As I begin today my mind is truly uncomfortable over the going ons in our lovely islands. 

I, as well as many others have braced ourselves for the elections in my lovely birthplace – Trinidad and Tobago.  Yup, the diverse, cultural, religious and ethnic mix of people in my home land are quite uneasy due to the important elections that will be taking place a few days from today (Monday, May 24, 2010).

You may recall in a past E-Newsletter I mentioned that the Prime Minister Patrick Manning had dissolved his Parliament, and called for a snap legislative election to take place (two years before the scheduled election).   I also mentioned his opponent Kamla Persad-Bissessar.  Due to my writing on the subject, I received an outstanding amount of responses via e-mail of articles, comments, and blogs regarding this issue.  Which was really interesting and thought provoking.  Honestly, my initial intention was to share them with you, but I decided not to.  I was certain all of the information I received would have made you bias, and I didn’t want that to happen.

I, as many of my fellow Trinidadians and Americans who are interested in my country have heard and read about all the corruption.  Have heard about the denying entry into the country of US Strategist Mr. Henry Bernard Campbell, who was hired as a campaign strategist/advisor by and for the opposition party United National Congress (UNC).  We have heard Prime Minister Manning being blasted on the deportation of this gentleman.  Additionally, we have heard the opponents blame and demonize each other over these past few weeks trying to explain and portray that they are/or could be great leaders and healers of my small country.  People’s National Movement (PNM) particularly talks about the opposing party's (UNC) inability to govern T&T, and further stresses to the people that they need a strong, stable and hard working Prime Minister and a stable Government to take charge and run the country.   The UNC talks primarily about change, as well as the rising crime and better management of public finances.

Personally, I am very concerned about the escalating crime rate and many other important issues and problems taking place in my country (specifically issues dealing with the living needs of the citizens, such as: water, electric, jobs, housing, pension, taxes, etc.).  Folks have also expressed to me they are desperate for change, and for the corruption and killing to be stopped.  Meanwhile, other folks have been expressing their dedication to their party PNM, and have been shouting loudly PNM FOREVER!!!

Therefore, it is very hard for me to say or even predict who will PALANCE on who come Monday.  We will just have to wait and see.  I know one way or another there will be a lot of ciaos on Monday and I pray that there is no bloodshed or violence.  To my people...PLEASE GO OUT AND VOTE, BUT BE EXTREMELY SAFE AND CALM THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS.  I say to Mr. Manning and to Ms. Persad-Bissessar…May the best man or woman win!!!!  Click here to get a good overview of the Elections and Parties in this upcoming Election. or copy and paste the following link in your browser: http://www.angus-reid.com/tracker/view/35506/trinidad_and_tobago_2010 

I am also pretty distressed about what is taking place currently in my adopted island Jamaica, they too are undergoing same major issues and is in unrest.  The extradition issue of Christopher Dudus Coke is creating major ciaos with the people and the leaders of this country.  For details on what is currently transpiring PLEASE CLICK HERE!!!  or http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=10672963.   Additionally, what concerns me more is the violence.  A few reggae artists/entertainers were gunned down last week, and one a month ago.  Thankfully they all have survived and is fighting to recover from their wounds.  (1) Mad Cobra [Ewart Everton Brown] was shot in the shoulder a little over a week ago.  [Mad Cobra sang the popular reggae hit song Flex that crossed over to the American Charts (Rap, R&B and # 13 on the Billboard) in the early 90s]; (2) Oneil Edwards, one-third of the popular dancehall group Voicemail have also been shot multiple times in front of his home, and it saddens me tremendously that one of the gunshot wounds including one in the head http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20100510/ent/ent1.html;  and (3) Louie Culture [Lewin Brown http://www.dancehall.mobi/2010/04/02/louie-culture-shot-injured/.  This violence upsets me sooooo, but in another issue we will go into it in more detail.  Please keep these artists in your prayers and thoughts.   I also pray that all this violence cease – we as a people must learn to live with, respect, and love each other unconditionally.  

Earlier this week, glancing at the television a story came across the screen that shocked me.  “Hungry Children in America”.  After focusing on the story, I became very angry because I discovered there are nearly 17 Million children who face hunger in the United States.  What…not in America...great...great America...America who is always in someone else's country feeding the people and children, and even re-building, etc.!!!!  Of course, I began ranting about the many billionaires in this country who are in a very good position to eradicate and solve this problem.  After calming down, I did some research and indeed this is a fact.  Click the following link to read the statistics and facts, it will certainly shock you.  http://strength.org/childhood_hunger/hunger_facts/   Please do what you can to help this growing problem in America, and share your thoughts on this issue with me...please!!!  For additional details click the following link: http://strength.org/childhood_hunger/ 

On a more happier note, this weekend in Wash. DC we are in for a treat.  The outstanding Reggae Band Steel Pulse is in town at the 9:30 Club.  Wow, a real band - with real instruments - singing and performing; and not artists performing to tracks.  Yup, this will certainly be a treat.  To all who participated in our Ticket Give-a-Way to this show...Thank you, and CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners...by now you should have gotten an e-mail instructing you how to collect your tickets.  Check out Steel Pulse on Saturday.  For details check the flyer below.  To learn more about the fantastic Reggae Band Steel Pulse, PLEASE CLICK HERE!!!.

The Carnival Bandleaders Association of Washington DC Bar-B-Que last weekend was outstanding, and the President of the Association wishes to express her appreciation.  Read the below message from President Claudia Carter.

The Carnival Bandleaders Association (CBLA) thanks the community for coming out on Sunday to our Bar-B-Q Cook-out Fundraiser.  Your support will help us to achieve our goal of assisting the bands to offset the many expenses associated with participating in DC Carnival.  Look out for our next fundraiser on Sunday, June 13, same place and time.  You don’t want to miss this one.  They are coming bigger and better.

Continue the Carnival vibe by checking out Andy Ramano and his partner Mikey as they launch their Jab Jab Passe Band in Bladensburg Maryland on Saturday, May 22nd (See the flyer under our "Featured Events" below for all the details); and on Sunday go out and support Ice Carnival band at their Annual Back Yard BBQ fundraiser in Baltimore, Maryland.  There flyer is listed under the "Featured Events" section below as well.  You can check out all our upcoming events by logging on to our Events Page here.

I am putting Todd on the Spot this week, because he turned me on to a very hot song that is tearing up the airwaves in mainstream radio.  This one he loves and is always singing.  He will certainly get a laugh by me adding this to our weekly E-Newsletter.  Here is his favorite part - the chorus of this song [Travie McCoy Ft. Bruno Mars entitled: Billionaire]

Oh every time I close my eyes
I see my name in shining lights
A different city every night oh
I swear the world better prepare
for when I’m a billionaire!