Minister reiterates Grenada an “extremely safe’’ tourist destination

ST GEORGE’S, December 31, 2011 – Tourism Minister Peter David has said that Grenada remains an “extremely safe destination’’ for visitors, adding that government intends to keep it that way.

He made the comment in response to questions about the potential impact on tourism of the death of Oscar Bartholomew.

The 39-year-old Grenadian, who resided in Canada and was visiting his homeland with his Canadian-born wife, died at the General Hospital where he was taken following an altercation with officers at the St. David’s Police Station.

Officers of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force, who are conducting a probe into the Boxing Day incident in St. David, have so far charged two policemen with manslaughter in connection with Bartholomew’s death. “This is a tragedy on all counts, especially for the Bartholomew family,’’ said Mr. David, who is also Minister of Civil Aviation and Culture. “Like all Grenadians, including all my colleagues in government, we would have preferred this not to have happened to anyone, particularly to a national who was visiting with his wife,’’ the minister added. “But from the perspective of visitor safety, and in comparison to other tourist-dependent nations of the world, Grenada still is – and will continue to be – an extremely safe destination for travelers from around the world.’’ The Bartholomews’ legal representative in Grenada is lawyer Derick Sylvester. He said Bartholomew’s mother and his wife, Dolette, had expressed interest in meeting with government representatives. The lawyer said he was successful on Friday in setting up a meeting with Minister David, who talked with Bartholomew’s mother and wife. Mr. David conveyed his sympathies to the couple and their families, and again extended government’s condolences that were first expressed earlier in the week by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas. For Sylvester, having the Minister David meet with the two grieving Bartholomew family members was “a step in the right direction.’’

Lew Smith and three others receive Queen’s honours

ST GEORGE’S, December 31, 2011 – One of Grenada’s most distinguished broadcast journalists has been recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for outstanding service in his profession.

Lew Smith is one of four Grenadians named on the Queen’s New Year Honours List. He has been named a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for more than 35 years of service to broadcast journalism in Grenada and the Caribbean.

Born Llewellyn George Smith, the longtime resident of the Green Street and Carenage community was once the leading voice of news and music at the former Radio Grenada in Morne Rouge, St. George’s.

He has also been a popular Master of Ceremony; travelled extensively as a reporter with former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop; and was a mentor and trainer of many Grenadian broadcasters and journalists such as Ray Roberts, Lincoln Toro Depradine and Harold Pysadee.

Smith, who still can be heard and seen on the Grenada Broadcasting Network, is also a former new director and news anchor at the now defunct Radio Antilles that was based in Montserrat.

Smith said he is delighted to be included in the Queen’s New Year Honours list. “I am humbled to be by this honour.”

Other Honourees on Queen’s New Year Honours List include Lennon Mapson, who is popularly known as the “Cane Juice Man.’’ He has been awarded the MBE for service to agriculture.

Another Grenadian recognized by Her Majesty for service in the field of agriculture is Bertrand John, while Raymond Noel has been named an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contribution to the public service.

Meanwhile, the Carenage Organisation for Recreation and Entertainment (CORE) on Saturday issued a statement, congratulating Smith on his MBE award.

The statement noted that it is the second award received in 2011 by Smith. He was recognized by the Grenada Steelbands’ Association for his contribution in highlighting and promoting steelpan music.

“Lew is highly deserving of these awards. He has served well in various capacities in almost four decades of work at home and abroad, and we applaud and congratulate Lew,’’ the CORE statement said.

NEW YEAR HONOURS 2012

Grenada

Order of the British Empire

OBE

Raymond NOEL

For public service

MBE

Llewellyn George SMITH

For services to broadcasting

Lennon MAPSON

For services to Agribusiness

British Empire Medal

Bertrand JOHN

For services to Agriculture

Grenada detains 3 more officers

Oscar Bartholomew/TheStar

Liam Casey and Noor Javed

Staff Reporters – The Star

Three more police officers have been detained in the death of a Toronto man in Grenada after a witness described seeing Oscar Bartholomew bound and beaten.

The witness told police Friday that five Grenadian police officers swarmed Bartholomew after an incident with a female police officer, brought him into a jail cell, tied his hands and feet and beat him.

Two officers were previously detained in Bartholomew’s death. The three additional officers were detained on Friday after the witness came forward, according to the family’s lawyer Derick Sylvester.

Bartholomew, 39, died in hospital Tuesday as a result of massive head injuries. His family has since demanded an independent autopsy and investigation into Bartholomew’s death.

They will get their wish on one count as their lawyer is bringing in Dr. Hubert Daisley, who is scheduled to arrive from Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday morning, to perform an autopsy on Bartholomew.

Pathologist Nicholas Redhead, in his post mortem for the police, determined Bartholomew died due to brain trauma, a brain hemorrhage and intra-cranial bleeding.

“His examination wasn’t thorough enough,” Sylvester said.

It’s doubtful that the family will be granted their second wish for an independent investigation. Grenadian Prime Minister Tillman Thomas called for an investigation into Bartholomew’s death after hearing about reports of police brutality, but said he is satisfied with the Royal Grenada Police Force’s pledge for an unbiased investigation of its own officers.

Bartholomew, a native of Grenada who has lived in Canada for the past 10 years, left for the small Caribbean island last week to visit family over Christmas.

On Monday, Bartholomew was with his wife when they stopped outside St. David’s police station. According to family and friends, Bartholomew snuck behind a woman and gave her a bear hug.

Bartholomew mistook the woman, a police officer who may or may not have been in uniform, for an old friend.

Sylvester is adamant the investigation will be biased and wants Canada’s help to ensure a proper investigation is conducted.

SOURCE: Toronto Star

3 more Grenada cops detained in Toronto man's death

File Photo/Oscar Bartholomew

TORONTO, December 30, 2011 - Three more Grenada police officers have been detained in connection with the alleged beating death of a Toronto man, his family's lawyer says.

The lawyer, Derick Sylvester, said an eyewitness came forward Friday to tell police that Oscar Bartholomew was bound and beaten by five officers.

Sylvester told CBC News from Grenada that he called police to confirm that five officers in total are being detained and questioned.

The five officers include the two who had been detained Thursday.

Sylvester said it was the eyewitness's statement that led to the additional three officers being detained.

The lawyer also said a second autopsy will be performed on Bartholomew early Saturday, with results possibly being released on Tuesday. The family had called for a second, independent post-mortem examination.

SOURCE: CBC

Ring in the New Year in glorious Grenada

Image via grenadagrenadines.com

Dec 29, 2011

Do you have any family or friends who are longing to visit the Caribbean? Perhaps you would like to take a trip yourself. Whichever it is, the year 2012 brings with it a host of options in air travel for persons to visit Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Most recently launched is the twice-weekly nonstop service from Canada to Grenada via Caribbean Airlines. The flight begins in Trinidad, connecting to Grenada and continuing on to Toronto every Thursday and Sunday. The airfare includes 2 checked bags at 50 lbs. each, inflight entertainment, and complimentary meals and snacks.

If you’re in New York, Caribbean Airlines also provides a twice-weekly nonstop service from New York to Grenada on Wednesdays and Saturdays via JFK’s International Airport. If you’re coming from Miami or Orlando, there is no need to worry. Caribbean Airlines provides flights from the Miami International Airport and the Orlando International Airport.

If you’ve already planned a trip to another Caribbean island, then why not enhance your vacation by adding Grenada to your itinerary? Caribbean Airlines makes connections to Grenada from many other neighboring islands. What better way to enjoy the New Year than to hop onboard a flight to the Caribbean and indulge in the warmth and authenticity of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

Feel free to visit the website at www.caribbean-airlines.com or the closest ticket office. You can also contact your travel agent today.

Source: grenadagrenadines.com

Grenada serenades holiday travelers with steel band Christmas songs

Image via grenadagrenadines.com

Dec 29, 2011

When I first mentioned my decision to visit the islands of Grenada for Christmas, everyone was rather surprised. They made comments like "there would be no snow," or "where will you find a mistletoe?" I listened to all of their remarks, but I was determined to experience Christmas in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, so I booked my flight.

From the moment I arrived at the airport, I knew my decision was the right one. All of the passengers were greeted with the sweet sound of a steel band music playing Christmas songs. In addition, slices of delicious fruit cake and a choice of sorrel drink or spicy rum punch were served. Since it was somewhat early in the day, I chose the sorrel, and what a surprise I got. It was like cranberry without the bitterness, an absolute taste of heaven.

After this, I got really excited to see what Christmas on the islands was really all about. My Grenadian friend decided that we should go to Carriacou to experience the Parang Festival. The performers used mainly stringed instruments and expressed lyrics that made the crowd roar with laughter. The topics were based on past and current events happening on the island. It was quite an experience.

As Christmas drew nearer, we went serenading through the villages. We sang Christmas carols and local Christmas hymns. Everyone loved it and graced us with hot cocoa tea, salted ham, and what everyone referred to as "bully bakes."

So although there was no mistletoe and no snowman, I got a taste of that heavenly sorrel drink, fruit cake, salted ham, bully bakes, parang music, and local serenading. I wouldn’t have traded that experience for the world. Island people really do know how to have a great time.

Source: grenadagrenadines.com

Immigration Judge denies Grenadian's petition for review

ALEXANDER v. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF U.S.

LAWSON SEAN ALEXANDER, Petitioner,

v.

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES.

No. 11-2936.

United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit.

Submitted Pursuant to Third Circuit LAR 34.1(a) December 23, 2011.

Opinion filed: December 28, 2011.

Before: SLOVITER, SMITH AND GREENBERG, Circuit Judges.

NOT PRECEDENTIAL

OPINION

PER CURIAM.

Lawson Sean Alexander challenges the Board of Immigration Appeals's ("BIA") conclusion that he is ineligible for cancellation of removal because he has been convicted of an aggravated felony. For the following reasons, we will deny his petition for review.

I.

Alexander, a citizen of Grenada, was admitted to the United States in 1996, and granted lawful permanent resident status in 2000. In 2009, the government initiated removal proceedings against him based on a 2008 Pennsylvania conviction for delivering a controlled substance, marijuana, in violation of 35 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 780-113(a)(30). Alexander was charged with being removable on the basis that the crime of conviction is both an aggravated felony, see 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(iii), and a controlled substance violation, see § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i). He conceded the latter charge but denied that he was removable as an aggravated felon. After a hearing, the Immigration Judge ("IJ") concluded that the 2008 conviction constituted an aggravated felony based on allegations in the probable cause affidavit, which reflected that Alexander sold a pound of marijuana to an undercover officer for $900. Accordingly, the IJ found him ineligible for cancellation of removal and ordered him removed to Grenada.

The BIA concluded that the IJ appropriately considered the affidavit of probable cause because it was incorporated into the plea agreement, and agreed that the 2008 conviction constituted an aggravated felony rendering Alexander ineligible for cancellation of removal.¹ Alexander filed a timely petition for review.

ALEXANDER v. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF U.S.
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit.
Submitted Pursuant to Third Circuit LAR 34.1(a) December 23, 2011.

II.

The only issue raised by Alexander's petition is whether the BIA erred in concluding that his 2008 conviction constitutes an aggravated felony. We have jurisdiction to address that matter, as it presents a question of law.² See 8 U.S.C. § 1252(a)(2)(D); Jarbough v. Att'y Gen., 483 F.3d 184, 189 (3d Cir. 2007) (whether a conviction constitutes an aggravated felony raises a "purely legal question" falling within this Court's limited jurisdiction).

Under the "illicit trafficking" approach, a state conviction constitutes an aggravated felony if the crime is a felony under state law and includes a "trafficking" element. Jeune v. Att'y Gen., 476 F.3d 199, 201 (3d Cir. 2007). An offense of conviction includes a trafficking element if it "involve[d] the unlawful trading or dealing of a controlled substance." Garcia v. Att'y Gen., 462 F.3d 287, 293 (3d Cir. 2006) (quotations omitted). In other words, the offense must have involved the marketing of drugs. See Steele v. Blackman, 236 F.3d 130, 135 (3d Cir. 2001). As convictions under 35 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 780-113(a)(30) do not invariably qualify as aggravated felonies, the Court must resort to the modified categorical approach, which looks to the facts necessarily admitted to determine whether a given conviction qualifies as an aggravated felony. See Garcia, 462 F.3d at 293. In the guilty plea context, application of the modified categorical approach permits consideration of the "statutory definition, charging document, written plea agreement, transcript of the plea colloquy, and any explicit factual finding by the trial judge to which the defendant assented." Evanson v. Att'y Gen., 550 F.3d 284, 291 (3d Cir. 2008) (quotations omitted).

Here, the record of conviction before the IJ consisted of (1) the criminal complaint, which incorporated the affidavit of probable cause; (2) the criminal information; (3) the plea agreement signed by Alexander; (4) a document indicating when Alexander was arraigned and re-arraigned; and (5) an order imposing Alexander's sentence. Alexander's plea agreement establishes that he pled guilty to "deliver[ing] a Schedule I controlled substance, to wit: MARIJUANA" in violation of 35 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 780-113(a)(30), a felony under state law, as charged in count one of the information. (R. 129.) Alexander is correct that the criminal complaint and attached affidavit of probable cause normally would not be appropriate sources to consider under the modified categorical approach because they were superseded by the information. See Evanson, 550 F.3d at 293 n.7. However, his signed plea agreement explicitly incorporated the allegations of the affidavit of probable cause — i.e., that he sold a pound of marijuana to an undercover officer for $900 — as the factual basis for his plea.³ Accordingly, it was appropriate for the BIA to consider the affidavit of probable cause because Alexander admitted the factual allegations therein.⁴ See Shepard v. United States, 544 U.S. 13, 26 (2005) (in determining whether an element in question is necessarily admitted by a guilty plea, a court may consider "the terms of a plea agreement or transcript of colloquy between judge and defendant in which the factual basis for the plea was confirmed by the defendant"); Thomas v. Att'y Gen., 625 F.3d 134, 145-47 (3d Cir. 2010) (indicating that an officer's allegations may be considered if "[t]he factual basis for [the] plea . . . [was] placed on the record by incorporating the written statement of the police officer"). Based on those facts, Alexander's 2008 conviction constitutes an aggravated felony because it contains a trafficking element.

For the foregoing reasons, we will deny Alexander's petition for review.

Footnotes

---

1. The BIA also rejected Alexander's request for a remand so that he could locate and present additional portions of his record of conviction. Alexander does not challenge that ruling.

---

2. The government initially moved to dismiss Alexander's petition for lack of jurisdiction, but now recognizes that we retain jurisdiction to address the aggravated felony issue. Accordingly, we will deny the government's motion.

---

3. Alexander argues that the BIA erred in relying on the plea agreement's reference to the affidavit of probable cause because the statement was hand-written instead of typed. Yet he acknowledged before the IJ that the plea agreement, which bears his signature, was part of his record of conviction. (R. 87.) Furthermore, there is simply no evidence that the document was altered. Nor is there any basis for Alexander's apparent belief that the affidavit of probable cause was fabricated.

---

4. Alexander's testimony before the IJ is not a source of information that may be considered under the modified categorical approach. See Catwell v. Att'y Gen., 623 F.3d 199, 210 (3d Cir. 2010). Furthermore, we may not consider the transcript of the sentencing hearing that Alexander attached to his brief. See 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b)(4)(A).

IAAF 2011 End Of Year Reviews

File Photo/Kirani James

MONTE CARLO, December 29, 2011 – Statisticians Lennart Julin of Sweden and Mirko Jalava of Finland conclude their 2011 annual review with a look back at this past season’s action in the Sprints (400m).

400m

This is an event that “always” has been a definite US property. Both statistically and in the championships it has been something of a rather evenly matched dual between the US and “all the rest of the world”. In an average modern year list the US has occupied half of the top-10 positions including the coveted No. 1 position and in the global championships they often have taken two of the three places on the podium.

But recently this balance seems to have started to swing in favour of “the rest of the world”. In the last two World championship years (2009 and 2011) the US only had two names in the top-10. The “world is catching up” feeling was especially strong in Daegu where the US entered four runners (reigning World champion LaShawn Merritt plus three) but only Merritt managed to reach the final!

Which if one goes a little deeper in the analysis wasn’t really that surprising. Because it turns out that the US “production line” of new 400m stars appears to have slowed down considerably in recent years. At first this didn’t show as they had people like Jeremy Wariner and LaShawn Merritt still dominating at the very top. But with Wariner more and more troubled by niggling injuries they were very lucky to have Merritt back from suspension at the very last moment – otherwise there would not have been any US runner at all in the Daegu final!

But of course the new situation in the 400m is not only due to US regress but also to “the rest of the world” raising their game. This has happened in two areas especially, the Caribbean and Europe, while Africa is still very much a “sleeping giant” in this event just like in the 100m. The talent pool is there – as proven by former stars like Innocent Egbunike (Nigeria), Gabriel Tiacoh (Ivory Coast), Gary Kikaya (Congo), Samson Kitur (Kenya) and Davis Kamoga (Uganda) – but in Daegu they had no finalist and only two (out of 24) in the semifinals.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Central America area which provided no less than 50 % (i.e. 12 of 24) of the Daegu semifinalists: Three from Bahamas, two each from Grenada and Jamaica and one each from Trinidad, Cuba, Dominica, Virgin Islands and Costa Rica! The most amazing story of all is that of Grenada who with a population of less than 100,000 brought two runners all the way into the final.

And not only that: Grenada struck gold as Kirani James – two days before turning 19 – after a strong finish drive managed to pass reigning champion Merritt just in time before the finish line: 44.60 vs 44.63. James confirmed his world No. 1 position a week later at the Samsung Diamond League finals when he defeated Merritt once again and more clearly: 44.36 vs 44.67.

James has been regarded by many as the future of the event – even been called a Bolt of the 400m – ever since taking the World Youth silver with 46.96 in 2007 not yet turned 15. That contention grew stronger as he every year added another global medal: World Junior silver 2008, World Youth gold 2009 and World Junior gold 2010. Now he has the World senior gold also and is thus only missing the Olympic gold to have a complete collection. But to also achieve that James will need to improve further into the very low 44s or even high 43s.

2011 was a fairly weak year statistically with Merritt’s 44.35 from the Daegu heats (!!) being the slowest World leader since 2002 (and the second slowest since 1985). Olympic years always mean a noticeable raise in standards, especially in the US. And remember that Wariner and Merritt are still only 28 and 26 respectively next year! As for candidates to support/supplant those two in an immediate revival of the great US tradition in this event no one is standing out at the moment. Tony McQuay, the US champion in 2011 e.g. has yet to prove himself on the world stage after being eliminated in the heats in his international debut in Daegu.

As for Europe the record levels of 2010 (six at 44.71 to 45.01) were not matched at all this year (only two sub-45.25). But those two – the Borlée twins Jonathan and Kevin – competed successfully on the global stage. In the Samsung Diamond League Jonathan was second and sixth in Paris and Stockholm respectively while Kevin was third, sixth and fifth in Eugene, New York and London. In Daegu Kevin got the bronze, two places and 0.17 seconds ahead of Jonathan. The question that remains to be answered is whether they are capable of also the further improvement into the low 44’s which almost certainly will be necessary to become part of the medal fight in the London Olympics.

Family alleges police brutality in Grenada death

Oscar Bartholomew is seen in this undated photo.
(Courtesy: Bartholomew family)

CTVNews.ca Staff

A Canadian resident has died in the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada, as a result of what the victim's family alleges was police brutality.

The prime minister of Grenada has ordered an investigation into the death of Oscar Bartholomew, a 39-year-old permanent resident of Canada. He died on Tuesday.

Richard Simon, press secretary for Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, said Thomas is seeking more information about the circumstances surrounding Bartholomew's death.

Dunbar Belfon, superintendent of the Royal Grenada Police Force, says Bartholomew's death is an "unfortunate incident." He said police will be thoroughly investigating.

"The force has a very good track record of being very impartial in terms of conducting similar investigations," Belfon said. "We have been very forthright in determining whatever investigation that needs to be conducted, even though it is done against members of the same institution."

Media reports out of Grenada say that local police took Bartholomew into custody after he approached and hugged a female officer who he mistook for a friend.

Oscar Bartholomew is seen in this undated photo.
(Courtesy: Bartholomew family)

Belfon says the officer was in uniform and Bartholomew was taken into custody after assaulting her.

Bartholomew's aunt Josephine de Souza said that Bartholomew, along with his wife and his cousin, had stopped at the St. David's police station on Monday afternoon for his wife to use the bathroom.

The reports say Bartholomew was beaten while at the police station and died shortly thereafter.

Bartholomew's mother Phyllis Tate said that his wife saw the police take Bartholomew into the station.

"When he was calling for her they shut the door in her face and she heard when all the lashes were falling on him. She did not see him again until the ambulance came and took him to the hospital, lifeless," Tate told CTV News Channel on Wednesday.

"It's very hurtful to know that he didn't do anything and they just take away his life from him."

His cousin Shem Pierre accused police of leaving Bartholomew bleeding in his cell for at least three hours before calling an ambulance at the insistence of his wife.

According to doctors, Bartholomew died of a burst blood vessel in his brain.

Canada's Foreign Affairs Department released a statement Wednesday, saying it is "aware of reports of the death of a permanent resident of Canada in Grenada. Our thoughts and condolences are with those affected by this tragedy."

A spokesperson for Canada's High Commission has said it will release a statement about the case.

Attorney Derrick Sylvester, who is representing the family, said that the preliminary results of a government-ordered autopsy were expected late Wednesday.

With files from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press

Grenada's Prime Minister promises full investigation into alleged police beating

ST. GEORGE’S, December 28, 2011 - Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has expressed sympathy with the relatives and friends of Oscar Bartholomew, who died as a result of an incident in St. David on Boxing Day.

The Prime Minister, who is also Grenada’s Minister of Legal Affairs, visited with family members of the deceased on Wednesday and expressed sorrow at the incident.

The Grenadian leader was accompanied by the Member of Parliament for St. David, Denis Michael Lett and Minister with responsibility for Information, Information Communications Technology (ICT) and Mobilisation, in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Glen Noel.

Prime Minister Thomas promised his full support to ensuring the determination of the facts of the incident and has asked the Attorney General’s Chambers to help with the investigation.

The Prime Minister this morning emphasized the need for a “full and unimpeded” investigation into the incident. The following is the full text of the statement.

“As Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, I sympathize with the family and friends of Oscar Bartholomew, the victim of a tragedy in St. David on Boxing Day.

I have been informed by Police Commissioner Willan Thompson that an investigation is underway to determine the facts.

I have asked the Commissioner for a full report, once the investigation is completed. I will give all the necessary support and make the resources available, to ensure a full and transparent process.

I have directed the respective government departments and agencies, including the Attorney General’s Chambers, to provide the support necessary for the full and unimpeded investigation of this occurrence.”

SOURCE: Office of the Prime Minister

MP Lett expresses sympathy, shares concern

ST GEORGE'S, December 28, 2011 – Member of Parliament for St. David, Hon. Denis Lett, has expressed “deepest sympathy’’ to the family and friends of a man who died at the General Hospital following an altercation with officers attached to the St. David’s Police Station.

The victim has been identified as Oscar Bartholomew, who was visiting from Toronto, Canada.

“My deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Mr. Bartholomew,’’ said MP Lett, who is also Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. “Many persons from St. David and other parts of Grenada have also contacted me expressing concern at the incident and I’ve told them that I, too, share their concern.’’

Mr. Lett, who along with Prime Minister Tillman Thomas visited Bartholomew’s family on Wednesday, said that every effort should be made to ascertain the facts of the matters as quickly as possible, before rumours and speculation take root.

“I know the police will conduct their own internal investigation,’’ MP Lett said. “But they may also wish to consider setting up a broader commission of enquiry that includes a retired judge to speed up the investigation and uncover all the facts surrounding the incident.’’

Investigation into the death of Oscar Bartholomew

ST GEORGE'S, December 28, 2011 - The ROYAL GRENADA POLICE FORCE (RGPF) is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and subsequent death of Oscar BARTHOLOMEW, a 39 years old carpenter of Canada, who resided at La Tante St. David.

The investigation is being conducted in conjunction with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
The RGPF wishes to assure the public and the family of the deceased that the investigation will be conducted with alacrity, objectivity and an uncompromising desire to elicit the truth.
The RGPF has had a good record of being impartial in the conduct of similar matters, and have been inclusive, thorough and forthright in its determinations in spite of the fact that the allegations are against members of this institution.

The RGPF is resolved to allowing the evidence to determine eventual courses of action that will be appropriate to the circumstances.

This matter will be treated with the same level of professionalism that matters of this nature are routinely executed; no exceptions will be made regarding the conduct of this investigation. The RGPF understands the anxieties and concerns of the family of the deceased and the public and urges patience as the investigations progress.

Meanwhile, senior officers of the Royal Grenada Police Force have officially visited the relatives and next of kin of the deceased Oscar BARTHOLOMEW to officially inform them of this unfortunate incident and to extend deepest condolences on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

Source:        Office of the Commissioner of Police

Pentagon project an honour for Grenadian

Photo/Dayna Smith: Sean Penney supervises a team 
laying slate on the roof of the Pentagon 

by Jessica Wehrman

The Columbus Dispatch

December 27, 2011

WASHINGTON — Delaware, Ohio, resident Sean Penney immigrated to America from Grenada in 1998, but in many ways, his is a uniquely American experience.

He lived through 9/11 in New York City.

He helped rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

And now he is immersed in a third experience, one he hopes to tell his grandchildren about: He and a construction team he supervises are laying slate on the roof of the Pentagon, which he views as “the most-important building in the world.”

“I look at my life, and I tell my wife, I never even saw myself being in this country and doing what I’m doing now,” he said. “I tell her, ‘If I die now, I die happy.’  ”

Penney, 35, who owns Penney Construction, a company that specializes in historical materials such as slate and copper, was first asked to work at the Pentagon in June, when a friend from whom he buys used slate referred him to Defense Department officials.

At the time, crews already were working on a post-9/11 construction project aimed at modernizing the Pentagon to help defend it against a future attack or other disaster. The construction workers quickly realized they would need a slate specialist for the roofs.

Enter Penney.

At first, he put them off: He had plenty of work in Ohio, and he didn’t want to disappoint the customer base he’d been building since starting his construction firm three years ago.

But the lure of working on the world’s largest office building lingered. Three months ago, he said yes.

“It’s the Pentagon,” he said. “It was an honor for me to work here.”

Now, he spends a few weeks at a time in the Washington, D.C., area, coming home on weekend trips to his wife and three children, who range in age from 3 to 12.

By now, he said, working with slate is easy. But the rigors of the Pentagon job present a challenge he enjoys.

“Everything is well done, and you have to know exactly what you’re doing,” he said. “Everything about this job is textbook. ... So, you have to be on top of everything you do here.”

When Penney arrived from the West Indies in 1998, construction was hardly a vocation.

Instead, he came to help an uncle who had fallen on rough times. But while working for his uncle’s construction firm, he met and fell in love with the woman who became his wife, Sarah. With her at his side, he became an American, adopting the country as his own.

He also adopted a profession. He’d taken architecture classes in Grenada, but as he continued in construction work in New York, a job became a career.

He was in construction and living in Brooklyn when the Twin Towers were attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. He remembers the dust that would fall on him, way over in Brooklyn — debris from the towers.

“You never imagine anything like that could ever happen,” he said. “And then it did.”

In 2004, he and Sarah moved to Ohio to be near her family. He continued his career in construction, and three years ago, he started his business.

The specialized nature of what he does has helped him see the world in ways he’d never imagined. After Katrina struck in 2005, he went to New Orleans, part of a team that worked on the slate roof of a church damaged by the hurricane.

But his job at the Pentagon, he said, has eclipsed even that experience.

Construction, Penney said, “has changed my life.”

“I can’t see myself doing anything else,” he said. “This is all I want to do now. This is my love.”

The Pentagon job isn’t without hardship: Penney misses his family. But still, he is living his own American dream.

“I’m in the United States,” he said. “I own my own company. I’m working at the Pentagon. I got to vote for the U.S. president last time, and I get to vote again. It’s like a movie.”

UN environmental workshop for Grenada

ST GEORGE’S, December 26, 2011 – Grenada is to be the venue of a United Nations’ environmental workshop.

It will be held here around June 2012, Environment Minister Joseph Gilbert has announced.

“This workshop, which will be funded by the United Nations Environment Programme, will put Grenada on the map as being the first country in the western hemisphere to host  such a meeting. Environmentalists from all over the world will converge on Grenada for that important forum on the environment,’’ Minister Gilbert said in his 2011 Christmas Message.

He said Grenada has been getting increased international support from countries such as Germany, South Korea, Japan and China for projects aimed at preserving the nation’s natural environment.

“One of the critical tasks for us now, as a government, is to ensure that when these environmental projects come on-stream, that as many persons as possible obtain some degree of employment,’’ said Hon. Gilbert, who is also Minister for Foreign Trade and Export Development  

The outlook, he said, is that “things would get better’’ in 2012 for Grenadians, including the people of the Parish of St. Patrick.

“For us in St. Patrick, this New Year would see the commencement of work on the St. Patrick's Road Network Upgrade Project. It is also the year when the people of Snell Hall, La Fortune, Madeys and Morne Fendue will see their age-old dream to have their own playing field and resource center become a reality,’’ said Mr. Gilbert who MP for St. Patrick West. The MP for St. Patrick East is Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas.

In his message, MP Gilbert thanked his constituents for their “clear demonstration of solidarity, love and patriotism.’’

“Your support for me as your MP since 2008, and particularly over the  past three months, has been a source of strength and consolation,’’ he added. “I look forward to serving you with even greater commitment and fervour in 2012.’’

Here’s the text of the Christmas Message delivered by MP Joseph Gilbert, Minister for the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development.

Fellow Grenadians:

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I bring you warm and fraternal season's greetings.

Christmas for most of us is a time of sharing. It is a time when we remember the less fortunate in our society and ensure that they, too, share in the joys and festivities of the season.  For many of us, Christmas is celebrated as one of the most important time in the Christian calendar: a time of praise and worship; a time to refocus our lives, and make the extra effort to reflect on the mysteries of man's salvation – a salvation that was ushered in with the birth of Jesus Christ more than two thousand years ago.

Brothers and Sisters, we are celebrating yet another Christmas in a world that continues to struggle to cope with one of the worst economic recessions in history.  Several of the major world economic powers are grappling with the problem of high unemployment and social unrest.

Despite all these global challenges, we in Grenada still have much to be thankful for in the year 2011: our country rose to world fame as we captured the spotlight on the stage of international athletics.   Kirani James, Rondell Bartholomew and other national sports men and women did Grenada proud. At home, notwithstanding localised flooding and its associated problems in some parts of our country, by the grace of God and through His blessings, we suffered no hurricane whatsoever. Bearing in mind the negative impact of the effect of green-house gas emission on global weather patterns – such as the increased frequency and severity of storms and other adverse weather conditions – we in Grenada must indeed be truly grateful that in 2011 we were  spared the worst of these negative impacts.

Since assuming my new portfolio as Minister with responsibility for Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development, we have consistently informed you of the growing international support that Grenada is receiving to undertake several projects related to the preservation of our natural environment.

In this season of sharing and thanksgiving, I want to take this opportunity to thank the several countries that have committed to help us with our local environmental challenges. These countries include Germany, South Korea, Japan and the People's Republic of China, to name but a few.  One of the critical tasks for us now, as a government, is to ensure that when these environmental projects come on-stream, that as many persons as possible obtain some degree of employment.

Grenada is also expected to host an international workshop on the environment in the middle of 2012.  This workshop, which will be funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will put Grenada on the map as being the first country in the western hemisphere to host  such a meeting. Environmentalists from all over the world will converge on Grenada for that important forum on the environment.

In 2012, also, my Ministry is expected to participate in an important trade expo in South Korea. The opportunity for our local manufacturers and entrepreneurs to capitalise on this exposure to international markets is tremendous. The point I am making, is that there is great prospect that things would get better for us as a Nation and as a people in 2012.

I take this opportunity to extend special season's greetings to all my constituents of St. Patrick West. You have been there for me in good times and in tough times. Your support for me as your MP since 2008, and particularly over the past three months, has been a source of strength and consolation. Your clear demonstration of solidarity, love and patriotism must never go unnoticed. I look forward to serving you with even greater commitment and fervour in 2012.

For us in St. Patrick, this New Year would see the commencement of work on the St. Patrick's Road Network Upgrade Project. It is also the year when the people of Snell Hall, La Fortune, Madeys and Morne Fendue will see their age-old dream to have their own playing field and resource center become a reality. 2012 will also feature important progress with regard to the Sauteurs Road Network Expansion Project; that would ultimately result in the construction of several new streets in the Town of Sauteurs.

 The coming on-stream of these major projects in St. Patrick is intended to complement the long list of small infrastructure projects that would be undertaken at the village level in the New Year, with God's help.

Brothers and Sisters, as we continue to celebrate this festive season,  I admonish you to also remember the true reason for Christmas. Let us show others that we truly care. Let us ensure that our neighbours have a decent meal. Let us ensure that every child has a toy. Let us ensure that the elderly and the shut-ins are visited and taken care of. Let the true spirit of “good will among men’’ manifest itself by our unselfish giving from the heart.

I take this opportunity, also, to wish the diligent management and staff of the Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development a very happy Christmas, and a bright and productive New Year.

To all my fellow Grenadians at home and abroad, on behalf of the Staff of the Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development and myself and family, I wish you a Blessed, Peaceful and Enjoyable Christmas; and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.