Now Open 081215

EVERYTHING E VERYTHIN NG Y YOU OU NEED IN NO ONE NE N NEWSPAPER EWSPAPER TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • ONLINE: TOR TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM RO ON NTO TOC CA AR RIIBB BBEAN.COM • V VO VOLUME OLUM LU L UM ME E 4 • ISSUE 13 • W WE WEDNESDAY, ED DN NE ES SDA SDA DAY Y,, AUGUST 12TH 2015

NOW OPEN Photo: Alyssa y Mahadeo/Toronto Caribbean

TTropical i lP Paradise di R Restaurant O Open ffor B Business i

ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Searching for quality authentic Jamaican cuisine and customer service that rivals all the rest? Look no further because Tropical Paradise is now open for business!

Located at 168 Kennedy Road South, in Brampton, Tropical Paradise Restaurant & Grill offers dine-in and take-out service with a smile guaranteeing all of their customers leave happy and their appetites satisfied. This unique and new concept restaurant features a sports bar, as well as fine dining area, helping to establish a new type of family dining experience that caters to patrons any time of the day. The interior is newly renovated with a homey

feel, offering an open concept and organized dining area with the bar situated in it’s own corner allowing for the entire space to be utilized to its full potential. There is a separate entrance for take-out as well as a drive thru, open late until 12am.

As a family business, owner Michael James says that it is important to him that all of his customers come in to the restaurant and receive the best customer service experience available.

He explains that too often he will walk into a West Indian or Caribbean Restaurant and not be greeted politely or even receive a smile from the staff. At his restaurant he has promised to make

a change and implement a 50% of discount to any patrons who claims that they didn’t receive only the best customer service with a smile when they walk into his restaurant. His goal is to change the face of customer service hoping that more Caribbean establishments will follow his lead and always offer amazing customer service. “It’s like inviting someone into your home and not giving them a welcoming smile; we want customers to remember their experience and bring all of their friends and families back for more.”

Continued On Page 5

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Saskia Kalicharan; Passionate, Driven and Focused on the Road Ahead Born and raised in Princess Town, and San Fernando, Trinidadian Saskia Kalicharan, is a driven and passionate woman who isn’t afraid to be true to herself and take strides necessary to achieve her goals.

Her father, a professor at the University of WI taught Information Technology (IT), and she followed in his footsteps going to school and learning I.T herself at Naparima Girls in Trinidad.

Saskia, was very sharp for her age, and she picked up quickly on the concepts and inner workings of I.T, earning herself a scholarship to come and study Computer Science and Math at the University of Waterloo. After graduation she went back to work in Trinidad at the National Gas Company employed under the Gov-

ernment. Saskia had a natural talent for I.T, but there were other passions in her life that she wished to pursue.

She had a passion for modeling, acting, singing and dance, vying for the title of Miss India Caribbean World Pageant, as well as competing in an array of competitions representing Trinidad and Tobago in the World Championships of Performance Arts.

Her beauty and talents won her four gold medals and earned her the chance to venture out of Trinidad again after being scouted and moving to L.A. After quitting her job in Trinidad, Saskia decided to try her luck in L.A. doing odd jobs tutoring while also running to auditions and taking part in photoshoots.

Unable to get her visa to remain in L.A, she came back to Canada. This time she went out East to Vancouver, where she spent four years as a starving artist honing her craft at the Red Gate Art Institute. She enjoyed the lifestyle learning from her peers and discovering her many talents. Everyday brought a new venture and while living at the institute she met many talented people like herself. Together they collaborated everyday to produce street shows, enjoying the free spirited lifestyle and

drawing inspiration from other arts.

Being from the land of sea and sun, living in the cold and gloomy weather of Vancouver started to take it’s toll on her and so Saskia went back to Trinidad for a while to soak up some of that Vitamin D. Coming back to Toronto she didn’t know where to go and so a job agency employed her in sales and marketing account management. It wasn’t something that she was used to, but her I.T background helped and soon she started her own business Swift Recruits helping to change life styles and develop career work in recruit sales. Having her own business she was able to be more flexible and still pursue her other passions in modeling dance and acting.

Her experience has taught her that you have to have patience, things don’t always happen when you need them too. One of her favorite quotes is “In the abundance of water the fool is thirsty.” She admires people who have a passion and have longevity in their goals, seeing their dreams and passions through to the end.

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

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T&T Association recognizes contributions to community Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter On Saturday July 26th, at Macedonia Hall, the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ontario held their Annual Carnival Fundraising Brunch to raise money for scholarship funding.

T&TAO is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the community for over thirty years. They have taken the time to understand and devote themselves to

fulfilling the needs of the growing community, small business owners and other self-employed initiatives. They take strides to help underprivileged families, empower youth, create business ventures, build relations, host fundraising events and support other cultural organizations all of which combine the rich Caribbean culture with that of the Canadian mosaic. Their mission is to foster a spirit of understanding and unity with the nation of Trinidad and Tobago and people of Canada.

Once again T&TAO has demonstrated its commitment to recognize and reward the contribution of deserving community members. At the Annual Carnival Fundraising Brunch the T&TAO bestowed Community Service Awards to Dr. Rita Cox, author, historian and Mr. Emmanuel Dick, former high school principal for their many

years of contribution to the community. In addition four scholarships were awarded to deserving youth who have shown outstanding achievements and great promise towards future contributions in the community.

Dr. Cox is a renowned storyteller who has enchanted and entertained audiences across North America, in Europe, Brazil and the Caribbean. She has also maintained the Library’s storytelling legacy by training a whole new generation of storytellers. She has won many awards, including the 1996 Canadian Library Association Public Service Award and the Black Achievement Award.

In 1997, Dr. Cox was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for her outstanding work in storytelling and literacy. She is also the recipient of honourary degrees from York and Wilfred Laurier universities.

Originally from Trinidad, Mr. Dick

immigrated to Canada during the early 1960’s as a tradesperson in the field of welding. With no support network and limited savings, Mr. Dick dedicated himself to his studies and rose to become the first black high school principal of the Toronto Board of Education. He is the founder and President of the National Council of Trinidad and Tobago Organizations in Canada and a founding member of the Steering Committee to facilitate the Academic Success of Black Children in Canada.

The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ontario would like to congratulate both Dr. Cox and Mr. Dick on receiving the T&TAO Community Service Award. The T&TAO is praised for its insight and dedication in providing these award in hopes of encouraging and inspiring others to follow accordingly.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Topical Paradise Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- Tropical Paradise held their grand opening on Saturday August 8th, with special guests Jamaica Council General Mr. Lloyd Wilks and MP Parm Gill in attendance to celebrate the opening of the new establishment with a ribbon cutting ceremony, sharing their congratulations on the hard work and dedication put into opening the new business in Brampton. G98.7 hosted the day’s events with live music from 2pm –

6pm and enticing patrons with the chance to win a free trip to Jamaica! For the kids there was a bouncy castle set up for their entertainment as well as free hamburgers and hotdogs fresh off the grill and gorgeous weather to top off the day.

The kitchen was diligent in delivering food to customers and there was a variety of different grand opening specials on the menu for the day. The place was bustling with a steady flow of people throughout the afternoon, coming to taste a sampling of the new and exciting Jamaican cuisine. Highly recommended off the menu were the Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork, Oxtail and Curry Goat.

Tropical Paradise offers an authentic Jamaican breakfast with porridge starting at 8am, an all day lunch special and some mouthwatering dinner items. So what are you waiting for? Bring your friends and families out for the day and come out to enjoy the refreshing hospitality of Tropical Paradise!

Taste of Durham International Food Festival 2015, a multicultural diversity of food, business, music and dance The First Annual three day Taste of Durham International Food Festival is being held on Friday August 14th to Sunday August 16th, 2015 in downtown Oshawa at Memorial Park, Simcoe Street South and John Street (two blocks south from Oshawa City Hall).

This colourful event is a Multicultural diversity of food, business, music and dance representing restaurants and food caterers, local businesses, cultural groups and live entertainers from the Durham Region and GTA. There are many local families who are less fortunate and have to rely heavily on food donations. The public is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the food festival’s Charity Food Drive which benefits the food bank of New Life Neighbourhood Centre, 33 Olive Ave, Oshawa, www.newlifeneighbourhoodcentre.org.

Donations to support the Lets Whip Childhood Cancer (Oshawa) www.letswhipchildhoodcancer.ca will also be collected at the event.

The 2nd Annual Durham Business Expo 2015 showcasing the products and services of local businesses and entrepreneurs will also be held at the food festival throughout the weekend.

Taste of Durham International Food Festival is a free tourist attraction to the Durham Region that the entire family can enjoy and brings both locals and visitors to downtown Oshawa. The festival will begin with Opening Ceremonies, the singing of the National

Anthem and entertainment on Friday August 14th beginning at 11:00am with the event running till 9:00pm. Saturday August 15th from 11:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday August 16th from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.

Taste of Durham International Food Festival is sponsoring a free airline ticket to Barbados. You can enter at the Barbados booth at the festival sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. Free accommodations while in Barbados is sponsored by the Blue Orchid Beach Hotel and the All Seasons Europa Resort. www.visitbarbados.org.

Come explore the Taste of Durham International Food Festival, where over fifty restaurants and food caterers from around the Durham region and GTA showcase their culinary delights and business vendors offering amazing arts and crafts, beauty and health and an assortment of products and services for your shopping experience.

You won’t want to miss out on the exciting variety of entertainment, featuring local and regional talents from around Ontario. The festival is filled with many activities for the entire family including Cultural Art, Eating Contest, Folk Dance, Kid’s Activities and more. Parking is free.

Taste of Durham International Food Festival is an amazing mosaic of cultures which reflects the diversity and Unity that Canada offers.

Additional information can be found on their website www.tasteofdurham.ca

news

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

news

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One week before Nomination Day... Smooth flow at EBC dry run TRINIDAD -- The Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) said Monday’s “dry run” test for next Monday’s Nomination Day exercise, went more smoothly than it has ever done for elections.

PNM general secretary Ashton Ford confirmed the situation after PNM candidates and their agents submitted their documents to Election and Boundaries Commission Returning Officers, across T&T, practising for next Monday’s Nomination Day exercise.

EBC chief elections office Ramesh Nanan also confirmed the test run had gone well. “No problems were reported by our returning officers so we are optimistic things will also go well for next Monday’s official exercise.”

In next Monday’s Nomination Day exercise candidates who are contesting the September 7 general election will have to present their nomination documents to EBC’s returning officers at the 41 EBC officers throughout T&T. PNM general secretary Ford said agents of PNM’s 41 candidates and a number of candidates as well, went to offices of returning officers Monday.

“From all our reports the returning officers were all very, very co-operative and I think for the first time, I have to say a Nomination Day dry run went so smoothly.”

UNC St Joseph candidate Vasant Bharath said he didn’t personally go to file papers in the test run but his campaign manager would have gone and he expected the same would apply to the other 11 UNC candidates. The governing People’s Partnership coalition, of which the UNC is a part, still has to complete naming candidates for

29 constituencies. UNC and Congress of the People (COP) officials were due to complete negotiation on seat allocation by tomorrow, sources said. The COP has named candidates for nine seats. Last Saturday COP issued a statement saying Hamlyn Jailal was recommended for the Tunapuna seat and he had accepted. COP had half a dozen candidates for the seat including its chairman, Jamieson Bahadur.

UNC’s Rienzi Complex head office Monday confirmed Jailal was the chairman

of UNC’s Tunapuna unit, heightening speculation that he is the choice of both the COP and UNC for that seat.

However, UNC campaign manager Rodney Charles said Monday that parties were putting forward names and candidates were tentative, therefore the official slate would be announced at Sunday’s People’s Partnership rally at a venue yet to be finalised.

Neither UNC nor COP have named a selection for the key marginal seat of

San Fernando West, now held by the COP. UNC deputy leader Roodal Moonilal said a San Fernando West candidate would be announced “very soon...”

COP’s executive summoned a strategy meeting last night, COP officials confirmed. Monday several high-level UNC officials conceded the slow pace at which candidates are being announced was worrying some supporters, including some top activists in key seats.

But they maintained the PP “has its strategies and was confident its candidate line-up when announced, would resonates with the electorate.”

They assured that the PP would present its full line up of candidates at Sunday’s PP rally.

The Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP), another coalition member of the People’s Partnership, also changed its initial selection for Tobago East from incumbent Vernella Alleyne-Toppin to Joseph Fredericks, a teacher.

TOP also has Natasha Second, a teacher, for Tobago West.

Last Friday Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the coalition was deciding between two locations for Sunday’s rally. Sources said Monday it may be MidCentre Mall, Chaguanas, or another central Trinidad location.

Last night the UNC did a series of “Manifesto Monday” meetings in constituencies to familiarise supporters with the contents of its 2015 general election manifesto “20 pledges for 2020” which was unveiled last Friday.

- Trinidad Guardian

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

No Opposition leader ever attacked so by a Government TRINIDAD -- When the Government is not sending people to kill him, they are paying people to lie on him, says Opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley.

He did not elaborate on the last part of the statement.

His charge came in the midst of allegations by former Express journalist Anika Gumbs that he made inappropriate statements to her at three meetings she had with him in January and April this year at his home and Port-of-Spain office.

She alleged in one meeting at his home he was bareback and asked her if she would like him to be her bodyguard outside her bedroom door.

He also allegedly touched her back and asked about a tattoo she had there and in another meeting told her she was looking rosy, she said.

Rowley’s charge that the Government was paying people to lie about him was made at the announcement of the PNM’s two Tobago candidates, Shamfa Cudjoe and Ayanna Webster-Roy, in Market Square, Scarborough, last evening.

He was addressing a crowd of PNM supporters.

On the issue of the threat on his life, he said for the first time in his 30 years in

politics he felt afraid for his life at a political meeting recently.

He said it is the first time an opposition leader is attacked so much by a government.

PNM PRO Faris Al-Rawi has claimed that there is confirmation of a paid hit on Rowley’s life.

National Security Minister Carl Alfonso, however, has denied knowledge of this.

Alfonso said while the matter may have reached the Commissioner of Police the information has not been forwarded to him.

Rowley also responded to criticisms from other political parties in Tobago that the PNM selected “two little girls” as candidates in the general election.

He described them as “stout and strong lieutenants” who will win Tobago East and Tobago West.

Rowley said no political party will be going into government without these two seats and told Tobagonians they will decide who wins. He also dismissed all other political parties contesting the two Tobago seats, barring the Hochoy Charles-led Platform of Truth, as “UNC parties.”

The other two political entities are

the Tobago Forwards, led by former Minister of Tobago Development, Delmond Baker, and the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP).

Baker broke away from the TOP and formed the Tobago Forwards.

The TOP, part of the People’s Partnership coalition government, is led by Ashworth Jack. Rowley’s charge was supported

by Webster-Roy, the PNM’s Tobago East candidate, in her address.

She warned Tobagonians that all political parties campaigning in the island, apart from the PNM, are agents of the UNC. Whatever their symbol, jersey colour, whoever they say is funding their campaign and how independent they say they are, they are all UNC agents, she said.

Webster-Roy said she can say that without fear of contradiction.

Tobago Chief Secretary, Orville London also endorsed the claims.

He said the UNC is marketing itself in Trinidad under “Kamla” and in Tobago under the Tobago Forwards and the TOP. “You’ve got to see behind the subterfuge,” he said in his address.

Rowley spent a large part of his speech listing his plans for T&T as a whole.

As for Tobago, he promised as soon

as he is prime minister, he will put the necessary legislative arrangements in place to ensure Tobago is given maximum autonomy in managing its own affairs while remaining a part of the state of T&T. Giving an example of how he will cut out corruption and waste, he said as soon as he gets in government, he will instruct his attorney general to discontinue the Government’s appeal of the case involving former Strategic Services Agency member Nigel Clement.

Clement won the case for wrongful dismissal. Rowley said to save money being paid to lawyers he will withdraw the State’s appeal and let the parties settle the matter out of court.

As for the UNC’s email and telephone campaign, he said the party was “provoking” citizens.

Answering the question of how the UNC got people’s cell phone numbers and email addresses, he claimed the same people they were paying millions to develop the National Health Card were the same ones running the campaign.

- Trinidad Guardian

Federation blasts INDECOM, rights group, politicians, at slain copʼs funeral JAMAICA -- Police Federation Chairman Sergeant Raymond Wilson, Monday, spared no punches as he slammed rights groups and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), the system of garrison politics, and the financiers of criminals, whom he said were all responsible for the death of Woman Constable Crystal Thomas, who was murdered in Kingston while heading home on a bus, last month.

Wilson appeared to slight minister with responsibility for the public sector, Horace Dalley, during his scathing address at the funeral service for Thomas, which was held at Ebenezer Fellowship Church of God Seventh-day in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Bunting -- who sat between Commissioner of Police Dr Carl Williams and Opposition spokesman on security Derrick Smith -- appeared uneasy as Wilson delivered the barbs to the encouragement of mourners inside the crammed church.

A hush fell as Wilson recounted a conversation with Dalley prior to Thomas’s death about the provision of transportation for Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) members who work late at nights.

Wilson said he asked Dalley, during

a negotiation, if he was waiting for a police officer to be murdered while using the public transportation system before a bus is made available to take them home after work.

He said the minister’s response was that no money was available to fulfil that request.

“That is what the value of the life of a police officer is,” Wilson told mourners in his no-holds-barred address.

The outspoken Wilson said that for too long administrators have been giving police “basket to carry water” and it should now stop as he called for the support of the wider society.

Prior to Wilson’s address, Smith called on Bunting to make the provision of transportation for police officers who work late -- especially female cops -- a reality.

However, Bunting, who spoke after Smith, but before Wilson, stayed clear of the transportation issue.

To wild cheers, Wilson made a spirited call for Thomas to be posthumously awarded the medal of gallantry, saying she died fighting for her life and the lives of the passengers on the bus she was on.

Thomas was gunned down on

Spanish Town Road, in Kingston, on July 14, while making her way home.

Twenty-nine-year-old Marlon Cherrington, otherwise called Kemar Anderson, of Kidd Lane, Kingston 11, was held a day after the murder. He, however, died two Fridays ago, days after being assaulted at the Hunts Bay police lock-up, where he was being held. The police commissioner has ordered a probe into Cherrington’s death.

Twenty-four-year-old Thomas had been a member of the constabulary for four years.

Monday, the large church couldn’t contain the huge crowd that turned out to bid farewell to Thomas. A dry eye was difficult to spot among mourners, many of whom had to settle for standing on the outside.

As the flag-draped casket was carried in, Thomas’s mother, Jacqueline Brown, broke out in uncontrollable wailing, and repeatedly called out her deceased daughter’s name. Attempts by a member of the JCF and relatives to comfort her seemed futile.

During a tribute by Thomas’s 119 batchmates, a male member had to be escorted from the podium as he buckled under the weight of his grief and sat heavy on the floor,

weeping.

Wilson too appeared to have been crying and had to be comforted by a member of the Police Federation following his address.

During his presentation, Wilson asked what right does a gunman have to determine that a police officer or a law-abiding civilian should die. He asked what gave criminals “more right to life” than a police officer or “law-abiding citizens of this country”.

Thomas, he said, was killed by gunmen who knew that the laws were in their favour as opposed to police officers conducting their lawful duties. He noted that the policewoman was killed by criminals who knew that special interest groups would lobby on their behalf, while police officers had to finance their legal defence.

Bunting had said earlier the outpouring of grief since the tragic killing was an indication that a “true hero had been struck down”.

- Jamaica Observer

PAGE 10

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Experience Rastafarian culture at Rastafest 2015 Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter The Upfront Theatre Foundation, presents this years annual Rastafest, on Saturday, August 22nd at Downsview Park in Toronto, showcasing the different talents and Rastafarian cultures. Rastafest is a versatile festival showcasing the different qualities of the Rastafarian culture. The festival draws from the rich and diverse Rastafarian lifestyle and history. Every year Rastafest hosts the different talents and Rastafarian cultures that strengthen the diversity within the African Caribbean Canadian community.

In addition to Rastafest, the Rastafari film and music festival will be happening this summer in Toronto, kicking off with party August Daniels a hu huge ge llaunch aunc au nchh pa part rtyy on Aug ugus ust 18 18th th aatt Da Daniel elss

Spectrum. A screening of renowned documentary ‘Awake Zion’ by Monica Haim will grace Carlton Cinema from August 19th- August 21st. ‘Awake Zion’ is a documentary that investigates the unsuspecting connections between Rasta, Reggae and Judaism, through one woman’s adventure into the meaning of identity. After the launch, Rastafest will be holding Canada’s first film festival that showcases films about Rastafarian culture and Reggae music around the world.

Rastafest has attracted over 10,000 people annually since 2006 and they have taken strides to put on a memorable event in order to produce a larger crowd every year. Our commitment to keeping our patrons entertained and educated contributes to our continuous growth.

Although Rastafarian culture is generally overlooked, the world needs to be more exposed to the beautiful lifestyle that Rastafarianism encompasses. Through film, music and ital food, those that attend Rastafest will experience a day of entertainment and fun. There will be all different kinds of ital food, snacks and artwork sold at the event for patrons to purchase.

The festival is produced by Upfront Theatre Foundation, a non-profit, social justice and community organization and promoted

by Masani Productions. Rastafest is not only

created for entertainment, but ensures fun and excitement for the entire family but it also provides an opportunity for networking amongst small business entrepreneurs at the Kijiji Market Place. Rastafest is a unique festival: while entertaining, it also carries an educational focus. An information booth is set up at the writers’ corner where patrons can educate themselves about the Rastafarian lifestyle through the interpretations of Rastafarian writers and the screenings of Rastafarian films and videos. Special emphasis is placed on children and youth as active participants at the festival and so various activities are staged in the daytime for them during the Flex Zone. The day’s events are not something to be missed and so the festival can also be found online streamed live via www.flexradio.net The 14th Annual RASTAFEST arts and cultural event features reggae artists from North America and the Caribbean. Some of those artists include Johnny Clarke, Warrior King, Blakka Ellis, Carol Brown, Ishacure, Shulle By, Rasanaii, Kandice K*A*S*H, BoBo Shanti Drummers and Jawara Ellis.

For more information about the festival and the organization, please visit our websites www.rastafest.com and www.upfrontt. com.

$1.9 billion for housing development GUYANA -- The Government has set aside an amount of $1.9 B in the 2015 National Budget to facilitate its vision of “a nation housed in cohesive and sustainable communities,” Finance Minister Winston Jordan says. Minister Jordan, presenting the 2015 National Budget to the National Assembly Monday, noted that the allocation will provide opportunities for all Guyanese to improve their quality of life by owning their own homes. “The discriminatory allocation of prime high-income house lots, at bargain basement prices, to favoured friends and family, is over,” he told the House.

Minister Jordan said, “No longer will people suffer exploitation from the guardians of our housing sector and our housing stock. No longer will communities be set up without adequate infrastructure, essential support facilities and amenities to facilitate easy living and orderly develop-

ment.”

According to Minister Jordan, the new Government will instead embark on a comprehensive layout of community planning and design, community infrastructure development, land divestment and squatter regularisation. He said that in this holistic approach, all Guyanese will have access to serviced lots and housing. He said that Government intends to pursue a number of financing options to realise these objectives.

Further, he stated that Government will aim to regularise squatter households and will improve the availability and quality of housing in the hinterland communities.

Minister Jordan also noted that Government is in the process of reviewing and preparing urban development plans for new towns, and that these four existing communities, namely Bartica, Lethem, Mahdia and Mabaruma,will become townships before the end of 2016.

Minister Jordan explained too that the Government will commence the planning phase for the establishment of a new, cohesive community and the consolidation of the 1,000 homes project at Perseverance on the East Bank Demerara, and additionally will focus on the construction of the fifth batch of fifty two-bedroom houses at Perseverance.

Further, a total of two hundred serviced lots will be allocated at Diamond/Grove, Farm, Covent Garden, Herstelling and Providence, he said.

Of the $1.9 billion provided for housing development, $1.6 billion has been allocated to continue infrastructure works, including roads, drains and structures, in housing areas such as Providence, Farm, Little and Great Diamond, Eccles, Sophia, Adelphi, Bloomfield and Cumberland.

- Guyana Chronicle

Ramesar happy cops getting new guns... Long overdue TRINIDAD -- The T&T Police Service (TTPS) has signed a multi-million dollar deal with a firm to equip all police officers with some of the latest and hi-tech guns to even the playing field against the criminal element.

Two of the main guns to be purchased include the SIG PRO and the SIG Sauer P226 Pistol. The latter—SIG Sauer P226 Pistol—will be assigned to every “ordinary” police officer in the TTPS, while the SIG PRO will be assigned to officers in the Special Branch Unit, the T&T Guardian has been told.

According to a source who wished not to be identified, the new guns will replace the present ones being used in the service, which include the Smith and Wesson and M&P 9mm, which is similar to the Glock pistol.

The source added that Special Branch had already been issued with the new SIG PRO firearms.

“That particular weapon is used by counter-terrorism specialist firearms officers, hence the reason it was assigned to the Special Branch Unit,” the source said.

Contacted for comment on the matter Monday, Social and Welfare Association

president Anand Ramesar said the acquisition of new guns for officers was long overdue.

“The association has been clamoring for this change long time now and I am giving my total endorsement and support to the Commissioner of Police on this move,” Ramesar said.

Ramesar said he was part of a team that attended a demonstration and exhibition on the use of the guns last month.

“I believe it was from there everything may have happened. The firearms we have now are very much outdated and what you find is that when it goes defective it has to remain defective because the parts of the firearms are not accessible,” he added.

Ramesar said some of the guns being used by the TTPS date as far back as the early 1970s.

“These new firearms appear to be superior to what we have now but in the long term the cost of it will be worth it,” he said.

Asked if there were any concerns about the disposal of the firearms which will be replaced, Ramesar replied: “There are no concerns because we believe that there are sufficient mechanisms in place to discard our firearms.”

Asked if there were concerns that the “old” firearms would end up on the streets and in the hands of gang members, he replied: “We are not concerned of this either because we never had a problem with our firearms ending up in the wrong hands out there. They all will be destroyed properly.”

Contacted Monday, acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams laughed as he said: “I cannot comment on such information for the public out there.”

However, Minister of National Security Carl Alfonso said purchasing the new guns was deemed necessary to enhance the service.

“It is all for obvious reasons... new assets, whether it be arms and vehicles, it is all in the effort to enhance the TTPS,” Alfonso said.

He pledged his continued support to the TTPS and promised if given a second term in office he would ensure his ministry gave whatever was needed to the TTPS. “Whatever they think they need or want to improve the service they will have my full support,” he said.

- Trinidad Guardian

PAGE 12

travel

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

When you think it canʼt be done - Think short getaway Micca Vanvield

micca@carib101.com

Travel Specialist We have all been there. Being so busy with our everyday lives that we get caught up in a false sense of reality. We get so comfortable in our relationships that we start to feel that a break isn’t needed. Gone should be the days when as couples we say to ourselves that we just can’t afford it. There are so many creative ways that we can ensure that the spark never dies and sometimes all it takes is an impromptu getaway. When we think couples travel, we think travel for special occasions like anniversaries, honeymoons, birthdays, etc. As a society that has become comfortable with the norm we rarely think about stepping outside of the box and creating a new sense of adventure in relationships. One of the best ways to do that is with travel.

In one of our preceding articles, we shared with you a few local destinations and places to visit that would aid in retuning that spark to our lives, especially our relationships as a couple. Here are a few weekend getaway ideas that would satisfy that need to actually get on a plane like some of us have.

New York City – Probably one of my favourite short getaway destinations to visit as a couple would be New York

City, the city that never sleeps. Approximately an hour and a half by plane (or you can choose to economize and drive, take the train, or bus, but do keep in mind that this will eat into your weekend). New York City has an array of activities to offer to its visitors, however some of my favourite would be a romantic picnic in Central Park followed by a walk through the park, or even arranging for a weekend cruise on a major cruise line that sails directly from Manhattan.

Chicago – Again, just a short flight away, we can definitely take a break from one metropolis. Though we may be entering into another, Chicago has a fantastic variety when it comes to hidden gems. Definitely check out some of the famous restaurants while taking the stroll of Michigan Avenue or even dining by the water and over looking Navy Pier.

However one of my favourite weekend past times in Chicago is the connection that can be made with your partner while strolling through the streets of Chi Town while taking in the beautiful pieces of art through the city.

Nassau – If rest and relaxation is what you are looking for in a short getaway then Nassau should definitely be on your list. From the baby powder white sand beaches to impeccable cuisine, Nassau offers peace and serenity all wrapped up in three or four days. You can choose to do the All Inclusive where you can have absolutely everything taken care of for you, or you can opt to rent a house on the beach. If you choose to have a little more seclusion opt for a short flight or

boat ride to one of the surrounding Bahamian Islands like Bimini, Exumas or Paradise Island, just to name a few.

Montego Bay – Though Jamaica is a four hour flight away, a trip to Jamaica can definitely be the much needed treat.

The best thing to do for a short getaway is to fly direct to Montego Bay and stay in local accommodations. This will eliminate a long drive to your accommodation that will eat into your trip. You can choose to do an All Inclusive which are mainly located within fifteen minutes from the airport or you can choose to bask in local hospitality and stay in a villa or guest house. Either option could provide you with great food, fantastic beaches and amazing local experiences from dining out to adventure.

These are just a few of my short getaway ideas that can provide that much needed break in our everyday lives and help to rekindle that spark in our relationships.

You don’t have to wait for an anniversary, birthday or honeymoon. These can be great ideas or simply just because. We tend to forget about the importance of why our relationships started. It was the mutual interest that we had in each other.

As time goes by we get comfortable with life and situations and loose site of the two most important people in a relationship, each other. Travel may not always be the only answer, however it can always help to bring the focus back on the couple and one of the best ways to do that is to take a detour from our norm with a weekend couples getaway.

entertainment

PAGE 14

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

5 ways Rihanna has made CropOver sexier than ever Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment They’ll be heading to Barbados in droves next year. The tourists that is. Rest assured.

Already, online blogs are being showered with comments by foreigners who’ve seen photos of Bad Gyal RiRi on social media and otherwise, and they’ve begun planning, tagging friends with comments that suggest that now, more than ever, they need to make

their bookings. Barbados’ CropOver is about to EXPLODE! Trust us!

Rihanna is the epitome of sexual heat, so her presence at the annual festival is by no means a negative for the event. It’s the greatest thing that could’ve happened for CropOver and it’s certainly been a strategic move by the island’s tourism thinkers.

Rihanna’s also upped the anti on her down home, down to earth scale, showing this year, that despite being a mega pop star of international proportions, she can chill in the most laid back of settings, with a touch of humility that’s just awesomely refreshing.

Now, here’s five reasons why Rihanna has catapulted CropOver to becoming a MUST ATTEND global event: 1.

She’s shown that CropOver makes you

2.

3.

4.

smile and exude happiness, even in the scorching Caribbean sun.

With Formula One race car driver, Lewis Hamilton spotted with the “BBHMM” singer during Cropover, RiRi’s shown that the festival just might be a perfect option when it comes to getting to know a prospective beau.

Rihanna’s toned bod and the costume she donned has made everyone wanna wear one! Now, considering that she wore hers in her homeland, likelihood is, most will head there next year to strut their stuff in the Kadooment jam!

She exuded awesomeness at the 1Love fete prior to the parade, stealing the spotlight from Soca king, Machel Montano for a bit as she broke into her “BBHMB” hit on stage. She wasn’t carded to perform. That provokes the thought that

5.

just maybe, CropOver could be more than just a soca show for those who choose to attend. The likelihood of this happening again is certainly strong!

Finally, Rihanna has showed off Barbados as a humble and quaint destination spot that has a rustic and untouched beauty that distinguishes it from other Carnival destinations. How? Well, check out her IG and you’ll see pics of her in a house, swaddling a crying baby.

The island girl is caught in a seemingly unguarded moment in a kitchen area where the old time elements of Caribbean living is brought to life again. Where she was exactly, we don’t know. But all is all, it was the perfect image to let the world know that she loves being home and “home” is a great place to be!

- EtceteraBuzz

The Taipan makes it epic, Anya rocks the red, white and black and Destra goes undercover in TDot! Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment August long weekend was certainly overflowing with Caribbean splendor and pride.

In Toronto, the Caribana festival was the talk of the town and of course, among the stars present was none other than the Taipan of Soca himself, Machel Montano. Parading the streets with his Epic ladies, all part and parcel of the Saldenah mas band, Montano seemed to have had a great time in Tdot.

Making a huge impression on us here at Etceterabuzz was former Ms. World T&T representative and fashion designer, Anya Ayoung-Chee who showed the masqueraders and Toronto folk just where her heart lies. She was photographed holding her

oversized Trini flag up high in Tdot.

Also checking in from Toronto this past weekend was Destra Garcia who told fans that she’d taken her baby girl, Xaiya along for the ride. She even went shopping in an undercover kinda outfit, donning a floppy hat and a dress that covered all the assets, no doubt.

Lyrikal, another artiste who’s been having a phenomenal post T&T carnival run, also made the trip to Caribana and was photographed on the road with friends, inclusive of which was radio personality and artiste,

Jahmoun Mendoza. Likewise, Kees Dieffenthaller was in the mix, sharing his infectious smile and Caribbean finesse throughout the street parade on the weekend.

The energy of soca continues to penetrate North American markets and with every move made by the soca aficionados to promote their distinctive brands of the genre, we’re watching and enjoying and we hope you are too!

- EtceteraBuzz

PAGE 16

insight

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Persuasive Development Disorders Autism; it cannot be ignored!

Simone Smith

simone@carib101.com

A Better Tomorrow The one thing that I want to continue to do for my readers is provide them with information that is going to make life easier for them and their family members. I will be introducing a series concerning an issue that is beginning to surface in the African and West Indian communities. This issue is either ignored or hidden, and now is the time that it is brought to light. Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders that are characterized by delays in the development of social and communication skills. One of the most prevalent diagnoses of PDD is a disorder known as Autism. Until recently, I was unaware of how prevalent this disorder was.

Mark Blaxill wrote an article for “Age of Autism. Daily Web Newspaper of the Autism Epidemic,” called, “Out of Africa and into Autism; More Evidence illuminates the Somali Anomaly in Minnesota.” In this article he highlights the evolving Somali experience; first with their rising awareness of autism, as more and more cases of autism are diagnosed throughout the Somali community. He notes that there is an organized denial by public health authorities of both the rising numbers and the obvious potential causes.

There are some facts that need to be noted.

1.

2.

3.

Autism has always been rare in Africa.

The rates have been so low that it surprised researchers at the high rates here in North America.

Most Autism in Africa occurred in families that have access to Western health services.

Among Africans who migrate to Western countries, Autism rates are high and continue to rise. Coincidently (and I use this word lightly), these immigrants usually face unusual risk of over vaccination.

Research was done in nine cities in six African Countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa) in search for as many Autism cases that could be found. 1,300 mentally handicapped children were screened over a two year period.

The results were surprising; only nine of the 1,312 mentally handicapped children he saw in nine cities were Autistic. That equates to 1 in 145 children in the entire American population. So, Autism was confirmed in Africa,

but not at the extent as it is seen in North America. From this study, it was inferred that the low rates of Autism in Africa, were due to the fact that many of the children were not exposed to child vaccination as they are here in North America.

There has been other research conducted on the rise of autism cases in Canada. On May 2, 2013, CTV News did a story focusing on the rise of autism cases in Canada. They provided some research of their own: 1.

2.

3.

Genes could possibly be a factor. It was found that if one identical twin had Autism, there was an increased risk that the other would as well. The risk was seen as less for non-identical twins and other siblings.

There seemed to be a greater risk if a child had other medical conditions. According to Center of Disease Control, about ten percent of children who were diagnosed with Autism also had a genetic, neurological or metabolic disorder.

Babies who were born either extremely overweight or underweight were at a higher risk of being diagnosed with Autism.

So what does this all mean? It means that we have an issue that has been identified, and it is our job as a community to assist families who have children or young adults who are dealing with this disorder. I will be running a series on Autism which will cover the following topics: Understanding Behavior, Developing Communication Skills, Teaching Play and Social Skills, Toilet Training, Reinforcement, Teaching Social Communication, Learning How to Play and Playing to Learn, One Bite at a Time, Steps Towards Positive Change and finally Introduction to Applied Behavioral Analysis.

The majority of my data will come from a workshop that I am currently taken, that is being put on by Erin Oaks Kids, a center dedicated to the treatment and development of children diagnosed with Autism.

It is a ten week workshop that has cycles occurring during the summer and fall months.

More information can be found on their website, but I am going to do my best to shed as much light on this topic as I can.

This is the amazing thing about learning, just when you think that you can‘t learn anymore, you learn something new.

One thing that I hope to accomplish is to open the communities’ eyes to the seriousness of Pervasive Development Disorders.

These disorders cannot be ignored or denied any longer. It is affecting our children, which in turn affects our families and finally affects the community. Let us continue to learn together and grow with each other. Have a great couple of weeks and I look forward to sharing more with you.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

sports

PAGE 19

Divas cruise - ease to victory over Guyana in Super 50 TRINIDAD -- The T&T Red Force Divas, led by Amanda Samaroo, took full advantage of the sunny skies, as they defeated Guyana by six wickets in round three of the West Indies Women’s Super50 Championships at Caldrac Ground in Couva, Monday. The weather was unfair to the T&T Women on Saturday as they were well set to defeat the Windward Islands North before rain ended the match.

Karishma Ramharack (8/23) starred with the ball for T&T in round one against the Windward Islands South, while Stephanie Ramcharan (5/9) was the top wicket taker in round two. The wickets were evenly distributed by T&T on this occasion, as four players were among the wickets to help reduce Guyana to 101/8 batting first.

Spin bowler Ramharack grabbed 2/14 in ten overs which included three maidens. The petite Felicia Walters, who scored an unbeaten 42 in round one, snatched 2/22 in ten overs.

It was a struggle for the Guyanese batters as only one four was struck in the entire innings. The slow outfield did not help as mostly singles and twos were up for grabs. West Indies Women’s player Shemaine Campbelle top scored with 25, but her innings took

85 balls. Melanie Henry was the only other batswoman to get into double figures pitching in with 21 off 93 deliveries.

Right-handed Samaroo in her first innings of the tournament, scored a composed 32 to guide T&T to 107/4 in 30 overs to seal a comfortable win.

Samaroo struck two fours in her 75ball knock.

After Walters (3) was caught chasing a delivery down the leg side which struck the back of the bat and bubbled to first slip, Samaroo and Shenelle Lord (10) steadied the innings in a watchful partnership of 39 runs.

However, the pair was not decisive in their running between the wickets, and it brought the end of Lord. Diving full stretch to make her ground, Lord failed to beat the throw from the deep as she was dismissed with the score on 53.

After Samaroo fell caught and bowl to Plaffiana Millington, the West Indies Women’s duo of Merissa Aguilleira and Stacy-Ann King seemed to be taking T&T to the target. However, Aguilleira was bowled by Millington for 14 as T&T was reduced to 87/4.

Lee Ann Kirby joined King and the former showed her intent, cracking a six over mid-wicket.

King finished off the match with a straight six to end unbeaten on

16, while Kirby closed on nine not out.

T&T got four points for the win and a bonus point after chasing down the total in 40 overs or less.

Scoreboard Red Force Divas v Guyana Guyana inns L Toussaint b S King 7 M Henry run out (S King) 21 K Mentore c A Mohammed b K Ramharack 3 S Campbelle c B Cooper b K Ramharack 25 T Smartt c L Kirby b F Walters 7 K Yadram c K Alexander b F Walters 7 A Thompson run out (S Ramcharan) 5 S Munroe c K Ramharack b A Mohammed 3 M Mangru not out 1 P Millington not out 3 Extras (3b, 15w, 1nb) 19 Total (for 8 wkts) 101 FOW: 1-28, 2-37, 3-59, 4-71, 5-80, 6-91, 7-9, 8-97 Bowling: S Ramcharan 10-1-19-0, K Alexander 6-0-13-0, F Walters 101-22-2, S King 4-2-6-1 K Ramharack 10-3-14-2, A Mohammed 10-0-24-1

F Walters c S Campbelle b E Giddings 3 S Lord run out (L Toussaint) 10 M Aguilleira b P Millington 14 S King not out 16 L Kirby not out 9 Extras (1b, 1lb, 20w, 1nb) 23 Total (for four wkts) 107 FOW: 1-14, 2-53, 3-66, 4-87 Bowling: E Giddings 5-0-15-1, T Smartt 5-0-18-0, S Munroe 8-0-19-0, P Millington 10-2-41-2, M Mangru 2-0-12-0 Man of the Match: Amanda Samaroo Other Scores: At Gilbert Park: Jamaica 148 (47 overs) (Vanessa Watts 28, Chedean Nation 28, Krisani Irish 4/30) vs Windward Islands North 32 (16.5 overs) (Stafanie Taylor 3/4, Watts 4/10) Jamaica won by 116 runs At National Cricket Centre: Barbados 212/8 (Kyshona Knight 42, Kycia Knight 36, Stacy Ann Adams 2/39, Cordel Jack 2/35, Shavorne Clarke 2/47) vs Windward Islands South 110/9 (Jack 29 not out, Shakera Selman 3/16, Keliah Elliot 2/25) Barbados won by 102 runs - Trinidad Guardian

T&T Red Force Divas inns A Samaroo c and b P Millington 32

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sports

Toronto Caribbean | www.toronto www.torontocaribbean.com tto ocari cca ari ribb bbean ean. ea n.cco om | W Wednesday, We ed dn nes sd da ay, August 12, 2015

WICB summons Ramdin for talks TRINIDAD -- The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has summoned Test captain Denesh Ramdin to a meeting in Barbados tomorrow. The wicketkeeper/batsman will leave today to attend the meeting where he will meet with members of the WICB, as well as the management of the team.

It is unclear as to what the exact nature of the meeting will be but information reaching the T&T Guardian is that a lot will surround planning for the West Indies next Test tour which is against Sri Lanka in October/November this year.

Recently it was reported that Ramdin was left out of the West Indies team for a proposed tour of Zimbabwe which never materialised. There was no official word from the WICB on the matter but a CMC report later suggested that he was included on the original team.

This point is sure to come up during the meeting as Ramdin will want clarification as to where he sits in terms of the ODI format. The Trinidadian who captained the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the recently concluded Hero Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament is a key cog in the West Indies wheel, as he plays all three formats.

The West Indies will play two

Tests, three ODIs and two T20 matches on their tour of Sri Lanka and Ramdin is expected to play a key role in all three formats.

The 30-year old Ramdin has so far played 69 Test matches for the West Indies, scoring 2707 runs at an average of 26.28 and a highest score of 166. He has scored four centuries and 14 half centuries.

He has also appeared in 127 limited overs matches netting 1911 runs at an average of 24.81.

He has two centuries and seven half centuries with his best effort being 169 against Bangladesh last year at Warner Park in St. Kitts. In T20s he has played 51 matches, getting 351 runs at an average of 15.26, with 55 not out his best effort.

- Trinidad Guardian

STREET FESTIVAL

PAGE 24

food

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Coconut curry oxtails in the oven Chris De La Rosa chris@carib101.com

Caribbean Cooking As a new immigrant to Canada, I remember the days when oxtails were just about the cheapest cut of meat you could get at the grocery store / butcher (they were practically giving the stuff away). Along with liver, gizzards, trotters, chicken feet, snouts and other parts of meats which were considered undesirable by the major part of the buying public, we reveled in the prices. In the Caribbean nothing goes to waste, so what most people refused to use, we had already perfected recipes which brought out the natural goodness of these cuts.

Today, with oxtails hovering between $8 and $11 a pound, its now become something you buy for a special occasion or when you have a serious craving.. as in this case with me today!

Note No te: e: We’ll We’ e’lll sstart tart ta rt tthis his of his hi ooff ff on o tthe he sstove he tovee ttop, tove to op, th then e en Note: finish it slowly in the oven so it’s important that you use an oven-proof pot. You can use the same technique to start it as I did, then finish it in a slow cooker if you wish. You may need to adjust the cooking time (a bit longer) You’ll Need: 2-3 lbs oxtails (trimmed / washed / dry) 2 tablespoon veg oil 4 cloves garlic (crushed) 1/2 medium onion (diced) 1 1/2 tablespoon curry powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon chopped shado beni aka culantro (or cilantro) 3 scallions (chopped) 4 sprigs thyme 3 wiri wiri peppers (1/2 scotch bonnet – no seeds) 1 medium tomato (diced) 3 cups coconut milk 3/4 teaspoon salt If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the entire list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs – especially the curry powder which can contain flour as a filler.

Heat the veg oil in an oven-proof pot

(witth li (wit lid) d)) oon n lo llow ow heat hheat, eatt, th then hen aadd dd tthe dd he ccrushed he rushhed d (with garlic and diced onion. Cook on low for about 3-4 minutes. Then go in with your favorite curry powder (I like the Madras blends you get out of the Caribbean). Heat still on low, toast the curry powder to release the aroma of all the spices which make up the curry powder and to cook-off the sort of ‘raw’ curry taste.

This will take about 3-5 minutes.

Now add the trimmed (please try to cut off as much of the fat off the oxtail) pieces of oxtails into the pot and stir. The idea is to coat the pieces with the lovely curry base we created.

Basically all you have to do next, is add all the other ingredients, turn the heat up and bring it to a boil If we bring it to a boil, it will start cooking much faster in the oven. Set your oven to 375F. Place the lid on the pot and on the middle rack in your oven. Now here is where you get to personalize it a few ways. Depending on how old the animal was the tails came from, it will determine how long it will take to cook. On average, to get fall-off-the-bones tender (like I like) it will range between 2 and 3 hours. I lucked out and 2.5 hrs later it was just perfect. Near the end of cooking, taste for salt and adjust accordingly, as your tolerance for salt will be different than mine. And the

thiird th rd way way to to ppersonalize es er third this depends on how thick you want your gravy. If you find that the meat is tender but your gravy is thin.. remove the lid and crank up the heat a bit or simple place the pot back on the stove top and reduce the liquid that way.

If you want to stretch this dish a bit, you can add some potato and carrots the final hour of cooking.. but I’ll recommend starting off with a bit more curry powder and you’ll need to adjust the salt and cooking liquid (coconut milk) as well.

I finished it off with some fresh chopped herbs (parsley/ cilantro) as I took it out of the oven! Optional, so I didn’t mention it in the list of ingredients.

Tip: Since oxtails can be very fatty and the fact that we started off with veg oil, after about 2 hours of cooking you can skim-off the fat at the surface of the pot and discard (NOT down your sink). The last thing you need is additional grease in your diet.

body & soul

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 25

Meditation - Am I doint it right?

Meditation is not something that you do. It is a merging of consciousness and form.

Closing your eyes and focusing on your breath is not meditation.

Meditation is a merging of awareness of the meditator and the object of meditation. Uniting with the universal consciousness—The Mother, God, Spirit, whatever name you would like to give—is the state of meditation.

Even by talking about meditation we cannot understand, nor can we analyze meditation to get us any closer to the experience. This state, however, can be experienced in infinite ways. Some people connect through rock climbing, scuba diving, writing, dancing, looking at the ocean, or being with their child.

There is no right or wrong way to be.

The biggest meditation misconception I have spent years sitting down cross-legged on the floor, focusing on my breath, sometimes very agitated with my “monkey mind” jumping here, there, and everywhere; and sometimes slipping into a state of extreme peace and stillness, feeling the pulse of the universe.

Years ago, I went to a 10-day silent meditation retreat. Was I ecstatic, levitating, and communing with God? No, it was grueling. My knees hurt, my back ached, and I couldn’t wait for meal times.

What I did learn was how much my ego or personality wasted energy through mindless talk and habitual responses to people. I saw the juxtaposition between being silent and not looking at another human being for 10 days and how connected and loved I felt, as opposed to being in the busy city see-

ing many people and feeling so alone.

Sitting still, we are able to observe the tendencies and craziness of the mind and therefore gain some perspective that our thoughts are, in fact, separate from who we are.

Who are we?

But if we are not our thoughts or even our emotions, then who are we?

This is a question humans have been asking themselves since time immemorial and one that we must continue to ask.

Life feels so personal. Me—my— mine! We connect and cling to our thoughts and emotions as though they are real. Yet how can something be so real when it is constantly changing? If you are your thoughts, then what were you thinking last Thursday at 2:15 p.m.?

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Sitting down to meditate is using the tool of stilling the body along with a technique to train ourselves to let go of the strong attachments and identification with the idea of who we are, if only for a few minutes.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health news

PAGE 27

Marijuana helps heal broken bones, and even makes them stronger, scientists discover A marijuana chemical known as cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) helps fractures heal faster and even make the bones stronger than they were before, according to a study conducted by researchers from Tel Aviv University and Hebrew University and published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

CBD has no psychotropic effects.

“We found that CBD alone makes bones stronger during healing, enhancing the maturation of the collagenous matrix, which provides the basis for new mineralization of bone tissue,” researcher Yankel Gabet said.

“After being treated with CBD, the healed bone will be harder to break in the future.”

Bones contain cannabinoid receptors The researchers inflicted mild femoral fractures on rats, then injected some of them with CBD, and others with CBD plus tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the ingredient that causes the marijuana high). They then evaluated the healing of the rats, comparing them with rats who had not received any marijuana chemicals.

The researchers found that rats injected with CBD had the same effect whether or not it was accompanied by THC. “We found CBD alone to be sufficiently effective in enhancing fracture healing,” Gabet said.

“Other studies have also shown CBD to be a safe agent, which leads us to believe we should continue this line of study in clinical trials to assess its usefulness in improving human fracture healing.”

The study supported the same team’s prior findings that the body contains receptors that respond to cannabinoid compounds, and that these receptors are not confined to the brain.

“We only respond to cannabis because we are built with intrinsic compounds and receptors that can also be activated by compounds in the cannabis plant,” Gabet said.

The prior study found that the skeleton contains cannabinoid receptors that stimulate bone formation and inhibit bone loss. The new study seems to confirm these findings.

Medical marijuana benefits “undeniable” The study is part of a growing body of research into the medical benefits of marijuana compounds, including CBD. The findings may lead to new research into ways that marijuana could be used to treat osteoporosis or other bone diseases.

“The clinical potential of cannabinoid-related compounds is simply undeniable at this point,” Gabet said.

“While there is still a lot of work to be done to develop appropriate therapies, it is clear that it is possible to detach a clinical therapy objective from the psychoactivity of cannabis. CBD, the principal agent in our study, is primarily anti-inflammatory and has no psychoactivity.”

The list of benefits to medical marijuana continues to grow. It is currently used primarily for chronic pain, to reduce side effects of chemotherapy and to improve appetite in AIDS patients. It has also shown promise in regulating blood sugar and slowing the progression of HIV. It is also being researched as a treatment for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Studies have shown that CBD suppresses seizures, stops the mestastasis of many aggressive cancers and may even kill leukemia cells.

A 2013 study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD was just as effective as a popular antipsychotic drug in the treatment of schizophrenia and paranoia, but without the dangerous side effects. Other studies have confirmed the effectiveness of CBD as a safe antipsychotic.

Although marijuana remains technically illegal under U.S. federal law, it is legal to use CBD for research or for limited medical functions in 17 U.S. states. The medical use of marijuana itself is legal in 23 other states.

The federal government still classifies marijuana as having “no currently accepted medical use.” Yet even this may be starting to change. The FDA recently approved CBD extracts as an experimental treatment for Dravet syndrome, a rare form of childhood epilepsy. Preliminary clinical trials are now going forward.

- Natural News

Six common habits that seriously damage your kidneys Kidneys are not a part of the body that many people think about – until something goes wrong with them! But if a kidney infection or kidney stone develops, it quickly becomes apparent that these small organs located in the lower back are incredibly important for the health of the whole body. Their main function is to detoxify the blood, removing waste products from it constantly and ensuring that these wastes are removed from the body during urination. Infections or stones can seriously impair kidney function and can lead to pain, water weight gain and other unpleasant symptoms. That is why taking care of the kidneys is so important. Unfortunately, there are many everyday habits that people practice and do not even think about that, over time, can seriously damage kidney health – and thus the health of the whole body.

Chronic dehydration Chronic dehydration – in other words, going without enough water to drink day after day – is one of the worst things that people can do to their kidneys. This is because kidneys need plenty of water to cleanse them and remove impurities that can cause damage or infections. Pushing fluids, on the other hand, is one of the best ways to promote good kidney function.

Excessive salt consumption Some sodium is okay – the body needs it in the same way it needs calcium or potassium.

However, the American diet is especially incredibly high in sodium. This excessive sodium consumption raises blood pressure, and high blood pressure in turn can lead to kidney damage over time.

Delaying urination It can be difficult, during a busy day, to stop and take time out to urinate. But people who delay the “call of nature” do so at their own risk: This delay can cause pressure, weaken the bladder, and increase the risk of infections and stones.

High sugar consumption Sodium is not the only thing that is tough on the kidneys. Several studies have shown that those who have a high level of sugar consumption – and especially those who consume several sugary drinks like soda each day – are far more likely to have protein in their urine, a sign that the kidneys are being damaged.

A nutrient-poor diet The American diet, with its reliance on processed and fast foods, is notoriously nutri-

ent-poor. The problem with this is that many deficiencies in vitamins or minerals can cause damage to the kidneys and weaken the immune system, making kidney infections more likely.

Excessive meat consumption Another problem with the American diet is that it is far too rich in meat – especially red meat. An extremely high animal protein diet forces the kidneys to work harder – and this over time can lead to kidney dysfunction and eventually to failure.

The great news is that all the risk factors mentioned above are modifiable: That is, people have control over them and can alter them to lead a lifestyle that will promote and support kidney health.

- Natural News

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health news

Your brain IS capable of producing new cells through neurogenesis; here are FIVE ways to improve cognition Prior to about 20 years ago, it was believed that the human brain was incapable of producing new brain cells after reaching maturity. But scientists now widely accept the fact that the human brain can undergo neurogenesis, in which new neurons are born, even into adulthood, and that this process can be helped along through certain dietary and lifestyle changes.

Two specific regions of the brain, the subventricular zone and the hippocampus, both show evidence of neurogenesis post-maturity. The latter region is responsible for learning and memory, and when it’s not functioning as it should, neurodegenerative conditions like depression, anxiety and Parkinson’s can ensue. But you can help reduce your risk while simultaneously promoting adult-stage brain cell formation by following these five steps: 1) Exercise: It might sound cliche, but the single most effective way to promote neurogenesis in your brain is to exercise regularly.

Getting your heart pumping and your blood flowing by running, biking, or swimming is a great way to increase levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived trophic factor (GDNF), two key growth factors that promote neurogenesis.

The endorphins released through cardiovascular exercise also help minimize levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, while increasing levels of the hormone testosterone, which like BDNF and GDNF helps promote neurogenesis. These exercise-induced hormones and growth factors are especially critical as a person ages, since they act as anti-aging, cognition-boosting nutrients.

2) Meditation: The scientific benefits of meditation are well-established, and you don’t necessarily have to be religious to derive benefits from it. A growing body of evidence suggests that meditation can help increase the gray matter density of various

regions of the brain, including the hippocampus.

By helping individuals to focus more on the now rather than the past and future, meditation clears the mind and helps balance brain chemicals, including those that regulate neurogenesis. At least one study determined that meditation helps activate certain integrative functions in the brain, promoting both short- and long-term neural changes.

Night meditation can also help upregulate the body’s production of melatonin, a sleep hormone directly linked to neurogenesis. Amishi Jha from the University of Miami recommends “mindfulness-based mindfitness training,” a method that involves focusing on a specific object, such as a particular body sensation, in order to improve brain structure and function, and ultimately one’s intelligence.

3) Diet: Eating right might seem obvious, but many people still don’t know what this means. Your brain is made up of about 60 percent fat, which necessitates that fat plays an important role in everyday nutrition. But many people still view fat as bad, seeking to avoid it in favor of fat-free or low-fat food options packed with chemical sweeteners and other artificial flavor additives.

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important fat to consume regularly for improved brain health, as are healthy saturated fats like coconut and palm oil. Docosahexaenoic acid in particular is a critical fat component that, as it pertains to neurogenesis, is absolutely necessary for the brain to manufacture new brain cells.

4) Sleep, sunlight and sex: It doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves, but sleep is critical for healthy brain function. Sleep deprivation, it turns out, reduces hippocampal neurogenesis, throwing hormone balance out of whack and cluttering the brain. A recent study published in the journal Current Top-

ics in Behavioral Neurosciences found that sleep disruptions exceeding 24 hours inhibit cell proliferation, and in some cases neurogenesis.

Natural exposure to sunlight is another factor in neurogenesis, as vitamin D, which is produced when unblocked skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, increases levels of both serotonin (a brain neurotransmitter) and GDNF expression in the brain. Optimal exposure to beneficial ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun ranges between 10 and 15 minutes during the summer months.

And then there’s sex, which helps reduce stress while boosting levels of certain “feel-good” transmitters in the brain. A 2010 study published in the journal PLoS ONE found that sex helps minimize both anxiety and corticosterone levels while promoting adult neurogenesis and stimulating the growth of dendritic spines and architecture in the hippocampus.

5) Psilocybin and cannabis: Various psychoactive compounds, including those found in “magic” mushrooms (psilocybin) and cannabis (THC and CBD), have also been shown to aid in the development of new brain cells.

Psilocybin, it turns out, both increases hippocampal neurogenesis and increases the ability of the brain to “unlearn” certain negative fear responses, hence why sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often report benefits from supplementing with psilocybin.

And cannabis, which is increasingly legal throughout the U.S., possesses compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) that match with receptors in the brains to reduce anxiety and promote neurogenesis. High Existence has published a more thorough listing of beneficial psychoactive compounds that can aid in promoting brain cell growth, which you can access here: highexistence.com - Natural News

Devilʼs Claw: 8 health benefits of this amazing herb The Devil’s Claw is a very powerful healing herb. Ancient African healers found a great number of uses for this plant. The most prevalent of these is for common indigestion but is also used to treat any affliction that gives pain, most notably joint pain from rheumatism.

The only part of the Devil’s Claw plant that is utilized in medicinal treatments is the tuberous root. The root contains aluminum, chromium, calcium, luteolin, selenium, oleanolic acid, magnesium, zinc, and tin. It is used as an analgesic for muscle pain and osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It is also utilized as an anti-inflammatory for the same ailments, as well as gout.

Anti-inflammatory/analgesic effects In vitro studies are largely supportive of anti-inflammatory action. Mechanisms elucidated include inhibition of COX-2 enzymes and proinflammatory enzymes, antioxidant activity.

Lowering the cholesterol Devil’s claw has a potential to lower the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. It contains natural plant sterols called beta sterols. These sterols are not absorbed through intestine into blood stream. These sterols prevent the absorption of bad cholesterol as well. Therefore, devil’s claw is a very good treatment option for people having high cholesterol level.

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a prevailing condition now days. With age the wearing and tearing of joints start. Normally the ends of bones and joints are covered with slippery and lubricated cartilages. These cartilages ensure the smooth, friction free movements of joints.

Acute Pain Devil’s claw has analgesic, sedative and diuretic properties that will be more noticed in chronic application than in the treatment of acute pain.

Wounds Devil’s Claw can also be used externally to treat wounds, sores, boils and skin lesions

8 Health benefits of Devil’s Claw Herb Anti-oxidative Devil’s Claw extract is particularly rich in water-soluble antioxidants.

Migraine headaches The cause of migraine headache is still unknown. Analgesic action of devil’s claw makes it a beneficial herb to prevent the recurrent attacks of migraine headaches.

Arthritis Devil’s claw becomes a really miraculous herb for all patients who have arthritis, rheumatic conditions, strains, herniated disks and other low back problems.

- Natural News

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

How to keep your motivation Monique Bartlett

monique@carib101.com

Fitness When it comes to exercise and health motivation is key. If you’re motivated to succeed it will make it much easier for you to reach your goal. If you’re not motivated, you will quit before you even start.

Find an accountability partner: If you have someone to workout with, your odds of sticking to your exercise routine increase. It needs to be someone who will support you when you’re feeling discouraged or unmotivated. They can push you when you feel like giving up and keep your spirits up when

you’re feeling down.

will help you to reach your long term goal.

Know your goals: You need goals in order to succeed. Write down your goals and look at them daily to keep you focused and on track. Start with short term goals and work your way up to your long term goal. Do you want to run a marathon? Do you want to lose a dress size? If you don’t know what you want, how can you achieve it?

Get technology: Buying the latest gadget can keep you interested and help you stay on track. Buy a heart rate monitor or use the latest fitness app to make sure you stay on top of your exercise routine. It will keep you motivated because you get to see immediate results.

Change your routine: It is in our nature to stick with the status quo. It’s important to change things up to keep motivation and add variety. If you continue to do the same routine or use the same machines over and over again, you won’t see results and you will get bored or just stop exercising all together.

Try a new activity: If you like to workout at the gym, try running instead. If you like yoga why not try squash instead? Go out on a limb and try new things from time to time.

It will keep you interested and the variety

Keep a journal: Keep track of your workouts and nutrition. How many days do you work out? How many reps and sets you do?

How much food are you eating and how often? By writing it down you will be able to see the progress you’ve made and you can make any changes you need to stay on track.

Reward yourself: When you reach your goals, go ahead and reward yourself. Buy yourself a gift. Have you lost a dress size?

Go buy a new dress or a new pair of jeans.

Take a vacation or go get a massage. You earned it!

Dental care for seniors - Part 2 Dr. Matthew Weekes drweekes@carib101.com

Dental Health Oral health of seniors in the range of 55+ has improved significantly. This is more evident in the developed countries like Canada and the US. The constant bombardment of dental education directed towards the very young and elderly has resulted in an awareness that excellent oral and dental health has enormous benefits which contribute to an improved, almost painless, self- confident life style.

The passage of time brings about changes in the body. Cells start to break down faster than they are being built up.

Growth hormones, enzymes and regulatory substances decrease. Soft tissue, hard tissue, bones, hair, vessels nerves and body fluids are all affected. Although we can neither stop nor reverse this process indefinitely, we should make an effort to manage it, with the goal of maximizing our health in order to enjoy the best quality of life.

Some of the changes that may take place in the mouth may include the loss of teeth due to untreated periodontal disease, the wearing down of teeth due to bruxism (the nocturnal grinding of teeth). Teeth may shift resulting in spaces where there were none before, or teeth may rotate.

Teeth may become increasingly brown in appearance as the enamel wears down due to natural attrition or over aggressive brushing. The amount of saliva may di-

minish to the extent that the mouth feels dry.

For those taking multiple long term prescription drugs, as is the case with many seniors, dry mouth may be a side effect.

Dry mouth can be very unpleasant. Apart from root cavities which quickly spread to the pulp (nerve) causing episodes of pain, there may be a burning sensation of the tongue.

Some seniors have been conscious about their crooked front teeth for many years and think it is too late to have the problem corrected, but this is usually not the case. Orthodontic treatment is not age specific. If complete orthodontic treatment is not feasible then partial treatment may be the solution to providing the required smile for less cost and time as a complete case.

All your dental needs should be discussed with a dentist. We will be happy to offer advice and treatment, including snoring and sleep apnea.

Wondering about Inflammation in your body? Get tested!

Dr. Lydia Thurton

drlydia@carib101.com

Health Tips Inflammation, the health industries bad buzz word du jour. Last week we discussed inflammation as the root cause of high cholesterol. While cholesterol is routinely checked, markers of inflammation are less often explored. This week I will discuss how to know if you have high levels of inflammation. There are tests you can do that will give you clues. In many ways, this is the most important thing you can do for your health.

Inflammation is at the root of many of the top killers – Alzheimer’s to asthma, heart disease to cancer.

Blood tests for inflammation are

available through your family physician or naturopathic doctor. There are no perfect tests for body wide inflammation, but there are definitely clues. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a marker that indicates when cells are dying at a rapid rate, which happens with inflammation. This is a simple blood test that should be run yearly.

Before CRP becomes elevated a compound called interleukin-6 (IL-6) is produced. This compound is rarely tested and you may have to seek a naturopathic doctor to run the test for you. High Interleukin-6 indicates that your body perceives itself as under attack. Interleukin-6 is the starting point of many inflammatory reactions. Keep in mind that exercise can falsely elevate both CRP and IL6. Avoid exercising the day before testing.

Omega-3 fish oils are useful supplements because the family of compounds are potent anti-inflammatories. Naturopathic doctors can run blood tests to determine what kind of fats and oils your body has in its bloodstream. Omega-6 fats found in many common cooking oils tend to cause, rather

than help inflammation. Omega-6 oils are eaten in large quantities relative to omega-3 and this can shift your body to a state of inflammation. Getting your omega-3 blood levels tested lets you know if your diet is giving what you need to fight inflammation.

Cortisol is our major “stress” hormone. Produced in response to chronic stressors like commuting, negative relationships and poor sleep this hormone actually acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body. If a person is under high stress for a long period of time cortisol levels can become depleted making it difficult for the body to use this hormone to stop body-wide inflammation.

Getting your cortisol checked is as easy as spitting in a sample tube four times a day.

Cortisol is best checked using a saliva sample, although there are blood tests as well.

Testing is a great way to get an objective look at what is happening on the inside of your body. Inflammation being the root cause of many debilitating diseases, these tests might just prompt you to make changes that could save your life.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

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Are you asking your Doctor the right questions? visit, can increase the odds that your physician will hear and help solve the problem.

Michelle Smith

michelle@carib101.com

Health Care Healthy living includes attaining the right knowledge needed to help you maintain lifestyle changes. Being a Nurse in such a multicultural city I see many people receive inadequate care due to decreased health care literacy.

Did you know that Doctors interrupt patients eighteen seconds into an office visit, Individuals who seek to maximize their healthcare must learn how to speak so that doctors will listen. There are three communication skills that, when applied to a doctor’s

• • •

Prepare what you will say.

Know what you would like to achieve.

Formulate collaborative questions.

The first step in effective communication is to prepare your message. Successful preparation for a doctor visit requires identifying your primary health concerns, symptoms relevant to this concern, and the length, frequency and intensity of each symptom. Stick to the facts, keep focused on what you believe to be relevant data and keep your explanation short.

Research shows that individuals who have a good relationship with their health care team receive better care and are happier with their care. Patients and families who engage with a Health Care Coach ask good questions which helps to reduce the risk of errors and hospital admissions. Your health depends on good communication.

Asking questions and providing information to your Doctor and other care providers can improve your care. Talking with your doctor builds trust and leads to better results, quality, safety and satisfaction.

One of the best ways to communicate with your doctor and health care team is by asking the right questions, bearing in mind that you have limited time during your medical appointments, you will feel less rushed if you prepare your questions before your appointment.

Your doctor wants your questions.

Doctors know a lot about a lot of things, but they don’t always know everything about you or what is best for you. Your questions give your doctor and health care team important information about you, such as your most important health care concerns, Your Family History will be your guide to attaining the best care.

Quality health care is a team effort. With the introduction of Health Care Advocacy we provide the resources that will

help individuals and community health partners to work towards a common goal. More knowledge for all towards true health and wellness. You play an important role.

Asking questions is key to good communication with your doctor. If you don’t ask questions, your doctor may think you do not need or want more information.

Asking questions helps your doctor know what is important to you. It also lets your doctor know when something he or she says is unclear.

Remember your diagnosis is what your doctor thinks is your health problem.

Most times your doctor will make the diagnosis based on what you say, your symptoms and the results of a physical exam, lab tests and other medical tests. Always make sure to tell the truth about how you feel.

You are the most important part of the health care team. It’s time for you to be in charge of your health.

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Business & Finance: Whatʼs happening with my investments?

Fazaad Bacchus

fazaad@carib101.com

Finance Specialist Over the last four months you may have noticed that the values of your investments are not quite what you would like them to be, especially if you looked at your last quarterly statement. If you have been investing since 2008 you would notice that your investments seem to take on the typical roller coaster model. Values fell in 2008, recovered in 2009, fell again in 2011 and then recovered in 2012, now values are again falling.

Obviously this is not what you want,

you want steady growth and every statement should look better than the one before, but it is a common occurrence when investing and more so depending on what you are investing in. For many, it is more important “A return of principal than a return on principal”.

But both are important if you plan on investing as your money needs to be safe, liquid and provide a return which is better than inflation.

It’s not like back home where you had money in the cupboard, or under the mattress or the more astute investors who had invested in a simple money market fund and depended on the institution to do its best in your favour.

Those were simpler times, times where investing did not leave you with a sinking feeling in your stomach. You only saw the business news once per week as you read the newspapers, and most people didn’t even give much attention to it.

Today’s complex world of investing requires you to be cognizant of terms like volatility, conservative, balanced, equity, local,

global, emerging markets all in the hope that you don’t lose your hard earned money. This is money that you are saving for your retirement, for a down payment on a home or for your children’s education; you cannot simply hope for the best, it requires active management and careful planning. It is pointless to be investing where you are earning a rate below inflation as the value of your purchasing power is eroded.

With falling oil prices which started since June 2014 and currently a weakened Loonie which is at an eleven year low; some local stocks have been struggling to earn a decent return on the investments. Investors and fund managers have been turning to international markets to be able to produce a return on investment.

What does that mean for you if you are invested in the local market? Well you could continue to see little or no appreciation in the value of your investments as Canada continues to go through a mild recession. This does not mean that you need to rush out there and change your investment strategy as the

value of an investment is realized upon disposition, it means that the losses are realized only when you sell. If you continue to hold or rebalance your portfolio you may be able to weather and recover well.

Every investment strategy requires a time horizon and consistent deposits which is matched to a risk tolerance. You should not find yourself investing in very risky speculative stocks or funds if you are a very conservative person, you may not be able to sleep at nights!

In times of uncertainty and to understand what’s happening to your investments, speak to a Financial Advisor, ask what you are invested in, ask whether it is balanced or aggressive, ask about how volatile an investment you are in and then redo your investment profile to see if your risk tolerance has changed.

It’s only then can your Advisor guide you through this period of uncertainty.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Custody and grandparents Valerie Dye

valerie@carib101.com

Legal Matters With regard to child custody and access, most court proceedings involve one parent seeking custody or access from the other parent.

Nonetheless, section 21 of the Children’s Law Reform Act states that ‘A parent of a child or any other person may apply to a court for an order respecting custody of or access to the child …’

This obviously gives third parties who are non- parents the right to apply for custody or access. In most cases such third parties are grandparents. Quite a number of cases appear before the courts where grandparents seek either custody or access to children. It should be noted, however, that despite the provisions of section 21 of the Children’s Law Reform Act it is not necessarily easy for grandparents to obtain either custody or access. Certain decided cases have set the stage for what courts normally use as guiding principles in determining custody and access applications by grandparents. One of the main cases that have been decided on this issue is the case of Chapman v Chapman 2001 OJ No. 705. In that case the Court of Appeal not only reiterated that the main concern is the best interest of the child but the court also highlighted the importance of parental autonomy and the right of the parents to make decisions and judgments on behalf of their children provided that such decisions are not detrimental to the well-being of the children.

Although the court recognised the benefits of children having a close relationship with their grandparents, it stated that it is up to the parents to forge such relationships. Where parents choose not to forge such relationships this does not give the courts the right to inter-

vene, especially if the children live in a wellfunctioning and nurturing environment with their parents.

Notwithstanding this and other similar court cases grandparents can succeed in applications for access or custody. In the Chapman case the court mentioned that where children have an existing healthy and nurturing relationship with their grandparents and this relationship is arbitrarily interrupted by the parents the courts may intervene to ensure that the children continue to enjoy the benefits of that relationship. Of course this existing relationship must be more than just an occasional visiting relationship. Consequently, grandparents who have never enjoyed a relationship with their grandchildren are less likely to succeed in an application for access than grandparents who are actively involved in the lives of their grandchildren. Where children live in a healthy environment with their parents with no relationship with their grandparents the courts will not easily intervene to grant an order for grandparents to have access.

In other cases the courts have maintained the principle of parental authority but have also been considered the effect of ongoing conflict between parents and grandparents.

Although existing conflict will not necessarily jeopardise a grandparent’s application for access, where such a conflict is likely to have a negative effect on children the courts may determine that it will not be in the best interest of those children for the grandparents to have access. This was the decision in the 2007 case of E.L V K.L. 2007 Canlii 45914. In that case the court found that there was so much conflict between the parents and grandparents that if access was granted to the grandparents this would de-stabilize the family unit in which the children live and cause the children undue stress.

The overriding principle is therefore, what is in the best interest of the children. As long as parents are taking care of their children the court will not interfere with their parental authority and their right to determine whether or not grandparents should have access to their children except in cases where parents have arbitrarily interrupted an existing relationship with grandparents.

The best option: Leasing VS. Buying Jelani Daniel

jelani@carib101.com

Automotive Corner

lowering costs for repairs. As well, you can upgrade your vehicle to a more reliable model over time rather than using the same model for years on end.

The Cons Of A Lease: Monthly payments for a lease are affordable, but limits regarding the amount of kilometers may come into play. You have less freedom in terms of monthly payments since they continue for years on end until you stop leasing. Ending a lease may also cost you extra, adding to the cost.

A lease and a loan come with different perks and downsides. By looking at both, you can decide which suits your financial situation and lifestyle costs both currently and in the long run. Since both options can be costly, the long term decision should be researched in depth before considering one or the other.

In short, a lease may cost less on a month-to-month basis but come with more restrictions and a longer series of monthly payments. On the other hand, purchasing may cost more initially but result in no monthly payments over time. A lease can be compared to renting a home while financing or buying a car can be compared to buying a home; one has more extras included, but one adds to your assets column.

The Cons Of Buying: Buying may cost you more in the long run if you have to pay back a third party. Considering the difference between a short-term and a long-term loan option may be important since shorter loans may cost you more but help you reach your financial goals quicker and a long term loan may stretch out payments but be cheaper overall.

Leasing: Leasing is a very common option for those who cannot afford a hefty initial down payment, but have a good credit score. While financing is a great option, a lease can give you the satisfaction of driving with a warranty,

In short, you can compare leasing to renting a house, and purchasing to taking out a mortgage on a home. While one has a series of benefits and afforded, the other adds to your asset column.

Purchasing: When you buy a vehicle, you may have to get an initial loan to pay back the amount that your vehicle costs, but in the end, you have a vehicle that is your own. The quicker you pay back the loan, the quicker you have your own car without monthly payments.

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

HOT lanes debate is heating up Tammy Flores

tammy@carib101.com

407ETR Matters On July 22nd, 2015, Premier Wynne confirmed her administration’s commitment to implementing HOT Lanes on Ontario’s GTHA highways after claiming the temporary HOV Lanes implemented for the Pan Am Games were a success. She didn’t confirm where the lanes would be implemented, but that they were coming.

HOT Lanes are High Occupancy Toll Lanes. They are basically HOV Lanes with a toll. HOV Lanes have been around the GTA for a while. They are restricted lanes that encourage carpooling and are considered a “green initiative” because the goal is to reduce traffic congestion by minimizing the amount of single occupancy vehicles on the road and in turn reduce air pollution. The concept is supposed to give you incentive to change how you commute because these lanes are generally less congested. These lanes are generally open to vehicles with two or more people, motorcycles, transit and “green” vehicles.

Canada’s first HOV Lanes opened in the Greater Vancouver and Toronto area in the early 1990’s followed by facilities in Ottawa, Gatineau, Montreal and Calgary. As of 2010 there were about 150 KM’s of highway HOV lanes in eleven locations and over 130 KM’s of arterial HOV lanes in twenty four locations across Canada.

HOT Lanes allow single occupant vehicles drive on HOV Lanes for a price.

Critics say this is a mistake. Those that support the concept of HOV Lanes say that it defeats the purpose because it will not change behavior if people can simply pay to ride on it.

The group “Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power” has even greater concerns surrounding the monetization of travel on public roadways and privatizing roadways the public needs. They view these traffic management policies as extremely punitive considering that the Province failed to plan the growth in the GTHA and so in turn they planned to fail and now want to cash in on the plight of hard working people that really

have no other way to get to work every day.

They view it as nothing more than a cash grab that does nothing to reduce congestion and everything to turn a profit in highly congested areas. They warn that this affects everybody regardless if you travel via public transit, bicycle, walk or your personal vehicle.

Their official position on HOT Lanes and statement is: “ABSOLUTELY NOT! By design HOT lanes need congestion to be viable. They are nothing more than a “revenue tool”.

They will do nothing to change behavior or relieve congestion. Snake oil salesmen like 407 ETR, AKA Ferrovial, AKA Cintra, have been successfully lobbying all levels of government around the world, selling this traffic management concept as a solution to congestion issues. This is NOT a solution to congestion issues. It’s highway robbery!

In Australia and Ireland, whole highways that implemented this traffic management policy went bankrupt and left taxpayers on the hook. Privatizing highways ties the hands of governing authorities to come up with solutions to congestion because the company operating the tolls gets to dictate what and if any infrastructure is built that competes with it. In Texas, Indiana, Virginia and North Carolina they’ve either gone bankrupt or the people have circled their wagons to run them out of town. Besides HOT lanes aren’t so HOT in LA. They didn’t do what was expected. Congestion only gets worse. HOT Lanes not only need congestion to be viable, but they cause congestion. WE SAY NO WAY!!! The Province has to look more closely at R & D for solutions to congestion.”

The group views HOT Lanes as the same traffic management concept that 407 ETR has implemented on Highway 407.

They have been very vocal about their concerns with respects to how Highway 407 has been managed and feel that with all of the outstanding customer service issues on that highway, furthering this concept is only going to make a bad situation worse. Besides taking away road space for this concept will be a nightmare. We need more public road space, not more taken away.

The group has a petition on Change. org. They encourage everyone to sign. Say NO to HOT Lanes https://www.change. org/p/kathleen-wynne-lisa-raitt-steven-delduca-say-no-to-hot-lanes

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

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Life insurance Good reasons to get it now!

Sherene Cole

sherene@carib101.com

Insurance Matters Life insurance is like a parachute in an airplane; if you don’t have it when you need it, you will never need it again. To have it when you need it, you have to buy it when you don’t.

The question is often asked: “Why is it that men in particular, seem to be somewhat more hesitant to make the decision to purchase life insurance?” These are men who

consistently express the love and care they have for their loved ones. Since life insurance is seen as a language of love, something we do for someone else, it is concerning at times that there is still a great divide when it comes to the perception some men have, when compared to that of women, on this delicate subject. If you were to ask a wise woman her opinion as to why so many men still do not see this as an absolute must when planning for their family’s future, instead of going on the attack, she may respond with some thought provoking statements of her own, that would probably sound like this: 1.

Men should recognize by now that the only thing they can buy on the installment plan, on which his wife won’t have to finish the payments after he dies, is life insurance.

2.

3.

4.

Life Insurance offers a man the only way where he can make his will before he makes his money.

You don’t buy life insurance because you are going to die, but because those you love are going to live.

You are your family’s trustee. The question is - are you a good trustee?

The truth is, death comes every day to someone, and some day to everyone. People don’t just line up to die at the right time. There is no specific expiry date on our life expectancy that was coded in our DNA at birth.

But one thing is certain, cherished memories of our good intentions will not pay the bills when we die. We must have a plan in place for the continued support of the loved ones we leave behind.

There is a popular phrase that

reads: “Life insurance is like fun - the older you get, the more it costs - and the harder it is to get.” Did you know that for every six months that you wait to lock into the current rates for a life insurance policy, the more it will cost you when you do apply? Yes, rates for your current age changes six months before your next birthday. So don’t delay, apply for your coverage today.

So ladies and gentlemen, I admonish you to, “Plan for life as though you will live forever. Plan for death as though it will come tomorrow.” And make sure you have an up to date Will. ...because the last thing the world will remember you by, is the condition in which you leave your family.

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PAGE 38

astrology

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

ARIES

TAURUS

Thursday is especially productive for important talks, plans, and banking matters. Mercury into Virgo on Friday also makes for a good clear-it-out-of-the-way day. Mars enters Leo on Saturday. The next seven weeks are your time to socialize, shine, and gift yourself more. Mars also boosts vitality, creativity, romance, and career prospects. Starting Tuesday, Jupiter in Virgo benefits work and health efforts.

Thursday/Friday keeps you motoring along well. Mars in Leo, starting Saturday, stokes the fire of “I deserve.” Of course, Venus and Jupiter in Leo have already been broadcasting this signal, but Mars, the action planet, now puts it into drive in a new or added way.

Jupiter out of Leo and into Virgo on Tuesday increases your productivity, accomplishments, and benefits package.

GEMINI

CANCER

Saturday/Sunday, the Gemini moon puts you back in action. Mercury’s three-week tour of Virgo (starting Saturday) and Jupiter’s oneyear tour of Virgo (starting Tuesday) keep you busy with home, family, and catch-up projects. It’s a good transit for buying, borrowing, repairs, or upgrades. Mars in Leo bolsters confidence, drive, and can-do. Put it on chill Wednesday.

A music festival can hit it right this weekend. Choose your favourite person, place, or thing; it’s all good. As of Saturday, Mars in Leo offers a fresh boost of can-do. It may also benefit earnings or love-life prospects.

Jupiter’s one-year tour of Virgo, starting Tuesday, helps you to upgrade skills, knowledge, and experience. It can also bless you with helpful people.

LEO

VIRGO

The more variety, the more you like it. Out with the crowds, endless topics to cover, lighthearted flirting—the Gemini moon’s got it covered this weekend. You can’t help but enjoy yourself, especially once Mars fires up in Leo as of Saturday afternoon. Both Mercury and Jupiter leave Leo for Virgo. It’s a plus—they’ll give you more to go on.

The sun, Venus retrograde, and now Mars touring Leo; Mercury and Jupiter freshly into Virgo—what does this add up to for you? A lot. Leo planets pump up your inner confidence; Virgo planets are mobilizing.

As of now, it’s full steam ahead! Although Wednesday’s Mercury/Neptune can produce a temporary fog, Jupiter’s one-year stint in Virgo keeps you quick on the uptake.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

On Thursday and Friday, Mercury helps you to get it said and done quite well. No matter what you choose for entertainment, delight reigns over your weekend. Mercury exits Leo on Friday, but Mars enters Leo on Saturday. This switch dishes up a good mix of substance, worth, and pleasure. Perhaps there’s something or someone special to claim more of your attention and/or heart.

Jupiter in Leo has spent the past year helping you to increase your reputation and get noticed. It’s done your career good, and it has also helped you to grow personally.

Throughout September, Mars in Leo will keep fresh fuel on a ready tap. For the next year, Jupiter will keep you occupied with a big project or ambition. A busy year lies ahead.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

You should feel that things are falling into place easily, well, and just as they should.

Venus retrograde gifts you with an opportunity to take a step back, observe, enjoy, and feel your way along. Mercury into Virgo on Friday, Mars into Leo on Saturday, and Jupiter into Virgo on Tuesday are all good for a fresh energy boost.

You already have Venus retrograde and the sun in Leo offering a boost to your intimate and financial prospects. As of Saturday, passionate Mars in Leo lights a fresh spark.

Mercury into Virgo, starting Friday, and Jupiter into Virgo on Tuesday will give you even more to crow about. Both favour travel and big ambitions.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Mercury’s three-week dash of Virgo and Jupiter’s one-year tour call for you to pay closer attention to how you spend your money and time. Still, Mars in Leo, starting Saturday, wants to live it up and enjoy. The happy medium is easily found. Wednesday/Thursday can be tricky navigating; otherwise, all’s good through the coming weeks.

Stay home or get out and about; either way, the weekend keeps you busy. There’s no lack of things to do or people to be with. Between Friday and next Tuesday, Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars change signs. All three of them help you to pick up the slack and make improvements where they do the most good.

March 20 - April 19

May 20 - June 21

July 22 - August 22

September 22 - October 23

November 22 - December 21

January 19 - February 18

April 19 - May 20

June 21 - July 22

August 22 - September 22

Across 1) Home runs and strikeouts 5) Trees grow them back 7) Returning insect 8) Tidying up 10) Green turf 13) Happy bird sound 16) Open-toed shoes 17) Kick the ball around

October 23 - November 22

December 21 - January 19

February 18 - March 19

Down 2) Outdoor grill 3) Starts with Good Friday 4) Colourful home project 6) Two-wheeled transportation 7) Long-eared spring animal 9) Spring predictor in Feb. 11) In April, they bring May flowers 12) Petals and stems 14) Place to enjoy warm weather 15) Where flowers or veggies grow

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PAGE 40

self help

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 12, 2015

The secret to how your mind works - Part 2 Noel Walrond

noel@carib101.com

Professional Development In the last article I spoke on the power of the mind. You choose your thoughts, your thoughts cause your feelings, your feelings are expressed through your body in your actions, and your actions produce your results.

We’re going to go a little deeper on this concept.. (if you missed part 1 please go and check out the archives from June 3rd 2015 online at torontocaribbean.com) When you make a determination that there’s a new standard for what is ok and what is not ok, you are in effect creating a new “standard” for yourself. As this new standard or “rule” takes root in you, it becomes a part of your new belief system. Anything that you think you are, or are not good at also becomes a part of your belief system. If you’ve got conflicting beliefs about something, it becomes a mental tug of war. This brings about the feeling of being “STUCK”. You know you “should” be taking a certain action, but yet you hold back.

For example, there are people who would like to earn more money, or learn how to gain huge returns on investments, but they don’t believe in their ability to acquire it, manage it, and invest it properly. They say to themselves… “I’m not good with numbers”. or “I don’t understand how investing works.. it’s too complicated”. They don’t realize that by making those internal statements to themselves they have created a belief system that

creates a mental blockage. Whatever thought is impressed on the subconscious mind must be expressed through the body. That belief system can create a hesitation in a person to seek out the resources or counsel of others who could teach them the processes of how the money game works and as a result they stay in the position they are in and ultimately blow the chance of having a more prosperous future.

For those who do take the step to sit with a professional, but have the idea in their mind that they are not good at learning new concepts, their mind begins to shut down during the conversation. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and frustration begin to set in. Sometimes it gets to be so overwhelming that the person retreats and says “I’m not ready” or “I can’t do this”. Again..robbing themselves of potentially great opportunities. Some people in the same scenario are afraid to ask questions because their belief is that “I may look stupid by asking this question”…so they proceed with a transaction, not fully understanding what they are doing and end up in some cases making a poor decision that leaves them in a position where they lose money. The belief or the program internally is what needs to change. We need to train our brains to believe that we can learn ANYTHING we commit to. We need to adopt the mindset that smart people get smarter by asking questions. We need to adopt the new mindset that states.. “The ONLY dumb question is the one I DON’T ask”. There are no such things as dumb questions. If you don’t ask, you can’t learn. Most of the rich people I know, go through a process of “due diligence” before investing in anything. Due diligence is just a fancy term for saying “they ask a lot of questions”. They analyze every single angle before pulling the trigger. That is how they learn and avoid getting burned. Nobody is born KNOWING how to do everything. They had to learn and it wasn’t always comfortable. There were times that it was an internally challenging pro-

cess. It is a price that must be paid if you want to advance in this life. It has been said that “If you think education is expensive, you should see how expensive ignorance is”. Ignorance is NOT BLISS!!! To anyone out there who still thinks they are not good with numbers..here’s a question for you..what is 10 + 10? If you answered 20..good for you! What s 10 x 10? If you answered 100…Fantastic! Someone may laugh and say “Those are really easy and basic Noel. That doesn’t prove anything.” I beg to differ with you. These were not easy concepts when you first learned them. They became EASY to you because you understand the concept. You heard the concept repeated over and over again. Over time it became common place for you, and any other concept you want to learn will be the same for you if you practiced it.

A concept that is repeated over and over and over after a while becomes like second nature. There was a time when it was difficult for you to learn how to walk, ride a bike, and learn a new language. But after difficulty comes ease. Everything is relative, and difficulty is also relative. Your mind is infinite in its scope and capability and so are you. Our minds would make any super computer on this planet look like a little toy in comparison. The legendary Zig Ziglar said it best…“we were born to win but have been conditioned to lose”.

I’ve been through this process myself. One example was when I went to one of my mentors seminars. He was teaching us how to edit our own videos. My mental block was that “I’m not good at anything technical”.

As he was teaching I began to feel pain in my chest, shortness of breath, felt the urge to go to the bathroom , and head ache began to set in.

It was weird because when we left the room on a break all of those feelings went away and I felt fine, but when class resumed, the feelings emerged again. The subconscious mind is very powerful. The idea that I had unconsciously

programmed in to myself was being carried out by my subconscious. YES you heard me correctly. Whatever is programmed finds different ways to express itself through you on a physiological (the body) level. For some of you it may arise when sharing your inner most feelings with others, expressing that you love or care for someone or public speaking. Some of us shut down totally in these areas. How I got past it was to have a mental conversation “self-talk” with myself. Remember..the MIND is the parent and the BODY is the child. The children are not supposed to dictate policy in our homes. I said to myself “Noel…you are better than this. You can master ANYTHING you set your mind to. You are in control. Man Up and let’s get the job done”… I took three deep breaths in, and exhaled slowly. (This calmed me down). Then I refocused my attention on the task at hand. I intentionally went to a few more technical training seminars until I began to feel relaxed, and enthusiastic about learning the concepts. The first two were really tough, but over time it has completely changed.

I invite you to give it a try.

Start with something small that is challenging to you. Perhaps it is waking up early, being on time, expressing to someone how much they mean to you, finding a good financial advisor (make sure you don’t leave the meeting without being able to explain what they have shared with you back to them), startup that small business, or recommit to that network marketing business that you really haven’t been taking seriously, or sign up for that course you have been putting off to increase your marketability in the work force so you can increase your income. I share this type of education with my students in my seminars every week. The breakthroughs that people have been getting are mind-blowing. Take me up on the challenge. Take some action today and email me to let me know how things went.

Have a POWERFUL Day!

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