Nothing Like Chocolate

An Interview with Director Kum-Kum Bhavnani

By Lauren Carter

JANUARY 30, 2012 - Kum-Kum Bhavnani is a renowned filmmaker whose award-winning documentary Shape of Water helped open the eyes of many to social injustices, especially towards women in several Third World countries. Her latest film,Nothing Like Chocolate, received a standing ovation at this past weekend’s premiere in Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theatre. The story tells of the adventures and struggles of Mott Green on his venture to create organic chocolate that benefits everyone from the beginning stages to the chocolate’s final consumption. This week, Bhavnani explains her passion for the film and all of those involved.

Tell us a little about the film.

Nothing Like Chocolate is a film that tells a story about a quirky chocolate maker, Mott Green, who set up a chocolate company partly because he heard of children being trafficked and enslaved in the Ivory Coast, produces over one third of the world’s cocoa. I decided to make the film because I heard about the children being enslaved and trafficked and I wanted to find someone who was running a business and doing it right. I wanted to show it was possible to run an ethical corporation, to be successful doing the right thing.

Why is this issue personal to you?

I read an article in 2001 that talked about the trafficked children and it made me so upset because so many people love chocolate and I was horrified that I wasn’t more aware of the situation. I wanted to tell the world and inspire people to care about stopping this violation of human rights. Because of who I am, I wanted to show how to get out of these situations and demonstrate how beautiful, ethical chocolate can be created.

What was your favorite part about making Nothing Like Chocolate?

My favorite part was seeing the generosity of people who helped me make it. The crew and editors, everyone just gave their all for the film. I find documentary makers to be very generous people, they lived in quite spartan conditions and the editors and associate producers have just been working away non-stop since day one.

My other favorite part was meeting the people there who are just fantastic. Meeting them opens my eyes to what’s going on in the world and we were able to interview the prime minister of Grenada, and meet hardworking people who felt the need to do something about the trafficking. It has also been amazing to experience the kick start of supporters, and of course seeing the film on the big screen.

I felt very touched by meeting Mott and Nelice. Mott because of his passion and determination and Nelice because of her wisdom, her determination, her perseverance. She is raising seven children all while working hard to keep her organic farm running smoothly.

Does Nelice remind you of your own mother?

Nelice does remind me of my mom actually. My mother was this amazing woman who did not get married until she was 34 and worked to put her brothers and sisters through university. She was very headstrong and passionate and hardworking. She never gave up in believing and fighting for what was right.

What did you want to do different in this film?

I realized that I wanted to make this documentary much more of a story. People get hooked on issues not by having a ton of talking heads, but by meeting people who are doing things. By learning about individuals’ lives they feel like getting personally involved in the issues. This time the documentary was definitely more story driven rather than issue driven.

Mott was given a standing ovation. He is very, very popular. We hope to have a Grenada premiere in June. People can relate. This is a story of someone doing it right, we all have the passion to do something the right way. To implement pure intentions into our work. All of us feel we can’t do it, but you know when you see someone else doing it right we recognize it’s the right thing to do and we know that we can do it too.

Any ideas for your next film?

For my next film I’m just waiting for inspiration so all ideas are welcome. It was a full house yesterday and people can still see it at the Lobero, which is a fantastic Santa Barbara theater. I’m very grateful for UCSB for its support of my research and for everyone involved. I’m just enjoying the ride now and I hope people are as touched by the film as I was making it.

Nothing Like Chocolate screens again on Friday, February 3, 2 p.m., at the Lobero Theatre and Sunday, February 5, 11 a.m. at the Metro 4.

SOURCE: Independent.com

Roberts seals Royals victory on debut

LONDON, UK, January 30, 2012 - New signing Jason Roberts scored on his Reading debut to beat 10-man Bristol City, despite visiting goalkeeper David James saving two penalties.

Roberts, who signed from Blackburn, bundled home the rebound after James blocked his second-half spot-kick to secure a win for Reading.

City defender Louis Carey also saw red for bringing down Roberts to hand the striker the chance from the spot.

Albert Adomah hit a post for City while James saved a Jobi McAnuff penalty.

Reading also missed a hatful of chances in front of goal, with Jem Karacan, Noel Hunt and Michail Antonio at fault.

City started brightly and keeper Adam Federici had to be alert to tip Wood's header over the bar before keeping out Stephen Pearson's bobbling effort.

Reading rallied and Hunt picked out Antonio with a superb pass only for James to deny the winger, while Roberts's follow-up was blocked by Pearson.

McAnuff should have done better than head Hunt's cross over the crossbar before Hunt himself spurned a glorious opportunity when he failed to guide Antonio's whipped centre past James.

City seemed to be hanging on, but were unlucky not to go ahead when Adomah produced a sensational overhead kick which was superbly kept out by Federici.

Roberts, impressive throughout, went close when McAnuff's cross found the former Blackburn frontman and his flick drifted wide.

The key moment came when Carey fouled Roberts in the box and was dismissed by referee Patrick Miller.

Roberts's poor spot-kick was saved by James but the striker was on hand to slam home the rebound.

McAnuff had two further chances to put Reading out of sight before the Royals skipper saw his 89th-minute spot-kick pushed away.

Reading manager Brian McDermott: "Jason trained with us for the first time on Friday morning and he has done really well to last 70 minutes before coming off," said McDermott.

"He added something to us today and we can build off him because he has power and pace.

"I am really pleased with the signing and he gave the whole place a lift when he walked into the dressing room.

"We may bring more players in before the deadline if there is an opportunity but the players we have got here have done well for me.

"I am sure we feel we could do better and I am sure that will be the case, but if you are going to play well you still need to win and that's what we did."

Bristol City boss Derek McInnes: "On another day we might have pinched something from that.

"There were elements where we controlled the game and we had opportunities to score in the first half.

"I thought the first penalty decision was really harsh. Jason had his arm round our lad's neck.

"They then got a second which was more like a penalty. The Reading lad stood still and let our man run into him.

"David James did great to save the two penalties and even when Roberts scored from the rebound from the first he hasn't exactly rifled it in.

"The performance for me showed a lot to be pleased about. There was plenty of commitment and drive.

"Nicky Maynard didn't start because we won last week and I kept the same front three. But there may be bids for him before the deadline closes and if there are then we will deal with it."

SOURCE: BBC Sports

Championship duo eye Straker

LONDON, UK, January 30, 2012 - Sky Sports understands Watford and Peterborough are chasing Aldershot defender Anthony Straker.

Straker has established himself as one of the best players in the lower leagues with a number of impressive performances.

The Grenada international has made over 150 appearances for Aldershot and has established himself as one of the leading full-backs in League Two.

Scouts have been flocking to the The EEB Stadium to cast an eye over Straker and the full-back could only have impressed with both goals in Saturday's win over AFC Wimbledon.

The 23-year-old is in the final six months of his contract and has yet to agree an extension, alerting Watford and Peterborough.

Aldershot would be loathe to lose Straker, but they would find it hard to resist a big-money offer for the player if any of his suitors firm up their interest before the close of the transfer window.

SOURCE: Sky Sports

Prohibited Items found at Grenada's Prison handed over to CID officials

ST GEORGE’S, January 27, 2012 - A quantity of items confiscated from inmates at the Richmond Hill Prison was handed over to the officers of the Criminal Investigations Department on Thursday 26th January, 2012 by Prison Officials.

According to Prison officials the items were seized during regular routine searches conducted between a six to eight months period at the facility.

Amongst the items were one hundred and seven cellular phones, forty-eight cellular phone batteries, forty-five Digicel and Lime sim cards, thirty cellular phone chargers, fifty-three cellular phone parts, one Coby remote control, one AM/FM radio, five cellular phone headphones, twenty-six pieces of cellular phone chargers and a quantity of packages containing two pounds five ounces of Cannabis.  

Source:        Office of the Commissioner of Police

Contact        Community Relations Department (CRD)

                       440- 3764 / 435-8918 / 405 3134 /405-7451

Date:              Friday 27^th January 2012

Step closer to new multi-purpose complex

ST GEORGE’S, January 27, 2012 – The people of Mont Toute and Grand Anse Valley are one step closer to getting new facilities for educational and recreational activities.

A symbolic sod turning ceremony was held Thursday, January 26, on the site where a multi-purpose complex will be constructed with funding from the Government and people of Venezuela.

When completed, the Mont Toute/Grand Anse Valley Development Complex will include a modern library with access to computers and other information technology. The project will also involve upgrading of the community’s playing field.

Thursday’s ceremony was attended by community representatives, as well as by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas.

The Prime Minister was joined by Labour Minister and MP for St. George South, Glynis Roberts; Foreign Minister Karl Hood, who chaired the event; Sports Minister Patrick Simmons; Tourism Minister Peter David; Agriculture Minister Denis Lett; and MP for St. Patrick West, Joseph Gilbert.

In brief remarks at the ceremony, the Prime Minister and his Ministers of Sports, Foreign Affairs and Labour, underscored the importance of the complex to the people of Mont Toute and other parts of South St. George’s.

They also thanked President Hugo Chavez and Venezuela for financing the construction of the complex and several other projects across Grenada.

Venezuela’s Ambassador, His Excellency Carlos Amador Perez Silva, said his country was pleased to help Grenada, with whom it has had diplomatic relations for 35 years.

More training, zealous endeavour needed among young media workers

Former MWAG President Michael Bascombe, 
Lincoln Depradine & MWAG President Rawle Titus

St. George’s, January 26, 2012 – If one were to use the 6^th Annual Media Awards as a barometer of the quality of work of local practitioners, there are some things that clearly must happen quickly.

One is that the Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) must continue providing professional training for young and aspiring journalists; and second, the practitioners themselves must be zealous enough to do everything possible to improve their professionalism and go beyond the daily routine of their jobs.

The awards were distributed to winners whose best media work for 2011 was judged in Jamaica by Professor Canute James of the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication of the University of the West Indies.

A total of 15 prizes were distributed at MWAG’s Digicel-sponsored awards’ ceremony on January 22.

Most, including WEE FM’s Mikey Hutchinson, were previous winners. This year, he was chosen as the first recipient of the Anthony “Jericho’’ Greenidge Award. It carries a $1,000 cash reward and a Digicel smart phone. The award is in remembrance of Greenidge, the popular radio personality who died last November in New York.

Of the remaining 14 awards, two – Best Locally Produced Commercial and Best Locally Produced Video – were given to Shem Joseph; and another – Best Public Service Announcement – was handed to Amanda John. Both Joseph and John are with Brainstorm Productions.

Television dominated in the remaining categories, with no awards for radio news and programming.

Radio, while popular with its call-in format and music, must consider other avenues for “edutaining,’’ educating and entertaining listeners. They must provide “edutaining’’ programming that would involve research, scripting and production; something that was a staple of radio in Grenada until recently.

However, judging from the Media Awards, newspaper and online reporting on the internet is faring only slightly better than that of radio.

One award was giving for online writing. It was a feature written by veteran journalist Rawle Titus, who is also MWAG’s president.

In newspaper writing, the single award went to another veteran journalist, Lincoln Depradine, who is also author of White Frock & Coals Dust: The Story Of A Community Called The Wharf. Depradine was awarded for the Best Entertainment Story.

All other winners were from TV: Sherry-Ann Noel, Blossom Alexis-Welch and Beverly Sinclair of FLOW CC6; Kishawn Thomas, Eugenia Peters and Orisha Joseph of the Grenada Broadcasting Network; and Cheavron Benjamin of MTV.

Oslyn Crosby, who now works with the Grenada Cultural Foundation, won for an outstanding tourism story that was produced and broadcast while employed at CC6.

GBN employees also claimed the Long Service Awards which are decided upon each year by MWAG’s executive. The 2012 recipients were Lew Smith and Eugenie Mason.

While local TV programming has its shortcomings, it appears that quality production in other media – newspaper, radio and online – needs to increase even more rapidly and requires the involvement of many younger practitioners.

Grenadians in the Diaspora gear up to celebrate 38th Anniversary of Independence

By Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, January 25, 2012 - Grenadians living in the Diaspora will celebrate their nation’s 38^th Anniversary of Independence under the theme, “Breaking all barriers, striving for greater achievements under one flag” on February 7, 2012 with a series of activities.

The activities officially began in New York on January 20 with a Social Evening and a Calypso Monarch Competition on January 22. Burgess “Quako” McPhie dethroned Clifford “Humorous Matt” Matthew with his rendition of “These Are the Times”.

Activities continue this weekend with a Youth Fest on Friday January 28 at Holy Cross School at 2530 Church Avenue in Brooklyn beginning at 3:00 p.m. and an Ecumenical Church Service of Thanksgiving at the Holy Cross Church at 2520 Church Avenue in Brooklyn, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

There will also be the annual Senior Citizen Tea Party at Gabriel’s Church at 337 Hawthorne Street in Brooklyn, starting at 3:00 p.m. This year, the Hon. Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister of Grenada will attend the event scheduled for Thursday February 2.

The activities in New York will culminate with the Independence Dinner & Awards Gala under the auspices of Prime Minister Thomas on Saturday February 4 at Grand Prospect Place at 263 Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Similarly, activities will be held in in South Florida and London on Saturday February 4. The Grenada Cultural & Civic Association is staging its 24^th Annual Independence Dinner & Dance at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Hotel at 1825 Griffin Road in Dania, Florida beginning at 7:00 p.m. while the United Groups of Grenada, under the auspices of the High Commissioner for Grenada to the United Kingdom, Ruth Rouse, will host an Independence Dinner & Dance at Novotel London West at 1 Shortlands, Hammersmith beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Grenada Houston Association will also stage the Independence Celebration & Scholarship Gala at the Ensemble Theatre at 3535 Main Street in Houston, Texas. It will be held on Saturday February 11 beginning at 8:00 p.m. Nationals in Zurich, Switzerland will also celebrate Grenada’s Independence at The Nutmeg Restaurant in Zurich on February 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Independence celebrations will also be held in Toronto and Montreal in Canada. The activities in Toronto begin with a Church Service on Sunday February 5 at Toronto’s Central Seventh Day Adventist Church at 162 Bentworth Avenue, North York in Ontario beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Other activities include a Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday February 6 at Toronto’s City Hall beginning at 11:50 a.m.; the Showcase Grenada Expo on Sunday February 12 at 2562 Eglinton Avenue West beginning at 1:00 p.m. This inaugural event will showcase Grenada’s culture, cuisine, arts and crafts, festivals, investment and eco-tourism, among others.

Fish Friday on February 17 at 1935 Weston Road has been included in the schedule of activities as well as the Independence Gala on Saturday February 18 at Liberty Grand situated at 25 British Columbia Road in Toronto. Prime Minister Tillman Thomas will be the guest of honour at the Gala which begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Independence activities in Toronto culminate with a Literary Night on Sunday February 26 at 2562 Eglinton Avenue West beginning at 4:00 p.m. This event will showcase Grenada’s authors, poets, playwrights, artists and other literary talents in Toronto.

Nationals in Montreal will also share a taste of the Spice Isle’s celebrations with a Banquet and Ball on Saturday February 18 at the Schofield Hall at 90 Roosevelt Avenue. It begins at 6:30 p.m. and Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Peter David will be special guest.

Kirani James signs Partnership Agreement with LIME

Kirani signs agreement with LIME

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada  – Regional Communications company, LIME, made serious waves in the athletic world as the company announced that Grenadian-born 400m World Champion, Kirani James  would represent their brand in the region.

The news was delivered to a packed house of government and diplomatic officials, athletics organisations and specially invited guests. At the ceremony, which was carried live via local radio stations and streamed live via the company’s website, LIME.com, Kirani James officially signed a three- year partnership with LIME.

The telecoms company showcased its technological capabilities as LIME’s Chief Marketing Officer, Chris Dehring attended live via videoconference from his office in Jamaica and warmly welcomed Kirani into the LIME family and challenged him to push himself to victory at the upcoming 2012 Olympics.

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency, Sir Carlisle Glean, Governor General of Grenada. Also present was the Minister of Sports, Hon. Patrick Simmons who congratulated LIME for rising to the occasion and emphasised the need for close teamwork between the company and Kirani’s team. LIME Grenada’s General Manager, Angus Steele reflected that the local business continues to “support sports and athletics in the communities it connects and is investing in developing talented athletes in the region”.

The event guest list read like a veritable ‘who’s who’ of Grenada’s business and social circles and included host of well-known and influential persons, such as Dr. and Mrs. Latouche, President of the Grenada Athletics Association, Charles George, Chairman of the Grenada Board of Tourism Colin Dowe and Vice Provost of the St. Georges Medical School, Dr. Alan Pensick, to name a few of the persons present.

Regional Head of Sponsorship for LIME, Sheldon Keens-Douglas, in his remarks intimated that “LIME has had a long relationship with Kirani, through various avenues including sponsoring his home -club, Speedzone and through its now 4-year sponsorship of the LIME Carifta games in which Kirani rose to prominence”. While details of the contract were not released, Keens-Douglas added that” Kirani will support some of LIME’s ventures in the region, will make personal appearances on behalf of the company and feature in some of its regional campaigns”.

Kirani James brought the ceremony to a close with his remarks, and in his inimitable, quiet and humble way spoke highly of the company he had just signed on to represent. With Global brands like Nike at his door, it was certainly a tribute to the telecoms company that the young athlete remained true to his Caribbean heritage and endorsed a local and regional brand. Kirani’s words brought the audience to their feet and he humbly thanked LIME for believing that he is worthy to represent the brand. He went to distinguish LIME as a “prestigious, unique and loyal brand” and he is looking forward to a great and fruitful partnership. He thanked the company for its loyalty, patience and commitment, declaring it a “no- brainer for him to push through this deal”.

SOURCE: LIME Grenada

Kirani James for USA Track & Field Classic in Arkansas on Feb 11

INDIANAPOLIS – A host of USATF’s Indoor Visa Championship Series for the past 10 years, Fayetteville, Arkansas, will host the USA Track & Field Classic February 11 as part of the nationally televised series, USA Track & Field announced Tuesday.

The USATF Classic will be held in conjunction with the 2012 Tyson Invitational, one of the nation’s premier collegiate meets, on the campus of the University of Arkansas. The USATF Classic will be televised from 12-2 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, February 12.

The meet joins USATF’s 2012 Indoor Visa Championship Series that also includes the U.S. Open January 28 in New York City; the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix February 4 in Boston; and the2012 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships Feb. 25-26 in Albuquerque, N.M.

Rejoining the fold

Fayetteville hosted the Visa Championship Series from 2000-2009. In 2012 it re-enters the series thanks to a 10-event professional lineup that will feature some of the strongest fields of the indoor season.

“When we saw the fields that the University of Arkansas and Nike had put together, it was obvious that this meet would be a highlight of the indoor season,” said USATF CEO Mike McNees. “USATF’s Athletes Advisory Committee (AAC) also pledged their support as part of their continued effort to help increase competitive opportunities for U.S. athletes. Thanks to this collective effort between the University, Nike, USATF and the AAC, we are able to bring this meet back into the national spotlight.”

On tap for the USATF Classic is an American record attempt in the men’s 2 mile; a women’s shot put and women’s long jump that combined include three medalists and an American record holder; a men’s mile field with at least three sub-3:50 milers; some of the world’s best women’s hurdlers and sprinters; and Olympic and world medalists in the men’s sprints and shot put. Scheduled events are the women’s 60m, 60m hurdles, 1,500m, long jump and shot put; and the men’s 60m, 400m, mile, 2 mile and shot put.

Stars align

Among the athletes currently slated to compete are Galen Rupp in the men’s 2 mile, world champion Kirani James in the men’s 400m, American record holder and World Outdoor bronze medalist Jillian Camarena-Williams and USA Outdoor champion Michelle Carter in the women’s shot put; world champion Brittney Reese, Olympic medalist Hyleas Fountain, Marshevet Hooker and Funmi Jimoh in the women’s long jump; Shawn Crawford, Richard Thompson and Churandy Martina in the men’s 60m; and Silas Kiplagat and Leo Manzano in the men’s mile. Full fields and more stars will be announced soon.

“The University of Arkansas is proud to welcome back some of the world’s best track athletes to one of the world’s fastest tracks,” said UA Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “We have had a great partnership with Nike and USA Track & Field, and we are looking forward to a fantastic meet on February 11 at the Randal Tyson Center.”

The meet also will include some of the most outstanding collegiate competition of the indoor season, featuring 16 teams ranked inside the USTFCCCA Top 25 preseason poll, including the Arkansas men and women, Central Florida women, Clemson women, Iowa men, Kansas State men, LSU men and women, Nebraska men and women, North Carolina State men, Oklahoma men and women, Ole Miss men, Texas Tech women and Wisconsin men.

For more information on the Visa Championship Series, visit www.visachampionshipseries.com

Lew Smith - Long Service Media Award

Long Service Award

January 22^nd, 2012

Lew Smith

Icon – that word is often used and one is tempted to call it cliché.

However, it must be used tonight as there is no better word, no word more appropriate, to describe this person whom the Media Workers Association is presenting with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

This quiet, humble gentleman has worked in broadcast journalism for almost four decades. He has made his mark in every decade. Today, he has a morning radio program, as well as interview and call-in shows on radio and television, that all draw high listener and viewer ratings. And when there was Radio Grenada, he was the leading voice of news and music programming. He was creative in scripting and voicing promos, as well as in the creation of jingles.

His signature on his promos for parties, with Djs like Harro and Akaila, was the word, “She-bang, She-bang, with a bang bang”. A jingle created for news in the early days of Radio Free Grenada is still regarded by many as the best-ever locally produced news jingle.

He has also been a popular Master of Ceremony, and travelled extensively as a reporter with former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop.

Grenadians were proud to tune in to news at 6 p.m. on the Montserrat-based Radio Antilles, where he was News Director and frequently anchored the evening’s main newscast.

Many local journalists and broadcasters – some who are veterans in the field today – benefitted from his mentoring and tutoring.

His contribution to broadcast journalism earned him a national award which was presented to him at the 2011 independence celebrations; an award from the Grenada Steelbands’ Association at carnival 2011; and recently he was named a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Tonight, the Media Workers Association is pleased to present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome and congratulate Mr. Lewellyn “Lew” Smith, MBE!

COURTESY: Media Workers Association of Grenada

Eugenie Mason - Long Service Media Award

Long Service Award

January 22^nd, 2012

Eugenie Mason

Eugene Mason is a product of Grenada’s golden era of broadcasting.

With a career  spanning nearly 4 decades Eugene has worked with the best in the business the likes of Jerry Romain, Lew Smith and Thelma (TC) Campbell to name a few.

She has championed an aspect of broadcasting that today seems almost passé- the producer.

She has initiated a number of popular current affair programmes some of which you may remember:  CUTLASS - a programme promoting agriculture; CARRIACOU CONNECTION; MAINLY FOR WOMEN; COMMUNITY FOCUS as well as IN A NUTSHELL, and ON THE MOVE - these two programs are still running today.

Mrs. Mason has also been credited for being among the first host of GBN’s popular Monday night programme - Beyond the Headlines.

She is a national treasure in Grenadian media who has featured prominently every era since independence.

The post independence era of Radio Grenada, the revolutionary years of Radio Free Grenada, and the post revolutionary years of the Grenada Broadcasting Corporation.

She has excelled in many roles – producer, announcer, Director of GIS, and supervisor of the radio division of GBC.

Mrs. Mason has had an exciting ride in a demanding career. Her versatility has transformed her into a senior television journalist at the Grenada Broadcasting Network; covering the big stories such as Hurricane Ivan, flooding and general elections.

Mrs. Mason is a beacon and an inspiration for young practitioners and tonight the Media Workers Association is happy to present her with an award for distinguished service.

COURTESY: Media Workers Association of Grenada

Interview with Kirani James

Courtesy Caribbean Journal

GRENADA – Kirani James has made his way onto the international stage about as quickly has he finishes a 400m race. The 19-year-old Grenadian (and former University of Alabama star) has seized the spotlight, particularly in Grenada, where he was honoured last night as the country’s male sportsman of the year – as the reigning world champion in the 400m (he was the youngest person ever to do so).

After a stellar season in the Diamond League, James is beginning his preparation for the Olympics this summer, where the eyes of the Caribbean — and the world — will be on him.

To learn more, Caribbean Journal talked to James about his national award (and the recent creation of Kirani James Boulevard in the city of St George’s) and looking ahead to London.

What does it mean for you to win these awards?

I mean it’s an honour — it’s always good for the country to recognize your achievements and your hard work so far. So it’s humbling for me, to stand here and receive this award.

What did it feel like to have a street named after you?

Like i said, everything bestowed upon me is an honour. All I’m focused on doing is running fast, and turning left — and representing Grenada. But all the other stuff, I have no control over it. But I’m just honoured to have something bestowed upon me.

How is your training going for the Olympics?

Training is going good. i have my first meet Feb. 5 in Boston, so I’ll get over there, see where I’m at, and see if i have to make any adjustments in training.

What is the biggest challenge in preparing for London?

Just staying focused – staying grounded — not taking any athletes or anything for granted — and not underestimating anybody.

What is your ultimate goal for the Olympics?

Just to run fast – and that I represented my country to the fullest of my ability. That’s the main goal and anything that comes after that and is positive, I’m happy with that.


SOURCE: Caribbean Journal

PM Thomas meets with Foreign Secretary Hague ahead of UK-Caribbean Forum

By Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 20, 2012 - Prime Minister Tillman Thomas is hoping that this weekend’s seventh UK-Caribbean Forum being hosted in Grenada will result in a clearer understanding of key issues important in the strengthening of relations between the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Thomas made the comments during a brief discussion with UK’s Foreign Secretary Williams Hague on Friday.

Mr Hague is leading a large UK delegation to the Forum which begins on Friday evening with a welcome reception at the Grenadian by Rex Resorts.

The Prime Minister thanked the visiting Foreign Minister for the UK’s continued assistance to the Caribbean especially in areas of security, climate change and development aid.

Mr Hague also congratulated Grenada on its leadership role on climate change during its tenure as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

“Climate change remains a global responsibility and we admired the leading role Grenada played in recent climate change talks,” he said.

The Foreign Secretary, who was accompanied by the Director of the Americas Angus Lapsley, also met with Foreign Affairs Minister Karl Hood.

Prime Minister Thomas presented a painting of the Carenage by Grenadian resident and well known artist Susan Mains while the Mr Hague presented a hardcover copy of his book “William Wilberforce: The Life of the Great Anti-Slave Trade Campaigner.

Grenada's FM Prepares to Host 7th UK Caribbean Forum

Grenada's Delegation

ST GEORGE’S, January 20, 2012 – Grenada’s Foreign Minister Hon Karl Hood, on Thursday January 19^th 2012, met with the Grenada Delegation to the 7^th UK Caribbean Forum, as he prepared to host the deliberations starting on Friday and being held under the theme, “Sustainable Growth Towards Prosperity”.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Elizabeth Henry-Greenidge, chaired the discussions which focused on specific agenda items and the delegation’s preparedness in this respect.

The meeting will be co-chaired by UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and COFCOR Chair, Kittitian Foreign Minister Sam Condor. Regional Foreign Ministers as well as Security & Trade Ministers, Officials and business delegations are expected to participate.

The agenda will include discussions on the Environment and Climate Change, Security, Economic Resilience, as well as a Business Meeting and an opportunity for Caribbean Entrepreneurs to compete.

Minister Hood said he was heartened by the excellent response to the invitation and the high number of participants who had registered to attend. He said he looked forward to hosting his Colleagues and Guests and to a successful outcome.

The UK-Caribbean Forum is a biennial event and the key mechanism for high-level dialogue between the UK and the Caribbean.

The fifth Forum was hosted by the Government of Barbados in 2006 and the sixth by the United Kingdom in 2008.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Grenada