Emancipation and Self-Reflection

By Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe
July 23, 2008

EmancipationMost of us will revel in African sartorial splendor during the next week. Such displays signal a magnificent achievement of which the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) should be proud. It has made African Trinbagonians aware of their heritage and, at least for a week, makes us reflect on the land of our origin. As we reflect, it is well to ponder how this awareness coincides with our threatened re-enslavement in our adopted land.

In a not-so-uncoordinated moment Sat Maharaj, “Religious Schools on Top” and Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie, “The Long-Term Solution” (Guardian, July 17) advanced theses about why East Indian children are doing better than African children in primary and secondary schools. Each used the SEA and CXC results respectively to bolster claims that there are things inherent in Indian schools (mostly rural) that are absent in African schools (mostly urban) which explain our retrogression in the field of education (Sat) and its implications for the growing crime rates (Dr. Tewarie).

Sat notes that religious schools copped 87 of the top 100 places whereas the government schools received the other thirteen. He did not tell us how the next 900 places were distributed but concludes that “the Government has a lot to learn from the denominational schools” which should be expanded. “These schools excel because of the role given to religion in the educational system. The secular and the sacred must form part of our school curriculum.”

Dr. Tewarie makes a connection between the urban areas in which crime is rampant and the poor showing of African students in those schools. Although he does not say that one is the cause of the other, the conditional nature of his propositions suggests that crime may be “affecting the quality of education received by our children in those school” and they may be “spawning the raw material on which criminal gangs are being built.” If these propositions are true, such schools may be “the source of our cultural nightmare and would require special attention.”

No one in his right mind would dismiss the results of the SEA and CXC examinations or deny they tell us something about the non-performance of African children. However, I am not inclined to believe that the “religious” character of schools is the key to students’ performance on examinations. The long histories of Hinduism and Catholicism assist in creating an atmosphere in which children learn. They impose discipline among teachers and students and imbue them with moral and cultural ballast that serve them in good stead.

Non-denominational schools are failing because teachers and students are not subjected to a similar discipline and are not inclined to teach our children. Invariably, high teacher absenteeism and low expectations of students prevent learning from taking place. In fact, one wonders if the principals and teachers bring the same zeal and commitment to their jobs as do their counterparts in the denominational schools.

Both SEA and CXC are exam-driven. Such drilling does not conduce to students becoming educated and well rounded. Learning that priorities outcome over process denies students “the resources, encouragement, and space to reflect and discover for themselves where their interests and strengths might lie.” It also encourages a culture “that privileges conformity and a narrow academic model of competitiveness.” (Kenneth Paul Tan, New Politics for a Renaissance City?).

Poor school performance and a rise in crime rates may be coterminous rather than causal factors. As Dr. Tewarie observes, such behaviors suggests a failure to involve the community, the family, and the students in a partnership that emphasizes academic excellence and civic responsibility. Among the students, it might also signal a lack of self-esteem, self-confidence and faith in their life chances. Most of these children believe they will not live to see their thirtieth birthday.

The lowered performance of African children suggests that the breakdown in urban communities has reached epidemic proportions which calls for a re-emphasis on civic values that target the family and the community and alert government to the festering of this social wound. As Barack Obama suggests in another context, these are our children rather than African or Indian children who are calling out for help.

We cannot ask government to do what parents have a responsibility to do but there must be a national consensus that our children are at risk. Unless African people understand that transformation begins with our actions then we are setting up ourselves for a return to voluntary enslavement for which we can blame no one.

The education department should partner with organizations such as the ESC and NAEAP in the academic enterprise by offering after school, summer and other enrichment programs. Just as Sat knows how to educate Hindu children, many of us in the African community know how to educate our children and liberate them from poor performances, diminished self-confidence and the loss of self-esteem.

The emancipated has the power to rearrange the shards of broken promises that formal emancipation generated but it will take the cooperation of all of us to make the society whole. Self-reflection, commitment, and targeted action ought to be the dominant sentiments of Emancipation Week.

16 thoughts on “Emancipation and Self-Reflection”

  1. To the extent that African originated children in urban schools in Tnt are not taught an Afro-centric curriculum, based on the sound values that kept Africans safe durning the long Middle Passage and four hundred years of separation from their ancestral roots, and to the extent that the brutality meted out to their ancestors in Trinidad, and carried on in the schools in the frequent calls for “Return of Corporal Punishment”, and derogation of aAfrican culture, African children will continue to “perform poorly” b ased on criteria set by others.

    Introduce some African history. Let their epic stories be f Sundiata, tell them of the greatness of Ethiopia- of its being the longest continuous Christian country in the world, where Islam is allowed to thrive, tell them of African scientists who launched their own satellite, which satellite brought us the pictures of the tsunamidamage in 2004, then tell them that the great mathematicians ofthe pyramid builders were Africans, not light skinned Anatolians deported there by the Romans, let them know the greatness from which they came, and the ywill become great learners. If they are fed on the violence of Laventille, without telling them who inculcates the violence, they will become violent too. Teach them that exploited people have to throw off those shackles again, and free themselves, and see what happens.
    The energy that was carnival(not the modern light skinned pappy show) the energy that is the soca warriors, the energy that produced a Brian Lara and Wendy Fitzwilliams can produce more of the same. Never forget that outr founding father was of African ancestry, but it took the rejection of the rest of his heritage to result in The Great Awakening, that gave us independence.

  2. Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe wrote:
    “We cannot ask government to do what parents have a responsibility to do but there must be a national consensus that our children are at risk. Unless African people understand that transformation begins with our actions then we are setting up ourselves for a return to voluntary enslavement for which we can blame no one.”

    May I ask, what have the previous generation of ‘educated’ African-Trinbagonian done to inspire the younger generation. What have they done to provide jobs for their people? The Indian Trinbagonian can and do gain employment from Indian owned companies like Moonan and Amars.

    “Born in Ecclesville, Rio Claro, Moonan came from humble beginnings and rose to be a leader among men. Moonan, who founded the Moonan Group of Companies in 1959 with the co-operation of his dedicated and loyal staff, developed one of the largest contracting and engineering firms in Trinidad and Tobago. A former UNC senator and past president of the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association, Moonan was revered for being a committed family man who displayed humble qualities. His secret to success — uniting people into one organisation by practicing love, understanding and good communication.

    He had a desire to advance himself as well as others and was considered to be blessed with thousands of employees. In his business practice he was esteemed to be a man who saw everyone alike and did not discriminate. Moonan made his base at Streatham Lodge Road, Tunapuna where he slowly started his business. According to Dr Anna Mahase “he became an entrepreneur who knew no bounds.” She was speaking on how Moonan paved and donated the walkway connecting St Augustine Girls’ High School to the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. The walkway was christened the Motilal Moonan Walkway. He leaves behind his wife Vilma, two sons Mahendra and Manoj and daughter, Vindra. ”
    http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,28128.html

    Now my question is, what were/are their EDUCATIONAL status?

    Amar was a Taxi Driver, (And they keep telling me, only in America!).

    Point is, the value system.. Too many in our communities aspire to become employees rather than employers.

  3. The results of the SEA and CXC examinations should not be the only measures of success of failure of schools and school children.Too much emphasis is placed on examinations in T&T. There are many other factors and variables involved in the education of children.The indicators of success should include athletics,creativity,sociability, etc.Also, are examination adaptations provided to students who need extra time, computers, scribes,print modifications, etc.? Let us stop making racial comparisons related to achievement and try to improve the quality of education of all our kids.

  4. We are academics, realizing that academia is where a major battle has to be fought: here is a list: Dr. Eric Williams, Dr. Stephan Gift, Dr. Gordon Rholear(sp), Dr. Selwyn Cudjoe, Dr. RAlph Henry,- African males of different complexions, who are making, have made their contributions. They are there too in the business community, and in medicine.The Toby brothers are medical doctors and I can name quite a few others. They are there as lawyers, and other university professors.

    Once, we could not buy property unless you had a white frontman to do it for us. There was, and still may be a determination to keep us back. Bank lending policies have a lot to do with this.

    We owe to the media the continuous carping commentary of negativism that infects the children of Africa. Please review the comments you guys made on BArack Obama, and compare it to the reception he is recieving in Europe where your poison has not infected anyone. Amen.

  5. This myopic view by Indo Trinidadian characters such as Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Sat Maharaj,and Ram on the problems that continues to challenge fellow citizens of African descent is very common, yet understandable to some of us . I just love it when culture – especially as it relates to religion –is brought up as the reason for the economic successes of Indo Trinidadians. What they are doing in essence, is identifying one of the major factors that has worked against the much maligned and neglected African since they came to this country, as had most of our culture stolen by colonial savages.
    I wish however that Bho, Sat ,and Ram would not stop there, but would also indicate the opportunities that accrued to indentured laborers as a result of the whole scale acquisition of prime lands upon coming to this country that were never extended to the emancipated slaves when his services were no longer required.

    Ram is partially correct the educated African – Trinbagonian traditionally have not done enough for their people. The reason may be simple, as most gravitated towards politics, and state oriented professions and so were busy trying to provide jobs for all of us- including Indo Trinbagonians, as well as putting mechanisms in place so that his much adored business elites idols Moonan and Amars can thrive. In essence, Afro Trinbagonian lost most of their culture one of which was sharing and caring for extended family and the black communities traditional to Africans before the advent of European colonialism on the continent. Indo Trinidadian was not so disadvantage as he kept his culture including selfishness, racist attitudes, corrupt mentality, and deep bedded discriminatory habits, most of which are still prevalent by them throughout the country.
    We how have a saying,’ better late than never”. I therefore hope that present Afro Trinbagonian educated, can still do a few things to address Ram’s concerns and perhaps rectify the anomalies that exist among the many Afro – Trinbagonian citizens. The first act should be to remind our young people that they came from good stock, and are bright, intelligent, and resilient people that can survive and excel under the most sever circumstances. Anyone wants to doubt that can look at the suicide rates in the country of our two major groups under discussion, especially when confronted with any perceived domestic problem/ pressure.
    The second step I’ll like them to take is ensuring that all land disparities are finally addressed in the country even if it results in one political party winning every future election from now on, 36 to 0. Further, as soon as families on insignificant and often squatter lands in Movant, Lavantille, and the Betham can go to any T&T Bank and get $TT500,000 or more to send their kids abroad to Oxford , Maimi ,and Toronto Universities ,like those of holders in Couva, Caroni, and Chaguanas ,then we can begin this discussion about education / economic successes ,or lack thereof of one group vis- a –vis another and its connection to religion.
    The final act of inspiration to the younger generation is to root out corruption once and for all in our entire nation, since it affects us all. http://www.transparency.org/ Let’s ensure that in September we accept no further stalling of victim hood / discriminatory grandstand claims by the Opposition leader Mr Basdeo Panday. I could care less how much his equally corrupt and vindictive Chief Whip /Lawyer screams. Get this outrageous and costly trial going, convict and sentenced him to the full extent of the law. I was at one time contemplating some level of leniency via a Presidential pardon due to his age and service to the country-if our constitution allows, -but now I say no, as that can backfire on us and used as useful fodder for further political mileage as his close buddy , corrupt educated lawyer com ex-Chief Justice resulted. In addition, he must get a feel of what the huge % of Afro Trinbagonian that make up the prison population primarily as a result of political and economic neglect, but most importantly lack of cultural values necessary to excel.

  6. Linda Edwards wrote:
    “Once, we could not buy property unless you had a white frontman to do it for us. There was, and still may be a determination to keep us back. Bank lending policies have a lot to do with this.”

    I have not seen any of these Lawyers brought any law suits against these bank lending policies. I must of missed the news.
    Anyway,

    Culture of Wealth and Prosperity
    04, Jan 1999
    ‘No wonder, in our world, in our culture, “wealth and profits” literally became “bad words.” We hated to see any of our kind amassing wealth, and put deliberate obstacles in the way of any of us projecting any such tendency…’

    We did not grow up in a cultural world in which people prayed for money and wealth. In the culture we knew, people prayed for health, strength, knowledge and wisdom. In our cultural world, it was indeed believed that it was easier for a “camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”

    ‘Riches’ and ‘righteousness’ were made to seem by nature contradictory. Profits, by extension of the same logic, seemed vulgar, negative and probably even unworthy of our best endeavours and creative energies.

    In terms of careers for the young, business involvement, the enterprise of buying, manufacturing and selling were relegated to a kind of “poor brother,” second class status. Preference was indeed given to the supposed lofty professions of medicine, law, teaching, engineering, accounting, etc, as well as certain areas of the fine arts.

    Complete article here…

    http://www.trinicenter.com/BukkaRennie/1999/Jan/Cultureofwealthandprosperity.html

  7. Neal Noray’s comment is so full of generalizations, opinion, name calling and bias that it lacks all credibility. This type of verbal tirade really serves no useful purpose and does not help anyone’s cause.

  8. In the light of the current problems of the “Credit Union” and Sat’s discovery of properties held in Miami by family members of the HCU executive, I would appeciate your comments on “Indian Business Success” in TnT. While you are at it, throw in some comments on Bas and his London bank accounts, Moonan moving most of San Fernndo Hill without permission, and Ish Galbaransingh’s business acumen.OK guys. get started.

  9. There is no doubt that Indians in T&T and Indians in every other part of the the world where Indians reside, have succeeded and are succeeding in business ventures.Financial success and sacrifice have provided the means to educate their children in universities all over the world. And yes, some have used corrupt and illegal methods to enhance their wallets.But let us not generalize. Indian business is a worldwide phenomenon.

  10. I do not believe that anyone on this board ever disputed that Indians in Trinidad or the world over have business acumen, care for their children’s welfare and are prepared to make the necessary sacrifice to see them excel. However to have some try to imply that they have only achieve this success solely on their own ingenuity ,while African – Trinbagonian are a bunch of losers that care little about their young , have done noting to encourage jobs, are not interested in business like the noble Moonan and Bolan Amar is utterly disgusting. I personally won’t stand for it and if I have to resort to shock treatment to garner your attention so be it. If Africans were not into business in Trinidad and Tobago during the past years of its development, there is a reason for that, and unless you ignorant immigrant that just landed in the country from Bangladesh yesterday, or perhaps was born as recent as 1990, then you would recognize the reasons. It is one of the reasons that since I’ve been on this board I have always clamored for policies aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship as opposed to government employment.

    So you believe that my attempts at honest portrayals of the historical realities in my country are simply “generalizations, opinion, name calling and bias …… verbal tirade …… and does not help anyone’s cause.” You believe that it helps our future generations to think that the only people in our country that has contributed meaningfully to its social, economic and political development since independence and the departure of our Colonial masters are Indians, correct?
    I have one single concern and agenda on this board, and it is not to help “anyone’s cause,” as you put it. I care for the development of our country and hope that it reaches the level of respectability it deserves to assume a leadership role in the Caribbean and perhaps the wider global community. I have always contended that our country has the potential to be much greater because we a blessed with the rainbow of peoples and cultures. I hope that you and the Rams and Sats of the world can eventually come to believe that, as the biggest mistake you can ever make is to think that your success lies only in ensuring that Indo Trinidadian children are the only ones who should possess pride and hope. I warn you to ‘beware of a man with noting to loose.’
    Thanks as usual Ms. L.I got up today to read my newspaper, and the first thing that struck me was the demise of the HCU and the corrupt shenanigans of it board members. I then said let me put this noble institution on the list, for surely Ram failed to include that with brother Amar, and the late Senator Moonan , but you beat me to the punch – good job. Gilman Hussain, Japanese Garden Errol’s- energy legacy, ADB fictitious loan -Kamal’s legacy, and the corruption list goes on.
    Now mind you no one is getting perturb because of the fact that a very large percentage of Indo Trinidadian business and political leaders are extremely corrupt perhaps as a manifestation of their culture, but to have the gall to come on the board and attempt to besmirch the reputation of an entire race of people , without some reflection on history is totally unacceptable.

  11. Linda Edwards Wrote:

    “Moonan moving most of San Fernndo Hill without permission.”

    Don’t blame me for the Express ‘KIND’ obituary on Motilal Moonan, I am not a T&T tourist, I know better. Blame it on Ken Gordon (African Trinbagonian Academia), If only he is willing to be called African.

    Neal Noray wrote:

    “The second step I’ll like them to take is ensuring that all land disparities are finally addressed in the country even if it results in one political party winning every future election from now on, 36 to 0. Further, as soon as families on insignificant and often squatter lands in Movant, Lavantille, and the Betham can go to any T&T Bank and get $TT500,000 or more to send their kids abroad to Oxford , Maimi ,and Toronto Universities ,like those of holders in Couva, Caroni, and Chaguanas ,then we can begin this discussion about education / economic successes ,or lack thereof of one group vis- a –vis another and its connection to religion.”

    Apparently you do not know what NAEAP stands for.. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION for the EMPOWERMENT of AFRICAN PEOPLE! Dr. Cudjoe’s org. has been around for over 10 years. Why haven’t these grievances been addressed by NAEAP?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY0hdmDn_cI

  12. No one should besmirch the reputation of people of African descent any where in the world.The achievement of people of African descent worldwide as well as in T&T has been and continues to be outstanding, and there are numerous examples in every field of endeavour to support this opinion.In the USA where only 13.7% of the population is African American, the achievements are evident and a daily reminder of the ambition and resiliency of this group. Unfortunately, the media and to a large extent, other groups in society, motivated by racism ,continuously point to the negative and fail to recognize the historical disadvantages faced by people of African heritage.However, let us not tear down other groups in an attempt to bolster our own image.Sometimes powerful emotional feelings cloud our judgement.

  13. People that are not T&T tourist, with some semblance of education and sense of history should behave as such and not talk on the board as if their audience is comprised simply of a bunch of naïve New Brunswick share holders curious about investing in our country.
    . They would accept that nonsense about irresponsible African- Trinbagonian and their failure to inspire younger generations, and equally senseless comments about jobs creation inability as opposed to Indian Trinbagonians exemplary businessmen. These businessmen successes did not occur in a vacuum; neither did the partial political dominance of a few Africans – Trinbagonian educated. Your solution for political failures in appear to be to continue a perpetual cry like a baby about phantom racial discriminations and neglect , decry your country at every opportunity, take your money abroad once the going appears too rough, denounce very politician of African decent for every ill that ever took place in the country , praise every person that does not look like and African , do absolutely nothing tangible for the development of this country unless it ensure the upliftment of your own people or stuff your pockets often with ill-gotten gains, yet wonder why the country is in the state it is.
    A government cannot go into power with the intention of only looking out for the interest of the particular group that is closely associated to most of its members, and the PNM has never done that no matter what types of criticisms one might decide to throw at its leaders since its inception. If it did, and you know otherwise then show me the evidence, as I never saw it in all my years, and I could care less how much statistics you, Dr. Ryan,Dr.Deosaran, Dr.Hamid Ghanny , or Dr. Cudjo bring to the fore. Politics does not work like that in our country, perhaps in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Nairobi, or Johannesburg.

    Now because of the foolish gridlock our country is frozen in as a result of political ineptitude, the entire country is neglected. It is unfortunate that folks like yourself cannot recognize that no one is safe, and cannot fully enjoy a quality of life they deserve until all our citizens are encourage to develop. That is what true nationhood is all about. If you and similar thinkers are unaware, everyone cannot or even want to jump on a plane and run to Miami, Ottawa, or Manchester and live. Even if some of us decide to follow such a partway we still want to take a page out of the book of Jewish friends scattered across the world and emulate the way that they look out for the interest of Israel their home. Think about that when you are forced at the age of 75 to shovel some snow from in front of your Nursing home in Alberta or pick up the pieces of your retirement condo in South Florida after Hurricane Charlene in 2040.
    I knew there had to be a catch to not only your fixation but others to Dr Cojo . This good doctor just proves my point, and is doing his part within the current constraint.
    There comes a time when you have toiled in the interest of the world at large and feel you must return and give something back so as to lift up the socially neglected and politically abuse at home. Instead of commending him for his efforts and sacrifice you are taking pot shot at him and say he did not do much on land reform in ten years. Have no fear many of us will continue to develop consciousness as to our real plight, start to organize like you have done, demand what is rightfully ours and ensure that it is obtain legally unlike some of our more savage brothers across the globe. What I am talking about is not oil, but the scarcest resources of all in the world and the cause of the most severe conflicts known to mankind – land. Fortunately no one can take it with them, and we are a nation that thrives of sound laws and justice. Be careful of what you ask for., educated Afro Trinbagonian doing their part towards the betterment of future generations irrespective of race, in recognition of the fact that the development of a country depends on such noble actions. Enjoy dreary Minnesota my friend.

  14. It is always interesting to see the way that many the world over enjoy conveniently attacking the people of African descent and when cornered resort to claims of satire and other defenses , the result of this relentless attack is obvious, future generations are growing up with low self esteem and full of self hatred. I am familiar with all the statistic of Americans and the role played by the dominant majority. I am more disgusted at lackadaisical role played by black middle class in failing to stand up to this type of nonsense in much the same way that the Jewish population is doing, but that’s their fight, just as it is for Africans on the continent to wake up and change the image of Africa. It is my small world that I am concerned about at this stage of my life as I am fully prepared to again stake my claim to neglected sectors of this land where our ancestors toiled and received little if any reward.
    There is a moral duty that is vested in each of us to call out these destabilization agents where ever they can be found. If it means tearing down -as you call it some of their heroes then so be it. As Rambo said, I did not draw First Blood. It is my hope that we can soon take this medium to another level to reach the real masses so as to get them energized beyond mere concerns of Panorama and the next Akon or Sizzler show at the stadium. While we are prepared to skin and grin and titillate the senses like buffoons, Europeans are fast taking over neglected Tobago, our PM is about to give away our country, Mikela, Ram and, Mr. Sat are ready to put us all on a ship back to Africa as they pretend to hate the country while simultaneously solidifying their claims to all of it if given the chance.
    I have again been very consistent on this board since I came on approximately two months ago. I am not sure what transpired before for serious discourse. I deliberately projected my self as an equal opportunity attacker where I saw the need. I assume our aims are beyond simple boast about our academic credentials, or how many years we live abroad, our global achievements, attack on the Government or Opposition and now selected people- who in most cases are victims. For anything positive to accrue it begins with a caring soul that must be extended to all our citizens, honest dialogue and a willingness to examine some of the suggestions put forward.
    After spending five seconds on this board it is easy to ascertain who are serious about nationhood and those that are pretending to be. It’s is fun to extract the culprits whenever they present themselves. These are serious times, as our country faces enormous challenges; this might just be the beginning outlet that is needed to work out the kinks before real progress can be made. I therefore take these communication process very serious, especially when my family members just lost a couple thousand at the HCU , while the manager is lamenting about his Benz, Lexus, Miami real estate , business in Florida, and perhaps ½ million Swiss account. That is one of the fundamental cancers that must be eliminated before we can move forward – corruption.

  15. Neal Noray:
    “I therefore take these communication process very serious, especially when my family members just lost a couple thousand at the HCU , while the manager is lamenting about his Benz, Lexus, Miami real estate , business in Florida, and perhaps ½ million Swiss account. That is one of the fundamental cancers that must be eliminated before we can move forward – corruption.

    Neal, that is just the tip of the iceburg (HCU). I am pretty sure a lot of ‘our’ financial inst. has a lot of monies tied up in the US real estate meltdown, and it looks like the people of T&T will have to flip the bill… There goes the treasury. You will awake one day and read that the treasury is dry.

    Minister: Govt not sure of giving HCU $$

    Aretha Welch awelch@trinidadexpress.com

    Saturday, July 26th 2008

    Though the Government has now taken over the Hindu Credit Union, Minister of Finance Karen Nunez-Teshiera has said her Ministry can give no assurances as to whether or not they will be giving the credit union extra money, if its needs more funds to pay back its depositors.

    During a press conference at her Ministry in Port of Spain yesterday the Minister said, “I cannot commit the Government beyond saying that we are looking at it very closely.”

    She said when her Ministry has all the information she will come back with a policy.

    The Minister said until they know for sure (based on an audit) how many depositors and deposits are involved in the situation she cannot say what the course of action will be.

    Earlier this week the Commissioner of Cooperatives, Charles Mitchell, applied to the High Court and got several orders on Wednesday, taking full control of HCU.

    However, she assured the thousands of depositors who have funds in holding at the HCU that the government is very concerned and the matter will not be stalled.

    She said she understands that many of the members of the credit union are not rich people and thus they are working quickly to come up with a prescription for the problem.

    She admitted that based on the interim audit that has been done by the Ernst and Young company that the matter does involve some level of insolvency. She said the funding for the enquiry and court hearing thus far has come from the Ministry of Finance and this should be an indicator that the Ministry wants the matter resolved. The Minister said in the meantime she does not want citizens to lose faith in the credit union system.

    http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161356598

  16. This is tangential, but since Dr. Cudjoe worked at one of the leading American women’s colleges, I will use his column to inform readers of some important info. Pass it to all please.

    King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)will open in Saudi Arabia in the fall of 2009. The university offers an opportunity for exceptional students all over the globe, to get an education in these fields free of charge. Students must apply, and be willing to live on the campus of the university.Students should first complete their undergraduate degree at their current university.The university will pay all academic costs and provide a stipend for living in Saudi Arabia.

    Being Muslim is NOT a requirement. The univrsity attempts to recruit some of the brightest young minds, male and female, from all over the world. Students in Trinidad and Tobago can obtain further information by checking the website of the Institute of International education.

    http://www.iie.com.

    the institite also invites student s to come to the USA to study under various fellowship and scholarship grants, as well as it sends Americans abroad to studey in the interest of global friendship.
    check: http://www.iie.com/gilman
    http://www.passport.com
    http://www.studyabroadfunding.org.

    Students who are American citizens, of whatever parentage, could benefit from The Study In Asia Programm
    http://www.iie.org/programs/Freeman-Asia.

    The Institute of International Education welcomes opportunities to make the world a safer, better place for all.

    The Fulbright programm, sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational And Cultural Affairs, brings students from abroad for periods of study in the uSA, who are committed to returning home and using the skills and techniques acquired in the uSA. They also send Americans abroad for work and study programs. To find out more go to http://us.fulbrightonline.org

    If you know someone whocould benefit, please visit these websites. education and exposure to others makes for a better world.

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