12-04

Different & Dynamic. Bigga, Brighta, Betta!

Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018 • Website: www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca

Tel: 647-669-9320 • Fax: 416-292-2943 • Email: graphiclyn@gmail.com

Canada's Global T20 League Plans Falling Into Place!

Mercuri Entertainment's head honchos, Co-Owner Gurmeet Singh and Director Ashit Patel, were in Toronto earlier this month. The dynamic duo were here to hold further discussions with Cricket Canada's incumbent President Ranjit Saini on the recently announced plans for Canada's hosting of a Global T20 Cricket League this coming July. During their visit the Mercuri officials met briefly with Caribbean Graphic's Publisher Tony McWatt to outline their company's exciting top line plans for the League, as well as the targeted construction of a Canadian Cricket stadium headquarters within the next three years.

Full details of the Mercuri officials' plans, which are ultimately geared towards helping Canada become a “Cricket Country”, will be revealed in the very near future. In the interim Canadian Cricket fans can be assured that the Global T20 League's Inaugural Season will get under way this coming

July. The League's 2018 Inaugural Season matches will be played at King City among six teams. Several of international cricket's marquee T20 players, including Caribbean stars Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell, are expected to participate in the Mercuri financed, Cricket Canada hosted Global T20 League matches this coming July.

Roti Hut 35 Year Anniversary Menu Rollback Celebrations Set For May 19 May 19, 2018 has been set as the date for the Roti Hut’s 35th Anniversary celebrations as one of Toronto's longest-standing roti restaurants. As a means of thanking their loyal customers and members of the Canadian Caribbean community, the Roti Hut’s May 19 35th Anniversary celebrations will feature a reboot of the restaurants menu from 1982, complete with 35-year-old prices.

The family-run Scarborough roti joint recently announced its May 19 celebrations noting that "even we were surprised at how low prices were."

"In 1982, we were one of few Caribbean restaurants in the GTA, Pierre Trudeau was PM, and minimum wage was $3.50," says Owner Vinood Beharry. "We thought it would be a nice gesture to our loyal customers and any new ones - paying homage to just how far we've come."

According to a preview of the May 19 menu, customers will be able to get doubles for $0.75, beef or goat roti for $3.25, potato balls for $0.45 and Grace coconut water for just $0.75. Understandably, their will however be limits to the number of the celebration price purchases customers will be allowed to make on the day. In keeping with the 35 theme, the limits will be three rotis of any type and five sides According to Vinood’s wife and Co-Owner Sattie Beharry, the May 19 celebrations will also feature Mark Mosca’s steel pan music.

There will also be very special prizes to be won, 35 in number of course, which will include a draw for an El Dorado Rum “35 In A Bucket” gift basket comprised of one bottle each of the brands world famous, 8, 12 and 15 year old rums!

Come May 19, 2018 all roads will sure lead to The Roti Hut’s 351 Pitfield Rd, Scarborough address.

Ther

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Grenadian, Guyanese, Vincentian & Trini Students Eligible For Russian Scholarships

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, The embassy of the Russian Federation in Guyana has launched a scholarship campaign to select candidates in Guyana, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago eligible to study in Russia for the academic year 2018-2019. The scholarships cover tuition and basic accommodation. Travel expenses are covered by the sending party.

The first stage of the selection process will be carried out by the embassy in cooperation with local authorities this month. Nationals of Guyana, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and

Tobago who wish to apply for the scholarship must do so before April 20, 2018, by completing an online form at www.russia.study and attaching their documents in accordance with the required list.

Applicants will be evaluated by average grades on subjects related to their field of study indicated in the application form. Age restrictions apply: 25 years for undergraduates and 35 years for postgraduates.

Students who do not speak Russian will study the Russian language during the first academic year before moving on to their higher education program.

Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

MV Silver Muse Cruise Ship Makes Inaugural Visit To Nevis

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, Tourism officials on Nevis welcomed the captain and crew of the MV Silver Muse on April 6, 2018, when the ship made an inaugural call during an unscheduled visit to Nevis.

Greg Phillip, chief executive officer in the Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) who led the welcoming delegation, said they were pleased for the visit, which gave the 400 passengers an opportunity to enjoy Nevis.

He expressed hope that they would find favour with the destination and return for future visits.

In response, Captain Marco Sangiscomo thanked the tourism officials for their warm hospitality. He said he knew a little about Nevis because he had visited the island previously with other ships of Silver Sea Cruises.

Jamaica Committed To Combating Corruption KINGSTON, Jamaica, Speaking at the eighth Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru, on the weekend, Prime Minister Andrew Holness signalled his administration's commitment to stamp out corruption with the assistance of international partners. The Prime Minister also called on leaders of the hemisphere to do more to engage young people as they are most at risk and vulnerable to criminal activity.

He said the deliberations by hemispheric leaders in Peru have set a firm and positive foundation for further sustained economic growth and sustainable development in the hemisphere, and encouraged his colleague leaders to continue to work collectively and collaboratively towards attaining constructive and practical solutions to the challenge of corruption.

Meanwhile, Jamaica adopted the Lima Commitment on Democratic Governance against Corruption which reaffirms a commitment to anti-corruption treaties such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption. The Commitment also reaffirms the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and support for its implementation.

While at the Summit, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and President of the Republic of Chile, Sebastian Pinera held bilateral talks. Among the subjects they discussed was the need for ease of travel between the two countries and they

agreed to follow up on the discussions regarding an air services agreement to boost tourism between both countries is formalised.

The two leaders, who attended the Eighth Summit of the Americas last Friday and Saturday, also pledged to deepen cooperation in several key areas of mutual interest, including exchanges in sports, culture and language.

Prime Minister Holness and President Pinera agreed to greater cooperation on investment and in particular enhancing the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Jamaica and Chile during an official visit by Prime Minister Holness in August 2017.

Changes Set For St Kitts Overseas Voting Policies BASSETERRE, St Kitts — Nationals of St Kitts and Nevis who live overseas and have enjoyed the right to vote since 1984, will soon find that right restricted in the next general elections based on a residency requirement.

The government has tabled in the St Kitts and Nevis National Assembly an amendment to the National Assembly Elections Act to impose a residency requirement for a national to be eligible to be registered as a voter.

The National Assembly Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2017 given its first reading on March 28, seeks to amend Section 37A, replacing the expression “ordinarily resident on the registration date” with the words

“ordinarily resident for at least six months before the registration date.”

Another proposed amendment to the National Assembly Elections Act is a change in the First Schedule, which gives Commonwealth citizens from only Caribbean countries or islands, the right to be registered and vote in an election.

It is proposed that the present one year residency requirement will be changed to “a continuous period of at least three years before the registration date.”

Another amendment provides for the enumeration of voters.

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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

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US $65 Million World Bank Funding Relief For Dominica's Hurricane Recovery The World Bank has approved two emergency support operations totaling US$65 million for restoring agriculture livelihoods, strengthening resilience, and rebuilding houses destroyed by Hurricane Maria in Dominica.

This is the World Bank's highest ever financing for Dominica and is part of a larger US$115 million package of support that includes financing of US$65 million in concessional terms and US$50 million in grant financing from the International Development Association's (IDA) Crisis Response Window, As the eye of the storm wreaked havoc in Dominica, more than 30 people were killed and total damages and losses were estimated at US$1.37 billion or 226 per cent of GDP. The greatest damages were in housing and transport, with more than 4,500 houses destroyed and 20,000 partially damaged, and many roads and bridges affected and covered by trees and flooded debris. The agriculture sector had the largest losses, with 80 to 100 per cent of crops destroyed.

Farmers lost half of their cattle and many fishermen lost their boats and fishing gear.

The Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience project (US$25 million) will help farmers and fisherfolk to restore their agriculture and fishing production and systems, and adopt climate smart practices. The Housing Recovery project (US$40

million) will focus on rebuilding houses and improving the application of resilient building practices. The total $65 million project financing for these two projects includes the US$50 million of grant financing.

About 1,700 families will receive subsidies from the housing project and 4,900 farmers and fisherfolk will receive support from the agriculture project.

BIG IN TASTE

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Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

Saini Man With A Vision And Plan: Part II It is the simultaneous pursuit of those two goals that has now brought Saini to his recent exciting announcement of an official Agreement having been finalized with the India based Mercuri Entertainment group for a Canada's multi-year hosting a Global Twenty League. Under the terms of the Agreement, the League will be comprised of six teams, each of which will include four Canadian players within the first year. That number will be increased to five within the League's second year and will max out at seven, hopefully by year three.

The challenge for Cricket Canada will therefore be to immediately identify 24 players capable of performing at international standards and within three years growing that number to 42. The financial resources coming to Cricket Canada from the Global Two League will therefore have to be used for player development to ensure that the required roster of 42 players is realized within the first three years of the League's existence.

Cricket Canada's plan is for this objective to be realized through twotiered approach. The immediate short term plan is for there will be a talent search among current players for those who can, with professional contracts and off-shore training, be quickly brought up to meet the required international standards.

Simultaneously, over the long term, plans will be put in place to identify, develop and train additional players.

These plans will be put in place at the U15 and U17 levels with the objective being a two to four year realization of U19 World Cup standard level players.

The advent of Canada's now July 2018 scheduled inauguration of the Mercuri sponsored Global T20 League is therefore a key piece in Saini's Cricket Canada masterpiece puzzle. One of the Global T20 League's six teams will be comprised solely of West Indies based players, in addition to its Canadian allocation of course. The remaining five teams will be made up of both marquee and exciting emerging players from other cricketing around the globe, hopefully four to five per squad.

Saini's vision is for the Global T20 League matches to be played on one or two grounds within the Greater Toronto Area, mostly on weekdays during the early evening 5:30 pm –8: 30 pm time slot when it would still be bright enough for lights not to be required. Sunnybrook Park has been touted as a potential eastern Toronto match location, while Mavis Cricket Club ground will be used to host

matches for west end based fans to attend. On weekends multiple matches will likely be held at King City.

One of Saini and Mercuri's challenges will be to quickly develop a large enough local fan base for each participating team. As such during the forthcoming player draft, which is expected to be held very soon, core players from each team could well be selected as a reflection of anticipated support from Toronto's Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi and Caribbean communities.

Having developed the previously mentioned four nation Tournament within a mere twelve days, Saini feels overly confident about his abilities to pull together a world class tournament within the now available time frame.

Player selection has to be moved up and that may be the greatest challenge, but with the Tournament management responsibilities being jointly shared between Cricket Canada and Mercuri, with valuable administrative expertise input to be provided by Cricket West Indies, Saini is optimistic that the To u r n a m e n t w i l l i n d e e d b e successfully launched this coming July as scheduled.

Cricket Canada and Cricket West Indies will be responsible for everything concerning tournament administration: the playing conditions, grounds and officials.

Mercuri in turn will be responsible for Tournament finances, marketing, sponsorships, television and the provision of the required financing to cover all associated costs. Towards that end Mercuri has already registered its Canada Division of the company and will be expected to have an office here very soon.

As a development that will be much welcomed by Canadian cricket enthusiast, the Cricket Canada, Mercuri Global T20 Agreement also includes provisions for adequate funding to be set aside for the development of a Canadian cricket

facility. Under the terms of the Agreement the facility must now be completed within the next three years.

For Saini and Cricket Canada this is a most welcome development as the availability of Mercuri's committed funding should now make it much, much easier for the Board to identify and secure a suitable venue. Towards that end the Board is now actively in search of a Policy and Special Projects Advisor to oversee the implementation of plans to secure the facility within the established time frame.

Cricket Canada's current harmonious relationships with all three country's government levels will be beneficial to the acquisition of the support required at such levels, notwithstanding the lobbying opportunity that could be potentially available given the forthcoming Ontario Provincial Elections. The Liberals Federal Government's full support for the project is virtually assured, given Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's proud wearing of Canadian cricket shirt during his participation in a cricketing event that was a well-publicized part of his recent India Tour. The event was organized by Canada's High Commissioner in New Delhi with Saini's direct assistance.

With the cricket stadium development initiative now being more focused and dedicated than ever before and soon to be provided with full time professional expertise, attention is being turned to the type of facility that will be required and also to its ideal location. In terms of the latter, the Federal Government owned lands at Downsview, as centrally located and subway accessible as they are, will definitely be among those to be considered. So will be the proposed Coronation Park which has been touted for development in downtown Toronto.

Where ever the final location may turn out to be, Saini feels strongly that in order to be economically viable by

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way of meeting its associated maintenance costs, the constructed facility will have to be of a multi-sport and entertainment complex. Cricket's usage is realistically likely to be limited to the four to five spring –summer months. As such a suitable, indoor, winter months sport will have to be identified so as to prevent the facility from being usage idle for seven months each year. Saini's view is that even cricket's sharing of the summer month availability with other entertainment oriented activities.

He envisions that the hosting of community heritage days for Toronto's various ethnicities might be among the possibilities worthy of consideration. The facility should also be developed with a view towards its potential future hosting of Olympic events, should Toronto ever win the bid to host the Summer Games.

Wi t h t h e G l o b a l T 2 0 L e a g u e scheduled to be launched in July and with the cricket stadium development plans well under way, two large pieces of Saini's Canadian Cricket masterpiece vision have seemingly become available to be put in place. In keeping with that vision, Saini's ultimate objective is now no longer for Canada to just be regarded as a leading ICC Associate country, but rather for it to become a full-fledged member of the international cricket community.

The realization of Saini's vision would result in Cricket becoming a mentioned sport within all levels of Canadian society and among stakeholders, government, corporate funders and all other interested parties.

In so doing cricket would be returned to its historical roots as a national sport, as it was first played by resident British soldiers during the early 1700's and so identified by Canada's first Prime Minister John A McDonald during the 1768 Confederation celebrations.

Says Saini, with the right development plans being adequately funded, the available talent pool should certainly be sufficient to ensure outstanding Canadian performances at the highest international levels. This will include routine ICC World Cup qualification which is currently seen as the benchmark for progress. That will surely come once the game develops beyond its current boundaries and progresses to becoming a mainstream sport. A process which the Global T20 League's advent will definitely facilitate.

Ranjit Saini, indeed a man with a vision and a plan for its fulfillment that is definitely worth implementing.

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

Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

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Guyanese-Canadian Tourism Council Visit Guyana Tourism Awareness Supplement

Bedessee Imports Sports Helping Lady Jags Get Back Home To Guyana A group of Canadian based Guyana “Lady Jags” footballers have received a most welcome boost to their efforts to garner financial support for recently formed GFF International Supporters Group.

The ISG were presented with a $500 cheque by Bedessee Imports Sports at an April 13 Meet & Greet Social held at the Company's Scarborough headquarters.

According to Rebecca Vaughan who is a member of the leadership Team heading The International Supporters Group (ISG) the financial support of companies like Bedessee Imports Sports are critical to the efforts of the organization.

The ISG was instrumental in the relaunching of the Lady Jaguars program which occurred in Toronto in mid-March. The ISG is also seeking to establish partnerships with businesses and individuals in the diaspora in an effort to support programs and initiatives the Guyana Football Federation plan to implement. In April the Lady Jags will

participate in the CFU Women's Challenge Series in Trinidad and in May they will participate in the C O N C A C A F Wo r l d C u p Q u a l i f i c a t i o n To u r n a m e n t i n Guyana.

Now that Bedessee Imports Sports has set the ball rolling with its o u t s t a n d i n g g e n e r o s i t y, t h e Canadian based Lady Jags' plans are to approach other GuyaneseCanadian Companies to solicit similar support. The Canadian based Lady Jags will need to raise approximately Cdn $12,000 to finance the Toronto-Guyana travel for their 15 members who are desirous of returning home to participate in Guyana's bid for Women's World Cup qualification.

Fueled by the participation of its Canadian-based players, Guyana's Lady Jags almost made it to the 2016 Olympics Women's Soccer Tournament, eventually bowing in the final stage of CONCACAF qualification.

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Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

Guyana 52nd Independence Anniversary Dinner Dance

The Guyana Festival Committee will be hosting its

Dinner & Dance are $50 in advance and $60 at the

annual Guyana Independence Anniversary Dinner

door. Victor Shim & The Surefire Band will provide

And Dance on Saturday, May 19. This year's Dinner

live music for the evening's activities, dinner for which

And Dance, will honor Guyana's May 26, 2018 52nd

will commence at 7:30 pm. Dancing will be allowed

Independence Anniversary. It will be held at the Elite

until 1:30 am.

Banquet Hall & Convention Center, which is located at

The May 19 Guyana 52nd Independence Anniversary

1850 Albion Rd. Etobicoke

Dinner Dance is being held under the auspices of the

Tickets for the May 19 Elite Banquet Hall hosted

Consulate General of Guyana.

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Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

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15 Beauties To Compete For Miss Guyana World Crown 15 beauties have been selected to move on to the semifinalist leg of the Miss Guyana World Competition as they vie for the opportunity to wear the coveted crown and become Guyana's next beauty ambassador.

The fifteen contestants, Joylyn Conway, Ambika Ramraj,

Farisha Razak, Lalitta Baliram, Esther Hercules, Ashana Major, Donette Linton, Breeanka West, Latisfa Goodluck, Farina Mursaline, Diana Persaud, Tracy Smith, Nichola Monroe, Andrea Marslowe and Kemmeca Miller were revealed at the Office of Cohesion, Youth, Sports and Culture with Social Cohesion Minister, George Norton.

However, only 11 of the 15 contestants were present at the unveiling ceremony hosted by the in-country director of the pageant, Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud.

They all were given the opportunity of discussing what their Beauty with a Focus program will focus on which range from tackling issues such as suicide, to confidence, education and empowerment.

The pageant is scheduled for May 25 and promises to be an extravaganza.

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Pulse Entertainment's Guyana Carnival Band Launched

As Guyana’s Carnival celebrations draw near, Pulse Entertainment is taking no changes in being left behind. Pulse Entertainment recently launched its Carnival Band gave prospective revellers a chance to see what it has to offer.

Known for very creative and skimpy costumes, Pulse Entertainment is bringing its ‘A Game’ to Guyana’s first Carnival slated for May 18-27.

During this time, there will be lots of events ranging Entertainment Band launch f r o m p o o l p a r t i e s t o was held at the Palm Court concerts and will feature R e s t a u r a n t & B a r o n some of the best in the Saturday April 14. Pulse music business. Some of Entertainment’s carnival the performers already package has two options: confirmed to perform are O p t i o n 1 : U S $ 1 5 0 Kes the Band, Machel (inclusive of outfit, food, M o n t a n o , T i m e k a drinks and you get to be Marshall, Jumo Primo, apart of the roadband) Patrice Roberts, Adrian U S : $ 2 0 0 ( o u t f i t w i t h Dutchin, Bunji Garlin and stones, food, drinks and many others. access to truck) The official Pulse

Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

Taste Of Guyana Treats In Store For Marriott’s Carnival Visitors In addition to the attractive special Guyana Carnival US$199/Night rate it will be offering for its world-class rooms, the Guyana Marriott hotel will also be providing its guests with opportunities to partake of the finest in Guyanese Cusine. Now being regarded as Guyana Carnival Hotel HQ, the Marriott will also be offering a special Guyanese menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner to ensure that everyone visiting will have a “Taste of Guyana”.

Of course, the Marriott's daily buffet, which itself is now regarded, as being top among the very best Guyana has to offer, will also available in its Terra Mare restaurant. There will also be sushi and ceviche in the Marriott's Great Room Daily and the ever popular outdoor Caribe Pool Bar will offer a special Grilled menu accompanied by live entertainment every evening from Wednesday to Saturday.

On Thursday's the Marriott and Corona will join forces to offer a special beer promotion, while on Friday's the hotel will return

to the loving embrace of its local favorite – Banks. Both beer events happen poolside from 6pm to 8pm.

Aside for its own activities the Marriott will also serve as the venue for a few of Guyana Carnival's most enticing events.

On Sunday May 20, the hotel's white sand beach will serve as the site for the Guyana Carnival's Touchdown Cooler Fete. On Tuesday May 22, the hotel's entertainment complex parking lot will be a hive of activity as it plays host to the Kes Tuesday On The Rocks, featuring the world-renowned Trinidadian Soca artiste. On Thursday, May 22 the festivities continue with the “Mawning Breakfast Party,” that will be hosted at the hotel's white sand beach. On that same evening patrons can move to the rhythms at the “Tribe Ignite” concert slated for the Marriott's entertainment complex parking lot.

With all this and more in store the Georgetown Marriott has surely become the place to be for Guyana's May 18-27 Carnival. Come join the fun.

Clifford Reis Honoured Banks DIH Limited Chairman and Managing Director Mr Clifford Barrington Reis CCH has been honored for his unwavering support to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Corporate Group over the past 20 years. Ms Alleyne said Mr Reis has been a loyal supporter of the work of the private sector locally and the PSC has recognized his sterling contribution.

The veteran business executive has been responsible for the stewardship of local bottling giants Banks DIH Limited for

the past 29 years as Chairman/Managing Director.

Reis expressed gratitude to the Private Sector Commission for recognizing his service to Guyana and he stressed the need for the private sector and Government to work together.

The Guest of Honor at the Dinner was Joseph Harmon, Minister of State in the Office of the President, and other attendees were the Corporate Members of the .PSC. Reis is also Chairman of Citizens Bank Guyana Inc

Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

Atif Aslam Guyana Bound Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge has lauded the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) for its construction of a $340M warehouse that will provide employment for numerous Guyanese.

“The Government will continue to encourage and foster enterprises that undertake plans and initiatives that provide employment in all categories of the labour force and I commend the current investments in the human capital especially regarding, scholarships for employees, young people and women,” Greenidge said, while delivering the feature address during the commissioning of the expanded Rum Ageing Warehouse ‘M’ at Plantation Great Diamond, EBD. The Minister noted that change and competitiveness are crucial if Guyana is to survive in the international market. “DDL has been a leader in many respects and has transitioned into modern times. I commended them for looking down the road and looking up the value chain and seeing improved income,” Minister Greenidge said.

Chairman of DDL Komal Samaroo said the company made a decision last year to expand and $340M was invested in the construction warehouse. However, Samaroo opined that “once filled with rum, the contents in the warehouse will exceed US$10M.” The facility, which has the capacity to hold 30,000 barrels, is an expansion of the existing four warehouses which have a total capacity for storage and /or processing and handling of 90,000 barrels in a given year.

The new warehouse utilises a section of land, which abuts the drainage canal aback the Diamond Bottling Plant and Diamond Warehouse ‘K’ that was previously left fallow because of poor soil conditions among other issues. By executing significant revetment and earthworks, the land was prepared for the foundation the building measuring 41,625 sq ft.

The warehouse also forms part of the strategic realignment of the DDL production facilities east of the East Bank of Demerara public road. By constructing a concrete road with suitable foundation and 20ft width, the traffic connects the Diamond Bottle Plant, Diamond Warehouses ‘K’ and Plant, with a single thoroughfare for access that is better aligned with the public road, and an upgraded secondary roadway for emergency exit.

The Chairman disclosed that that DDL plans to build three other warehouses and has already acquired land for the establishment of these facilities Samaroo also said the company is currently putting together a document to present to the Government for the alignment of the regulatory framework in keeping with international standards

and best practices of the rum industry.

Samaroo promised that “DDL will become the pioneer of aged rum on the international market”, The Chairman said that DDL will harvest the remaining of the cane of 2018 and converted for the production of rum and will continue to work the Government of Guyana, the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) and National NICIL to find solutions for the sugar industry.

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Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

Caribbean North Charities Foundation Annual Brunch The Caribbean North Charities Foundation, originally known as the Guyana Burn & Healthcare Charitable Foundation, will be hosting its Annual Spring Brunch on Sunday May 6 at the Thornhill C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r, 7 7 5 5 Bayview Avenue (Bayview & John). The afternoon's activities will commence at noon. Brunch included tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for kids aged 8-15.

been distributed to active players within some of St

Over the last year, the Caribbean North Foundation has

Lucia's less fortunate villages.

formally donated the replacement parts for skin grafting

The Foundation is also pleased to report that the

blades and meshers to Guyana's Burn Care Unit. The

decommissioned ambulance it received from the York

donated parts have made a huge difference to enabling

Region has successfully arrived in St. Lucia. It was

surgeries for several burn patients. The average length of

officially handed over to St. Jude Hospital on March

patient stay has decreased and as a direct result of the

29th.

donated parts, patients with third degree burns now have

The Caribbean North Charities Foundation's 2018 future

a 75% chance of surviving.

Plans will include the provision of continued ongoing

The Foundation has also just recently completed

support to the Guyana Georgetown Public Hospital's

international shipment of a 20 ft container of items such

Burn Care Unit (BCU). The Foundation's previously

as feeding tubes for the elderly and children as well as

proposed remodeling of the BCU, with a rehabilitation

clothing, books and children's backpacks. These very

room and office, is now under active consideration by

much-appreciated items will be distributed to recipients

GPHC. It is likely come into fruition later this year.

from within St Lucia's St Jude Hospital community

Within recent months the Foundation has also provided

program. The soccer clothing, which was generously

valuable assistance to The Commonwealth of Dominica

donated by the Richmond Hill Soccer Club, has also

for the island's hurricane relief project.

Sunday August 5 Save The Date Sunday August 5 should be a must save date for all “Sweet Sounds” Party Lovers. That's the date Fuh Fun and Triple Play, two of Toronto's most dynamic music bands, will be hosting their Caribana Sunday “Leh We Fete” Dance at the Pickering Recreation Complex.

Tickets for the Cash Bar evening which will also feature the exciting deejay sounds of RAAK, as well as the ever popular TeeCee are $30. There will also be lots of delicious Caribbean food items on sale during the evenings proceedings which will get started at 7:30 pm.

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American Airlines Sets Miami-Georgetown Fare At US$900 GEORGETOWN, Guyana — In an extraordinary development that has surprised travellers and the tourism industry of Guyana, American Airlines (AA ) has begun selling tickets for the commencement of its Miami to Georgetown, Guyana, non-stop flights at US$900 from Miami , from NYC via Miami, the airfare is over US$1,200.

Service to Guyana will begin in December, and the airline will use a very small Airbus A319 with the capacity to carry about 120 passengers.

This is no surprise to Tomas Chlumecky, who told Regional Media a few weeks ago that operating an A319 on the Guyana/Miami route will be expensive because of the price tag to operate such an aircraft to Guyana per hour.

The airline will fly to Guyana from Miami four times weekly. AA flights will depart Miami at 6 pm and arrive in Georgetown at 11:40 pm. The return flight to Miami will depart GEO at 1:15 am and arrive at 4:55 am in Miami, conveniently for business travellers.

The airline will require passengers to pay a baggage fee of US$25 for the first checked bag.

It seems that with such exorbitant fares, the company is looking to serve only the business community, especially that Guyana is poised to become an oil and gas producing country. An insider from the travel industry in Guyana confirmed this.

The average Guyanese traveller is more likely to book Surinam Airways (SLM) and Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flights out of Miami to Guyana, which start at US$400 RT. Other airlines are also in the process of finalizing their entrance into the Guyana market and AA will face competition.

Do you want to help your family members migrate to Canada, but don’t know where to start?

Nadine is a weekly guest on “Immigration Mondays” on Nationwide 90FM in Jamaica Monday mornings at 10am - streaming live on the Internet.

Facebook: Nadine Mahabeer www.cdnintl.com

Please note that we go by appointments only.

Page 16 • www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

GUYALICIOUS

Guyanese Mutton Curry With Some Roti Hut Trini Roti, What Could Be Sweeter?

In observation of our good friends at The Roti Hut’s upcoming May 19 celebration of their 35 year Anniversary, we though we should feature some good old fashioned curry mutton as this Issue’s Guyalicious Recipe. So here, compliments of https://www.alicaspepperpot.com, is Alicia’s Guyanese/Caribbean style mutton curry recipe.

As an FYI, The Roti Hut won’t be offering mutton curry as part of its May 19 35th Anniversary celebrations, which will feature a rollback of its menu prices to what they were thirtyfive years ago back in 1982. There will be chicken, beef, shrimp and goat curry available for sure, but no mutton.

If you want to try Alicia’s recipe and cook your own mutton curry, you can always of course still swing by The Roti Hut, pick up a few of their dhall puri or paratha roti skins and enjoy the best of both worlds: a Guyanese mutton curry with some Trini roti! Chase that down with a Carib or some El Dorado Rum and you will be in seventh heaven, regardless as to whether the weather is Spring like or not!

Ingredients Ÿ 3lbs lamb meat

Pre-season for meat Ÿ 2 tbsp quick version green seasoning Ÿ 1/2 tsp garam masala Ÿ 1/2 tsp geera (roasted cumin) Ÿ 1 tsp madras curry powder Curry Paste Ÿ 2 tbsp quick version green seasoning Ÿ 2 tbsp garam masala Ÿ 2 1/2 tbsp madras curry powder Ÿ 1 heaping tsp tomato paste Ÿ 3 tbsp water to mix (more if needed) Remaining Ingredients Ÿ 3 tbsp canola oil Ÿ 4-5 curry leaves Ÿ 1/2 yellow onion, sliced Ÿ 5-6 cloves Ÿ 1 small cinnamon stick Ÿ Salt to taste (start with 1 1/2 tsp) Ÿ Boiling water on reserve in kettle Ÿ 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered Instructions 1. Wash and clean meat then chop into 3in chunks.

See note below on washing.

2. Season meat with pre-seasoning, let marinate overnight or a few hours.

3. Prep ingredients. Make curry paste, set aside.

Gather remaining ingredients, set aside.

4. Heat 3 tbsp oil in karahi or heavy bottom pot. Add curry leaves and fry until fragrant and brown. Add curry paste mixture. Saute mixture until medium brown. Add meat, toss meat with curry paste mixture to coat. Add sliced onion, cloves, cinnamon stick, and salt. Bounjal the meat -Let meat cook in its own liquid until it has evaporated and curry paste has seared onto meat, about 20-25 minutes.

5. Pour boiling water over meat, enough to cover the meat. Let meat boil until tender, adding a little water at a time throughout the process until meat is tender, about 45 minutes or more.

6. Add potatoes once meat is almost tender. Remove curry from heat once potato is cooked. Adjust salt to taste.

Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programme – Human Capital – Masters Graduate Stream

The Ontario Immigration Nominee Programme (OINP) is now accepting applications from students who have completed their Master's Degree from an eligible institution in Ontario and meet other requirements below. You do not need a job offer in order to apply under this stream.

Please note that the OINP has separate fees from IRCC – the fee to apply under the Master's Graduate Stream is $1500C. 1) Education – completed their Master's Degree from an eligible Ontario Institution and apply within two years of obtaining said Degree. The programme should have been at least 15 hours per week of instruction, including any work experience that forms a part of the programme 2) L a n g u a g e – Applicants must have a high language Proficiency.

They need to obtain at least a Canadian Language Benchmark of at least 7.0 on their English or French Test and the test results should not be more than one year old.

3) Show proof that you have resided in Ontario for at least one year in the last two years, before the submission date of your application. Proof include phone/utility bills, Lease

agreement and pay stubs.

Credit Card statements are not acceptable for proof of residence.

4) Have enough funds/income to show that you can support yourself and your family – you should either have enough savings or a job offer to show that you meet the income requirements.

5) You intend to reside in Ontario – you will be required to show your ties to Ontario – eg. A job offer, family ties, Education in Ontario etc.

6) Must be residing in Ontario with legal status or currently living outside of Canada. If you are residing in Canada, but in another Province you would not qualify.

Students with a Return Obligation to their home country If you are an international student and you received subsidies, grants or home scholarships and have obligations to your home country; you must return to your home country or Jurisdiction once you complete Before submitting an application, ensure that you meet the necessary requirements for the Category under which you are applying.

Nadine Mahabeer is a weekly guest on “Immigration Mondays” on Nationwide 90FM in Jamaica – Monday mornings at 10am – streaming live on the Internet.

www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 13

The Money–Health Link

How finances can affect physical and emotional health.

DOES THINKING ABOUT MONEY MAKE YOU TENSE? If you have ever wondered what would happen if you lost your job tomorrow or worried about running out of money in your old age, then you are not alone.

A recent study shows that only 34 per cent of Canadians surveyed feel financially well. That means 66 per cent of Canadians feel financially unwell or just okay1 – and research shows that there’s a strong link between how financially well we feel and our mental and physical health. Canadians who feel financially unwell are nearly five times less likely to participate in healthy physical activity and are more likely to experience financial stressors.2 On the flip side, Canadians who feel financially well are significantly more likely to say their physical health is excellent or good. They eat more fruits and vegetables. They get more exercise. They get health checkups more regularly, and they tend to educate themselves on being healthier.

They are also less likely to worry about finances or stress over managing their money.3 This suggests that good financial habits – those that make us feel financially well – can help improve our physical and emotional health. The first step, however, is to take action to relieve money worries. Here are some ideas.

1. Don’t go it alone Everyone runs into financial hurdles.

However, often people keep such problems to themselves. They’re reluctant to talk to friends and family about the financial strain they’re under, and the stress that comes with it. They may feel a sense of stigma that they’re in trouble, and a sense of shame that they weren’t better prepared.

Seeking social support can help.

Talking things through with people who listen without judging may lead to fresh approaches and new solutions.

More importantly, it’s a stress reliever.

It provides an opportunity to vent, as well as a powerful reminder that everyone is surrounded by a community of people, many of whom have experienced financial challenges, too.

2. Get perspective Financial crises can feel like the end of the world – but they’re not. Whether it’s a sudden drop in income, a big unexpected expense or too much debt, the consequences generally aren’t life and death.

It helps to ask, What’s the worst that can happen? The answer may be a significant lifestyle change, such as

moving into a different home, dramatically reducing expenses or stopping all use of credit cards for a time. Each outcome is challenging, but surmountable.

3. Take control People cope with stressful situations in various ways. One is to seek comfort in the moment. “Comfort coping” may mean escaping into a fun activity and forgetting problems for a while. It may help temporarily, but doesn’t solve any underlying issues.

“Active coping” is different. It’s about getting information and making a plan.

It will probably be more work. It may be uncomfortable. But gaining more control over a situation can help make it better over the longer term. And, even before goals are reached, feeling in control may help reduce stress.

4. Write it down Writing worries down can make them feel less overwhelming – and what specifically goes into a “worry journal” matters.

In one study, 4 participants were asked to record what worried them, what they predicted would happen based on each worry and how much each worry was affecting them. They also tracked what actually happened and compared it to their predictions. Being that specific led to significantly lower levels of stress than among the control group, who simply kept a journal of thoughts and how each thought was affecting them.

Try adding a column for solutions, which may include everything from the big (for example, creating a schedule to pay off a large debt) to the small (say, planning a call to get more information tomorrow at 10 a.m.).

5. Build a financial plan The most effective solution to financial stress is to create a comprehensive financial plan with guidance from anadvisor. An expert can recommend steps that boost feelings of financial preparedness, such as making a budget, consolidating debt and saving for the long term.

Wi t h w e l l - d e s i g n e d f i n a n c i a l strategies in place, it becomes possible to shift mental energies away from financial challenges and towards the more positive aspects of life – including activities that further promote physical and emotional health. A financial plan can help you stop worrying and get back to living.

Isa Rahamat is a Financial Advisor with Manulife Securities Inc. This content is provided courtesy of Solutions from Manulife. © 2017 Manulife. The persons and situations depicted are fictional and their resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

This media is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide specific financial, tax, legal, accounting or other advice and should not be relied upon in that regard. Many of the issues discussed will vary by province. Individuals should seek the advice of professionals to ensure that any action taken with respect to this information is appropriate to their specific situation. E & O E. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

Any amount that is allocated to a segregated fund is invested at the risk of the contractholder and may increase or decrease in value. Manulife, the Block Design, the Four Cubes Design, and Strong Reliable Trustworthy Forward-thinking are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license. 2017

Page 14 • www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

Switch and Save With Rudy Rudy LOCHAN

I'd like to share with all you home owners how you can save thousands annually by just switching lenders. Many home owners purchased their homes and at the time their credit score may have been below 650. Over time their credit score increases provided that they make payments on time and keep credit card balances low.

A young couple called my office and explained to me that there were currently locked in a 5 year fixed mortgage and they are finding it very hard to make their payments on time. They explained that their credit was bad and their mortgage rate was high as a result. After about 8 months of working closely and monitoring their credit both scores went up to over 700. At this time I called them in to my office to discuss the next steps.

Their Scenario was: Monthly mortgage payment: $1,752.52 Current Mortgage Balance: $250,000 Interest rate: 5.8% fixed Term Remaining: 4 years Amortization: 20 years I told them they could switch their mortgage to a different lender who would charge a lower mortgage rate. They would also have to pay a penalty, for breaking their current mortgage, to their existing lender. The penalty in this case was $3K. I found a lender who would renew them at a variable interest rate of 3.8%. Also with some negotiation the lender agreed to pay the clients legal fee which was approximately $1,200 and the appraisal fee which came up to $400.

I ran amortization tables and compared the total interest paid at maturity and then the total mortgage balance at maturity. Here is what the numbers looked like: If they were to continue with their current Scenario (5.70%): Monthly mortgage payment: $1,752.52 Total interest paid at the end of the 5 year term: $ $66,450.36 Mortgage balance at the end of the 5 year term: $ $211,299.16 Possible Scenario (3.80% including $3K penalty): Monthly mortgage payment: $1,484.86 Total interest paid at the end of the 5 year term: $ $43,507.56 Balance at the end of the 5 year term: $206,346.76 Comparison: By switching, even with being a charged a $3K penalty, they could save $22,942.80 in interest payments in just 5 years. Also upon maturity of the 5 year term their mortgage balance could be $4,952.40 less. Most important they pay $267.66 less each month, freeing up some cash flow and allowing them to better manage their finances. After reviewing the numbers the choice was obvious, my clients happily signed up with the new mortgage lender.

Call me to discuss how I can save you money; you will be surprised at how much you can actually save.

Sincerely, Rudy Lochan 416-830-1510 Rudylochan.com rudylochan@gmail.com Mortgage Broker at Centum Anava Financing Inc. (Lic # 10414) Real Estate Agent at World Class Realty Point Brokerage

Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

Curiosity Didn't Kill the Cat - It Won the Sale Robin SINGH

Jack lost a huge deal because of a sudden, ill-conceived emotional response.

After spending weeks preparing a presentation for Ryan, his biggest prospect, Jack was dumbfounded to hear Ryan say, five minutes into the talk, “The assumptions are all too simplistic here. This slide deck looks like something a five-yearold could have put together.”

Jack's response to this strange remark was instant – and illconsidered. Intent on proving himself right, and his potential client wrong, he said, “That's an odd thing to say, Ryan, considering that you and I have met four different times about this project … and there's not one single syllable in this presentation that you didn't personally sign off on last week when we went out to lunch to discuss it. Actually, there's a lot of very hard work here from both sides.”

Although everything in Jack's response was technically accurate, all of the facts he cited hurt his cause. His tone of voice was strained, his stiff body language broadcasted sudden tension, and his choice of words was aggressive and uncompromising. He had slipped into attack mode. Not surprisingly, the meeting went downhill from there, and the business he wanted went to a competitor.

Jack later learned from a mutual acquaintance that Ryan had been g o i n g t h r o u g h a particularly difficult period personally, having lost his father to a serious long-term illness the previous night. His abrupt dismissal of Jack's presentation signalled nothing more or less than Ryan's own internal emotional turmoil on a day that he probably shouldn't have come in to work at all.

For weeks, Jack asked himself: “How could I have handled that better?”

The best answer to that question is a simple one: Be less emotional -and more curious.

While it's important to avoid actions that are likely to trigger emotional responses from your prospects, it's just as vital to learn to suppress your own emotional reactions to the things your prospects say or do. Emotional responses can sabotage your success. Curious inquiries, on the

other hand, can keep your options open, even in the face of a very challenging piece of communication.

If, for example, a prospect doesn't agree with your description of a situation, telling him that he must not have been listening very carefully won't help your cause; it will only hurt it. Instead of reacting from an emotional state, consider a more curious response. This means commenting or asking questions from an intellectual or informationseeking perspective, the better to explore the motivations behind the prospect's actions.

Here are some examples of what this might sound like in action: · Ryan, it surprises me to hear you say that. I'm curious. What is it, specifically, about the presentation that made you uncomfortable? · Ryan, I can appreciate that you're not in total agreement with my assessment of this project. Can you can share with me why that is?

Responses like these lower the emotional temperature of the exchange and make it easier for the other person to respond in kind.

They allow you to keep the focus on the facts, and they are far more likely to support a constructive dialogue than a point-by-point rebuttal of the prospect's remark.

You can also redirect a prospect's or customer's actions and statements by framing the message around a third-party experience. For instance: · I hear what you're saying.

You know, Ryan, some of my clients have found that it is often better to forget about PowerPoint slides altogether, and just have an informal, in-depth conversation about what the project might look like. Just out of curiosity, do you suppose that might be worth a try here?

All of these responses would have helped Jack to stay in the intellectual, information-seeking mode of communication that builds alliances … as opposed to the heedless, emotionally-driven mode of communication that damages them.

The next time a prospect or customer says or does something you don't expect, disengage from the situation, set your initial emotional responses to one side … and get curious. Ask good questions about what's behind what you just heard, and how best to move forward. The quality of your communication will improve – and so will your commission figures.

Volume 12 • Number 04 • April 19, 2018

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

Ontario Masters Impress At Orlando Cup

The Ontario Masters team participated in the recent Orlando Cup, which was held from March 16 to 18 in Orlando, Florida. According to the team's manager, Azeem Khan, who is also the president of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs, the Canadian team showed true grit and sportsmanship throughout their performances.

Given that the Canadians do not play with the white ball and haven't played outdoors since last September, the Canadians put on a very impressive show and made it to the semi-finals.

Kudos from several other teams were

directed to the Ontario Masters who won two out of the three preliminary games, falling just a bit by two runs to Guyana Floodlight, a team that has the luxury of playing all year round.

Prior to leaving Orlando, the Canadian team was treated with true Guyanese hospitality, hosted by Ramcho (Tiger) Singh (4th from left with white hat and short pants).

Formerly from Essequibo Coast, “Tiger” Singh was a masterful cricketer who played at different levels throughout Guyana and in Toronto as well. He now enjoys playing softball cricket Orlando.

www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 15

Brathwaite To Captain Windies In Lords T20 Charity Match, Russell Returns!

Carlos Brathwaite has been returned as captain for the Windies for the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge against the ICC Rest of the World XI at Lord's Cricket Ground, London, on Thursday, May 31. This charity match is being staged with the support of the MCC, ECB and ICC to raise funds to rebuild and restore five major cricket venues at the heart of Caribbean communities that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

T h e R o n a l d We b s t e r P a r k i n Anguilla, Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica, the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in the British Virgin Islands and the Carib Lumber Ball Park in St Maarten were all damaged during the passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Match-winning, all-rounder Andre Russell had also been included in the Windies T20 squad following his return to cricket during the Super50 Cup and the IPL. Explosive openers Evin Lewis and 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle are also in Meanwhile, fast bowler Odean Smith, who made his debut in the recent series, has kept his place

despite a couple of ordinary performances but Jason Mohammed, who led the squad in Karachi in Brathwaite's absence, has been dropped along with Andre McCarthy, Chadwick Walton and Veerasammy Permaul.

CWI's CEO, Johnny Grave, expressed his gratitude to the players who have made themselves available f o r t h e m a t c h .

“On behalf of CWI, I'd like to thank the players for their commitment to and support of this vital cause,” he said.

The full squad is: Samuel Badree, Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wicketkeeper), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, and Kesrick Williams.