Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Former Grenadian publisher dies

October 30

The media fraternity in Grenada was this week mourning the passing of Graham Stroude, who died earlier this week.

Stroude of Mardigras, St. George's, died at his home in Brooklyn, NY on Sunday October 29 at the age of 80.

He was the Publisher of the National Review Newspaper in Brooklyn.

The viewing of Graham Stroude will take place on Sunday November 4 from 4-6 p.m. to follow by a church service at Union United Methodist Church, 121 New York Avenue, between Bergen & Dean Streets in Brooklyn.

Burial will take place in Grenada on Thursday November 8.

Click here to read more GrenadaBroadcast

Grenadian passed away

Pawtucket - Jason A. Campbell, 33, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, October 28, 2007.

Born in Grenada, West Indies, he was a beloved son of James and Theresa (John) Campbell of Pawtucket.

Jay resided in Boston before moving to Pawtucket in 1987. He was a tractor trailer driver.

Jay respected the young as well as the old and touched many hearts during his lifetime.

He always went above and beyond to help anyone in need, never expecting anything in return.

Besides his loving parents he leaves one daughter, Janiya Campbell of Providence and one brother, Shaun Campbell of Pawtucket.

Services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in Epworth United Methodist Church, 915 Newport Ave., Pawtucket.

Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Pawtucket. VISITATION Friday 5- 8 p.m. at WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to Epworth United Methodist Church, 915 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02861 would be appreciated. www.trippfuneralhome.com

©The Pawtucket Times 2007

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Joseph should be a candidate for league MVP

Frank Dell'Apa, Special to ESPNsoccernet

In 1989, current New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol was named Player of the Year in England by the Football Writers Association. There were no statistics to justify the award, no publicity campaign to support Nicol's candidacy. Nicol was considered the epitome of a footballer, Liverpool had a successful season, and that was that.

But "that" is unlikely to happen here.

Keith Nordstrom/WireImage

New England's Shalrie Joseph is a dominating presence in midfield.

In the MLS, the promotion of players is stats-based. There are so many numbers on the league's weekly press releases, you can get confused looking at them. Most of those statistics are irrelevant and hardly any of them are used to tell a story. Obviously, goal scoring is an exception. Goals reflect the effectiveness of forwards, and there are ratings and rewards for them. But for every other player, there are no numbers that can give an accurate account of their effectiveness.

So, though Shalrie Joseph -- one of Nicol's Revolution players -- should be a candidate for the league's Most Valuable Player award, there is little chance of his winning it.

Two years ago, Joseph was named the Revolution's MVP (by team vote). But his teammate, Taylor Twellman, won the league's MVP honor (by media vote), and Joseph was not among the finalists. That was a first. That year, the Revolution probably had MLS' best team when the voting was conducted, so the easy choice for MVP was Twellman, since he was the team's top scorer. Twellman, though, probably should have won the MVP award in 2002, when his goal scoring carried the Revolution to the MLS Cup; by '05, the Revolution were a much more well-rounded team.

Now, the Revolution have been established among MLS' perennial contenders. And Joseph is unique among MLS performers in terms of his value to the team.

There is probably no other player in the league who can cover as many roles as Joseph.

Joseph dictates the rhythm of play and wants everything played through him in his holding midfielder role. Joseph is comfortable with the ball and is a commanding presence, and this allows him to play quickly and keep the ball on the ground. Joseph also can play a well-weighted long ball, but it is this predilection to keep the ball on the ground that makes the Revolution attack effective.

The Revolution also depend on Joseph to defend against corners and set pieces, to drop into the back line when the opposition resorts to launching long balls, to defend against the opponent's best player in the midfield. Joseph is a scoring threat on corners and also takes penalty kicks. Call him the team's Most Versatile Player.

But there is no way of quantifying how a midfielder handles pressure, no measure of his effectiveness in ball distribution, no way of determining whether he is making the best decisions.

And that is the essence of soccer.

There are so many intangibles about the game. And the seamless nature of soccer makes it impossible to program situations. Players simply have to be plugged into the myriad of possible consequences of any action and be prepared for anything at any time. Nobody can tell a player where to go or what his next move should be -- he simply has to follow his instincts. Joseph is a lesson in these basics of soccer; he gets to the right place at the right time and he does something decisive.

Joseph is the essential footballer. This is not to say Joseph is perfect; his shooting from distance is erratic at best, and he seldom finishes chances in the air. But he kicks up the competitive level a notch and makes everyone around him better.

"Shalrie is the most respected defensive midfielder in the league," Revolution defender Jay Heaps said. "He wins balls and sprays the ball around; he takes on so much responsibility. I know guys on the other team fear him, because he can change a game by just being physical. He has a great sense of leadership out there, he is a vocal leader, he is involved in the group and he's not just out there for himself. He's competitive and he competes for the team, and that's why he is a successful player in the MLS."

Joseph was dissatisfied with his MLS contract status almost since Day One -- he played for the minimum salary in 2003 and earned less than $500,000 in five seasons, only recently signing a new contract that will pay him a salary in the top 10 players in the league. But, while Joseph talked of hoping to be traded or moving to Europe (Celtic made a $1 million-plus transfer bid for Joseph), he did not grouse or pout or seem hung up on past injustices or mistakes.

"I've been around a long time," Nicol said, "and I don't remember seeing a player who had gone through having a chance to go, then not move on, and going through all the other stuff -- but on Saturday he has given it all to the team and his teammates. He wants to stay and win a championship. Every game he's in, it's professional pride. He wants the team to win."

Frank Dell'Apa is a soccer columnist for The Boston Globe and ESPN.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Regional Journalists invited to participate in World Bank-sponsored Teleconference

Group Meets at The World Bank to Address Key Issues Impacting the Caribbean and its Diaspora

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 16, 2007 -- Restrictive press laws, access to information and resources, more visibility for issues that impact the Caribbean and its global Diaspora are just few of the agenda items to be discussed at a seminal meeting hosted by The World Bank and the National Association of Caribbean-American Journalists.

For the first time in history, journalists in the Caribbean and the United States will convene to strategize on ways to address sparse coverage of Caribbean issues in the U.S. media and its implications for the Caribbean region. The meeting will be held at The World Bank headquarters at 1818 H Street in Washington D.C.

Several distinguished journalists outside of the D.C. area will attend via video- and teleconferencing from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 1. The two-hour session is scheduled to begin promptly at 4:30 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m.

So far, confirmed participants include Executive Vice President of Diversity, NBC Universal, Paula Madison; Founder of National Association of Black Journalists and lead anchor at WJLA-TV, ABC 7 in Washington, D.C., Maureen Bunyan; President of International Center for Journalists, Joyce Barnathan; Communications Director of the Knight Center for Journalism, Marc Fest; General Secretary of Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Patrick Cozier; Executive Member of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers, Michael Bascombe; President of CVM, TV, David McBean; General Manager of The Jamaica Gleaner, North America Edition, Sandra Moore; and Ambassador of Grenada and Dean of the caucus of Caribbean ambassadors Denis Antoine.

Journalists and community leaders who wish to participate must RSVP by e-mail to nacaj@nacaj.org by Oct. 26. There are no exceptions.

The National Association of Caribbean-American Journalists, or NACAJ, is a nonprofit organization founded in June 2007 to advocate for journalists, journalism professors, public relations professionals and students. NACAJ aims to offer members support and recognition, networking opportunities with the Caribbean region and its Diaspora and as a clearing house for ongoing journalism jobs and training opportunities. Membership is open to natives of the Caribbean, their descendants and others in and outside the U.S.

For more information, e-mail nacaj@nacaj.org, or call NACAJ President Ann-Marie Adams (202) 413-0171.

Surprise Guest Muhammad Ali Inspires Athletes, Captures Spirit of Event

AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007 Opening Ceremony

Blends City’s Passion for Sport and Celebration of Excellence

Surprise Guest Muhammad Ali Inspires Athletes, Captures Spirit of Event

CHICAGO (October 22, 2007) – The AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007 proudly kicked-off this afternoon at the Chicago Theatre.

Closing historic State Street for an athlete procession to the ceremony, thousands of Chicagoans warmly embraced nearly 700 boxers from approximately 120 countries who have come to Chicago looking for the chance to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The eleven-day event, which will be the largest world boxing championships in history, will take place from October 23 – November 3 at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion.

“The Opening Ceremony captured how truly honored we feel to host these premier competitors from all across the world and celebrate their accomplishments,” said Jack Sandner, chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007.

Surprise guest-of-honor, Muhammad Ali, brought fans to their feet as he graced the Opening Ceremony with his presence. More than 40 years after he wowed the world with his gold medal performance at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy, Ali’s presence gave the world-class competitors at tonight’s ceremony a glimpse of what greatness can create.

“Muhammad Ali personifies the values that the Olympic Movement stands for; commitment, excellence and a devotion to making the world a better place,” said Sandner. “We could not be more pleased that he took the time to share some of his magic with those attending and competing at the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007.”

The top eight finishers in nine of the 11 weight classes and the top four in the heavy and super heavyweight divisions in Chicago will earn a spot at the 2008 Olympic Games.

The field is loaded with 27 World Championship medal winners from the 2005 AIBA World Championships in Mianyang City, China, expected to compete.

Also, competing are eight Olympic medalists from the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, including gold medalists Manus Boomjumnong of Thailand and Alexey Tishchenko of Russia.

The AIBA World Boxing Championships are held every two years.

Six persons charged in recent Police Operations

October 22, 2007

Officers of the Criminal Investigation Department arrested and charged Randy Emanuel Patrick Ash and Kevina Baldeau for a number of fraud related offenses.

Ash – 29 years old and Baldeau – 23 years old, both residents of River Road in St. George’s were detained on Friday 19th October 2007, and formally charged over the week end.

Both Ash & Balbeau are expected to make their first court appearance on Tuesday 23rd. October 2007 at the St. George’s Magistrate Court.

The charges laid against the arrested persons include robbery with violence, burglary, forgery, uttering forge documents and fraud.

The couple was also jointly charged for defrauding the Siesta Company of Morne Rouge St. George’s the sum of EC $11,900.00.

Meanwhile, Officers of the Drug Squad on Sunday 21st October 2007 arrested and charged four persons in Belmont St. George’s for being in possession of ammunition and quantity of cured cannabis.

The Drug Squad operation led to the search of a Belmont residence, and 7 ½ ounces of cannabis, six rounds of .380 ammunition, two 12 gauge cartages and a fire arm were discovered.

Patrick Delves – 52 year old Herbalist of Belmont, Ricky Williams - 30 year old Mason of Belmont, Skeita Alexander - 41 year old Beach Vender of La Sagesse in St. David and Christiana Williams – 20 year old Belmont resident were arrested.

The four persons were charged for being in possession of a controlled drug, with intent to traffic and being in possession of ammunition.

The arrested persons appeared before the St. George’s Magistrate Court this Monday morning – October 22nd 2007 – were granted bail and is scheduled to reappear on Tuesday October 30th 2007.

Police continues its investigation and charges of possession of a firearm could be laid against the four persons.

Secondary Schools' Cross Country picks up momentum

Submitted by Bruce Swan
The second race of the Secondary School Cross Country took place Saturday, 20 October, 2007 at La Sagesse, St. David's. The race left La Sagesse playing field through Corinth, The Marines back through Corinth and finished on the playing field. The race which was approximately a mile shorter than the previous one set the tone for a high pace competitive event. This is what fans, coaches and organisers witnessed. Athletes poured in large groups with a sprint to finish to gain valuable points for their school. The top two girls finished 16 seconds apart while the top two boys finished 20 seconds apart. This up tempo cross country shuffled the normal team position. In the girls team event defending champion SDCSS (3rd) was upset by SJC-Grenville (1st) and GSS (2nd). In the Boys Division defending champion GSS (1st) was able to hold off MDC (2nd) and SDCSS (3rd) to win for the second week running. The top two finishers in last week's girls' race shuffled as Rhea Charles (SDCSS) defeated her colleague Antonia Wilson for the top spot. Rhea finished in 27:20.00. Lucinda Roberts (GSS) finished 3rd. Reon Radix (TAMCC) ran the course in 23:39.30 to finish 1st for the second week. He was challenged by Chad Issac - GSS (2nd) and Rondell Batholemew - MDC (3rd). Eighty-four (84) girls and 77 boys participated in Saturday's cross country. The 3rd and final preliminary cross country takes place at Victoria St. Mark's saturday 27 October, 2007 at 3:00pm.

KFC Cup Final Four battle on this week

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua - The Three Ws Oval, Barbados will be the venue for the exciting final round of matches in the 2007/08 KFC Cup.

The first semifinal will see Jamaica come up against Guyana on Thursday and in the second semifinal, host country Barbados will face defending champions Trinidad & Tobago on Friday. The final will bowl off on Sunday, July 28.

The games will be carried live on television throughout the region on all CMC member stations. Start times for all the games are 1.45 p.m. (Eastern Caribbean time).

Umpires Billy Doctrove and Clancy Mack will officiate in the Jamaica vs. Guyana match with Vincent Bullen the standby umpire. Norman Malcolm and Clyde Duncan will stand in the Barbados vs. Trinidad and Tobago match, Patrick Grazette will be the standby umpire.

Tickets and information on the matches can be obtained from the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) at 246-436-1397, fax 246-436-3945 or e-mail: theoffice@bca.org.bb. Information will also be available in the Barbados press or on www.windiescricket.com.

Eric Williams Memorial Collection Sponsors Regional Bicentenary 'School Bags' Essay Competition

October 22, 2007
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD and TOBAGO (October 22, 2007) The Eric Williams Memorial Collection (EWMC) at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, announces the inauguration of the “Eric Williams ‘School Bags’ Essay Competition.” In honour of the 2007 Bicentenary of the British Abolition of the Transatlantic Trade in Africans, this regional effort is co-sponsored by the Jamaica National Bicentenary Committee.

Dr Eric Williams, noted scholar/historian and the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, authored the classic Capitalism and Slavery, which is widely considered to have “defined the study of Caribbean History.”

Throughout his life, Williams gave special emphasis to learning. He often said “to educate is to emancipate.” On August 30, 1962, the eve of his country’s Independence from Britain, he exhorted:

“You, the children, yours is the great responsibility to educate your parents, teach them to live together in harmony…To your tender and loving hands, the future of the Nation is entrusted. In your innocent hearts, the pride of the Nation is enshrined. On your scholastic development, the salvation of the Nation is dependent…you carry the future of Trinidad and Tobago in your school bags.”

The contest is offered to all final year Sixth Form students in the former and current British-colonized Caribbean countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos. It will be held from September 15 through December 15, 2007. Winners will be announced on March 1, 2008. All entries will be based on Eric Williams’ seminal work and will discuss two questions: How has Capitalism and Slavery shaped current debates on the commerce in African slaves and the abolition of slavery? What relevance, if any, do these debates have for today’s student?

First prizewinners will receive a four-day trip for two to Trinidad and Tobago with airfare, hotel accommodations and two meals daily; a tour of the Eric Williams Memorial Collection and University of the West Indies campus; a US $1000 educational voucher; courtesy calls on the President of Trinidad and Tobago and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; a tour of Parliament; a set of Eric Williams’ books; and a framed certificate. The winning essay will also be published. In the event of a Trinidad and Tobago winner, a trip to Jamaica will be substituted.

Patrons of the Eric Williams Memorial Collection’s ‘School Bags’ Essay Competition are: Caribbean Airlines, Ltd.; Caribbean Development Bank; CARICOM; CL Financial, Ltd.; Digicel Trinidad & Tobago, Ltd.; LIAT (1974) Ltd.; Trinidad Hilton; University of the West Indies. Detailed information and runner-up prizes are listed on the EWMC’s website: www.mainlib.uwi.tt/eric.html.

The Eric Williams Memorial Collection constitutes the Library, Archives and Museum of Eric Williams. It was inaugurated by former US Secretary of State Colin Powell in 1998, and named to UNECSO’s prestigious Memory of the World Register in 1999.

For more information, please contact Erica Williams Connell, Eric Williams Memorial Collection P.O. Box 561631, Miami, FL 33256-1631, USA. Tel: (305) 271-7246; Fax: (305) 271-4160; Cell: (305)905-9999 Email: ewc.suilan@juno.com or Helen Kitti Smith Tel: (214)546-4535; Email: kittismith@earthlink.net. Other website information: http://palmm.fcla.edu/eew/.

UWI Lecturers share Nobel Peace Prize glory

October 17, 2007

Three Lecturers of The University of West Indies (UWI), who have contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will now share in the glory of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. Following the release of its Fourth Assessment Report, the IPCC was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change.

The IPCC was established in 1988 by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) to assess scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for the understanding of climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation. It is a made up of three Working Groups and a Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Inventories. The IPCC, which has completed three full Assessment Reports, presented its Fourth Assessment Report (also referred to as AR4), titled Climate Change 2007, to the Royal Geographical Society in September 2007.

The UWI Lecturers, who have been recognised for their contributions to Working Groups of AR4, are: Dr Anthony Chen, a retired Jamaican Professor in Physics at UWI Mona Campus, Jamaica; Dr Leonard Nurse, a Barbadian Lecturer in Coastal Management at UWI Cave Hill Campus, Barbados; and Dr John Agard, a Trinidadian and Senior Lecturer in Life Sciences at UWI St Augustine Campus, Trinidad, and Chairman of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

Dr Chen was a member of Working Group One and Lead Author of a chapter titled, ‘Regional Climate Projections’ (Chapter Eleven) in Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Doctors Agard and Nurse were members of Working Group Two, and worked on ‘Small Islands’, Chapter Sixteen of Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Dr Agard was a Lead Author of the chapter while Dr Nurse was a Coordinating Lead Author.

Two other West Indians also contributed to Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, the contribution of Working Group Two to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. They are Samuel Rawlins, retired St. Lucian parasitologist of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre; and Roger Pulwarty, Senior Physical Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Colorado, USA, and Director of the US National Integrated Drought Information System.

Rawlins was a Lead Author of Chapter One, ‘Assessment of Observed Changes and Responses in Natural and Managed Systems’. Pulwarty served as a Lead Author on Chapter Seventeen, ‘Assessment of Adaptation Practices, Options, Constraints and Capacity’, and contributed to Chapter Three, ‘Freshwater Resources and their Management’.

The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded annually to people or organisations for outstanding contributions to society, is widely regarded as a supreme commendation. In 2007, the Nobel Peace Prize was divided equally between the IPCC and former United States Vice President, Albert Arnold (Al) Gore Jr. It will be presented in Oslo, Norway on December 10, 2007.

The official website of The Nobel Peace Prize, http://nobelpeaceprize.org, states: “Through the scientific reports it has issued over the past two decades, the IPCC has created an ever-broader informed consensus about the connection between human activities and global warming. Thousands of scientists and officials from over one hundred countries have collaborated to achieve greater certainty as to the scale of the warming.”

The website further states: “By awarding the Nobel Peace Prize for 2007 to the IPCC and Al Gore, the Norwegian Nobel Committee is seeking to contribute to a sharper focus on the processes and decisions that appear to be necessary to protect the world’s future climate, and thereby to reduce the threat to the security of mankind.”

WICB APPOINTS NEW CEO

PRESS RELEASE
WICB APPOINTS NEW CEO
Dr. Donald Peters To Start on November 5, 2007
Dr. Donald Peters, former President of the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and starts work on November 5, 2007.
Dr. Peters, a Dominican, has a wide academic and sports background. He has served as a college President, Provost and University Vice President in the USA and Bermuda. He was elected as the youngest General Secretary of the Dominica Amateur Sports Association and subsequently was appointed one of the country's representatives on the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control (WICBC) and manager of the national cricket team.
The new CEO has an exceptionally successful track record at senior management level in several different academic institutions. Dr. Peters has demonstrated success in leading programmes that have helped organisations to meet their institutional objectives and increase their revenue streams in very complex environments.
Dr. Peters describes himself as an achiever and believes in results-oriented management. He has been invited by international organisations to facilitate workshops and present papers on areas related to strategic planning, revenue generation, and organizational behaviour. He has lectured at major international institutions including Oxford University and has managed budgets ranging from US$7 - US$435 million. He has distinguished himself as a leader with strong skills in resource mobilisation and financial management.
Dr. Peters said, "I am excited to be selected as CEO and look forward to working with the organization to provide the support and administration necessary to make our team move once again to the top of international cricket."

WICB APPOINTS NEW COACH AND IDENTIFIES NEW CEO

WICB News Release

WICB APPOINTS NEW COACH AND IDENTIFIES NEW CEO

Board Agrees on Action Plan For Immediate Performance Improvement

John Dyson, former Australian Test Player and Sri Lankan coach, has been appointed the new West Indies Coach. The rest of the Team Management will be identified and appointed subsequently. Additionally, the Board has identified a candidate for the post of CEO, subject to the agreement on terms and conditions of service as well as specific performance deliverables.

The Board has approved an innovative leadership and motivational programme at the High Performance Centre in Barbados for senior West Indies players, and a camp for the team at the same venue prior to the start of the Zimbabwe/South Africa tour. However, the Board with the agreement of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) has hired a Security Consultant to report within a week on whether the tour of Zimbabwe should take place. The consultant will look at safety, security and food integrity issues.

The Board agreed to immediate, medium-term and long-term steps for improving the present standard of West Indies Cricket. These include:

Immediate Measures:

1. A significant performance-based evaluation process as part of the new retainer contracts to be agreed with WIPA.

Medium Term Measures:

2. A review of existing territorial cricket development programmes and the development of a uniform region-wide programme incorporating the best practices regionally and internationally.

3. Senior team members will be attached to key regional organisations networked as Friends of West Indies Cricket. This will introduce some of them to the world of work while simultaneously developing their understanding of the challenges facing the Caribbean as well as the positives of regional development.

4. Greater interaction between the Board and players

5. Support for the WICB Academy.

6. An enhanced role of the WICB’s Cricket Committee in this process.

Long Term Measures:

7. Development of a professional environment in which players could better understand and practice their craft.

8. Greater emphasis and programmes from school level in all territories as part of a renewed focus on younger players within a uniform system of leadership and training.

Throne Speech Observation

Dated October 13, 2007 Many times local journalists are chastised and accused of not investigating and checking facts before airing or printing. However, journalists must also highlight and note instances where the authorities attempt to mislead the public with false information. I listened to the Throne Speech delivered by Governor General Sir Daniel Williams on Friday October 12, 2007 and came across this quote during the presentation. "Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, most recently at the United Nations, Grenada, through the Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell delivered in the presence of President George W. Bush of the United States, Chancellor Merkel of Germany, President Sarkozy of France, President Mbeki of South Africa, President Lula of Brazil, representatives.. .....what by all accounts was a well received paper on Climate Change to Small Island States." Here are the facts: Prime Minister Mitchell spoke at the Thematic Plenary IV dealing with Financing, speaking on behalf the Alliance of Small Island States on Monday September 24. Four plenary sessions were held simultaneously. President Nicolas Sarkozy of France was the second speaker in the Plenary session on Financing but then left immediately. It was not until Tuesday September 25, the following day, did Presidents Bush, Lula da Silva, Mbeki or Chancellor Merkel spoke at the United Nations in addressing the 62nd Session of the General Assembly. In fact, Secretary Condoleeza Rice represented the United States at the Plenary Session dealing with Technology. President Bush was at the Waldrof Astoria Hotel meeting with some leaders including the leader of the Palestine Authority. I attended the sessions at the United Nations so I am aware. I hope the speech writer wasn't trying to convey to the public that the Prime Minister's presentation was well received in the presence of these world leaders, the likes of Bush and others. It might have been appropriate if mention was made of the President of Senegal or the Prime Ministers of Norway and Sweden or even some of the regional leaders. Here is a link that can guide you. http://www.un.org/webcast/climatechange/highlevel/index.asp?go=e070924 The information is not meant for condemnation but for your consideration since journalists are quickly labelled "irresponsible", "biased" and "unprofessional", among others. Journalists must not be afraid to challenge the status quo, whether government or opposition, public or private even though you may be accused of a 'political agenda'. Regards Michael

Final Draft 3.0 of the World Anti-Doping Code

Dear Colleagues,

Provided at the Web link below is the Final Draft 3.0 of the 2007 World Anti-Doping Code. This draft is a result of extensive consultation with stakeholders and completes a full revision of the existing World Anti-Doping Code 2003.

The publication terminates the third and final stakeholder consultation phase. For your reference and information we have established a special section on our Web site containing the updated versions of Code documents. Click here for the documents.

Adoption of the revised World Anti-Doping Code is scheduled to occur at the WADA Foundation Board Meeting during the World Conference on Doping in Sport, to be hosted in Madrid, Spain, 15-17 November 2007. We wish to thank all stakeholders who have participated in this important process for helping to strengthen the Code and for their continued commitment to doping-free sport.

Sincerely,

David Howman Director General

Rune Andersen Director, Standards and Harmonization

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the international independent organization created in 1999 to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against doping in sport in all its forms. The Agency is composed and funded equally by the sports movement and governments of the world. Its key activities include scientific research, education, out-of-competition testing, development of anti-doping capacities and monitoring of the World Anti-Doping Code – the first document harmonizing regulations regarding anti-doping in all sports and all countries.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Moses to represent Grenada at World Boxing Champs

CHICAGO, Oct 24 - Grenada is represented at the International Boxing Association (AIBA) World Boxing Championships which begun on Tuesday 23rd October at the University of Illinois Chicago Pavilion in the USA.

ROLANDE MOSES, 26, who was born in Beaton St. David’s, but resides in Ontario Canada is Grenada’s only boxer competing among 53 other boxers in the Welter weight category 152 pounds (69 kilograms). Moses will step into the ring on Thursday afternoon (25thOctober) against Aboo-Iriba Yasser of Sweden.

In addition to seeking his country's first medal at this level, Rolande Moses is also seeking a place in the top eight (8) in his division which will qualify his for the 2008 Olympics Games in Beijing, China.

Over 600 boxers are participating in this world Championships, Chicago USA. Submitted by Ralph James, President of Grenada Amateur Boxing Association.

CONCACAF STATEMENT

NEW YORK (Friday, 19 October 2007) - CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) has issued the following statement today:

Re: Letters from BBC Panorama
Panorama's letters to Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer asking whether England can expect Fair Play in a potential bid to host World Cup 2018 are truly curious given that Warner and Blazer are the only two remaining members of the FIFA Executive Committee of the original five that voted for England's previous World Cup bid (for 2006).

The other three, Charlie Dempsey (New Zealand with Scottish birth), David Will (FIFA Vice President from the British Associations) and Isaac Sasso Sasso (Costa Rica, also from CONCACAF) no longer sit on the decision making body. Dempsey left shortly after his refusal to vote in the round following England's elimination for 2006, while Will and Sasso retired from the FIFA body this year.

Certainly, if anyone personifies fair play towards England, Warner and Blazer, who supported England's 2006 bid and in doing so stood against the 19 other members opposed, are the ones.

Panorama might have asked instead, will it be Fair Play if CONCACAF, the Confederation next in sequence for rotation of World Cup hosts, is denied the right for one of its members to host 2018 in favor of another system instigated by the desire of others to overturn a policy intended to establish fairness?

Organisers: Caribbean Games 2009 on stream

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Oct 23 - Regional Directors of Sport have been urged to use their influence to ensure that quality athletes participate in the Inaugural Caribbean Games scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago in 2009.

This following a recent meeting involving the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), the Local Organising Committee and the Regional Directors in Guyana.

“The meeting reiterated the call made by CARICOM Sports Ministers to support the Games and the commitment made by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to host the Inaugural Games, which will feature athletes competing in the disciplines of boxing, netball, volleyball, swimming and track and field during the period 13 – 19 July 2009,” according to a communiqué.

The meeting Chairman, Mr. Erskine King of Barbados, asked that CARICOM be represented on the Local Organizing Committee to ensure that regional concerns are addressed and make certain that CARICOM members are constantly apprised of developments related to the Games.

“This would also help to mitigate the costs of hosting the Games by identifying in-kind contributions that National Olympic Committees might be able to make. The Directors urged the organisers to build on the expertise and technical capacity honed in the region, which has recently hosted the Cricket World Cup and the FIFA Under-19 Football World Cup,” it said.

The delegation agreed to take on board the recommendations of the CARICOM Sport Directors and stated its desire to present an overview of the Games to CARICOM Heads of Government at their next Summit or Inter-Sessional Meeting.

The meeting noted that while CANOC was organising the Games, their success would depend on the active support of CARICOM Governments, through their respective National Olympic Committees’ ensuring their teams’ and star athletes’ participation.

“Even more significant however, is the transcendental aim of the Games to inculcate a culture of healthy life styles, consistent with the outcomes of the recent Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases and the role of physical activity in promoting wellness,” statement said.

Coach is happy with Shalrie's contract extension

FOXBOROUGH, USA, Oct 22 – The New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol has welcomed the contract extension signed by Grenadian international Shalrie Joseph.

Joseph and defender Jay Heaps signed contracts extensions with the Revs last week. Both players have been with the team for more than four seasons.

"I am delighted Shalrie is staying with us, to be honest," Nicol said. "Had he gone, it would have been a huge hole to fill. He's a guy any coach in the league would want and he is playing in a place on the park where he can make the biggest impact. The biggest thing about him is that any coach in the league would want him on their team."

Nicol has been impressed by Joseph's ability to focus while being wooed by a rich foreign club.

Joseph at one stage was considering a $1 million-plus offer from Scottish side Celtic. But the contract renewal with the Revs is believed to be worth $1.5 million over four years.

"He had a chance to move and didn't, and the fact is, on the field, it never, ever affected him," Nicol said. "I've been around a long time and I don't remember seeing a player who had gone through having a chance to go, then not move on, and going through all the other stuff - but on Saturday he has given it all to the team and his teammates. He wants to stay and win a championship. And that helps when you try bringing players onto your team.

"Every game he's in, it's professional pride. He wants the team to win. If we have 11 players who hate losing as much as he does, we have a chance."

The Grenadian international said the Revolution's three-game winless streak (0-2-1) to close the regular season will not negatively affect the team in the playoffs. "We just have to put this behind us and get ready for the playoffs," Joseph said. "This was like a playoff atmosphere and we know it's going to be crazy in New York. We learned a lot in the last three games. We are going to have a great week in practice and get ready for New York."

The Revolution tied 2-2 away to Toronto FC on Saturday and starts their Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday when they visit the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.

Francique plans to retire after title defence

by Michael Bascombe

TEXAS, USA, Oct 22 – Double world indoor 400 metres champion Grenadian Alleyne Francique said he plans to retire after next year’s track and field season.

Francique said that he is now concentrating on preparing to defend his world title and possibly an attempt at the Olympic Games in Beijing in the summer of 2008.

However, he has not ruled out retirement after next year’s Olympic Games.

“This is where I am leaning towards,” he said. “I am leaning towards retirement because I don’t have anything to prove anymore. I have everything I want for me and my country.

I will see how the 2008 season goes I might go on to 2009 but I am looking at 2008 for retirement,” Francique told the Caribbean Media Corporation on Sunday.

Francique, who this year failed to qualify for the final of the 400 metres at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, said he has put a disappointing season behind him.

“I will be starting my preparations for the indoor season on November 5 and hopefully everything will be back on track,” Francique said.

“My main goal next season is to defend my world indoor title and try to make history by winning three times in a row, and after that try to make it to the Olympics.”

“I have to sit down with my coach and come up with a good training schedule because I want to prepare for both indoors and Olympics,” he said.

Francique, 31, won his first international title at the World Indoor Championships in Budapest, Hungary in 2004 and repeated the success in Moscow, Russia in 2006. In March the same year he won a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Shalrie Joseph signs contract extension with Revolution (Sports)

FOXBOROUGH, USA, Oct 20 – Grenadian international midfielder Shalrie Joseph has signed a contract extension with Major League Soccer (MLS) to continue playing for the New England Revolution.

The contract, which was penned late last week, could see both Joseph and defender Jay Heaps at the Boston-based team for at least four more seasons.

Despite not disclosing the terms of the deal, Joseph is believed to have signed a four-year contract worth about $1.5 million.

This may have brought to an end speculation that the Grenadian is planning to depart New England after negotiations broke down this summer and a lucrative offer from Scottish premier league side, Celtic FC.

Celtic FC attempted to acquire Joseph after playing to a 1-1 tie with the Revolution in an exhibition at Gillette Stadium last July. The Glasgow club offered $1 million in August, raised the bid to $1.5 million in January, and then made a final $2 million advance just before the transfer deadline.

“We’re very pleased to have both Shalrie and Jay with us for the long term,” Revolution Director of Soccer Michael Burns said. “Both players have been key components of our recent success, and carry that on the field, in the locker room and in the community. We’re looking forward to more success with them in the future.”

Joseph, 29, has been a starting defensive midfielder for the Revs since 2003 and multiple MLS MVP candidate, scoring 15 goals and 16 assists.

The Revolution concluded the 2007 regular season on Saturday with a 2-2 draw away to Toronto FC.

Joseph and the Revolution open the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday when they take on the New York Red Bulls in Game One of the teams’ Eastern Conference Semifinal Series at the Giants Stadium in New Jersey.

IMF gives debt warning

by Michael Bascombe

WASHINGTON, Oct 18 – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday warned that debt remains at very high levels within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) despite recent restructuring agreements.

In a report following a staff mission to Antigua and Barbuda, the IMF said that the debt situation could affect countries’ ability to deal with a number of social problems including poverty reduction.

"Restructuring agreements reached with creditors by Dominica and Grenada have assisted in stabilizing regional debt. Despite these efforts, debt remains at very high levels and large debt servicing burdens in the region hinder greater expenditure on poverty reduction and social programs,” the IMF report stated.

It said that the forecast is for a soft landing of the ECCU economy in 2007, but risks are tilted to the downside.

“While private construction is showing continuing strength, growth is decelerating in the region, reflecting disappointing tourism arrivals, hurricane-damaged agricultural production, and ongoing problems with tourist airlift. Difficulties in U.S. asset markets and global growth could also weaken the outlook in the tourism and construction sectors.

The IMF said that sustaining rapid growth through reforms to improve the investment climate, including greater labor market flexibility, financial market development, and continuing regional integration will be key to maintaining and further improving living standards in the region.

The team, headed by Paul Cashin, will be visiting the six IMF-member countries of the ECCU - Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—and key regional institutions, including the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The IMF said that more economic reforms are needed within the ECCU to achieve fiscal targets.

“Strengthening the currency union will require establishing and meeting annual fiscal targets that can credibly achieve the ECCB's public debt to GDP target of 60 percent by 2020.

Although important reforms to place fiscal balances on a firmer footing are underway in many countries—including through the introduction of value added taxes—improved fiscal positions will require an overhaul of government expenditures, focused on enhancing efficiency of capital spending and civil service reform,” the report stated.

The IMF said that economic activity in the ECCU region was buoyant in 2006, with real GDP growth reaching over 6 percent, the highest in more than 15 years.

Activity was driven by construction spending for the 2007 Cricket World Cup (CWC), and a significant expansion in tourism capacity. While inflationary pressures have emerged due to the strong economic activity and higher world oil prices, inflation has remained in the low single digits, anchored by the regional monetary arrangement at the ECCB. Despite higher revenues, fiscal positions deteriorated in 2006 largely due to CWC-related capital spending, and the regional debt ratio remained above 105 percent of GDP.

It noted that financial sector reforms are proceeding—ECCU member governments have passed the uniform Banking Act and the ECCB has implemented several new prudential guidelines.

However, recent rapid expansion in private sector credit could end up in higher non-performing loans if tourism growth does not keep up with expectations or real estate prices decline.

“There is a need to strengthen the enforcement of the revised regulatory framework for banks, as well as supervision of the nonbank financial sector,” the IMF stated.

"It is in this context that the mission is discussing policy options with national and regional authorities. Macroeconomic outcomes in Antigua and Barbuda have strengthened significantly in recent years, with growth reaching over 12 percent in 2006. Important tax reforms have been implemented—notably the introduction of the ABST in January 2007—and efforts are ongoing to control expenditures”.

The IMF team met with Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, Finance Minister Dr. Erol Cort and other government officials during their visit last week.

Response: Letter Regarding Throne Speech

October 15, 2007

Firstly, let me point out that the observations were not an attack on the Governor General or his Office, since it is fully understood that the address he gives is what is presented to him by the Government of Grenada, and any misleading statements is clearly understood to be that of the government rather than His Excellency.

The statement suggests that the Prime Minister made his presentation before those world leaders named in the address, when as can be factually proven those leaders were not present when he made the statement. The fact that the Prime Minister subsequently attended a dinner with those leaders, where he did not make the speech as indicated.

Barry has tried skillfully to confuse the issue for those not paying attention to detail.

My comments were made as a commentator and a writer and not as president of MWAG. That was an opinion piece that I have a right to, that does not reflect the views of MWAG and Mr Collymore is just being consistent by finding reason to attack MWAG at any and every opportunity.

This clearly was an attack on MWAG that was unwarranted. He could have fairly commented on my observation without trying to bring MWAG into disrepute.

http://www.un.org/webcast/climatechange/highlevel/index.asp?go=e070924

http://www.grenadabroadcast.com/content/view/1352/45/ Regards Michael Bascombe cc: Media Workers

Open Letter to ACM, MWAG and Journalists of Grenada

(Formatted for space)

Dated October 15, 2007

Fellow Colleagues,

I feel compelled to write to you after reading an email which I received from Media Workers Association of Grenada President Michael Bascombe, over the weekend. In an email dated October 13th which was circulated to the press, Mr. Michael Bascombe accused the Governor General and the Grenada Government of misleading the public with false information in the 2007-2008 Throne Speech. Bascombe claimed that the 2007-2008 Throne Speech was inaccurate on the basis that Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell did not present a paper on climate change to top world leaders including United States President George Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Nicolas Sarkozy of France.

This accusation by Mr. Bascombe is NOT TRUE. The facts are that Prime Minister Mitchell was among two Caribbean leaders who attended a special dinner hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon at the United Nations on the night of September 24th 2007. Prime Minister Mitchell did present to these world leaders on Climate Change and the presentation was well received as was stated in the Throne Speech.

The letter by Mr. Bascombe represents not only an attack on the Government but perhaps more seriously, an attack on the Office of the Governor General. It also represents and typifies the type of journalism being practiced by some so called journalists in Grenada.

This is not the first time that MWAG executive members have attacked the Government without basis. MWAG in the past issued a release condemning the Prime Minister over an encounter with a GBN journalist. MWAG also wrote a letter accusing Government of colluding with the police to stifle the media. In both of these incidents, MWAG followed a similar pattern and reacted without getting the viewpoint of the different interested parties. This kind of action is not only biased but goes against the founding principles of journalism which are based on fairness and truth.

I therefore call on MWAG to be more responsible in their actions. I also call on MWAG to continue to be vigilant and to ensure that erroneous statements are not disseminated to the public. Recently, we in Grenada heard unfounded claims of a tuberculosis outbreak in the prison; and that a certain developer was borrowing money from the NIS. MWAG has been noticeably silent on these and many other misleading statements which have been made by persons outside of Government.

As a trained journalists myself who has worked in the regional and international journalism environment, I call on MWAG to focus more on the important issues facing journalists. Some of these issues include training, working conditions, salary levels, access to information, access to better equipment and technology and the impact of the CSME on the profession. I also believe that MWAG could focus more on promoting greater access to the media to groups that have traditionally been underexposed. These groups include members of our rural community including farmers, artists and performers, the youth, and senior citizens.

In conclusion, I call on Mr. Bascombe to be more personally responsible and on the Media Workers Association to investigate this matter given the serious nature of the statements made. I further believe that an apology to the Governor General is the appropriate course of action in this case.

Yours Sincerely

Barry Collymore

Press Secretary