Dr. Eric Williams Memorial Lecture #14

Disappointments of Manley and Williams Surface

By William Doyle-Marshall

Rachel Manley, award winning author daughter and granddaughter of two former Jamaican Prime Ministers considered her participation in the 14^th annual memorial lecture a great honour and a moment of huge personal sentimental pleasure to share a stage with former Trinidad & Tobago Ambassador Reginald Dumas in the glow of celebrations for Trinidad and Tobago’s and Jamaica’s 50^th anniversary of independence.

   The annual lecture held in October at Florida International University’s Modesto Maidique campus evoked thought about the vital importance of Dr. Williams’ work. Dr. Heather Russell, Graduate Director of the African and African Diaspora Studies Programme at FIU described Manley and Dumas as two persons whose lives and contributions to Caribbean thought although in different yet intricately related paths, invoke the best imaginings of what not only the Caribbean has been but most importantly what it could be.

                                                              Dr. Eric E. Williams

   In preparing for the lecture Dumas tried to discern threads in Williams’ pattern especially in the twenty years plus between 1960 and his death in 1981 He looked at some of the late Prime Minister’s less-known offerings such as his address to the University of the West Indies Economic Society in Jamaica, February 1963; a lecture at Queen’s College, Guyana the following month and his Noel Buxton lecture at Essex University in 1969.

   Dumas noted that two principal themes emerged clearly consistent as the night follows the day. Independence was the first. It was clear that Williams wanted the political kingdom which his Ghanaian colleague proposed and he brooked no compromise. However in 1960 Dumas reported, he was thinking not of an independent Trinidad and Tobago but of an independent West Indies Federation. Williams also had in mind, the American base in Chaguaramas. The centerpiece of his nationalistic struggle, Dumas observed, was the return of the lands to the people of the twin island republic.

   In Williams’ vision for freedom of his country Dumas noted independence was infinitely more than a national flag and a motto. While these were important symbols, they were by no means enough, Dumas stressed. “Political independence had to be accompanied by economic independence. Independence for Williams went beyond the political and the economic into what is being called the psychological. That is the ability and above all, the willingness to think for oneself and to the extent possible to seek and achieve self-reliance,” Dumas continued.

He recorded as Williams’ greatest disappointment his failure to have Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean region attain or even come close to either economic or psychological independence.

   Williams’ dedication to the Caribbean region was his second principal themes around which he functioned and it was intimately linked to his number one interest – independence. “The Caribbean for him meant not only the English-speaking Caribbean but also the region as a whole. This emphasis on the region as distinct from the various colonial and cultural segments there from, continued as a core element thereof, continued as a core element of his world view after the collapse of the West Indies Federation in 1962 and the separate independence of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago,” Dumas reported.

   In speech after speech, lecture after lecture Dumas observed, Eric Williams’ pre-occupation with the twin themes of independence and regional action, in that he repeatedly merged the two with his insistence of the need for a more autonomous Caribbean economy. At the same time he placed independence and regional action within the framework of hemispheric international developments. It was vital to work together, collaborate, to find a common voice to stand on our own two feet, Williams argued.

  Manley referred to her grandfather’s burning of his personal papers as a symbol of his profound heartbreak and announced that she shall return home with renewed determination to get the Manley Memorial Center finally underway in Jamaica. Planning for its establishment has been in the works for decades.

   The history of Jamaica, the history of the other islands of the Caribbean and indeed the United States of America will be forever characterized by the barbaric, evil of slavery, Manley reminded the gathering of scholars. “The Middle Passage symbolizing a nightmare crossing whose waters like Leith, would wipe away all memory, family, country, history, language, religion and tradition,” she continued.

  Manley asked the gathering to bear in mind that she lived close to history but she is not a historian and though she lived embroiled in her family’s politics, she is not a politician. “I am here speaking to a group of academics but I am not an academic. I am a writer so all I can offer as Jamaica turns 50 are musings of an artist: a granddaughter and daughter’s biased view of the years.”

Erica Williams-Connell, daughter of the late Prime Minister, was praised for her energy and dedication as keeper of the flame for promoting the Eric Williams Memorial Collection and the annual lecture.

   Dr. Heather Russell, Graduate Director of the African and African Diaspora Studies Programme at FIU noted that Erica’s commitment continues to be important not just because of Eric Williams’ status as one of the most important world figures of the twentieth century but because when Caribbean nationals measure themselves against his values, ideals and achievements, they are reminded every day that the work of achieving Caribbean sovereignty, dignity and decency for all Caribbean citizens is unfinished work. She thanked publicly Erica for her tireless stewardship and continued commitment to ensuring that the legacy of Eric Eustace Williams continues to thrive.

  Ambassador Dumas said having the annual lecture proves unquestionably that she is in fact a Williams. Her stick-to-itiveness was one of her father’s major characteristics, he acknowledged.

Manley dubbed Erica a “Sister of Circumstance” as she emphasized her remarkable job of preserving her father’s legacy. “Over the years it has been an inspiration and a call to conscience when it comes to my own grand father’s legacy,” Manley affirmed.

December 27, 2012

year-round Nevis tourism

Premier praises Nevisians’ Warmth as Golden

By William Doyle-Marshall

While Nevisians anxiously await word about the coming general election, Joseph W. Parry, Premier is showering praises on his people as the island’s prime product.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview in his Charlestown office early December Mr. Parry identified this feature as the reason why the Four Seasons is a five diamond hotel. That attitude Parry said contributed to the speedy attainment of the five Diamond rating as quickly as it did after it opened in 1991.

   “By 1993 it had become a five diamond hotel. It was closed back in 2008, reopened in 2010 and it got back its five diamond status,” the Premier proudly reported.

  “We have outstanding Inns like Plantation Inn, Montpelier, Golden Rock. They are not five-star because they don’t have the amenities of five star but they are pretty well recognized regionally and internationally,” Parry observed.

   Quite pleased with his people, their friendliness and warmth, the Premier emphasized “Nevisians being Caribbean people, reaching out to people and giving their service, that is what I believe we are pretty good at,”

   The Premier cited Nesbit Plantation and Oualie Beach – winners of many awards. Most of Nevis hotels are highly rated in magazine articles because of people and the great service they give and their warmth and friendliness, he said.

   While visiting Toronto recently Parry talked about making tourism a 12 month operation rather than eight months. In addition to traditional tourism, the Premier said Nevis is focusing on sports and health tourism. 

St. Kitts & Nevis Consul General John Allen, center of gathering of nationals

in Toronto, listening attentively to Premier Joseph Parry

 

Premier Joseph Parry speaking in Toronto

“In terms of sports, we have the Drag Race Trail that we are working on and it is still a work in progress where people would come and stay in guest houses and hotels and the hotels themselves are catering not only to Europe and the United States but to the Caribbean people to travel especially during the off season,” Parry explained.

   With respect to health tourism, right now Nevis is working with an American team to establish a Cosmetology Center in the New River area that will employ some 100 persons. This will be an all year round operation and the families will stay with the island hotels after treatment for three or four days.

  Further the government is, trying to attract the type of hotels that are professional and must operate all year round to ensure that they are profitable, the Premier disclosed.

   Four Seasons and Nesbit are doing this right now and Oualie has been trying to do this as well, Parry said. “Oualie has people coming from Europe for traditional holidays; they have dive people who come anytime throughout the year especially at summertime and I think some of the hotels cater to families during summer time.”

  At the moment Nevis is not big on cruise tourism but it is doing some work on cruise tourism. Steps are afoot to get increased numbers of smaller ships to come to the Port of Nevis. At the moment one or two tour operators are taking passengers from the huge cruise boats and bringing them to Nevis on day tours. This just started a few weeks ago.

December 23, 2012

Chief William Blair --safety

Make the right/safe choice – Chief Blair

By William Doyle-Marshall

Toronto Police Chief William Blair reports in his year end conversation about policing that 2012 has been a challenging year. Two major events this summer  – the shooting at the Eaton Center and the shooting at Danzig -- have caused a great deal of fear in the city. But Blair acknowledged “we came together; we worked together. We solved those terrible crimes and we worked together to help keep our communities safe”.

                                           William Blair,Toronto Police Chief

  He is very concerned about tragedies like those because innocent young people lost their lives. So far this year 53 people have lost their lives in the City of Toronto and that is a tragedy for their families, tragedy for their community and a tragedy for the city, the top law officer remarked. “But we have also made great progress in reducing violence in making our community safer. We will end this year with fewer shooting occurrences than last year and last year was the safest year in decades in Toronto. So we are continuing to make progress,” Blair affirmed.

   He spoke proudly about an almost ten percent reduction in crime in the City of Toronto so far this year. That’s eight consecutive years of significant crime reduction, Chief Blair emphasized. “These are things we should be proud of,” he stressed.

    He predicted that Torontonians will face challenges in the future -- fiscal and in many aspects of our lives. Never-the-less Blair insisted Torontonians should be very proud of what “we as a city have accomplished and what we continue to accomplish. This is a very safe city. It’s a very livable city. It’s a city that we should all be proud to live in; it’s a city we should always work hard to protect.”

   In acknowledging this very special festive time of celebration with family members and friends the Chief says sometimes it involves the consumption of alcohol. “I want people to make the right choice, the safe choice. Make arrangements to get home. We have a good taxi system here, we have a good transit system here. We have friends and family who could make sure that we get home safely.

   Blair warns if you are going to go and drink in a party, make sure that you have a safe way of getting home. Friends and family have a responsibility for each other and must look out for each other, he advises. “You have a friend or a family member who you think has had too much to drink, have the courage to stand up and say ‘you can’t drive’ and take away their keys.”

  Determined to ensure the roads are safe Chief Blair also advises if you see someone who was drinking and then driving—an impaired driver—you have to understand how dangerous that is. That’s a threat to all of our safety. Your friend could kill himself. Your friend could kill someone else.”

   “If you see someone driving impaired, pick up the phone and call 911.Call 911 because that’s a public safety emergency. That could get somebody killed. Give us a chance to intervene. Give us the location, the license plate of the car, the direction of travel and we will go and see if we can stop that individual. We need the public’s help in this because their eyes and ears are very, very helpful. I want people to enjoy themselves in this holiday season. It’s a time of family; it’s a time for your friends; it’s a time of great celebration. But it also must be a time of  safety and not just impaired driving,” The Police Chief continues.

  It’s getting darker earlier now and people are rushing everywhere and this could be very dangerous. Last minute shopping arrangements and trying to gather with family and friends are among the distractions. “We are all distracted and we are all in a hurry. So when you are crossing the street make sure you can do so safely; make sure the other guy sees you and you can cross that road without being hurt,” Blair counsels

   “When you are driving your car, look out for other people, be courteous. This is the time of year for peace on earth and goodwill to all men. That goodwill should be respected and courtesy. So if you see someone, give way; if you see a pedestrian trying to cross the street be careful, slow down; allow them to cross. If we all did this, our streets will be safer; if we all did this, everyone will get home safely and that’s what we wish for the people of Toronto.

December 21, 2012

thehatchetmanspeaks.blogspot.com: new Saint Kitts Tourism CEO

thehatchetmanspeaks.blogspot.com: new Saint Kitts Tourism CEO: Top St. Kitts Tourism Job Filled by Canadian Director By William Doyle-Marshall    Carolyn James of Nevis is now The St. Kitts Touri...

Good Food, Delightful Music, Trade Marks of Saint Kitts

By William Doyle-Marshall

Sunday morning breakfast at Sunset Café at Timothy’s Beach Resort in Saint Kitts is a wonderful experience. We sit casually at a table in a corner where we can hear the music being piped through speakers that offer a soothing satisfactory dose of Caribbean music – Calypso and Soca. The day begins with what feels like the selector dusting off “severe Licking” (He Lick She) by Barron (Timothy Watkins) the Groove Master from Trinidad and Tobago. That song catapulted him into the consciousness of music lovers in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

    For the rest of the day it feels almost like non-stop Barron as “My Lady” plus many standards popular to Soca lovers on dance floors around the world. There were visits from Crazy with “You Want Me For Card” as well as occasional stop over by Machel Montano, the young hit maker from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbadian Alison Hinds.

   Any meal that causes the consumer to consider licking the plate on which it is served, has gone beyond the classification of being a good dish. In fact, something in the creation of meals that, when it lands on your plate before you, it magically enters your mouth, travels down to your stomach and taps the bone of digestive satisfaction. It leaves nothing to warrant asking for a doggie bag assignment.

   This Sunday morning’s breakfast of Local salt fish and Johnny cakes (fried bakes) at Timothy Beach Resort qualified for that enviable description without fear of contradiction. Indeed it stood out from the familiar North American offering of continental this, that and the other with the normal variations of eggs. People should be encouraged to try local creations by nationals who run these establishments. It will certainly boost their coffers.  A tourist or visitor need to be more exploratory. Venture into the new cultural experience.  You don’t know what you are missing. That new overture provides vehicles for pleasant discoveries. Barring allergic complications, food on this twin island opens new doors to the inexperienced taste buds.

   From my perspective the layout of the Sunset Café provides a rather appropriate setting for me to enjoy the music and ignore the American propaganda being broadcast over the television as televangelists were selling their brand of Christianity to the audience. I had no interest in that.

Spice Mill Restaurant at Cockleshell Beach almost feels storybook-like with its personable staff, marinated with perfect tropical weather – wind, sun, breeze and pleasantly soothing music from members of the Greenhouse Band.

Greenhouse band performing at Spice Mill Restaurant, St. Kitts

   Neslyn and Bernice are indeed graceful hostesses. Yes, you expect to be welcomed into an establishment but these two ladies add a special flair to their work. You immediately feel at ease. Of course their behavior transcends the designation of visitor. In their presence you feel like a family member as they tend to every hint of a need. Even when they offer you water, you have a big decision to make: would it be bottled water or tap water? Wow, that question is never asked of me in Toronto. Well, we are in St. Kitts so we agree to  consumer water from the country. No foreign stuff for me.

   Denisha, a personable,knowledgeable and energetic young woman is the server at Shiggidy Shack,  who welcomes  and seats us comfortably in a spot where we can speak and enjoy the evening ambiance beneath the stars-scarce sky. A mild rum punch and a Carib beer began the evening while Denisha dashes over to the kitchen to fill our diner order. 

   A vegetable medley salad which is a regular feature at the restaurant is delightfully  creative. It's made from local ground provisions – plantain, egg plant (Melogene), white potato and a cream sauce. Sometimes breadfruit and green bananas could be included to keep it kind of fresh with string bean, carrots and corn and sometimes green papaya or sweet milk sauce. “We try not to make it too heavy but really refreshing. You can have it with  fish or shrimp, whatever meets your fancy. 

   If the name does not roll naturally off your lips, have no fear, the owner and his wife  named  the establishment because of its look and feel:  Just come on in and enjoy yourself. No shoes, no shirt, no problem. That's the way live is on Saint Kitts and Nevis -- very relaxing without a worry in the world.

new Saint Kitts Tourism CEO

Top St. Kitts Tourism Job Filled by Canadian Director

By William Doyle-Marshall

   Carolyn James of Nevis is now The St. Kitts Tourism Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer. She was appointed to the position early in December. Mrs. James has been Director of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority’s office in Canada and played a major role in arrangements last year which resulted in the introduction of seasonal weekly non-stop service to St. Kitts by Air Canada through a new relationship with Air Canada Vacations.

   “Mrs. James is well-suited to lead the St. Kitts Tourism Authority at this time, as we intensify our efforts to grow the St. Kitts brand and drive more targeted business to our destination,” said Alfonso O’Garro, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

Carolyn James being congratulated by Verral W.Marshall, owner of  Marshall's

  “As we hone our focus on the highly competitive demands of the marketplace as well as the needs of our tourism stakeholders and local people, her in-depth understanding of our island’s tourism product will be invaluable, and we are pleased to welcome her home to her new role as Acting CEO,”O’Garro added.

  Verral Marshall, owner of Marshall’s – a five-star restaurant on the island -- is very happy that Ms. James is the new Tourism CEO. He looks forward to working with her. “I know her. She is a high class of a woman. We can make a significant difference in St. Kitts in terms of tourism,” he predicted.

  Most recently, the destination ranked #3 on a list of the 10 Best Islands in the World by US News & World Report. The island previously had the ranking as #1 on the publication’s list of the 16 Best Caribbean Vacations in summer 2011.  In February this year (2012), St. Kitts was named one of “5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now” by MSNBC.  It was also among the “Top 12 Spots that should be on your list for 2012” by Caribbean Travel.+  Life magazine and the island’s Brimstone Hill Fortress was named one of “10 Great Places To Explore The World's Best-Kept Secrets” by USA Today. St. Kitts was named a top destination for 2011 by AOL Travel and British Airways.   

  Mrs. James is the longest serving market specialist of the Tourism Authority and has worked in collaboration with various government departments on both St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as private sector entities, to promote Caribbean tourism in Canada and worldwide.

  The new woman at the helm of St. Kitts Tourism Authority has an exemplary track record in creating and executing marketing initiatives on behalf of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. Most recently, she spearheaded the creation and implementation of a new Destination Specialist Program for travel agents in North America that provides online training and booking incentives.

   She has relocated from Canada to the home office in Basseterre, while simultaneously maintaining her  role and responsibilities as Director of the Canada operation.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Science degree in Tourism Administration and Marketing from Strathclyde University in Glasgow, Scotland.

                             St.Kitts and Nevis offer this type of real mouth watering meals, always! 

The twin island state of Saint Kitts and Nevis is located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. It offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning and tasteful and delectable  culinary offering; a variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts

December 20, 2012