Feb-Mar 2008 - High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad ...

Volume 34 February 20 - March 25, 2008
2004
2008
www.tthighcommission.co.uk

don
Trinidad &Tobago
welcomes
Barbados PM
PAGE 4
Nationals
meeting
roundup
PAGE 12
A Royal Visit
Eye on Trade
PAGE 5
PAGE 13
Nationals
honour High
Commissioner
Youth
Representation
PAGE 8
PAGE 14
Product of the High Commission of
the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, London

FEATURE
LONDON MISSION 3
by Donald Chambers
T
he Trinidad and Tobago High
Commission bids farewell to
its leader of the past four years, Her
Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip.
The services of this highly
accomplished professional will not be
lost to the Government and people of
Trinidad and Tobago, but instead, will
be transferred to the Trinidad and
Tobago Embassy in Washington D.C.,
where Her Excellency will assume
duties as our country’s new
Ambassador to the United States of
America, Mexico and the
Organisation of American States.
“It is with notable sadness that I leave
my posting in London, as it is with any
goodbye, but at the same time I look
forward to taking up the challenge of
my new post in Washington,” said
outgoing High Commissioner Morean
Phillip.
The High Commissioner’s apparent
contentment with her pending
departure is understandable given the
overwhelming feeling among those
she served (the T&T nationals and
members of the business community
in the UK) that her job here has been
done efficiently. As Crown Prosecutor
and T&T national, Travers Sinanan,
put it “she came, she saw and she
conquered.”
Mr. Sinanan was speaking at a function
organised by a group of nationals,
who, fuelled by their deep
appreciation for the work of H.E.
Morean Phillip, held the event to
honour “Queen Glenda,” as she was
dubbed on the day (see article on
page 8).
That the High Commissioner should
receive such a high level of praise and
appreciation should come as no
surprise, according to Public Affairs
Attaché Ashton Ford. “The results of
her hard work and accomplishments
are there for all to see, even
literally,”
said Mr. Ford, making
reference to a refurbished and
revitalised 42 Belgrave Square.
These are some of notable
achievements for the High
Commission under Her
Excellency’s watch:
• The refurbishment of the
High Commission (as mentioned) –
this received some attention in
parliament but as nationals and
members of staff have testified, it was
worth the money spent. Nationals can
feel proud as they step into their home
away from home which is well
equipped to meet their needs while
visitors are presented with a statement
of our country’s burgeoning
development.
• The expansion of the
cultural and public relations
programme – the Mission now
boasts a cultural directive that seeks to
accommodate the needs of a diverse
Diaspora. With events such as
Independence Day Celebrations,
Indian Arrival Day Celebrations,
Emancipation, Spiritual Baptist
Shouter Liberation Day, Divali, Eid
and the Students and Nationals
Christmas gatherings, Trinidad and
Tobago nationals are encouraged to
participate in the heritage and are
afforded the space and occasion to
celebrate their customs collectively.
• The expansion of the trade
agenda – the Mission has undertaken
a proactive approach to trade and
investment in the UK and throughout
Europe, highlighting Trinidad and
Tobago’s ‘open for business’ status.
This is tangibly evidenced by
numerous trade presentations made
on behalf of the country and the
partnerships established with trade
bodies and key stakeholders in the
industry.
Presentation of Credentials to the Queen in 2004
• The establishment of
Trinidad and Tobago associated
groups and organisations – the
High Commission has facilitated and
fostered the establishment of groups
and organizations that encompass the
interests of the citizens and
descendants of Trinidad and Tobago at
heart. While most of these groups are
of a cultural nature, one noteworthy
business-related organisation is the
Trinidad and Tobago Professionals
Network in the United Kingdom
(TTPNUK). This is effectively a
pooling of our nation’s skilled labour
in the United Kingdom. For more
information please visit
www.ttpnuk.com
• The revamping of the
Mission’s publication, the
London Mission and the website
- making information easily accessible
and readily available has been a
priority of the High Commissioner.
Please visit:
www.tthighcommission.co.uk
These achievements are the result of a
collaborative effort of a visionary
leader and the staff that she inspired.
As the members of staff anticipate the
arrival of our new Head of Mission,
we take this opportunity to wish
outgoing High Commissioner, Her
Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, all
the best and are thankful for her time
in London.
Please see tributes from members of staff
on page 9.

10 4 LONDON MISSION NEWS
At left:The Hon. Patrick
Manning, Prime Minister of
Trinidad and Tobago.
At: Right:The Hon. David
Thompson,Prime Minister of
Barbados
Trinidad and Tobago
Welcomes Barbados
Prime Minister
O
n Wednesday 20 February
2008, the Honourable
David Thompson, Prime Minister of
Barbados, paid his first official visit
to Trinidad and Tobago at the
invitation of the Honourable Patrick
Manning, Prime Minister of
Trinidad and Tobago.
Prime Minister Thompson was
accompanied by the Honourable
Christopher P. Sinckler, M.P.,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign
Trade and International Business;
the Honourable Dennis Kellman,
M.P., Ambassador-designate to the
Caribbean
Community
(CARICOM); Miss Teresa Marshall,
Permanent Secretary, (Foreign
Affairs) Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Trade and International
Business and Mrs. Antoinette
Williams, Permanent Secretary,
Defence and Security, Prime
Minister's Office.
At this meeting, the Prime Ministers
raised concerns about the Caribbean
Single Market Economy (CSME).
Both Heads of Government
reaffirmed their commitment to
bringing the 2015 vision to a reality.
Prime Minister Manning referred to
some of the challenges ahead in
creating this Single Economy,
mainly the issuance of a single
currency. Prime Minister Thompson
related that he had suggested to the
CARICOM Secretary General that
since there were five new members
a forum for their inclusion in the
process was necessary. As a senior
head, Prime Minister Manning
agreed to arrange along with fellow
heads a convenient date.
Regarding the matter of
PETROCARIBE, both Heads of
Government understood the
economic benefits to be derived
from such a venture but were
concerned about the long term debt
implications.
Prime Ministers Manning and
Thompson reviewed developments
regarding security within the
southern Caribbean, including the
improvement of the drug
interdiction capability, the
CARICOM Arrest Warrant and free
movement arrangements.
Regarding the Fisheries Agreement
they were both confident that after
the regional fish stock assessment
was completed, the matter could be
brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
Prime Minister Thompson
concluded with appreciation for
Trinidad and Tobago’s hospitality
and thought that considerable
progress had been made through his
discussions with Prime Minister
Manning.
TT$89M Fight against Crime
N
ational Security Minister, Sen. the Hon. Martin
Joseph, revealed that the Trinidad and Tobago
Government spent a total of $89,648,969.48 on 602
vehicles and 63 motorcycles for the Police Service from
2002 to 2007 to boost efforts in the fight against the
nations rising crime situation.
Minister Joseph’s revelation came by way of a written
statement circulated during a sitting of the Senate.
In terms of current vehicle distribution within the Police
Service, the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch has the
most with 65, followed by the Southern Division with 62
and the Transport and Telecom Branch with 59. The
Special Branch, Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearms
Bureau, Inter-Agency Task Force, Homicide Bureau of
Investigations, Guard and Emergency Branch, CID/
Criminal Records Office, Anti-Corruption Investigations
Bureau, Fraud Squad and Police Band now have 24, 22,
27, 16, 16, 37, 3 and 0 vehicles respectively.

NEWS
A Royal Visit
LONDON MISSION 5
Pictures of The Royal Couple’s visit to the University of the West
Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus. Photos by Tariq Khan.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall
start Caribbean tour in Trinidad & Tobago
T
heir Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and
the Duchess of Cornwall, graced the shores of
Trinidad and Tobago with a three-day nationwide visit that
commenced on the Tuesday 4 th March, 2008. The Royals
landed in Tobago and were welcomed by Chief Secretary
of the Tobago House of Assembly, Mr. Orville London.
Later that day, they paid courtesy calls on President
Professor George Maxwell Richards and Prime Minister
Patrick Manning in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Prince Charles and the Duchess made several landmark
and cultural visits while in Trinidad and Tobago. On their
first day in Trinidad, the Royal Highnesses visited the
ASA Wright Centre in Arima, one of the oldest nature
centers in the West Indies. While there, Prince Charles
launched a collaborative documentary on ‘Climate Change
and the Caribbean’.
Their Royal Highnesses also visited the University of
Trinidad and Tobago Maritime Training Centre in
Chaguaramas. There they were impressed by the state-ofthe-art
equipment and enjoyed a simulation of the uses of
them.
A showcase of the diverse culture of Trinidad and Tobago
was displayed at the Queens Park Oval on the Thursday 6 th
March, 2008. The Royals were treated to Tassa and
African drumming, Steel Pan music Moko Jumbies and an
impressive show of cricketing skills by the Blind Cricket
team. The Prince then joined in to demonstrate his batting
skills much to everyone’s pleasure. He also received a
short pan lesson from members of the St. James Youth
Club.
Above: Prince Charles is welcomed by students of the St.
Augustine Girls High School.
Their Royal Highnesses stop to have a word students from the
University of the West Indies Primary School.
Above: The Duchess of Cornwall looks on as Prince Charles
tries his hand at the steelpan, the national instrument of
Trinidad and Tobago and (at left) the Royal Couple signs the
UWI guest book before departing.

10 6 LONDON MISSION NEWS
7th President Sworn in
E
lected unopposed for a
second term in office,
President George Maxwell Richards
TC, CMT, PhD, took his oath of
office publicly at the Hasley
Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain
on Monday 17 th March, 2008.
President Maxwell Richards was first
sworn in on March 17th 2003 and re
elected unopposed on March 11th,
2008 by the Parliamentary electoral
college.
Thousands of spectators, including
many students, were afforded the
opportunity to witness the first
public swearing in of the Head of
State.
His Excellency urged the nation not
to become a failed state, one in
which there was war and famine and
one which failed to achieve its fullest
potential. Rather he encouraged the
nation to be one that prevailed,
indicating to the world that it was
possible to live in social, cultural,
institutional and political stability.
The ceremony was similar to that of
Prime Minister Patrick Manning's
swearing in at Woodford Square,
birth place of the People’s National
Movement. The President himself
had administered the oath in a public
setting deviating from tradition.
A chemical engineer by profession,
married to Dr Jean Ramjohn-
Richards, a father of two and is now
the 7th President of Trinidad and
Tobago.
Highest Accolade
in store for Lara
T
he CARICOM’s highest honour, the ‘Order of
the Caribbean Community’ (OCC), will be
awarded to batting sensation and former West Indies
captain, Brian Charles Lara, in July of 2008.
The announcement was made after the CARICOM Heads
19th Inter-sessional meeting in Nassau, Bahamas, on the
8th of March 2008.
Lara retired from international cricket in 2007,
impressively having played 131 test matches and gaining a
total of 11,953 runs, the most of any international
batsman to date. The legendary batsman who scored 34
centuries, amongst them, his world record 501 not out,
also still holds world records for his six fours in an over;
most runs in a single day’s play (390); and most runs in a
test over (28), to name a few.
He is also the only batsman to gain a century, a double
century, triple century, quadruple century and a
quintuplet century in the international arena.
File photo: Brian Lara with President George Maxwell
Richards.
Lara joins three other outstanding persons for the honour:
Professor Rex Nettleford of Jamaica; Dr Nicholas
Liverpool of Dominica; and Gordon Lamming of
Barbados.
The event will be held in Antigua and Barbuda.

FEATURE
MEET OUR NEW MINISTERS
LONDON MISSION 7
THE HONOURABLE JOSEPH ROSS: A MAN OF THE PEOPLE
T
he Member of Parliament for Barataria /San Juan, the Honourable
Joseph Ross, is not a stranger to public office. Prior to his victory in
the November 5, 2007, general election, Mr. Ross served as Chairman of the
San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation and also as a member of the
Barataria Village Council.
The new Minister of Tourism is a Certified Auditor (CIA) and possesses a
BSc (Hons) in Industrial Management and has worked as a Public Servant in
the Auditor General’s Department and the Ministry of Finance.
Minister Ross was the Chief Internal Auditor at Trinidad and Tobago
National Petroleum Marketing Company before his appointment to the
Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister Ross was involved in several community activities for many years in
the Barataria/San Juan area among them being a Board Member and Lay
Preacher of the Church of the Nazarene, San Juan.
The Honourable Minister is married and is the father of four children.
THE HONOURABLE MARLENE Mc DONALD: A LOYAL AND COMMITTED WORKER
T
he Honourable Marlene Mc Donald served as the Attorney for the
Diego Martin Credit Union Co – operative for over twenty (20)
years before taking the oath of Office as the Minister of Community
Development, Culture and Gender Affairs.
She was also a school teacher before attending the University of the West
Indies (UWI) St. Augustine and Cave Hill, Barbados where she obtained a
Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from Sir Hugh Wooding Law School.
The new Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South is also the holder of a
BA in Economics and served as the Legal Advisor to the Board of Tobago
Express and the Board of El Dorado Consumers Co-operative.
Minister Mc Donald was also very active in community activities having
worked with groups such as St. Vincent de Paul and the St. Martin Welfare
Association which would undoubtedly assist her in new dual role as a
Member of Parliament and a Government Minister.

10 8 LONDON MISSION FEATURE
Nationals toast
‘Queen Glenda’
by Donald Chambers
I
n an unprecedented collective show of appreciation,
Trinidad and Tobago nationals in the United Kingdom
independently organised a tribute event to celebrate High
Commissioner Morean Phillip’s term in office and to wish
her well in the future.
As convenor of ‘The Committee to recognise our High
Commissioner,’ Ansel Wong stated, “we simply had to say
thank you.” And they did so in grand style.
The Committee, made up of no less than twenty four
members who represented more than eighteen
organisations, put together a programme that was
dominated by presentations by icons of the T&T
Community in the UK, powerful speeches and heartfelt
testimonies. All of which were well received by an
audience of Her Excellency's peers in the diplomatic
community, lawyers, UK as well as T&T businessmen,
religious and community leaders, nationals and general
well-wishers.
Person after person candidly expressed their appreciation
to the High Commissioner for her contribution to the
Trinidad and Tobago communities in the United Kingdom
and throughout Europe. Be it an eloquent speech, as was
delivered by Travers Sinanan, or the masterful bit of
extempo calypso by Tobago Crusoe, in song after song and
speech after speech, the overriding themes were the same:
gratitude; praise and genuine adulation.
National Jeanette De Couteau, referred to H.E. Morean
Phillip as ‘our Queen’ and to Mr. Oscar Phillip, the High
Commissioner’s husband as ‘our very own Prince Phillip.’
Cultural promoter Shabaka Thompson who spoke on behalf
of the Association of British Calypsonians (ABC), stated
that the organisation was under no illusions as to why
relations between the ABC and the High Commission had
grown from strength to strength over the years. He
thanked the High Commissioner and Culture Attaché
Ashton Ford for their support in the development and
promotion of calypso and the arts in the wider community.
Angela Cox of Carivog International and organiser of Miss
Trinidad and Tobago UK, described Her Excellency as an
inspiration to all and a role model for citizens of Trinidad
and Tobago.
Her Excellency was presented with a portrait painted by
Ainsley Yearwood and a framed citation commemorating
her achievements as High Commissioner.
Pictures by Kevin Joseph
Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip and Her Excellency
Glenda Morean Phillip. Portrait by Ainsley Yearwood.
Part of the audience attending the function.
From left: Attaché Ashton Ford, prominent actor and one of
two Masters of Ceremonies (MC) for the event, Rudolph
Walker, Honouree Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip,
Co-MC, Floella Benjamin and Oscar Phillip.
A clearly moved High Commissioner thanked those present
for such an overwhelming show of appreciation and stated
that whatever the Mission accomplished over the years
would not have been possible had it not been for the
support and enthusiasm of the devoted nationals of Trinidad
and Tobago.
The Masters of Ceremony were well-known television
personalities Rudolph Walker and Floella Benjamin.

FEATURE LONDON MISSION 9
To get you better acquainted with the activities of the Honorary Consuls we continue with
our global page, profiling the individual Consuls.
Hamburg, Germany
H
oward M.S. Kroch
(pictured) has been the
Honorary Consul for Trinidad and
Tobago in Hamburg since 1989 and
looks after 8 German States.
He was born in Manchester, England,
but has been living in Germany since
1955. Before retirement, Howard
enjoyed a very successful and dynamic
career as a banker. Having lived and
worked in many major cities
throughout the world, he brings a
wealth of experience to the job of
Honorary Consul. Howard is a
Trinidad and Tobago enthusiast and
this is demonstrated through his
dedication to his position.
In January 2008, Howard worked
closely with Commercial Attaché,
Dionne Ligoure, to arrange business
presentations to key stakeholders at
the Chamber of Commerce in
Hamburg. The success of the event
was evidence of his vast network and
expertise.
Some of Howard’s responsibilities as
Honorary Consul include passport,
visa and consular matters. He also
keenly promotes opportunities in
Trinidad and Tobago and represents
the country at other countries
national days.
In addition to his duties as Honorary
Consul, Howard is also very active in
several charitable organisations. He
has two main hobbies, collecting old
cars and used telephone cards.
Staff Tributes to Her Excellency
Ashton Ford, Public Affairs Culture
and Tourism Attaché – Mr. Ford’s
posting at the Mission coincided
with that of the High
Commissioner’s.
“She led passionately, we
followed willingly and the
Trinidad and Tobago
Community has benefited
tremendously. I wish her all
the best.”
Victoria Farley, Head of Chancery
– Ms. Farley has served as the
second in command, following the
death of Mr. Evans King, for most
of the High Commissioner’s term.
“What you see is what you
get. High Commissioner is
open, accessible, practical,
cheerful, a believer in and
proponent of, the ‘art of the
possible.’ We wish our High
Commissioner and Mr.
Oscar Phillip a safe and
happy stay at our Embassy in
Washington D.C.
Geoff Lowe, Executive Officer – Mr.
Lowe is one of the longest serving
members of the locally recruited
staff, having been employed at the
Mission for over 30 years.
“High Commissioner Morean
Phillip brought a breath of
fresh air and her legacy lives
on through the expanded
mandate of the Mission. I
wish her all the best.”

10
10
LONDON MISSION
LAWS TO PROTECT CHILDREN
Minster promises early
debate in Parliament
NEWS
M
inister of State in the
Ministry of Social
Development, the Honourable Alicia
Hospedales, declared that legislation
to protect children will be laid before
the House of Representatives in the
near future.
The Honourable Minister made this
comment while creating history as the
first Government Minister in the
newly formed administration of the
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to
address nationals living in London,
United Kingdom.
Mrs Hospedales was a guest at a
function jointly organised by the
Trinidad and Tobago High
Commission and Horizons Trinidad
and Tobago, which focused on
Community Mental Health and
Rehabilitation Programme on 7 th
March 2008.
“Legislation would attempt to address
all hindrances to healthy and happy
childhood in T&T – especially child
abuse. One of the major
developments on the agenda is the
presentation of a children’s package
legislation in the House of
Representatives in due course,” the
Minister said.
Responding to questions from the
audience, Minister Hospedales said
that the Ministry would provide
grants to support families at risk
under the National Family Services
Programme.
She also gave a comprehensive review
of the work undertaken by the
Ministry of Social Development
locally. Her visit to the United
Members of the Group along with Minister Hoespedales and Attaché Ashton Ford.
From Left to right: Carl Ryan, Rudi Paige, Ashton Ford, Minister Alicia Hospedales,
David Michael, Morris Ellington, Ansel Wong, Juliet Walker and Carl Gabriel.
Kingdom was done under the auspices
of the Commonwealth Parliamentary
Association (CPA).
Mr. Carl Ryan, Project Leader of the
Horizons Mental Health and
Minister Hospedales with her former
teacher at University of the West Indies
(UWI) Mr. Gregory Mieres. The Minister
paid tribute to Mr. Mieres during her
address to the nationals at the meeting.
Rehabilitation Programmes said that
the role and function of his group is to
promote sustainable development and
reduce poverty by encouraging
enterprise and increasing productivity
amongst individuals.
He said that the programme provides
a holistic support to health, social and
faith professionals and encourages
local co-operation and international
collaboration across institutions and
sectors.
Mr. Ryan, now a qualified psychiatric
nurse, further stated that Horizons’
programmes adopt a Community
Development approach for the
reduction of poverty, disability
discrimination, drug and alcohol
abuse and sexual health.
The group has offered to carry its
programme to Trinidad and Tobago,
having carried out successful ventures
in other countries across the globe.
Minister Hospedales said that she
would discuss the proposal from the
group with her colleagues since some
aspects of the programme must be
handled by other Ministries.

FEATURE 9
LONDON MISSION 11

12 10 LONDON MISSION NEWS
Nationals Meeting Roundup
MARCH - Nationals had their last meeting with Her
Excellency Glenda Morean Philip.
Attending persons were keen to address High Commissioner
Morean Phillip for the last time and wished her well. In a
special impromptu moment, retired medical research
officer, Herbert Ramsey, presented Her Excellency with a
token of his appreciation - a drawn portrait of the High
Commissioner.
Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip, High Commissioner,
with Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism Attaché, Ashton
Ford.
Curious as to what lay ahead in terms of the status of the
Mission, inquiries were made as to what succession plans
were in place and who would succeed Mrs. Morean Phillip
as High Commissioner. They were assured that the Mission’s
mandate was secure but no official comment was made as to
her successor.
Members of staff in attendance: Victoria Farley, Head of Chancery,
Roanna Gopaul, First Secretary, Ashton Ford, Attaché Public
Affairs, Culture and Tourism and Donald Chambers, Assistant
Attaché III, Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism.
FEBRUARY - Travers Sinanan, award winning* Prosecutor
for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was the guest
speaker for the February Meeting, chaired by Immigration
Attaché, Nirmal Bhaggan.
Mr. Sinanan led a lively discussion on the new immigration
laws effected in the United Kingdom, and delivered a
knowledgeable discourse on the repercussions for citizens of
Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Commonwealth.
Crown Prosecutor Travers Sinanan presents Immigration
Attaché Nirmal Bhaggan with copies of the New Immigration
Point Based System and the Identity Cards Act 2006, before the
meeting.
*Travers Sinanan’s skills in the courtroom were acknowledged when
he received a special staff award at CPS, known as an OSCAR
(Outstanding Staff Commitment and Achievement Recognition ) for
the period 2003- 2004
Members of staff in attendance: Immigration Attaché Nirmal
Bhaggan, Assistant Attaché III Donald Chambers and Assistant
Attaché III Donna Philip-Forde.
Nationals Meetings are held on the
last Wednesday of every month
unless otherwise advised.
NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday 30th April, 2008
@ 6pm
All nationals of Trinidad and
Tobago are welcome
Suresh Rambaran
JANUARY - Qualified Nurse Suresh Rambaran (pictured)
was the guest speaker for January’s Nationals Meeting. Mr.
Rambaran made a presentation on prostate caner to a full to
capacity audience for the year’s first monthly meeting.
Mr. Rambaran has travelled to several parts of Africa and
Asia to make similar presentations. For more information on
prostate cancer visit www.realmendo.org.uk .
Members of staff in attendance: Public Affairs, Culture and Tourism
Attaché, Ashton Ford (Chair) and Assistant Attaché III Donna
Philip- Forde.

BUSINESS 9
LONDON MISSION 13
by Dionne Ligoure
In a letter to the High Commission dated August 07, 2007, Zubair Abad of Tripak Developers wrote: ‘We would like to thank you for the
co-operation and guidance we received during the recent visits we made to your office. The information you provided and the contacts
that were arranged proved to be of extreme help. Trinidad and Tobago is looking to us as a great market and we are already in the
process of the formation of a company there…’
Tripak Developers Limited trading in Trinidad and Tobago as Abadix Limited
Z
ubair Abad and Kern Radix are the founders and
driving force behind Tripak Developers Limited
trading in Trinidad and Tobago as Abadix
Limited.
Zubair Abad, born in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and
Kern Radix, born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago,
visited the High Commission in June 2007. Zubair and
Kern were quite enthusiastic about business prospects in
Trinidad and Tobago and after a briefing with Commercial
Attaché, Dionne Ligoure, they expressed a strong desire
to set up a branch of their business there. The pair later
held more detailed discussions with Ms. Ligoure who
thoroughly guided them through the process of
establishing a business in Trinidad and Tobago and
provided introductory links to facilitate the start up in
quick time.
Both Zubair and Kern visited Trinidad in July to do the
necessary groundwork. There were challenges, as is
expected with any company expanding into a new
country. Nonetheless, by September 2007, Tripak
Developers started trading in Trinidad and Tobago. Kern
Radix relocated to his birthplace in order to be onsite for
the set-up. Zubair Abad remained in the United
Kingdom to send off the first shipment of Tripak’s quality
kitchen collections.
The Ultimate Kitchen Collections
Tripak Developers offers a wide range of kitchens
specifically designed for today’s homes. These kitchens
are designed and developed to complement and meet the
needs of modern living with products and styles to suit all
tastes and affordability. Kitchens can come with a full
variety of accessories depending on the requirements of
the customer.
Tripak Developers have 15 years experience in the
construction industry. The majority of the work done
during this time was with many of the top developers in
the United Kingdom like Bryant Homes and Westbury
Homes.
Tripak’s mission is to anticipate and exceed customers
expectations, needs and experience. Their vision is to be
recognised as the preferred source of kitchen products
and services for contractors and individuals engaged in
single and multi-family residential, repair and
remodelling of kitchens.
Tripak offers a four-step service, starting with:
• Initial contact;
• Free plan and design;
• Delivery and installation; and
• After Sales Service.
Tripak Developers is one of the on-going success stories
of the Trade Department at the High Commission,
London.
Contact Tripak:
For more information please visit:
www.tripakdevelopers.co.uk or email:
info@tripakdevelopers.co.uk
Tripak’s Trinidad and Tobago branch, Abadix Limited, is
located at 53 Savannah Heights, Charlieville, Chagaunas.
Telephone/fax: 868.671.5706; mobile: 868.307.5229
Foreign Exchange Rates as at April 8 , 2008
Currency Counter: Selling Notes:
Buying
Buying
Pound 11.5226 12.7720 12.1290
Sterling
US Dollar 6.0000 6.3499 6.1650
Source: Scotiabank Trinidad & Tobago Limited
WTI Cushing Spot Crude Oil Price
on April 8, 2008
$109.09 per barrel

14 10 LONDON MISSION FEATURE
Youth Representation
G
ood day, or as my friend from Bougainville, Papua
New Guinea would say “Monijin yu stap gut.”
The Commonwealth Day celebrations was hosted on 10 th
March 2008, by the Commonwealth Parliamentary
Association (CPA) at the Houses of Parliament, Palace of
Westminster, London, United Kingdom.
The programme was designed to promote both the virtues
of the Commonwealth and also Parliamentary Democracy
to the younger generation. I was fortunate to be nominated
by the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago to represent our
youth.
All the youth ambassadors from the various nations were
treated to a tour of The Houses of Parliament and our
guides provided us with stimulating and entertaining facts
about the history of Parliamentary Democracy in Britain.
Akin to the eternal flame outside our Red House, the
rebuilding of the Parliament of Westminster symbolises the
power of democracy and a determination of a people
irrespective of gender, race, religion or culture. We also
had the opportunity to participate in debates and were
addressed by various Labour and Conservative MPs, High
Commissioners and Commonwealth Parliamentary
Representatives.
Her Majesty addressed us on the topic “The Environment -
Our Future” and this theme was well reflected throughout
the content of the day’s programme. I quote from the
Buddhist Dhammapada “As a bee without harming the flower, its
colour or scent, flies away collecting only the honey, even so should
the wise man wander in the village.” This means we should take
only the minimum necessary for our requirements without
harming or spoiling the environment.
It was appropriate that the Commonwealth Day
programme ended with an impressive reception in the
beautiful setting of Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London.
In attendance were Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal
Farai debating at the Atlee Suite, Portcullis House, Palace of
Westminster.
A cross-section of some of the youth representatives.
Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, The President of the
Republic of Uganda, Parliamentarians from both the UK
and the Commonwealth, the High Commissioners, the
CPA staff and the youth representatives.
As the Ankole tribe from Uganda would say “Mugume ho
gye”, good bye.
Farai Masaisai
Are you a young citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, pursuing your studies or working in the United Kingdom?
Please send us your success story.
Mr. Ashton Ford, Attaché - Public Affairs, Culture & Tourism, High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,
42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT
Note: Letters to the Editor can also be sent to Mr. Ford at the said address.

SPORTS
JASON SCOTLAND IS LEADING
GOALSCORER IN LEAGUE ONE
by Ashton Ford
L
ast football season Dwight Yorke, Carlos
Edwards and Stern John played a major role in
ensuring that Sunderland Football Club returned to the
Premiership of the English Football Association.
LONDON MISSION 15
Once again, nationals from Trinidad and Tobago namely
Jason Scotland, Dennis Lawrence and Kevin Austin are
making waves for another British Club, Swansea Football
Club, in the League One Division, which are almost
certain to be promoted to the Championship Division.
Scotland (pictured at right) is currently the leading goal
scorer in the Division, having scored 29 goals so far this
season, while Lawrence is the main defender for the team
along with his fellow Trinidad and Tobago player Austin
who plays on the left side.
Lawrence (pictured below) was the goal scorer for the Soca
Warriors in the crucial game against Bahrain in 2005 in
order for Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the first
time in the World Cup Football finals which took place in
Germany in 2006.
Jason Scotland
The trio at Sunderland continue to give a good account of
themselves this season despite the fact that Carlos
Edwards was injured for a major part of the season.
Jones made a great impact on the field to the extent that
his coach Roy Keane is on record as stating emphatically
that he will not take any offers from the top English clubs
to transfer the dashing forward.
Sunderland is out of the danger zone having scored a
major victory (2 – 1)over West Ham on March 29 th in a
crucial encounter. Jones scored the first goal for his team
in that game.
Dennis Lawrence
Scotland was transferred to Swansea from Dundee in the
Scottish League this season, while Lawrence moved from
Division Two team Wrexham this season.
Another Trinidad and Tobago player, Goalkeeper
Clayton Ince, has been doing a remarkable job for Walsall
in League 1, having had a clean sheet for 19 games.
One of the most significant events scheduled to take place
on the international football calendar is the clash between
Trinidad and Tobago and England on June 1 st at the
Haseley Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and
Tobago.
The game is being organised by the Trinidad and Tobago
Football Federation (TTFF) to commemorate the 100 th
anniversary of football in Trinidad and Tobago.
It will also be historic moment due to the fact that it will
be the first time that England’s national team will be
playing in Trinidad and Tobago.

Above: Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip and members of staff
toasted Lt. Col Sharon Alfonso before her departure to Trinidad and
Tobago to wed husband to be Mark Farrell. Photograph by Kevin
Joseph. Right: Mr. and Mrs. Mark Farrell are all smiles after they tied
the knot at the St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Trinidad and Tobago.
Left: While in Trinidad and Tobago recently, Public Affairs,
Culture and Tourism Attaché Ashton Ford paid a courtesy call on
Ashmeer Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer, KC Confectionary.
Below: Singer and songwriter Colin Bell, pays tribute to Her
Excellency Glenda Morean Phillip with his version of ‘wonder
wall' at the ‘Toast to Honour Queen Glenda.’
Below: BT Melodians’ Terry Noel and opera singer Neil
Latchman were among the host of nationals who turned
out to honour the High Commissioner. Photograph by
Edwin Phillips.
High Commission of the Republic of
Trinidad and Tobago
42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT
Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065