will be followed by processing, interpretation and compilation of the Eagle deep Turonian and Campanian prospects.”
Guyana is the second most attractive under-explored basin in the world with a potential of 15.2 billion barrels of oil. If oil is to be found, production targets would be estimated at 50 million barrels per year.
Ramotar has been keeping abreast with activities in the oil and gas sector and in the past week has met some of the main companies involved in offshore drilling, including Repsol, and Exxon Mobile.
Anadarko, America’s largest independent oil and gas company has signalled to the Guyana government, its interest in an offshore concession as it sees the South American country as one with a great deal of promise in the oil and gas industry.
Last September vice president, business development of Anadarko, Ian Cooling, had met former President Bharrat Jagdeo with the proposal and on January 17 this year international business developer of the company, Richard Lapin, met Guyana’s new president with the same proposal.
A US-based petroleum company Prime Energy LLC Caribbean proposed last year to construct a modular mini refinery on the local shores with a capacity to refine 20,000 barrels daily.
Oil Rig in Guyana
CGX’s rig the Ocean Saratoga has arrived in Guyana
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA) — The way has been cleared for the Canadian oil exploration company, CGX to commence drilling one of two wells in the Guyana offshore concession with the arrival on Sunday of the Ocean Saratoga, a semi-submersible drilling rig.
President and chief executive officer of the petroleum exploration company, Stephen Hermestone, made the disclosure after meeting Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar.
The Ocean Saratoga rig departed the Gulf of Mexico on January 1, en route to Guyana’s territorial waters, and on its way stopped off in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago for refuelling.
Hermestone said that anchor lines were secured immediately after arrival and that drilling would be the next major operation.
The President and CEO of the company said he is hopeful of a good and safe operation and spoke with confidence about the operators conducting the drilling.
“We’ll see what the well results show us… we hope to find the oil … you always plan for success,” Hermestone said.
Drilling of the Eagle Well will last for a 60-day period and 180 days for the Jaguar well. The latter is being pursued through a joint venture operation among CGX, Repsol a Spanish company, Tullow Oil of London and YPF.
CGX recently announced that acclaimed Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) professor, Guyanese born Dr Suresh Narine, has been appointed on the board of directors of CGX Energy Incorporated.
He had expressed gratitude for the appointment and spoke of some of the benefits of Guyana as an oil producing economy against that of a fuel importer.
Recently CGX announced that the 1,160 square kilometre 3D marine seismic contract that was publicised in December was completed.
Hermeston had reported that “The seismic data is expected to provide better imaging of the up-dip limits of the Eagle Deep stratigraphic play at the Turonian and Campanian and has provided us with the first 3D seismic coverage on our two early Cretaceous, Albian prospects (Crabwood and Kabukalli) which are underlying the Company’s 100% owned Corentyne offshore Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL). Fast track processing and interpretation of the data will commence on the Albian prospects and will be followed by processing, interpretation and compilation of the Eagle deep Turonian and Campanian prospects.”
Guyana is the second most attractive under-explored basin in the world with a potential of 15.2 billion barrels of oil. If oil is to be found, production targets would be estimated at 50 million barrels per year.
Ramotar has been keeping abreast with activities in the oil and gas sector and in the past week has met some of the main companies involved in offshore drilling, including Repsol, and Exxon Mobile.
Anadarko, America’s largest independent oil and gas company has signalled to the Guyana government, its interest in an offshore concession as it sees the South American country as one with a great deal of promise in the oil and gas industry.
Last September vice president, business development of Anadarko, Ian Cooling, had met former President Bharrat Jagdeo with the proposal and on January 17 this year international business developer of the company, Richard Lapin, met Guyana’s new president with the same proposal.
A US-based petroleum company Prime Energy LLC Caribbean proposed last year to construct a modular mini refinery on the local shores with a capacity to refine 20,000 barrels daily.
Oil Rig in Guyana
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Spend Holi at Home... Guyana celebrates Rediscover Home
Posted on January 26, 2012 by PR
‘Rediscover Home’ special for Holi launched
…to encourage Diaspora to visit
Georgetown, Guyana – Honourable Irfaan Ali, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (ag) today launched the ‘Rediscover Home’ special package for Holi – the Festival of Colours, in an effort to encourage Guyanese in the Diaspora to come back to their homeland and be a part of the celebrations.
This pilot package is being made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Caribbean Airlines and participating hotels – Princess Hotel, Cara Lodge, Sleep Inn Hotels, Duke Lodge and Grand Coastal Inn.
The seven nights/eight days during March 2 to 9, 2011 dubbed ‘Gateway to the Festival of Colours celebration’ seeks to encourage Guyanese from the Diaspora and visitors to come to ‘Destination Guyana’ and be a part of its rich culture and celebrate Holi or Phagwah – the Festival of Colours.
The package includes airfare, seven night hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and entrance to all the Holi events being organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha during this period including its Phagwah Mela and Bazaar which includes a folk dance festival on the lawns of the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara on February 25; the finals of the Chowtaal Samalan on March 4 on the lawns of State House, Main Street, Georgetown; and on March 8 (Holi Day) its traditional Holi Utsaav at Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar in Georgetown while there would be nationwide Holi celebrations.
The Sabha is also looking at bringing to Guyana for the first time ever some of the stars from the popular ZEE TV Indian series.
Minister Ali said this move signals the start of collaboration between the Government and the private sector to market and promote ‘Destination Guyana’ through packaging, and it would certainly help to boost tourism and attract more persons to our beautiful country, which has a lot to offer with its ecological, nature and adventure based tourism combined with a rich culture and heritage.
Encouraging the private sector to continue to package and promote our unique tourism product, he said the special package during the Festival of Colours will help to showcase and promote part of the country’s rich and diverse culture.
He said this pilot package will ensure that Guyana’s tourism product is enhanced, marketed and “successful at the end of the day” and the partnership sees a wide cross section of players in the tourism and hospitality industry coming onboard.
He said this event will form part of the Ministry of Tourism’s overarching motto this year of ‘Rediscover Home’ targeting persons to come back to their homeland and enjoy what Guyana has to offer.
Noting that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is a key player in putting together the package, he said it will showcase and market our unique and diverse culture, and in this regard, he said they are hoping to offer a one-week package during Independence.
He also alluded to the progressive approach taken by Caribbean Airlines to offer low fares and said, “this is a great start as we try to package our tourism product.”
For airline bookings persons can call 1-800-744-2225 or visit any Caribbean Airlines office or airport counters. They are offering a fare of US$580 return (all taxes included) from New York to Guyana and persons can also enjoy lowest fares from Trinidad. Local transportation for all the events will be provided at the low cost of US$5 per day.
Visitors would be provided with a calendar of Holi events and tour options and enjoy some of the best deals, from which they can choose from, including Roraima Tours trip to Arrowpoint Nature Resort at US$85 per person; Evengreen Adventures Essequibo River Tours at US$95 per person; and Rainforest Tours trip to the majestic Kaieteur Falls at only US$230 per person.
Persons can book with any participating hotels and enjoy very low rates: Cara Lodge – US$116 Single and US$122 Double; Duke Lodge – US$116 Single Room; Grand Coastal Inn – US$70 Single and US$99 Deluxe; Princess Hotel – US$90 Single and US$110 Double; and Sleep Inn – US$45 Single and US$60 Double. All rates are VAT Inclusive and include complimentary breakfast.
For more information, persons can visit the Guyana Tourism Authority website: www.guyana-tourism.com or Caribbean Airlines website: www.caribbean-arlines.com
Holi at Home...
‘Rediscover Home’ special for Holi launched
…to encourage Diaspora to visit
Georgetown, Guyana – Honourable Irfaan Ali, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (ag) today launched the ‘Rediscover Home’ special package for Holi – the Festival of Colours, in an effort to encourage Guyanese in the Diaspora to come back to their homeland and be a part of the celebrations.
This pilot package is being made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Caribbean Airlines and participating hotels – Princess Hotel, Cara Lodge, Sleep Inn Hotels, Duke Lodge and Grand Coastal Inn.
The seven nights/eight days during March 2 to 9, 2011 dubbed ‘Gateway to the Festival of Colours celebration’ seeks to encourage Guyanese from the Diaspora and visitors to come to ‘Destination Guyana’ and be a part of its rich culture and celebrate Holi or Phagwah – the Festival of Colours.
The package includes airfare, seven night hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and entrance to all the Holi events being organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha during this period including its Phagwah Mela and Bazaar which includes a folk dance festival on the lawns of the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara on February 25; the finals of the Chowtaal Samalan on March 4 on the lawns of State House, Main Street, Georgetown; and on March 8 (Holi Day) its traditional Holi Utsaav at Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar in Georgetown while there would be nationwide Holi celebrations.
The Sabha is also looking at bringing to Guyana for the first time ever some of the stars from the popular ZEE TV Indian series.
Minister Ali said this move signals the start of collaboration between the Government and the private sector to market and promote ‘Destination Guyana’ through packaging, and it would certainly help to boost tourism and attract more persons to our beautiful country, which has a lot to offer with its ecological, nature and adventure based tourism combined with a rich culture and heritage.
Encouraging the private sector to continue to package and promote our unique tourism product, he said the special package during the Festival of Colours will help to showcase and promote part of the country’s rich and diverse culture.
He said this pilot package will ensure that Guyana’s tourism product is enhanced, marketed and “successful at the end of the day” and the partnership sees a wide cross section of players in the tourism and hospitality industry coming onboard.
He said this event will form part of the Ministry of Tourism’s overarching motto this year of ‘Rediscover Home’ targeting persons to come back to their homeland and enjoy what Guyana has to offer.
Noting that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is a key player in putting together the package, he said it will showcase and market our unique and diverse culture, and in this regard, he said they are hoping to offer a one-week package during Independence.
He also alluded to the progressive approach taken by Caribbean Airlines to offer low fares and said, “this is a great start as we try to package our tourism product.”
For airline bookings persons can call 1-800-744-2225 or visit any Caribbean Airlines office or airport counters. They are offering a fare of US$580 return (all taxes included) from New York to Guyana and persons can also enjoy lowest fares from Trinidad. Local transportation for all the events will be provided at the low cost of US$5 per day.
Visitors would be provided with a calendar of Holi events and tour options and enjoy some of the best deals, from which they can choose from, including Roraima Tours trip to Arrowpoint Nature Resort at US$85 per person; Evengreen Adventures Essequibo River Tours at US$95 per person; and Rainforest Tours trip to the majestic Kaieteur Falls at only US$230 per person.
Persons can book with any participating hotels and enjoy very low rates: Cara Lodge – US$116 Single and US$122 Double; Duke Lodge – US$116 Single Room; Grand Coastal Inn – US$70 Single and US$99 Deluxe; Princess Hotel – US$90 Single and US$110 Double; and Sleep Inn – US$45 Single and US$60 Double. All rates are VAT Inclusive and include complimentary breakfast.
For more information, persons can visit the Guyana Tourism Authority website: www.guyana-tourism.com or Caribbean Airlines website: www.caribbean-arlines.com
Holi at Home...
Guyana to Host Sustainable Tourism Conference
Guyana set to host major Sustainable Tourism Conference in April
Posted on January 23, 2012 by PR
CONSIDERED by all as heaven for sustainable tourism, Guyana is all set to host, for the second time, the 13th Annual Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-13), from April 15-18, 2012. The conference will be held under the theme, ‘Keeping the Right Balance sustaining our resources’, and is expected to attract more than 250 delegates who are key stakeholders in the Tourism Sector.According to the Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali, the hosting of this “prestigious” event will provide a perfect platform from which the country can advance the advantages of the pooling together of the rich diversity of the Caribbean regions into a common product, which can be sustainable and attractive to the varied tourism market that exists.
He made this observation yesterday at a press briefing in the boardroom of the Housing Ministry, where he was joined by members of a CTO delegation visiting Guyana, and including Sustainable Tourism Product Specialist Ms. Gail Henry, and CTO Communications Specialist, Mr. Johnson Johnrose.
“Guyana is the heaven when it comes to sustainable tourism and eco tourism, and it is very important that the heaven produces a conference that would re-shape the way sustainable tourism is viewed,” he explained.
Minister Ali observed that Guyana is hosting the conference at an ideal time, when the country is advancing the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and is on the forefront of the global struggle against climate change.
He said, “With more than 40M acres of rain forest under protection, energy, water and biodiversity resources are issues confronting us today. We are also a advancing our hydroelectricity project in a very sustainable manner, ensuring that nature remains intact. We in Guyana are on the forefront of the global struggle to ensure that nature is preserved, to ensure that economic growth occurs in a sustainable manner, and that gives us the right platform on which we could present our case… normally the developed world will speak of global warming, and they are the biggest culprits when it comes to pollution and emissions. In this case we are speaking of sustainable development and we can be considered leading examples of how we are developing policies and programmes in keeping with what we preach, that is sustainable development.”
Alluding to the cost of hosting such an event, Minister Ali said the budget is being worked on, and stressed that the benefits to be derived would outweigh the cost.
“This is an investment in the Tourism Sector, which the government is willing to make,” he announced.
He mentioned too that the planners of the CTO have written to former President Bharrat Jagdeo to get him to accept an invitation to be a keynote speaker at this event, considering his strong views on issues of sustainability.
Minister Ali expressed confidence that, Guyana’s previous award for Excellence in Tourism , which was given to Surama Eco Lodge , will set a precedent this year for another successful nomination, while demonstrating that the country has the perfect blend of nature and economic growth to produce a tourism package that is sustainable and vibrant.
The platform will also be used to highlight the importance of sustainability of the Caribbean food market and its ability to sustain the regions tourism sector, Ali added.
As to how this will be done, he said, “We have been long regarded as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, we will be looking to partner with a lot of the big players in the tourism sector in the Caribbean as they come here, so we will have a special agro exhibition for targeting those markets.”
He underscored the importance of capturing and servicing new markets, and utilising the opportunity the conference offers to “promote this aspect of what nature ensures this country offer to the rest of the Caribbean, which is a sustainable food supply, a very important aspect of the tourism sector and of economic growth.
“The event will bring together the most elite group of investors, tourist operators and tourism practitioners and persons who are influential in the tourism field in the Caribbean, and it is very important that we make full use of this opportunity to promote Guyana and to ensure that Guyana captures the long held potential of having a good market share when it comes to nature tourism, sustainable tourism and eco tourism,” he stressed.
Prepared
Meanwhile, both CTO representatives used the opportunity to point out their findings on the country’s preparedness to host the upcoming STC- 13, to be held at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC) Liliendaal.
“We have conducted a series of site visits to examine the facilties and they are quite adequate; so, as we finalize our preparations for the conference, we will have very comfortable venues and accommodations… we are making sure that all of those things are on par with what our delegates would expect, and we are quite happy with what we have seen so far,” Ms. Henry explained.
She also pointed out a series of benefits Guyana will enjoy as a result of hosting the event, including extensive promotion of the destination, through the international media which will be present, in addition to knowledge transfer through the various workshops, panel discussions and study tours which will be a part of the conference, as well as “speak out sessions “, where the local stakeholders in Guyana will be able to share with a panel their views on certain aspects of tourism sustainability.
Meanwhile, CTO Communications Specialist, Johnrose reiterated that the country is well on its ways to hosting another successful conference, and is the only country to host the event twice.
He noted too that the delegates will, for the first time, plant a tree at the conclusion of the conference, in recognition of Guyana’s advocacy for Sustainable Tourism Development.
The Guyana Tourism Authority will be responsible for the accreditation of the local media to provide coverage for the event, and the CTO Communications Specialist assured that the media will have access to all the planned events.( Chronicle News – January 18, 2012)
Rediscover Hom in Guyana
Posted on January 23, 2012 by PR
STC team updating the press on their recent site visit to Guyana
CONSIDERED by all as heaven for sustainable tourism, Guyana is all set to host, for the second time, the 13th Annual Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-13), from April 15-18, 2012. The conference will be held under the theme, ‘Keeping the Right Balance sustaining our resources’, and is expected to attract more than 250 delegates who are key stakeholders in the Tourism Sector.According to the Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali, the hosting of this “prestigious” event will provide a perfect platform from which the country can advance the advantages of the pooling together of the rich diversity of the Caribbean regions into a common product, which can be sustainable and attractive to the varied tourism market that exists.
He made this observation yesterday at a press briefing in the boardroom of the Housing Ministry, where he was joined by members of a CTO delegation visiting Guyana, and including Sustainable Tourism Product Specialist Ms. Gail Henry, and CTO Communications Specialist, Mr. Johnson Johnrose.
“Guyana is the heaven when it comes to sustainable tourism and eco tourism, and it is very important that the heaven produces a conference that would re-shape the way sustainable tourism is viewed,” he explained.
Minister Ali observed that Guyana is hosting the conference at an ideal time, when the country is advancing the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and is on the forefront of the global struggle against climate change.
He said, “With more than 40M acres of rain forest under protection, energy, water and biodiversity resources are issues confronting us today. We are also a advancing our hydroelectricity project in a very sustainable manner, ensuring that nature remains intact. We in Guyana are on the forefront of the global struggle to ensure that nature is preserved, to ensure that economic growth occurs in a sustainable manner, and that gives us the right platform on which we could present our case… normally the developed world will speak of global warming, and they are the biggest culprits when it comes to pollution and emissions. In this case we are speaking of sustainable development and we can be considered leading examples of how we are developing policies and programmes in keeping with what we preach, that is sustainable development.”
Alluding to the cost of hosting such an event, Minister Ali said the budget is being worked on, and stressed that the benefits to be derived would outweigh the cost.
“This is an investment in the Tourism Sector, which the government is willing to make,” he announced.
He mentioned too that the planners of the CTO have written to former President Bharrat Jagdeo to get him to accept an invitation to be a keynote speaker at this event, considering his strong views on issues of sustainability.
Minister Ali expressed confidence that, Guyana’s previous award for Excellence in Tourism , which was given to Surama Eco Lodge , will set a precedent this year for another successful nomination, while demonstrating that the country has the perfect blend of nature and economic growth to produce a tourism package that is sustainable and vibrant.
The platform will also be used to highlight the importance of sustainability of the Caribbean food market and its ability to sustain the regions tourism sector, Ali added.
As to how this will be done, he said, “We have been long regarded as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, we will be looking to partner with a lot of the big players in the tourism sector in the Caribbean as they come here, so we will have a special agro exhibition for targeting those markets.”
He underscored the importance of capturing and servicing new markets, and utilising the opportunity the conference offers to “promote this aspect of what nature ensures this country offer to the rest of the Caribbean, which is a sustainable food supply, a very important aspect of the tourism sector and of economic growth.
“The event will bring together the most elite group of investors, tourist operators and tourism practitioners and persons who are influential in the tourism field in the Caribbean, and it is very important that we make full use of this opportunity to promote Guyana and to ensure that Guyana captures the long held potential of having a good market share when it comes to nature tourism, sustainable tourism and eco tourism,” he stressed.
Prepared
Meanwhile, both CTO representatives used the opportunity to point out their findings on the country’s preparedness to host the upcoming STC- 13, to be held at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC) Liliendaal.
“We have conducted a series of site visits to examine the facilties and they are quite adequate; so, as we finalize our preparations for the conference, we will have very comfortable venues and accommodations… we are making sure that all of those things are on par with what our delegates would expect, and we are quite happy with what we have seen so far,” Ms. Henry explained.
She also pointed out a series of benefits Guyana will enjoy as a result of hosting the event, including extensive promotion of the destination, through the international media which will be present, in addition to knowledge transfer through the various workshops, panel discussions and study tours which will be a part of the conference, as well as “speak out sessions “, where the local stakeholders in Guyana will be able to share with a panel their views on certain aspects of tourism sustainability.
Meanwhile, CTO Communications Specialist, Johnrose reiterated that the country is well on its ways to hosting another successful conference, and is the only country to host the event twice.
He noted too that the delegates will, for the first time, plant a tree at the conclusion of the conference, in recognition of Guyana’s advocacy for Sustainable Tourism Development.
The Guyana Tourism Authority will be responsible for the accreditation of the local media to provide coverage for the event, and the CTO Communications Specialist assured that the media will have access to all the planned events.( Chronicle News – January 18, 2012)
Rediscover Hom in Guyana
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
‘Slavery by Another Name’
*Imagine this…
You do some research into your family tree and discover that your uncle, who was born nearly 30 years after slavery, was one of thousands of black men pulled back into a forced labor system in which they were arrested – largely on trumped up charges – and compelled to work without pay as prisoners.
Imagine that this “convict leasing” system saw the groups of prisoners sold to private parties – like plantation owners or corporations - and that it was not only tolerated by both the North and South, but largely ignored by the U.S. Justice Department.
Now, imagine that nearly a century after your uncle served 366 days in this penal labor system, you find yourself married to the head of the U.S. Justice Department, who, ironically, just so happens to be the first African American in the position.
Dr. Sharon Malone, wife of U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, tells the heartbreaking story of her uncle Henry in the upcoming 90-minute PBS documentary “Slavery by Another Name.” The film is based on the eye-opening book by Douglas A. Blackmon, which exposes a part of American history that most folks either had no clue existed, or didn’t know existed to the extent that it did.
“I want people to understand that this is not something that’s divorced and separate, and this doesn’t have anything to do with them,” Dr. Malone told EURweb exclusively at the Television Critics Association press tour last week. “If you were a black person who grew up in the South, some way or the other – whether or not you were directly involved in the system as my uncle was – you knew somebody who was, or your daily lives were circumscribed by those circumstances.”
“But more importantly,” she continues, “why I really want people to see this film is because this is American history. This isn’t just southern history, or African American history. It explains a lot of who we are as a people. It is a missing puzzle piece for what happened. You had the Civil War, you had reconstruction, gap, gap, gap, and then you’re at Martin Luther King. This fills in that gap.”
“Slavery by Another Name,” narrated by Laurence Fishburne and produced and directed by Sam Pollard, premieres Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS. Scroll down to watch the promo.
Below, Dr. Malone says she sensed that something was always on low boil with Uncle Henry.
Slavery by another name...
Guyanese Diaspora targeted in new tourism initiative
The industry received a major boost with the arrival on Wednesday of a team from the History channel to photograph and capture some of the country’s most untouched and pristine areas.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Friday January 27, 2012 - The government has launched a new initiative to woo Guyanese in the Diaspora back home and boost tourist arrivals by 20 per cent.
It this week unveiled a “Festival of Colours” package that centres on Guyana’s Holi/Phagwah festival that takes place from March 2 - 9, 2012.
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali said this was the first in a series of tourism packages to be unleashed under the ‘Rediscover Home’ Tourism Initiative.
“We are targeting overseas based Guyanese directly, to come home to rediscover and enjoy the cultural activities in their home…towards this end, there will be a package available for the week- long activities.” he disclosed.
The government has teamed up with Caribbean Airlines and hotels to offer a package that includes airfare and hotel accommodation.
Minister Ali said the packaging of activities around the rich Guyanese culture would help boost the country’s tourism industry.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh said March was targeted because of the lull in visitors calling here during that period and the week-long festivity.
“An activity of this nature will aid the tourism sector’s objective or surpassing the tourist arrival figure for 2011,” he suggested.
The industry received a major boost with the arrival on Wednesday of a team from the History channel to photograph and capture some of the country’s most untouched and pristine areas, following in the steps of reputable worldwide companies such as the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Some 126,313 visitors arrived here between January to October 2011, a 0.8 per cent increase from the previous year, according to figures from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.
Rediscover Home
History Channel in Guyana’s Amazon
History Channel begins documentary
– Guyana’s Amazon to be highlighted
January 27, 2012
Cast of Bamazon and producers from the History Channel with Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali in the executive lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)
A 24 member team; eight males from Alabama (Southern United States) and 16 producers from the renowned History Channel arrived in Guyana on Wednesday to commence a six- week documentary on Guyana’s wildlife and rainforests. The documentary will feature eight one hour series titled “Bamazon” and will be broadcast on the History Channel worldwide, reaching millions of households.
The eight males from Alabama will be the feature of the documentary and they will be exploring Guyana’s rainforests and wildlife. The History Channel team will be in charge of the filming and production of the documentary.
The name Bamazon was derived from the shorten form of residents in Alabama, which is Bama. Since the cast will be exploring Guyana’s Amazon, they came up with the word “Bamazon”. Supervising Producer of “Bamazon” from the History Channel Scott Madden said the cast will be spending most of the time in the Interior. According to Madden, adventure, documentary and television is a very arduous task but noted that the team from the History Channel is world class.
“The History Channel has a reach for what we call top tier cable in the U.S. and that means those are households in the United States that most of the cable stations can hit. So we can get viewer numbers in the millions”, Madden stated.
Madden said that a broadcast date is not scheduled at the moment but noted that as soon as production in Guyana is finished they will be in post- production during the summer and the documentary can be expected to be completed before the year is over. According to Madden, the team has acknowledged Guyana as a leader of sustainable nature and said that they are delighted to be part of it.
President of New River Holdings Guyana Incorporated, Tim Evans said that his company which has been stationed in Guyana for the past five years have been looking for destinations for eco- tourism resorts and lodges across the length and breadth of the nation. He said that Guyana has vast potential which prompted him to inform the History Channel.
“Guyana is the only English speaking country in South America; it has non-stop flights from New York, it has warm political relations with the United States, unlike a lot of other rain forest countries. It has the complete package”, Evans stated.
Evans said that the focus of the documentary is to showcase Guyana in its beautiful, pristine and unspoiled natural resource. He could not give an exact value of the investment being made into the documentary but Evans said that it is in the millions.
Meanwhile, Acting Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali said that Guyana is increasingly becoming an exciting adventure in terms of eco-tourism and explorative tourism.
Ali expressed much gratitude at the fact that Guyana has attracted such a high level of foreign interest in the tourism sector.
“The History Channel has a very large market. The U.S. market is one that is consistently looking for a different product-a product that rekindles them with nature, a product that gives them more adventure – and Guyana has that ability. We are hoping that after this documentary by the History Channel we can continue the relationship and bring other such entities into Guyana so that we can promote this unique product of ours”, Minister Ali said.
According to Ali, the documentary is an excellent opportunity for Guyana to boost its tourism sector. He said that it will enable Guyana to have wider access to a larger market. Ali said that Guyana is already known as one of the leading countries in terms of environmental protection.
“The Low Carbon Development Strategy is now a global strategy. It’s a strategy that is being discussed in many parts of the academic world. So the environment itself is a product today and we have that product the issue is how we promote this product as fast as possible in all the markets and get the product to be known- and this is an opportunity for us in promoting that product and getting it known”, Ali stated.
http://www.guyanatimesinternational.com/?p=13521
– Guyana’s Amazon to be highlighted
January 27, 2012
Cast of Bamazon and producers from the History Channel with Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali in the executive lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)A 24 member team; eight males from Alabama (Southern United States) and 16 producers from the renowned History Channel arrived in Guyana on Wednesday to commence a six- week documentary on Guyana’s wildlife and rainforests. The documentary will feature eight one hour series titled “Bamazon” and will be broadcast on the History Channel worldwide, reaching millions of households.
The eight males from Alabama will be the feature of the documentary and they will be exploring Guyana’s rainforests and wildlife. The History Channel team will be in charge of the filming and production of the documentary.
The name Bamazon was derived from the shorten form of residents in Alabama, which is Bama. Since the cast will be exploring Guyana’s Amazon, they came up with the word “Bamazon”. Supervising Producer of “Bamazon” from the History Channel Scott Madden said the cast will be spending most of the time in the Interior. According to Madden, adventure, documentary and television is a very arduous task but noted that the team from the History Channel is world class.
“The History Channel has a reach for what we call top tier cable in the U.S. and that means those are households in the United States that most of the cable stations can hit. So we can get viewer numbers in the millions”, Madden stated.
Madden said that a broadcast date is not scheduled at the moment but noted that as soon as production in Guyana is finished they will be in post- production during the summer and the documentary can be expected to be completed before the year is over. According to Madden, the team has acknowledged Guyana as a leader of sustainable nature and said that they are delighted to be part of it.
President of New River Holdings Guyana Incorporated, Tim Evans said that his company which has been stationed in Guyana for the past five years have been looking for destinations for eco- tourism resorts and lodges across the length and breadth of the nation. He said that Guyana has vast potential which prompted him to inform the History Channel.
“Guyana is the only English speaking country in South America; it has non-stop flights from New York, it has warm political relations with the United States, unlike a lot of other rain forest countries. It has the complete package”, Evans stated.
Evans said that the focus of the documentary is to showcase Guyana in its beautiful, pristine and unspoiled natural resource. He could not give an exact value of the investment being made into the documentary but Evans said that it is in the millions.
Meanwhile, Acting Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali said that Guyana is increasingly becoming an exciting adventure in terms of eco-tourism and explorative tourism.
Ali expressed much gratitude at the fact that Guyana has attracted such a high level of foreign interest in the tourism sector.
“The History Channel has a very large market. The U.S. market is one that is consistently looking for a different product-a product that rekindles them with nature, a product that gives them more adventure – and Guyana has that ability. We are hoping that after this documentary by the History Channel we can continue the relationship and bring other such entities into Guyana so that we can promote this unique product of ours”, Minister Ali said.
According to Ali, the documentary is an excellent opportunity for Guyana to boost its tourism sector. He said that it will enable Guyana to have wider access to a larger market. Ali said that Guyana is already known as one of the leading countries in terms of environmental protection.
“The Low Carbon Development Strategy is now a global strategy. It’s a strategy that is being discussed in many parts of the academic world. So the environment itself is a product today and we have that product the issue is how we promote this product as fast as possible in all the markets and get the product to be known- and this is an opportunity for us in promoting that product and getting it known”, Ali stated.
http://www.guyanatimesinternational.com/?p=13521
Guyana has a great deal of promise in oil & gas
Guyana has a great deal of promise in oil & gas
– Anadarko Petroleum Corporation official
Published on Friday, 27 January 2012
The largest independent oil and gas Company in the United States (US), Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, regards Guyana as a country with a great deal of promise in the oil and gas sector. International Business Developer of Anadarko Richard Lapin accompanied by another official of the company and, Head of the Petroleum Unit of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Noel Dennison met President Ramotar to renew its interest in petroleum exploration in Guyana. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud also joined the meeting.
Last September Vice President, Business Development of Anadarko, Ian J. Cooling led a delegation to former President Bharrat Jagdeo to signal the company’s interest in what is ranked one of the highly underexplored basins in the world. Speaking briefly to the Government Information Agency (GINA) Lapin said that although there is much preliminary work still to be undertaken, the oil and gas outlook in Guyana is positive.
Anadarko had embarked on a geological assessment of the region in its frontier quest and believes that its technical and financial capacity will be a value added to the emergence of the oil and gas sector on the local shores. The Guyana Government had also received a proposal from Prime Energy LLC- Caribbean, a US based petroleum company to construct the first ever oil refinery in Guyana which officials say will create employment opportunities for approximately 100 persons.
President of the company Jerry Brooks had explained that the interest to establish a refinery in Guyana was stimulated by the fact that several countries around the world are looking to 20,000 barrels a day refineries for their countries given the high cost incurred to transport crude oil to the US for refining.
Meanwhile, several internationally renowned oil exploration companies are on the hunt for oil in Guyana’s territorial waters which is considered the second most attractive under-explored basin in the world. Repsol, a Spanish company is exploring through a joint venture with Tullow Oil, a London-based Company, CGX of Canada and YPF for the drilling of the Jaguar well.
The ExxonMobil/Shell joint venture is pursuing a drilling project on a deepwater offshore block and has since shot a large seismic survey, which is soon to be examined as a guide for the future.
Gas & Oil Promise look good in Guyana
– Anadarko Petroleum Corporation official
Published on Friday, 27 January 2012
The largest independent oil and gas Company in the United States (US), Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, regards Guyana as a country with a great deal of promise in the oil and gas sector. International Business Developer of Anadarko Richard Lapin accompanied by another official of the company and, Head of the Petroleum Unit of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Noel Dennison met President Ramotar to renew its interest in petroleum exploration in Guyana. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud also joined the meeting.
Last September Vice President, Business Development of Anadarko, Ian J. Cooling led a delegation to former President Bharrat Jagdeo to signal the company’s interest in what is ranked one of the highly underexplored basins in the world. Speaking briefly to the Government Information Agency (GINA) Lapin said that although there is much preliminary work still to be undertaken, the oil and gas outlook in Guyana is positive.
Anadarko had embarked on a geological assessment of the region in its frontier quest and believes that its technical and financial capacity will be a value added to the emergence of the oil and gas sector on the local shores. The Guyana Government had also received a proposal from Prime Energy LLC- Caribbean, a US based petroleum company to construct the first ever oil refinery in Guyana which officials say will create employment opportunities for approximately 100 persons.
President of the company Jerry Brooks had explained that the interest to establish a refinery in Guyana was stimulated by the fact that several countries around the world are looking to 20,000 barrels a day refineries for their countries given the high cost incurred to transport crude oil to the US for refining.
Meanwhile, several internationally renowned oil exploration companies are on the hunt for oil in Guyana’s territorial waters which is considered the second most attractive under-explored basin in the world. Repsol, a Spanish company is exploring through a joint venture with Tullow Oil, a London-based Company, CGX of Canada and YPF for the drilling of the Jaguar well.
The ExxonMobil/Shell joint venture is pursuing a drilling project on a deepwater offshore block and has since shot a large seismic survey, which is soon to be examined as a guide for the future.
Gas & Oil Promise look good in Guyana
Social historian Godfrey Chin dies
Godfrey Chin, who spent his last years showcasing the Guyana of yesterday, has died.Chin, who was 74, was found dead in his Kitty, Georgetown home. Friends recalled him having a bout of the flu last week.
“Ya think it easy,” was his signature lines that most of his friends uttered upon news of his death.
In recent years, through various exhibitions, he presented classic photos of Guyana’s history, from cinemas, Old Georgetown, to sporting events.
Significantly his ‘Nostalgia” exhibitions showcased the Black Fridays of 1913, 1945, 1951 and 1962 – other fires at Sacred Heart Church, Brickdam Cathedral and the Park Hotel, Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953 and the rebuilding of the downtown shopping centre.
He even produced a book of those pictures, chronicling Guyana’s history from 1940-1980.
His exhibitions were a hit with Guyanese in the diaspora.
After living in the United States for almost three decades, Chin returned to Guyana two years ago.
He was divorced and had three sons.
Guyana looses Social Historian Godfrey Chin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)