Crop of Crappy Calypsoes: Composers Asleep at Piano?
By William Doyle-Marshall
Canadian immigration slipped sweetly in the annals of 2011 season of the Canadian calypso arena. Popular calypsonian Dick Lochan linked the controversial matter with a Trinidadian woman of East Indian descent who has a burning migratory desire to land in this country. Members of her family are poised to capture the first victim to fall in their path.
In typical Lochan style he tells his story in song about meeting Subatee an Indian girl from Caroni, in central Trinidad who was anxious and determined to leave the country. She wanted a husband so that she could secure permanent landed status in Canada. Subatee grabbed his hand and professed her love for him but he sensed something kinda fishy (tricky).
Subatee boasted about her ability to make good roti and invited him home to meet her mother where she could prepare him a meal. But it became clearer to Dick that the woman “jes want(ed) she Landed Card”.
Never the less he went to Caroni where the family greeted him “She father asking questions; he wanted to fix up wedding plan. Dey want to hook me into marriage so she could get her landed card,” Lochan related. Sounds funny but there are those who could testify to having similar experiences there and elsewhere in the region.
Another social issue making waves on the calypso scene is the plight of senior citizens who are on fixed income and are forced to survive on their old age pension. Newton P tells the audience being from Trinbago he is spoilt, as seniors their receive a good old age pension – three thousand dollars a month. “They treat you like people,” he boasts. The disgruntled senior reports the T&T subsistence is enough for seniors to prepare for living and for death. “But here in Canada they killing we quietly And is de ole age money supports the economy,” he laments.
Generally, the weak caliber of calypso compositions emanating from ths year’s Canadian calypso arena is disturbing. Clearly composers are ignoring Calypso’s role as an extension of literary criticism. Yes, it is used for good entertainment but that should not be the end of the cultural line. A casual glance at the range of events that have stepped in our midst between last calypso season and now -- the middle of 2011 -- is truly astounding.
Remember The Gravy Train Express that stopped at Toronto City Hall with Mayor Rob Ford and brother Doug Ford steering it along the line. Calypsonians are almost silent on the matter, except for Panman Pat who has devoted one calypso to the topic. Macomere Fifi has seen fit to tell us that the Ford nation is not good for Toronto. Did the other composers fall asleep at the wheel?
Toronto City Councillor Michael Thompson paid $300 to have his office blessed. Taxpayers’ money – he offered to repay it. Is that good or bad or no one really cares but the journalist who wrote the story. Remember the Toronto Police and G20 fiasco where many were arrested then released. How about the police officer who was not identified by his peers, until much pressure was brought to bear on the agency that investigates police wrongdoings against citizens. Yes the officer is now facing charges. Were any laws broken?
How come the Skyrocketing gas prices and cost of living as a whole are not disturbing them to the point that they are falling over each other. One would expect them to sing about that.
Canada faces two big strikes – Air Canada employees and Postal Workers – government legislating them back to work is that a good or bad thing? Either those writers and their families do not travel by air and no one delivers mail to them. So they don’t really care because they are only here for a short time and have grand plans to go back home.
The paucity of compositions poses a certain quality problem for the July 23 Calypso Monarch contest. Fans may either decide the judges will select the best of the worst so attending the event will not be necessary. Or like die hard supporters, they will go out and have some good fun regardless.
June 24, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Grenada Spices Your Life with Natural Beauty, Delectable Cuisine
By William Doyle-Marshall
“Grenada has it all. Come see for yourself”. This phrase remained with me after leaving a recent event at which Alitours International Inc. of Toronto launched its promotional campaign for Grenada as a destination where Canadians must experience.
It was a small but honestly impressive dinner occasion as media practitioners viewed a dvd presentation highlighting the spices of the island, its carnival and regatta and other attractions. We also listened to representatives like Jenny Gumbs, Consul General, as she casually sold us on the idea of visiting the isle of Spice. It was no high powered in yuh face kind of promotion. You did not have to wait for the glitz and glamour to settle then search for details. It was there in simple, easy to understand language.
After speaking casually about the island’s beautiful fauna and flora, Ms. Gumbs said matter of factly “The lush vegetation, the delectable cuisine, 45 beautiful white sandy beaches, there is just so much that we have that we are so proud of as a people to offer you; so we do invite you to come.”
You walked away convinced it is time to put Grenada on your agenda for a real vacation away from the northern clime. One thing that always entices people to go somewhere is the term “tours suited to every taste”. And not only were we told so but through the presentation and from numerous comments by Grenada specialists you got the distinct impression that if you did not go to the three-island state -- Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique -- something will be missing from your life.
Ian Grant offered a bold piece of advice when said Grenada is not a place to get drunk and behave bad. That truly touched me because I belong to the school of thought and practice that it is not necessary to consume alcoholic beverage and become stupified. A social drink is okay and you must always be in control of yourself.
This summer from June 29 weekly until September 7, Alitours is offering packages to Grenada that include air, transfers and accommodation at any of the hotels. Alitour plans bringing people from Italy via Toronto to catch whatever straight flights can be offered from Toronto straight to Grenada. There are very few carriers that operate the Toronto-Grenada route so Alitours personnel are negotiating with Titan Tours and GG Tours to try and expand the travel programme. Caribbean Airlines has recently increased flights to Grenada and this ought to be an incentive for Alitours and Grenada as a whole to fly Canadians down for them to enjoy the spicy space in the sun.
I can’t forget the reminder from Maureen Wright, the island’s publicist that Grenada is an outstanding place. Yes it is a small. There are no major hotel chains to monopolize the place. Indeed there are no hotels higher than a palm tree so you can get an unobstructed view of the place. All hotels are privately owned. “You don’t get the multi-story hotels that you often get in other islands,” Ms. Wright promised.
“It is a wonderful island destination. It is quite unique amongst the Eastern Caribbean islands,” the publicist disclosed.
Governments has allocated one sixth of its land mass to national parks so that the integrity of the environment as well as the natural and bountiful resources of the island could be preserved.
“I would advise any of you, if you go for a hike in Grand Etang to actually have some water if you get to a certain water fall; it is exactly like Perrier and this is wonderful to be able to drink water to experience some of the water that you get in the Grand Etang and also out of the area that is the volcanic cradle of the Grand E Tang,” Wright advised.
In terms of travel documents, a valid passport and return or onward ticket is required. For Canadian citizens, proof of citizenship bearing a photograph is acceptable. This same courtesy is also extended to our American and British cousins. See for yourself by going on the website -- www.grenadagrenadines.com
June 16, 2011
By William Doyle-Marshall
“Grenada has it all. Come see for yourself”. This phrase remained with me after leaving a recent event at which Alitours International Inc. of Toronto launched its promotional campaign for Grenada as a destination where Canadians must experience.
It was a small but honestly impressive dinner occasion as media practitioners viewed a dvd presentation highlighting the spices of the island, its carnival and regatta and other attractions. We also listened to representatives like Jenny Gumbs, Consul General, as she casually sold us on the idea of visiting the isle of Spice. It was no high powered in yuh face kind of promotion. You did not have to wait for the glitz and glamour to settle then search for details. It was there in simple, easy to understand language.
After speaking casually about the island’s beautiful fauna and flora, Ms. Gumbs said matter of factly “The lush vegetation, the delectable cuisine, 45 beautiful white sandy beaches, there is just so much that we have that we are so proud of as a people to offer you; so we do invite you to come.”
You walked away convinced it is time to put Grenada on your agenda for a real vacation away from the northern clime. One thing that always entices people to go somewhere is the term “tours suited to every taste”. And not only were we told so but through the presentation and from numerous comments by Grenada specialists you got the distinct impression that if you did not go to the three-island state -- Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique -- something will be missing from your life.
Ian Grant offered a bold piece of advice when said Grenada is not a place to get drunk and behave bad. That truly touched me because I belong to the school of thought and practice that it is not necessary to consume alcoholic beverage and become stupified. A social drink is okay and you must always be in control of yourself.
This summer from June 29 weekly until September 7, Alitours is offering packages to Grenada that include air, transfers and accommodation at any of the hotels. Alitour plans bringing people from Italy via Toronto to catch whatever straight flights can be offered from Toronto straight to Grenada. There are very few carriers that operate the Toronto-Grenada route so Alitours personnel are negotiating with Titan Tours and GG Tours to try and expand the travel programme. Caribbean Airlines has recently increased flights to Grenada and this ought to be an incentive for Alitours and Grenada as a whole to fly Canadians down for them to enjoy the spicy space in the sun.
I can’t forget the reminder from Maureen Wright, the island’s publicist that Grenada is an outstanding place. Yes it is a small. There are no major hotel chains to monopolize the place. Indeed there are no hotels higher than a palm tree so you can get an unobstructed view of the place. All hotels are privately owned. “You don’t get the multi-story hotels that you often get in other islands,” Ms. Wright promised.
“It is a wonderful island destination. It is quite unique amongst the Eastern Caribbean islands,” the publicist disclosed.
Governments has allocated one sixth of its land mass to national parks so that the integrity of the environment as well as the natural and bountiful resources of the island could be preserved.
“I would advise any of you, if you go for a hike in Grand Etang to actually have some water if you get to a certain water fall; it is exactly like Perrier and this is wonderful to be able to drink water to experience some of the water that you get in the Grand Etang and also out of the area that is the volcanic cradle of the Grand E Tang,” Wright advised.
In terms of travel documents, a valid passport and return or onward ticket is required. For Canadian citizens, proof of citizenship bearing a photograph is acceptable. This same courtesy is also extended to our American and British cousins. See for yourself by going on the website -- www.grenadagrenadines.com
June 16, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Masquerade Band Stragglers
Mas band stragglers interfere with masquerader
By William Doyle-Marshall
Sixteen members of the Toronto Mas Bands Association have registered and are preparing for competition in the very popular Toronto Caribana being promoted this year as Caribbean Carnival – Toronto.
Joining the top bands are some newcomers like Kathleen Hughes, daughter of veteran Arnold Hughes who retired a couple years ago; Narissa Ali has teamed up with her buddy Robin Blues to enter the contest for the first time under the title Blues Carnival Fusion; Susan Grogan, popular Toronto calypsonian known as Susan G is producing Spirits of the Caribbean; Corey Howard is pulling together Black Sage Carnival, Clarence Forde is stepping into the leadership with Monsoon Wedding, Before the Storm as his inaugural Bitter Lemon Carnival production and Thea Jackson who stepped in the bandleader’s arena last year is back with her Tru Dynasty to produce the Roaring twenties.
Late payment of money by the Festival Management Committee (FMC) and bands being stormed by spectators along the parade route are two top concerns of the leaders and masqueraders. Up to this past weekend the FMC had not yet made its first instalment to the bands for participating in this year’s festival. As a result many had not yet printed brochures and some were still decorating their mas camps because they were forced to dip into their pockets to begin operations for this year. Members of the Mas Bands Association which represents them met and decided to wait for another week to work out details of disagreements with the FMC. At the end of the meeting they announced that members had agreed not to make any release to the media.
Multi-band of the year winner Louis Saldenah is leading the charge for better and improved parade arrangements. He wants the whole Lakeshore Boulevard locked down with only masqueraders to avoid spectators jumping into the band and disrupting masqueraders. Saldenah believes all the bands would get bigger because people would have some incentive when everybody (masqueraders) is having a good time while playing in their respective bands. He suspects more people would register with bands resulting in more masqueraders taking part in the Caribana parade. “But because of the system we have now where the whole Lakeshore isn’t locked down and people are coming into the bands we have this problem,” he emphasized.
A crescendo of voices is appealing for the situation to change. Mervyn Skeete leader of Connectons admits non masqueraders involvement with his production on the parade route is interfering with the mas playing public -- the masquerader. “And it’s unfair to bandleaders because we do a hell of a lot of work; we spend a lot of money; then to have the masqueraders not coming back the following year it’s just unfair to bandleaders; it’s unfair to the parade because once you get on the Lakeshore and the spectators infiltrate the bands, the spectators who really want to see the bands in formation they don’t get to see the bands in formation because the crowd is mingling among the masqueraders so it’s unfair to everybody,” Skeete observed.
Shareeda Ali of Time After Time suggests there are opportunities in all bands for new participants (masqueraders). Real honest spectators are deprived the privilege of admiring the costume and enjoying the spectacle when all these non-costumed people jump in the band. “A person not playing mas but want to jump in the band, should become a member of a band,” she advises. It is a simple, and possibly inexpensive process. All bandleaders would welcome them into their mas camps, where they can become volunteers and see how the costumes are made and the effort that goes into preparation for the big parade day and its accompanying competitions.
“If you participate and help you can see. It’s going to cost a bit of money to get your costume but you feel a sense of gratification because you help also to make the costume and when you ‘re out there playing in the band then you know the feeling when some people who haven’t paid their money and don’t know how the costumes are made and the time and effort that were put into this come and jump in the band and push the members who paid their money,” Ali noted.
The message from these masquerade band producers is rather simple: get involved in the cultural experience at a nominal cost. This would demonstrate respect and encourage growth in the body of masqueraders who come together for this carnival affair – rated among the top ten on the North American continent.
By William Doyle-Marshall
Sixteen members of the Toronto Mas Bands Association have registered and are preparing for competition in the very popular Toronto Caribana being promoted this year as Caribbean Carnival – Toronto.
Joining the top bands are some newcomers like Kathleen Hughes, daughter of veteran Arnold Hughes who retired a couple years ago; Narissa Ali has teamed up with her buddy Robin Blues to enter the contest for the first time under the title Blues Carnival Fusion; Susan Grogan, popular Toronto calypsonian known as Susan G is producing Spirits of the Caribbean; Corey Howard is pulling together Black Sage Carnival, Clarence Forde is stepping into the leadership with Monsoon Wedding, Before the Storm as his inaugural Bitter Lemon Carnival production and Thea Jackson who stepped in the bandleader’s arena last year is back with her Tru Dynasty to produce the Roaring twenties.
Late payment of money by the Festival Management Committee (FMC) and bands being stormed by spectators along the parade route are two top concerns of the leaders and masqueraders. Up to this past weekend the FMC had not yet made its first instalment to the bands for participating in this year’s festival. As a result many had not yet printed brochures and some were still decorating their mas camps because they were forced to dip into their pockets to begin operations for this year. Members of the Mas Bands Association which represents them met and decided to wait for another week to work out details of disagreements with the FMC. At the end of the meeting they announced that members had agreed not to make any release to the media.
Multi-band of the year winner Louis Saldenah is leading the charge for better and improved parade arrangements. He wants the whole Lakeshore Boulevard locked down with only masqueraders to avoid spectators jumping into the band and disrupting masqueraders. Saldenah believes all the bands would get bigger because people would have some incentive when everybody (masqueraders) is having a good time while playing in their respective bands. He suspects more people would register with bands resulting in more masqueraders taking part in the Caribana parade. “But because of the system we have now where the whole Lakeshore isn’t locked down and people are coming into the bands we have this problem,” he emphasized.
A crescendo of voices is appealing for the situation to change. Mervyn Skeete leader of Connectons admits non masqueraders involvement with his production on the parade route is interfering with the mas playing public -- the masquerader. “And it’s unfair to bandleaders because we do a hell of a lot of work; we spend a lot of money; then to have the masqueraders not coming back the following year it’s just unfair to bandleaders; it’s unfair to the parade because once you get on the Lakeshore and the spectators infiltrate the bands, the spectators who really want to see the bands in formation they don’t get to see the bands in formation because the crowd is mingling among the masqueraders so it’s unfair to everybody,” Skeete observed.
Shareeda Ali of Time After Time suggests there are opportunities in all bands for new participants (masqueraders). Real honest spectators are deprived the privilege of admiring the costume and enjoying the spectacle when all these non-costumed people jump in the band. “A person not playing mas but want to jump in the band, should become a member of a band,” she advises. It is a simple, and possibly inexpensive process. All bandleaders would welcome them into their mas camps, where they can become volunteers and see how the costumes are made and the effort that goes into preparation for the big parade day and its accompanying competitions.
“If you participate and help you can see. It’s going to cost a bit of money to get your costume but you feel a sense of gratification because you help also to make the costume and when you ‘re out there playing in the band then you know the feeling when some people who haven’t paid their money and don’t know how the costumes are made and the time and effort that were put into this come and jump in the band and push the members who paid their money,” Ali noted.
The message from these masquerade band producers is rather simple: get involved in the cultural experience at a nominal cost. This would demonstrate respect and encourage growth in the body of masqueraders who come together for this carnival affair – rated among the top ten on the North American continent.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Contributions to Canada in Indian Diaspora Stage
Contributions to Canada in Indian Diaspora Stage
By William Doyle-Marshall
“When people of Indian origin are treated with great respect in their adopted land so goes the respect for India.” This profound message was echoed to celebrants of South Asian Heritage Month at the Vedic Cultural Centre of Markham in May.
Keynote speaker Dr. Aditya Jha, celebrated Indo-Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist and social activist in Canadian public affairs, traced the history of India’s economic influence on the world and the impact of persons of Indian heritage in the Diaspora on the Mother land.
The presence of successful and influential Indian Diaspora in so many countries have become a source of direct support for India as the influence, not just the popular attitude but also the government policies to the benefit of the Mother country, India, Dr. Jha reported. He reported that the phenomenal success of global Indian entrepreneurs and innovators India is benefitting tremendously through the luring of large multinational companies for the Indian footprint as well as the entrepreneurial ventures in the country.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of the Caribbean Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was among world political leaders identified by Dr. Jha as members of the 30 million large Indian Diaspora who are contributing to nations around the world.
Others of Indian heritage who have taken up important mainstream roles and responsibilities in their adopted countries include The President of Singapore, Chief Justice and Governor General of New Zealand; two Governors of the United States of America; Prime Ministers of Mauritius and; a former Premier of British Columbia and federal minister as well as other world renowned personalities..
As part of the heritage observance the Vedic Cultural Center hosted a special program that included an exhibition with interactive demonstrations, photographic displays and a food bar at its 14th Avenue headquarters. Truly a fun-filled afternoon, organizers engaged politicians like Conservatives Peter Kent and Liberal Michael Chan in an extensive dance session through which they followed directions from the choreographer. Other participants included students from the community; community leaders and police administrators.
Newly appointed Chief of York Regional Police Eric Joliffe congratulated event organizers. He emphasized the town’s profound diversity makeup of which the South Asian community was a vital part. “We have shown despite our differences, we live in peace and harmony,” he added.
Deputy Mayor Jack Heath said he wants to see more South Asian celebrations in Markham as he truly enjoyed the experience, especially the spicy food that are a definite part of South Asian celebrations.
Speaking on the theme “India in Canada” Dr. Jha observed in the public lexicon people are qualifying India as an emerging power but indeed the world is witnessing the country’s re-emergence on the world stage.
“Before 18th century or prior to its political subjugation by the imperialist powers India was a dominant player in the world economy. At their peak India and China together accounted for close to 50% of the world gross domestic product – just 200 years ago,” the entrepreneur said.
Reminding his listeners that ideas from India helped shaped the culture, law, philosophy and signs of the time, Dr. Jha advised that India has thousands and thousands of years of practice of harmonizing difference. “There is an essence to India which tells us that behind the diversity of life there is a spiritual reality called unity. To some it is unity in diversity, an entity in which some eminent common spirit transcends apparent differences. To me India represents diversity in unity, a centrifugal state reined in by the very loosest and most fragile of bonds,” he continued.
Members of the VCC Heritage Committee that planned the celebration included Adityanand Kumar, Devanand Ramoutar, Norman Jainarine, Sharada Bhajan, Vivek Ramcharan, Satyanand Sarju, Dr. Harry Persaud, Ram Jagessar, Keoli Kumar, Ajit Wadhwa, Shailesh Joshi, Veda Mohabir, Das Ramsaroop,Savi Ramsaroop, Neera Chakrovarthy, Indeera Prasad, Sushima Narine, Sandy Heeralall, Amar Persaud, Sheila Jafri, Ahmed Jafri, Sita Raykha, Winston Tamaya, Shanti Sarwan and Arvin Sriram.
South Asian Heritage Month was observed with a host of community events in the month of May throughout the Province of Ontario.
By William Doyle-Marshall
“When people of Indian origin are treated with great respect in their adopted land so goes the respect for India.” This profound message was echoed to celebrants of South Asian Heritage Month at the Vedic Cultural Centre of Markham in May.
Keynote speaker Dr. Aditya Jha, celebrated Indo-Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist and social activist in Canadian public affairs, traced the history of India’s economic influence on the world and the impact of persons of Indian heritage in the Diaspora on the Mother land.
The presence of successful and influential Indian Diaspora in so many countries have become a source of direct support for India as the influence, not just the popular attitude but also the government policies to the benefit of the Mother country, India, Dr. Jha reported. He reported that the phenomenal success of global Indian entrepreneurs and innovators India is benefitting tremendously through the luring of large multinational companies for the Indian footprint as well as the entrepreneurial ventures in the country.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of the Caribbean Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was among world political leaders identified by Dr. Jha as members of the 30 million large Indian Diaspora who are contributing to nations around the world.
Others of Indian heritage who have taken up important mainstream roles and responsibilities in their adopted countries include The President of Singapore, Chief Justice and Governor General of New Zealand; two Governors of the United States of America; Prime Ministers of Mauritius and; a former Premier of British Columbia and federal minister as well as other world renowned personalities..
As part of the heritage observance the Vedic Cultural Center hosted a special program that included an exhibition with interactive demonstrations, photographic displays and a food bar at its 14th Avenue headquarters. Truly a fun-filled afternoon, organizers engaged politicians like Conservatives Peter Kent and Liberal Michael Chan in an extensive dance session through which they followed directions from the choreographer. Other participants included students from the community; community leaders and police administrators.
Newly appointed Chief of York Regional Police Eric Joliffe congratulated event organizers. He emphasized the town’s profound diversity makeup of which the South Asian community was a vital part. “We have shown despite our differences, we live in peace and harmony,” he added.
Deputy Mayor Jack Heath said he wants to see more South Asian celebrations in Markham as he truly enjoyed the experience, especially the spicy food that are a definite part of South Asian celebrations.
Speaking on the theme “India in Canada” Dr. Jha observed in the public lexicon people are qualifying India as an emerging power but indeed the world is witnessing the country’s re-emergence on the world stage.
“Before 18th century or prior to its political subjugation by the imperialist powers India was a dominant player in the world economy. At their peak India and China together accounted for close to 50% of the world gross domestic product – just 200 years ago,” the entrepreneur said.
Reminding his listeners that ideas from India helped shaped the culture, law, philosophy and signs of the time, Dr. Jha advised that India has thousands and thousands of years of practice of harmonizing difference. “There is an essence to India which tells us that behind the diversity of life there is a spiritual reality called unity. To some it is unity in diversity, an entity in which some eminent common spirit transcends apparent differences. To me India represents diversity in unity, a centrifugal state reined in by the very loosest and most fragile of bonds,” he continued.
Members of the VCC Heritage Committee that planned the celebration included Adityanand Kumar, Devanand Ramoutar, Norman Jainarine, Sharada Bhajan, Vivek Ramcharan, Satyanand Sarju, Dr. Harry Persaud, Ram Jagessar, Keoli Kumar, Ajit Wadhwa, Shailesh Joshi, Veda Mohabir, Das Ramsaroop,Savi Ramsaroop, Neera Chakrovarthy, Indeera Prasad, Sushima Narine, Sandy Heeralall, Amar Persaud, Sheila Jafri, Ahmed Jafri, Sita Raykha, Winston Tamaya, Shanti Sarwan and Arvin Sriram.
South Asian Heritage Month was observed with a host of community events in the month of May throughout the Province of Ontario.
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