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Different & Dynamic. Bigga, Brighta, Betta! Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017 • Website: www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca
Tel: 647-669-9320 • Fax: 416-292-2943 • Email: graphiclyn@gmail.com
Luncheon To Honor Dr Cheddi & Janet Jagan! The month of March is significant in regards to the rich legacy of the late heroes of Guyana, Dr. Cheddi and Mrs. Janet Jagan. The year 2017 is particularly notable: not only will it mark Dr. Jagan's 99th birthday and Mrs. Jagan's 8th death anniversary, but, most significantly, it will be the 20th anniversary of Dr. Jagan's passing. A like-minded collection of individuals and groups, the Jagans Commemorative C o m m i t t e e ( o f To r o n t o , Canada), has been established to pay homage to the Jagans. It has moved to do so through a tribute luncheon, under the caption, "A luncheon marking 20 years with
lessons from remarkable lives." The event is scheduled for April 2, 2017, at Elite Banquet Hall, 1850 Albion Road, Toronto, ON. Tickets cost $40.00, inclusive of a buffet lunch, a tribute programme, and historical displays. The event's programme will feature Hon. Samuel A.A. Hinds, former Prime Minister of Guyana and prime ministerial running mate with Dr. Jagan in 1992 and with Mrs. Jagan in 1997, as its keynote speaker. Former Prime Minister Hinds is well versed in the immense patriotism, courage and leadership that both Dr. and Mrs. Jagan embodied, and his address will no doubt feature rare insight into their larger than life personalities. Former Prime Minister Hinds' remarks will be complemented by other appropriate contributions from a wide cross-section of groups and individuals. There will also be extensive historical displays for all patrons to enjoy, set up by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre. Additionally, any funds raised from this event will go towards the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, a body whose indefatigable work continues to keep the legacy of the Jagans burning bright.
Farewell Derek Walcott! Derek Alton Walcott, born in humble surroundings on Chaussee Road and who mesmerised the world with his poetry, plays and paintings, was buried in his native St Lucia on March 25, one week after he died following a prolonged illness. The Nobel Laureate, who died at the age of 87, was eulogised during the just over two-hour state funeral service, as a man who gave Caribbean people an opportunity to “have dreams and have visions”. Monsignor Patrick Anthony urged the congregation to “be proud of what Derek has done for us as a Caribbean people,” saying that like other great Caribbean icons, including the late Jamaican singer Bob Marley and the athlete Usain Bolt, Walcott has allowed the Caribbean people “to lift our heads high and say we can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. “Let us be proud of what Derek has done for us, as a Caribbean people,” Monsignor Anthony said. Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy and Prime Minister Allen Chastanet led the local and international dignitaries at the state funeral held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in the capital. Much of Walcott's work was used during the service and as his coffin, draped with the national flag of St. Lucia was being taken out of the Church, some of his poems were being read out. Walcott's long-time friend, Professor Emeritus Edward Baugh of the University of the West Indies (UWI), in his eulogy, said that the prolific and versatile poet, who was widely respected as one of the greatest writers of the second half of the 20th century, was “never one to blow his own trumpet”. He recalled the “canny jokes” of Walcott, “the boy of Chaussee Road” who was also “considerate of others working to promote talent where he spotted one”.
Walcott was born on January 23, 1930 in the capital, Castries and he had acknowledged that the experience of growing up on the isolated volcanic island, an ex-British colony, has had a strong influence on his life and work. After studying at St Mary's College here and at the UWI in Jamaica, Walcott moved in 1953 to Trinidad, where he worked as theatre and art critic. At the age of 18, he made his debut with 25 Poems, but his breakthrough came with the collection of poems, In a Green Night (1962). In 1959, he founded the Trinidad Theatre Workshop which produced many of his early plays. With passions ranging from watercolour painting to teaching to theatre, Walcott's work was widely praised for its depth and bold use of metaphor, as well as its mix of sensuousness and technical prowess. “I am primarily, absolutely a Caribbean writer,” he once said during a 1985 interview. Walcott received the Nobel Prize for literature in 1992 and the Swedish academy said “in him, West Indian culture has found its great poet”.
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
Making Waves: Cherry Khan, Credit Solutions Expert
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At the age of 15, Cherry Khan emigrated from a small village in Guyana to her new home in Ontario, Canada. It was here that she graduated high school, and soon after found herself battling the financial hardships of a single mother of three kids. Going to whatever means necessary to support her small family, she began self-educating through books, self-help studies, government support and odd jobs. In 1990, she took the leap into the Life Insurance industry and years later went on to work with World Marketing Alliance (now known as WFG) a company that offered Mutual Funds and Life Insurance products. Not too long after joining WFG, she launched the Global RESP as a new product for the company. Her skills and experience propelled her into the role of Trainer and Presenter for the company, allowing her the opportunity to teach and license over 3000 representatives Canada-wide. Cherry used her business skills to open her own company, Flexible Capital Management Inc, which hired and provided 28 representatives with the training and knowledge to market products such as Segregated Funds, Life Insurance and tax planning strategies. Her experience in sales and marketing awarded her the opportunity to work alongside and be influenced by Jerry White and Franklin Covey. Through her endeavours she was also involved in bringing Tony Robbins, Bill Clinton and George Bush to Canada through The Power Within seminars. Her financial success led her to invest in real estate, and she has since spent years buying and flipping homes while also acquiring her mortgage license to expand her business ventures. Using her innovation and experience in business, she used the two units she owned in The Pickering Village complex to build a quaint café called Jazzberry Tea House. After five years of successfully building the business from scratch, she sold it along with the property, and it continues to thrive today. Cherry's long journey to success drove her passion to help families across Canada overcome financial hardships and is the motivation behind launching her own credit repair business, here in Ontario. Having overcome the struggles of single-motherhood in a new country, Cherry hopes to use her knowledge and resources to offer the best financial solutions to families like her own.
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
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Alicia DeFour, Lindsay Addawoo and Kyisha Williams are three young ladies who have poured their impressive combined creative talents into the production of Queen of Hearts, a ten minute short film. The three young ladies have also embarked upon a major project to raise the $10,000 that’s required for funding the film's final production. Queen of Hearts is about an allpowerful, black, supernatural Queen in a fictional Victorian kingdom. The film is a magical infusion of West African culture in a historically European setting. It offers a creative glimpse into the life of a complex Queen, whose world is shattered when she discovers that the love of her life is not who she thought he was. She soon discovers also, that there is a correlation between her overwhelming pain and supernatural powers which makes it difficult for her to differentiate between right and wrong, With succubus-like abilities that arise in moments of great distress, she fights to protect herself and her loved ones against all those who want what she controls. Born in Canada to Caribbean parents, her Mom Pauline is Jamaican, while Dad Garvin boasts a proud Trinidadian heritage, the Ryerson University educated Alicia DeFour is the Producer
of Queen's of Hearts. Addawoo and Williams are the film's Co-Writers and Directors. Funds for the film's $10,000 target budget are being raised through an online crowdfunding Indiegogo campaign. Those interested in finding out more about the film and perhaps contributing to the budget of this most worthy initiative can access further information as follows: Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ queen-of-hearts-short-film-feminism-3#/ Website: https://www.queenofheartsfilm.ca/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/queenofheartsfil m/
Photo Credit: Martha K
Raising Funds For The Queen Of Hearts
Caribbean Jewel
With her Psychology Bachelor of Arts Degree from York University in hand, like a whirlwind, Crystal has taken the world by storm since being crowned Miss West Indian Canadian in 2014. As a freelance model and makeup artist, advocating selflove, while teaching women the skills to look and feel their best inside and out, she has continued to advance the close to her heart cause of female empowerment!
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Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
Commentary:
Two More Gentle Giants Gone! Within this past month my world has been rocked by the sad passings of two “Gentle Giants,” individuals whom I've known and admired for very many years. The first was the March 11 passing of Lionel Bedessee, the patriarch of Bedessee Imports the outstanding GuyaneseCanadian owned wholesale distribution company. No sooner had my system gotten adjusted to the reality of him no longer being around, it was further rocked by the sad news of the March 24 demise of Freddie Abdool, back home in Guyana. Many Guyanese-Canadians would know of Freddie Abdool as a stalwart of Guyana's Life Insurance Industry and one of the country's most successful sales representatives. I knew him personally as one of my late father Clifford McWatt's very best friends. As was noted in his obituary, Lionel M. Bedessee, “Old Man Bedesseee” as he was very fondly known, was a respected businessman who founded the venerable Bedessee Imports Company. Under his direct stewardship, Bedessee Imports has long since served as a major provider for Caribbean and Guyanese foods and cricket gears to so many households both here in Toronto and in the US as well. Bedessee Imports was founded in 1977 in Toronto Canada, during a time when there were very few if any West Indian stores in sight. Driven by his love for everything Caribbean and a passion to be of service to his community, Lionel Bedessee poured his heart and soul into making Bedessee Imports what it is today, a globally oriented operation which houses and distributes well over 7,000 products. Adhering to the admirable standards of quality and commitment that Lionel B initially established, Bedessee Imports has since grown to become one of the best-
known, most-loved brands throughout the world. Bedessee Imports now boasts distribution centers in six U.S. states -- New York, Chicago, Maryland, Boston, Connecticut, Orlando & Miami, as well as those in all three of Canada's major city centers: Toronto(Main office), Montreal and Vancouver. Lionel M. Bedessee started his business in his homeland Guyana, back in the early 1950's, selling a variety of products including rubber cricket balls, twine and balloons from his bicycle, which he tirelessly pedaled throughout the country's vast Corantyne region. The business grew rapidly to a wholesale company which included a full sports department, offering varied products: kitchen chairs, Singer sewing machines, linoleum carpets, florescent tubes, enamel kitchenware, lead sheets, rope and twine. In 1971 Lionel Bedessee made the very courageous move of immigrating to Canada with his entire family. Once settled with his naturally gifted business acumen, he very quickly became aware of the tangible lack of West Indian products within the Caribbean Canadian community that was already ever rapidly increasing in its size. As a brilliant and innovative entrepreneur he quickly became one of the early pioneers of today's thriving Canadian and US based Caribbean/West Indian Food business. He dutifully traveled the world seeking authentic products and brands that were once exported to the Caribbean, making those readily available to the absolute delight of his legions of customers throughout North America. As was evidenced by the hugely impressive turnouts for the weeklong wakes that were held in his honour and for both the official viewing and funeral, he will be greatly
missed by all. He has gone to his eternal rest though comforted by the knowledge that his business is now in the capable and competent hands of his children and that his legacy is likely to survive for many more years to come. Freddie Abdool may not have been nearly as well-known globally as Lionel Bedessee was. Within Guyana's shores however, he certainly enjoyed national prominence as an easily recognizable and highly successful Life Insurance Sales Representative. I also knew him from my very early childhood as Uncle Freddie. Along with Sonny Edun and others like Berkley Gaskin, Derrick Rogers, Neville Roberts and Kelly Campbell, he was among my father's seemingly endless cadre of very good friends. Uncle Freddy, Sonny Edun and my Dad were among those who gambled regularly on the upper floor of the Georgetown Cricket Club (Bourda) pavilion. They played cards, mostly poker, as well as snooker, not for money but rather for cigarettes and Cadbury chocolate bars. The cigarettes winnings my Dad kept for himself, the Cadbury chocolates he brought home, much to delight of myself and my sisters. As a teenager playing cricket at the GCC, I also remember Uncle Freddie being in the pavilion after weekday practices and weekend matches, always with an encouraging word. Not unlike Lionel Bedessee, whom I came to know personally much later in life, he was someone who I very much admired and respected and who will now be sadly missed. Two Gentle Giants Gone. Both of whom will now be sadly missed and ever fondly remembered. - Tony McWatt
A Graphic Take On Well-Being I am sitting in a back-less paper gown looking down at the floor, trying to control my breath – waiting. How did I get here? Was it one too many nights of partying? Had I been sleeping on my sisters' couch for too long? Was the Universe giving up on me? Had I given up on myself? A tall, bearded, tattooed man walked in with a clipboard. He didn't look like the doctors I had seen on TV. “Well,” he said, “we've looked over all your tests and from what we can see everything looks fine, there's nothing wrong.” There is nothing wrong!? I screamed silently. Then why am I sitting in a hospital room at 4am? Why can't I breathe properly? Why is my brain shaking? Why am I nauseous? Why is my heart beat all over the place? Why are there waves of electricity running through my veins? My mind was racing. I searched his face for answers. As if he was hearing all the questions in my head, he began to speak. “I think you might be experiencing a panic attack. Just keep breathing, it should subside. If you still feel this way in a couple days, let us know and we can do a few more tests.” “Okay, thank you.” I looked over at my Sister only slightly relieved and mostly embarrassed. She had to get ready for work
soon and I had stolen another night of sleep from her – only this time I wasn't stumbling in drunk. I was sober, scared and disappointed. Before this, I had heard the words 'panic attack' in passing. Friends shared their accounts of such experiences with me on many occasions. What I no longer understood was their descriptions. No one had described the terror. I was lying in bed one minute and the next minute my body and spirit were at war. My spirit was leaving me and my body was fighting to hold it in. This sensation lasted for 2 weeks. I didn't go back to the doctor. Before this night I had done yoga on occasion, had meditated here and there, tried to eat my fruits and vegetables, I had even tried going to therapy for a bit in university. What I didn't realize was that my body and mind don't have the option of 'trying' things occasionally. Every experience, every memory, every thought, every word, every trauma I had ever encountered was carefully scanned; documented and stored in this information system I called 'Self.' Today I am a Self-Care Instructor, Writer and Public Speaker. My intention is to support as many people as possible on their journey of building Life-Giving skills and practices. I look around at our modern day culture and see how tired, overwhelmed, anxious, stressed out, angry, confused, guilty, resentful, ashamed, avoidant and indecisive people are. When I think of what it means to be a
Grown Up, I think of someone who is secure, soothing, nurturing, protective, focused, efficient, uplifting, firm and gentle – the ultimate Provider. Someone who sees each moment as an opportunity to both honor their truth and the truth of others as they go about the business of building a better world around them. The challenge is, all of these qualities emerge from within – but we need to know what we are looking for. If we didn't have parents, mentors, teachers and role-models with these qualities around us growing up, there would be no reference point for us to build from. If our sense of 'Self' is based on a series of information intakes, then we would need to be exposed to the best information possible to have the best outcome possible. To grow into a Grown Up, we would need to be exposed to what a Grown Up actually looks like, sounds like and feels like in real time for long enough periods, that it would have an impact on our personal habits. Unfortunately, exposure to yelling, name calling, physical violence, passive aggressiveness, 60 hour work weeks, road rage, burnout, power struggle, manipulation, pressure, control, inconsistency, conditional love, substance abuse, gambling, excessive shopping, pornography, poverty and complacency have the opposite effect on us. The truth is that after a stressful day most people do put on Netflix, reach for a drink, yell at their kids or eat potato chips and cake. Then they wake up in the morning –
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tired – and continue the cycle wondering why their dreams aren't coming true. When we have a stressful day and begin talking about it, journaling, taking a bath, getting a massage, meditating, punching pillows and going for long walks – in other words, releasing the negative emotions in a safe and Life-Giving way – then we will notice a shift. We will wake up in the morning with more energy feeling more confident in our ability to handle challenges. In our time together we will explore how to release habits that cause us suffering, how to incorporate habits that cause us to feel a greater sense of peace and how to live a life full of inspiration, truth, connection, fun and freedom. This process takes time. What matters most is that we have access to information that helps us feel both safe and more powerful. While two weeks of panic attacks shook my little personal world and there were some after-shocks, I have been panic attack free for the last two years. Will they ever come back? Maybe, but now I'll know exactly what to do with them. To quote one of my favourite authors, “I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” –Dr. Seuss Love Mala “Its Cool To BE Happy”
Tony McWatt Selwyn Baboolal, Chef Phillip Hendricks, Dr. George Traitses, Mala Rambharose, Rudy Lochan, Sanjay Patel, Cherry Khan Oumarally and Baboolal Haroon Gafur Julie Rambali, infiniteLinx.ca
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
CARIFESTA 2017 Launched in Barbados
The build-up to the Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA) XIII has culminated with a massive March 26 launch in host country Barbados. The ceremony, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, featured a number of presentations, including a message from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. CaribVision, the pan-Caribbean television service provided a live broadcast to the Region. The broadcast was also carried by Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) member stations. CARIFESTA was conceived out of an appeal from a regional gathering of artists who were at the time participating in a Writers and Artists Convention in Georgetown, Guyana in 1970, and which coincided with Guyana's move to Republican Status. The three main considerations with regard to the staging of CARIFESTA were: the Festival should be inspirational and should provide artists with the opportunity; to discuss among themselves techniques and motivations; it should be educational in that the people of the Caribbean would be exposed to the values emerging from the various art forms; and it should relate to people and be entertaining on a scale and in a fashion that would commend itself to the Caribbean people. Guyana hosted the first regional creative festival in 1972, attracting creative
artistes from over 30 Caribbean and Latin American countries. It is a celebration of the ethnic and racial diversity which separately and collectively created cultural expressions that are wonderfully unique to the Caribbean. The cultural village life of CARIFESTA is intended to be a mixture of the States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the wider Caribbean, Latin America; and a representation of Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. It is a vision of the peoples with roots deep in Asia, Europe and Africa, coming together to perform their art forms and embracing literature inspired by the Caribbean's own peculiar temperament; paintings drawn from the awe-inspiring tropical ecology; and the visionary inheritance of our forefathers. The symbol of the first CARIFESTA was a dark hand rising grasping the sun, depicting the skills and aspirations of the tropical man with talent untold. CARIFESTA aims to: depict the life of the people of the Region, their heroes, morale, myth, traditions, beliefs, creativeness, and ways of expression show the similarities and differences of the people of the Caribbean generally create a climate in which art can flourish so that artists would be encouraged to return to their homeland; and awaken a regional identity in Literature.
OECS Labs Now Better Equipped CASTRIES, St Lucia, Laboratories in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states are now better equipped to diagnose issues related to human, animal and plant health, and food safety, thus increasing their levels of efficacy and efficiency. The Castries based OECS Commission, through its Agriculture Unit, has handed over EC$300,000 worth of laboratory equipment to agriculture health and food safety (AHFS) testing laboratories and pest risk analysis units of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The new laboratory equipment was purchased under the 10th EDF Regional Integration and Trade of the OECS Region Project. Programme officer in the Agriculture Unit of the OECS Commission, George Alcee, thanked the European Union for responding to the request for laboratory equipment, and for its continued support under the harmonisation and enhancement of OECS agriculture health and food safety systems. Alcee said the programme, which started in 2012, has strengthened the health and food safety systems in the OECS.
Four Percent Economic Growth For Grenada in 2016 ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada, The Spice Island Grenada's performance during the last phase of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility (ECF) supported home grown programme has been strong with the island recording economic growth of just under four per cent last year, the IMF has said. An IMF delegation, headed by Nicole Laframboise has ended a one week visit here undertaking a sixth review of Grenada's IMF-supported ECF programme of US$19.4 million that was approved in 2014. Laframboise said overall performance during this last phase of the ECF-supported Home Grown programme has been strong and that the government has made progress toward achieving the key programme goals of restoring fiscal sustainability, strengthening the financial sector, and setting the stage for durable growth. She said that the government has met all of the performance criteria and
structural benchmarks due at endDecember 2016. The IMF official said that real gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have expanded by 3.9 per cent in 2016, implying annual real GDP growth of 5.8 per cent on average from 2014-2016. She said activity in 2016 was driven by tourism, construction, and some pick up in domestic demand, while agriculture experienced weatherrelated contraction. She said the government achieved a primary surplus – fiscal balance excluding interest payments – in 2016 of 5.3 per cent of GDP and that expenditures were kept under firm control, and tax revenues performed well across all categories, driven by improvements in compliance and administration as well as robust activity. Laframboise said while improvements in economic indicators are noteworthy, there is still much to do to improve job prospects.
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
Greenheart Digest Exxon Drilling For Seventh Well US firm, ExxonMobil, is preparing to drill its seventh well in the Stabroek Block offshoreDemerara. In an advertisement published in the March 25 edition of the Kaieteur News, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) stated that ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will commence a drilling programme at the Liza-4 well site within the Stabroek Block of the Guyana Maritime Zone. The programme is scheduled to last for a six-month period. The operation will utilize the following vessels: Stena Carron, M/V Fast Hauler, M/V Dante, M/V Hannah Chouest and HOS Commander. The drill site is approximately 102 nautical miles from the coast of Guyana and covers an area of one square kilometers. Back in May 2015, ExxonMobil announced a huge oil find in the Liza-1 well and encountered more than 295 feet (90 metres) of highquality oil-bearing sandstone. With
the second well on the block, Liza-2, the company confirmed the finding as “significant,” with a potential recoverable resource of 800 million to 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. The Liza-3 appraisal well was subsequently drilled to a total depth of 18,100 feet in 6000 feet of water on a location about 2.7 miles from the Liza-1 discovery. The well hit around 200 feet of net pay “in the same high-quality reservoirs” as the first two Liza wells, according to ExxonMobil partner Hess, which further solidified the potential recoverable oil in the reservoir.
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
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Importation Of Seed Nuts Worrying Coconut Farmers GEORGETOWN, Farmers and stakeholders in the local coconut industry fear the worst after a prominent Pomeroon businessman reportedly imported thousands of coconut seedlings which may contain the devastating Lethal Yellowing palm disease. One of the country's large scale coconut farmers has reportedly imported a container load of 10-20,000 seed nuts from Mexico to plant in the Pomeroon. It has been suggested that such an importation can cause the “death” of the coconut industry in Guyana since there is the likelihood of the plants having the disease in one per cent of the nuts. The disease spreads rapidly and has destroyed entire plantations in Northern Caribbean countries, including Jamaica. Questions were raised over permission given to the businessman by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to import the seed nuts from a country where the disease is prevalent. A NAREI official has noted that the disease could indeed have a devastating effect on the industry. The official could not say if NAREI had permitted importation of the nuts, but noted that the shipment would have to clear the quarantine units at the relevant port of entry here. The official said the authorities are
working to advance the development of the coconut industry and all systems would have to be in place to prevent the destruction of coconut plantations by disease. President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce,Dileep Singh, told local media that Guyana has a viable and progressive coconut industry and there is no need to import plants which are affected by any type of disease. He said all steps should be taken to avoid diseased plants entering the market, noting that the situation is one which “worry us”. According to research, the disease attacks many species of palm; in the Caribbean it is spread by plant hoppers. The only effective cure is prevention in which resistant varieties of coconut palms are planted, preventing a park or 'golf course like' environment which attracts the plant hopper. Heavy turf grasses and similar greenground cover will attract the plant hopper to lay its eggs and the nymphs develop at the roots of these grasses. According to NAREI, there are some 1,454 coconut farmers in Guyana. While the industry comprises a large number of estates, small farmers comprise a significant proportion of the industry, many of whom are located in the Pomeroon, Wakenaam and on the East Coast of Demerara
Protest Action Against Ban On Used Tires GEORGETOWN, With Government's April 1, deadline approaching for the ban of all used tyres, members of the Guyana Used Tyre Association (GUTA) met with media operatives recently at the Georgetown Club to address their concerns with this new measure. According to the Association a protest against the initiative was scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, 2017. GTUA Public Relations Coordinator, Nizam Hussain, outlined several reasons why used tyres should not be banned in Guyana, including the fact that other countries around the world have the option to use “used” or “new” tyres. Some other reasons were that, “presently there is no minimum requirement for a tyre in law, in Guyana,” the “cost of new tyres will increase the cost for public transportation,” and while there are exemption's against truck tyres and agricultural machinery tyres, non exists for cars and SUVs, among others. The Association posited that the revenues generated by 'good used tyres' are in excess of GYD$100M annually, but with the ban in effect that
figure would be halved. Moreover, members of the GTUA asserted that the 'used tyre industry' allows employment for about 5000 young people across the country. Referring to the recently suspended parking meter project, media operatives were told that once again no countrywide consultation was done on this policy. Instead of banning used tyres in general the Association suggested that the Bureau of Standards should be equipped with new technology to differentiate between 'good used tyres' and 'substandard new tyres' in the market.” They maintained that if the policy to ban used tyres is implemented, there will be a significant increase in 'wear tyre use' on the roads due to the high cost of new tyres. This, they believe, will inevitably lead to more accidents on the road. During the National Budget 2016 presentation, Finance Minister Wi n s t o n J o r d a n a n n o u n c e d Government's intention to ban the importation of used tyres, in a noted effort to promote the “green economy” and protect the environment.
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Diaspora Digest
50 Reasons To Visit Guyana In 2017! The Guyana Tourism Authority's (GTA) official website: http://www.guyanatourism.com describes Destination Guyana as “a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and the Eco-tourist alike……an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty; pristine Amazonian rainforests; immense waterfalls; amazing wildlife; blended with a vibrant indigenous culture, rich heritage and the most hospitable and friendly people in the world!” The website further indicates that the GTA's 2017 objective is to make 'Guyana – South America Undiscovered', the destination of choice for all those seeking a one of a kind travel experience that's full of adventure, hospitality and all that's truly memorable, unforgettable and out-of-the ordinary. Guyana – South America Undiscovered' it suggests is the place to come!!! As a means of encouraging our travel minded Readers, Guyanese-Canadians as well as other Caribbean-born nationals, to consider Guyana as a worthy destination, we will be developing a “50 Reasons To Visit Guyana In 2017” Feature in this and our remaining Issues for this year. Each Issue will feature two or three very good reasons for Readers to consider their own Discover Guyana travel. Reasons 1, 2 & 3: Georgetown: The Garden City of the Caribbean's attractions, accommodations and culinary delights. As Guyana's capital and the c o u n t r y ' s l a r g e s t c i t y, Georgetown is an architectural lover's absolute delight. Its outstanding buildings include the St George's Anglican Cathedral, reputed to be one of the tallest wooden church structures in the world and the second tallest wooden house of worship after Japan's Todai-ji Temple; the Demerara Harbour Bridge: the world's fourth-longest floating bridge; the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Building: headquarters of the largest and most powerful economic union in the Caribbean; Stabroek Market: One of the Caribbean Region's largest markets. City Hall: A beautiful wooden structure also from the colonial era, as well as the recently rebuilt Umana Yana: An Amerindian benab, that is a national monument which was built in 1972, for a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Non-Aligned nations. No trip to Georgetown would be complete without a visit to the Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens houses one of the most extensive collections of tropical flora in the Caribbean. Laid out within a landscape that includes ponds, canals, kissing bridges and a bandstand. The Botanical Gardens also hosts Guyana’s Zoological Park, arguably the largest of its kind within the Caribbean. Over 100 species of wildlife can be observed at the Zoo, including many various species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Some exciting representatives of these groups include Mammals: jaguars, pumas, tapirs, giant otter, white faced saki monkeys, capuchin monkeys, a tayra, a family of two-toed sloths, and manatees; Birds: eagles and hawks (raptors), parrots, toucans and owls; Reptiles: rattlesnakes, spectacled caiman, anacondas, matamata turtle, and emerald tree boa. Some endangered species (animals with low population numbers in the wild) can also be found at the zoo. There are for example four harpy eagles, three jaguars, a giant otter and West Indian manatees. Georgetown is also home to the Promenade Garden, which with its Middle Street main entrance occupies an entire city block. The area was once used as a public display for hanging the slaves associated with the 1823 East Coast rebellion. Prominent fixtures in the garden include a bandstand and the Mahatma Gandhi Monument. The bandstand is the oldest of three in the city and was completed in 1897. As Guyana’s capital city Georgetown reflects the country’s diverse culture and offers many finger licking ethnic foods that can be sampled from a myriad of eating establishments. Intrepid travelers searching for a full cultural immersion can find many food shops and
eateries dishing out local cuisines in many places. Roti, curries, pastries, cakes, soups, Brazilian or Chinese style cuisines, salads, local specialty dishes such as cook-up, metamgee, pepperpot, bakes, seafoods are all examples of foods that will leave any food lover’s taste buds wanting more. For travelers craving a drink, a refreshing Banks Beer or El Dorado Rum should always be first choice. But of course, a wide assortment of local fruit punches and juices are also always available. In terms of accommodation Georgetown’s numerous hotels offer facilities and amenities that are of very high quality and standards with exquisite Guyanese style and hospitality. From high end properties such as the Pegasus and Marriot, to the somewhat less luxurious guesthouses there is an extensive range of accommodation types. Prices vary according to the type of accommodation but generally range as follows: (per room night - double rooms) Exclusive rooms US $140+ Mid-range rooms US $60+ Budget rooms US $30+ Gardenlike Georgetown, as attractive a capital City as there is anywhere in the Caribbean and the source of three very good reasons for any travel lover to Discover Guyana. “Go See Fuh Yuhself!”
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
Reggae Sensation Hezron Launches Latest CD: The Life I Live, Soulful Salvation! KINGSTON. Reggae Singer Hezron has launched his latest CD The Life I Live, Soulful Salvation. A remake of the original hit that was first launched back in 2014, The Life I Live Soulful Salvation was released globally on all major digital stores on March 25. Hezron himself was in Jamaica over the weekend, hosting a series of fun celebrations. Hezron's launch plans for his new CD will also include visits to South Carolina, Miami and Atlanta. Born into a musical family in the Moy Hall district of Montego Bay, Hezron began singing as a child in the church choir, where his great vocal talent was first recognized. In his teen years he absorbed melodious pop hits by Madonna and Michael Jackson as well as the powerful messages in the music of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. The dancehall stars of the era, Shabba Ranks, Ninja Man and Bounty Killer were also great influences and Hezron worked with local sound systems to perfect his own tough-edged toasting style. Reggae fans in Jamaica and beyond were introduced to Hezron's spectacular, nuanced vocals and poetic lyrics with the 2008 release of his first number
one single So In Love, produced by veteran hit maker Bobby Digital. More hits followed: the melodic lovers rock tunes Forever and Always and Can't Come Between earned Hezron unwavering adoration among his female fans while the poignant depictions of poverty, violence and other grim realities on Land of The Warriors, Inna De Ghetto and the acoustic Can't Tek De Pressure brought respect from his industry peers. The aforementioned songs featured on The Life I Live(d) established Hezron as one of the finest singer/songwriters of his generation. Hezron's evocative lyrics and warm captivating vocals have garnered widespread acclaim over the years, prompting many reggae fans to wonder why he has not yet attained household name status.
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
JA On Constant Alert Says National Security Minister KINGSTON, National Security Minister Robert Montague says Jamaica is constantly on alert for terrorists at the country's ports of entry by using a watch list provided by the international criminal police organization (INTERPOL). “Our immigration officers are on alert. We have the software and backup systems to check passengers before they land, and when they land we're cued into Interpol,” he said. Montague gave the assurance in a recent interview with the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) where he alluded to the recent suspected case of terrorism at the British Parliament in London, England, on March 22.
Statistics provided by Montague revealed that between last year and February this year, more than 412 travellers were denied entry into the island. “These are persons whose names are on the watch list. There is intelligence, which suggests that they were not coming for sun and sea alone, but for other things. Some may also have been in transit to go elsewhere,” he said. The National Security Minister also emphasised the importance of protecting the country's borders, which he says is being done by the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency and immigration officers, who are doing a “phenomenal job”.
J$4.7 Million Grant For Schools And Community Groups KINGSTON, Twenty schools and community-based institutions received grants totalling J$4.7 million from the Noble Foundation and Jamalco at the launch of their 2017 volunteer programme at the company's refinery here recently. The projects were undertaken by 149 Jamalco volunteers who had to give a minimum of 50 hours of service to qualify for the US$250
grant each, according to a news release circulated by Jamalco. Twelve schools, a children's home, a past students' association, a church outreach programme, a youth club, and a community service organisation for youth were among the recipients. The majority of projects involved construction and refurbishing, painting and beautification.
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 9
12 Year Old Math Whiz Airport Fire Delays
Piarco Flights PORT-OF-SPAIN, Flights at the compound, flights were Piarco International Airport were allowed to resume at about 1.35 temporarily grounded for just over p.m. an hour on March 26 after a fire While the cause of the alarm going alarm went off in the control tower off wasn't known up to press time, of the Civil Aviation Authority.The officials believe that a technical authority's general manager, g l i t c h m a y b e t o b l a m e . PORT-OF-SPAIN, After five months of studies, a 12-year-old boy has achieved what his seniors are struggling to—a distinction in Mathematics at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination level. The brilliant Form One Naparima College, San Fernando student is Aaron Mohammed. Mohammed, who has brought pride to his parents Nazir and Nadia Mohammed, of Gulf View, La Romaine, as well as to his school, is the third Form One student to have written and passed maths with a distinction under the tutelage of his maths teacher Bernard Assing, who continues to teach the subject although he has retired from teaching. The trend was started in 2015 by Kiran Christian Dyaanand, another “Naps Boy” and Assing's grandson and Frederick Thomas, an Open Bible student, who achieved the feat in 2016. Inspired by their achievements, Mohammed, who was tutored by Assing's wife Vashti, in preparation for the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) while a student at San Fernando TML, was thrilled when Assing asked him if he wanted to write the exams in January 2017. He was among the top 100 SEA students in 2016. With the consent of his parents, who never once doubted their only child's ability to excel, Assing embarked on tutoring the young man from September last year in preparation for the January exams. None were surprised by the results which came in February. Like the others before him, Mohammed faced difficulty in registering to write the subject because of his age, although there are no rules debarring a 12-yearold from writing the exam. “Ever since I was a student at TML I was good at maths, and when I saw what Kiran and Frederick did, that was an inspiration to me,” Mohammed said of his achievement. “I felt I could do just as well or even better. I started lessons in September last year and wrote the exams in January. When I got the results I was really excited and happy and relieved.”
The next step for Mohammed, who has plans to become an accountant or architect, is writing Add-Maths, for which he has already started lessons and which he will sit in two years' time as a private student. Mohammed, an A student, who also plays the pan, football and cricket, said although he has earned a distinction, he still has a lot to learn and hopes to repeat the grade when he writes his official CSEC exams in Form Five. His parents said he remains humble and grounded in-spite of his successes to date.
Hayden Newton, told local media Ten departure flights, and six that the alarm went off at 11.50 arrival flights, both domestic and a.m.
international, were affected.
He said that, in accordance with However, it wasn't clear if the protocols, the Fire Service was international arrivals had to be called, the runway closed, and diverted to Tobago, but local checks were made. However, there media was told that this is typical were no signs of flames or smoke. procedure. After an extensive examination of
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
NUGGETS
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
Understandable, Factual Financial Knowledge; Success Strategies For Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
What Qualifies As A Good Credit Score? A score represents a moment in time and can change based on your behaviour. Cherry Missed or late payments or lots of “maxed out” credit accounts will lower KHAN your score. The best way to increase your score is to pay back debts on time and consistently. Which means, of course, you need to first have some debt to repay. Scores typically range from 400 to 900; Good scores are typically 650 and higher; Anything over 750 is considered excellent. Whether it's 750 or 850 doesn't really make a difference. For an institution like a bank or credit union that's examining your credit, anything over 700 is “a nobrainer.” Because the makeup of your credit files is a bit different, your scores will also be different. Get a credit card – and use it wisely – in order to establish a good credit history. We live in a country where you can't do much without having credit, and if you're being responsible about it and not overextending yourself, then it's always a good thing to have. Credit scores are only one of several tools that credit agencies use to determine your credit-worthiness. Your score is a check on your character. In this day and age, when we often can't meet face-to-face, how do we determine someone's character? We do it through looking at their past history, to see how they've repaid debt. You need at least two open and active credit files to establish a credit rating. As long as you're being responsible and not overextending yourself. On the other hand, if you've done the opposite of this, “meaning” you have had hardship and certain circumstances have gotten in the way of your finances- its ok life happens, but it doesn't end there. You have rights, according to the Fair
Credit Reporting Act. You have the right to tell a collection agency to stop harassing and calling you. The right to dispute a debt, claim or items that appears on your credit file is also yours. If you are suffering because life's s circumstances are the cause of your bad credit and low credit score, there are several ways that you can deal with your situation. The two that are best to avoid however are consumer proposals, and bankruptcy. These are the two options that can hurt you the most, and yet these are the two options most credit repair companies will offer you as your best solutions. A consumer Proposal will cost you more than you expected to pay, you'll be signing documents you don't even understand and which will hurt you in the long run. It also stays on your credit report for 7 plus years and will prevent you from qualifying for your car loan, mortgage, a line of credit or a simple rental lease. It will even harm you from getting suitable employment. As for bankruptcies, these stay on your credit report for 10 plus years and pretty much acts the same as a consumer proposal. There are several more effective and faster ways that you can resolve your debt and other issues that are on your credit report. For example, Minimal settlements can be negotiated and arranged, and with certain techniques your credit report can be new again with an increased credit score and derogatory comments removed. You can be on your way to financial recovery. Talk to the right credit expert that deals with credit repair, they have the knowledge and experience. Consultations should be free from a credit analysis that specializes in cleaning your credit, they should be able to guide you, and help in re-building your credit. Bad credit is not a crime, it's a situation which is forgivable. If you have any questions or need to learn more, feel free to contact us info@creditsave.ca www.creditsave.ca 905 426 2121
Anthony McWatt C: 647-669-9320 B: 647-430-5792 F: 647-430-5793 E: anthony_mcwatt@centum.ca W: www.centum.ca/anthony_mcwatt Agent #M16002847 Lic #10414
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
NUGGETS
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 11
Understandable, Factual Financial Knowledge; Success Strategies For Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
"Need To Know’s" Before The Investing Dive!!! Minee NEHRU
After working with a lot of investors, my favorite part of the job is helping guide them to make solid and profitable decisions. Whether you're just considering getting on the real estate ladder, or you're a seasoned investor, read on to find out 12 Things You (probably) Don't Know About Investing
in Toronto Real Estate. 1. If you're buying an investment, it's all about the math – don't let emotions get in the way. I know, granite counters and bamboo floors are awesome, but how much they add to the monthly rent? Real estate investing really does come down to numbers, and it's not just price that matters. How much are the condo fees? How much are the taxes? What kind of maintenance should you expect? What kind of rent can you expect? An agent experienced in investments will be able to guide you to the profitable ones and encourage you to run from the ones that look great but don't give the best returns. 2. You'll likely need a minimum 20% down payment. If the property you're buying isn't a primary residence (a primary residence is defined as one you live in at least six months of the year), then the bank will require you to have a bigger down payment. In most cases, that's 20%. 3. The good news? In Toronto (as of writing), most investors reach the break-even point with a 20% down payment. What does that mean? Your rent should cover your mortgage payment (at 80% financed), your taxes and your condo fees. If you can only become cash flow positive with a 30% down payment, something is wrong with the property you're considering- keep looking. 4. Most lenders will consider 80% of the rental income when calculating how much you can afford. When banks decide how much mortgage they want to give you, they'll look at your income, your debts, and your credit score. If you're buying an income property, they'll add 80% of the projected rental income to your income, so you'll qualify for a bigger mortgage. Keep in mind that some lenders won't consider rental from illegal apartments [Related: Is that Apartment Legal?] and may require an actual lease in place or an appraiser to confirm the amount of rental income that will be generated. 5. As an investor with a down payment of more than 20%, you'll likely qualify for a 30-year amortization on your mortgage. This will keep your mortgage payments low (and don't forget, you can write off the interest on your mortgage against your rental income come tax time). Example: If you have a $300,000 mortgage at a 3% interest rate amortized over 25 years, your mortgage payment is $1,362 per month. Increase the amortization to 30 years, and your payment decreases to $1,211 per month. That an extra $151 in cold hard cash flow a month! 6. Good investment properties provide 4 ways to make money: Monthly cash flow – During the time you have a mortgage, your monthly cash flow from the property (cash flow = rent minus expenses) is likely to be minimal. In Toronto, is not uncommon to see properties that are $50 or $100 cash flow positive each month, and there are plenty of investors out there who bring in less rent than their expenses (cash flow negative). Negative cash flow investors are betting on the benefits of appreciation, equity build-up and/or improvements. Appreciation – Appreciation in an investment property is the amount it increases in value during the time you own it. The real estate market in Toronto during the last few years has been on fire, with 4-5% annual appreciation for condos and 10%+ annual appreciation for houses. Don't be naive and think that'll always be the case – during the time you own the property, there will likely be years of zero growth and years where prices go down too. Be prepared for that and remember that investing in real estate – like investing in the stock market – is best viewed through a long-term lens. Equity Build-up— every month, a portion of your mortgage is getting paid by your tenant, and you're building up equity in the property. That $300,000 mortgage at 3% interest will have shrunk to $265,000 by the 5th year, to $216,000 by the 10th year, $160,000 by the 15th year, and so on. The difference between what it's worth and what you owe is the equity Improvements – Depending on the type of property you buy and how long you keep it, there may be an opportunity to renovate and increase its value. Many house investors renovate and improve right away (for example, they may make a 2-unit house into three units, or they may upgrade the finishes to justify higher rents). Other investors will choose to renovate right before selling (this is common in the condo market). Just be careful: a $50,000 condo renovation may not pay back $50,000, so talk to your REALTOR before renovating pre-sale. 7. Usually the best cash flow properties are the ones that are appreciating more slowly than average. When choosing your investment property, you'll need to give some serious consideration to your goals. For example, right now in Toronto, there are some condos that sell for less per square foot than the average, yet rent for nearly the same amount of money – so you can pay $350,000 for a condo or $400,000 for a condo and get the same amount of rent. There are lots of
reasons why the $350K condo may be cheaper (location, finishes, quality of the building, supply/demand in the building, etc.) and that may impact the resale value of the condo. What's more important to you: monthly cash flow now or long-term value? 8. The short-term rental market is pretty much over in Toronto. While renting out properties for a few days or weeks at a time was a cash cow for years, the shortterm rental market's days are numbered in Toronto, at least for serious investors [Related: How Airbnb Killed the Short-term Rental Market]. 9. There are three kinds of taxes you'll need to consider when buying an investment property: Land Transfer Taxes – There are two types of land transfer taxes: Ontario and Toronto (if you buy in the city of Toronto). Land transfer taxes are paid by the Buyer when they take possession of the property and are a percentage of the sales price. Click here to calculate land transfer tax. [Related: All About Land Transfer Taxes] Income Tax on the rental income – Rental income is considered taxable, and the net profit you make will be added to your income and taxed. The good news is you can write off a lot of expenses to decrease your profit (mortgage interest, property management fees, condo fees, utilities, etc.). Capital Gains taxes – When you sell your investment property, you'll be subject to capital gains taxes. At the time of writing, capital gains taxes are 50% of profit, meaning that 50% of the profit you make (after selling expenses) will be added to your income and taxed at your regular income tax rate. For Example: Purchase price: $400,000 Sold price: $500,000 Costs to sell: $25,000 Gain in value = $500,000-$400,000- $25,000 = $75,000 Under current capital gains rules, an investor would pay taxes on 50% of the $75,000 profit. There are lots of intricacies when it comes to taxes, so make sure to talk to your accountant to determine your individual tax scenario. 10. If you buy a duplex (a house with two apartments) and live in one of them yourself, be careful. If you live in less than 50% of the house, you'll pay capital gains tax on the whole house and lose your primary residence tax exemption. This is one of the most-missed points, and one that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars: if you rent out more than half your house (and declare the income, and write off the expenses), when it comes time to sell, the CRA will consider it an investment property (notwithstanding #12 below) and you will pay capital gains tax on the increase in value since you bought. Again, talk to your accountant. 11. As an investor, your qualification for government Buyer programs is limited. The First Time Home Buyer RRSP Plan and Land Transfer Tax Rebate for first time buyers [Related: Government Programs] both only apply to your primary residence. Sorry. 12. If you live in it, it doesn't really count as an Investment Property from the bank's perspective. If the house is your primary residence, even if you only live in one part of it, then you can't run the mortgage numbers as an investment property from the bank's perspective (although that's usually a good thing). If there are leases in place or the bank's appraiser can back up the potential rent from an apartment, then they may be able to use 80% of that income to reduce risk, but that's all. Have questions? I have answers, so don't be afraid to get in touch! 416.282.2444
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
How Much Life Insurance Should You Carry – Part I? Very few people enjoy thinking survive to old age, paying higher about the inevitability of death. and higher premiums as they age
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
Changes In The Works For Ontario's Power Of Attorney Laws!
Fewer yet take pleasure in the (the increased risk of them dying around them, and as a result we
possibility of an accidental death. makes the odds less attractive). If there are people who depend on Insurance is cheaper when you are
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is one of those unpleasant things for. The simple fact is that that you have to consider. In this insurance companies will want article, we'll approach the topic of higher premiums to cover the odds life insurance in two ways: first, on older people – it is a very rare
Star article, changes are in the
we will point out some of the that an insurance company will misconceptions and then we'll refuse coverage to someone who is
Attorney Laws. The article follows
look at how to evaluate how much willing to pay the premiums for
in its entirety.
and what type of life insurance you their risk category. That said, get
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need.
insurance if you need it and when
tribunal and more education and
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transparency around power of
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attorney are among the 58
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recommendations in a report going to government on strengthening the laws around substitute decision-making for people who are incapacitated. An individual appointed by another person to be
you do have dependents and you sense. Certain types of life
their power of attorney can
have enough assets to provide for insurance are touted as vehicles for
potentially make a wide array of
t h e m a f t e r y o u r d e a t h saving or investing money for
decisions on their behalf when
(investments, trusts, etc.), then you retirement, commonly called cash-
called upon, including on living
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property and finances.
(especially if you are the primary pool of capital that gains interest.
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provider) or significant debts that This interest accrues because the
Ontario, an independent body that
outweigh your assets, then you insurance company is investing likely will need insurance to that money for their benefit, much ensure that your dependents are like banks, and are paying you a looked after if something happens percentage for the use of your to you.
money.
recommends law reform, found the system around substitute decision-making is complex and lacks co-ordination.
However, if you were to take the
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about the misuse and potential
aggressive life insurance agents program and invest it in an index
abuse of powers of attorney," the
perpetuate is that "insurance is fund, you would likely see much
commission's Executive Director,
harder to qualify for as you age, so better returns. For people who lack
Nye Thomas has said. "They're
you better get it while you are the discipline to invest regularly, a
very powerful legal instruments.
young." To put it bluntly, insurance cash-value insurance policy may
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companies make money by betting be beneficial. A disciplined
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Insurance and Age
on how long you will live. When investor, on the other hand, has no you are young, your premiums will need for scraps from an insurance be relatively cheap. If you die company's table. suddenly and the company has to Source: Investopedia – Andrew pay out, you were a bad bet. Beatty. Fortunately, many young people
like financial misuse of disabled Ontarians or elderly Ontarians because, either through
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because you are scared of not
heard a lot of stories about things
to make decisions. "The issue with them, however, is they're essentially private legal tools, and there's not a lot of accountability or transparency
inadvertence or intent, the power of attorney was used improperly." The recommendations are the result of nearly two years of research and consultation by the law commission, which says it is the most comprehensive study in 30 years of Ontario's laws governing issues such as power of attorney and legal capacity. To improve the system, the commission is recommending the creation of a "statement of commitment" that the person granted power of attorney must sign, which would set out their legal responsibilities A second document, called a notice of attorney, would be sent out once the person holding power of attorney begins to act. The notice would be sent to the grantor (the person whose decisions are being made on their behalf), their spouse, any previous holder of power of attorney, as well as anyone else identified by the grantor. The grantor would also have the option, under the commission's recommendations, to name a "monitor," who would have powers under the law to communicate with the grantor and review records to ensure the attorney is properly carrying out their functions. Source: Toronto Star
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 13
Express Entry System – Federal Skilled Trades The Federal Skilled Trades is one of the Independent Categories under which a client may apply for Permanent Residency for themselves and their immediate family, provided they meet the requirements of this category. The main applicant needs to have two years out of the last five years, of Work Experience in a Skilled Trades Occupation, meet the required levels for the language requirements and meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). You should either have an offer of full-time employment or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade, issued by a Canadian Provincial or Territorial authority. Two years of Full time work means you have worked at least 30 hours over a period of one week for two years, or part-time: 15 hours per week over 24 months = 1 year full time. Two part-time jobs can be combined to meet the requirements. Skilled Trades eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Progamme are organized under the following NOC Groups: Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades, Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades, Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production, Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators, Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks, and Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers.
You must show that you performed the duties outlined as per your corresponding NOC #, including all the essential duties and most of the main duties listed. You should have gained your work experience with proper immigration authorization, if you were working in Canada. There is no education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class, however it is advisable that you get your Education assessed, if you have tertiary level education, as this will help to increase your score. The Language Requirements are CLB 5 for Speaking and Listening and CLB 4 for Reading and Writing. Once you meet the requirements, you will then need to submit your Express Entry Profile. I would recommend that if the main applicant has a spouse, then the spouse should complete the English Test and Education assessment if necessary (find out your options before proceeding as there are costs involved with the assessments etc.). Your spouse's information may help to increase your score. Your profile will remain in the pool for a year and if you are not given an ITA (Invitation to apply), then you would need to create another profile to re-enter the pool. If you are given an ITA you will have 90 days in which to submit all supporting documents and pay the applicable fees. Once you meet all the requirements IRCC will advise as to finalizing the landing process and documents. It is important to find out your options before proceeding with an application under the Economic Categories as the rules and process have changed over the years. Nadine Mahabeer is a weekly guest on “Immigration Mondays” on Nationwide 90FM in Jamaica – Monday mornings at 10am – streaming live on the Internet.
From Our Family To Yours: When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. One day we will remember how lucky we were to have known their love, with wonder, not grief.
To: The Bedessee Family, our heartfelt sympathies and sincerest condolence on the loss of your patriarch and Company Founder, Lionel Bedessee. From: Norman Sue Bakery.
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
CARIBBEAN KITCHEN
Tasty Irie Tilapia For Lent A m o n g R o m a n Catholics, it is traditional to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent. Fish specials are popping up everywhere and will continue until Easter Sunday, and so, if you're looking for a seafood-based meal or a fish dish to serve for the Lenten season here's a tasty Tilapia recipe that will just fit the bill. This tasty Tilapia Recipe can be your ultimate “fast food” on a busy weeknight! Make it today and turn even your pickiest of fish eaters into fans! You can spice it up even further by using some Irie Fish Seasoning instead of the suggested Cajun!
Ingredients 1 lb tilapia fillet 2 tablespoons butter 2-3 teaspoons olive oil ½ teaspoon basil 2 teaspoons Cajun/Irie fish
seasoning 1½ teaspoons dried onion flakes ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon parsley flakes lemon pepper (to taste)
1. In a large sauce pan, over medium heat, saute together everything except the fish. 2. Add the fish, and adjust the heat to medium-high. The fish will cook quickly. 3. Brown each side cooking for 3-4 minutes per side. (adjust temperature if needed). 4. Be careful not to over-cook the fish
Volume 11 • Number 06 • March 29, 2017
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
Unfamiliarity With Pakistan's Newcomers The Key To Windies Loss Says Holder Allrounder Jason Holder has put West Indies' loss in the first T20 against Pakistan largely down to the unfamiliarity factor. Shadab Khan, the 18-year-old debutant legspinner, did a lot of the damage as West Indies were kept to 111 for 8 in Barbados, a total Pakistan chased down with 17 balls and six wickets to spare. Going into the rest of the series, Holder said West Indies would need to come up with plans to counter the new faces they are up against, especially the spinners. "We need to just sit down and work out our plans against all their bowlers," Holder said. "Obviously we are coming up against some guys who we have never played. In this situation, we need to find how best to play them given the conditions that we have. "We struggled with their slow bowlers, and it's a situation where we need to counteract their slow bowlers in the middle. Those were the guys who really put the strangle on us up front." Holder said while the pitch was slow, it was not to blame for West Indies' score; that was down to the early run-out of Evin Lewis and the repeated loss of
wickets at "crucial stages". "I felt that the wicket we had today was slow, it was a little bit more difficult to hit on. It broke up a little earlier than I thought it would, but bearing that in mind, we just needed to find ways to knock some balls back down the pitch. It was a good enough pitch for us to get 150 at least. Definitely think if we had 150 on the board it would've been a much better game. "It's clear we didn't bat well. We started off with a run-out, which gave them momentum. It was a very good piece of fielding, but we never really recovered from there. It was a situation in the middle where we had to consolidate, build a partnership. "We tried to do that with Sunil [Narine] and [Kieron] Pollard, probably our last recognised partnership, and Carlos [Brathwaite] came in and joined Pollard and played a good knock, but we were always struggling with wickets. We lost wickets at crucial stages and we could never lay a platform from where we could blast." The second of four T20s will be played in Port of Spain on March 30.
Brathwaite Learning To Deal With Expectations Pressure!
Carlos Brathwaite. Remember the name? By the time West Indies' upcoming T20I series against Pakistan is done, it will be a year since that evening in Kolkata, when Brathwaite slammed four sixes in the final over to snatch the World T20 title from England. Since then he has been named T20I captain, and the expectations have hardly died down. Brathwaite said he had learnt how to deal with that pressure. "Family and friends have been sticking close, but the pressure has increased from outside. But it's just a matter of understanding it won't happen every day," Brathwaite said, on the eve of the first of four T20Is against Pakistan. "You'll fail more times than you perform, I think I've come to grips with that. I've begun to level my own expectations, which probably were more than the expectations of others." Pakistan's tour of West Indies, which has three ODIs and three Tests after the T20Is, begins less than six months since the two teams met in the UAE. In that
series, West Indies were swept 6-0 in the limited-overs formats, and could not put together a win till the final game on tour, a dead-rubber Test in Sharjah. But Twenty20 is West Indies' best format, and Brathwaite is confident they have the right combination of youth and experience to challenge Pakistan in home conditions. One thing he is counting on, Brathwaite said, is having some of his players offer inside information on the Pakistan team, after their time at the Pakistan Super League; Pollard, Samuels, Sunil Narine and Samuel Badree featured in the PSL, which ended earlier this month. "In the series in the UAE, Imad Wasim obviously had some homework done, because he played in the Caribbean Premier League," Brathwaite said. "So hopefully our guys can bring back their homework and assess their learnings in PSL, and use it hopefully as well as Imad did against us in the UAE. We'll see if it translates onto the field."
www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 15
Cricket Canada Sanction Roadblocking CPLT20 League Launch!" MCWATT ON CRICKET CPLT20 President and CEO Roy Singh is a very frustrated man. So much so in fact that it's somewhat surprising that he still has hair left on his head and hasn't as yet torn it all out in frustration. The source of Singh's justifiable frustration is none other than Cricket Canada, the sport's national governing body and in particular its current President Ranjit Saini. Singh's ongoing frustration stems from the fact that his very best efforts to introduce a much needed T20 annual League to Canada's cricketing environment have been continuously roadblocked by Cricket Canada's refusal to provide the required sanctions. According to cricket's global administrative organization, the International Cricket Council (ICC), any tournaments staged within a member country must be in receipt of sanction approval by that country's governing body. Under this regulation any and all tournaments held in Canada can therefore only be held with the blessing of Cricket Canada's sanction as the country's governing body. For the better part of the past three years Singh has been attempting to obtain Cricket Canada's sanctioning approval for his proposed Canadian Premier LeagueT20 annual tournament, without any progress whatsoever. This despite that fact that Singh himself has so far personally invested well in excess of $500,000 towards the proposed CPLT20 League's development. Indeed Singh's contention is that CPLT20 has been constantly lied to and repeatedly ignored by Cricket Canada regarding their sanction request. He now also firmly also believes that Cricket Canada President Ranjit Saini's demonstrated reluctance to even entertain discussions on the possibilities for CPLT20, are being guided by his own personal interests and agendas. According to Singh, Cricket Canada had this past January issued a Saini signed Press Release that promised to convene a meeting for all of the country's T20 stakeholders. To date the meeting has yet to be held and there has been absolutely no further indication from Saini or anyone else at Cricket Canada as to its status. As has been made evident by the establishment of mega successful T20 Leagues in India, Australia, Bangladesh, the Caribbean and most recently Pakistan, T20 Cricket has become big business and a source of huge potential revenues for all involved. The annual Caribbean Premier League now generates millions of dollars in revenue for the economies for the regional territories which host its matches. So attractive has T20 cricket become that even Canada's much troubled cross the border North American sister governing body, the United States Cricket Association (USACA) has recently thrown its hat into the ring. Despite the fact that it is still under ICC suspension for highly questionable administrative practices, the USACA boldly announced just last September that it has granted the exclusive licensing rights for a Franchised T20 Professional Cricket
League to Pennsylvania-based sports development company Global Sports Ventures LLC. A decision it claimed would bring and professionalize cricket as the world's second most popular sport to the United States, the world's largest sports economy! According to Jignesh (Jay) Pandya, the Indian born President and CEO of Global Sports Ventures, LLC, (GSV) the $70 million deal between the USACA and his company will professionalize the game of Cricket in the U.S., providing American athletes the opportunity for a professional career in Cricket. Pandya further indicated that GSV has been actively working with legislators to develop 26,000+/- seat stadiums in cities across the US including New York, New Jersey, WashingtonDC, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Illinois and California. The cricketcentric, multi-purpose entertainment stadiums and lifestyle centers will create approximately 17,800 new jobs (1,500 construction and 725 permanent jobs per location) with opportunities in medical and rehab services; merchandising and procurement; media and broadcasting; tourism development; security; logistics and transportation; and, player, coaches and support staff. Each of these locations will cost an estimated $300 million and will generate approximately $8 billion in direct and indirect salaries over the next 20 years. The exciting cross border developments in the US would only have served to further frustrate Singh whose own plans also include the construction of a state of the art stadium for Canada, the actual land for which has since been leased. Singh justifiably contends that instead of functioning as roadblocks to his further progress, Saini and his Cricket Canada counterparts would be of much better service to Canadian cricket if they instead embraced, supported and facilitated the achievement of his T20 League establishment and stadium construction objectives. The wonderful example the USACA has set with its GSV deal can serve as a template on how to do so. Singh plans, for both the League as well as the stadium, may however now have to wait even longer to get pass their respective Cricket Canada roadblocks as the Association now seems to have gotten itself embroiled in further legal issues. According to an official March 20 Release on the gocricketcanada.com website the Sports Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) has found favor with the allegations of wrongdoings surrounding the election of Cricket Canada's Board of Directors last May. As such the SDRCC has ordered that new elections to be held no later than June of this year. Small wonder that Saini hasn't been responding to Singh or anyone else of late. He must now be too busy trying to figure how to remain President come this June.
This endorsement is based on latest current available information; however, all are strongly recommended to seek further legal advice before proceeding.