Different & Dynamic. Bigga, Brighta, Betta! Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018 • Website: www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca
Tel: 647-669-9320 • Fax: 416-292-2943 • Email: graphiclyn@gmail.com
Wickets Cricket Canada's Monthly Online Magazine Launched! Cricket Canada, the national governing body for the sport with responsibility for its development and promotion, has launched Wickets as its official monthly online magazine. Published and edited by TMac Enterprises’ Tony McWatt, Wickets monthly online Issues will serve to further publicize and promote Cricket Canada’s activities and initiatives. Wickets Premiere Issue, which was released on July 25, features comprehensive coverage of the recently concluded Global T20 Canada Tournament. It’s cover photo is that of the Tournament
Final Man of the Match winner. Canada’s Saad Bin Zfar being held aloft by his far more illustrious, but equally joyous Vancouver Knights teammates. The Wickets Premiere Issue also includes introductory features on Cricket Canada’s 10 Provincial Member Association. Copies of Wickets Premier Issue and future monthly editions can be accessed online at Cricket Canada’s website: https://cricketcanada.org/cricketcanada-launches-its-officialmagazine-wickets. Copies can also be viewed at https://caribgraphic.com
Antigua Tourism Targeting Canadian Visitors For ICC Women's World Cup! Antigua and Barbuda has been awarded hosting privileges for this year’s ICC Women’s World Cup semi-finals and Final matches. Both the November 22 semi-finals and the November 24 Final will be held at Antigua’ Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The 2018 ICC Women’s World Cup will be the very first time the championship is being staged on its own as a stand alone Tournament. Previous tournaments were held in conjunction with the Men’s T20 World Cup. The ten-team tournament will feature Preliminary matches in two Groups with the top two teams from each Group advancing to the semi-finals. Defending champions the Windies are in Group A along with
England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and a Netherlands event Qualifier, while Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Qualifier 2 will be in Group B. In anticipation of significant Canadian visitor interest, particularly from within Canada’s burgeoning South Asian and Caribbean communities, Antigua Tourism will be pulling together attractive airfare and accommodation group rates for those wishing to experience live all the excitement that the Antigua hosted matches will provide. Further information on the available group rates will soon be available via the Antigua Tourism’s website: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
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Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
WESTERN UNION'S 'WIN WITH WU” Every mickle mek a muckle. One- one coco full basket! Those sayings are as Jamaican as ackee and saltfish. So too is the practice of, coming to foreign to work and sending money back home to, 'tek care of things.' Between sending the doctor bill money for mama and papa and the supermarket money for auntie Gwenie, there are a million and one 'tings fi tek care of.' Not to mention the fact that it is now July and before you know it, it's back to school again. This means your children, your grandchildren and Suzie's third cousin great-grandson son are going to need new uniforms, shoes, bags, books
and the school fee needs to be paid. Whatever your reason is for sending money home, it is always a good feeling knowing you are able to help out. It's not always easy to though. Sometimes it's your grocery money that you sacrifice to ensure you are taking care of your loved ones who are depending on you. If there was a chance to get back even a 'tups' of that money we sometimes send, we'd jump at it and that is why Western Union is giving away a grand prize of 10-thousand dollars, just for sending money – something you were going to do anyway. Imagine what you could do with 10 grand! You could stock up your fridge with groceries. You could send more money home to fix the roof before the rainy season starts. You could actually take a trip to Jamaica to look for mama and papa and Cousin Suzie or you could go on that well needed vacation. With Western Union's “Win with WU” it's pretty easy to enter and to win. All you have to do is send the 'likkle' money and just like that, you have a chance to win. Details at www.winwithwu.ca. You'll need to send the money by August 31 though, because that's when the promotion ends. That's also when all the back to school deals end, so either way, the money is going to need to get to Jamaica by then. At Western Union, we know that every dollar you send comes from a place of love and we are not only happy to help you get that money to them, we're rewarding you for doing so. That's a sweet deal with 'brawta.'
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 3
JetBlue's Mint Service St Lucia Bound! CASTRIES, St Lucia, JetBlue has announced it is once again answering calls from customers for more Mint flights with the addition of two new routes to feature the airline's popular premium service with lie-flat seating. Later this year, JetBlue will begin operating seasonal Saturday Mint service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Liberia, Costa Rica's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), and between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and St Lucia's Hewanorra International Airport (UVF). “Adding Mint between these cities means travelers on these routes can finally enjoy a firstclass flying experience,” said Marty St George,
executive vice president commercial and planning, JetBlue. “When Mint first launched more than four years ago, we knew we had created an unmatchable premium experience, but we could have never imagined Mint would be landing in well over a dozen destinations in such a short time.”
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Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
The second night's theme was reggae with industry greats such as the respective opening and closing acts Chakademus & Pliers and Sizzla Kalongi, providing outstanding bookend performances to the satisfactory delight of yet another impressively large audience. In between Isahwna had left many of those present cheering as she brought her unique talent to the stage. Wayne Wonder and August Alsina both kept the energy going while upcoming local talents Byron Messia and Dejour had everyone singing along to their music. The vibrant energy and outstanding performances displayed during the first two Caribbean themed nights, set the stage for a final evening that will now likely be long remembered by those who have by their repeated attendances deemed themselves as Festival Regulars. The Saturday final night performances were headlined by Rhythm of the Beat, featuring a mix of original songs and cover hits. They were very quickly followed by Grammy, Hollywood Walk and Songwriters Hall of Fame artist Patti LaBelle, who wowed the crowd many of her top hits, including “Lady Marmalade,” “Right Kind of Lover,” and “When You Talk About Love,” After a bit of an unusually long delay in between sets, Lauryn Hill eventually appeared on stage and proceeded to “kill us all softly with her songs” as she reeducated everyone present of her immense talents. The evening and the Festival fittingly came to a rousing conclusion with the Grammynominated rap artist Fetty Wap leaving the audience begging for more! “ Following the three nights of performances, the event closed with the Africa-themed White Sands white party at Carambola Beach Club on Sunday, July 1 that was a spectacle by itself! “Far more like a pageant than a party” was the rather apt description given it by one of our Media group's female journalists! Our evening attendances at the three nights of Music Festival performances was only one part of our overall “official” media duties during the our St Kitts Tourism hosted six day stay, accommodations for which were at the luxurious St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Throughout the stay our activities were efficiently coordinated by the assigned Media Liaisons, the US based Cathy Preece who had been responsible for pulling together the international media party and her local St Kitts Tourism associates Jennifer Hensley and Jonette Boyd. Our 15-member group also had its own bus and three dedicated Drivers: St. Clair Maynard, Lee Matt and Chris James who rotated their duties assignments to our group. Myself, Cathy Preece and Quesi Rose had arrived on the same June 27th flight via Miami. We were picked up at the airport by Lee Matt. After a seamless check in to my spaciously impressive Marriott Hotel room it was off the Music Festival Media Welcome Reception at Christophe Harbour Marina.
St Kitts Music Festival 2018: A Magnificent Experience
Thanks to the generous hospitality of St Kitts Tourism and the superb coordination of its US based Public Relations Manager, Cathy Preece, I was invited to attend the recently held St Kitts 2018 Music Festival. Having visited St Kitts on two prior occasions, the most recent just this past November, as a first time Music Festival attendee however, it was for me an experience that could only be described as magnificent. Now in its 22nd year the St. Kitts 2018 Music Festival, which took place June 27 to July 1, was a rousing success. This year's festival attracted record numbers of attendees, and for the first time in the event's history, its hashtag #SKMF2018 was trending on Twitter. Staged at the Island's Warner Park Cricket Stadium, which is conveniently located in the heart of the capital city Basseterre, the Festival kicked off on June 27 with the Grammy-nominated Nailah Blackman giving a soulful and energetic performance that set the tone for the remainder of the event. Calypso stalwart Destra followed with an out of this world memorable performance that t o o k t h e e n e rg y l e v e l s i n t o t h e stratosphere. So much so that the record-breaking first night crowd must have been left wondering as to whether Kes the Band, as the evening's next headline performers, would be able to keep up the pace. From his opening rendition of his recently released Hello, Kes however easily managed to do just that in his own inimitable style. Spice then brought everyone to a stand still during her somewhat “racy” performance, while local bands Nu Vybes International and Small Axe Band closed the show with a bang.
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC The People’s Paper, daring to be different. Website: www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca Tel: 647.669.9320 • Fax: 905.813.9403 Email: graphiclyn@gmail.com
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Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
The Welcome reception was hosted by the island's Minister of Tourism Lindsay Grant and its Tourism Authority's CEO Racquel Brown. It was held in the Christophe Harbour courtyard in front of the under refurbishment renovations Customs House. The Customs House has been described as the building that defines Christophe Harbour to the West Indies, and possibly to the world. Its edifice is at the heart of the island's Marina Village. In the not too distant future, when the planned development has eventually been completed, narrow streets will radiate outwards from its pedestrian square into neighborhoods that will be built with the natural topography on the hillside overlooking the harbour.” Luxury shops and an al fresco coffee bar are already frequented by visiting super yacht crews, guests at the new Park Hyatt, and visitors from elsewhere on St Kitts and Nevis. Christophe Harbour's ultra impressive marina is a full-service affair with a fuel farm and slips for yachts up to 250 feet in length. It was nice to see Chris Ghita, my Ocean Terrace Inn Manager host from my previous, most recent, visit to St Kitts at the Welcome Reception. It was also a pleasure to be availed the opportunity of meeting both Minister Grant and CEO Brown in person for the first time. Following the appetizer laced and rum punch fuelled Welcome Reception, we were transferred to the nearby Reggae Beach for dinner, which was only the first of several gastronomical delights we would enjoy during our stay. The Thursday June 28 official first morning of our tour was started with a Continental Breakfast in the Marriott's St Vincent Conference Room. This was very quickly followed by a Media Briefing, before we sauntered over to the resort's Antigua Room for the first of the daily mid-morning Press Conferences that would punctuate the Festival music performance dates. No sooner had the Kes and Destra attended Media Conference ended that we were boarding the Lee Matt driven bus for the half hour long drive over the luxurious recently opened Park Hyatt. We were then treated to a comprehensive tour of almost the entire sprawling facility. A chef cooked, high end lunch, complete with some unpronounceable menu items that were needless to say mouth wateringly delicious, concluded our Park Hyatt visit. The ultra luxurious Park Hyatt St. Kitts, the brand's very first Caribbean based property, has 78 rooms and 48 suites housed in a series of dwellings which form an arc around the resort. Each of the accommodations face towards Banana Bay and have either a private balcony or terrace. Every room and suite is tastefully decorated in simple, chic décor, so as not to distract from the colors of the Caribbean and the Resort grounds. According to the Park Hyatt St. Kitts website, the property offers its guests full exposure to and enjoyment of the highest levels of luxury. Spacious guestrooms and suites combine contemporary architecture with a timeless, colonial feel that taps into the rich historic roots of St. Kitts. Many of the suites offer individual pools with private sundecks offering unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea and the neighboring island of Nevis.
www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 5
Following the Park Hyatt Tour we had a couple of hours to ourselves before it was time to get back on the bus again to head across to Warner Park for the Music Festival's first night performances. Prior to the performances, which impressively started on time exactly at 8:00 pm as was scheduled; we were taken on a mini-tour of the stadium. The mini tour's stated purpose was to allow us to become familiarized with the areas that were accessible to us as Media personnel, as well as those that were out of bounds. Personally the only accessible area I much cared for was the Tourist Board's generously supplied food and beverages VIP Tent. That was immediately adopted as my “branch” office for each and every night of the Festival. The official tour for the following day, Festival Friday, was a return to Christophe Harbour. Our second visit featured an on site staff presented briefing on the property's investment opportunities. We also went out onto the actual marina to have an up close look at its impressive multiple yachts berthing facilities. Having experienced Brimstone Hill and the Black Rocks at least twice before on previous visits to St Kitts, I begged off from the Saturday activities with Cathy Preece's kind permission. I might have been the lucky one in doing so as it wasn't until well after 5:00 pm that those who had gone arrived back at the hotel. For them it was a therefore a bit of a scramble to get ready for the 7:30 scheduled bus transport pick up for the drive to that evening's final night Festival performances. I'd actually gotten into the habit of catching the first available shuttle back to the hotel, which left at 12 midnight. I did that for the first two nights, but as I'd said to Cathy, out of sheer respect to our wonderful St Kitts Tourism hosts, I felt obliged to stay until the very end on the final night. I was glad that I did, not only because the performances were memorable but also for the opportunity it provided to join Quesi and a few of the group's party animals in a late night visit to 'The Strip,” St Kitts' bar laden after hours entertainment district. It wasn't until well after a 5:00 am daybreak that we found ourselves hilariously hitch hiking a ride back to the hotel. Our final official activity was the Sunday 2:00 pm attendance at the previously described White Sands Africa themed All Inclusive at the Carambola Beach Club. Cognizant that our hotel pickup for the drive to the airport was scheduled for 6:00 am the following morning, I opted to leave the All Inclusive for the first available 7:00 pm shuttle back to the hotel. And so it was that Monday July 2 found me heading back via Miami to Toronto's realities after a six-day overly enjoyable escape in that little piece of paradise that I now regard St Kitts to be. As punctuated as it was with memorable musical performances, enjoyable day tours, one gastronomical delight after another and underlined by the outstanding hospitality of our St Kitts Tourism hosts, ably assisted as they were by Cathy Preece's unflappable efficiency, it was needless to say an immensely enjoyable experience. One that I'd willing repeat any time I'm invited to do so.
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Antigua-Barbuda PM Wants All Ministers To Disclose Their Assets
ST JOHN'S, Antigua, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he plans to discuss with his ministers the possibility of disclosing details of their assets for public scrutiny. Browne told listeners on local radio that he wants members of his government to do as he has done and tell the public what they own on an annual basis. Currently, only certain categories of public officials must file reports of their assets with the Integrity in Public Office Commission. “The question is whether we should not go further to have full public disclosure, so that we publish publicly all our assets and income on an annual
basis,” Browne said. He suggested that the information could be published online for all to see. “I have gone as far as declaring my income and the amount paid in taxes,” the prime minister said, while acknowledging that “there is no legal requirement for anyone to fully disclose their assets in public.” “The reason for that is to ensure that we can monitor the assets of politicians in particular,” Browne said. The Antigua and Barbuda leader also called for whistleblower legislation to protect people who reveal wrongdoing in government.
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Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
Barbados Hosts CSME Meeting BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, The government of Barbados is continuing to work with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat to ensure that the country fulfills its obligations under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). This was underscored on July 27 as Prime Minister Mia Mottley and several members of Cabinet, met with CARICOM secretary-general, Irwin LaRocque, and his team in Barbados. Mottley pointed out that CARICOM leaders were “hopeful that we can see some real progress in the region”, noting that Caribbean people needed to hear their leaders talk about issues that were important to them, and “in meaningful ways that they can understand”. She expressed the hope that in future, CARICOM plenary sessions could be live streamed throughout the region so that Caribbean people could be privy to the discussions. In response, LaRocque thanked Mottley for the leadership she demonstrated at the recently held CARICOM conference in Jamaica, saying that it was “much appreciated and had led to a renewed sense of vigour at the Secretariat”. The high-level meeting was designed to map out agenda items that will be discussed at the upcoming meetings of the Council for Finance and Planning, and the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CSME, which will be held in Barbados in September 2018. A special meeting of the conference on the CSME takes place in Trinidad in November. Mottley has lead responsibility for the CSME and will meet on a monthly basis with the CARICOM Secretariat to advance the régime.
Mark Bynoe Tipped To Head Guyana's Energy Department GEORGETOWN, Guyana Dr. Mark Bynoe is tipped to head the Ministry of the Presidency's Department of Energy, multiple sources have confirmed, President David Granger is expected to officially announce Bynoe's appointment in early August. Bynoe, according to sources, was recently in Guyana as part of talks to finalize his appointment. His last known appointment before returning to Guyana has been Assistant Executive Director, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC). In February, 2018 he particopated in the launch ofthe Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pilot programme in Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven). Bynoe has also served the Belize-based CCCCC as an environmental/ resource economist Government sources have previously stated that the award of oil exploration concessions have been put on hold pending the establishment of the Department of Energy. With the establishment of that entity, the Ministry of Natural Resources is expected to fully relinquish responsibility of the oil and gas sector. Dr. Bynoe obtained his doctorate in Environmental Economics from the University of East Anglia and a Master's of Science Degree in Resource Management from the University of Edinburgh.
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Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
Work Started On Grenada's US$20 Million Rum Distillery ST GEORGE'S, Grenada — London-based distiller Renegade Spirits has begun work on its groundbreaking new rum distillery in Grenada. Located near Pearl, on the north-eastern side of the island, the new distillery will cost US$20 million, being both technologically advanced and environmentally sound. Designed to produce up to 1 million litres of spirit each year it will be one of the most significant rum distilleries in the Caribbean. The Renegade Rum project has already created 50 jobs locally, with a further 100 jobs requiring a wide range of skill levels to be created over the next year, all in a rural area of high unemployment. The aim of the Renegade Rum Distillery is to distil and mature the most compelling rum the world has ever seen. Using the latest techniques and equipment, together with an innovative, industry-challenging philosophy, Renegade Rum believes this is a landmark rum project that will raise the bar worldwide. Drawing on experience from both the Scotch and Irish whisky industries, as well as the wine world, Renegade Rum is the brainchild of CEO Mark Reynier, who runs Waterford single malt whisky distillery in Ireland, and who was behind the renaissance of the famous Bruichladdich distillery on Islay, Scotland, in 2001. Prime minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell, said, “When I first heard about this project I was not entirely convinced that it could be brought to fruition but standing here today and learning of its many unique facets, I must say it is historic in every sense. The project will not only help boost the agriculture sector and enable diversification of the economy, it will also provide invaluable promotion of Grenada as the origin of this unique blend. Renegade Rum Distillery will use exclusively sugar cane reintroduced to Grenada in 2016 during the first phase of the project. The remote greenfield site will be surrounded by cane fields with the mill, utilities and distillery buildings located on three terraces overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the east, extensive water meadows to the south, and a saltwater mangrove lake to the north. With the main equipment coming from Scotland, Ireland, Brazil, America, and South Africa, there is a global context. The rum – made by Grenadians with Grenadian cane – once matured and bottled, will go back out across the seas to global markets. Renegade Rum Distillery has a close partnership with CaneCo, its agricultural supply company that was set up three years ago to propagate, cultivate and harvest super-premium sugar cane to supply the distillery. Taking a terroir-driven approach to rum production, numerous varieties of cane are grown across the island on varying soils and altitudes to maximise flavour differences. The harvest from each field of cane will be milled and distilled in isolation – from field to barrel. This will allow Renegade Rum Distillery to capture in its distillates the numerous expressions gleaned from Grenada's unique soils and m i c r o c l i m a t e s . Wi t h s u c h attention to detail, it will be able to create a rum of unparalleled complexity. Renegade Rum's distillate will be matured in oak barrels, before being brought to market around 2021/2022.
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Spending Records Missing! PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad The Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme's (CEPEP) expenditure records for the period 2013 to 2015, amounting to more than TT$1.5 billion in funds, cannot be found, chairman Ashton Ford has revealed. Ford disclosed this while addressing the media at CEPEP's headquarters in Ste Madeleine after a meeting with the board members. He said there is no trace of the accounting information on the computer system and he had received information that documents had been deliberately destroyed. “I was told that there was a shredding spree prior to the September 7, 2015, General Election,” Ford told the T&T Guardian after a press conference in which the issue was raised. Ford said, as it stands now, the audit for that period cannot be completed because the records cannot be found. He said the records relate to the company's expenses, including payments to contractors and staff for that period. Ford said the management encountered this situation when they were appointed in 2016.
Jamaica's Credit Rating Upgraded! KINGSTON, Jamaica, The recent upgrade of Jamaica's credit rating by Moody's Investors Service, from B3 with a stable outlook to B3 with a positive outlook, has pleased Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) — The upgrade was recently made public by the international ratings agency. “The Moody's report speaks specifically to several areas in which the Government has put considerable work, such as shifting from direct taxation to indirect taxation, reducing spending on wages and interest and the major payments made against Jamaica's national debt,” G2K said in a press statement. “ Moody's improved outlook on Jamaica's economy is a clear signal that the tough decisions that were made by the Government have strengthened international confidence in Jamaica,” said President Stephen Edwards. “The good news from the credit agency emerged just days after Jamaica's Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke reported a 20 per cent increase in average annual foreign direct investment (FDI) for the period 2016/17 to 2017/18 when compared to the period 2012/13 to 2015/16.
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Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
Last Lap Lime Beckons! Tickets are now still available for this
entertainment on-stage performances by
year's Last Lap Lime. The Lime will
the dynamic and exciting Fuh Fun. The
again be held at its customary
ever popular Guyana Baboo man Terry
Woodbridge Fair Grounds, which is
Gajraj will also be performing on stage.
located at 100 Porter Avenue in the
Deejay music for the day will be
Kipling/Hwy 7 area.
provided by Tee Cee.
This year's Lime will feature live
As per usual there will be lots of Caribbean foods available for consumption, as well as several arts and crafts displays. This year's Lime will also feature an expanded and shaded bar area for the delight of all those who are beverage i m b i b i n g inclined.Admission to this year's last Lap Lime is $15 in advance if purchased before August 6 and $25 at the gate. The fun starts promptly at 1:00 pm and goes until 9:00 pm.
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 9
All Roads Lead To Markham Fair Grounds On August 26! August 26th will be the date and the Markham Fair Grounds the venue for the UNI TnT's 3rd Annual Family and Friends Picnic. This year's event has been moved to its new more spacious venue so as to more comfortably accommodate the anticipated attendance, which is expected to be substantially more than last year's Pickering Petticoat Creek hosted event attracted. In addition to its usual slew of attractions, which will include live on-stage performances by several big name and up and coming local artistes, this year's UNI T&T Family and Friends Picnic will also feature a 2018 FEEFA World Pot International Curry Duckoff. This is of course a facetious take off on the recently concluded F I FA Wo r l d C u p . T h e Organizers haven't as yet confirmed whether there will be any French or Croatian representatives among the competing curry duck cooks, but there is bound to be many
Trinidadian and Guyanese exponents of that culinary art form in the mix. This year's Family and Friends Picnic will also feature displays of Kiddies Carnival costumes in a Festival of Mas. Lots for everyone to see and do.
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Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
George Headley Primary grab second consecutive hold of Western Union Primary Schools Debate title.
Photo Caption: Michelle Allen, CEO of GraceKennedy Money Services poses with Western Union Debating Champions George Headley after presenting their trophy and winning cheque. The George Headley team members are left to right Kevi-Ann Rose, Mickela Samuels and Sukanya Anderson. This is George Headley's second consecutive hold of the title, after again edging last year's finalists Corinaldi Avenue Primary.
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Kingston, Jamaica: June 14, 2018; "As we said in the semifinals, we were going to take home the trophy. And so we did. So said, so done.” That was the reaction from Mickela Samuels, a member of the victorious George Headley Primary School team, who successfully defended their title in the Western Union Primary Schools Debate Competition on Wednesday. Located in Duhaney Park, St. Andrew, George Headley Primary School edged a confident Corinaldi Avenue Primary in the final to claim their second consecutive hold on the debating crown. Corinaldi Avenue also lost to George Headley in the 2017 final. The all-girl George Headley team of Samuels, Kevi-Ann Rose, and Sukanya Anderson exuded confidence throughout the competition and, according to their coach Andre Plummer that confidence came as a result of a year of hard work. ”We were preparing and working hard with these students and to win another title shows us that we are doing the right thing, we have the formula,” said an elated Plummer. Corinaldi Avenue did not walk away empty-handed as Honessa Clayton won the title of best speaker. The other members of the team are Leon Martin and Nathan Morrison. The teams debated the moot, “Be it resolved: Single-sex schools are better than co-educational institutions”. George Headley were the proposers. Along with the champion's trophy, George Headley won a cash prize of J$300,000 and gift bags. Corinaldi Avenue took home $150,000 and gift bags. Michelle Allen, CEO of GraceKennedy Money Services, the agents of title sponsors Western Union, reaffirmed the company's commitment to the competition and primary education. “The debate competition is the wrap-up of our annual I-PLEDGE programme and we love this series because we believe we need to have more avenues for our children to engage in positive and wholesome expressions, and be able to hold contending views in an organized and competitive atmosphere,” she said. Sixteen primary schools from across the island participated in this year's month-long competition. The Western Union I PLEDGE ( I promise to Lend Encouragement to Develop Growth in Education) focuses on developing literacy skills among primary school children through three main components: a reading week; an essay writing competition and a primary schools debate competition.
About GraceKennedy Money Services 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.
GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) is the umbrella brand for the services offered by FX Trader - The Foreign Exchange Place from GraceKennedy Money Services, Bill Express - The Bill Payment Place from GraceKennedy Money Services and Western Union - Moving Money for Better. Some or all these services may be found in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas. For more information, visit www.gkmsonline.com or @gkmsonline on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 11
GUYALICIOUS
Tropical Nights Now Offering New Menu Items As arguably the fastest growing Guyanese-owned restaurant in Toronto, if measured in terms of popularity, Tropical Nights has added to its allure with the introduction of new items as constants to its menu. On Thursday July 26 Caribbean Graphic's personnel Publisher Tony McWatt and Advertising Manager Lyn Balram along with Keybase Financial's CEO Owner Dax Sukhraj, his daughter Chrissy and Financial Controller Melvin, met with Tropical Nights owner Nigel Bijulisingh to discuss some forthcoming promotional initiatives for their respective entities. During the meeting Bijulisingh treated his guests to samplings of his newly added menu item lamb strips with white rice as well as the restaurant's mow legendary pepper shrimp, its very popular fried bangamary and its now more readily available than ever before black pudding. Judging by the empty serving dishes all four deliciously tasty items for fully enjoyed by the Graphic-Keybase folks.
Some Guyanese Fish Cakes To Help The Bajan's Celebrate Crop Over This is Crop Over Festival time in Barbados and as Bajan's so love their fish cakes consumption of this popular “cutter” will likely be on high during the celebrations. As a tongue in cheek reminder to our beloved Caribbean neighbors that “everything that's good in Barbados originated in Guyana” we thought that our provision of the following recipe for Guyanese Fish Cakes With Mango Sour would be timely! Salt Fish Cakes With Mango Sour Ingredients · 1 1/2lb boneless salted fish · 2 cups mashed potatoes (about 2-3 medium) · 2 tbsp butter · 3 wiri wiri peppers, seeds removed, minced (or other hot pepper) · 3 scallion stems, sliced · 5 garlic cloves, minced · 3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves · 1/4 tsp paprika · Salt to taste · 1 egg · 1 cup flour + 1/4tsp black pepper + 1/4tsp salt for coating · Oil for frying Saltfish 1. Boil saltfish 10 min to remove salt. Drain and boil again an additional 5 min. Drain and flake saltfish with fork until no longer lumpy. Set aside. Potatoes 2. Peel potatoes. Chop into small cubes. Boil until cooked, but not too soft. Potato should not disintegrate when pierced. 3. Drain and mash potatoes with fork. Add butter, mix well. Add pepper, scallion, garlic thyme, paprika and salt. Adjust salt and seasonings to suit your taste. 4. Add saltfish to potato, mix well. Add egg, mix well. 5. Heat oil for frying. 6. Roll saltfish into little log/oval shapes. Set aside. 7. Place flour in a deep dish with black pepper and salt. 8. Roll saltfish cake in flour. Fry until golden brown. Mango Sour Ingredients · 2 cups green unripened mango, chopped (about 1 mango) · 3 garlic cloves, chopped · 1-2 wiri wiri peppers or scotch bonnet (or desired amount of pepper sauce) · 1/2 tsp salt or to taste · 2 1/4 cups water · 2 tbsp vinegar (optional) Instructions 1. Peel and chop mango in 2-3 inch pieces. Discard the seed. Chop garlic, set aside. 2. Combine all ingredients (except vinegar, if adding), in a small pot and bring to a rapid boil for 10-15 minutes. 3. Reduce heat and simmer until mango is soft and cooked through. Mash mango until desired consistency is reached. 4. Adjust pepper and salt to suite. 5. If adding vinegar, allow mixture to cool slightly then stir in. 6. Sour will thicken up once it is cooled.
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
British Columbia – Provincial Nominee Programme -Entry Level and Semi- Skilled Stream The province of British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Programme allows persons currently employed in the Province under certain semi-skilled jobs to apply for Permanent Residency. Persons employed in the hospitality/tourism industry, long-haul truck drivers or food processing industry occupations may qualify for Permanent Residency in British Columbia. To qualify, you must first have a valid job offer from a British Columbia employer. You must have been working for at least nine months continuously, before applying, meet the minimum language and education requirements, you are qualified to do the job offered to you, show that you can support yourself and your dependents, have legal status in Canada and your wages are in line with the BC wage rates for the occupation. Your employer must meet the eligibility requirements and be willing to support your application and be earning a wage in line with BC. They must be established as an employer in good standing, provide a full-time, indeterminate job offer, have a good workplace and business history, meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements and offer you a wage in line with industry standards. In order to apply for the BC PNP, you will first need to create a profile with their online application and registration system, BCPNP online. After the profile has been submitted, you will receive a score based on the information entered. The BC PNP periodically sends invitation to persons with the highest scores to apply through the BC PNP Online. It is important to review the criterions for the various programmes before submitting your profile. Most programmes require English Test Results and Assessment of your education, if your Tertiary Level Education was not completed in Canada. Nadine Mahabeer is a weekly guest on “Immigration Mondays” on Nationwide 90FM in Jamaica – Monday mornings at 10am – streaming live on the Internet.
Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
Navigating Rising Rates
Ensure your household budget measures up in the face of rising interest rates. For years, interest rates in Canada have been at record lows allowing for a ff o r d a b l e b o r r o w i n g through mortgages, car loans and lines of credit. Many Canadians took advantage of the “sale” on debt to spend more, but recent interest rate hikes were a wake-up call for those carrying large debt loads. Here’s what they mean – and how to prepare for potential future rate increases. In 2017, after seven years of historically low interest rates, the Bank of Canada raised its key interest rates twice – from 0.50 per cent to 0.75 per cent in July, and then again to 1.00 per cent in September. These increases were followed by another hike to 1.25 per cent in January 2018.I Banks and financial institutions followed, and most prime lending rates rose incrementally from 2.70 per cent to 3.45 per cent.ii Although interest rates are still relatively low, this sparked a flurry of discussion among financial experts. What will happen if rates rise a full percentage point? How about two? Are Canadians prepared for continued increases? Research conducted by Manulife Bank suggests that many Canadians aren’t in a position to absorb a significant interest rate increase. Seven in 10 Canadian homeowners say they could not manage a 10 per cent rise in their
mortgage payments. And nearly one in four haven’t had enough money to pay bills at least once in the past 12 months.iii Yet, Canadians have good intentions when it comes to debt – 64 per cent say that being debt-free is a top financial priority. And almost half of Canadians with debt succeeded in reducing their debt in the past year – though just 31 per cent met their debt reduction goals.iv Some smart strategies can help make your household finances more resilient, so you’re ready to adapt to potentially rising interest rates. First, it’s important to understand how higher rates may affect you. The impact of higher rates on debt The recent rate increases were predicted to add about $50 to $150 more per month for a household with a $480,000 variable rate mortgage.v The impact m a y, o f c o u r s e , b e significantly higher or lower depending on the amount and structure of the debt. Canadians who have stretched to take on larger mortgages or increased their lines of credit may find that their household budgets have been greatly impacted by the interest rate increases. Isa Rahamat is a Financial Advisor with Manulife Securities Inc. - This content is provided courtesy of Solutions from Manulife. © 2018 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. 2018
Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
Creating A Financial Security Blanket For Your Family Starting a family is one of the most wonderful experiences Fitz you will ever have. It can also SHILLINGFORD cause you to face some of the most challenging financial pressures you'll encounter in life. You are likely in the earlier stages of your career and far from your peak earning potential. New expenses associated with raising young children can be a burden and you may need to find a new living space to provide them a home. Meanwhile, you cannot neglect the need to save for the future. What will your retirement nest egg look like? What about college or university for the kids? How can you look after these important obligations all at once? It is important to look at it as a long-term building process not something that comes overnight. Financial security is a combination of insurance protection, savings and investments that you accumulate and grow over time. You need to start small to cover all that is important. Over time, as you income rises and your career improves, so will your financial security. Some of you may already be sending your kids to college/university or still have kids at home in addition to the challenges of working. You've already achieved some success and stability in your career path and have been working for some time. You no longer have as much time to recover from unexpected setbacks. This is the time you will consider safeguarding what you have. The years you have ahead of you will likely be the highest income earning stage of your life. For many families, this is also the time you are putting your kids through college/university while also being the time you would be saving aggressively for retirement. To plan for your financial wellbeing, one of the first things you will have to do is to understand what the potential risks are to reach your objectives. You need to ask yourself; what would happen if my spouse or I became sick, injured, or was no longer living? What would happen to the kids? Would they be able to continue with any post-secondary higher learning initiatives? Would my or spouse's lifestyle have to change? What would my retirement look like? Would I have to sell my home? These events can have a major impact on your financial wellbeing. That's what having the right type of insurance coverage will help you deal with. Life insurance is a tool that provides you and your family with the ability to have a tax-free benefit to deal with the unforeseen expenses when you have passed on. It will provide you with a tax-free benefit to cover your funeral expenses, children's education, mortgage debt, personal debt, and to plan your estate. It can also provide income to your spouse to replace loss wages so desperately needed to maintain your family's lifestyle. Obtaining Life insurance coverage can seem to be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be so. At Keybase Insurance Agency our dedicated advisors will work with you and your family to provide you with a needs-based analysis of your current situation in order to provide the best possible solutions to you and your family. Speak to a dedicated Keybase Insurance professional today. Contact Us: Keybase Insurance Agency Ltd. 1725-16th Ave Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 0B3 (905)709-7911
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Wealth: The Fuel for Lifestyle Independence What is wealth? Wealth is many things. It is much more than just money. Wealth depends on what your values are, what your interests are, where you want your life to go and what kind of life you want to provide for your family. The more income you have or the more financial net worth you have, the more you have available for a comfortable family life. What is lifestyle independence? Lifestyle independence is often described as the freedom to live your life the way you want without having to be overly reliant on outside support. This covers all aspects of your life including your financial, mental and physical health as well as your social life, family, recreation and hobbies. It is about the time you spend on what is important and meaningful to you and who you spend it with; the discretion to spend your time in whatever way is most appealing to you. What does it all mean (why does it matter)? Within our business context, we refer to wealth as the state of having abundance and sufficiency of money; material prosperity to have a financially comfortable life. Financial success doesn't guarantee happiness but it provides a kind of freedom; being able to be financially free to do the things you love, to live the way you want to live; having the financial freedom to contribute to the things that you want to contribute. Wealth also depicts and extends both access and opportunity. It provides a standard for both the quality and quantity of your life decisions. Wealth mutes the late-night worries that nag many parents. It gives them some peace of mind that they are going to have sufficient resources next year, 5 years, 10 years and in future retirement years. It frees your mind from the worries about those daily financial stresses and relieves you from the frustration caused by money aggravation. Wealth covers the necessities of life. It covers the responsibility and wholeness of families. It also puts you in a position to give, to contribute and make a difference in the community and our society. Wealth is about having more security and giving more to those you love. Wealth is experiences and time to do the things you want to do. You own your time and you have choices and options in prioritizing your important do-list activities. If you're a wealthy person, you are
already rich in body. If you have your health, you can accomplish pretty much anything if you get into the right mindset. How does one achieve lifestyle independence? We believe that wealth building isn't just for the wealthy. Wealth building is how all those who seek lifestyle independence will achieve it. Very few important positive outcomes in life come by chance. It is through purposeful action and disciplined behaviour that human beings are able to rise above the clouds in order to reach new heights. Opportunities will find you, but will you be prepared to pursue them when the window of opportunity presents itself? Spending and taking care of money is a skill - not everybody has that skill. The power of money is how to take care of it, how it impacts you, your family and the meaning to your future life. In order to be the best version of ourselves and to provide the best for those we care for, we need to plan and prepare ourselves with the intention to achieve our goals. Focus is a key component of this. Losing sight of the goal posts or having no specific goals at all can be disastrous for those who wish to succeed along the path of self actualization (the fulfillment of one's full personal potential). There are many different paths to self actualization but all of them will require some level of discipline and commitment. Every professional athlete in the world knows this without exception. Developing discipline and fully committing to something is not easy for everyone to do. Even professional athletes rely on their coaches and mentors to help instill their discipline and keep them committed to achieving their goals. Wealth is no different and we believe Financial Advisors are important to help fulfill the coach's role on your path to success. Let the experts at Keybase help you. Everyone has an opinion about money and investments; not everyone has expertise. At Keybase, we stress the importance of sound financial decision making and disciplined savings habits. Pay yourself first. If you don't put aside a set percentage of your earnings in some form of investment for the future, who will? Take charge of your bright wealth building future. Take time to start the conversation. Keybase Financial Group Inc. is a member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada and the MFDA Investor Protection Corporation (the "IPC"). Keybase is registered with all provincial securities commissions for the exclusive sale of mutual funds and exempt market products, such as: Principal Protected Notes, Alternative Strategies Funds and Hedge Funds.
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Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
Guyanese Motorcyclist Making Waves Wayne Elliot Vieira is a third-generation racer from Guyana. Elliot is one of only three of the current crop of Guyanese racers to have embarked on racing careers outside of their home country on a quest to gain knowledge and experience. It is this quest which brings him to the 2017 Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK). Born to Wayne and Donna Vieira on February 13, 1998, the Guyanese has always had a thirst for knowledge and strong racing rivalries. Given that his father was considered one of the smoothest men to grace a motorbike in his earlies, it seemed destined that the young Ellie, as he is known to many, would wheelie down the same path. But his entry was gradual, having his first taste of victory at the tender age of fifteen aboard shifter karts, later taking the local championship in 2013 to be judged one of the emerging talents. Following a decline in karting locally, Vieira made the leap to twowheels and immediately found his calling, developing into the 2015 Super stock Champion of the four leg Caribbean Motor Racing Championship just two years later. In what was a roller coaster year, Ellie claimed victory on home soil in what was the crowning moment of his ongoing six-year racing career thus far, with the series record at the Barbados' Bushy Park Raceway and Jamaica's Jamwest being among some of the notches he has under his belt. The beast on track is perfectly balanced by the man on the street who is always up for a conversation on how to improve an aspect of his race craft or a rousing game of tennis. An always smiling and upbeat Vieira, also enjoys traveling, reading and swimming when he's not on the track and believes that there's a lesson in every experience, good or bad. What many don't know about the 20-year-old, is that he has managed to create the perfect balance of work and play. A recent graduate of the School of the Nations, the young Vieira has completed several subjects at the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSC) and the 'A' Levels.
Volume 12 • Number 07 • July 19, 2018
CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
www.CaribbeanGraphic.ca • Page 15
Door Open For Wayward Four Windies Return! A return to the West Indies ODI team is a distinct possibility for the Bravo brothers, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard, following discussions between the players and Cricket West Indies (CWI). The development could potentially pave the way for the players to be involved in the 2019 World Cup. The development has been aided by a board decision to move their next domestic 50-over competition to October this year, instead of February 2019 - a switch that means there will be minimal clash between the Super50 and the various domestic Twenty20 leagues Caribbean stars are such an integral part of. The players have been asked to play in the Super50, perform and push for a recall. The overall message to Pollard, the Bravo brothers and Narine was 'come and play in the Super50 Cup', so that Courtney [Browne, chairman of selectors] and his selection panel will have all the players in system playing," Johnny Grave, board CEO has said. "This will not only increase the standard and hopefully give the panel a headache but will help our selectors better gauge and assess our young players if they're scoring runs against Dwayne Bravo or Sunil in the final overs or getting Darren [Bravo] and Pollard out." Browne said he was looking forward to seeing the players in action. “It's a very important tournament for us in preparation for the World Cup. People that want to put their names in the hat for consideration would need to play Super50 and perform." Although far from resolved, this would represent a distinct thaw in the relationship between the board and players in what has been a difficult year. It began with Narine, Pollard and Darren Bravo choosing the PSL over helping West Indies in their World Cup Qualifiers, a decision that left Grave and CWI "hugely disappointed". Matters escalated in April when the Bravo brothers, Pollard and Narine claimed they were denied an opportunity to help the Caribbean after being ignored for a Hurricane Relief charity game between West Indies and a World XI side. Even then, however, Grave had spoken of meeting with the players after the IPL to discuss futures, meetings which have now taken place. This breakthrough of sorts continues Graves' policy of building bridges with disaffected players. Last year's amnesty resulted in Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels returning to the team, Andre Russell's recent selection into a West Indies squad, improved player contracts and now this olive branch. "Jimmy Adams [director cricket operations] and I met with Dwayne, Darren, Pollard
and Narine's agent in Trinidad," Grave said. "We met with them individually because they all have different circumstances. I would describe the meetings as positive, as everyone was looking to the future rather than the past. "We talked through our entire schedule, not just now and to the 2019 World Cup, but also through all the matches and tours scheduled up to the World T20 in Australia 2020. "We asked the players individually to take time to consider the requirements of Cricket West Indies, where we are going with the teams and how we are looking for prepare for international series. "We have asked them to send us in writing a summary of their reflections confirming their availability and commitment to play for the Windies in different formats of the game." The scheduling switch of the Super50, Grave said, wasn't aimed at getting the quartet to play but the result of a holistic review of the domestic system. "We changed the contractual year to start July 1st, so that the off-season would be April-June when we would do new contracts, appraisals and renewals, while players in the system can do their core conditioning work, as well as obviously have a break", Grave explained. "So now we start contracts in July and go almost straight into CPL. Hence in the review it just made sense to continue with white-ball cricket by having the Super50 in November with October to prepare for the change in format. "Only because we are hosting the ICC Women's World T20 in the Caribbean it meant moving the Super50 to October for this year." That switch has coincided with the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) moving to January, instead of its November slot. Grave said CWI had discussions with BCB on the matter, as West Indies are due to tour Bangladesh in November. "It has transpired that the only league we will be clashing with this year is the Afghanistan League but you are always going to clash with some T20 league whenever you schedule it," Grave said. "But it has potentially fallen at a good time as we used to clash with both the Big Bash and Pakistan Super League. "We had discussions with BCB [Bangladesh Cricket Board] around when the BPL would be as we are touring them in November. We were very clear to them our Super50 was in October and it would be less disruptive for us if the BPL was played in January. "That's probably the only tactical thing we have done with our schedules to assist players in having this window available to play for us in the Super50