Young Inspiration 040815

YOUNG INSPIRATION

JAMAICA NATIONAL HELPING STUDENTS TO BECOME INSPIRED BY THEIR HISTORY

ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Each February is recognized as Black History month here in Canada, a time to reflect on the inspiring men and women of color who strive to achieve greatness in times of oppression.

This year Jamaica National hosted their 2nd annual Black History Month Essay Competition, encouraging students attending High School to submit a 400-500 word essay on a person of color that impacted their lives, and inspired them to be a better person, asking them to elaborate on how they intended to apply their experience in future endeavors.

Students from all over the GTA submitted their essays, and the competition was fierce. Many of the essays were well written and very detailed in their accounts that it was tough to decide on a final winner. The judge’s panel included Keisha Johnson, Chief Administration Officer of The Pathfinders of Canada, Heather Lawrence a Teacher at TDSB, Mawuli Chia, Project Support Community Partnerships at George Brown College and Latoya Grindley, Corporate Communications Officer at JNBS Head Office in Jamaica. The judges were very moved by all of the entries, and

appreciated the efforts the students put forth in describing those individuals that inspired them the most.

The winners were announced at a private event hosted by Jamaica National where the top five contestants and their parents were invited to come out and enjoy an evening of celebrating achievement and networking. The top five contenders were called up one by one as they placed and were asked to read their essays to the crowd.

Ranking 5th was Grade 11 student Simone Swaby from St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School in Mississauga. In 4th place Grade 10 student Ali Hassnad from Sir. Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute in Scarborough. Placing 3rd was Jalen Fairclough the youngest contestant in Grade 9, from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering. Finally, coming in as runner up in 2nd place was Dana Chisholm Grade 11 student from Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School in North York.

The winner of the Jamaica National Black History Month Competition was Grade 12 student Tahnee Pitter-Duncan from Central Technical School in Toronto, who wrote a beautiful piece on a teacher that

inspired her to embrace herself for who she was and flaunt her intelligence for everyone to see. As a young black woman she feared that she would be picked on for sounding white, believing that intelligence had always been associated with lighter pigmented skin. Her teacher taught her to look past the stereotypes placed on people of color and that her beauty and intelligence cannot be judged based on the color of her skin.

Tahnee was presented with an iPad Mini 3, a plague as a certificate of achievement for her efforts, as well as a $1,000 bursary towards enrollment in any Post-Secondary education or apprenticeship training that she chooses to pursue.

Jamaica National extended a special thanks to the parents of all of the contestants, and they were recognized as being a huge part of their children’s achievements. With continued support and guidance of their parents these children will continue on towards much greater things.

Read Tahnee Pitter-Duncan’s winning article on page 5

Photo: Mark Legendre/MK Photography g gp y

In life, it takes just one simple teaching to light the way to greatness. For years, Dionne Witter searched for something that she could be passionate about, a profession where she could help people and be excited about going to work everyday.

Dionne Witter; It ʼ

tion, unable to appreciate school, and also dealing with the ridicule of mean girls.

After dropping out of High School, she found herself in a Data Entry job working full time. While working there she crossed paths with a friend named Terry McPherson who convinced her that she needed to go back to school and continue her education. Taking his advice, Dionne decided that she needed to work on a change in her mindset if she was to make it anywhere in life. “I needed to be the best me that I could be,” she recalls.

very routine and unfulfilling. Then one day because of cutbacks Dionne was laid off from her job, and she couldn’t have felt more relieved. It was a sign from the Universe, “I was so happy that someone had stepped in, it was like an intervention that I handled so well and took in stride.”

Dionne went back to school, completing her High School education, and then applying to College taking courses in Business Administration. Her courses included the chance to participate in Co-op where she was able to gain very valuable experience in various purchasing and marketing jobs.

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Born and raised in Jamaica, Dionne immigrated to Canada when she was 16. When she arrived she experienced one of the biggest culture shocks in her life moving to the big city living amongst so many different kinds of people. While attending High School she struggled with her edu-

During College Dionne discovered that she was pregnant, and she was going to be a single mom. She left College to give birth to her daughter Summyr, who is now a young woman who continues to inspire Dionne everyday. After giving birth, Dionne didn’t allow the responsibilities of motherhood hold her back, she dove right back in where she left off completing her College education, taking steps towards potential future careers.

For a couple years she had the chance to hold down positions in different professional business roles. Everyday she would go to work hoping for a new challenge to tackle, until everything became

Being dispatched from her job started a domino effect in her life. She was able to venture out and try new things. She knew that she wanted to have a commission only job, and that’s what set her on a course to Real Estate. Her sales personality and desire to help people allowed her to be a valued member of the community. As a realtor, Dionne has learned a lot about herself jumping right into the industry sink or swim. She has learned to preserve through rejection, spending her time dedicated to her work and her clients. Being her own boss has allowed her to take on the responsibilities, and become a person who loves the mornings, and understand the value that exercise adds to her life. Every day she writes in her gratitude journal, giving thanks to all that she achieves. “The Universe took me and made me a better version of me, and for that I am grateful.”

Interested in buying or selling? Contact Dionne Witter at 416-700-9890 or send her an email at dionne@morethanarealtor.me.

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

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Harr y Jer ome a war ds 2015 Harry Jerome awards 2015

plenty of work to do with what I do – the work in Africa, the work with the Raptors, and the work with the youth in general.”

“It’s really cool to look around and see all the people who are going to win with you. I’m looking forward to the show. There’s a lot of work to do but anything you can do to inspire the youth is important. One basketball team, one country. It’s an advantage for us.”

black community,” she said. “When you walk in, you can find yourself in here. We bring in 300 young people and sponsor them so they can see them and have role models.

“It’s an honour. I’m a human rights organizer and we don’t usually get recognized so I thought it was very sweet,” she added.

Her work often coincides with working with members of the police, which Crawford can identify with as deputy chief of the York Regional Police for the last several years, and 29 years overall.

Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri and the deputy chief for York Regional Police, Andre Crawford, are just two of the dignitaries who will be honoured at the Harry Jerome Awards on April 25.

“It’s an honour. I honestly don’t think that I’ve done anything yet, but I really appreciate it and I’m humbled by it,” Ujiri told Toronto Caribbean in an interview. “There’s still

The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) announced another twelve members of the community who’ve contributed to Toronto in education, policing, social justice and human rights that will be recognized.

“We try to encourage the youth to stay away from drugs and crime, while trying to inspire hope. It’s not about just having an event. It’s about a little more. We have to be strategic; whatever we want to change, we have to contribute to that change.”

Pauline Christian, president of the BBPA, said the awards give the community an opportunity to recognize some of the big players in the community while giving the youth a chance to see members of an older generation who’ve paved the way for their future success.

“It’s the place for excellence in the

Change is something that Josephine Grey, another nominee for the award and human rights activist with Low Income Families Together (LIFT), has seen in over twenty years working as an activist in the city.

“I started out as an activist on education, and dealing with racism as a young person,” Grey said in an interview. “There wasn’t a lot of black people in positions. I’m pleased to see how far we’ve come and how diverse we’ve become. There’s no other city like this.”

His commitment to the York Regional community earned him the award, and it ironically comes at a time when the Toronto police and members of the black community tussle over how authorities target minorities in neighbourhoods across the city.

“It was an honour. I couldn’t believe that I was picked. The awards are well-known across the country and it’s one of the elite you’ll ever receive in the black community. It’s all about diversity in our communities and people getting along. We have to work together to make things safe,” he said

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Tahnee Pitter-Duncan; Jamaica Tahnee Pitter-Duncan; Jamaica

National Black His tor y Month essa y National Black History Month essay competition winner winner

Essay subject: Describe a person of colour who has impacted your life and inspired you to be a better person. Explain how you intend to apply that experience in your future.

Tahnee’s Essay: Being a black female will always be the biggest challenge I will face. I’ve been hit with many backhand compliments like, “You’re so smart for a black girl... you have such a nice body, you can be in a music video... your skin tone is so nice, you have to be mixed!” They made it seem as though my skill set could only be associated with a lighter pigment and my outer beauty can only be possible if I am mixed with another race. The list of insults goes on. Us girls changed our appearances and attitude to help fit in.

Mrs. Camara was a tall, Martinique teacher. She only wore her hair natural hair. She was constantly asked if she was mixed because her hair surpassed the “black girl length”. She had style and grace. You would be memorized by the way she walked. With her head held high, she walked with pure confidence. She engaged us through her choices of black literature. She wanted us to know our history through the eyes of our ancestors. She always stayed back to help those struggling with the work. Her confidence and knowledge always left me in awe.

One day when the bell rang she asked me to stay back for a few minutes. Once the class was empty, she told me she was amazed about what I wrote in my class

assignment. She was also surprised because I never expressed any of my opinions during class. I told her it was because I don’t like being picked on for sounding “white”. With a quick look of confusion, she straightened out her face and said to me, “Intelligence is inherited by the genetics of our ancestors, and is constantly shaped by the environment we surround ourselves in. It is not associated with a lighter pigment. Lighter pigment only shows you got less loving from the sun hunny. Don’t let them take your intelligence or your beauty. You should stop getting that relaxer too; the chemicals are making you think you are inadequate to your pears. Our hair is soft like cotton and grows out like leaves reaching for the skies. Our skin is dark, and rich like the soil of the earth. We have big lips to show our great smiles. We are beautiful and intelligent people Tahnee, and until you are able to see this you will never be satisfied with yourself.”

Her blunt words broke through my wall, helping me see my situation through a different light. She made me realize that my beauty cannot be judge by the standards of those whose only aim is to promote Caucasian beauty, nor is intelligence only associated with a lighter pigment. Through her future lessons, I was able to learn more about my ancestors. How our history didn’t start at slavery, it was only a pause in our list of achievements. I am now able to carry myself proud of my character and confident in the beauty of my skin.

Talisha Ramsar oop - Talisha Ramsaroop -

Challenging the s tigma of r acism Challenging the stigma of racism

York Graduate student and 2014 recipient of the Lincoln M. Alexander Award Talisha Ramsaroop is breaking the silence, and going against the grain speaking out against conformity and racist comments that define the identity of the youth, encouraging them to be extraordinary and prove society wrong.

When 22-year-old Ramsaroop, was approached by York University to present a TEDx Talk, she immediately decided that she was going to turn down the invitation. The thought of having to live up to the expectations of those that went before her was intimidating, and she felt that she was nowhere near being a good enough presenter, or public speaker. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading. It began as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, and since then TED has grown

to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives.

York University organizes TEDx events, which are independently organized events organized locally to bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to inspire deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.

After much consideration, Talisha decided to seize the event as an opportunity to make her voice heard. As a passionate Community Development Facilitator, this would be her chance to bring awareness to something that she felt very strongly about. Her talk focused on the stigmatization of radicalized communities and discussed the negative connotations that accompany the Jane and Finch community.

the audience to see their peers as equals and to keep that in mind with every new person they meet. “I want people to be critical of the stigma to see past it to their potential.”

Everyday, Talisha works actively with youth in her community through organizations such as Noise for Social Change, Cultivating Her Story and The Tikkun Project. Her mission is to empower them to be better, to pursue their dreams, and aspire to the greatest levels of achievement by breaking away from the image that has society painted of them. By bringing this awareness she hopes to contribute to a bigger and brighter future for the youth living in the Jane and Finch community.

The main objective of her talk was to bring awareness to how it effects the youth in relation to the stereotyping of race, culture, and sexual orientation. She offered the idea that people need to dig deeper and refrain from making immediate assumptions based on something as unrelated as where someone grew up. Ramsaroop encouraged

Talisha shares that the journey towards becoming a TEDx Talk presenter wasn’t as scary as she thought it might be. There were a lot of people to help her along the way, with coaching on public speaking, presenting, and putting together content. Currently, Talisha is completing her Masters in Sociology at York University, and she continues to contribute in the fight against anti-racism. She keeps herself motivated by making it her own personal mission to inspire others by breaking away from labels and living up to higher expectations.

Alyssa Mahadeo

TRINIDAD -- As the drama that is general elections in T&T begins in earnest, there are calls for a greater quality of public engagement. Concerns have been expressed in many quarters. There is a pervading sense of frustration and anger as the populace seeks answers to the fundamental question—what will the future hold for the twin island republic?

The very same concerns have been expressed within sport about sport in T&T. The perception of uncertainty is dominating mind space. People have negative emotions–they are in fight or flight mode. They are anxious and insecure. Uncertainty is stifling confidence, notwithstanding the fact that many people are feeling beleaguered and angry. The nation building process is at work.

Somewhat hesitantly our society is waking up to the reality and challenge of shaping the country and society it wants.

Some people and organisations will buckle under the pressure sinking into despair losing confidence, while others will bend and bounce back.

Changing from negative to positive emotions about the situation will require resilience as distinct from optimism.

Without denying the facts, resilience is needed. Resilient people possess three defining characteristics; they accept the harsh realities facing them. They find meaning and purpose in difficult times. And they find a way to innovate, create and be inventive making do with the resources that are available. Right now in T&T resilience and learning to be resilient is important.

We have to build the bridge to a better future by facing up to the reality of our situation. Wishful thinking and denial will not wipe our problems and issues away. We have to get out of the victim mode and thinking.

This is not to say that being optimistic should be used to distort reality. By the same token optimism can be turned into denial with dire consequences. Optimism has its place and should be encouraged.

Resilience on the other hand is pragmatic about the reality.

National Sport Organisations (NSOs) can’t remain on the periphery of the dialogue and discussions. Sport must play a key role in articulating the role sport can and must play in the immediate, near and long term future of T&T.

Facing and confronting reality can be unpleasant but it allows us to prepare for the challenges that must be overcome.

Organisational resilience requires having strong value systems. Strong value systems allow an organisation to share a common set of values that are core and that can be used to hold an organisation together in hard times. Important decisions are shaped by the value system. In the main strategy and mission may change but values remain constant.

Recently while browsing through two books—A History of Modern Trinidad 17831962 by Bridget Brereton and Inward Hunger by Dr Eric Williams—history provided compelling clues and lessons.

Making sense of what’s happening currently in T&T when looked through the

prism of history is easier. There are deep historical and social dimensions and constructs that shape the response of our society.

There are subtleties at play that aren’t obvious and the natural consequence is a lack of context and understanding.

T&T is entering a new and different dynamic. Our society is evolving and wrestling with the issues of nation building.

Every aspect of T&T life is being challenged—old and existing value systems, norms and cultures. Nothing is sacrosanct.

It’s an exciting time for T&T. The debate and discussions are necessary and should be encouraged. Now is not the time for intolerance. We must welcome and embrace the diversity of views, values, lifestyles and opinions.

“Through

We are defining what we want social progress to look like. Reaching our full potential individually and collectively demands that we welcome the current convulsions and not be afraid or traumatised by them.

- Trinidad Guardian

Da vid Suzuki Foundation calls on Canadians to David on to knit for monarch butterflies

TORONTO -- The David Suzuki Foundation is calling on Canadians to get crafty this spring in a national effort to welcome imperilled monarch butterflies back to the country after a long, difficult winter in Mexico.

“Monarch butterfly populations have dropped by over 95 per cent in the past two decades,” said Faisal Moola, director-general at the David Suzuki Foundation. “This past winter was another tough one for monarchs, so we want to give them the warmest possible welcome by encouraging Canadians to knit chrysalises through our #knit4monarchs campaign.”

Today, the Foundation made available a simple, customizable #knit4monarchs pattern for knitting chrysalises. The hope is that the cozy cocoons will provide shelter for young monarch caterpillars when they are at greatest risk of exposure and predation. The

campaign aims to capitalize on the recent popularity of knitting among young, hip urbanites and to engage long-established knitting communities.

“Monarch butterflies are one of nature’s true wonders, fluttering thousands of kilometres across North America despite weighing less than a paperclip,” Moola said. “Now that scarf, toque and mitt season is almost over, we are calling on knitters across the country to give monarch caterpillars a head start this summer by creating cozy chrysalises, in move-in condition.”

In addition to severe weather, one of the leading causes of monarch decline has been the virtual eradication of milkweed plants throughout the migratory path, from Mexico to the U.S. and southern Canada. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch butterflies lay

Obama Clean-up anger Obama anger

their eggs on and the primary source of food for monarch caterpillars. Scientists throughout North America have identified milkweed planting as the most important action people can take to support threatened monarch populations.

“While the #knit4monarchs campaign focuses on a novel made-in-Canada approach to monarch conservation, we also urge Canadians to continue planting milkweed in their yards, schools and parks,” said Jode Roberts, manager of #knit4monarchs and last year’s popular #gotmilkweed campaign, which launches in Toronto today.

For more information, please visit www.davidsuzuki.org/knit4monarchs or contact Jode Roberts, David Suzuki Foundation, 647-456-9752; jroberts@davidsuzuki.org; @ joderoberts

Vendor s furious about their s talls being demolished Vendors furious about their stalls demolished

JAMAICA -- Preparations for this week’s visit of US President Barack Obama have triggered anger among street vendors in sections of the capital city as their stalls have been destroyed.

“We understand that they have to be fixing up areas where Obama will be travelling, but what they are doing to us is unfair,” said 67-year-old Claudette Reid who sells crabs at National Heroes Circle.

“Is more than 40 years I have been selling right here so. Is through this selling I was able to send all of my children to school. Imagine, the Queen come here and them never remove wi, the Prince also come and we were allowed to stay, so why now?” said the distraught woman.

She was supported by several other angry vendors who said they, too, were affected by the demolition that was carried out Sunday night.

Obama, who is scheduled to arrive in the island Wednesday, is to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in National Heroes Park on Thursday

evening, his final assignment before departing for Panama to attend the Seventh Summit of the Americas.

In Rae Town, vendors expressed anger at the demolition. “Just a day ago (Sunday) we were contacted and told that we should remove the stalls until after the Obama visit,” said one vendor, who asked not to be named out of fear that she would be pressured for talking to the media.

Another vendor, Alice Waugh, told the Jamaica Observer: “We don’t know what to do; after so many years selling here all we got was a warning on Sunday that we must move or else. Just a day after the warning wi come see wi stalls flat.”

Over at the Harbour View roundabout, one area which was once occupied by vendors was also empty.

“We were all told to pack up and go,” said one vendor who identified herself as Sandra.

The clean-up operation was ques-

tioned in light of the fact that US and Jamaican Government officials have said that Obama would be airlifted by helicopter from the Norman Manley International Airport to Up Park Camp from where he would travel by road to his hotel in New Kingston.

Monday, Town Clerk Robert Hill, when asked about the operations, said the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation was not responsible for all the works now taking place in the Corporate Area.

“The KSAC has been carrying out operations to remove vendors from the streets for some time now, so this is nothing new,” said Hill.

“The KSAC is carrying out some of these operations, but we are not alone; there are other agencies also carrying out work to renovate the roadways and some sidewalks, so we cannot speak about all of the ongoing projects,” Hill said.

- Jamaica Observer

SEA s tudents in limbo as fire des troy s Fanny V illage school

SEA students in as re destroys Fanny Village school

TRINIDAD -- With Secondary Entrance Exams (SEA) just two months away, parents of students attending Fanny Village Government Primary School watched in horror Monday as a pre-dawn fire re-ignited around midday and burnt down most of the school. Seething parents chastised the firemen saying the second fire could have been avoided if the wooden administrative building and washrooms were properly soaked by the fire response team. Only two pre-fab buildings were left standing.

The initial flames were first spotted by resident Marvin Roberts around 4 am when he got up to jog in the nearby savannah. “I saw smoke and when I looked up at the school, I saw a bright orange flame from the roof. It looked like it was the library building. I called the security and then I ran across the savannah and told a neighbour who alerted the fire officers,” Roberts said. With the fire station less than quarter mile away, the firefighters from Point Fortin Fire Station arrived within five minutes and put out the blaze.

The main library block was completely burnt but the rest of the school was untouched. President of the PTA Byron Cumberbatch and President of the Fanny Village Council Curt Allan arrived and tried to remove the printer and other valuables from the main building. But Cumberbatch said he noticed wisps of white smoke coming from

the building. “I told the fireman that it looked like the fire was still burning but he tell me not to tell him how to do his job. He said not to worry, the fire under control and we should not remove anything else from the school,” Cumberbatch said.

For several hours the villagers kept watch and when the Guardian arrived, smoke was billowing from the back of the school. At 12.45 midday, the fire started to spread from the main building. Allan called the fire station but there was no response from the firefighters. “They told us that only when we seeing fire we should call,” Cumberbatch complained. This reporter called 990 at 1.10 pm to report that the building was on fire and none of the officers from Point Fortin Fire Station had responded. The operator responded, “What! Nobody came as yet? Let me call them back.”

The officers arrived at 1.18 pm and by then the entire school was engulfed. Fanned by strong winds, the fire crept under the roof of the main building while firefighters used ladders to reach the roof. The Point Fortin Borough Corporation Community Emergency Response Team also assisted in clearing the villagers from the fire scene. Around 2 pm, Petrotrin firefighters arrived and the fire was brought under control.

PARENTS WORRIED

A parent whose daughter is in Standard 5 said she was very worried that the fire would affect her child’s performance at SEA. “With exams so close, I don’t know how this will affect her. We waiting for a new school for years now and nothing happened. Because we live in Point, they forget us,” she said. Two children who attend the school said it was sad to see the school burnt down. Cumberbatch said the school has over 380 pupils and 12 teachers. He said in 2008, construction of a new building started but the project was never completed because of shoddy work.

GOPEESINGH RESPONDS

Contacted on his cell phone Monday, Gopeesingh said the old school building was expected to be demolished soon to make way for the construction of a new school. He said the students will be accommodated in the nearby community centre while a new school is being built. “We have to expedite the process for the new school to be built. In the meantime, we have the EFCL looking into this,” Gopeesingh said. Allan said the Village Council will work with the affected students. However he said the Community Centre did not have any electricity as the supply was cut by T&TEC. - Trinidad Guardian

Diaspor a reacts to Obamaʼ s visit to Jamaica Diaspora reacts to Obama s visit to

JAMAICA -- The highly anticipated visit of US President Barack Obama to Jamaica next week has created marked interest among members of the Diaspora in that country.

Obama will make a two-day official visit to Jamaica on April 8-9, while on his way to the Summit of the Americas in Panama.

Former Jamaican Ambassador to the United States and Counselor for Jamaica at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Dr Richard Bernal said “the visit of President Obama is a very positive development for Jamaica.”

“The visit is a critically important opportunity to convey to the president and his foreign policy advisors the issues of concern to Jamaica, and to reiterate the Government’s commitment to continue to implement a very challenging economic programme,” the IDB executive pointed out that.

Dr Bernal, Jamaica’s longest serving ambassador to Washington, explained that when a president visits a country or region, the engagement is preceded by an intense inter-agency process which focuses on every aspect of the relationship with the US. This augers well for the president’s meeting with CARICOM leaders on economic, security and energy matters.

Former Diaspora Board Advisory member for the north-east USA Patrick Beckford said that he was not very surprised that the president would be visiting Jamaica.

He said, having visited the White House during Obama’s first term, he was pleasantly surprised at the number of Jamaicans who had important roles in the administration.

Beckford said he wants the issue of trade imbalance between the USA and the Caribbean, as well as the expansion of the Guest Worker Programme, to be on the agenda for discussion.

He is hoping Prime Minister Simpson Miller would forcefully press the issue of having Marcus Garvey’s criminal record expunged within a specific timeline. In addition, it was his wish that President Obama’s visit would have the added economic benefit to Jamaica by way of a reduction in the high rate of interest on Jamaica’s loans or some form of debt forgiveness.

Secretary General for the Friends of Trelawny Michael Wattkis urged the prime minister to ensure that Obama’s visit is more than symbolic, and that a concerted effort is made to foster greater social and economic opportunities between both countries.

“Thousands of Jamaican-American families live and work in the US,” said Wattkis, an English professor in New Jersey. “We love our adopted homeland. We love and support President Obama, and I am sure our nation will show him that same love, a love that will extend into a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship.”

Chairman of Team Jamaica Bickle Irwin Claire said as a Jamaican living in the USA, he is elated and proud that President

Obama would be visiting his homeland. This, he said, demonstrated the recognition and mark of respect for Jamaica, and the formidable role the country plays on the world scene.

President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organisations Rick Nugent said that it was his hope, that the president’s visit to Jamaica and his meetings with Simpson Miller would open doors for greater dialogue and understanding in addressing many of the countries issues and concerns.

“Jamaica presently has a major trade deficit with the US, so we are hoping that the parties can take steps to improve Jamaica’s trade deficit and accomplish a more favourable balance of trade. On the issue of immigration and deportations, he expressed hoped that discussions would lead to the development of a favourable policy.

While in Jamaica, Obama is expected to hold bilateral discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest. During the visit he will meet with heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to discuss issues on CARICOM US agenda which will also include energy, security and trade.

President Obama and CARICOM heads of Government will proceed from the high-level encounter in Jamaica to Panama for the Sixth Summit of the Americas.

- Jamaica Observer

PPP/C commits to facilitating investments in oil and gas

GUYANA -- A welcome feature of ‘Guyana 2.0’, the vision of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) for the next five years is the focus on facilitating investments in the oil and gas sector.In the excerpt of the manifesto made public on Sunday, the party committed to: “The creation of jobs, increased income and greater wealth for our people will be driven by a balanced approach to ensure buoyant and sustained growth from both traditional economic sectors such as sustainable mining, forestry, sugar, rice and from new economic frontiers.”

The PPP/C committed to facilitating increased domestic and foreign direct investments in the area of oil and gas exploration and extraction, as well as in agro-processing and agro-business, environmental and climate services and tourism and hospitality.

“Such investments are made possible by a prudent and business-friendly macro-economic framework,” the document said, pointing to the eight consecutive years of economic growth and Guyana’s ability to

withstand the crippling effects of the global financial crisis.

Additionally, President Donald Ramotar, in February, dropped the proverbial bombshell when he announced that Guyana is to soon join the ranks of the oil and gas producing countries.

“We cannot stand still,” he said. “We can never be content with what we have, because standing still is to be left behind in a rapidly changing world. We have no choice but to go ahead,” he said then.

Exxon Mobil

Expectations of Guyana becoming a petroleum-producing nation are buoyed by the ongoing operations of ExxonMobil, which started last month.

The drill site is a deep water concession over 100 miles off the Guyana coast. Exxon will undertake the activity under its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

The area comprising 26,806 sq. km is known as the Stabroek Block and EEPGL

intends to drill 1750 meters in 200-3000 meters deep water, Country Manager of (EEPGL), Mr. Jeff Simon said in a prior interview.

He said that the company has mobilised a special drill rig which will be on site next month.

The rig in the form of a huge ship, the length of two football fields, is one hundred and fifty feet wide and will accommodate some 200 workers for the duration of the drill.

Simon disclosed that the company was investing US$200 million in the venture and was hoping for a very big prize in return.

EEPGL opened a permanent office in Guyana at 99 New Market Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, last November.

The investment was welcomed by President Ramotar during the opening of the EEPGL local office. ExxonMobil is the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company and has been in operation for the past 130 years.

- Guyana Chronicle

Mom sees son ʼ s horrific death sees son s c death

TRINIDAD -- The sound of her son’s screams as a car ploughed into him along the Solomon Hochoy highway on Easter Sunday night, continues to haunt pensioner Lutchmie Gokool. The distraught woman says she does not know how she will be able to face the future knowing that her youngest child, Anil Gokool, 32, was dead. Police said Gokool, Anil and his brother Videsh Gokool, 37, were returning to their Concord Road, La Romaine home around 7.30 pm after attending prayer service when tragedy struck. Gokool said while driving on the highway, the right front tyre became flat.

The brothers stopped on the grassy verge off the shoulder of the south-bound carriageway of the highway to change the tyre, close to the Freeport Overpass. “I made

sure to tell my son to pull off the highway. A police car later pulled up to the back of us and they began giving us some light to change the flat,” Gokool recalled. Videsh said while changing the tyre, a loud collision occurred and two cars careened off the highway. A witness told police that a marked police car was speeding down the highway and swerved in front of a female motorist.

The witness said she lost control and slammed into the back of another car which spun out of control and struck the Gokool brothers. “I saw the cars coming at us and I called out to Anil. The first car hit me on my legs and I started to spin. I got back up but not Anil. He never moved,” Videsh recalled. “I feel as if I am living a second life,” Videsh added in a quiet voice. Gokool said

the brothers did everything together. “Anywhere I go they would go with me. I could not have asked for better sons,” Gokool wept. She said Anil worked at RPL Printery at Gulf View, La Romaine. Her eldest son Rajesh said he wanted Police Commissioner Stephen Williams to launch an investigation into the death. “Sometimes these police officers take unnecessary risks on the road. A witness who was driving behind the cars saw everything and came to us this morning to say that the police car pulled directly to the back of another car and scared the driver. This is what caused my brother’s death,” Rajesh said.

- Trinidad Guardian

Stand firm! Local group calls on Por tia to maintain s tance on rm! Local group calls on Portia to maintain stance on bugger y law s during meeting with Obama buggery laws during meeting with Obama

JAMAICA -- The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) said it has noted an online letter to US President Barack Obama by various Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) groups in that country urging him to advocate for rights of local members of that community during his meeting with Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Caricom Heads of Government this week.

In light of this, the JCHS said it is anticipating that the Government will uphold its reported commitment made at the Caricom Heads of Government meeting last July to seek the full and informed consent of the Jamaican people on such fundamental issues.

“We commend the Honourable Prime Minister for her recent bold stance in New York and urge her to maintain this position in her upcoming meetings,” the JCHS said, adding, “We urge her to continue defending the truth, that there are no reports of abuse by the Jamaican State against homosexuals, that MSMs have no impediments to access to health care, that Jamaica’s model for HIV/AIDS treatment is praised around the world.”

In a statement released to the media Monday, chairman of JCHS Dr Wayne West said the coalition has also taken note of the recent US State Department’s appointment

of its first-ever special envoy to advocate globally for the “sexual rights” of LGBT people. Jamaica and other Caricom nations, it said, have been named as countries to be targeted for the repeal of their buggery laws.

“The JCHS takes this opportunity to remind the Honourable Prime Minister of Jamaica and other Government officials that LGBT ‘sexual rights’ and lifestyles are not supported by the majority of Jamaicans,” the JCHS said.

This, it noted, was made clear in last September’s Bill Johnson poll as well as with the presence of over 40,000 Jamaicans attending the combined Jamaica CAUSE rallies in Kingston and Montego Bay last June and November.

“Additionally, 140 organisations from 11 Caricom territories representing hundreds of thousands of Caribbean nationals rejected attempts to change our laws through the PANCAP Declaration (June 2014).”

“The Caricom Heads then agreed to defer discussions on this declaration pending further national consultation,” the JCHS noted. The coalition said it denounces violence against all people, be it children or “such self-described LGBT persons” and affirms the inherent dignity of every human being.

“We make a clear distinction between the discrimination against persons

and discrimination against behaviours that are high risk for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),” the group noted.

“Whilst we fully endorse programmes to eliminate discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS, we reject attempts to restrict or stigmatise social discrimination against unwholesome behaviours. We reject efforts to encourage or legitimise behaviours that are high risk for HIV/ AIDS and other STDs.

Behaviours that are socially dysfunctional and have a demonstrably high statistical association with diseases cannot be endorsed,” the statement said.

The coalition said the group is calling on the Jamaican Government to protect every citizen by preserving the true fundamental rights and freedoms as currently enshrined in the constitution.

“We are horrified at the human rights abuses suffered by countless ordinary Americans – bakers, florists, firemen, pastors, parents, teachers, IT specialists, lawyers and navy chaplains among others –who have had their freedoms of conscience, speech, religious liberty and parental rights crushed all in the name of LGBT ‘rights’.

- Jamaica Observer

Panda y bashes Kamla: UNC elections over due—Bas Panday bashes Kamla: UNC elections overdue—Bas

TRINIDAD -- As the nation waits on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to call this year’s general election, former prime minister Basdeo Panday says she is leading the United National Congress (UNC) illegally. Parliamentary elections are constitutionally due by September but internal elections for the post of political leader in the UNC are overdue by two years, Panday said Monday. Persad-Bissessar was elected leader of the UNC on January 2010, and became Leader of the Opposition one month later. In May she was elected Prime Minister.

Persad-Bissessar’s term was for three years and the other officers for two years. This means that the UNC political leader term expired in 2013 when relection was required. The other executive officers were elected/re-elected in 2012. They were

supposed to seek election/re-election in 2014. None of those internal elections have been held.

Panday told the T&T Guardian he was grieving for the country on one side of his face and smiling on the other. He said he was grieving because “the country has sunk to the deepest level” under Persad-Bissessar. He explained that he was also smiling because “while they felt they could run the country citizens know now that they cannot. Panday had said since 2010 that Persad- Bissessar could not run the country.

The UNC in a release issued in 2014 said it was reviewing “its constitution and will hold its internal election after that exercise is completed and endorsed by the party’s National Executive.” That decision was taken at a meeting of the executive

held at the party’s headquarters at Rienzi Complex, Couva on February 5, 2014. The release said “the party’s current constitution internal elections are held every two years for all members of the executive except the political leader; the leadership election is held every three years.

Natex discussed the forthcoming election and agreed that it would allow an internal constitution review committee to complete its work and submit its report and recommendations to NATEX for consideration and approval before the end of March, 2014.” According to the UNC release: “The elections would be held after that, at a date to be fixed.”

- Trinidad Guardian

Caribbean char t topper s link with r apper Caribbean chart toppers link with rapper

Two of the Caribbean’s most internationally acclaimed women sealed the deal with Hip Hop mogul, Jay Z, his wife Beyonce, Madonna, Kanye West and other high profile international musicians on a project that will see the stars compete as one, with the likes of music streaming platforms like Spotify, Deezer and others.

Trinidad born, Nikki Minaj and Barbados’ Rihanna were among the lineup

Ja y Z to

Jay Z

“change the world”

to “change the world”

of music stars who inked their names into TIDAL- a music streaming platform that promises to offer users high fidelity audio, an extensive video library and for the artistes themselves, more on pay day!

At the launch in New York, it was made clear that Jay Z purchased the company for $56 million USD earlier this year. He actually bought TIDAL’s Swedish-listed parent company Aspiro. He then offered the artistes 3% stakes in the company.

The 18 owners of TIDAL include, Jay Z of course, Beyonce, Rihanna, Usher and Chris Martin of Coldplay. In a statement, Jay Z said, “If these artistes can sit in a room together, the game changes and that happened today.”

- EtceteraBuzz

JAMAICA -- KES the Band, fronted by lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller, put down an amazing performance to seal the deal at Saturday’s Beach J’Ouvert at James Bond Beach in St Mary.

“What I love about Jamaica, that differs from Trinidad, is their appreciation for the classics,” Dieffenthaller told the Jamaica Observer.

KES the Band, which has been part of Jamaica’s carnival scene since 2000, ran through their immense back catalogue of hit songs much to the delight of the massive crowd. Many covered from head to toe in the ritual Beach J’Ouvert paint danced

Simpl y the Kes! Simply the Kes!

to the likes of Million, Fallin, Wotless and the EDM-infused General Don. They also showed their versatility by singing several other 2015 Soca staples, such as Ricardo Drue’s VagaBond, Kerwin Du Bois’ No Apology and Phenomenal by Benjai.

KES has been enjoying the heightened awareness of soca music on the international scene constantly touring. The group has already recorded their 2016 soca songs and plans to release an album at the start of summer.

“Don’t want to give out the album name just yet,” teased Dieffenthaller.

KES’ set was even more signifi-

cant given the strength of the DJ line-up that preceded them.

The T&T Duo Nuphoric warmed up the partygoers who came out early in their droves. Following was Walshy Fire, one-third of EDM masters Major Lazer, who put his own twist on soca.

After KES left the stage there was still more to come from DJs Smoke, Richie Ras and Bambino, who combined their skills to rock Beach J’Ouvert into the night.

The event itself promised more paint, more fete, and more bacchanal, easily delivering on all fronts.

“We had fantastic weather, a great

crowd, and one of the best performances I’ve ever seen from KES,” said Michael Ammar Jr, a Bacchanal Jamaica director. Ammar Jr explained that Beach J’Ouvert had been slightly revised to take into consideration the younger crowd now frequenting carnival. In addition to the paint throwing, there were hoses spraying even more paint and water as well as a foam pit, all of it adding to the excitement of the party.

- Jamaica Observer

Better Tomorrow

We go through life; day in day out, not really taking time to understand what makes us who we are. This can happen to all of us; we get focused on everything that is happening around us: work, children, our relationships, bills. All of this distracts us from the things that are occurring within us. These things are important because they make us who we are. It is no wonder that I walk through the city and see people who look lost. They are doing what they need to get

It is time to take inventor y! It is time to take inventory!

by, but all the while life is passing them by. Their relationships are suffering, children are not doing well in school, bills are piling up and they hate getting up every morning to go to work, or stay home and go through the same routine again. Now, this does not apply to everyone. There are those people who are happy with the way that their lives are going. They wake up each morning happy to be alive; happy with their situation even though it is not what they want. What makes these individuals different from the first group? I will tell you what it is; knowledge of self.

What does it mean to take an inventory of self? This means that a person takes the time to figure out who they really are. They take the time to figure out things about themselves that they would usually not take the time to think about. I will list some of the items that that one should consider when doing their own personal self

discovery. Dr. Wong is one of the leading meaning centered psychologists in Canada. One of his goals is to share the importance of individuals finding meaning in their lives.

Dr. Wong believes that in order to do this, self inventory is mandatory. Listed below are three questions Dr. Wong has formulated that allow an individual to begin their own personal inventory:

• What are my blind spots? Blind spots are those areas in your life that you may not see as a problem. Humans have a tendency to continue to do what they are doing out of habit. These habits may not be beneficial, but they are continued without notice.

• What are my weaknesses? This is another aspect that many of us choose to ignore. Everyone likes to hear the good things about themselves, but not many want to hear the negatives. We need to

have individuals in our lives who will criticize us constructively. These people are not vindictive; they notice things that are causing you harm and help you notice them too.

• How do you handle conflicts? How emotionally intelligent are you? Are you able to handle disappointment, or do you fly off the handle easily? Your attitude just might be the reason why you are having problems at home, work or school.

These are only a few of the points that can be considered when conducting a self inventory. You will be surprised what you can learn about yourself; learning new things can only help you live a more productive life. It is about that time; time to learn YOU!

Smith

TRINIDAD -- Alastair Cook insists he is “refreshed” by this winter’s enforced sabbatical at home on the farm.

England can only hope their Test captain has benefited indeed, because he can expect to have precious little time for the remainder of this year to regain that sort of perspective.

Cook has had a taste already of what is to come, first of all in three Caribbean Tests this month and then a decidedly awkward assignment at home to New Zealand, before England somehow try this summer to regain the Ashes lost 5-0 under his captaincy in 2013-14.

To date, he is one match—eight runs in two innings—one problematic radio interview and one departure press conference, alongside coach Peter Moores, back into the regime he departed for three months after his Christmas axing as England’s World Cup captain.

As Cook, Moores and their playing and management colleagues reconvened at Gatwick Airport on Thursday, the captain’s first task was to field questions on a series of

topics unlikely to go away any time soon.

He made 79 in his last Test innings, part of a wide-margin and third successive victory at home to India last summer, and will be a record-breaker for the foreseeable future as England’s most prolific centurion.

It was Cook himself, however, who helpfully pointed out those facts will be irrelevant when he next walks out to open the innings for his country.

Before and after that moment, he will be beset by the endless stream of enquiries—about his own poor form of the past two years, his and Moores’ future, the remarks of outspoken new England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves...and, of course, Kevin Pietersen.

The wonder is whether Cook can clear his mind sufficiently to defend his wicket against the new ball, or dispatch a wide one.

That ability, though, is what sets apart batsmen of his calibre—and he can only keep telling himself he has the track record to prove it.

“That’s what I’ve got to do...at the

top of the order you’re paid to score runs, and I’d love to get back to that.

“Every time you go out to bat you start on nought. The record you have in the past counts for nothing when you walk out there.”

Cook waved what he hoped would be a brief goodbye to Moores, less than a week before turning 30 on Christmas Day, still apparently full of optimism—despite an unsuccessful tour of Sri Lanka—that he would be retained to complete the task he had been set three-and-a-half years earlier, to lead England to the World Cup.

The tinsel could barely have been in place around him, wife Alice and their baby daughter at their rural home before he discovered he would be staying on well into the new year after all.

Back to work last week, after England’s World Cup embarrassment without him and off his own bat after those two brief innings for MCC against champion county Yorkshire in Abu Dhabi, Cook could do little else than try to impart a little positive spin on events.

“It’s been a different couple of months from what I thought I would have before Christmas.

“Every cloud has a huge silver lining, and spending three months at home has been fantastic.

“It’s been living a normal life again—which I haven’t had for quite a long time—and it’s been great, spending time with family and friends and being at home.

“It’s been refreshing, but the challenge now is that a lot’s gone on since that last win against India at The Oval.

“To say we can get back there straight away is going to be a challenge for the players and for the leadership, with me and Mooresy, to try to do that.”

Even against hosts in apparent disarray, that is undoubtedly true.

But Cook will still know deep down that, on this occasion, failure simply is not an option.

- Trinidad Guardian

The

stands out from the rest of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad even from a distance. Yet not many, including the media, are paying attention to the West Indies offspinner.

It is three in the afternoon. Peak summer heat soaring at about 38 degrees centigrade along with Kolkata’s extreme humidity levels. It is unbearable.

A fan, sitting behind the nets where Narine is bowling, collapses and has an epileptic fit, forcing Knight Riders physiotherapist Andrew Leipus to rush to the spot. Amid all this chaos, Narine remains unflustered.

It is only his second day at training having endured a difficult last week.

Forced by the BCCI diktat, he had to travel to the ICC-accredited centre in Chennai to get his action retested despite having got a clearance from the testing centre at University of Loughborough in March.

Although Narine got an all-clear from BCCI’s sub-committee dealing with suspect actions, the Knight Riders manage-

Narine, the invisible Narine, the invisible

ment fear that mentally it might have had an impact on him on the eve of the tournament.

That pressure will not cease till sometime at least considering the BCCI has instructed the umpires to take tough stance against bowlers with suspect actions. But in the nets, with no umpires observing him, Narine is his usual languid self. He does not rush in to bowl. It does not bother him that his first few balls are easily dealt by Ryan ten Doeschate.

Glares on, he takes the short run-up to deliver to ten Doeschate.

Watching from behind the nets, to the untrained eye, it is difficult to pick the subtle changes Narine has carried out as part of the remodelling of his action.

Ten minutes into his bowling, Narine flips the glares upside down and sticks them at the back of his head. He is now ready. There is a new batsman. Yusuf Pathan.

The second ball he faces, Narine delivers the carom ball. The trajectory is a little flatter. But Yusuf has not read Narine’s

hand as he defends unconvincingly.

The next ball is flighted and it dips. Yusuf has to lunge forward to tap it safely.

Few balls later Narine bowls a rank half tracker and Yusuf gleefuly steps back and pulls powerfully.

Yusuf probably imagines it to be a six but Narine signals a four.

Yusuf does not respond. Narine does the signal once more, this time with a modest smile. Yusuf acknowledges.

A few more balls, Narine wraps up his training after 15 minutes and walks away into the dressing room only to emerge couple of hours later to enter the team bus.

A few fans shout “Narine, Narine” and he acknowledges them by raising his right hand. The loudest cheers are reserved for “Yusuf bhai,” “Robin,” “Gambhir,” “Surya.”

Even during the nets it is former Pakistan fast-bowling ace Wasim Akram, the Knights Riders bowling consultant, who is the cynosure of the 50-strong fans. “Wasim bhai, ek baar dal do. Dil shant ho jayega

(please bowl one ball. It would relieve the heart) shouts a young security guard.

Another group of teenagers walk in excitedly and suddenly spot Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan. They decide to take a selfie with him in the background. Not one is interested in Narine.

Interestingly as you walk into and inside the Eden Gardens, Narine remains inconspicuous. Gambhir, Uthappa, Yusuf— all of them are staring down from huge billboards.

Andre Russell and Morne Morkel are part of the screens that separate the Cricket Association of Bengal lobby and the home dressing rooms.

There is a side profile of Narine that looks at you from the screen covering the visitor’s dressing room, but you are bound to miss it as it is partly hidden by a pillar.

Knight Riders’ most valuable player remains invisible. Perhaps it suits him.

Quiet in celebration. Quiet in agony.

- Trinidad Guardian

TRINIDAD -- Pink shoes. Pink glares.

Mohawk. Sunil Narine

Pork chow r ecipe (Trinidad & Tobago) Pork chow recipe &

My

Chris De La Rosa

Caribbean Cooking

first encounter with this wonderful spicy pork dish was a New Years Eve night (say old years night in the Caribbean) at my cousin’s home. They had recently come back from Trinidad and while there another cousin of ours made a batch of this to partner the adult beverages everyone were partaking in. In Trinidad and Tobago we have what we refer to as “cuttas”, as the Spanish have Tapas as sides for drinking. We have an assortment of spicy, fatty, fried and otherwise alcohol friendly foods which are a big part of our drinking culture. Chow is typically made from tart fruit (like green mangoes)and pickled with extra hot scotch

bonnet peppers, lemon juice and herbs. But in this recipe we’ll replace the mango with marinated pork, fried until crispy and golden.

You’ll Need:

1-2 lbs pork

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon Caribbean green seasoning

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2-3 cups veg oil

Juice 1 lemon (or lime)

1 scotch bonnet pepper (more if you want it more spicy)

1 clove garlic

they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

2 scallions

1 tablespoon chopped Shado Beni (or cilantro)

1/2 small red onion pinch sea salt pinch black pepper

IMPORTANT!: If doing this dish gluten free, do go through the entire list of ingredients (especially the soy sauce) to ensure

Note: Place the clean pieces of pork (I like using pork with a bit of fat – cheap cut) in a bowl and season with the Caribbean Green Seasoning, soy sauce, grated ginger and black pepper. Mix well and allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least a couple hours. Heat the vegetable oil in a wide pan on a medium flame, then gently go in with the pieces of marinated pork. Use paper towels to blot out any extra moisture off the pieces of pork so it doesn’t splatter back at you when added to the hot oil. Fry until golden and crisp (about 20-25 minutes) flipping every 4-6 minutes. I used the ends of pork ribs, which were very tender and about 1/4 of an inch thick (about 1/2 inch tick at the thickest spot).

Remove from the hot oil, place on paper towels to soak up any excess fat and allow to cool before cutting into 3/4-1 inch pieces. Set aside in a bowl.

Prep the other ingredients as the pork cools a bit (thinly slice the onion,

scallions and scotch bonnet pepper \ crush the garlic). Remember to wear gloves and wash your hands immediately after handing scotch bonnet peppers.

Now it’s just a matter of assembling everything together, give it a good mix and finally go in with the lemon juice. I didn’t have any shado beni, nor cilantro.. but that would be a key ingredient to add in here as well.

You can serve this both warm and cool, but to be honest it’s MUCH better a bit warm, as the sort of pickle effect you get from the hot peppers and lemon juice just seems to scream at your taste buds. Not your typical Caribbean chow, but definitely a dish to serve when you have friends over or just need something spicy in your life. Great as a snack, makes an excellent side dish.. even better on sandwiches. Special HAIL OUT to my cousin Sophie for this wicked introduction!

10 wa y s to honor your inner goddess 10 ways to honor your inner

In our yang-driven world where action and accomplishment reign supreme, it’s easy to neglect our yin-ness, the softer side of us that prefers to be, not do. As women especially, connecting with our feminine energy on a regular basis is vital to our sense of self, hormonal health and overall happiness. Ancient Goddess traditions understood and honored the many gifts of the divine feminine, and reclaiming them now can be just the balance us modern goddesses need.

If you’re ready to reignite your own feminine magic, here are 10 ways to get started:

1. Guard your being time

Take back your feminine power by booking in some much needed me time to reconnect with your inner self. Whether it’s morning meditation, an afternoon catnap or watching the sunset, treat this time like any other appointment by not canceling on yourself to do the laundry or more work.

2. Be open to receiving

Receptivity is the essence of feminine energy, enabling us to live in the flow instead of frustration. Next time someone offers you a compliment or support, graciously say, Thank you! And don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, kids, peers and professionals. Remember, the more you allow yourself to receive, the more you have to give.

3. Surround yourself with beauty

Turn your personal space into a goddess sanctuary by clearing out clutter and adding things that delight your senses and your spirit. Try beautiful plants and fresh flowers, lush fabrics, wind chimes, sea shells, crystals

or other gifts from Mama Earth. Adorn your walls with art and pictures that uplift and inspire you. Make every part of your home fit for the goddess that you are.

4. Nourish your dreams

Just as we conceive and support babies in our wombs, the Goddess approach to manifesting our desires is to nurture them while they are still ideas and daydreams. As we cultivate quiet time to connect with our inner vision and guidance, we take action from a place of joy and trust. In doing so, we birth our dreams into being in divinely inspired ways and divinely perfect time, just as we do our babies.

5. Slow down and relish

6. Love your body Aphrodite had small breasts, a soft belly and full hips. Her huntress niece goddess Artemis was lanky and lean. Do you think they apologized for their shapes? Heck no. They owned their bodies’ divinity to express their goddess’ gifts, be they love or tenacity. Embrace your own body as a beautiful, sacred vessel for your spirit to experience itself and treat it with the love and reverence it deserves. Try it out with this flow sequenceflow sequence based on the goddess Lakshmi, who represents beauty and abundance.

Multitasking is not the way of the Goddess, especially when it comes to appreciating life’s simple pleasures. Instead, become fully present and engage all your senses to enjoy daily delights: inhale the scent of your morning coffee and sip it slowly, let a piece of chocolate melt in your mouth, stop power walking and savor the sights.

7. Live from your heart

We are naturally feeling beings, but life’s busyness can hinder us from hearing the voice of our hearts - the true source of our happiness. Reconnect by placing your hands on your chest and resting your awareness in this sacred space. Here, the mind’s constant activity will surrender to the heart’s calm clarity, leading you to live in greater faith and deeper love.

8. Connect with Mother Nature Instantly connect with Goddess energy by

spending time with Mother Earth. Walk barefoot on the grass and lie on the ground. Release all your cares to her for healing and transmutation. Allow her to hold you in her loving embrace and fill you with maternal love. Doing this regularly will help you become a strong and grounded goddess in your own world.

9. Honor your boundaries

Forget trying to please everyone and love yourself enough to say no to draining demands. Bless and release toxic relationships and patterns while keeping the lessons and growth. Stand firm in the power of an authentic no. A goddess isn’t a superwoman who does it all, but a happy woman who does only what she wants and values.

10. Infuse your life with ritual Goddess traditions, like those in this practice with Sianna Sherman are rich with ritual, because they bring deeper meaning and sacredness to any act. Invite extra blessings into your daily activities by turning them into mini ceremonies. A great place to start is your existing sadhana (daily spiritual practice), by perhaps creating a meditation altar where you can light a candle, burn incense, play music and offer flowers.

While effort and achievement will always have their place in the world, balancing them with sacred feminine practices will bring us much greater flow and fulfilment. As we learn to be as much as we do, the inner Goddess and God meet in divine union, creating perfect yin-yang harmony within and without. Now that is something worth striving for.

- My Yoga Online

Drinking fluoridated water can lead to hypothyroidism, uoridated water can lead to hypothyroidism, depression and obesity, s tudy finds and obesity, study

Drinking water that’s been artificially fluoridated with synthetic fluoride chemicals has been shown in a new peer-reviewed study to increase the risk of underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, by 30 percent or more.

Researchers from the University of Kent in the UK, publishing their work in the Journal of Epidemiological & Community Health, found that people who consume fluoridated water are much more likely than people who don’t to suffer from a sluggish thyroid, a chronic health condition that often results in depression and obesity.

After evaluating the number of patients with thyroid conditions at general practitioners’ offices throughout England, the team, led by Professor Stephen Peckham from the Centre for Health Service Studies, observed that areas where public water is artificially fluoridated systematically had the highest prevalence of hypothyroidism.

Meanwhile, the prevalence of the thyroid condition in areas where tap water is left alone was found to be significantly less common, affirming what many earlier studies

have found concerning fluoride’s displacement of necessary iodine throughout the body, a damaging process that essentially starves the thyroid gland of much-needed nutrients.

“I think it is concerning for people living in those areas,” stated Prof. Peckham about the findings. “Underactive thyroid is a particularly nasty thing to have and it can lead to other long term health problems. I do think councils need to think again about putting fluoride in the water.”

“There are far safer ways to improve dental health,” he added.

Synthetic fluoride chemicals destroy the thyroid gland, which regulates hormone production and every other system of your body

The thyroid gland is a major regulator of metabolism, and it is directly involved in all bodily functions. According to a 2011 study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, thyroid dysfunction is the second most common glandular disorder of the endocrine system, the damage from which can

show up in any system of the body.

“Insufficient levels of thyroid hormone cause symptoms such as slower metabolic rate, weight gain, lethargy, intolerance to cold, dry and cool skin, and puffiness of the face and eyelids,” explains the study. “The blood pressure appears to be normal, but the heart rate is slow.”

There are a number of toxic halogens that displace iodine in the thyroid, fluoride being one of them (bromide is another), resulting in major thyroid damage. This is a scientific fact that has been proven over and over again,* and which is admitted by the U.S. National Research Council.

What this means, then, is that populations being forcibly subjected to fluoridated water due to misguided public health measures are also being inadvertently poisoned, against their will, with a substance whose ingestion doesn’t even prevent tooth decay but does occupy receptors meant for iodine and accumulates in bones, causing them to become brittle (just like it does to teeth when they become mottled because of fluoride).

“To condemn the entire population, already having marginal levels of iodine, to inevitable progressive failure of their thyroid system by fluoridating the water, borders on criminal lunacy,” said Dr. Barry DurrantPeatfield, MBBS, LRCP, MRCS, a specialist in metabolic and thyroid-related diseases and author of Your Thyroid and How to Keep It Healthy and The Great Thyroid Scandal.

Adding to the conversation, a Telegraph commenter had the following to say about the dangers of synthetic fluoride chemicals, which in no way resemble the natural fluorine compounds found in nature.

“If fluorosilicic, hexafluorosilicic, and the other fluoride acids they add to the drinking water were good for us, they would be found in natural spring waters of the earth. But they are not, because they are man-made synthetics. ... Calcium fluoride (as found in nature) is the only form I would not be concerned about[;] all other forms have been shown to exhibit a disharmonious effect on the body.” - Natural News

Eye tr aining natur all y improves age-related vision loss Eye training naturally improves vision loss

Just five days of training can make the visual acuity of older adults equivalent to that of adults in their 20s, according to a surprising study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Riverside, and Brown University and published in the journal Psychological Science.

The focused visual training regimen improved older adults’ sensitivity to contrast, and their ability to see things close up.

“Our research indicates that the visual system of older adults maintains a high degree of plasticity and demonstrates that training methods can be used to improve visual function,” researcher G. John Andersen said.

Earliest form of vision loss

Loss of vision and visual processing are common effects of aging, even in people without any eye disease. Indeed, studies have shown that loss of visual contrast (and a corresponding difficulty viewing grainy or poorly defined images) is not caused by eye health but is a result of changes in brain function.

“This is important because sensitivity to subtle changes in contrast is a significant issue for older individuals, and age-related declines in contrast sensitivity can be critical for many real-life tasks such as driving at night,” researcher Denton J. DeLoss said.

A loss of contrast sensitivity is usually one of the first age-related vision changes to manifest. In addition to making driving more dangerous, it can also significantly increase the risk of falls.

Yet, because loss of contrast sensitivity is caused by brain changes, the researchers wondered if those changes might not be reversible. Therefore, they recruited 16 young adults (average age 22) and 16 older adults (average age 71), all screened to be free of eye disease or cognitive decline. Participants visited the lab for a 1.5-hour visual training session daily for seven days. The sessions consisted of looking at striped images and deciding which way they had been rotated. The researchers adjusted the contrast of the images over time, pushing the graininess to the limit of what each participant had been able to distinguish in prior tests.

Participants completed 750 trials per day, for a total of 3,750 tests in a week.

While the tests were taking place, the researchers also used sophisticated equipment to measure the dilation of the participants’ eyes. This allowed them to rule out the possibility that vision was improving due to increased pupil dilation.

Dramatic improvement in days

The researchers found that, while younger adults had better contrast sensitivity at the beginning of the study, by the end the sensitivity of the older adults had improved to match that of the younger ones. Pupil dilation contributed almost nothing to this improvement -- nearly all the improvement came from enhanced brain function.

Surprisingly, the visual acuity of both younger and older adults also improved dramatically during the study, in just five days. Older adults improved in their ability to see nearby objects, while younger adults improved their ability to see distant ones.

The results were so surprising that the researchers doubled the number of study participants to make sure that they weren’t a fluke. The results held up.

“We did not expect such significant changes in acuity with only five days of training,” DeLoss said. “We found an average improvement of roughly three letters using a standard acuity test. Five letters would be equivalent to moving down a line on a standard chart-based vision test that you typically see at an optometrist’s office.”

The researchers are planning to conduct further studies to see if the benefits from the training can also improve performance of real-world tasks, such as driving.

“We hope that we can continue this line of research in the future and that it will eventually allow us to create interventions that can be used by the general public to counteract age-related declines in vision,” DeLoss said. - Natural News

GMO soybean oil causes obesity, diabetes, f atty liver, but GMO soybean oil causes obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, but propagandis ts sa y it ʼ s ʻhealthier ʼ than non-GMO soybean oil propagandists say it than non-GMO oil

Of all the seed oil produced in the US, 90 percent comes from soybeans. The shelf life and temperature stability of soybean oil is increased through the process of hydrogenation, which also generates unhealthy trans fats in the oil.

DuPont developed genetically modified soybean oil that has a fatty acid composition that is low in linoleic acid. Linoleic acid was thought of as the unhealthy component of the oil that causes obesity, diabetes and fatty liver in humans; however, new in-depth research has found hardly any health benefits of GM soybean oil over regular soybean oil.

When scientists at the University of California, Riverside, and UC Davis investigated the differences of the soybean oils, they found that the genetically modified soybean oil was not “healthier” at all. The reduced linoleic acid profile does not reduce diabetes, obesity and fatty liver like the industry had promised.

“While genetic modification of crops can introduce new beneficial traits into existing crops, the resulting products need to be tested for long-term health effects before making assumptions about their impact on human health,” said senior investigator Frances Sladek, a professor of cell biology and neuroscience at UC Riverside.

GM soybean oil not healthier than regular soybean oil, despite industry’s health claims

Genetically modified soybean oil has 0

grams of trans fat and a linoleic acid profile similar to olive oil. On the other hand, regular soybean oil contains about 55 percent linoleic acid. The scientists found out that the linoleic acid profile wasn’t the difference maker. The GM soybean oil caused the same problems in studies on mice as the regular soybean oil did. The only advantage that GM soybean possessed: It didn’t cause insulin resistance. However, the scientists reported that both olive oil and especially coconut oil are much healthier alternatives.

“Our previous results on mice showed that replacing some of the fat in a diet high in saturated fats from coconut oil with soybean oil

-- to achieve a level common in the American diet -- causes significantly more weight gain, adiposity, diabetes and insulin resistance than in mice fed just the high-fat coconut oil diet,” Sladek said.

To conduct their study, the researchers created a parallel diet which replaced soybean oil with GM soybean oil on a gram per gram basis. They were surprised to find out that GM soybean oil induced weight gain and fatty liver just the same.

“Unidentified component” of soybean oil causes fatty liver and overall weight gain “These results indicate that linoleic acid may contribute to insulin resistance and adiposity but that another as yet unidentified component of the soybean oil affects the liver and overall weight gain,” said researcher Poonamjot Deol.

Four groups of 12 mice each were fed different diets for 24 weeks. A control group was put on a low-fat diet containing just 5 percent of daily calories from fat. The other groups were fed a diet similar to the American diet, deriving 40 percent of daily calories from fat. The groups differed according to the source of the fat they received. One ate regular soybean oil; one consumed GM soybean oil, and the other was given coconut oil. Both soybean-oil-based diets (GMO and non-GMO) produced mice with a much worse fatty liver, obesity and glucose intolerance profile than mice fed a coconut oil diet. When compared to controls, the group on soybean oil weighed 38 percent more. The group on GM soybean oil weighed 30 percent more, and the group on coconut oil only weighed 13 percent more.

“While the GM soybean oil may have fewer negative metabolic consequences than regular soybean oil, it may not necessarily be as healthy as olive oil, as has been assumed by its fatty acid composition, and it is certainly less healthy than coconut oil which is primarily saturated fat,” Sladek said. “It is important to understand the metabolic effects and health impact of the GM soybean oil before it is widely adopted as a healthier alternative to regular soybean oil. It is equally important to understand the health effects of regular soybean oil, which is ubiquitous in the American diet and seems to be much more detrimental to metabolic health than saturated fat.”

- Natural News

What kind of cinnamon are you eating

What kind of cinnamon are you eating Cey lon, cassia, Korintje, or Saigon? Ceylon, cassia, Korintje, or Saigon?

There are hundreds of types of cinnamon, but there are only four varieties used for commercial purposes. The cinnamon known as “true cinnamon” is Ceylon cinnamon. This is the only variety that many other countries refer to as cinnamon. Other varieties are known as cassia.

Other cinnamon varieties, which are much more common in North America, are easier to produce and less expensive than Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia (Chinese) cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon, and Korintje are typically all lumped in together and referred to as cassia cinnamon, though they are each distinctively different. Each of these three closely related spices are much stronger and more pungent than Ceylon cinnamon.

Ceylon cinnamon is grown in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, India, and the Caribbean. This variety is more popular in much of Europe, Latin America, Mexico, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Indian curries and desert recipes of the lighter variety that call for cinnamon are typically referring to Ceylon cinnamon. Ceylon is the sweetest and mildest tasting and the lightest in color. It’s also three to four times more expensive than the other varieties.

Ceylon has less coumarin than the other varieties and is often recommended above others by the alternative health community and many conventional doctors as

well, since coumarin can cause liver damage in high dosages.

Cassia Cinnamon (Chinese Cinnamon) It can get a little confusing here since all three non-Ceylon varieties are often referred to as cassia cinnamon, while the Chinese cinnamon is often referred to as cassia cinnamon. In other words, Cassia cinnamon may refer to Chinese cinnamon or it may refer to one of the other non-Ceylon cinnamons: Saigon cinnamon or Korintjr cinnamon. Today, Tung Hing, the Chinese cinnamon is mostly grown in China, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. This variety is spicy, bitter, and very intense.

Saigon Cinnamon

Known as Vietnamese cinnamon or Vietnamese cassia, Saigon cinnamon’s scientific name is Cinnamomum Loureiroi. It comes from an evergreen tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. Saigon cinnamon is closely related to Chinese cinnamon. Saigon cinnamon has around 1-5% essential oil content and 25% cinnamaldehyde in the essential oil, which is the highest of all the cinnamon species. Saigon cinnamon’s bark is similar to that of Tung Hing, but with a more pronounced and complex aroma. In Vietnamese cuisine, Saigon cinnamon bark is an important ingredient in many dishes including

pho, the well-known noodle soup. Saigon cinnamon has a volatile oil content of around 7%, which gives it a very bold and robust flavor that is ideal for cooking and for use in sauces.

Korintje Cinnamon

Fragrant Korintje cinnamon is as intense and spicy as Chinese cinnamon, but it is also a bit smoother. Korintje cinnamon from Indonesia accounts for most of the cinnamon imported into the U.S. Korintje cinnamon is a common choice for commercial bakeries in North America because of its good flavor and lower cost.

Coumarin in Cinnamon and Liver Damage

Ceylon cinnamon benefits are marketed as superior to the less expensive Cassia spices primarily due to Ceylon cinnamon’s ultra low levels of a chemical called coumarin, a blood thinner that is toxic to the liver and prevalent in much higher levels in the three cassia spices. It’s not anything most people need to worry about; the risk for any damage with normal or even much higher than normal consumption of cassia cinnamon is negligible.

- Natural News

F ind a fitness mentor Find a Monique Bartlett

If you’re looking for a way to lose weight and get healthy, get a coach or a mentor. Most people don’t think they need a coach or mentor, they always think they can do it by themselves. While that may be true, as I did it myself for the most part, it is always easier and faster when someone else shows you the way.

If you were going on a road trip you wouldn’t just get in the car and start driving without planning your trip first. That is what many people are doing in their fitness journey. They are just getting in the car and driving, hoping that they get to their destina-

tion. They have a goal in mind, but have no idea how to get there.

Some people will use a GPS and follow that. This will help you get there, giving you different roads and highways to take. However, you may run into a few dead ends along the way and the trip may take longer than you’d like.

Now think about what would happen if someone gave you detailed instructions on the exact roads to take and what traffic or construction delays to avoid. You would definitely get there faster and with much less effort.

Finding the right coach or mentor in your journey to reach your ideal weight is like someone giving you those detailed instructions to get your ideal body. You probably are thinking that you don’t need a coach or mentor. However, did you know that every professional athlete has a coach? Also, the most successful business people like Oprah, Warren Buffet, Donald Trump and many more. All of these people get help to stay at the top of their game.

So if professional athletes and high

powered business people need a coach to reach their goals, why wouldn’t you consider having one as well? The good news is that it should be easier for you to achieve your ideal weight than to become a world class athlete or a high powered business person.

Your coach or mentor could be a personal trainer, nutritionist, health coach or someone else who can shorten the journey for you who has knowledge and experience in health and fitness. Whoever you choose make sure they are there for you and will offer the support and encouragement you need. You need someone who can be supportive, but is also there to keep you in line when you’re headed off track.

You want someone that has either gone through what you’re going through or helped others in similar situations. You can do it alone but your journey won’t be as quick or as easy. So go ahead and get yourself a coach or a mentor that you can look to for guidance, support, and encouragement. Now is the time for you to get fit and healthy and live the lifestyle you deserve.

Deformed jaws and severely crowded teeth

Dr. Matthew Weekes

BSC DDS MTh DMin

Parents get alarmed and worried when their cute beautiful toddlers develop deformed jaws, some with protruding front teeth resembling Bugs Bunny, or other abnormal arrangements. Few children initially may not be concerned but most become conscious

Your health can be viewed like a retirement savings account. Deposits and withdrawals over the course of your life add up. And somewhere between age 50 and 60 you will be forced to face the reality of the accumulation of your health “spending” habits.

As a naturopath, I get to observe different people at roughly the same age and see what really keeps you healthy in your later years. Withdraw more than you deposit and it can be a harsh reality later in life. One no amount of financial savings can compen-

that they look different. Many experience mental and physical discomfort, teasing at school, feelings of low self-esteem. The psychological effects may include withdrawal, reluctance to speak or smile. Most jaw deformities and poorly aligned teeth can be corrected by dentists trained in this area. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to achieving the best results, however adults can also benefit significantly by the range of treatments available.

Some of the factors that may lead to these unfavourable developments are a narrow airway space usually due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids resulting in breathing difficulties. To compensate the tongue may settle in a forward resting position and the

Health is wealth is

sate for. Here’s what I’ve observed. Keep your weight under control. By far the biggest factor to how people physically feel in their retirement years is their body weight. Weigh yourself regularly throughout your life so that you know what feels comfortable for you. If you notice that you are accumulating weight, particularly belly fat, year after year, wake up! Belly fat raises your risk of every preventable disease. It causes fatigue and sluggishness as you age. A healthy body weight means different things to different people. Know what weight feels right to you, and try to stay within ten pounds of that magic number throughout your life.

People require connection to feel happy and satisfied in retirement years. Without work, you find yourself with a lot of free time. Consider your friendships and family relations. These relationships will start to matter more, partly because you will have more time for them. Consider hobbies, and volunteering if you do not have a circle

upper arch of the mouth may become narrow causing the teeth to protrude and rotate.

Another common cause is prolonged finger sucking which is associated with tongue thrusting leading to a space between the front teeth when the mouth is closed

All oral habits should be treated early in order to prevent more serious jaw malformations.

Genetics is also a factor. Deformations of the jaw and teeth sometimes are inherited from one or both parents. Early treatment is also recommended. The best time to treat these cases range from 7 to 16 years of age. Most can be treated by the use of appliances and braces.

of close people. Isolation and loneliness reduce quality of life and have profound health consequences. Reach out! Keeping your skin and hair looking as healthy as you can is a great way to tap into the fountain of youth. Getting the right skin care products or seeing an esthetician can help. I feel the health of your skin really shines from the inside out. Drink water, quit cigarettes, and eat food that is rich in antioxidants. Healthy fats like fish, flax, avocado and olive oils keep our cells, including skin cells, happy. If you notice sudden changes in hair or skin get hormones, iron and thyroid checked.

We all want to age gracefully. I always feel sad for people that are plagued by health problems in their retirement years and are unable to enjoy the free time. Travel, hobbies, truly knowing yourself and exuding wisdom and confidence; there is so much to look forward to. Health truly is wealth.

Family law in Ontario is regulated by the Family Law Act and the Divorce Act. These Acts set out the laws relating to child and spousal support as well as equalization and division of property. Unless parties have made an agreement or domestic contract they are bound by the provisions of the legislations. This often leads to results that parties have not bargained for when they entered into a marriage or common law relationship. For instance a party who owns a home prior to marriage which subsequently becomes the matrimonial home may be very unhappy to discover that upon the termination of that marriage the property has to be shared with his or her spouse.

In recognition of the fact that parties may wish to make alternative arrangements for support, property division and other issues outside of the provision of family law legislation, sections 52 to 54 of the Family Law Act specify that parties may enter into an agreement to outline their respective rights and obligations in the event of divorce or separation. While sections 52 and 53 refer to the making of contracts for persons entering into or already in a marriage or common law relationship, section 54 of the Act refers to a separation agreement which is made by parties who are ending their relationship and

Domes tic Contr acts and why they Domestic Contracts and are becoming more popular

which outline their own rights and obligations upon separation.

By entering into such domestic contracts parties are able to regulate their domestic affairs outside of the legislative framework. It is important to note, however, that despite the recognition of the freedom to contract and to determine one’s own rights there are instances when such contracts will be set aside by the courts. One instance in which this happens is where parties fail to make financial disclosure so that the other party is aware of all their assets, liabilities and income. Section 56(4) of the Family Law Act makes it clear that the Court will set aside a domestic contract either entirely or in part, where either party fails to make such financial disclosure. The court may also set aside a domestic contract where it is found that one or both parties did not understand the consequences or significance of entering into the contract. To safeguard against this it is important for parties to obtain independent legal advice and to ensure that a lawyer provides a certificate of independent legal advice.

It is also important to note that in interpreting domestic contracts courts consider the best interest of the child. Where, for instance provisions in the contract relating to child support, custody or education are unreasonable and not in the best interest of the child the court may set aside these provisions.

Finally, section 19 of the Family Law Act provides that both spouses are entitled to possession of a matrimonial home. Any provision in a marriage contract that takes away this right to possession will not be enforceable.

New citizens welcomed as Canada counts New citizens as counts down to T ORONT O 2015 to TORONTO 2015

TORONTO -- One hundred new citizens from 58 countries were sworn in as new Canadians today at a special sport-themed citizenship ceremony that kicked off the 100day countdown to the TORONTO 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.

Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander personally welcomed today’s newest citizens at the ceremony, which took place at the new YMCA facility at the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletes’ Village in Toronto. At the ceremony, Alexander emphasized the importance of sport in bringing together individuals of different cultures . The new citizens attended a recep-

tion hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, and were honoured at TORONTO 2015’s official 100-day countdown reception, which featured speeches by Olympian Catriona Le May Doan and other dignitaries. One hundred days from now, Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe will host the TORONTO 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games, one of the largest multisport events ever held in Canada. Through its contributions to the Federal Cultural Strategy, the Government of Canada is helping promote Canadian culture and heritage, while showcasing Canadian values and enhancing engagement in the Americas. -

407ETR denies widespread 407ETR denies mis takes in billing mistakes in

Tammy Flores

There has been a lot of action in the main stream media the past few days regarding issues with 407 ETR’s billing practices.

CTV’s Broadcast Journalist, Ashley Rowe did an expose on the struggles truckers have had when the company, 407 ETR, has made mistakes and double billed them for tolls their rigs had transponders in, but then the same charges went against the plate on their trailers. It was revealed that this has been happening for years and 407 ETR doesn’t make it easy for these truckers to deal with the problem.

Kevin Sack, 407 ETR’s VP of Communications and Government Relations, insists that mistakes like this by the company are rare, but according to the group, “Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power” these mistakes are not as rare as Mr. Sack wants you to believe.

The group has been pointing out for years that the company makes mistakes with consumers, on a regular basis, that they refuse to rectify. As a matter of fact, in 2012 the group gathered a few members and went in to speak to Mr. Sack, at 407 ETR’s offices, with the Toronto Star’s Fixer, Jack Lakey. The group made sure everyone had their files ready for someone to assist them

with their outrageous bills, riddled with mistakes by the company but Mr. Sack refused to assist them and used a very flimsy excuse to justify his actions. Mr. Sack wanted the members of the group to sign a disclosure agreement. The group refused to sign because they didn’t want to give the company the power to control the message and so Mr. Sack refused to assist them with their billing nightmare and sent the group away without a resolution. Now he is on CTV claiming the company wants to help and pleads with people to call in. Why didn’t Kevin Sack deal with their mistakes in 2012?

Ashley Rowe’s report reveals why the company won’t deal with their mistakes when she touched on a non-disclosure agreement from one trucking company that was forced into silence to get a deal. The company wants to hide their glaring mistakes and control the message. The group, “Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power” refuses to allow the company to control the message and so that’s why the company has refused to deal with their mistakes.

The group goes on to say that not only does the company want to control the message, but they will withhold documentation from consumers that would prove mistakes were made and then use their powerful debt collection remedy, Plate Denial, to paint the consumer as a toll evader when the company caused the outrageous bill to begin with.

The group is hopeful that once they launch the second Class Action against 407 ETR, the main stream media will continue to hold their feet to the fire with respects to how they have treated consumers since they took over the operations of the highway in 1999.

Immigr ation from Ital y to Canada more Immigration from Italy to Canada more than doubles since 2005 since 2005

TORONTO -- Today, on behalf of Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, the Minister for Multiculturalism Jason Kenney and the Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino highlighted the high levels of immigration to Canada from Italy. The number of permanent residents and students welcomed to Canada from Italy in 2013 was more than twice the number admitted to Canada in 2005.

Last year, 823 individuals from Italy became Canadian permanent residents, an increase of nearly 140 percent from 2005. In addition, 421 foreign students from Italy entered Canada in 2013, a 90 percent increase from 2005.

Italian immigration to Canada is once again increasing following a significant period of decline between 1967 and 2005.

The high number of new permanent residents includes newcomers coming to Canada from Italy as economic immigrants, which has almost tripled over the past 10 years. Last year, Canada admitted 500 people from Italy in the economic class, an increase of nearly 200 percent since 2003.

Italian-Canadian immigration in the family class increased significantly as well with 294 new permanent residents in 2013—the highest number in almost 20 years.

Hundreds of Italians continue to make the journey to Canada every year to help us build our country and our economy and, in many cases, to settle permanently and become Canadians.

- CIC

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ARIES

March 20 - April 19

What’s old, what’s new, what needs to hit refresh? Saturday’s lunar eclipse spurs new evaluations and insights. It also hits the go button in some major way, perhaps through a sudden flash or the unexpected. The now is an especially hot time for career, business, or personal reinvention. Thursday, Monday, and next Thursday are especially opportune. Get the show on the road!

July 22 - August 22

Even if obligation takes a chunk out of it, the long weekend will still provide ample opportunity to untether yourself. All it takes is one good one to get something great launched. Social and spontaneous doubles your pleasure. You’ll hit a great creative spurt. Starting Wednesday/Thursday through mid August, Jupiter in Leo increases potentials for luck, love, reward, and benefit.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 - December 21

Despite the extra demands, Thursday keeps you upbeat. Whether you hit the road or not, sun/Jupiter has you going places and gaining great mileage out of it, too. Aim wherever you like: the eclipse weekend delivers big. Monday lights a fresh spark—run with it! Wednesday and Thursday are great launch-it days. Jupiter in Leo puts you on the plus and win/win side.

Your Horoscope - April 8th 2015

TAURUS

April 19 - May 20

The start of Mars in Taurus has been accompanied by added tension, pressure, or challenge, but as of Thursday, you should find yourself on a great upswing. Saturday’s lunar eclipse sets you on the fast track to healing, resolution, and/or a freer rein. If gluing it back together isn’t feasible, you won’t have any trouble hitting the fast-forward button.

VIRGO

August 22 - September 22

Do you deserve it? Are you worth it? Of course you are. Treat, gift, and indulge yourself. Whether it’s love, lust, or a money chase, Saturday/Sunday keeps passion well stoked. On the other hand, if the lunar eclipse ignites an inner or relationship conflict, look at it as an opportunity to be more self-honouring. Optimize and maximize Thursday, Monday, and next Thursday.

CAPRICORN

December 21 - January 19

The ideal is a happy medium, but it may not come easily. In fact, Saturday’s lunar eclipse could necessitate that you jump in and take over immediately. Emotions can be sharpedged and short-fused, or happy/happy. A new career or business prospect or address pumps up the excitement. You’ll make fast gains over the next week.

GEMINI

May 20 - June 21

Go all out; enjoy it to the fullest. It’s a great get-together or getaway weekend. Whether new or rekindled, the eclipse can strike a hot match in the romance department. Keep it fresh; a new twist sparks the interest best. Pre-weekend puts extras on your plate, but efficiency stars are on your side. On Monday, you’re quick on the uptake. Wednesday/ Thursday, you’ll make great strides.

LIBRA

September 22 - October 23

Whether it takes you by surprise or you instigate it yourself, an eventful, breakthrough weekend lies ahead; that’s an understatement if your birthday falls on or near October 8 to 10. While a Libra full moon always makes for complicated relating, the lunar eclipse locks the compass on the one-andonly way to go. Monday and Thursday are especially lucrative.

AQUARIUS

January 19 - February 18

Whether it’s a feeling, a mindset, or a circumstance, there’s been a progressive release over the past week or so. Saturday can produce a sudden flash or jolt. Someone could surprise you. Watch for the lunar eclipse to jettison you into new territory. The end of Jupiter retrograde, starting Wednesday, puts it on full steam ahead.

Across

4) A Christmas Story main character 7) Home ____ 9) The ____ Before Christmas 10) It’s A ____ Life 11) Trading ____ 14) Bad Santa star Billy Bob 16) Christmas Vacation family 17) The Polar ____

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Family or expenses can pile on added strain through the holiday long weekend, but you’ll get enjoyment out of it, too. You snooze, you lose. With each day except Tuesday on a fresh wardrobe change, the stars are on an early-bird, jump-start-it schedule from Saturday through the week ahead. Set it up or put it out there on Monday. By Thursday, you’ll see gains.

SCORPIO

October 23 - November 22

To err on the side of caution simply gives you more cushioning. Keep extra on hand, pump up the safeguards, and put added flexibility into your plans this weekend; the lunar eclipse is sure to dish up something unexpected. Sunday/Monday, you’re hot stuff. Instinct and intuition keep you especially on the ball. Thursday can be a moneymaker.

PISCES

February 18 - March 19

The lead-in to the long weekend finds you taking care of business very well. Expenses can add up—so be it. Through the weekend, pay close attention to premonitions and stay alert. Out of bed or not, Monday can start with something exceptional. Next Thursday is a great-connection, good-news, get-moving day.

Down

1) Played by Jim Carrey 2) Elf star Will 3) ____ on 34th Street 5) Love, ____ 6) Christmas action classic 7) Jingle All the Way’s Schwarzenegger 8) ____ Saves Christmas 12) The Santa ____ 13) Christmas with the ____ 15) The ____ Christmas Carol

Planning to finance a new car : The basics to nance a new car: The

Jelani Daniel

Automotive Corner

Financing a car is a big step for anyone, regardless of age or budget. There are some factors to consider before leasing or buying a vehicle. Below are some aspects to consider before financing to be sure you get the right vehicle at an affordable rate.

Understanding your credit score: Your credit score plays a pivotal role in the amount of interest you pay as well as loan options that are available to you. Often times, buyers with lower credit scores incur higher interest rates due to the risk they present because of factors including non-payment or irregular payments. By paying your monthly fees on time, you can improve your credit score to lower loan rates in the future.

Suitable annual percentage rates (APR): An APR sets the stage for payback costs as well as interest rates for late payments. You are able to negotiate what you are looking for in terms of interest, but some factors may be taken into consideration including:

• Your credit score

• Lifestyle costs

• Length of time you are leasing or financing for

• Projected income

• Your initial down payment

Other factors will change your APR including the type of vehicle you hope to drive, the condition of the financial marketplace, as well as the type of financing option you are hoping to use.

Keep your options open:

Researching numerous dealerships, lenders and banks for the best rate is essential to making the most informed choice. You can get quotes to see which interest rates, downpayments, and options you can afford, helping to narrow down your options. By truly understanding what options are available to you, you can maximize your repayment options as well as your budget in the long run. Remember, a lease is a long-term obligation and being locked into an overpriced loan can take a toll on your finances and lifestyle costs for years to come.

Make sure you can afford a lease:

Checking over your finances regularly, as well as your typical expenses, projected income and lifestyle costs is a great way to see if you can afford to lease. Without proper planning, you may set yourself back financially, so be sure to budget early on before leasing. If you need assistance, a broker can assess how much you can afford and what type of lease is best for you by using the above considerations.

In short, it is important to be aware of the market conditions, what type of car you can afford to drive, and to make sure your budget allows for a lease. When you plan, you save!

Car insur ance - T ips and myths Car insurance - Tips and

Sherene Cole

CIP, CRM, CAIB, LLQP Insurance Matters

As an insurance broker, it’s interesting to hear from consumers what they think are facts about car insurance; often times some things considered factual are actually myths and sometimes half-truths. Here are a few that I hope will increase your car insurance knowledge.

Tip #1: When you rent a vehicle and choose to use your own insurance policy for the collision damage waiver, note that it only cover the drivers listed on your policy are covered. So if you are renting a vehicle and adding a second driver, who is not on your policy, you should purchase the insurance from the rental company.

Tip #2: An accident you have with a rental vehicle will show up on your auto insurance history (autoplus) report. While your current insurance may not be aware of the accident or even be involved in the claims process at all, it will be reported as “Other claim(s) involving individual” and may show up when you shop for new insurance. How? It follows your driver’s license number.

Tip #3: Tickets received outside of the province will show up on your motor vehicle record (MVR). Ontario has a reciprocating agreement with many US states to report infractions. Also tickets stay on your record for 3 years from the date of conviction. So if you got a speeding ticket in June 2012, and you went to court in

May of 2013 and charges were reduced, rather than thrown out, then it will be May of 2016 before it comes off your record.

Tip #4: When you purchase Third Party liability and mandatory accident benefits coverage only, if your car is hit while parked and the responsible party is not identified (hit and run) your insurance company will not cover the cost of repairs, as this would be considered a collision claim.

Tip #5: Accidents must be reported to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre – Report accidents as soon as possible to police local to the area of the accident. For example, if you live in Toronto but get into an accident in Hamilton, you must report the incident to the police in Hamilton and not Toronto. If you don’t know where the closest reporting centre is located, ask the police during your initial call to them.

Dispelling some myths

Myth#1: Red cars do not cost more to insure: Color does not matter, but size does! It also holds true that 2 door cars tend to cost more than sedans, and SUVs more than mini-vans.

Myth#2: Leased or financed vehicles cost more to insure: Not true. The cost you pay for insurance includes but is not limited to these factors: where you live, what you use the vehicle for, your license history, insurance history, coverage purchased, number of drivers etc., but never the financing details.

Myth #3: No demerit points means a ticket should not be considered for insurance purposes. The truth is that while most demerit points stay on your record for two years, the ticket itself stays on for three (3) years from date of conviction. All traffic related tickets count for insurance regardless of whether you lost points or not.

Some things to think about… Some to think about…

not to achieve our goals? I am pretty sure you would agree that not doing one of these things could result in not hitting your goals or could bring in a lot more challenges like time restrictions and things taking way too long.

The Four Keys outlined were:

1. Decide exactly what you want and where you want to go.

I was reading a blog the other day on the four keys to success written by Brian Tracy and it brought me back to a conversation I was having with a client about this exact same thing just last week. What does it take for us to really achieve what we want in life? What is the common thing that happens for us

2. Set a deadline and make a plan to get there. (Remember, a goal is just a dream with a deadline.)

3. Take action on your plan; do something everyday to move toward your goal.

4. Resolve in advance that you will persist until you succeed, that you will never, ever give up.

I have discussed before in my column the importance of deciding what you want, then creating the timeline to go out and get it. I have also talked about persistence, but really in emphasis this step is a key aspect to the whole success of the plan and the actions. There are some times that we just want to give up, we just want to pack it all up and go home and wallow in our defeat. I have been here on numerous occasions and I am sure you have as well. It’s in these moments that we all must dig a bit deeper, step one step closer and make the decision that no matter what I won’t give up.

I am in a new partnership and with that being said, those that have been in partnerships before know they are not easy. There are some days you won’t see

eye to eye and other days that you argue as you both think you are right, however the main thing is that as long as we both don’t quit on the same day we will be ok. You know sometimes it’s really in those moments of defeat that we come to realize our potential, or we learn something new that we never expected, or just maybe we encounter the best version of ourselves. This one is my favorite one… So please I encourage you if you are striving for a goal in any area of your life, outline it, get clear about it, write it out, plan it, act on it and then never give up on it. Sure you might get side tracked but in essence, never give up.

Colleen Lindberg

Business Development

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