Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Jahvid Best expected to sign Lions contract soon
By CARLOS MONARREZ
DETROIT FREE PRESS
With players due to report for training camp Friday, the Detroit Lions still have not signed their first-round draft picks. But coach Jim Schwartz said he expects teams to sign their players quickly after the higher draft picks reach deals.
“I think, when you talk about first-round picks signing, there’s a domino effect with a lot of those,” Schwartz said today in a meeting with reporters. “So many teams wait for another team. And not just teams, agents wait. Nobody wants to be the first to stick their neck out, particularly from an agent’s standpoint. That’s just part of the business.”
Schwartz said assistant coaches have been in contact regularly with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and running back Jahvid Best, the No. 2 and No. 30 overall picks in April's draft, and the rookies shouldn’t have much ground to make up when they report to the team.
“Ndamukong and Jahvid are in really good shape,” Schwartz said. “They left here in great shape. They both had good spring workouts after the draft for us. They’re guys that we’re counting on. I’m sure, whenever they get here, we’ll get them up to speed pretty quickly, and they’ll be ready to go. Both of those guys want to be here.
“But it’s just part of the business that you accept, and with the system that we have right now is that you need certain players to sign and then, all of a sudden, three or four players around them will sign. All of a sudden, things will happen pretty quickly."
Players are scheduled to report for training camp between noon and 6 p.m. Friday. When they report, they will be assessed by trainers. That assessment, as well as a conditioning test before Saturday’s first practice, will help determine which players go on the physically unable to perform list.
“I think, when you talk about first-round picks signing, there’s a domino effect with a lot of those,” Schwartz said today in a meeting with reporters. “So many teams wait for another team. And not just teams, agents wait. Nobody wants to be the first to stick their neck out, particularly from an agent’s standpoint. That’s just part of the business.”
Schwartz said assistant coaches have been in contact regularly with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and running back Jahvid Best, the No. 2 and No. 30 overall picks in April's draft, and the rookies shouldn’t have much ground to make up when they report to the team.
“Ndamukong and Jahvid are in really good shape,” Schwartz said. “They left here in great shape. They both had good spring workouts after the draft for us. They’re guys that we’re counting on. I’m sure, whenever they get here, we’ll get them up to speed pretty quickly, and they’ll be ready to go. Both of those guys want to be here.
“But it’s just part of the business that you accept, and with the system that we have right now is that you need certain players to sign and then, all of a sudden, three or four players around them will sign. All of a sudden, things will happen pretty quickly."
Players are scheduled to report for training camp between noon and 6 p.m. Friday. When they report, they will be assessed by trainers. That assessment, as well as a conditioning test before Saturday’s first practice, will help determine which players go on the physically unable to perform list.
St. Lucia to tap volcano's geothermal power
Qualibou Energy to develop project in the Caribbean
By David Mcfadden, AP
July 26th, 2010
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The volcanic island of St. Lucia plans to tap geothermal power trapped beneath sulfur springs and roiling mud pools in a rare attempt at developing alternative energy sources in the Caribbean.
The chief of Qualibou Energy Inc. said Monday that the company has signed a 30-year contract with St. Lucia’s government to extract geothermal power in a remote area where fumaroles are flooded with water heated by hot rocks below.
Stephen Baker, CEO of the renewable energy development company based in Nevada, said the area of underground cauldrons has proven reserves of 30 megawatts and potential reserves of an additional 140 megawatts.
“The resource is still somewhat unknown,” Baker said during a Monday phone interview.
He said the deal with St. Lucia is contingent on drilling getting under way within 18 months. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Currently, St. Lucia derives all of its electricity from oil-burning plants, not uncommon in the sun-splashed Caribbean. For years, governments across the region have said they plan to invest in alternative energy, but have made scant progress.
Roger Joseph, spokesman for St. Lucia’s power utility, says he hopes the geothermal project can help reduce fossil fuel reliance and provide some energy security for the tiny tropical island northwest of Barbados.
“All our energy is produced from oil, which we import. So from an energy security standpoint, this gives us more options,” Joseph said from the capital, Castries.
The St. Lucia utility has agreed to buy the geothermal power from Qualibou if the company can deliver, but Joseph said he could not disclose more specifics.
Baker said extracting geothermal power will not damage the ecological mix on St. Lucia, which is home to 160,000 people. He said the company could also potentially sell power to the nearby French Caribbean island of Martinique.
The Sulfur Springs area where drilling is planned lies near St. Lucia’s twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The peaks, formed by a volcanic eruption about 35 million years ago, shelter several bird species, giant ferns and wild orchids and are tourist attractions.
A government spokesman, Egbert Andrew, said that drilling would occur outside the World Heritage site but declined to disclose more specifics.
Taj Weekes releases single from new CD
Taj Weekes Releases Rain Rain, Single from 'A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen'Jatta Records presents Taj Weekes and Adowa's ground breaking third album, A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, set for worldwide release on August 10, 2010. Their debut single, Rain Rain, ushers in a deluge of fresh reggae songs laced with acoustic strings including guitar, violin and cello with splashes of soulful harmonica and a touch of afro-folk simplicity for an album that will challenge listeners to redefine common perceptions of reggae and where it's heading as a genre.
Originally prompted by the circumstances created by Hurricane Katrina, Rain Rain laments the delayed and often ineffectual action following the devastating events experienced by residents of Louisiana and neighboring states in August 2005. Weekes vocalizes, "When the Rain Rain washed away / caring went away / now love’s gone dry beneath a saturated sky." Weekes adds, "It seems appropriate that the song is ready for release just as the five-year anniversary of the disaster is commemorated." However, Weekes continues, "Though Rain Rain references Katrina, the message goes above and beyond the isolated story of a flood and brings to mind the continuous downpour of human suffering and natural disasters the world over and how quickly we forget." He sings, "The newsreels are all soaked / the day the levees broke / since no one's speaking / the roof's still leaking.
Now love's down to a drizzle / memories how they fizzle / amnesia's in they've forgotten."Rain Rain continues in the classic roots reggae tradition of singer as town crier or in more modern terms, as news commentator on world events. But as sobering as the message may be in recalling images of many of the world’s recent tragic events… from hurricanes to tsunami to floods… one cannot help but find a ray of sunshine and hope in this song with its easy flowing rhythm, bluesy harmonica accents and Weekes’ trademark raspy edged voice harmonizing with the smooth female backing vocals.
Song Reviews
XM/Sirius Satellite Radio Program Director Dermot Hussey observes, "Songwriter Taj Weekes draws inspiration from poetry: the imagery of the elements in Rain Rain and the fine ironies of inaction in the Land Of Dreams since the levees broke."
Ted Boothroyd, contributing editor for The Beat magazine and JahWorks.org writes, "Rain Rain fits perfectly within the rest of Taj Weekes' oeuvre: a gentle and very appealing musical setting for a poetic, yet very pointed, exposure of uncomfortable truths."
Music Video
The release of the single Rain Rain is closely followed by the premiere of the music video, filmed on location in St. Lucia. View the video in coming days at www.tajweekes.com/video.
Taj Weekes and Adowa, An Unforgettable Reggae Groove
Taj Weekes and his band Adowa unite a true social consciousness with an unforgettable reggae groove. Blending in elements of acoustic roots rock and afro-folk simplicity, the band's vibrant sound defies genre and has garnered critical acclaim and a wide audience across the globe. To date, the group has released two full-length albums to critical acclaim, Hope & Doubt and Deidem, which won "Best Reggae Album" at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards. The band is set to release their much-anticipated third CD, A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, in August 2010.
More 'Rain Rain' Coming Your WayPurchase a download of Rain Rain today! Listen and Purchase Here!
Rain Rain will premiere live on August 7th at 11:30 pm at Joe’s Pub in New York City. Attendees will receive a Limited Edition Rain Rain CD Single to commemorate the event. Visit JoesPub.com or call (212) 539-8778 for more info.Get a free download on http://tajweekes.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=979fed0efe84bce006ac90f36&id=5a6e77c8b9&e=536cc9fb3b, FaceBook and ReverbNation for those who join the mailing list through the end of August.
Rain Rain 10/10 Giveaway - In honour of A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen’s release date, August 10, 2010, the first 10 people who sign up 10 friends on the TajWeekes.com Mailing List will receive one of 10 signed copies of the Limited Edition Rain Rain CD Single, which is not available for retail purchase. (Your friends need only reference your name in the “How did you find us?” box.)
Media Contact
Sarah Scott - Director of Media Relations - Jatta Records
Email: http://www.blogger.com/mc/compose?to=sarahscott@jattarecords.comTelephone: (805) 403-5973Website: www.TajWeekes.com
For a review copy or download code for Rain Rain or to schedule an interview with Taj Weekes, please contact Sarah Scott or use the online Media Request Form.Listen Here
More 'Rain Rain' Coming Your WayPurchase a download of Rain Rain today! Listen and Purchase Here!
Rain Rain will premiere live on August 7th at 11:30 pm at Joe’s Pub in New York City. Attendees will receive a Limited Edition Rain Rain CD Single to commemorate the event. Visit JoesPub.com or call (212) 539-8778 for more info.Get a free download on http://tajweekes.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=979fed0efe84bce006ac90f36&id=5a6e77c8b9&e=536cc9fb3b, FaceBook and ReverbNation for those who join the mailing list through the end of August.
Rain Rain 10/10 Giveaway - In honour of A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen’s release date, August 10, 2010, the first 10 people who sign up 10 friends on the TajWeekes.com Mailing List will receive one of 10 signed copies of the Limited Edition Rain Rain CD Single, which is not available for retail purchase. (Your friends need only reference your name in the “How did you find us?” box.)
Media Contact
Sarah Scott - Director of Media Relations - Jatta Records
Email: http://www.blogger.com/mc/compose?to=sarahscott@jattarecords.comTelephone: (805) 403-5973Website: www.TajWeekes.com
For a review copy or download code for Rain Rain or to schedule an interview with Taj Weekes, please contact Sarah Scott or use the online Media Request Form.Listen Here
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Nouvelle Nous by LTD
Papa Vader (Left) wins calypso monarchAfter 17-years of futility veteran calypsonian Invader unseated the Mighty Pep to become crowned the Calypso King of St. Lucia for 2010.
The seasoned campaigner won the title with two popular radio friendly songs “Leave me bitch alone,” and ‘Stay in your section,” which delighted the audience at the Mindoo Phillips Park.
Former monarchs Herb Black, Minel, and de Educator came in second, third and fourth respectfully.
In the end Vader said that it feels good to be King again.
Ricky T (Top Right) ”three-peat” Caribbean Soca Monarch
There was a buzz in Socaland that the reigning Caribbean Soca monarch Rick T of St. Lucia had lost his edge as a clutch performer. But the enigmatic Rick T quick put all doubts to rest as he won his third consecutive Caribbean Soca Monarch by dominating the field with his new his song “They can’t stop me.” The Mindoo Phillips Park was swamped with ardent spectators for the event which featured some of the biggest name in the soca genre in the region.
St. Lucian artiste dominated the field with DJ HP capping the second spot with “Pa Melee.” The dynamic duo of Grenadian Mr. Killa and Lucian Super Man HD came in third. Eight representatives from St. Vincent and Grenadines, Grenada, Dominica, Guyana, Montserrat and St. Lucia participated in this year’s competition.
St. Lucia has new AG
Lorenzo Rudolph Francis took the oath of office at a formal swearing ceremony to become St. Lucia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General last week. Francis replaces the beleaguered Dr. Nicholas Fredericks who was fired effective July 16, after a series of legal missteps.
Prime Minister Stephenson King said that Francis who is a practicing Barrister is eminently qualified for the position having served many years in the public service and legal profession.
It is a known fact that Dr. Fredericks has been an embarrassment to the government by committing too many basic errors. His staff had labeled him as being stubborn and refusing to take advice. The Tuxedo appeal brought into focus his performance as Attorney General as the government lost an appeal to this ruling.
It’s rumored that the Prime Minister had asked Dr. Fredericks to submit his resignation as early as November last year, but he held steadfast. At a Commonwealth sponsored parliamentary retreat in late June, Dr. Frederick’s tenure as Attorney general was the major topic of conversation with widespread consensus that if he wouldn’t resign he should be fired.
Statement Released by Dr. Nicholas Fredericks
July 21, 2010
Attorney Generals in the Caribbean are often scapegoats. Sometimes they are sacrificial lambs to the slaughter. And this is because they carry out orders, the result of which may cause embarrassment, the very order that the Attorney General have advised against, orders that the public wouldn’t be aware of.”
Links to SLU TV and Videos
Check out these links for St. Lucia Tv and videos:
http://www.choice39.tv/
http://www.scruffytv.com/home/watch-live/
http://www.choice39.tv/
http://www.scruffytv.com/home/watch-live/
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Dire Economic Prospects for the Caribbean
Dire Economic Prospects for the Caribbean shown by ECLAC Report
Norman Girvan
The Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean, published today (21st July) by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, shows a dire situation and prospects for Caribbean countries. The cost of the global financial and economic crisis to the subregion is estimated at a huge 10% of GDP in 2009. 10 of 14 Caribbean countries experienced negative growth in that year, the worst performers being the eight countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), which contracted by 7.3% on average. Although the external current account deficit improved and inflation was moderate, debt levels in excess of 100% of GDP were recorded for Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, and St Kitts and Nevis.
Unemployment also increased in the six Caribbean countries for which data were available. Although ECLAC forecasts a slight recovery in 2010 of 0.9% overall growth, this rate is one third of that expected for Central America and one sixth of that expected for South America. Indeed six Caribbean countries are forecast to experience further economic contraction in 2010; including the Bahamas and the ECCU bloc.
Further, this modest recovery is clouded by uncertainty arising out of the impact of the recent European financial crisis as well as events specific to the subregion, including the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake and of civil unrest in Jamaica. In presenting the report at the ECLAC subregional headquarters for the Caribbean in Port of Spain on 21 July, Dr Dillon Alleyne of ECLAC emphasised the importance of strategies including:
Fiscal Consolidation--but not at the expense of reducing inequality or employment
Public/Private investment programmes to boost internal and regional demand
Promoting a favourable investment environment
Increasing technological sophistication or exports and diversifying export products and markets
However, the question arises as to whether these strategies are mutually compatible. For example, fiscal consolidation normally involves cutting expenditures and/or increasing taxes. How compatible are such measures with the maintenance of equity, employment and human development generally? Can increased public/ private sector investment and increased technological sophistication of exports be accomplished while public expenditure is cut back on research and development and the training of high level manpower?
Another issue on which the ECLAC presentation was silent is the role of regional cooperation and regional integration. Is there no scope for a Caribbean food security programme, energy security programme and science and technology cooperation aimed at increasing the technological sophistication of exports? The principal institutions of regional economic cooperation are the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee of ECLAC the CARIFORUM group and CARICOM. How well are these institutions functioning? And how adequate are they to the task of fashioning a robust Caribbean response to the dire economic situation in which the region finds itself? These are some of the questions raised by the ECLAC report.
The report can be accessed at Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2010.
21 July 2010
Norman Girvan
The Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean, published today (21st July) by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, shows a dire situation and prospects for Caribbean countries. The cost of the global financial and economic crisis to the subregion is estimated at a huge 10% of GDP in 2009. 10 of 14 Caribbean countries experienced negative growth in that year, the worst performers being the eight countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), which contracted by 7.3% on average. Although the external current account deficit improved and inflation was moderate, debt levels in excess of 100% of GDP were recorded for Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, and St Kitts and Nevis.
Unemployment also increased in the six Caribbean countries for which data were available. Although ECLAC forecasts a slight recovery in 2010 of 0.9% overall growth, this rate is one third of that expected for Central America and one sixth of that expected for South America. Indeed six Caribbean countries are forecast to experience further economic contraction in 2010; including the Bahamas and the ECCU bloc.
Further, this modest recovery is clouded by uncertainty arising out of the impact of the recent European financial crisis as well as events specific to the subregion, including the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake and of civil unrest in Jamaica. In presenting the report at the ECLAC subregional headquarters for the Caribbean in Port of Spain on 21 July, Dr Dillon Alleyne of ECLAC emphasised the importance of strategies including:
Fiscal Consolidation--but not at the expense of reducing inequality or employment
Public/Private investment programmes to boost internal and regional demand
Promoting a favourable investment environment
Increasing technological sophistication or exports and diversifying export products and markets
However, the question arises as to whether these strategies are mutually compatible. For example, fiscal consolidation normally involves cutting expenditures and/or increasing taxes. How compatible are such measures with the maintenance of equity, employment and human development generally? Can increased public/ private sector investment and increased technological sophistication of exports be accomplished while public expenditure is cut back on research and development and the training of high level manpower?
Another issue on which the ECLAC presentation was silent is the role of regional cooperation and regional integration. Is there no scope for a Caribbean food security programme, energy security programme and science and technology cooperation aimed at increasing the technological sophistication of exports? The principal institutions of regional economic cooperation are the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee of ECLAC the CARIFORUM group and CARICOM. How well are these institutions functioning? And how adequate are they to the task of fashioning a robust Caribbean response to the dire economic situation in which the region finds itself? These are some of the questions raised by the ECLAC report.
The report can be accessed at Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2010.
21 July 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
New political party formed in St Lucia
CASTRIES, St Lucia -- A new political party has announced its formation in St Lucia one week after the Opposition Labour Party members picked former Prime Minister, Kenny Anthony to lead them into the next general elections. The party, The Lucian Peoples Movement (LPM) says it plans to give the St Lucian electorate a decent and credible alternative at the polls come the next general election, constitutionally due in December of 2011. --Caribbeannetnews
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