Relaxing Reggae Vibes at Rastafest 082813

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VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28TH 2013

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Relaxing Reggae Vibes at Rastafest 2013

EMILY SINGH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

TORONTO -- The Caribbean community is no stranger to the mellow reggae vibes of Bob Marley. Through his music and famous dreadlocks Marley was able to make the Rastafarian culture and lifestyle come alive for the world. Living in Toronto, we are fortunate to be right in the center of multiculturalism at its utmost finest. As a city we are able to unite and appreciate and experience the cultures and religions of the world from the comfort of our neighborhoods.

Saturday, August 24th marked Canada’s biggest and most dynamic cel-

ebration of rich Rastafarian culture at Downsview Park. Hundreds came out to Rastafest: Rastafari Arts and Cultural Festival brought to you by Masani Productions and the Upfront Theatre Foundation. Hundreds were present and there were a variety of activities for the whole family including drum workshops, a talent show and games. Attendees were able to get a feel of the vibrant arts, music and food of the Rastafari culture.

Beginning at 6 pm was the highlight of the night, the highly anticipated reggae concert featuring Everton Blend-

er, Screwdriver, Tasha T, CharDavid aka Iley Dread, Papa Levy, Jah Kettle, Jannett Scott, Prince Everald, Empress Lyrics, Dahlia, Leta Montague, Trinity Drummers, Majestic Warriors and FND. As they took to the stage the crowd swayed in sync to the music and experience he Rastafari culture come alive.

The day went off without a hitch and did a remarkable job showcasing the brilliant Rastafarian culture to Toronto.

Come out next year to help make Rastafest 2014 even more bigger and better than this year.

2 Wednesday, August 28, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Farm workers, one level below indentureship Cindy Ramkumar TC Reporter

Tiffany, is an influential Manager and leader in the recruitment

and business development industry, while continuting to live vicariously and support others with her true passion of fitness, nutrition, and body science. She has a diverse background as a fitness model competitor in the IDFA and SAF - achieving first place and overall winner in Montreal in 2011 (IDFA), Miss Universe Canada delegate, Ring Girl for MMA, competitive rep ice hockey player, personal trainer and nutritional support aid for many.

Photo By Jamie Watling Photography

Imagine this, “a better life”, “a currency with value”, “making money to send for your family”, these are all dreams farm workers have when they leave their homes for foreign land. By the thousands these farm workers come to Canada, leaving their families, home, children, work, life, and everything behind for a PROMISE of a better life for a period of time. Statistics show 20,000 workers arrive into Canada yearly under the Seasonal Agreement Worker Programme and 40,000 workers arrive in the Temporary Foreign Workers programme.

Thousands of workers arrive from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) into Canada to work in the Seasonal Agreement Worker Programme. Workers are allowed to work in this programme from 8 weeks to 8 months. Workers work in various Ontario locations, St. Catharines, Simcoe, Delhi, Tilsonburg, Bradford, Brantford, Cobourg, Owen Sound.

According to Chris Ramsaroop from Justice for Migrant Workers (J4MW), an Advocacy Organisation, these farm workers are tied to the employer they work with, and if they look for work elsewhere they can be arrested, put in jail, and deported. It is an employer driven programme and as such workers do not have any benefits or entitlements.

The Seasonal Agreement Worker Programme, is similar to indentureship in every manner except in indentureship workers were given land in exchange for their labour after a specified term of working on the land. Under the Seasonal Agreement Worker Programme, these workers are just put on a

plane and sent home after their term is over.

The similarity to indentureship arises when they are obligated to the employer, however the one step below indentureship shows up when these farm workers lose their rights as a person when they arrive in Canada. They are not allowed to stand up for their rights, they are sent home immediately if they demonstrate they have rights, or if they get hurt on the farm, and they do not have any social mobility.

Adrian Monrose’s plight, symbolises what happens with workers, the treatment meted out to them, the intimidation of the worker if they vocalise their concerns, police is called in for them. Also, there is overcrowding of the bunkhouse, poor sewage, poor maintenance of the housing. There are no check and balances against the housing, as the employer provides housing for the workers, and the housing is exempt from Landlord and Tennants Act, hence migrant workers do not have protection against their employers, however they do have curfews.

Added to the unfair treatment, unfair housing, unfair living conditions, and unfair rights, workers work on a daily basis from 7.00 am to 10.30pm, about 14-15 hours a day without any overtime pay.

So why is the Seasonal Agreement Worker Programme called one level below indentureship progrmme? The answer is easy. It’s a copycat of indentureship, except its intentions and services are below the industry norm. It was never intended to be fair to the worker, and it’s a programme which was set up where labour is cheap, and exploitable.

However the Seasonal Agreement Worker Programme will continue to thrive, as workers in developing Caribbean countries, seek that “better life” for their families, arriving in Canada as persons with opinions and living and working in Canada as persons with silent voices. For more information on the plight of the workers and on their struggles, please contact Chris Ramsaroop from Justicia for Migrant Workers (J4MW) at 647-834-4932 or email at j4mw.on@gmail. com

TORONTO CARIBB CARIBBEAN

Become a Hunger Hero, Help Fight Poverty in Peel

Emily Singh TC Reporter BRAMPTON -- Do you want to become a hero? Forget about capes and super powers, join forces with the Knights Table and become a hunger hero today! With the help of 1500 volunteers, The Knights Table is a non- profit charity that has been able to provide hot meals for the past 20 years to people battling homelessness, hunger and poverty within Peel Region. Their mission is simple “To serve and empower vulnerable members of our community by providing food and access to resources in a safe environment through volunteerism and strategic partnerships.”

This year through the Hunger Hero F undrai d isiing C ampaign i 2201 0133 we as a commuFundraising Campaign 2013

nity can help bring the Knights Table that much closer to their $70,000 goal. Reaching into your pocket and donating just $20 provides nutritious and warm meals for not one but five families across Peel Region. The struggle in Peel Region is often silent and goes unnoticed, but the numbers could not be any more real. 1 in every 4 children living in the Peel Region is living in poverty.

Are you up for the challenge? Donate your $20 and challenge 9 of your closest friends or family members to do the same. Not only will you be helping to change someone’s life you can also win amazing prizes at the recognition event taking place in September. You have until September 22nd to take the challenge and earn a spot on the “Top 100 Hunger Heroes for 2013” where you will be “crowned”!

Together as a community we can work hand in hand to end poverty and hunger within the Peel Region. Step up and take the challenge today and become a Hunger Hero!

Remember to indicate “Hunger Hero” in regards to all cash and cheque donations that are made either in pperson, erson, online or through g mail.

ZATTIC celebrates 4th Annual Picnic at Centennial Park MISSISSAUGA -- The food was excellent and the sports stimulating. but the virtuoso steel band music played by young Neil and Erin Sookdeo won over the huge crowd when the Zoomers Association of Trinidad ( ZATTIC )and Tobago in Canada) held its 4th Annual family picnic at the Centennial Park earlier this month.

Family fun and great times were enjoyed by the more than 350 people who attended, some of them coming from as far north as Alliston and as far west as Welland. Many attendees were holidaying from Trinidad and were delighted to be among so many other Trinbagonians in the warm summer sun.

The Council General of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Vidya Gyaan Tota Maharaj was on hand to greet the crowd and made a point of personally meeting attendees.

The entertainment included live steel band music from the S ookd kdeos, as well as chutSookdeos,

ney and soca by a popular DJ. Attendees were treated with many original T & T style goodies including the original “Press” with shave ice, syrup and condensed milk. Many members of the crowd were treated to free boiled corn, hamburger, hot dogs and watermelon. As could be expected in a Trini event, there were lots of food sharing, acquaintances renewed and friendships made. Young and old alike had fun with all fours competition, foot races, cricket, soccer, tug-o-war, hoola-hoop and watermelon eating competition.

ZATTIC strives to bring the community together and encourages family at this event. There were many children in attendance and youths volunteering to do face painting which was so much fun for the kids. The president of ZATTIC, Mr. Reynold Ramdial, emphasized the importance of having families attend “so that we can ppass on our traditions and ge youths involved in community.”

Sankofa: The journey to Trinidad TORONTO -- Toronto artist Apanaki Temitayo M is the picture of multiculturalism in Toronto. Her art works are mash ups of culture, an homage to her Trinidadian, Canadian and African roots. She also explores the influences and cultures that are part of the Caribbean Diaspora. She is planning to take those large scale art pieces to her homeland of Trinidad, returning and embracing that journey as an immigrant and a foreigner to the land she was raised on.

A crowdfunding project is starting with Apanaki`s artist talk at Black Artists’ Network Dialogue Gallery, which is currently showcasing her art, this Friday August 23rd to ship her works and send herself to Trinidad in the month of November to show her works at galleries there. The campaign Sankofa: The Journey to Trinidad, has a lofty goal to raise $13 330.00, no small task for a single mother and working artist. Apanaki states, ”It started with pictures of my ancestors in my pocket, a suitcase in my wake, and my youngest daughter walking enthusiastically into the promise of Canada. I was a single mother with Trinidadian roots and Africa in my heart. The journey will end when the works visit Trinidad. The complete circle will have occurred”. Christopher

Pinheiro, Artist Director of Swizzlestick Theatre commented on Apanaki’s work, “No signs here, saying “Do Not Touch!”. Feel free to feel, to reach out and touch, explorations of the tactile. Now begins the journey to the heart of color. Ashe”.

Temitayo M is an author, spoken word poet, actor and multimedia artist. Apanaki`s artistic career in Canada is abundant and has been showcased at the Workman Arts Being Scene 12th Annual Juried Exhibition 2012 at Hart House, University of Toronto, Gladstone Hotel and The Rendezvous With Madness Film Festival. Her poetry has been published in PHOTI (Fresh Arts Literary Journal, Toronto Arts Council, 1995; Black Girl Talk Anthology, Black Women and of Colour Press 1995; in the ground breaking Caribbean Erotic Anthology, Poetry, Prose and Essays, Peepal Tree Press, UK, 2010. Apanaki was featured in Award Winning Independent Movie Sistagod, 2006 featured in the Toronto International Film Festival. She is now honoured to be a part of Re-Imagining the Sky Anthology as part of the Writers Workshop by the Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Experts call for site analysis in Couva Childrenʼs hhospital ospital ccontroversy ontroovversy TRINIDAD -- As clearing work and site preparation continue at the Preysal site for the Couva Children’s Hospital, engineers say not all the necessary site tests were done for the $1.5 billion project. The engineers, who have formed themselves into a group called Engineers Anonymous, are calling on the Government to appoint an independent team of engineers to do a site-specific analysis for the hospital, which is being built near the earthquake-prone Central Range Faultline. A site-specific analysis entails a through study of the seismicity (the occurrence or frequency of earthquakes) and the performance of the different layers of soil during an earthquake. The site-specific analysis, the engineers say, “will give engineering values so when engineers are doing their design it would meet the provisions of the International Building Code (IBC.)” The engineers say the analysis “could tell you if the design is flawed or it is good. It could tell you if it should be built or not. It will guide the government in making an informed decision with regard to the design of the building.” The T&T Guardian earlier this month highlighted concerns among seismologists and engineers over the hospital’s proximity to the faultline. As a result, an emergency meeting was held with Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, Urban Development Corporation of T&T (Udecott) chairman Jearlean John, seismologists from the UWI Seismic Research Centre, National Building Code Committee chairman Shyankaran Lalla, engineers and geologist Dr Krishna Persad to discuss concerns raised.

Khan said afterwards that a committee consisting of all who were present at the meeting would be formed to exchange information and new construction technologies. He declared that nevertheless the hospital would be constructed on the site and that all the geotechnical work for the hospital had been done.

Yesterday sources said that at that meeting a government engineer said the geotechnical work was comprehensive, so the site-specific analysis was not needed. Contacted yesterday, Udecott’s media, events and community outreach manager Roxanne Stapleton-Whyms, said, “We are a state company, that is Udecott, and therefore we are obligated to report to the people of T&T. “It would be good if these anonymous engineers kindly write to Udecott requesting the information and we would be only to happy to respond to them. We need to know that the correspondences are coming from appropriate parties so that we can aptly respond. Let them write to Udecott, please, and we would respond.” Asked if a site-specific analysis had been done, Stapleton-Whyms said she had to contact the head of the engineering

team at Udecott and would call back. A short while later she said she could not get in contact with the head of engineering, but would get the information today and asked for all questions to be e-mailed.

The engineers said they did not have a problem with the hospital being constructed on the site, but believe a site-specific analysis would ensure that the building would be strong. They do not object to a foreign firm being commissioned to do the analysis. One engineer said, “The point is— get it done. It is not too late, no construction has started. Still time for government to heed the warnings of the seismic unit.” The engineers said they want the government to be proactive. “We should not have to wait for a disaster before implementing building codes and seismic hazards mapping and this must be done in collaboration with the Seismic Research Centre. This will only assist the designers in making a more informed decision with regard to the Couva Children’s Hospital. Government needs to heed the warnings of the government-funded UWI Seismic Research Centre, which is the authority for the preparation of seismic hazard maps,” the engineers said.

The engineers said both the Board of Engineering and the Association of Professional Engineers had remained silent on several issues such as infrastructure, the Point Fortin Highway, the collapse of buildings at Las Alturas, flooding and the Couva Children’s Hospital. They also want the recommendations of the Uff commission of enquiry to be implemented in the interest of transparency and accountability and for government to create a level playing field through the introduction of procurement legislation.

EMA Responds The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) says anyone who wishes to see the certificate of environmental clearance granted to Udecott for the hospital can do so at its Port-of-Spain office.

The EMA made the statement in a brief release issued last Thursday in response to a request for a geotechnical survey by an engineering team working on the building.

In the release the EMA said CEC 3444/2012 was granted to Udecott on June 14, 2012 to start work at the hospital site. “The EMA reaffirms that all CEC applications are thoroughly analysed and CECs are granted once the authority is fully satisfied with the applicant’s compliance with environmental regulations and mitigation strategies,” the release said. The EMA said all applications for CECs are stored in a national register at 8 Elizabeth Street, St Clair, Port-of-Spain, and are available for public viewing from 8am4.30pm. (Trinidad Guardian)

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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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Jamaicaʼs tourism tries to cash in on post - Olympics brand - Ambassador backs visa abolition for Chinese travellers CHINA -A Chinese guide for Portia Simpson Miller pointed his finger with pride to where Usain Bolt scorched the track at the 2008 Olympics inside the world-famous ‘Bird’s Nest’ National Stadium in Beijing.

“Bolt’s Nest,” he highlighted, jokingly to the Jamaican prime minister — who is wrapping up the Beijing leg of her official visit to China — a nickname given to the US$423-million landmark after the sprinter’s exploits here, along with his fellow countrymen.

On Friday morning during an interview with Simpson Miller on the State-run CCTV, broadcast to hundreds of millions of people, the interviewer made several references to Bolt and Jamaican athletics with comfort.

Five years after the fact, the performance at Beijing 2008 is among the most popular topics brought up for discussion by the Chinese as Simpson Miller and her delegation go from point to point on a five-day visit aimed at deepening the already-strong ties between Jamaica and communist China.

“The impact of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing is that the recognition of Jamaica, the flag and the symbols are very high in China. The point of identification with China is the Beijing Olympics,” said Ralph Thomas, Jamaica’s ambassador to the Asian giant.

“The Jamaican image is out there for a small country in a big market,” he added.

However, questions remain as to whether or not Jamaica has adequately capitalised on the brand recognition, especially in

the area of tourism, which was a major target market after Beijing.

The number of Chinese travellers internationally and the value of their expenditure have been growing rapidly in recent years. China is expected to become the world’s fourth largest source of travellers by 2020, generating 100 million outbound tourists each year, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

But despite stopover arrivals in Jamaica having more than doubled among Chinese from 935 in 2008 to 2,102 last year, according to annual travel statistics published by the Jamaica Tourist Board, it is still less than one per cent of total stopovers on the island and the ambassador feels the country is missing out on the most populated market in the world.

“We have made progress (generally) since Beijing, but the area we have not made sufficient progress in is the area of tourism, which really stands to benefit the most,” Thomas told the Jamaica Observer, as the delegation got ready to board a flight to Shanghai, where the Prime Minister will spend the last day of the official trip.

“Everybody knows destination Jamaica in China,” Thomas said, but he reiterated that the two issues slowing the penetration of the Chinese travel market remained that of visa restrictions and lack of airlift.

Shanghai mayor Yang Xiong backed Thomas’s assessment during a welcome lunch for Simpson Miller’s party the following morning. He made particular reference to the

“total flight time of over 20 hours” as particularly prohibitive.

“We must work together to ensure more visitors,” Yang said.

“If you ask a Chinese about a destination in the Caribbean, it’s (also communist) Cuba followed by Jamaica,” he added to emphasise the country’s popularity.

Thomas supports abolition of visas for the Chinese, for whom getting a Jamaican visa may be challenging, as depending on where persons are, they may have to fly for hours to the Jamaican embassy in Beijing to get one.

“My view of it is that visa abolition is something that could cause many visitors to come to Jamaica,” said Thomas, emphasising that it must be done with control so visitors don’t overstay.

“If that happens it could take away one of the obstacles that makes it inconvenient to travel to Jamaica,” he said, noting that Jamaica has visa abolition policies with many other exotic markets, including Eastern European countries such as Russia.

With regard to the other obstacle of airlift, Thomas said that the Chinese need more direct flights to Jamaica, in shorter distances rather than having to fly for 20 hours all over the world and intermittently changing planes in other countries in order to get to the island.

To this end, Jamaica is making “strategic linkages” with industry interests and looking at airlift opportunities, Thomas said.

At the same time, the proliferation of

Chinese investment in Jamaica, such as the logistics hub being explored by the Government in collaboration with China Harbour Engineering Company, will help to drive Chinese visitors to Jamaica, the ambassador reasoned.

“If we were to get the big Chinese investment in the logistics hub,” coupled with the fact that “a lot of Chinese travel for business purposes, it’s natural that there would be greater interest in tourism to go along with it,” Thomas said.

Thomas praised the mission led by Simpson Miller as one that is hitting the right notes towards attracting investments and subsequently bringing more Chinese to Jamaican shores. The feeling here among some members of the delegation is that it has been one of the most successful state visits yet.

“The prime minister’s personality is one that wins hearts and so they are totally charmed by her but at the same time she is having serious negotiations and discussions to advance some of these things,” Thomas said in his assessment.

Bolt and company would be perfect ambassadors to advance the cause, Thomas added, not ruling out engaging the services of the athletes to more aggressively market the country as a destination to the Chinese.

“Certainly from where I sit in Beijing, I would be encouraging that we take advantage of their goodwill and something that’s of great resource to the country in terms of helping to market this idea of Jamaica being a destination for Chinese tourists,” Thomas said. (Jamaican Observer)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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Should oil be found… “We will not have space to accommodate people”- President Ramotar - blasts Kaieteur News, Stabroek News for misleading nation on Marriott GUYANA -- President Donald Ramotar has reiterated that the construction of the Marriott Hotel is necessary for the nation given the country’s potential for tourism.

He was at the time addressing a meeting last week at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice where he met with residents.

According to Mr. Ramotar there has been a concentrated effort by the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News along with others in sections of the society who have been trying and continue to mislead the nation about the benefits of the Marriott Hotel.

He stated that in both Barbados and Trinidad those countries have hotels which are being administrated by the state and in both cases the hotels are the classiest ones.

The Hyatt and Hilton hotels were pointed out by the Head of State that were built by the governments in those countries and are attracting tourists although none of the two countries have the tourism potential like Guyana.

With the potentials that Guyana has in tourism and the construction of the Marriott Hotel, there is no question or doubt that Guyana will see tourists increase.

With respect to oil exploration, President Ramotar said that once oil is discovered on these shores Guyana may not even have the capacity to accommodate the number of persons who will flock this country.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government will not reduce itself to

a short sighted one which will only run and build hotels and carry out other developmental works “when the tide is upon us” he stated.

In the past there have been many letters, newspaper headlines, protests and other actions and utterances put forward to play down the benefits of the Marriott Hotel in Guyana.

There were even cases where those who were opposed to the project began launching verbal and written attacks on the Chinese nationals working on the project.

However, when it reached to that stage the private sector, Government of Guyana and the Chinese Ambassador made it clear that the attacks on the nationals were unwarranted.

The Kaieteur and Stabroek News have fashioned and designed themselves to stem and prevent at all costs, development in Guyana President Ramotar told the residents on Friday.

He said that the Stabroek News is linked and has aligned itself with a class of people who former resident Dr. Cheddi Jagan had warned about while he was in opposition and even in government.

President Donald Ramotar described the class of people close to Stabroek News as persons who were very good with the old rich colonial persons and who made decisions at the Georgetown Club over bottles of whiskey.

It is those same people who are today trying to regain their influence in this country and

are even trying to push it as far as attempting to decide who should be the president of this land.

The persons who align themselves with the Kaieteur News are not very different, the President added. He said that the same things Stabroek News is trying to achieve are the things those at Kaieteur News are trying to achieve also.

Kaieteur News represents a class of people who got rich when things were bad in this country and who smuggled bread among other things into this country concealed in their suitcases.

Now those are the very persons who

have a lot of money and anyone who chooses to walk along Regent and Robb Streets in Georgetown will be able to get the picture, the President stated.

During the days of trading it was those very persons who sold bora and other items on the black market. The problem with them however, according to the President is the fact that they have money but no political power and or influence and that is what drives the hatred against the government by the two newspapers, he asserted. Mr. Ramotar said that the two groups want to use the state and its resources to enrich themselves. (Guyana Chronicle)

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

KP Lands squatters worry about losing homes TRINIDAD -- Work on an extension of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway to bypass Valencia Junction has not yet started, but the $100 million project is already embroiled in controversy. Squatters at KP Lands, Valencia, claim they were not consulted by the People’s Partnership Government about the work which will bring an end to years of congestion at Valencia Junction. They are worried that they could lose their homes, or be relocated once construction of the roadway begins.

The three-kilometre stretch of bypass will begin at Antigua Road, Valencia and end at Kangalee Street, 100 metres east of the junction. The land is being prepared by the Lands Settlement Agency (LSA) and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure is responsible for the project. Last Wednesday, several of the squatters, who live on forest reserve lands, met to vent their feelings.

Spokesman Wendell “Bigs” Superville said some were recently awakened by the sound of heavy machinery grading lands at the front, back and sides of their homes in preparation for the roadway. They also noticed that stakes had been placed in the ground along Sapphire and Topaz drives in line with some of their homes. The pickets mark where work is expected to be done.

A Sunday Guardian reporter visiting the area observed that the land grading ended on the bank of a river close to the squatters’ homes. However, both the LSA and Ministry denied being involved. The squatters are confused about whom is responsible. Super-

ville said several of the 100 homes in the settlement will have to be demolished. He said workers on the site told them they would be relocated to Kangalee Street, an area where they said there is no water, roads and electricity and was plagued with crime and violence.

“Miss, nobody consulted with us about this bypass, nobody,” Superville said.

“They not even saying if we would have to move from here and if so, where they would put us.” Superville said officials of the relevant agencies met with the residents of Kangalee Street but not with them. Villagers John Lewis, Richard Yearwood, Nicole Bruce and Kevon Byron supported Superville’s claims.

Some squatters admitted that they confronted a work crew last week after they destroyed crops planted by farmer Brian Bartholomew. Bartholomew said he regretted the day he voted for the PP. “They got my vote because I thought they were going to regularise us,” he said. Lewis said he too was disappointed and felt betrayed. “After what happen here, that is it with me.”

The squatters admitted that the area was once a PNM stronghold but because of neglect they voted for the PP. “They don’t realise that they could end up in the same khaki pants as the PNM.” Lewis said the PNM tried to relocate them in 2006 but they had objected. “Look what happen to them four years later. The people voted the PNM out.”

Programme manager of the Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (Pure) Hayden Phillip said the residents were consulted and expressed surprise at their

claims. Phillip said for years residents of KP Lands and Kangalee have been squatting on the reserve which is an “environmental sensitive area.” He said talks between the LSA and residents about regularisation had been going on “I don’t know for how long.”

Insisting that the roadway was not a major highway to Manzanilla but an interim solution, Phillip said it was proposed that the reserve be used as a buffer zone on one side, with the residents occupying the other. The buffer, Phillip explained, will deter people from squatting and damaging the land. Two bridges will be constructed, he said and the estimated cost of the project is $100 million.

Phillip said a contract has not yet been awarded and the ministry did not give any directives to start preliminary work. “We will be skirting the protected lands because you are not supposed to build on it. We will fence the entire area there, so people will not go beyond a certain point because they are damaging the eco-system.”

Told that the residents felt the bypass was a political ploy by the Government to muster votes for the next local government election, Phillip said the roadway was long overdue. He said initially plans were to build a highway to Manzanilla. “This highway was supposed to go along Cumuto Road, through Sangre Grande and then Manzanilla but things got shelved.” Phillip said from next year, anyone driving to Sangre Grande, Manzanilla, Toco, or Sans Souci would no longer have “to go to the Valencia Junction.”

Phillips said he attended a meet-

ing last Monday with officials of the LSA, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, Toco/ Sangre Grande MP Dr Rupert Griffith and the residents and he knew of three houses that were in a direct path of the roadway.

“Throughout all the meetings we ensured that nothing would be done unless we have consultation with the people. In that meeting on Monday we had an agreement that they will allow us to come and do our soil tests.”

On Thursday, CEO of the LSA Hazar Hosein said before his agency relocates anyone, they must first have discussion with Pure. Hosein said six residents of Kangalee Street were to be relocated “in the same area.” With regards to KP Lands, he said he had to get clarification on the number of people who will be affected. Hosein promised to send a team on the site to investigate what work was being done in the area. “I need to know what lands are being cleared. I have to find out.”

He said if the residents have to be relocated, the LSA would find an area close to where they live “to cause minimal disruptions”. Hosein could not say how many squatters will be relocated. Chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Keshwar Maharaj said as far as he knows there was dialogue among all parties involved.

“I find it strange that these guys coming to say so now. I am not aware that houses on KP Lands would be affected because that was not in the plan...that the roadway would affect houses,” he said. (Trinidad Guardian)

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Stephen Wright, 112, never sick a day in his life JAMAICA -- It took a nasty fall for centenarian Stephen Wright to give up drinking white rum.

And while it is common for many Jamaicans to mix the strong liquor with water or beverage, Wright, up to 16 years ago needed no ‘chaser’. It was the norm for him to gulp a quart on its own.

But all that changed when he fell from a building while under the ‘influence’, and damaged his back. Upon recovery, he said that he lost all interest in what was for him his “medicine”.

“In my young boy days, the white rum can’t stand up before mi man. Mi drink all a quart bottle just like how it stay in the bottle -- raw! Mi dis drink it. A fi mi medicine that! Is 16 years now mi stop drink white rum.”

This he said came about after he fell from a building.

“Mi friend wife died in town and we were preparing coffin and grave for the funeral,” a witty Wright told the Jamaica Observer from his Sanguinetti, Clarendon home on Wednesday. Wright says that he is celebrating his 112th birthday today.

“While we were preparing to bury the wife, gunman come and kill the husband too. So we were preparing to bury the two of them one time. This building was one that I worked on too. But mi drink up couple of the liquor and one of the pretty gal come from town and mi start to fool round the gal. So after mi drink up the liquor and ready to go home mi a go where the gal is fi tell her seh mi a go home, but the back of the building high, so mi step off thinking it was the front and lose mi balance and drop.”

If Wright’s recollection of his date of birth is correct, he would have been 96 at the time.

“A since mi drop and lick off the old back why mi nuh fool round gal again you know. Since mi drop off and lick out the back! So is that make mi nuh fool round woman again,” Wright said with a loud laughter.

“And after that mi get the fall from off the building and get the stroke in hospital. November coming is 16 years since I got a stroke right in the hospital. The whole of this side (pointing to his left side).”

He said that he was instructed to go to the specialist, until he decided that he would not visit anymore.

“Is some rubbings my daughter sent from America give me and mi use. Is it help me. Up to now this hand (left) don’t have much use. It can’t stretch out,” he said.

According to Wright, he was born on August 25, 1901. Checks with the Registrar General’s Department revealed that Wright’s mother did give birth around that time. However, a representative from the department said that further checks are under way to prove the exact year.

But Wright is adamant that he knows exactly when he was born, despite not having his birth certificate in hand. He is the eldest of 20 children for his mother. He said about 10 of them have since died, while many are living overseas.

“Mi older than the first car that come to Jamaica!” Wright said. “The very first car that come to Jamaica land at Black River, St Elizabeth. That was in 1902 and mi born 1901. And when mi look at how Jamaica cover with pure car and mi older than the first one that come here,” he laughed.

Since he was only a year old at the time, Wright said that his mother and grandmother later told him that the first car that drove into Junction, St Elizabeth, saw ev-

eryone rushing to the side of the dirt roads in excitement and saying that a chariot was coming without horse.

And because cars were scarce commodities as a youngster growing up, Wright said that he would walk from Sanguinetti in Clarendon to deep rural Manchester to “look” girl.

“When mi a young man mi walk all 20 miles through rock stone go where woman deh. Because that time we nuh know car.

One of the night I was going over there to look gal and rain start wet mi,” he burst into laughter. “But mi nah turn back you know.

When mi go there is a slip mi sleep inna ‘cause mi clothes wet up! But those are days of the past.”

The centenarian remembers everything. He was born in Junction, St Elizabeth, but left when he was seven years old to live with his mother’s grand uncle in Low Wood, Clarendon.

“After mi mother carry mi from St Elizabeth come up here (Clarendon) -- those times nuh water was in any pipe nor nothing was in Junction -- everything was just pure red dirt. And when mi come up here and see everything green, mi say mi nah go back.

Mi tell her mi nah follow you go back down there. Mi a stay with mi great-grand uncle.

The place did green and have whole heap of breadfruit and those things and I never see anything like that down [Junction]. So mi nuh go back.”

Growing up, Wright went to school for one term and stopped. “The nearest school was over three miles,” he said. “And those times you walk barefoot. People nuh wear shoes. It was pure barefoot! And when the Rio Minho come down mi affi sleep over neighbour yard because mi can’t cross to go over. So mi go school like January and when school get holiday (July) mi tell them seh mi nah go back a dat deh school. The school was over three miles. Mi seh mi foot a cut up on rock stone! So mi nuh go back.”

He recalled that his father died in 1914 after which his mother remarried, moved into Sanguinetti and he left his granduncle to live with her.

“As a matter of fact is me she did come look for when she find this man that she remarry. So she take me from mi greatgrand uncle and we live same place at Sanguinetti. So mi live with her and mi work and work until 1943 mi go away to America on farm work contract. I would go there June and leave the 15 of November. I worked with one man and every year him request me until he died in 1959,” Wright recalled.

But while he was in Jamaica he worked as a farmer, a chef and a mason. “Mi used to do mi big farming. Mi did have mi nuff land. In those days you could rent land.

And everywhere people deh they call me to cook for weddings, parties and any other functions like that. Anywhere they were is me them come find,” he said.

In 1945 he married Alvera who bore him nine of 10 children, since he had one with another woman a year before he was married. She died 18 years ago.

“I got married the 9th of August 1945,” Wright said. “Well I got baptised the Sunday morning on the 9th of August and the evening mi go married. So mi take the one stone and kill two bird. And on the 12th of August mi go back a New York. But mi leave mi wife out here because she did start have the whole heap of pickney dem man,” the centenarian said with his usual laugh and wit.

“But mi never worry that nuh oth-

er man would a take her way because the woman that I was married to, she was one of God’s chosen. Is God chose that woman for me. I am 10 years older than my wife and is a God bless woman.”

Three of the lot have since passed away. Wright prides himself on the fact that he has never been sick a day in his life.

“Mi don’t have nuh form of sickness. Mi nuh have nothing name sickness.

Mi nuh feel no way further than when mi get the stroke when mi in the hospital and it a come on well now. Mi can walk, talk, see -- is just since the stroke it kinda hard to hear out my left ear. But other than that no sickness. Mi can feed myself, bathe myself, mi do everything for myself same way.

But apart from that mi nuh feel nuh way,” he said, his voice strong and filled with laughter.

“You know how some people sick with bellyache and headache and all kind of aches, dis boy nuh know how none of them feel you know ma!”

He said in January his granddaughter took him to the doctor for a check-up and he was given a clean bill of health.

“When him check and check and couldn’t find anything I told him I had a little cold in my throat so he gave me five pills. All now mi don’t take them,” he said chuckling.

“But mi have to give God the praise still. Because let me tell you something, when I just left hospital the doctor told me I cannot make the grade and it was better I go home and let my family take care of me.

Right now I don’t know where that doctor is if he died or not, but mi still deh yah!” he said. “Let mi tell you this straight. No care what you going to do in this world you need to remember the man name God. Is him come first.”

Wright recalled a visit by the death angel eight years ago. “I remember one night I was laying down on the bed, it was like a man pushed the door and him come and look at me on the bed. And him seh him name ‘Mister’. After him seh him name Mister mi hear the man seh ‘a di wrong place mi come’. So mi tell myself that the man name ‘Mr Dead’ because tell you plain I wasn’t sleeping, and it wasn’t a dream. That was about eight years now. So the morning I got up and was telling my grandchildren them.

By the time I finish tell them what happen, I hear a woman up the top of the road bawl out that her mother dead. So when mi hear them bawl out mi seh ‘Lawd God dis man did come fi me but it was the wrong person’, is that woman him did come for,” he said.

“Mek mi tell you something, God nuh ready for me yet.”

He is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. “If you belong to God no matter what you do in the world you will still be God bless and God bless this yah boy!” he said beating his chest firmly.

While he does not eat rice and flour, Wright loves chicken and soup of all kinds.

He also enjoys ground provisions.

“Him don’t have any sickness,” said Shannae Dyer, one of Wright’s greatgrand daughters who shares the home. “And him kind. Him very kind. He cannot eat alone. He has to share with somebody. He has never been in trouble with anyone, No police ever have to come here to him, the only time we see police here was when him start have great-grand children. And he likes having children around, he said they keep him going.”

Today he is surrounded by a number of grands, great-grands and great- great grandchildren. (Jamaica Observer)

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 11

12 Wednesday, August 28, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Queen Ifrica removed from Canadian concert JAMAICA -- Queen Ifrica’s management has denied that the entertainer’s Canadian work permit has been withdrawn.

However, a statement from the management team made no mention of a Toronto concert where she was scheduled to perform.

The Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) reported on Friday that the Jamaican entertainer had been pulled from the Rastafest concert following complaints from the Canada-based Jamaica Association of Gays and Lesbians Abroad (JAGLA), which alleged that the dancehall performer was “notorious” for her homophobic lyrics.

Coordinator of the Rastafest concert, Masani Montague, confirmed that the singer would not be performing, which he said was “due to circumstances beyond our control”.

JAGLA spokesman, Kerron Orlando, said that the “decision has sent a clear message that persons who make comments that jeopardise the well-being of members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community in Jamaica will not be welcomed in Canada”.

He said he hoped that other homophobic persons will remember that performers will be condemned and called on the Jamaican Government to immediately put in place measures to protect members of the LGBT community.

On Thursday, the Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, which had given the festival Can$4,200, said it was “disappointed to hear that an artiste using homophobic language was being featured at this event.

“While it is Rastafest, not the federal government who is responsible for programming decisions, we will ensure that future funding requests from them are very carefully reviewed,” the group said.

Rastafest is sponsored in part by the Toronto Public Library and Service Canada.

Earlier this month, the Jamaican Government expressed “regret” at the statements made by Queen Ifrica during the Grand Gala, the main event to mark the nation’s 51st Independence.

In a statement, the Ministry of Youth and Culture said the event was used by the singer “as a platform to express her personal opinions and views on matters that may be considered controversial, rather than to perform in the agreed scripted and rehearsed manner consistent with the thematic production.

“Furthermore, the comments by the artiste were inappropriate in the setting of a national, State-funded event with more than 20,000 persons, including children, who were in the National Stadium and thousands more watching on television and online”.

During her performance, statements glorifying male straightness, heterosexual marriage and the legalisation of marijuana were among those made on stage.

Yesterday, Queen Ifrica expressed shock and disappointment at what she called the “ensuing brouhaha” arising from certain aspects of her performance at the Grand Gala celebrations on August 6, 2013. (Jamaica Observer)

Bad cops to be prosecuted, expelled TRINIDAD -- Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has promised that corrupt police officers will be prosecuted and expelled from the Police Service. “As an organisation we have to work hard at fixing the image of the Police Service, to move it from a negative image to a positive image. We have to do cleaning up, that is why we have to investigate any compliant against police officers and if necessary, prosecute these officers,” Williams said yesterday during the Showdown talk show programme on i95.5 FM. His comment was in response to a newspaper report which stated that two junior police officers were being investigated for leaking classified information to gang leaders in east Port-of-Spain.

The report stated that officers of the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit were investigating the two officers, who were assigned to the Port-of-Spain Division, who allegedly leaked information on recent anti-crime exercises in the division. Police sources said that the officers had been transfered to police stations in the Western and Northern Divisions for the duration of the probe. While admitting he did not read the report, Williams said, “I feel hurt. It is something I have known about from the very onset of joining the Police Service.” The service intends to investigate and prosecute corrupt officers and to ensure that “bad eggs” are not recruited. “As an organisation, once you have bad eggs, it pains you because you really want an organisation which meets the public perception of a police officer, that is, a police officer who is honest, has the highest level of integrity and is a true pro-

fessional,” Williams said. Williams noted that the service was the only one in the country which required polygraph tests in its recruitment procedure and said the tests was a means of “tightening up the quality of persons entering the organisation.”

Public perception of Police misguidedWilliams He called on the public to co-operate and assist the Police Service, which he said was the only way the fight against crime would succeed. “The police service takes an unfair rap for everything wrong in T&T.” He said although crime statistics showed a decrease in serious crime, incidents of violent crimes such as murders and shootings were affecting the psyche of citizens.

“Unless we can break that cycle, people will not be looking at all the other areas of crime,” Williams said. He said that the police service was focused on crime prevention rather than crime detection. “We are focusing on crime prevention as our number one priority. It is critical for us to drive crime down,” Williams said. When asked if the decreased serious crime rate was as a result of his and his executive’s efforts, Williams responded: “You would have a seen a clear lifting of the bar by way of police effort in driving crime down. “We see clear correlation between what the Police Service has been doing over the past 12 months and the results we are gaining,” Williams said. When asked to rate his performance as Police Commissioner, Williams gave himself a 8.5 rating while saying if he was being subjective the rating would have been 9.5. (Trinidad Guardian)

14 Wednesday, August 28, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Tallawahs take CPL crown TRINIDAD -- Cricket fans the world over have become accostomed to his brutal batting, but Chris Gayle showed them a different side on Saturday night, leading his team to the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League T20 title with a sevenwicket victory over Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Chasing a victory target of 129 in their 20 overs, the Tallawahs easily got home at 129/3 in 17.3 overs. Gayle mastermined the attack on the Warriors and at the end of the night the Tallawahs were spraying the champagne.

Gayle batted with real control and curbed his natural play as the few yardies in the stands were calling for sixes. The big left hander did not acceed, instead putting his head down and staying to within touching distance of the run rate on a slow pitch.

After losing Chadwick Walton and Kumar Sangakkara who struggled to come to terms with spinner Narine, scoring just 13 runs from 27 balls, Gayle soldiered on and kept picking off the runs without much fuss.

Narine bowled excellently but was unable to remove the big man. The T&T player finished his four-over spell at the cost of just nine runs.

When the victory came Gayle was unbeaten on 47 off 48 balls with six fours, and Andre Russell finished on 33 off 18 balls with five fours and a six.

Earlier, runs were hard to come by as Dave Bernard used the early moisture on the pitch to swing the ball prodigiously. Perkins was his first victim as he skied one to Danza Hyatt for 14 and before man of the match in the semis, Tillekeratne Dilshan could have settled, he seamed one into his stumps.

Simmons, by far the star with the bat in this CPL for the Warriors, remained unruffled but with the ball not coming onto the bat, he was not his normal free-scoring self.

However he read the situation well and together with Denesh Ramdin, they were able to rotate the strike, while the boundaries were absent.

The duo added 52 runs for the third wicket off 52 balls and with aggres-

sion required both fell. Simmons arched his back on an expansive off drive and was caught at long-off for 40. He faced 44 balls and struck three fours and two sixes.

Ramdin followed soon after for 29, bowled by Gayle throwing the kitchen sink at a straight delivery and towards the end James Franklin deposited Gayle twice into the crowd to score an unbeaten 17 off nine balls. The Jamaican skipper conceded 20 runs from the final over, that gave the Warriors their fighting score.

SCOREBOARD Warriors inns L Simmons c Sangakkara b Miller 40 W Perkins c Hyatt b Bernard 14 T Dilshan b Bernard 0 D Ramdin b Gayle 29 S Narine run out 9 J Franklin not out 17 C Barnwell not out 9 Extras: b1, lb7, w2 10 Total: 5 wkts (20) 128 Fall of wkts: 20, 27, 79, 94, 98.

Bowling: D Bernard 4-0-18-2, V Philander 3-0-8-0, N Miller 4-0-27-1, M Muralitharan 4-0-13-0, C Gayle 4-0-42-1, A Russell 1-0-12-0.

Tallawahs inns C Gayle not out 47 C Walton lbw Dilshan 13 K Sangakkara c Franklin b Barnwell 13 J Blackwood c & b Malinga 3 A Russell not out 33 Extras: lb3, w17 20 Total: 3 wkts (17.3) 129 Fall wkts: 26, 61, 67.

Bowling: K Santokie 4-0-31-0, S Malinga 3.3-0-28-1, T Dilshan 4-0-32-1, S Narine 4-0-9-0, C Barnwell 2-0-26-1.

Jamaica won the match by 7 wkts to take the title.

Man of the match: Chris Gayle Player of the tournament: Krishmar Santokie (Trinidad Guardian)

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Caribbean Pot: A non traditional stove top jerk chicken For anyone who does not have access to either a bbq, grill or pimento wood

Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking There’s been a lot of discussion, hate and much love for this recipe after I posted the recipe video online. In an effort to prevent the traditionalists from getting uneasy when they go through this recipe, let me be clear that this is NOT a traditional jerk chicken recipe. This stove top jerk chicken recipe is

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 8 pimento berries (or 1 teaspoon ground allspice) 3 scallions 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon ginger 6 springs thyme 1 med onion 1/4 cup apple juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 scotch bonnet pepper 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon veg oil juice 1/2 lemon 1 cup chicken stock 2 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon honey ggarnish rnnish w ith cho opp ppe ped pparsley arsley ar * ga with chopped

mainly for anyone who do not have access to either a bbq, grill and/or pimento wood.

It’s an effort to mimic the flavors you’ve come to enjoy from classic jerk, but with the convenience of using a sauce pan.

BTW, for those of you who wrote in asking for a gravy to go with your jerk chicken.. stay tuned, this gravy will blow your socks off!

Ingredients 3 lbs chicken drums *** Marinade *** 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

lovely colour to the dish and the honey will help balance off the heat of the scotch bonnet pepper. P0ur in the lemon juice and chicken stock followed by 3/4 cup of the jerk marinade the chicken was sitting in.

Turn the heat up to bring it to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer, cover the pot and let it cook for 20 minutes. Now remove the lid and turn up the heat to burn off any excess liquid. Here’s where you’ll taste it for salt (adjust accordingly) and thicken the gravy to the desired consistency.

Place all the ingredients mention for the marinade into a food processor of blender (chop finely and mix well if you don’t have access to a blender), then pour it over the washed/drained chicken pieces and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours in the fridge.

H at 1 tabl ta Heat tablespoon off vegetable oil in a deep sauce pan (tip – use a non stick pan for better browning), knock off most of the marinade off the chicken pieces and brown on med-high heat. Takes about 10 minutes or so to get some colour.

Add in the honey and tomato paste and give it a good stir. This will add some

Your kitchen will have the wonderful scent of the ginger, spices and herbs from the marinade and to be quite honest you’ll be counting down the minutes to dive in. Garnish with some chopped parsley and get ready to enjoy some of the most delicious jerk chicken NOT made the traditional way. It may take on the appearance of stewed chicken, but I assure you there’s no mistaken the jerk elements ooff th tthis is tasty dish. h.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 17

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Learning to relax through Yoga Geeta Maraj Yoga We are very aware of the importance of relaxation to the body. “Relax” is now a part of our daily lingo: we are told by our family and friends to relax; our physicians advise that we relax; we tell ourselves that we need to relax; but what is it that we need to do to relax? Where should we really begin?

We know the benefits to our health when we avoid the general stressors of life. We, however, struggle to keep this concept at the forefront of our daily activities, especially when leading very busy lives. Signs that we need to relax and take a moment for ourselves include feeling irritable, getting short-tempered at the simplest of situations, a general feeling of disappointment in ourselves and others, not being able to focus or retain important information, poor eating habits and a lack of proper sleep.

The first step in learning to relax is to let go of the guilt you feel when you know you need to relax. You will make a better friend, relative and worker with proper rest and knowing when to take a moment for yourself. The old adage “taking care of yourself so that you can better take care of others” holds true when it comes to our ability to know when to care for ourselves. Start by allotting a special time each day for yourself. Either set your alarm or block out a specific time in your

agenda as your “me time”. Finding that moment first thing in the morning is best at preparing you for your day. Use this moment to do something which benefits you personally.

Practice of proper breathing techniques so as to calm your body and relax your mind is an important and crucial step in learning to relax. We hardly realize that our breathing pattern affects our health and causes tension to be built in our body. However, there is a correct way of breathing, as there is an incorrect way of breathing. The correct way to breathe is to ensure when you inhale that your chest rises, and your abdomen extends. When you exhale, your chest should collapse as your abdomen contracts - pushing all the stale air out of your lungs. By paying attention to this correct way of breathing during the day, we can help to decrease the stress we feel in our body as the day progresses.

The incorrect way of breathing would be that when we breathe in our abdomen contracts at the same time. This is common at various times in the day when our body begins to feel stressed.

Therefore, it is always important to check your breathing pattern. The way in which you correct your breathing is to exhale all your breath till your abdomen contracts tightly. Upon inhaling your next breath, your breathing rhythm will automatically be corrected.

Our diet is equally important in keeping our body relaxed. Avoid high fat and excessive sugar in your diet. Carbohydrates equally convert to sugar when broken down in the body and affects our blood sugar level, causing us to become irritable based on the fluctuations of our glucose level. Eating fresh foods and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables help to

decrease stress in our body. Avoiding excess caffeine, but drinking at least 8 cups of liquid daily, also helps to keep our body cleansed and decreases stress.

Though daily exercise is beneficial in relaxing the body, if this is not practical, try to exercise at least 3 to 4 times weekly. Whether it is just a half an hour walk, swim, bike, or yoga – these all will help to overcome aches and pains caused by a build up of stress in the body.

Meditation is also vital in making us relax and learn to let go of our general stressors. Finding a time and place to meditate can be as easy as sitting in a chair or at the end of your bed when you awake in the morning. Just take a moment to breathe deeply to cleanse your lungs, and begin to focus your thoughts through a silent chant, so as to calm your mind. In time, meditation can be practiced in a special corner of your home, on a meditation mat at a particular time

each day. Meditation is known to keep our blood pressure more stable, prevents cardiac issues, depression and even slows the aging process.

Getting a massage is an additional great way to relax. If you cannot afford a massage at a local spa, ask a relative or loved one you are comfortable with for a massage. Massages help to undo knots in the muscles built up as a result of stress.

Most importantly, we can relax through the best medicine of all - laughter. When we laugh, endorphins are released into the blood stream causing us to feel happy and relaxed.

Our body is a gift; it is the vehicle through which we travel this sojourn.

We carry in it the key necessary to keep ourselves happy, relaxed and healthy. All that is required is for us to tap into this ability. So conquer your stress and anxiety by learning to breathe, laugh, love and relax!

18 Wednesday, August 28, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Shaken Baby Syndrome often caused by vaccines, not parents It is increasingly common for parents of children with one or more of the triad of symptoms associated with so-called “Shaken Baby Syndrome” (SBS) to be automatically accused of committing child abuse. But often missing from this causal equation is any investigation into the vaccinations that children diagnosed with SBS received prior to developing this very serious condition, a condition that copious scientific research has shown can, indeed, be caused by vaccines.

Writing for VacTruth.com, investigative journalist Christina England explores this issue in a recent piece, looking at an array of both former and recently published studies involving children who developed cerebral edemas, a type of swelling or inflammation inside the brain, following routine vaccinations.

England looks at a 2010 review published

by Dr. Lucija Tomljenovic, for instance, which contains hundreds of cases dating back to the early 1980s in which children

developed encephalitis or meningitis following vaccination.

As we covered back in January, Dr. Tomljenovic’s extensive research into the subject of vaccine-induced brain damage has unveiled a vast conspiracy, of sorts, in which governments have been exposed for deliberately covering up data linking vaccines to the types of symptoms commonly attributed with SBS. These links, of course, have also been observed by many other researchers, including a handful of doctors and researchers in India who published a paper in 2012 exposing the DTP (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) vaccine as a cause of encephalopathy.

But the rabbit hole goes deeper, as papers published back in the 1990s and even earlier have identified vaccines as a probable cause of SBS. In a 1998 paper entitled “Shaken Baby Syndrome: The Vaccination Link,” for instance, Dr. Viera Scheibner addresses a problem that at the

time was only just beginning to explode into the epidemic it is today -- parents being falsely accused of abusing their children when vaccines are what actually caused their SBS. “Some time ago I started getting requests from lawyers or the accused parents themselves for expert reports,” writes Dr. Scheibner about how falselyaccused parents sought her out for expert analysis into the real cause of their children’s SBS diagnoses. “A close study of the history of these cases revealed something distinctly sinister: in every single case, the symptoms appeared shortly after the baby’s vaccinations.”

How many parents are being falsely accused of abusing their vaccine-damaged children?

Since that time, many others in the field have also come to the same conclusions as Dr. Scheibner, as it is now clear that many cases of SBS lack any evidence of physically-induced trauma, which clearly points to another culprit. A more recent study published in the journal Clinical Medicine Research, for example, found that many of the symptoms attributed to SBS are actually caused by a vaccineinduced autoimmune reaction in certain genetically susceptible children.

“In his paper, Dr. Innis outlines that the response to antigenic stimulation damaged the beta cells in the pancreas (of the children) causing hypoinsulinaemia (unusually low levels of insulin in the blood), which inhibited the cellular uptake of vitamin C, resulting in liver dysfunction, failure of carboxylation of the vitamin K dependent proteins, resulting in hemorrhages and fractures associated with the triad,” writes England about the study. (NaturalNews)

All GMO approvals in Brazil are illegal, says whistleblowing regulator It may not come as much of a surprise to our regular readers, but the biotechnology industry as we currently know it is intrinsically corrupt. And a government official-turned-whistleblower from Brazil recently admitted in a government report that every single industry-prompted approval for genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in his country has taken place outside the realm of sound science and without proper legal precedent, which means all current plantings of GM crops in Brazil are illegal.

These are sweeping claims, but they are backed by a lengthy report recently published by Brazil’s National Council for Food and Nutrition Security.

In this report, a man by the name of Leonardo Melgarejo divulges key information about how GMOs have never lived up to the promises made about them by their creators, nor have any of the studies used to back their approval proven to be legitimate. To the contrary, most of the currently accepted safety data on GMOs is utter rubbish, he claims, because it relies on flawed methodologies and dishonest protocols.

One of the hallmarks of GMO

technology has always been that GM crops will help end world hunger by increasing crop yields. During the last 20 years that GMOs have been on the scene, however, this simply has not been the case. Yields have remained the same or even decreased as a result of GMOs, while the use of dangerous and potentially deadly crop chemicals to keep weeds and pests under control has increased dramatically, a fact that is often omitted from mainstream reports about the “benefits” of GMOs. “The argument that world hunger will be overcome by productivity gains offered by genetic engineering remains an unfulfilled promise,” writes Melgarejo in an English translation of his report compiled by GMWatch.org. “In these 20 years of development of transgenics, almost all ... GMOs involve Bt and herbicide-tolerant (HT) technologies, which are not designed to achieve productivity gains.”

Most NaturalNews readers are probably already aware of the “superweed” consequences of spraying mass amounts of pesticides and herbicides on GM crops, but Melgarejo also says that

GM crops themselves are becoming superweeds -- that is, GM crop weeds are becoming so robust and chemical-resistant that not even the strongest chemical treatments are able to mitigate them. Superweeds, of course, have been showing up all across the U.S., and now throughout Brazil, where GMOs have also been widely adopted.

All industry-funded GMO studies are pseudoscientific garbage, suggests Melgarejo So why, exactly, has Melgarejo gone so far as to declare GMOs in Brazil to be illegal? According to his report, all filings for GMO approvals in Brazil have thus far been in breach of established legal norms, which require strict corresponding safety studies that follow very specific scientific guidelines. Every single GMO approval, he says, has ignored these important requirements, whether by failing to use proper sample sizes or by using sample materials that were not

the same as those that occur in the real world. In every case, he insists, GMOs have been illegitimately approved to serve corporate interests.

“Fundamentally, it should be said that none of the cases so far approved by CTNBio (CTNBio is the regulatory authority that governs GMO approvals in Brazil) incorporates studies required by the legal norms,” adds Melgarejo. “Longterm impacts (of GMO use and consumption) are not evaluated. All tests submitted for evaluation to CTNBio examine short-term reactions. The longest is 90 days -- not allowing the identification of cumulative damage.”

Besides this, industry-backed tests routinely test the effects of grains and other GM materials that do not contain pesticide and herbicide residues, despite the fact that these same materials would contain such residues in a realworld environment. Tests involving GM proteins are also flawed, in that they use proteins derived from separate bacteria rather than from the GM plants themselves, which leads to false outcomes.

(NaturalNews)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Tremendous tea Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips Since the time of Confucious (551-479 BC) tea has been a popular beverage consumed for enjoyment and medicinal purposes. There is an old Chinese proverb “It is better to go three days without food, than one day without tea.” Tea is the second most popular drink in the world.

Only water is consumed with greater frequency. When we are talking about tea we are referring to the plant Camellia sinensis. This single plant makes a variety of teas: black, green, white, oolong, matcha and pu-erh.

The colors of tea reflect the amount of processing the camellia sinensis plant has undergone. Black tea leaves are fermented and crushed. This releases

more caffeine but contains less polyphenol antioxidant molecules that promote good health. Black tea has approximately 45mg of caffeine per cup. Green tea, with about 25 mg of caffeine, is less processed and contains more antioxidants. White tea is made from young tea leaf buds.

It is the least fermented type of tea and contains more antioxidants than green or black tea and has the least amount of caffeine.

EGCG is a potent antioxidant found in abundance in green and white teas. Preliminary studies show impressive results, treating a wide range of conditions. EGCG inhibits the growth of some types of cancer, like breast and prostate.

This antioxidant also relaxes blood vessels and prevents atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries that causes heart attacks and strokes. EGCG helps regulate cholesterol levels and helps our body mobilize fat stores. For this reason, many natural weight loss supplements contain EGCG as a “fat burner.”

Oolong tea is also from the Camellia sinensis plant. This unique type of tea is partially fermented, so it is about

half way between black and green tea. A tea that has recently become more popular is pu-erh. This dark, specially fermented tea has an earthy flavor and aids digestion. Pu-erh tea gets better as it ages much like a bottle of fine wine.

Special leaves from the tea plant can be used to make matcha. This powdered tea has a sweet flavor and is coveted around the world. What makes matcha tea amazing is that it contains up to three times as much EGCG as regular green tea. Matcha is made from the pulverized leaves of the dried tea plant, so instead of just consuming the water the tea has steeped in, the drinker of matcha is actually consuming the leaves themselves.

Tea is best stored in a consistent temperature, away from light. While clear containers display teas nicely, the light can destroy some of the healthy properties.

Strong odors can alter the flavor of the tea. The best way to store tea is in a tin with a tight lid, ensuring your cup is always good to the last drop.

Dental care for children

Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental

The human dentition has two sets of teeth. The first set is the primary or baby teeth which are followed by permanent or adult teeth.

There are 20 primary teeth that progressively start to erupt from the front to the back, from the age of 6 months and should be completed by the age of 3 years.

The baby’s mouth and teeth should be cleaned. It is best to start even before the teeth arrive by wiping the gums with wet gauze or wash cloth during bath time. Wrap the gauze or cloth

around the index finger and rub it gently over the gum. After the teeth erupt you can start to use a baby toothbrush, with a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste about the size of a rice grain.

The preservation of the baby teeth, until they are ready to fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, is very important. Not only are they needed for chewing food to ensure good nutrition but they also guide the permanent teeth into their correct position in the arch.

Parents should supervise dental home care for their children until they are old enough to assume that responsibility.

By the age of three, children should be taken to the dental office for their first check up and every 6 months after their initial visit.

Since the baby teeth play an important role in guiding the permanent teeth into their correct position, then none of these teeth should be lost prematurely, whether as a result of cavities or knocked out as a result of an accident.

Early detection of cavities will result in the restoration of these teeth and prevent extractions. If however a tooth is lost, the dentist can place a small device in the space to preserve it until the replacement permanent tooth is ready to erupt.

At an early stage the dentist can evaluate the jaws, growth pattern, relationship to one another, size of teeth, spacing and determine if there will be severe jaw deformities or crowding as the permanent teeth erupt. In some of these cases early intervention and treatment will prevent costly surgical procedures in the future. Jaw growth is best controlled during the period of active bone growth.

Harmful habits may also deform the arches and are best treated in the early stages.

Therefore it is best to partner with your dentist early in your child’s dental care.

Weight loss happens with time and effort

Monique Bartlett Fitness If you want to lose weight then there is no way around it. You need to eat less and exercise more. Everyone wishes there was an easy pill or potion but that is not the case. You need to put in time, effort, money and have the right mindset to help you achieve your goal.

You need time in order to plan your meals and set up an exercise schedule that you can stick to. You also need time to go over your goals on a regular basis to make sure you stay on the right track. You have to remember that the effort you put in is the effort you will get out. If you only eat properly 2 days a week instead of 6 days a week, you will not get great results. If you only exercise 2 days a week instead of 6 days a week, don’t expect to reach your goal quickly or look how you want in the timeframe you give yourself to achieve your goal.

You will need to allocate enough money to buy more nutritious foods which in reality does cost more than junk

food, but are better for you and will help you reach your goals faster. You may also need more money to join a gym if you choose, get a personal trainer, health coach, participate in fitness classes etc.

Above all else, you need to get yourself into the right mindset as well.

You can’t go into a journey of working to achieve your ideal weight while telling yourself that you’ve tried to lose weight before but were never really successful or that you will never have the body you truly desire. Don’t let your thought patterns of the past affect your outlook to the future you are creating for lean, fit, healthy and happy self.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Exclusive listing, amortization & group insurance

Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate - Most listings can be found on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Agents looking to market or get exposure to other agents or potential buyers use this service to create awareness. Some Sellers prefer to have an exclusive listing because the total commission may be reduced. In an exclusive listing the potential buyers will be directed to the listing agent or brokerage for assistance regarding viewing of the subject property and other steps pertaining to the property.

Sellers will have a bit more control throughout the process but should be aware of the fact that their property will not be on the Multiple Listing Service and may have less exposure.

Mortgage - When applying for a mortgage whether it’s for a purchase or refinance, the amortization period is a factor to consider. Most homeowners think about paying off their mortgage faster and becoming mortgage free sooner. Traditionally a twenty five year amortization has been the normal period amongst applicants intending to pay off their mortgage faster.

However, based on the qualifying criteria some applicants may have some difficulty getting approved. A longer amortization period would help in the approval process by reducing the payments and making it more affordable and manageable.

A thirty or thirty five year amorti-

zation may be available depending on the lender. Applicants should be aware that a longer amortization period will result in more interest being paid over time as compared to a twenty five year period. Consult your mortgage agent or mortgage specialist if you require further information.

Finance - Group Insurance is an insurance that covers a group of individuals, such as employees of the same company and is usually referred to as employer – employee group member plan. Most companies that provide Group Health Insurance as a benefit to their employees have a plan that’s customized for the company based on the employee demographics. There is no medical examination to be eligible for group insurance. Some examples of types of group insurance are Medical and Dental plans, Group Life insurance, Short and Long Term Disability and Extended Health Care to name a few. A person covered under group insurance will remain covered as long as the individual continues to work for the employer and pays the required insurance premiums.

When an employee’s status is changed and will no longer be employed by the company(plan sponsor), within a grace period the insurance company will allow the individual to convert their plan to an individual policy without a medical(without proving eligibility) at a rate determined by the company. Group insurance is more affordable than individual insurance plans. Individual coverage at an insurance company often has higher premiums because the individual has to provide a medical and the premiums are based on the individual’s past and present health.

An individual plan is not automatically renewed and may be altered or cancelled at time of renewal based upon the person’s current health at the time of renewal.

Government of Canada supports memorial project to commemorate victims of Communism OTTAWA -- The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, and Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, today announced federal support for a national memorial to the tens of millions of innocent victims of Communist regimes around the world. ““Once completed, this memorial will teach future generations how millions lost their lives and suffered in inhumane conditions at the hands of Communist regimes,”” said Minister Kenney. ““It will also serve as a reminder to all Canadians that glorifying Communist symbols insults the memory of these victims, and that we must never take for granted our core values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.””

Tribute to Liberty is receiving up to $1.5 million over two years under Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Inter-Action program to build the memorial between the Library and Archives Canada building and the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa.

Ministers Kenney and Alexander announced the federal funding on the site of the future memorial. ““Canada has a proud history of

serving as a place of refuge and welcoming refugees as well as displaced persons, including those escaping Communist oppression,”” said Alexander. ““Canada is today home to many different communities affected by Communism in their countries of origin, and our government is pleased to help make a Canadian memorial to victims of Communism one step closer to reality.””

Tribute to Liberty Chair Ludwik Klimkowski joined the ministers for today’s announcement, which coincided with Black Ribbon Day — a tribute to the memory of European victims of tyranny under the Communist and Nazi regimes of the last century.

It marks the August 23, 1939, anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between the Communist Soviet Union and Nazi Germany that was a precursor to the Second World War. Tribute to Liberty will work closely with the National Capital Commission and Public Works and Government Services Canada on the development of the memorial, which will be called A Memorial to Victims of Communism. The memorial is expected to be completed in late 2014. (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Paying government services to pass the buck Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters In my last article I pointed out some sections in a 2005 judgment that I suspect was the Ministry of Transportation’s “bible” for how they are treating people that were placed in Plate Denial, in error.

Chris Conroy, an Analyst with the Ministry of Transportation, said 407ETR has to follow consumer protection laws, however, stops short when it comes to enforcing that 407ETR complies and passes the buck to the Ministry of Consumer Services.

So whose job is it to ensure 407ETR complies with consumer protection laws? As reported before, the Ministry of Consumer Services says, “It would be inappropriate for the Ministry of Consumer Services to mediate or investigate a

matter where the business is regulated by a designated regulator…” and the Ministry of Transportation says, “I understand you have previously contacted the Ministry of Consumer Services, Consumer Protection Branch, which is in the best position to address consumer protection issues.”

So who is telling the truth? The Ministry of Transportation or the Ministry of Consumer Services? This is a perfect example of how our government services pass the buck when a decision that has to be made is political. And where are the politicians? Still sitting on the fence. They will never make a decision that is in the best interests of the public unless there is a public outcry and unfortunately we are living in a time period where the public is just fine with being “arm chair athletes”. They have an opinion on how everything should be but they will never “play the game”.

How does it make you feel to think we pay these public servants, very well, with our tax dollars and they can’t make decisions on things within their jurisdiction to make? It makes me question what these agencies are there for. Window dressing?

A false sense of security? I am sorry but,

I don’t want my hard earned dollars going towards bureaucracies that don’t work.

This should outrage people.

Politicians are shooting themselves in the foot. These type of situations are the very reason people can’t be bothered with politics anymore and only 50% of the population votes. They figure nothing will ever change so why bother? I believe that even though we can’t change everything that is wrong with the system, we can do little things that will improve the lives of those around us and I will never give in to that type of negative attitude.

If there is to be a “toll market” here in Ontario, I think it is worthwhile to do it right from the beginning. If we allow this to grow as is, normal everyday people are going to be in a heap of trouble. We will find ourselves in the same predicament we find the “telecom market”. The need to change policy to protect consumers to the demise of established Canadian companies.

Please sign and share the petition http://tinyurl.com/ 407petition

Canada welcomes first immigrants under new Federal Skilled Trades Program TORONTO -- Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander today officially welcomed one of the first permanent residents under the new Federal Skilled Trades Program: Eric Byrne, originally from Ireland. ““Our Government remains focused on job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity,”” said Alexander. ““The new Federal Skilled Trades Program enables us to attract and retain skilled workers—like Eric—so we can address regional labour shortages and strengthen Canada’s economy. It gives me great pleasure to personally welcome one of Canada’s first successful immigrants through our Skilled Trades stream.””

Eric Byrne received his Ontario trades certificate of qualification in May 2012 and currently works as a plumber for University Plumbing and Heating. He first arrived in Canada through the International Experience Canada program, which provides opportunities for international youth between the ages of 18 and 35 to travel and work in Canada. ““Canada is a great country and the people here have been exceptionally warm and welcoming,”” said Eric Byrne. ““I am very pleased that I qualified for the Federal Skilled Trades Program as it recognizes the value of my skill set and has allowed me to stay in Canada and integrate seamlessly into my new status as a permanent resident.””

At the same time today in Calgary, Employment and Social Development Minister Jason Kenney welcomed another successful applicant of the Federal Skilled Trades Program. New permanent resident Paul Lyttle has been working as an electrician for Calgary-based Unitech Electrical Contracting Inc. since June 2012. ““The new Federal Skilled Trades Program is a significant improvement to Canada’s immigration system which, for too long, had not been open to in-demand skilled workers,”” said Minister Kenney. ““Immigrants like Paul are set for success and I am pleased that this new Program will enable him, and others like him, to contribute skills to our economy on a permanent basis.”” ““Relocating to Canada was the right decision for me, both personally and professionally,”” said Paul Lyttle. ““I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay here in Canada permanently and can now start making long-term plans.””

To date, successful applicants under the Federal Skilled Trades Program have originated from different countries including India, Lithuania, Latvia and Germany, in addition to Ireland.

The Government of Canada launched the Federal Skilled Trades Program in January 2013 to facilitate the immigration of skilled tradespeople who meet Canada’s current and evolving economic needs. Skilled tradespeople are assessed

on relevant criteria, such as language ability, practical training and work experience rather than formal academic education. The Program was also created in response to requests from Canadian employers for skilled workers to fill labour shortages, particularly in the natural resources and construction sectors. In order to attract and retain qualified, in-demand candidates, the goal is to process applications as quickly as possible. Eric Byrne’s application was processed in only three months, while Paul Lyttle’s was finalized in four months. ““From an industry perspective, we are elated that the first ones of what we hope will be many new skilled trade professionals have been admitted to Canada under the Federal Skilled Trades Program,”” said Mr. Michael Atkinson, President of the Canadian Construction Association. ““This new Program responds directly to industry requests for a faster and more effective immigration program focused specifically on skilled trade professionals who are in short supply across Canada.””

The Federal Skilled Trades Program, along with other recent transformational changes to economic immigration programs, supports Economic Action Plan 2013 by building a fast and flexible immigration system focused on Canada’s economic and labour market needs. (CIC)

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Drupatee - A force to be reckoned with!

Drupatee Ramgoonai is a Trinidadian chutney and chutney-soca artiste from Penal. She had her biggest hit in 1988 when her (Roll Up the Tassa) Mr. Bissessar was a Road March contender.

Drupatee Ramgoonai was born in Penal, Trinidad. She started singing alongside her mother & in the temples at a young age then went on to learn Classical at the feet of her trainer Ustad James Ramsawak a veteran in the field. She also gained exposure on Mastana Bahar & the Indian Cultural Pageant winning the local song category in 1983 & 1984 respectively. Her repertoire back then included local classical, bhajans, local songs & film songs.

She also had some formal vocal training in Indian Classical music from classes under the well acclaimed Professor Adesh.

Drupatee recorded her first crossover

tune in 1987 entitled Chutney Soca & gained moderate success in the calypso tents. The following year she had her mega hit Mr. Bissessar (Roll up de Tassa) which brought her international acclaim and served as the nursery for this genre of music called CHUTNEY SOCA resulting in a commercial market being created for this type of music as well. She was consistent for many years with hits such as Pepper, Hotter than a chulha, Careless Driver, Motilal, Tassawalley, Manzalina etc & even the Monster hit Real Unity with Machel Montano. Some of her more recent contributions include: Mohana bina Gowna, Doh beat yuh wife, Parosin Macoing, D wedding song, Chutney Soca Wine, Violin etc.

Drupatee has won Nafieta awards & various trophies plus other awards for her unmatched contribution to Chutney Soca Music.

She is the regarded as the Chutney Soca Queen for the blending of these musical styles were the messages in some of her songs like Chutney Soca, Hotter than a chulha & Special Brew. In recent years Drupatee has even started doing soca parang at Christmas time with songs such as Chutney Parang & Fruit cake.

She created history as being the first woman of East Indian Descent to sing Calypso/ Soca & almost copped the Road March Title in T&T in 1988 coming second in the race. Drupatee is well known throughout the world for her hot & spicy Chutney Soca performances. She has performed throughout the Caribbean, North America, Europe & even India alongside many internationally renowned stars. Up to this day Drupatee continues to release tasteful music and do various performances across the globe and is still a force to be reckoned with.

Nineteen year old Dancehall artist Alkaline Nineteen year old Dancehall artist Alkaline says his music represents everything that society is afraid of and society represents everything that he is afraid of. Alkaline comes to the fore with a bundle of hardcore rhymes, killer hooks and slick production, and undoubtedly one of ‘the Baddest” lyrist to watch in 2013.

Describing himself as an ‘in di streets yute’, ALKALINE, whose real name is Earlan Bartley, was born in 1993 ‘under the clock’ in Kingston at the Victory Jubilee Hospital.

Alkaline’s first attempt at committing lyrics to paper was age ten, and by 12 he was already recording and producing his own records to his father’s delight. Whilst at Ardenne High, where he completed his high school studies, Alkaline balanced school and the groundwork of a solo career by recording music in and around local studios whenever he got the chance. At Ardenne High he copped six Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) subjects and currently pursues a first degree in Media

and Communication at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Alkaline is a major Martin Luther King enthusiast and in addition to loving “LIFE” and his music he lists fashion, fishing and playing video games among his passions.

His personal style is not that of a typical artist, but one with a sort of urban edgy with a twist hardcore appeal. One he dubs as dancehall meets urban pop rock culture.

KKerwin erwiin Du BBois oiis - A powerh powerhouse house off you young ung tal talent lentt “If I fail to succeed then success is my failure, I was born a winner,” this is the mantra that has kept the 2008 International Soca Awards Soca Producer of the Year winner going over the many years he has been involved in the music industry.

Born in the capital city Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, it seems Kerwin was always destined for success in Calypso and Soca.

Kerwin, who started singing in primary school not only took part in the nation’s first Junior Calypso Monarch competition, but also won the title in the second year.

The talented performer rose through the ranks of the calypso world, captured the Young Kings title and even reached the Big Yard for the National Calypso Monarch finals on several occasions.

Hailed as a rising star, he delighted all with his melodious voice and thought-provoking lyrics and was selected to represent Trinidad along with other young Calypsonians for a Calypso Youth Exchange programme hosted by the Association of British Calypsonians in the UK, where he settled for a number of years, eventually capturing the UK Calypso Monarch title.

In recent years, Du Bois has spread his wings and can no longer be considered simply a calypsonian, having branched out into Soca not only as a performer but also as a highly rated producer and songwriter.

His efforts have been acknowledged by some of the other major soca artists who have tapped into the talents of this accomplished hit maker. He has produced tracks for Bunji Garlin’s Black Spaniard album wrote and performed the 2004 hit ‘BubbleNut’ with HD Machel Montano. He has also worked with the dynamic vocal group H2O Phlo on a track entitled “J’ouvert”.

His talents emerged greater through

the years as he went on to produce other major hit songs like Machel Montano’s “Scandalous”, which was written by Kernal Roberts.

Kerwin performed throughout the Carnival 2k6 period with Xtatik with his major hit song “Madology”, which was a continued re-mix of the already acclaimed hit “Madda dan dat” performed by Machel.

In 2007 he teamed up with one of the most highly rated divas of soca Denise “saucy wow” Belfon, the results the hit song “De rose & de stem,” however one hit wasn’t enough, and the popular “Party Rocker” certainly had the industry buzzing.

In 2008 he captured third place with Shal Marshall in the International Soca Monarch competition with the international hit “Gyal Farm,” which he wrote and produced.

Things didn’t end there as “Breathless,” another one of his compositions and productions, also took Roy Cape’s Blaxx to the International Soca Monarch finals.

It was therefore no surprise when he was nominated for eight (8) International Soca Awards and went on to capture two, the Soca Producer of the Year and Best Groove Collaboration. He was also nominated for 3 COTT awards, Groovy Soca of the Year Award – Gyal Farm, Soca of the Year and Song of the Year – Breathless.

In 2009 he created Soca history by composing, producing and bringing together the biggest female Soca artistes as a trio collaboration in the names of Destra Garcia, Allison Hinds and Denise Belfon with a worldrenowned smash hit “Obsessive Winers”. Du Bois also worked with Blaxx of the Roy Cape Allstars once again to write and produce the hit track ‘Tusty’.

Kerwin joined forces with Farmer Nappy to bring the immensely popular 2010

Carnival Anthem ‘Pavement’. The duo who were expected to win the International Groovy Soca Monarch pulled off an amazing performance although their video presentation experienced technical difficulties and failed. Kerwin and Farmer placed fourth in the competition.

Du Bois also wrote and produced Farmer’s second hit for the 2010 Carnival season ‘I Pay For This’.

2011 has proven to be a busy but extremely successful year for Du Bois, writing and producing a list of popular hits thus far for the season. This year Du Bois teamed up with Kees from Kes the Band to write and produce ‘Wotless’. This anthem is Kees’ biggest hit to date. ‘Wotless’ thus far is the front-runner for being the biggest groovy hit for 2011, the song has also propelled Kees’ career to higher levels in the Soca arena. In a collaboration with Kees, Kerwin also wrote and produced ‘Ah Ting’. A song that displays intense vibe blended with angelic melodies not taking away from the vibrant pulse & jam of this piece.

Last but not least, Du Bois reunited with the King of Soca, Machel Montano HD himself. Kerwin pulled another hit out of his hat, or as Machel likes to say “in de pocket” to write and produce one of HD’s Road March contenders for the Carnival 2011 season. ‘Illegal’ is expected to be in the Road March race while causing some extreme wining damage on the road.

All in all, Kerwin has put in an immense amount of work in his Toronto based studio KNS. Hard work pays off and Du Bois is grateful and humbled by the fact that he is having yet another successful year.

Du Bois is a powerhouse of young talent bringing Soca music to the world, as he plans to develop and further his drive in taking Soca Music to places beyond our imagination.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 23

Business success on Facebook Over 1 billion people like and comment an average of 3.2 billion times a day!

Julie Rambali Business Development Over one billion people like and comment an average of 3.2 billion times every day.

The moment you have a strong presence on Facebook, your business becomes part of these conversations and has access to the most powerful kind of word-of-mouth marketing — recommendations between friends. Your business is made for your customers so build relationships with them, reach new people, and drive sales. Start by creating a Page on Facebook.

Your Facebook Page is the perfect place to grow your business, build

your brand and develop relationships with your customers. Creating a Facebook Page is absolutely free and it only takes a few minutes. All you need to do is choose a category and Page name that represents your business, select your logo and another photo that people associate with your business, write a brief description about your business, set a memorable web address for your Page that can be used on marketing material to promote your business, and choose a cover photo that represents your brand. It’s the first thing people will see when they visit your Page. Now with your Facebook Page, you can view insights, edit your Page content, keep track of new activity and respond to personal messages from your admin panel.

Now that you have a Page, it’s time to reach out to your current and potential customers. Create different kinds of posts on your Page including updates, pho-

tos, videos, and questions. The people who like your page will see your posts in their news feed. Keep your posts short, visual, and optimized for a greater chance of visibility. Invite people you already know to like your page because you’ve probably got a community of friends, family, customers, and employees who care about your business. Continue to connect even further by spending a small budget on paid ads to reach out to the people of your communities.

Engage your audience. When you post content and have conversations on your Page, you’re building loyalty and creating opportunities to generate sales. When people like your Page, they’re saying that they care about your business and want to know what’s going on. Posting relevant content is the most important thing you can do to keep them interested.

Post at least 1 to 2 times per week

so you stay up-to-date and relevant to the people who like your Page. Promoting your post is an easy way to reach more of the people who like your Page and their friends in their news feed on desktop and mobile.

Promoting a post simply bumps it higher than it would otherwise appear in your audience’s news feeds.

Check your Page Insights to see what’s working. Page Insights include information such as which posts are working along with an overview of who is connected to your business. Check your insights regularly to understand what’s working for you on Facebook.

Continue to engage, address specific people, and keep track of messages – 3 simple steps to manage a successful marketing strategy for your business on Facebook – Facebook.com

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Your Horoscope - August 28th 2013 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): The next few weeks take you through a more productive, get-at-itand-improve-it cycle. Organization and efficiency are more easily achieved under the rays of Virgo. Friday/ Saturday, get a jump on it and follow your gut instinct, but don’t race to conclusions.

Through Monday, the hidden or budding is on hot brew. Tuesday/Wednesday, you’ll piece it together well.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21-May 21): What’s not yet obvious will be soon enough.

By mid next week, you’ll have moved through plenty.

Mercury in Virgo keeps you much quicker on the uptake. The stars put you on a good creative spurt too. Friday and Monday can dish up the unexpected. Don’t take unnecessary risks, but do take the ball and run with it.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): If you haven’t felt in the mood yet, you will now. Or perhaps it’s necessity that forces you to get at those pesky clean-up projects—yourself included. Either way, use the rest of the month to get on with it. Thursday through Monday reveals what, where, why, and how. Tuesday through next Thursday are your best days to get a handle on it.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): Venus in Libra is a busy planet over the weekend and into the first half of next week. Expect one thing or another to keep you motoring along at a good clip. Twists and turns along the way are par for the course. Freedom and independence are your best choice; gift yourself with as much as you can get.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The unplanned or unforeseen keeps you busy Friday/Saturday. On Sunday, relax, slow down, take the easy way out. Monday’s jump-start gets things rolling in a way you didn’t anticipate. By Tuesday/Wednesday, things are looking good or sounding good. Monday through Wednesday are your best days to talk it up or glam it up. Mars in Leo helps you upgrade your reputation or professional profile.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): What’s sitting on your agenda? It’s time to get at it. As the sun and Mercury make their way through Virgo, you’ll gain better results for your efforts. Unclear or haven’t figured it out yet? Watch for synchronicity or opportunity to point the way. Venus and Mars put you at a creative, financial, or social peak. Friday/Saturday, reward yourself. On Wednesday, make contact.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21-July 20): On Friday/Saturday, you could stumble upon a new solution or a good score, or find yourself heading in a direction you didn’t anticipate. The unexpected can be costly. Enjoy your weekend but play it safe, especially when behind the wheel. Watch for the next few days to offer you more reasons why, or why not. Tuesday/Wednesday sets you onto an improvement or financial upswing.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): Friday/Saturday can give you a run for it.

Aren’t sure of where you’re heading or how to play it next? Open-ended or on chill is the way to play it through Monday. Progressively, the sun and Mercury in Virgo will help you gain surer footing. Wednesday’s news, conversation, opportunity, or plan is well timed.

Leo Horoscope (July 21Aug. 22): Smarter, not harder—you’ll find you have a knack for it now. The sun and Mercury in Virgo help you to make better use of your resources. Friday/ Saturday, you’re at the ready, fast with the comebacks, and game for it all. Sunday/ Monday, aim for the shortest route to the goal. Tuesday and Wednesday are productive days regarding work and working it out.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): Time, money, or good reasoning could slip from your grip over the next few days. While romance can be sweet, know that physical and emotional susceptibility are also at peak through Monday. Friday/Saturday, go for it. Creativity, imagination, and spontaneity deliver the goods and then some.

Wednesday/Thursday is optimal for talks, meet-ups, and making plans.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): If you’ve been seduced by appearances or unwisely talked yourself into something, the next few days could be an eye opener. If, on the other hand, you’ve been working toward your well-being in earnest, the next few days could see a goal or reward take more tangible shape. What/who slips away now simply makes room for something more appropriate.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Friday/Saturday brings a fresh boost or challenge. The weekend’s indulgences or added expense could blow your budget or good intentions. When the urge strikes, give it a shot. Look beyond appearance, keep it real. Sunday/Monday exposes or reveals more. Creativity is in good flow. The eyes are the window to the soul—and they are also your mirror.

26 Wednesday, August 28, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

A foodies guide to business: 5 tasty tips Cooking comes with a few metaphors that make great business advice!

Tina Dietz Business Development I love food. Some of you may have heard me in the past refer to myself as an “Italian Grandmother in Training,” and I ain’t kidding. This maven loves slow food, great conversation, and the complexity of taste and texture that make for great cuisine. Cooking, aside from producing delicious results, comes with a few metaphors that make great business advice. Here, have a nibble…

Call in Your Sous Chef: There are al-

ways going to be things that will get done better if they’re done by someone else. It may be because you don’t have the expertise that’s called for, or it may be that a great assistant handling the minor tasks will free you up to do what you do best. Make sure you call upon others early enough in the game to allow the task to be completed. This can be a learning curve for you in terms of being able to let go and effective communication and management, but the results are worth the simmering time.

Prep Everything Before Cooking: Food and business both go fast, so it is always a good plan to have a recipe (5 Year Strategic Vision Plan), and to prep ingredients and tools before you start. Rarely do things go exactly like you planned, but if you have a plan, you know what you’re doing the majority of the time and you can experiment with the spices, or try substituting

one ingredient for another on the fly.

All that’s left for you to handle is the unexpected turns, which will need your full attention anyhow. When you have a well crafted recipe, you can experiment more effectively.

Slice Things Small: When you cut your ingredients to a small size, everything cooks quickly. In the same way, taking the time to divide up the tasks you are trying to accomplish into small, actionable steps gives you an opportunity to manage the project time more effectively. Slicing and dicing takes skill, so practice and you’ll be julienning your next marketing campaign or product launch with the flair of Julia Child.

Cook Ingredients in the Right Order: If you just throw everything into the pan at the same time, you’re asking for food that is not going to taste very

good. Give your outside resources or team enough time to do what they do brilliantly, and do yourself the same favor. Some projects require a long roasting time, others are a quick sauté. Taste your “dishes” frequently and adjust as you go.

Don’t Over-Cook: Perfectionism leads to paralysis. The problem is that if you wait too long, you’ll ruin everything.

There’s a fine line between “golden brown and delicious” and “burned to a crisp.” Sometimes striving for perfection just ends up with something too tough for your customers to chew and swallow. Knowing this you can temper your need for perfection with the need to get the plates on the table and your guests, that is, your customers, served.

You might discover that, like a juicy steak, a little underdone might just be better.