Scotia Bank Nuit Blanche

a free all-night contemporary art thing

October 4, 2008
6:52 pm to sunrise

For one sleepless night, experience Toronto transformed by artists.

Discover art in galleries, museums and unexpected places. From bridges and tunnels to warehouses and stadiums, choose from more than 155 destinations and chart your own path.

It’s impossible to see everything in 12 short hours! Check out the 2008 Programme details and make note of your favourites, then visit the Plan Ahead section of the website for useful tools to create your own art-after-dark adventure.

Check the link for the 2008 Programme

http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/home.shtml

New National Carnival Commission Chairman.......maybe

Chin Lee tipped to be NCC chairman Kristy Ramnarine kramnarine@trinidadexpress.com Tuesday, September 30th 2008

Former tourism minister Howard Chin Lee is tipped to be the new National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman. Sources said yesterday the Pier 1 director was given the nod during last Thursday's Cabinet meeting. In a telephone interview yesterday, however, Chin Lee, who is also the managing director of Synergy TV, neither confirmed nor denied the report. The Express understands that Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Marlene McDonald will officially name the new NCC board some time this week. The Express contacted the various Carnival organisations for feedback on Chin Lee's proposed appointment and got positive feedback to the move. National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) president Owen Hinds said: "He seems to be a very straight forward person and I am of the opinion that he would bring some value to the NCC, especially with his experience in the private sector and Government." Mahindra Satram-Maharaj, chairman of the National Carnival Development Foundation (NCDF), which is part of the NCC board but has over 100 members, said: "In principle we would have no objections because we are prepared to work with anyone who has the interest of Carnival as long as they are ready to work with us." President of Pan Trinbago, Patrick Arnold, added: "I have no problem with Chin Lee. Pan Trinbago dealt with him when he was the Minister of Tourism and we had a good relationship. I believe he is quite competent." Outgoing president of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) Michael Leggerton noted: "I have no problems with Howard Chin Lee. If they have chosen him to be the new chairman then they would have known that there is something he has to bring to the table."

Cutting Style: A Taste of Trinidad and Tobago in Fashion and Textiles

Trinidad and Tobago bring high fashion to Toronto
Panorama
by Jon Sarpong

September 25, 2008 3:42 PM

The vibrant energy of the Caribbean will be on display as nationals from Trinidad and Tobago celebrate Republic Day in Toronto with Cutting Style: A Taste of Trinidad and Tobago in Fashion and Textiles.

The fashion gala takes place at the Westin Harbour Castle on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.

"This event celebrates the culture of Trinidad and Tobago culture," said publicist Wendy Vincent. "It's a grand affair. and we invite families, friends and all those who connect with the region to join us at the gala."

Cutting Style is a joint production of the Trinidad and Tobago Community (via the program advisory committee, representing nationals in Toronto) and the Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago. The principal objective of the gala is to celebrate Trinidad and Tobago's cultural gifts to the world by promoting the region's fashion and textile industry in the Canadian market.

The event also acts as a fundraiser aimed at providing assistance to children who are living with AIDS in Trinidad and Tobago. A portion of the evening's proceeds will be donated to the Cyril Ross Nursery, an organization owned and operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which acts out a vision of supporting and encouraging children.

The gala, which works to raise the profile of Trinidad and Tobago in Canada, has become a signature event for individuals throughout the GTA.

"When thinking about the impact of those from Trinidad and Tobago within this city, people most obviously think of Caribana," Vincent said. "But there is so much more in the way of contribution that is tied to our community. This event attempts to showcase that wide range of involvement."

The event will include the conferral of the Consul General's Diaspora Award for Excellence. This year's recipients are Eleanor Wiltshire-Rodney of Hamilton for her dedication and perseverance displayed through a lifetime of community involvement and Earl La Pierre Sr., a noted musician and educator who will receive honours for his decades of promotion of the steel pan in Ontario. A special award will be conferred on the Naparima Alumni Association of Canada for its 35 years of community work, as well as the group's major contribution to the seven schools in Trinidad and Tobago that belong to the Naparima group.

"Our unique T and T (Trinidad and Tobago) cultural expressions will of course be displayed and demonstrated and our guests will be greeted in true Trini style," said Rita Cox, a partner and organizer of the event. "The stage will be adorned with fabric of rich hues and patterns featuring T and T designs, batik and hand-painted material. This will be a gala with a difference; a new and exciting way of exploring and celebrating some of the many gifts that the people of Trinidad and Tobago share with the world."

For tickets, scheduling and information connected with Cutting Style: A Taste of Trinidad and Tobago in Fashion and Textiles, call Joan Pierre at 905-201-2836 or Bonnie Hector at 905-665-5496.

Jon Sarpong is a diversity consultant. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.

Word on the Street

Here's something fun to do this Sunday.....

Sunday, September 28th, 2008
11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Queen's Park

Join us as Toronto kicks off the fall book season with previews of some of the leading Canadian books that may go on to win major literary prizes and dominate the bestseller lists.

On the last Sunday in September, Queen's Park will transform into a booklover's paradise with a marketplace of more than 258 book and magazine exhibits, 248 of Canada's top authors, poets, storytellers and presenters and 198 readings, performances, workshops and other events.

The award-winning Toronto festival delivers a full day of fun for all ages, whether you want to learn how to get published at the Wordshop Marquee, sing along with the crowd at the TVOKids Stage, take in some of Toronto's best arts entertainment, listen to a favourite author read from their latest book, or just sit under the leafy canopy of Queen's Park and enjoy a new found treasure. There is always plenty to see and do at Canada's largest book and magazine festival, and best of all, The Word On The Street and all of its events are FREE!

http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/toronto/home.asp

A Toronto Fashion Gala with Liz Mannette!

A message from Liz Mannette....

Hello all,

Thank you so much for signing up with us both during the 2008 Toronto. Caribana celebrations as well as at our website www.lizmannette.com. We had a great time in Toronto and we’re coming back at the end of Caribbean Week! The Liz Mannette Collection has been asked to participate in the Fashion Gala hosted by the TT Consulate on September 27, 2008 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.

Our items of sterling silver and 14K gold will be accessorizing four of Trinidad’s top clothing designers on the catwalk at this elegant affair. In addition to the fashion show, our Collection will be set up on display so people can view the items and purchase their favourite pieces. To obtain further information on the event, please contact Joan Pierre at japierre@rogers.com. This is a great opportunity to maintain connections with our Toronto friends as well as make new ones.

We greatly appreciate the support you’ve shown us by signing up and in turn, we’ve tried to keep you updated on the exciting things that Liz Mannette has been up to via our monthly Newsletter. We hope that you have been enjoying the updates and we look forward to bringing you much more news on sale promotions, events and opportunities. If you have not been receiving our monthly Newsletter, please sign up at our website anytime.

Thank you again for the support and please feel free to check out our online store at http://lizmannette.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f95932bae0e394f74fc88f620&id=2768ff3d57&e=2d0483bfa1 where you can start being rewarded for your purchases.

Best Regards,

Liz Mannette

CARIBBEAN FAIR AT DUNDAS SQUARE

Caribbean Fair at Dundas Square

Friday, September 26 at the corner of Yonge and Dundas Streets in Toronto (www.ydsquare.ca)

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

All are invited to the heart of the city to experience the jewels of the Caribbean. In an explosion of Caribbean food, live music, and electric atmosphere; be temporarily transported in mind and senses to experience the many Secrets of the Caribbean. Premium giveaways and traditional food sampling will also be offered. Representatives from the Caribbean destinations, airlines, tour operators and hotels will be on hand to promote travel to the Caribbean.

This event is open to the public. Free admission.

Wee International's Candy Shop

Welcome to the Candy Shop.......

Wee International is set to bring to us the "first ever band lauch on the world wide web". The lauch of their 2009 Carnival presentation, The Candy Shope is scheduled to take place this evening (Thursday, September 25, 2008) at 7:00 p.m. and can be viewed at the following sites: www.trinifetes.com and www.blinkbroadband.tt

Wee's website is pretty cool so I'm looking forward to seeing their offering for 2009.

Check out the website at http://www.weeint.com/