Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint for the house, new curtains, a new stereo set, new clothes for the family, extra food, in some countries, preparations would start from early November.

And what would the season be without the fetes, black cake, ham and turkey?

However for many, Christmas as they know it, may not be the same this year.

Throughout the region, people have been raising concern about rising prices, and many are wondering how will they afford the festivities.

No money

In addition to high prices, some countries are still recovering from Hurricane Dean which hit the region in August, leaving millions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and the agriculture industry.

“We have no money this Christmas, no ham, no turkey,” one Dominican woman told BBC Caribbean.

In Grenada, there were similar sentiments.

“I can’t see Christmas, I have no money I can’t buy anything,” another woman said.

Some shoppers say they are concentrating on the necessities, and are reducing their spending on items such as decorations and fairy lights.

	Shoppers are buying fewer gifts this year

“Gifts, food, lights, I have to cut back on, because everything is too expensive now” said one Barbadian.

“I have two kids so I have to get them something, but they’re not going to get as many gifts as they would have done last year.”

Impulse buying

However while some have decided to cut back, others may not be so prudent.

And that’s why Albert Thomas, the manager of lending at the Roseau Cooperative Credit Union in Dominica, is warning that impulse buying should not be an option at this time of year.

“The important thing is to prioritise, and that goes particularly for persons at the lower rung of the economic ladder, who have little disposable income.

“They have to ensure that they spend on necessities as opposed to wants,” Mr Thomas told BBC Caribbean.

He also noted that the availability of easy credit through alternative lending institutions, may also increase the spiral downward the financial ladder.

Focus on necessities

Trinidadians seem to be faring better than their neighbours in Grenada and Dominica, as was evidenced by the busy streets of downtown Port of Spain, filled with Christmas shoppers.

However they too, were mindful of the need to focus on necessities.

“For Christmas when you spend money you don’t feel sorry, once you buy things that you need,” one shopper said.

	Shoppers plan to spend less on Christmas decorations

President of Trinidad’s Downtown Owners and Merchants Association, Gregory Aboud has been observing shopping trends this year.

“Some sectors of the merchant community in Port of Spain are reporting sales equal to or slightly better than last year.

“Some businesses are reporting sales below last year and they include those selling footwear and garments,” Mr Aboud told BBC Caribbean.

Avoid debt

With just a few shopping days left, the general manager of Caribbean Money Market Brokers in Trinidad, Brent Salvery, cautioned that people should keep track of their spending.

One way he said, is to avoid credit card debt as much as possible.

“We know a lot of people make a lot of purchases as gifts and they use their credit card quite often.

“If you do, you should really try to pay that off as soon as possible, because credit card purchases carry a lot of interest charges and are very expensive,” Mr Salvery said.

Some financial institutions throughout the region are offering savings plans to help clients set aside funds for Christmas.

In Jamaica, for example, the Broadcast and Allied Cooperative Credit Union has a special Christmas Club account for its members.

Members are encouraged to save each month, beginning in January, and in early December they receive the total amount saved, plus interest.

Source: BBC News

No change in Bermuda

The governing Progressive Liberal Party of Premier Ewart Brown has been returned to power in Bermuda. The PLP secured a third straight term with the identical result to the previous general election in 2003 — 22 seats to the 14 of the United Bermuda Party.

The PLP gained 52 percent of the votes cast, to the 47 percent of the UBP in Tuesday’s election in the British territory. A jubilant Premier, Ewart Brown, said he expected more seats but the result was just as sweet.

Death penalty opposed

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty, with a view to abolishing capital punishment altogether. Caribbean nations joined China, Iran and Pakistan — the countries that use the death penalty most — in rejecting the resolution, along with the United States.

The measure is non-binding but the BBC correspondent at UN headquarters says it reflects a change in world opinion. Opponents, like Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados, say those in favour of a moratorium on capital punishment are trying to impose their values on the rest of the world.

Holloway case closed

One of the most high-profile missing person cases in Caribbean history may be over. Prosecutors in Aruba have dropped the case against the three main suspects in the disappearance of American student Natalee Holloway in May 2005.

A defence lawyer for one of the suspects, Joran Van Der Sloot, said the dismissal was long overdue. Prosecutors said they still believed the three suspects were involved in Natalee Holloway’s death, but could not prove it after 932 days of searching failed to turn up a body.

Chavez to meet Castro

The Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has announced that he will have lunch with convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro on Wednesday. Mr Chavez is due in Havana for talks with Caribbean leaders on his Petrocaribe oil agreement which offers deferred payments to 15 countries to counter rising fuel prices.

Probe ordered

Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez has ordered an investigation into the opening of a dam during Tropical Storm Olga, his office announced. The released water flooded a highly populated river basin, killing at least 30 people.

Source:BBC Caribbean News

Gargamel Music, Inc., in association with Penthouse Music and VP Music Group, is proud to announce a very special Buju Banton release: the Inna Heights – 10th Anniversary Edition, set to drop worldwide on Tuesday, January 8th.

The follow up to Banton’s classic ‘Til Shiloh album, Inna Heights, originally released in November 1997, furthered the artist’s exploration of Roots Reggae with such spiritually enriching tunes as “Destiny,” “Hills & Valleys,” “Give I Strength” and “Close One Yesterday.” The album received rave reviews from a host of international media outlets, including Rolling Stone magazine:

“The gruff voiced Banton blazes a wider – and far more colorful – social and stylistic path on Inna Heights… He delivers uplifting prayers to Jah (‘Hills & Valleys’), unexpected tributes to single mothers (‘Single Parent’) and chilling a cappella dramas (“Circumstances”), while alternating swatches of shuffling ska with slow grinding lovers’ rock and, in the case of ‘Love Dem Bad’ (his scorching chat session with Red Rat), bare backed, dancehall rhythm riding.“

Digitally-remastered, the Buju Banton Inna Heights – 10th Anniversary Edition boasts 3 previously unreleased tracks from the time period: “Bad Boy,” “Politics Time Again” and “Situations” featuring Morgan Heritage. The 2 Disc Deluxe package also includes a Bonus DVD containing 40 minutes of live performance footage and the accompanying music video for the smash hit single “Destiny.”

“I am especially pleased to share the Inna Heights – 10th Anniversary Edition with my fans around the globe who have faithfully supported my work throughout the years,” says the icon, Banton, who is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on his hotly anticipated Roots Reggae album Rasta Got Soul, scheduled for a Spring 2008 release on his Gargamel Music label.

Castro hints at retirement

The Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, has raised the possibility that he may never return to the presidency following his illness. In a letter read out on state television, the 81-year-old said he had a duty not to hold on to power or obstruct the rise of younger people. His statement comes before important elections next year when Cuba will choose a new Assembly and president.

The BBC Americas editor says the letter can be taken as a further attempt to prepare Cubans for life after Fidel Castro. The Cuban leader has not made a public appearance in the 16 months since he underwent stomach surgery. Having successfully accomplished the transfer of power to his brother, Raul, Fidel Castro may now be feeling confident enough to begin paving the way for a Cuba without him.

Hearing on Caribbean

A public hearing on the Caribbean will be held next month in Washington as a result of an initiative from the powerful ways and means committee of the US House of Representatives. The committee has asked the US international trade commission to conduct the hearing to help identify ways that American trade and aid policy can most help the Caribbean region.

It has noted that the current extension of trade preferences to the Caribbean under the CBI will expire in September.

Election in Bermuda

Bermudians are voting in a general election in which the governing Progressive Labour Party is seeking a third straight term. The Progressives are defending an eight seat majority over the United Bermuda Party in the 36-member parliament. Premier Ewart Brown is campaigning on his government’s economic record.

The opposition says the government has failed to tackle important issues like affordable housing.

Food help needed

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has listed five Caribbean nations among countries requiring external assistance because of a shortfall in food supplies. In its latest food outlook assessment, the FAO warned that the soaring cost of food was hurting developing countries.

The FAO said 37 nations worldwide are facing food crises because of conflict and disaster and may require foreign aid. In the Caribbean, the UN agency named Dominica, St Lucia, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican republic which were hit by storms this year.

Bouterse loses appeal

A military tribunal in Suriname has ruled that the country’s former military leader, Desi Bouterse, must be tried by court martial. He faces charges that he ordered the execution of 15 political rivals in December 1982. An attorney for Desi Bouterse had argued that the former coup leader should appear in a civilian court because he was head of state at the time of the killings.

The military tribunal disagreed, ruling that Surinamese law mandates all military personnel accused of crimes to appear before the tribunal.

Source: BBC Caribbean

UK interest for Guyana’s ‘green’ offer

Britain has signalled its support in principle for a proposal by Guyana’s president Bharrat Jagdeo to protect the country’s rainforest. Bharrat Jagdeo wants to place Guyana’s 50 million acres of forest under international care in exchange for development funds. Mr Jagdeo sees Britain as playing a lead role role in the plan.

The British environment minister, Phil Woolas has been quoted in London’s Independent newspaper as saying that the offer by the Guyanese president was a groundbreaker. He said the British government would look to see what part it can play. The proposal has widespread support in principle, but critics call it moral blackmail.

Disaster management

A conference on disaster management in the Caribbean has opened in Barbados with a call by the Chief Minister of Montserrat, Lowell Lewis, for the region to invest in the recovery of food supplies after natural disasters. Dr. Lewis said the region needs financing for agricultural projects that could ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce and rapid re-cultivation of lands after a disaster.

The conference has been convened by CDERA, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency. Montserrat is still faced with the uncertainties of a sporadically erupting volcano.

Cuba rights commitment questioned

Dissidents in Cuba have given a mixed reaction to an announcement by the government that it would sign two major United Nations agreements on civil and political rights. The foreign minister, Felipe Perez Roque, said Cuba would also allow scrutiny by the UN Human Rights Council in 2009.

One of Cuba’s leading dissidents, Oscar Espinosa, who was arrested in 2003 and later released conditionally for health reasons, said the announcement brought him hope, but needed to be accompanied by action, such as the release of political prisoners. Another dissident, Oswaldo Paya, said it was all very well for Cuba to sign human rights pacts, but there was an urgent need to free peaceful political prisoners.

The Cuban government has long said that there are no political prisoners in Cuba, and that those it jails are mercenaries paid by the United States to undermine the Cuban Revolution.

New CXC head

The Caribbean Examinations Council will get a new head next year. Dr Didacus Jules is an experienced educator and education official who has served in both his native St. Lucia and Grenada. He will take up his duties at CXC headquarters in Barbados next April.

Tighter security for Bermuda Premier

Security around Bermudean Premier Ewart Brown has been stepped up, after a package addressed to him and containing “a threat” levelled at him was intercepted by postal workers. However, neither Police Commissioner George Jackson nor Public Safety Minister David Burch would say what was in the package after it was discovered by airport sorting staff. Bermuda goes to the polls on December 18th.

Seanizzle back on the radio with the Creeper rhythm

The Creeper rhythm is one to keep your ears out for. It was produced by Sean Reid for the Seanizzle label. Among the tracks on the rhythm are Creeper by Elephant Man, Just Whine by Brammer, Deh Pon Di Block by G Maffiah, Whine Pon Di Ting by Delly Ranks, and Dem Nuh Ready by Tiffa.Seanizzle scored big earlier this year with the Reverse rhythm, which contained the Beenie Man chart-topping single Reverse Di Ting.

Mavado, British Wayne Marshall and Assassin shoot new music videos

Mavado shot the video for the US release of the single Last Night on December 10 at Cassava Piece in Kingston. The video was directed by Little X. Still on music videos, deejay Assassin shot the video for his latest single Money Machine on December 10. The video was directed by Julia Braham. Assassin’s birthday bash will be held on December 22 at UTech. He will be celebrating his 25th birthday.

UK-based Jamaican-born R&B singer Wayne Marshall was in the island recently to shoot the video for his single Change Is Gonna Come, a remake of the Sam Cooke original. The video was directed by Ras Kassa. In the mid-1990s Marshall scored a major hit on the UK pop chart with the song G Spot.

For more than a decade, Luciano has been spreading his wisdom and soothing sounds across the sphere. Since the release his landmark CD in 1995, Where There Is Life, succeeded by more than 40 full-length albums that have garnered tremendous acclaim, Jah Is My Navigator, the Rastaman’s most recent release on VP, is arguably the quintessential Culture album for 2008.

Seasoned with the sinjay’s everlasting melody of spiritual salvation, repatriation, global harmony and most importantly, saving the battered souls of consciousless youth, Jah Is My Navigator embraces Luciano’s powerful baritone over traditional one drop riddims, accompanied by prophetic lyrics that are both peaceful and nourishing. “The true navigator is the almighty,” says Luciano from the title track written by Tarrus Riley…People depending on all different types of navigation, even vehicles now a days come with navigation system…Jah Is My Navigator is an essential title that is needed right now.” Spoken like an obedient courier who truly exemplifies hope for the bleak state of authentic Roots music.

Produced by the legendary Dean Fraser, Jah Is My Navigator is destined to appeal to both dedicated and casual reggae fans. Flooded with soothing glory songs and a special guest appearance by Andrew Tosh (son of late, great, Peter Tosh) on Luci’s sweet rendition of the reggae icon’s 1960’s boom tune, I’m The Tuffest, you are reminded that this effort ascends to exceptional musical heights. His opening wail on Sweet Jamaica, a heartfelt plea to save the suffering island from destruction, is so passionate as he cries, gimme back me sweet Jamaica/ too much gun de bout ya/ too much shot a fire/ lawd a too much murder.

The prophet preaches the truth while setting out on a mission to run bad mind people and corrupt government officials out of power on Wise Up Youth; embraces an unconventional, very spiritual/musical approach to crooning about marijuana on beautiful ganja anthem, Hard Herbs; and tries to persuade a love interest on sensual ladies ballad, Wish You Were Mine.

As an ambassador for Jah, Luciano remains committed to the survival of Roots Reggae. “We have such a rich heritage. If we look back, we see Reggae was based on roots and messages. People like Peter Tosh, Burning Spears, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Third World shed sweat and tears to set the foundation we are currently basking on. God has given each one of us something that we can add to life…there is enough inspiration for the people, we just need everyone’s effort,” Humbly reaffirming that Jah is Lucianos’s only constant source of eternal navigation.