Isis Metoo Takes The Crown 102313

CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & MORE ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM • TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD 2013

27 Jamaican juveniles attempt suicide in four years

>>PAGE 9

West Indian Beauty Isis Metoo Takes the Crown as Miss West Indian Canadian

EMILY SINGH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

MISSISSAUGA -- Twelve beauties graced the stage inside the Red Rose Convention Center in Mississauga on Sunday evening for the Miss West Indian Canadian Pageant 2013 and West Indian Canadian Bridal Expo. This amazing evening was made possible by Julie Rambali, CEO and founder of Wi Canadian magazine and her dedicated team by her side.

The West Indian Canadian Bridal Expo featured numerous vendors offering wedding services such as videography, photography, cake catering, makeup packages just to name a few. Guests walked around and were enticed by the many free samples and amazing Indian style jewelry and clothing that was on sale. The DJ set the mood as the evening began to unfold and the moment everyone was waiting for was about to begin.

The reigning Miss West Indian Canadian 2012, Shereen Pasad took the stage in a beautiful purple evening gown and dazzled the audience as she took her last lap around the stage. It was then that the twelve ladies: Vindy Bisnauth, Trisha Armogan, Crystal Gopaul, Malisa Harihar, Ashley Khan, Taylor Khan, Isis Metoo, Vanessa Narsingh, Sabrina Podai, Stephanie Rajkumar, Nadia Rooney

and Nicolette Seecharan graced the stage to do a short dance.

The stage came alive with performances by Ms. Paige, TnT Dance Crew, Trio Sisters, Carnivalspice.com, Divinity Dancers, Jean Paul Comedy, Riddim Crew Tassa Band a dance performance by Vanessa and Shoshauna.

After showcasing their many talents such as singing, dancing and even a steel performance the ladies went on to a fashion show. Modeling bridal gowns by Sara Lee Fashions and Indian Bridal Wear by Asiyans the ladies dazzled the audience and made the judges decisions that much harder.

As the evening began to unwind and the competition grew tough the audiences anticipation for the announcement of the winner heightened. All twelve ladies were stunning and graceful and represented the West Indian community exceptionally well and showcased the beauty of Caribbean girls. In the end the judges made their final choice and the winner of the Miss West Indian Canadian pageant was the beautiful Isis Metoo! Congratulations to all the ladies that participated you did the Caribbean proud.

2 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Charges of ʻbuying votesʼ in Mondayʼs polls

Tiffany, 26, aka “TiffHoney”, is a local model who has a passion for fashion and music. She is a certified hairstylist and nail technician. Tiffany aspires to one day own her own salon and spa.

She would like to send a personal thanks to Mahing Photography (Roger M) for his ongoing support and outstanding photography.

TRINIDAD -- Attorney General Anand Ramlogan says the People’s Partnership (PP) has received word that the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) is seeking to buy votes in today’s local government elections, a claim ILP leader Jack Warner vehemently denies. Speaking to the media Sunday outside the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) office in Port-of Spain, Ramlogan said the PP was informed that some voters were being provided with phone cards and advised to take a picture of their ballot while in the voting booth with an “X” for the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), and then present that photo immediately afterward, in order to receive some kind of reward. Ramlogan said the party’s concerns were raised as a result of a news article last week, in which it was reported that about $25,000 worth of phone cards originating from the Tru Valu supermarket in Valpark, were given to the ILP. “Within the last 48 hours we received similar word from supermarkets, apart from the Tru Value chain, that said that on a piecemeal basis, phone cards were being purchased in a surreptitious and piecemeal manner,” he said.

“In light of that, there are many people on the ground who told us there was a plan and a potential conspiracy to distort and frustrate the democratic process.”

When asked how the PP was certain that it was ILP members purchasing the phone cards, Ramlogan said the original story pointed to the ILP, Banking Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU) “immediately pointed a finger in the direction of the ILP,” and the ILP did not deny the story days after publication.

According to a media release by the BIGWU last Thursday, on October 4 between 4.30 pm and 6 pm, instructions were given by an official of Tru Valu branch to issue $25,100 worth of phone cards to Warner’s campaign. Warner responded Sunday rejecting the allegations made by the PP. “Totally untrue, totally untrue, unfounded, baseless, totally untrue. We don’t have to do that to win this election. Or any election for that matter,” Warner said, speaking with reporters at Saith Park in Chaguanas Sunday. He said the Government was desperate. “If there is one desperate government, it’s the PP...They could spread whatever allegations they want.

This is part of their dirty tricks campaign,” Warner said. According to parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Communication Nicole Dyer-Griffith, information about the “potential disruption to the democratic process” was brought to the PP’s attention, and so the party sought out a meeting with the EBC Sunday. “We would not want that process to be thwarted in any manner. As a result of that, the Attorney General, Minister of Communications (Gerald Hadeed) and I...we met with the chairman of the EBC (Dr Norbert Masson), to raise these concerns.

“Because the issue was brought to our attention on a number of occasions we felt

it necessary to raise it in the national public space so that people would be aware, that we are aware, all the parties involved are aware and they need to tread carefully in the conduct of the democratic process,” Dyer said. Ramlogan, Dyer-Griffith and Hadeed met with Masson and Chief Election Officer Ramesh Nanan at the EBC building on Frederick Street to formally discuss the development. “They, too, would have obviously been concerned about that story with the Tru Value purchase,” Ramlogan said.

He said after meeting with Nanan and Masson, several notices about bribery and penalties would be announced. Ramlogan said the penalties were not confined to the political party activists, but also the voters who “conspired” with any political party. Hadeed said the meeting was eye-opening and reassuring. “He (Masson) assured us that the necessary precautions are going to be in place to ensure there is no buying of votes by anyone.”

Response from EBC In another meeting afterward, Masson said the EBC was not the police, and therefore could not investigate the matter itself. He said a letter would be sent to the relevant authorities, and EBC personnel would be vigilant to ensure there were no voting breaches today. “The EBC is treating with these concerns by bringing this matter to the attention of the police. The Elections and Boundaries Commission is not a police station,” Masson said. “We are in the process now of communicating with the commissioner of police, asking him to investigate those allegations made in the article.” He read portions of the Representation of the People’s Act saying it provided for “persons guilty of bribery.” A person is guilty of bribery who directly or indirectly by himself or by any other person on his behalf gives any money or procures any office to or for any elector, or to or for any other person on behalf of an elector, and so on,” Masson read.

He said if a voter accepted something, it was up to the police to investigate to determine whether that was given as part of a scheme to bribe votes.

Masson said he could not see how a voter could successfully take a photo of his ballot without being caught, as voters were not using a private room to cast their vote. “I don’t see how they could do that, because the way a station is set up, with the blinds there, we don’t see how it is possible for them to take a photograph and the officers don’t see them.” He added there has never been a case where someone was caught photographing their ballot in the voting booth.

Nanan added everything was in place to make sure the election goes smoothly today. “The polling station staff, they are properly trained and they are advised to be on the lookout for people walking into the polling station with any electronic devices. We have taken steps, and this is not the first time those steps have been taken.”

(Trinidad Guardian)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Ex-con loses US visa - But pastor holds no hard feelings; declares he has visa to heaven JAMAICA -- The United States Embassy on Friday revoked the 10-year visa of a Kingston pastor, five days after the Sunday Observer published an interview in which he said he was having a hard time becoming a justice of the peace due to his manslaughter conviction over 23 years ago.

David Chang, 46, said he had travelled nine times to the United States to preach after he had served his sentence.

In his quest to become a JP, Chang argued that if the US Embassy could pardon a Jamaican and grant him a visa, then the Government of Jamaica could take a leaf from that country’s book.

However, Chang, who has been jailed over 100 times, has 36 convictions, and has served eight years in prison for manslaughter and released 15 years ago, was called into the American Embassy on Friday, where he was told that he should not have received a visa in the first place as a result of his record.

“They called me in and they didn’t go into a whole lot of details. But I know that it was about the Observer interview,” Chang told the Sunday Observer on Friday.

“They started asking about my criminal record. It’s the interview that they saw. They asked if I have any papers from the court, and I said no, because I finished my sentence. And I told them that when I applied for my visa they asked if I had any arrest and I ticked off yes, and went further and explained in writing some of the charges. And it was not in question when I went up there and they gave me a visa,” Chang stated.

Chang said that he first received a one-year visa, which he used to travel, until it expired. He then reapplied and received a 10-year visa, which he has been using since he received it in 2009.

“They say a person like me shouldn’t have a visa because of the record and the law requires that,” said Chang, a pastor of the 50-member Majesty Transformation Fellowship Church in Majesty Gardens.

Chang said that he was, on Friday, told by the interviewing officer that he could reapply in a year’s time, when the embassy would further explain the reason for the cancellation.

However, he is not hopeful.

“The only way I feel I could get it is if I get my record expunged; if I clear the criminal record and have a clean police record, because I spoke to my lawyer and she told me the same thing,” he said.

Chang, who said he learnt to read and write in prison, completed his first degree last year in Theology and is looking forward to starting his master’s degree next year, after which he intends to pursue a doctorate.

But, despite having his visa revoked, the pastor is not bitter.

“I don’t feel any way, you know,” he said with a laugh. “Guess what, I am a Jamaican. I am in Jamaica and nobody can take me out of Jamaica. And, in fact, they not even supposed to give me a visa. A visa is a privilege. So I don’t let it get to me. I am in Jamaica and I have a visa to heaven,

so if that visa to heaven is taken away from me, that is when I would feel a way. But I figure when I applied for my visa they know, because I confessed it on the paper.”

He said further: “I figure they didn’t do anything wrong, so I don’t even want to say much about them. Because most of them, I guess, are not Christians, and probably if I was in their shoes I would have done the same. If they were believers and persons who believe in transformation, they would not have done a thing like this.

So I believe if I was an unsaved person in their position, I would have done the same.

I wish them all the best and I will continue to pray for them,” Chang said. However, Chang feels that this move could be sending the wrong message to men who have transformed their lives and want to give back to the nation.

“Most of the criminals believe that there is no hope,” he said. “And I believe that if the Government or anyone saw a man like me with so much potential and so much progress, they should use me, as I have said before, as an example. And I believe that other gunmen and other people out there can say yes’, once there is life there is hope’.”

Chang said that the cancellation of the visa, on Friday, was a turn off for him and makes him feel that there is something wrong with the laws of this world as, despite his efforts to do good, he is still being hindered.

“I am ready to give back to the country, you know. I am sincerely ready to give back to this nation,” Chang said. “It really turned me off today (Friday). It really turned me off.”

While declaring that he would never lie in order to acquire a visa, nor to go through life, Chang noted that there are persons who will choose to continue down the road of ‘buying’ visas to the US, instead of going through the legal system because the system is forcing persons with good intent to do so.

“I have travelled nine times in doing ministry work,” he said. “And I always come back. I never feel like I could run off and stay there... never. But I am still pressing on in life and I am not going to let this hold me back. I am going for my goal, which is to help and give back to this nation. And even if they turn me down when I am expunged I am not going to stop. I will continue to do work,” Chang said.

Chang, who was 27 when he converted to Christianity in prison, said that, while he is busy in full-time ministry, he is active in his community as well as adjoining communities helping young people.

He said that over the last 15 years he has helped more than 100 persons to fulfil their dreams to become nurses and teachers, while others are still in college, courtesy of sponsorship sought through him. Chang is presently forming a Christian group named ‘Men on a Mission’, whose members will go into the prisons and communities to speak with criminals about changing their lives for the upliftment of the country. He has also started writing his book From Prisoner to a Pastor, which he hopes will be a testimony to others. (Jamaica Observer)

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

3

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

5

Economist laments poor quality of customer service in Guyana GUYANA -- Economist and management training consultant, Joycelyn Williams has lamented the ‘poor’ quality of customer service in Guyana.

“You don’t have to look too hard [to see] that the average level of customer service in Guyana is poor,” she said during her address at a Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) seminar on customer service, held at the Pegasus Hotel last week.

According to Williams, a lecturer who teaches at the University of Guyana’s Department of Economics, customer service refers to “all interactions between a customer and a product or service provider at the time of sale, and thereafter.”

She explained that poor customer service is triggered by inefficient systems and leads “to long queues for relatively simple transactions; poor quality products on sale in our stores; poor or inadequate communication from public service providers, like electricity and water; shoddy treatment at restaurants and stores; and untrained and poor attention from staff especially in public offices; as well as inadequate attention communication and courtesies at hospitals both public and private.”

Williams acknowledged, however, that the need to improve customer service is becoming more widely understood recalling: “I recently met a medical doctor from one of our hospitals who said that she is charge of rolling out an entire programme to improve patients experience and customer satisfaction.”

The economist, who is also the Principal of the JTW Management Institute, saluted the GCCI for organising the seminar “to add impetus to this buzzing movement” to improve customer service.

“Moment of truth” Due to stronger competition in every sector, each entity must now make improving customer experience a strategic priority, Williams said, asserting: “Every encounter with a customer is a moment of truth, because [at] that moment their perception of you, the employee or company representative and of the company is being tested.”

She intimated that because the services sector is fast becoming a crucial component of Guyana’s economy, good relations between providers and customers is important. She cited call centres and tourism as two fast growing services-oriented sectors in Guyana.

According to her, a decade ago, the number of tourists whom the country catered to numbered between70,000 and 80,000, but that number has since more than doubled with tourists now arriving from more countries than before. She pointed out too that in September Qualfon, the Mexican-owned company which runs the largest call center in Guyana announced expansion plans that will see the company employ an additional 6,000 employees within the next five years.

“The sale and consumption of services involves more person to person contact than the sale and consumption of goods, and so the attitudes, style, behavioral patterns of those delivering service is more important than for the sale of goods,” she reasoned.

Customer experience beating product excellence To illustrate her point, she referenced the case of the Cleveland Clinic, a 1,200-bed Ohio-based medical facility renowned for pioneering medical procedures such as open heart bypass, face transplant, and deep brain stimulation to treat psychiatric disorders.

According to Williams, the hospital, for most of its history, had focused on medical issues and had received high rankings for medical care, but in 2008 the Clinic received very poor ratings for its patient experience from the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“Its ranking was just as a mid-way hospital,” she said, adding: “Key issues of concern were staff responsiveness and room cleanliness, quietness near the patients’ room at night, doctors’ communication skills, [and] nurses’ communication skills.”

The CEO of Cleveland realised he could no longer rely on the medical reputation of the hospital to continue attracting patients, Williams said, noting that what came out from the rankings was that patient/customer experience was beating medical excellence to attract patients.

“By taking a number of steps over three years the Clinic transformed itself, [and] its overall ranking of patient satisfaction jumped from average to among the top 8% of the 4,600 hospitals [surveyed],” Williams asserted, adding: “Hospital executives from all over the world now flock to Cleveland to study the Clinic practices and to learn how it changed.”

“The account hold lessons for all firms and organizations that have to compete by creating a superior experience for customers,” she concluded. (Guyana Onserver)

HOMEOWNERS! Call NOW for FAST, EASY CASH! WE REPRESENT OVER 200 LENDERS Many provide 1st, 2nd and 3rd mortgages even with:

t Horrible Credit t Bankruptcy t Unemployed t Mortgage Arrears t Property Tax Arrears t Power of Sale t Self-Employed t Pension & Disability

Does Your bank offer payments THIS LOW? Mortgage Amount

Monthly Payment

Bi-Weekly Payment

$200,000

$759.41

$350.50

$220,000 $240,000

$835.35 $911.29

$385.55 $420.60

$260,000 $280,000

$987.23 $1,063.17

$455.65 $490.70

$300,000 $320,000 $340,000

$1,139.11 $1,215.05 $1,290.99

$525.74 $560.79 $595.84

$360,000 $380,000

$1,366.93 $1,442.87

$630.89 $665.94

$400,000

$1,518.81

$700.99

Call Don NOW to put your mind at ease

As of June 2013 OAC

husband lost his job. We fell behind on our mortgage. The bank “wasMyseizing our home. I still can’t believe that you gave us an emergency mortgage with no proof of income. You saved our home & gave us extra cash to get by until he finds another job. Thanks Don! C.S., Toronto, ON

”

Ask us about our: COMMERCIAL – FARM – CONSTRUCTION LOANS!

Call Don – 7 DAYS A WEEK

416.843.2384 OR TOLL FREE 1.888.818.6841 or Check us out online: www.TalkToMcKay.com

Licence # 12079

If the Bank says NO WAY… you better Talk to Don McKay!

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

7

Four days after death threat reported to cops Deonarineʼs Range Rover story goes international TRINIDAD -- A luxury Range Rover 15, 2008, by someone who had hired HSE, valued at about $500,000, it using false personal details. It was Diamond father, 34, ambushed and killed Sport which was bought by Independent Lib- then sent abroad in December of that TRINIDAD --Four days after a threat was made against his life, Diamond Village father Aaron Ryan Bachan was stabbed to death near his home Sunday. As Bachan, 34, was being taken to the San Fernando General Hospital he pinched his brother saying “I am dying.” Police said Bachan left his home at Picton Settlement just after 8 am and while at Picton Junction he got into a row with two residents who stabbed him several times to the upper body. According to his grieving mother, Celia Bachan, Bachan took his wife Natalie to work at South Oropouche and when he returned he noticed a back tyre of his car flat.

She said Bachan picked up a friend and while they were going to repair the tyre he was ambushed. “My son went to drop his wife to work this morning, he came back home and realised his tyre was going down...He left and picked up a boy down the road to go with him to fix the tyre,” she said. “Before he could reach to the back street, the tyre started making a ‘wobbling’ noise so he stopped and checked the tyre and while he was checking the tyre these two came, one held him and the next one stabbed him.”

Although distraught, Celia was furious at the response of the police.

She said one of the suspects told her on Wednesday her son would be killed and

despite reporting it, she said nothing was done. “They were planning everyday, up to Wednesday they cursed us and told us they would bag him and put him in the trunk,” she said. “They told me wait for a phone call. I am going to get a phone call one of these days. We were calling the police since Wednesday, the police never came. My daughter made sure to tell the police come before it was too late. “Anytime I call the police, they never coming or they are coming just now. They never have a vehicle, they never have anything. “Now when they kill my son, there are 100 jeeps coming with police, with all colour clothes.” She said the row started years ago when the suspects stabbed her son and the matter went before the court.

Since then, she said, her son had been stabbed twice, her husband assaulted and her grandchildren were verbally abused. Struggling to hold back tears, Bachan’s brother Vindy recalled the last moments spent with his brother. “When we reached by the Gulf View Link Road, he said that he is dying and then with his last ounce of energy he reached out in front and gave me a pinch.

“When I looked up in the mirror for him, he leaned back on the seat and that was it,” Vindy said. There were no arrests up to late Sunday. (Trinidad Guardian)

eral Party interim deputy political leader Anna Deonarine-Rampersad from an agent in England and which has been reported as a stolen vehicle by the British police, has made international news.

The Birmingham Mail Sunday reported the story which carried the headline, “Paradise island leader bought Range Rover stolen in Birmingham.” “The sport SUV disappeared five years ago after being hired by someone using a false name from Brindleyplace-based Lombard Vehicle Management. “But it was later traced to the Caribbean isle where it was bought by Independent Liberal Party deputy leader Anna Deonarine-Rampersad,” the story said.

It added a “row” surfaced this week when lawyers representing Lombard Vehicle Management formally demanded the return of the Range Rover, which was being kept in storage by the State.

Local attorney Jessica Maicoo wrote to Attorney General Anand Ramlogan saying the original owner was demanding the immediate return of the car.

Deonarine-Rampersad has maintained she had no idea the car was stolen. The Birmingham Mail said the vehicle was “snatched” from Birmingham on May

year. “Leading ‘motor detective’ Barry Hancock of vehicle theft investigators BR International Ltd, was recruited

by Lombard to investigate.“He flew to Trinidad two months ago on the understanding the SUV would be handed over once he had identified it, but that has not happened,” the newspaper said.

It added Hancock was also on the trail of 10 other UK vehicles, believed to have been given new licence plates in the Caribbean. At a public meeting last week, Deonarine-Rampersad reiterated her innocence and vowed to take action against anyone who attempted to tarnish her reputation. At a People’s Partnership meeting in Princes Town, Ramlogan said that the vehicle would be sent to England and not returned to Deonarine-Rampersad. Ramlogan said the documents relating to the Range Rover were “quite compelling and refute a number of statements made by Deonarine-Rampersad.” Attempts to contact DeonarineRampersad were unsuccessful as calls to her cellphone went unanswered Sunday. (Trinidad Guardian)

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

9

27 juveniles attempt suicide in four years JAMAICA -- Data released from the Children’s Rights Working Group of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) shows that some 27 juveniles in the care of the State have attempted suicide between 2009 and June of this year.

In November last year, 16-year-old Vanessa Wint hanged herself inside the New Horizon Adult Remand Centre, despite frantic calls from other teenagers who were witnessing the act.

But their cries fell on deaf ears, as the correctional staff at the penal institution ignored them and only came to the cell block after the child had taken her life.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has since ruled that the matter should be sent to the Attorney General’s Office for compensation to be made to Wint’s estate due to gross negligence on the part of the Department of Correctional Services.

INDECOM also recommended that warders should be trained to deal with troubled children who have shown signs of suicidal tendencies, and that a system be developed to diagnose the signs of suicidal tendencies, among other things.

The INDECOM recommendations come three years after a commission of inquiry into an incident at the Armadale Juvenile Centre in St Ann where seven girls — AnnMarie Samuels, Nerrissa King, Rachael King, Kaychell Nelson, Shauna-Lee Kerr, Georgina Saunders, and Stephanie Smith — died due to burn injuries sustained in a fire which broke out while they were on lockdown, made similar recommendations to improve the treatment of juveniles in State care.

The combination of being molested by adult males or being neglected by parents and deemed in need of care and protection before ending up in a maximum security fa-

cility and being sentenced to remain in State care until adulthood, leaves many juveniles in government care depressed and often sends them down the road to suicide.

In Vanessa’s case, she was molested by an adult male in her Kingston community, who threatened to kill her parents if she spoke up. To escape the man’s constant abuse, the child ran away from home many times.

She was eventually deemed uncontrollable by a magistrate and sentenced to remain in custody until she was 18 years old.

No case study was conducted into why the child was behaving badly before she was locked away and her molester is still walking free Sunday.

Even while incarcerated, the child repeatedly attempted to explain to adults the reasons behind her anti-social behaviour, but her pleas went unheard.

JFJ Executive Director Carolyn Gomes said that the lack of urgency in dealing with the present lot of the children, the majority of whom are locked up but have not committed or have been accused of any violent offence or any other crime, is unlawful.

“It is appalling that, based on what INDECOM ruled on Vanessa Wint’s suicide, that they have not done what has been recommended by the Armadale Commission, almost three years ago. They do not even have basic protection for the children and somebody should be held accountable,” Gomes said.

JFJ Chairman Susan Goffe was also at odds with the apparent uncaring attitude of successive governments.

“What I find difficult to understand is the lack of urgency in a system that knows that there are children who are attempting suicide and children who are harming themselves in a variety of ways. How many more

children will have to die before something is done?” she asked.

Listed below are details of some of the cases of attempted suicides: * In October 2010, at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre, a female ward had taken more than 20 pills and appeared to be asleep. Officers tried to wake her, but she resisted and protested that she was too tired. The child woke up in hospital and was diagnosed to suffer from bipolar disorder by a psychiatrist; * In February 2011 at the Hill Top Juvenile Correctional Centre, a ward attempted to hang himself with a sheet twisted into the form of a rope, which was removed from his possession; * In March 2011 at Diamond Crest Juvenile Correctional Centre, a ward attempted to hang herself in the dormitories and was placed on suicide watch; * In April 2011 at Diamond Crest, a ward attempted to hang herself with a sheet.

She was reportedly escorted to the medical room and placed on suicide watch; * In April 2011 at Diamond Crest, a ward exhibited destructive behaviour by inserting a sewing needle in her hand, and then attempting suicide the next day by asking another ward to hold her head underwater. The institution escorted both wards to a health centre where they received counselling and a prescription for medication. The institution also recommended that a psychiatrist visit the facility more often; * In June 2011 at Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre, a ward unsuccessfully tried to take his own life by hanging himself inside a bathroom. He was found by a fellow ward, and a staff member was then alerted to counsel him and bring him to the superintendent. After counselling, it was discovered that

the ward was depressed and had not adjusted to life at the facility. He was assigned to sessions with a psychologist and a reverend and marked for careful monitoring; * In August 2011 at the Diamond Crest Juvenile Centre, following a meeting with the Superintendent, a ward inserted a sewing needle into her left hand and had to be taken for medical treatment; * In December 2011 at the Fort Augusta Correctional Centre, a female ward temporarily escaped control of her escorts and used an improvised weapon to inflict several cuts to her left wrist and neck, claiming that she wanted to kill herself. She received medical attention and was returned to her dormitory to be put under observation. * In August 2012 at Fort Augusta, a female ward was taken to a medical assistant by her peers after attempting to drown herself; * In September 2012 at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre, officers were called into the dormitories late at night, by wards reporting a suicide attempt; * In October 2012 at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre, after a disturbance in a dormitory, one of the wards was placed on suicide watch; * In October 2012 at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre a female ward was found with a noose constructed from a bed sheet, tied around her neck; * In October 2012 at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre, a female ward pushed a sewing needle into her wrist. * In November 2012 at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre, a ward was found attempting to commit suicide by hanging herself with a sheet. She was reportedly counselled and returned to the dormitory. (Jamaica Observer)

10 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Ramlogan under fire In a scathing attack on Attorney General Anand Ramlogan Sunday, ILP leader Jack Warner brought a goat onstage, clad in a yellow T-shirt.

TRINIDAD -- In a scathing attack on Attorney General Anand Ramlogan Sunday, ILP leader Jack Warner brought a goat onstage, clad in a yellow T-shirt. Calling the goat “Anansi,” Warner slammed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for not removing Ramlogan from office.

Before a highly-charged crowd at the party’s final rally at Endeavour, Chaguanas, Warner said, “How could the PM keep a person like Anand in her Cabinet? I advised the PM many times a long time ago that Anand is hurting the image of the Government. The AG is a dangerous man!” He also praised candidate for Palmiste/Hermitage Charran Sookoo for taking legal action against Ramlogan for defamation of character in the lead-up to the local government elections.

Deputy political leader Anna Deonarine also launched an attack on Ramlogan Sunday. Saying she would not refer to Ramlogan as senior counsel or attorney general, Deonarine said, “My message to him is you have failed. The weapon of malice and lies will not prosper.” She predicted that Ramlogan’s days in office were numbered.

In a direct message to Ramlogan, she said, “You have made me a stonger woman than I was last week. You have made me

more determined to get this corrupt and vile Government out of office. Remember me as the woman that did not take your abuse.”

Ramlogan has faced criticisms from the ILP, former attorney generals Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and John Jeremie, and former president of the Law Association, Martin Daly, SC for his decision to mount a political platform in the run up to the local elections to score “political points.”

Ramlogan brandished police documents in relation to Deonarine’s alleged purchase of a Range Rover and also with respect to the sale of land to Clico for $13 million by her parents.

On the PNM platform in Tacarigua, meanwhile, fiery calypsonian Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins also attacked Ramlogan and government ministers. Rawlins made reference to a goat, calling Ramlogan’s name, while he named several ministers as being racist. In his song, Rawlins also called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to call the election fast, sending PNM supporters in a frenzy.

“The ship perishing slow... Kamla no! no! call the election, you got to go,” he sang to the delight of supporters, who waved their flags and buntins. Rawlins said he was sure that everyone would agree with him. So

loved was his lyrics, that PNM’s St Joseph by-election candidate Terrence Deyalsingh had to call on Rawlins for an encore. Rawlins said the Government from day one was filled with lies. “Nepostism and corruption blatantly. They just fixing themself, Reshmi, Gopauls and their family,” he sang.

Even Rawlins’ colleague Michael Osuna aka Sugar Aloes was accused of “jumping ship,” as he referred to Osuna’s performances on the UNC stage for the January 2013 THA elections. Aloes was known for singing on the PNM platform. (Trinidad Guardian)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Aletia Strachan,102, was climbing trees, swimming in her 90s JAMAICA -- As she sat with the eldest of her 16 great grandchildren and her caregiver on Thursday, Aletia Strachan, 102, was bent on sending across one message — that of not being a bother to anyone, even at her age.

“Mi nah give no trouble. All mi want is for someone to give me something to eat. Mi old and mi do [some things] for myself, but mi nuh fool; 100 years old and mi nuh fool!”

“That’s 102!” Danielle McNish, her great granddaughter corrected her in a tone she could hear.

“All right! 102 and mi nuh foolish.

Mi know when mi want do mi ‘business’ mi nuh foolish,” she said. “Thank God! Some people funny and foolish, but mi nuh foolish.” “An mi nuh give nuh trouble to eat. Mi nuh do that!” she added.

Though she had trouble hearing, Strachan remembered a lot from her past and spoke about getting married, her favourite grandson who died in a car crash on Mandela Highway in March this year, and necromancy that was rampant when she was younger.

Born on the July, 8, 1911 in Martha Brae, Trelawny, Strachan was the first child for her father and the fourth for her mother -- total of seven children, with her falling smack in the middle. All her siblings have predeceased her.

Growing up with a father who was a farmer, and a mother who was a housewife, Strachan assisted in looking after her younger brothers and sisters.

At age 28, she gave birth to her only child, Laura, who now resides in the United States.

When her daughter was only three years old, Strachan made her way to Kingston where she worked at various jobs. For the most part, her job entailed household helping, where she would wash lines of clothes at a time by hand, then iron them with the self-heating iron. This was a large heavy iron in which charcoal was placed in for heating.

“She speaks of washing by hand, using the old-time method of boiling clothes,” Strachan’s granddaughter, Dr Francine Phillips Kelly further stated in a telephone conversation.

“She did this for persons in the police force, and at a guest house. She did this for the police ceremonial guards who wear white for their official functions,” Phillips Kelly said.

When she stopped working at the guest house, Strachan started working for owners of private dwellings, before giving this up to help care for her seven grandchildren. This was in the early 1960s.

In 1962, she married Talmie Strachan, who died some eight years later from a stroke.

However, up to this day, the centenarian still believes that obeah was the cause of his death.

“Obeah was in Kingston nuff, you know. obeah full Kingston,” she said. “They try fi knock him weh. He was a mason, and when him lift him hand to throw the cement, him hand couldn’t go up,” she said demonstrating with her hand. “Is obeah. Strachan did love church, he was an intelligent fellow.

First time, if you a doctor or so they try to knock you out,” she said.

She said that they both attended church, and when the pastor realised that they were in love he planned a “mass” wedding for them.

After her husband passed away, she never showed interest in another man, but busied herself caring for her grandchildren.

While Strachan was originally named Alethia-Ann Lewis by her parents, she thought the name was very old and decided to change it to Aletia.

“In fact, her married certificate has

Aletia, but she never did an official change until much later,” Phillips Kelly explained.

“She just introduced herself to everybody as Aletia, because she didn’t like the other one.

It was officially changed in 2000. But all her transactions before that were done in her assumed name. She told me that that name was old people name, so she throw it away,” she laughed.

There were three things that Strachan absolutely loved -- to climb, swim and cook -- all of which she did up into her 90s.

“She only stopped cooking because of her age and that was since she was 95,” her granddaughter who lived with Strachan for many years said.

“Up to that point, from I have known her, she has always been cooking.

She has a peculiarity with respect to eating though, and she has never eaten anything with feathers. She has always told us ‘I don’t eat feathery things’. But if she prepares chicken for you, you would not know that it was prepared by someone who doesn’t eat chicken,” Phillips Kelly explained. “And she not tasting it when she cooking, and it taste just the way chicken should,” she added.

She said that her grandmother took particular pleasure in cooking, because it was never a part of her working life. She would be up from 5:00 am every day to ensure that a warm meal was prepared for them.

From a child, Strachan would out climb any of the boys she would hang around. She simply loved to climb, and climbed her last tree little over a decade ago.

The story has been told of Strachan, who climbed into an ackee tree in an effort to pick the fruit she loved so much. She was in her 70s. She climbed the tree in the back of the yard and got stuck. When her grandson stopped by from work to get something to eat, he found her in the tree unable to get down. Fortunately, he was employed by the Jamaica Telephone Company at the time and had access to one of the vehicles with the extended ladder. He and his co-workers took on the task of getting her down.

This, however, did not dampen Strachan’s spirit as a climber, as she mounted numerous trees following that incident.

“If there was breadfruit in the tree that she wanted, she wouldn’t need to wait on anybody, she would climb and get it,” Phillips Kelly said. “Ackee? She would do the same. She loved ackee, and she would go to whichever height. If the stick cannot pick it she was going to climb to get it, and she never saw any issues with it because this is something she had been doing from she was a little girl.”

Even at 102, if given the chance, Strachan would still swim, an act that is not

only enjoyable to her, but therapeutic.

“But the water has to be warm,” Phillips Kelly said. “So it has to be in the ocean about midday and she will go in for at most 30 minutes,” she stated.

Strachan’s last visit to the beach was about a year ago.

“The peculiar thing is that she learnt to swim in the Martha Brae River, but she only wants to swim in the ocean now. And when she is finished swimming she will airdry, get dressed and go. She will not wash off those granules of salts at all. When she gets home the most you can do is help her remove the sand from her feet because it is her belief that the salt water must soak into her. This is therapeutic for her and tomorrow is early enough to wash everywhere,” Phillips Kelly said in amusement.

While Strachan never spanked her daughter and grandchildren, she was a nononsense person.

“She was very, very strict about things being neat and clean. But outside of that I have never heard my mother say that she had ever been beaten, but she didn’t play,” the centenarian’s granddaughter said.

“And for us grandchildren, I don’t remember ever being reprimanded or spanked. But you know that you couldn’t leave things out of place or it would be hell to pay,” she said.

Strachan’s dream was to become a lawyer or a nurse. However, this only remained a dream for her, as her parents could not afford to send her to school.

She visited the Unites States twice -- first in 2000 and again in 2006 for her grandchildren’s wedding. On her return from her last visit, Strachan told the immigration officer that he could keep her passport as she would not be going back. She has not gone back since.

As for the centenarian, who said that she has arthritis in her hand, she still moves around unaided and alert.

“Arthritis mash up my hand,” Strachan told the Sunday Observer. Doctor say nothing nuh do my body so mi must eat vegetable and drink plenty water to wash mi out.

But mi nuh see so clear. When mi want read my Bible mi can’t read it cause mi nuh see so clear,” she said.

“Because she used to wash and then iron she is convinced that the hot and cold give her arthritis in her hands,” said her great granddaughter, McNish, who was sitting beside her.

“She not sick or anything. The only major surgery she has had is to remove cataracts. No broken bones, no hip replacements, nothing like that.”

Monica Robinson, Strachan’s caregiver said that the centenarian forgets nothing, and would complain to her relatives if she is ill treated.

“Sometimes she come and feel me in the bed and ask if mi still here. You think she easy?” she laughed. “If you ever do her anything she tell her family when they come and she don’t forget anything. When she sit down, she tell me some long-time things.

She have sense,” she said.

“Anybody come stay with me all they have to do is bathe me with hot water, company mi, cook for mi, and take care of mi -- that’s all mi need,” Strachan interjected.

Robinson said that Strachan is so active that even now, potatoes are still in the backyard that she planted.

“The neighbours said all when she in her 90s she still planting and giving people. They say she used to bake and give them too,” Robinson said. (Jamaica Observer)

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 11

12 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Rowley: PNM dropped candidate with criminal record GUYANA -- Work on the Hope Canal project is proceeding well and all components are expected to be completed by the December 31 deadline.

This is according to Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy who in a recent interview told the Guyana Chronicle that the project is on target to be completed by the end of this year.

The deadline for the project was initially set for June of this year, but was subsequently extended to the end of August, and then once again extended to December 31.

The deadline extension to the end of this year was not unexpected, since the contractors had expressed, during a visit by the parliamentary Natural Resources Committee, led by Ramsammy and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Mr. Lionel Wordsworth in July, that they will not be able to complete the work by the August 31 deadline.

The US $15M Hope Canal project, which is expected to be the answer to the flooding experienced in the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary areas during rainy periods, has four components: the over 10-kilometre channel from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), a bridge across the public road, a conservancy head regulator with three gates, and sluice at the canal’s Atlantic end which will have eight gates.

The canal is being excavated by the NDIA, while BK International was granted the contract for the bridge, DIPCON Engineering is constructing the sluice and Courtney Benn Contracting Services holds the contract for the head regulator.

Ramsammy advised that the construction of the canal is almost completed, noting that while the shaping of the dams is still to be done the canal itself is almost completed.

He explained that the canal can be seen constructed on both sides of the bridge, but on the northern side, it has gone as far as it can go and the NDIA is awaiting the completion of the sluice before that can be completed.

In addition, he said that there is also a piece of the canal to be completed on the

southern side, which the NDIA will not attempt to complete until the bridge is done.

The minister further noted that on the conservancy end, there is a stretch of canal to be completed but this remains to be done until the completion of the head regulator.

Meanwhile, he advised that the bridge and the head regulator are both on target to be completed by December 13.

Ramsammy had told this publication in a previous interview that the contractors are not subject to any penalties for the deadline extension, but will definitely have to face penalties if the project is not completed by December 31.

Nevertheless, he said that real progress has been made on the project and the Ministry and the NDIA are working with the contractors to ensure that the new deadline is met.

Meanwhile, during the visit to the project site in July, team leader for CEMCO/ SRKN Engineering, the supervision consultants of the project, Mr. Raymond Latchmansingh had stressed that the project is at a stage where it can be done by the end of this year.

Latchmansingh also said that the extension of the deadline does not mean that there will be a requirement for addition funds, noting that the contract time is related to quantity of work done.

Ramsammy had at that time expressed satisfaction with the work that has been done on the Hope Canal project thus far.

He related that he has had discussions with the engineers, from the NDIA, as well as from the consultant and the contracting firms, and that he has been assured that the rest of the work will be finished with greater rapidity than the first part of the work. He noted that the most time consuming parts of the project has been completed.

Moreover, members of the parliamentary opposition, who are a part of the Natural Resources Committee, had expressed satisfaction at the progress made on the project and the fact that it is being done by young Guyanese people. (Guyana Chronicle)

Ambassador against injustice! Shanique Myrie considers working for charity JAMAICA -- Shanique Myrie, the woman who successfully sued the Government of Barbados after her rights were violated at the Grantley Adams International Airport in that Caribbean island, is planning to become an ambassador for a non-government organisation in Jamaica to educate people in communities about their rights.

Myrie said that she was approched by members of the Cross Roads Development Committee, and she intends to be a crusader against injustice and enabling people to know what they are entitled to under the law.

“I was approached by the organisation and I am now considering the idea,” Myrie told the Jamaica Observer.

She made the comment as she joined up with members of the CDC last week to donate a television set and other items to several schools in the Cross Roads

area.

A microwave was also presented to officials at the Cross Roads Post Office.

Myrie claimed damages against the Barbados Government for what she said was unfair treatment meted out to her when she arrived at the Grantley Adams Airport in March 2011.

Following a legal battle, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) handed down its judgment in the case involving the Jamaican, earlier this month.

Myrie was awarded BDS$77,240 by the CCJ, which ruled that subjecting her to a cavity search, locking her up in an unsanitary cell, and deporting her, ran contrary to the rules of the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which, among other things, allows for free movement of Caribbean nationals within the Caribbean Community.

(Jamaica Observer)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 13

Guyanaʼs financial institutions have remained strong despite regional and external developments - Finance Minister GUYANA -- Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh speaking at the opening of the Republic bank’s Lethem branch on Saturday noted that government has long recognised that a strong, well-managed, well-regulated, vibrant and dynamic financial services sector is critical to the economic health and wellbeing of Guyana as such it has sought to ensure the establishment of a strong legislative and regulatory framework.

He added that the administration is happy that the sector has responded in the very positive way that it has, as he joined residents of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) to officially welcome a Republic Bank branch at Manari Road. The new branch is a customer-friendly, spacious and modern environment, which will provide all the basic banking services including an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) facility.

“Sunday we see a financial services sector that has proven that it is wellmanaged with sound, stable and strong institutions, and it is no accident that at a time when the global and regional economy have been put to the most severe test in living memory, financial institutions operating in Guyana have withstood the regional and external developments, have remained strong and have been an outstanding example,” Dr Singh stated.

He said that Republic Bank is a regional leader in financial services across

the Caribbean, and since its entry in Guyana it has contributed in a very significant way to raising the standards in the country’s financial services sector, introducing new products, improving quality of service and improving access to services across the 10 administrative regions.

“The Bank is a valued and respective member of the corporate community; it is an important member of the financial services sector, an important employer and provider of services,” Dr Singh posited.

He explained that the fact that the bank has been expanding in the manner in which it has in Guyana speaks volumes of its confidence in the country’s economic future.

Construction of the $185M edifice began in November 2012 and it will be opened for business from Sunday with a staff complement of eight highly-skilled professionals.

Officials from the bank, as well as the minister, spoke of Guyana’s bright economic prospects which the banking sector and other investors have recognised and are responding to favourably.

The financial services sector by itself,can contribute significantly to the growth and development in the economy by improving access to financial services.

Republic Bank’s Managing Director, John Alves said that the decision to extend their services to the Region Nine community was guided by their strategic plan for continued expansion.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the bank’s board of directors, Nigel Baptiste spoke of a promise fulfilled and vision realised. He said that the opening of the Lethem branch is a clear demonstration of the bank’s continuing commitment as a partner in the economic and financial development of all corners of Guyana.

Lethem residents will have a wide range of financial products and services including: deposit and checking accounts, electronic banking, various forms of lending, and foreign exchange and money transfer facilities.

“Our vision for expansion and accompanying strategies, are strongly aligned with the trends shaping the local, regional and global economies. Among local developments are increased opportunities for home ownership and expanding small and medium businesses…” Baptiste pointed out.

Republic Bank’s ties with Guyana date back to 1836, as it was the first commercial bank to start business in the colony of British Guiana, the first indigenous commercial bank and the first bank owned by the indigenous private sector. (Guyana Chronicle)

14 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Windies looking forward to India tour “We are not saying we cannot beat India, but we know it is going to be tough.”

BRIDGETOWN -- The West Indies may have not played Test cricket in recent times, but coach Ottis Gibson says his team is looking forward to its upcoming Test match series against India.

The team is on the island for a fitness and medical camp to make sure the players are in tip-top shape for what is going to be a long stint away from the Caribbean.

The West Indies will contest two Test matches and three One-Day Internationals in India and will go straight to New Zealand for three Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals.

The West Indies will not see the Caribbean until February next year and Gibson made the point that it was imperative that the players be not only in top physical condition, but be in great health as well.

“Things have been going well; the doctors haven’t reported anything untoward to me as yet, so fingers crossed that everybody is fit to get on the plane,” said Gibson.

Gibson was speaking at a press conference at the Accra Beach Hotel Sunday and he noted that while India is ahead of them in the rankings, they plan to fight hard and put on a good show for the Indian cricket fans.

“We are not saying we cannot beat India, but we know it is going to be tough.

The last time we went to India, we had a

couple of inexperienced guys and we put up a good show.

“So hopefully this time with a bit more experience, we can go one better and win the series. There is no reason why we can’t,” said Gibson.

The West Indies’ last Test match was since November of 2012 when it defeated Bangladesh and its other victories were against New Zealand in a home series in August of that year.

Both teams are considered inferior by some West Indian fans and those wins are looked down on by some pundits.

Gibson noted that the series against India will finally settle the question of where the West Indies stand in Test cricket.

As for that rumour about him leaving the West Indies to take up the post of head coach at Glamorgan, Gibson emphatically stated he did not even receive so much as an e-mail from Glamorgan.

“It is the club that I played for in England, but I have had absolutely no contact with them. I have just signed a new contract with the WICB and I am very happy with where we are,” said Gibson.

The first Test against India is scheduled for November 6-10 in Kolkata at the Eden Gardens Cricket Ground. (Trinidad Guardian)

16 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Pot: Curry chicken with eggplant simmered in coconut milk A classic Caribbean style curry chicken with the addition off eggplant. ggp p

Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking Even as child my mom recalls how much I loved eggplant (baigan), stewed, curry and my all-time favorite , roasted over an open flame and made into baigan choka. Today that affection for eggplant aka aubergine, baigan, brinjal, brinjal eggplant and melongene is just as strong and I try to find different ways to put this lovely vegetable to use. In this recipe we’ll go through the steps of making a classic Caribbean style curry chicken, then we’ll add the cubed eggplant along with some potatoes into the pot with the coconut milk and let it simmer to perfection in the curry sauce.

Ingredients 3 lbs chicken thighs (skinless) 1 large eggplant 4 medium potatoes 1 onion 4 cloves garlic 2 tablespoon veg oil 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon Caribbean green seasoning

2 tablespoon curry powder 3 birds eye (bird pepper) pepper 11/2 / cup coconut milk 33/ / cup water 3/4

I li llike ike ke uusing siing sing n a m ma adr dras ras a bblend lend ccurry le urry ur ry m adee in ad in tthe he C he arib ar iib bmadras made Caribbean, but you can use your fav. Feel free to use 1/4 scotch bonnet pepper instead of the bird pepper.

Wash, drain and season the chicken with the salt, black pepper and Caribbean Green Seasoning, then allow it to marinate for about 2 hours.

Now heat the oil on a medium flame (in a deep sauce pan) and add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Turn the heat down to low and let that cook for about 3 minutes so they soften up and start a lovely flavor base.

With your heat still on low, add the curry powder, stir well and let that toast for about 3-5 minutes. The curry will go darker, start to go grainy and take on a wonderful scent. Be sure the heat is on low to avoid the curry burning. In this step we’re cooking the curry so you don’t get that ‘raw’ curry taste when the dish is done cooking. We’re also awakening the spices which make up the curry powder.

15 minutes before you’re ready to cook, take the marinating chicken out of the fridge so it comes back to room temperature.

Now add the seasoned chicken to the pot, turn up the heat so you can sear the chicken and get the pieces covered in the curry base we made.

Turn the heat back down to med/low, place the lid on and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Add the birds eye peppers at this time as well.

The chicken will release it’s own natural juices, so turn the heat up and burn off that liquid. This will help to intensify the curry flavor of the chicken. It’s now time to add the cubed eggplant (you can peel it or leave it with the skin on), the cubed potatoes and top it with the coconut milk and water. Bring to a boil (raise the heat), then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the potato pieces are tender. You can have the lid slightly ajar as it cooks and do remember to stir every 5-8 minutes.

Taste for salt and adjust accordingly.

If the sauce (gravy) is thin all you have to do is press a few pieces of the potato with the back of your spoon to crush them and it will help thicken up things. This curry chicken with eggplant will not be the most attractive dish, but I assure the curry base with the addition of the coconut milk will ensure you have a very flavorsome dish. vors vo rsom rs ome d om di ish sh.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 17

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) for sufferers of hypertension or heart disease Geeta Maraj Yoga This 12 position asana (exercise) in yoga is one of the most rewarding and energizing of stretches. The multifarious benefits to the body and health of the mind are remarkable.

Best of all, with daily practice, it becomes a ritual infused with a spiritual understanding of who we are, it helps us to appreciate ourselves more and equally brings insight of how we are intricately intertwined with nature as a whole.

Surya Namaskar comes from the Sanskrit words ‘namaskar’ which means to bow or salute, and the word ‘surya’ which refers to the sun. Hence the beginning and the end of this routine consists of the joining of the hands in a prayer position (known as ‘mudra’ or gesture), with the thumbs touching the middle of the chest representing the touching of the heart, a place of absolute truth.

Surya Namaskar helps to strengthen the lungs preventing asthmatic tendencies; straightens and lends greater flexibility to the spine; strengthens the muscles of the body, thereby making the joint more lubricated and flexible; tightens the abdominal muscles preventing lower back pain and intestinal issues; increases blood flow to the brain, sharpening the mind and focus; de-

toxifies the body by removing harmful pollution from the blood; reduces anxiety and stress and in so doing prevents a series of harmful illness; keeps the body youthful and aids with weight loss.

There are a number of variations to this 12 position posture depending on the limitations of the body. For a healthy, flexible person, the more rigid form of this series can be practiced. However for those suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure, a more toned down version of the sun salutation is advised. The sequence described is for such individuals who wish to begin this superb asana: Posture 1: Standing straight, with your legs together, inhale and bring the palms together in a prayer position to your chest.

Posture 2: Exhale and inhale again, raise your arms straight above your head, keeping your hands together in prayer position, pulling the spine upward. (If you are more flexible, you can try bending backwards so that the spine is curved backward).

Posture 3: Exhale as you come into a squat position by bending your knees, then place your hands flat on the floor beside your feet.

Posture 4: Inhale and slide your right leg back slowly to an outstretched position. The right knee and top of the foot should remain on the floor when you have stretched out your leg. Ensure that your hands and left foot should remain firmly on the ground with left knee directly above the left ankle. Let your hip weight drop down and forward. Breathe normally.

Posture 5: Inhale and slide the left leg back slowly, in line with the right, resting your weight mainly on your toes and hands. Keep your body and arms straight. If you have problems keeping body straight, or weight bearing mainly on your hands and toes, kneel down to take the pressure off your hands and toes.

Posture 6: Inhale and drop to the ground in a kneeling position (if you had your legs out straight) and breathe normally. Keep hands in same position as when you started the posture. Look forward and then up toward the ceiling, so as to arch your spine downward, to form a caved back. Then arch spine upward, to form a curved back by tucking your chin toward your chest and pushing your curved spine toward the ceiling.

Posture 7: Inhale and bring your spine in a straight position, parallel to the floor as you remain in the kneeling position. Then sit on your heels, (or attempt to sit on your heels) with your legs somewhat apart. Bring your head to the ground (this posture is referred to as the child’s posture) and breathe normally.

If you cannot sit on your heels then just your bow your head toward the ground as best you can and hold the position for a few seconds, breathing normally.

Posture 8: Inhale and resume a kneeling position. Then as best you can swing your right leg forward next to your right hand, as in the position from which you begun. Look forward and continue to breathe normally.

Posture 9: As you inhale, swing your left leg forward next to the left hand. You should be in a squatting position once feet are back

next to your hands, as in posture number 3.

Continue to breathe normally and pay attention to your breath - that you are not holding your breath in an effort to maintain the posture.

Posture 10: Inhale and come to a GRADUAL standing position with your head bent, keeping your chin toward your chest. Ensure that you do this very slowly and do not rush the position or you can become dizzy.

If you feel dizzy upon standing straight, it means you came into a standing position too quickly. Should this be the situation, close your eyes and breathe deep breaths bowing your head forward. Then straighten your head looking forward with chin parallel to the floor and spine upright.

Posture 11: As you inhale, raise your arms above your head in a prayer position, stretching your spine upward, as in posture 2.

Posture 12: Exhale and at the same time drop your arms with a slight force down to the side of your body. Inhale and bring the palms together in a prayer position to your chest and then relax.

By completing this twelve position series, you have only exercised the right half of your body. To exercise and stretch the left half of your body, you need to repeat the series, however as of posture 4, you begin with the left leg stretched backward first to be followed by the right. Beginners should only practice this series once or twice at the start and then build up to a sequence of about 6 cycles.

18 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Beat cancer with 35% hydrogen peroxide Cancer is dangerous. Don’t flirt with disaster. Don’t eat it and don’t go near it. Don’t drink it. Don’t put it on your skin. Yes, this is a warning not to put cancer on or inside your body. Cancer is in GMO pesticide DNA seed designs and the treatments used on vegetables and fruit. Cancer is in sun block lotions full of toxins that hold in your sweat and block out the vitamin D you would normally get from the sun. Cancer is in cosmetics, makeup, soaps, toothpaste and shampoos. Cancer may be lurking in your refrigerator, your pantry and in your medicine cabinet, but it has an archenemy. Cancer has a rival that destroys it like an M-60 leveling a field of enemy soldiers. It’s called “hydrogen peroxide,” and the “lame-stream,” mainstream media will tell you how “dangerous” it is at 35%, but they won’t tell you that you can drip a couple drops in a glass of water each day and end cancer. Yes, it’s true.

Cancer thrives in an acid-heavy system, where the blood and the organs are flooded with processed salt, sugar, animal fat and artificial food. The heart and brain struggle to filter out the toxins found in most conventional forms of food, like antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, bleach, ammonia, fluoride, heavy metals and much more. This is why the doctors and oncologists tell chemo patients not to eat alkalizing foods like kale, because it will “interfere with the chemotherapy.” God forbid you should try to alkalize all that acid that’s kill-

ing your GOOD cells. Most cancer patients die as a result of the chemotherapy and radiation damage to their non-cancerous cells. In other words, your good cells that are trying to help your body beat cancer are deprived of oxygen also, leading to new cancers and often death within 5 years. “The most overlooked solution to all manner of illness and disease is perhaps the simplest. All pathogens, viruses, and parasites are anaerobic. They thrive in the absence of oxygen, but cannot survive with an abundance of oxygen. Even cancer cells cannot exist in oxygen. They depend on fermenting glucose to survive and multiply.”

What should you do, whether you have cancer or not? Alkalize your body, that’s what. Now keep in mind, hydrogen peroxide does not rebuild the immune system or repair the cells damaged by toxic chemo; however, there’s no better time to welcome that “change of season” for the regeneration of new cells, skin, hair and organ cells than right now. This is preprogrammed in your DNA. Men and women have the same schedule: 120 Days: NEW Red Blood Cells 90 Days: NEW Skeleton 60 Days: NEW Brain Cells, Tissue 49 Days: NEW Bladder 45 Days: NEW Liver, NEW DNA Cell Material 30 Days: NEW Hair, NEW Skin 5 Days: NEW Stomach Lining

Getting enough hydrogen peroxide inside the cancer cells is key It has been clinically demonstrated that the spread or metastatis of cancer is “inversely proportional to the amount of oxygen around the cancer cells.” That means that the more oxygen, the slower the cancer spreads. Conversely, the less oxygen, the faster the cancer spreads. If cancer cells get enough oxygen, they will die! Hydrogen peroxide kills cancer cells, because cancer cells do not have the mechanism to break down the hydrogen peroxide and stop it from doing its work.

The key to curing cancer with hydrogen peroxide is getting ENOUGH hydrogen peroxide INSIDE the cancer cells. There is a scientific description of this: Proteolytic enzymes, also called pancreatic enzymes, literally cut apart the thick protein coating that covers cancer cells, so the immune system can recognize the cells as cancerous. Well, you don’t have to be a scientist to understand that! By cutting apart the protein coating, the hydrogen peroxide then gets inside the cancer cells. You won’t hear about that on any CNN “cancer special” or on “Dr. Oz.”

Science has known this for 50 years Nobel prize winner Dr. Otto Warburg demonstrated OVER 50 YEARS AGO the basic difference between normal cells and cancer

cells. Both derive energy from glucose, but the normal cell requires oxygen to combine with the glucose, while cancer cells break down glucose without oxygen, yielding only about 1/15 of the energy per glucose molecule that a normal cell produces. This is why cancer cells have such a huge appetite for sugar and why people who are obese get cancer more often. It’s called the “biochemical cascade.”

Hydrogen peroxide and several other oxygen therapies are proven to be safe and effective. Pay attention to what you buy though, because 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide is the only grade recommended for internal use. Beware of the 3% “Pharmaceutical Grade.” This is the grade sold at your local drugstore or supermarket. This product is not recommended for internal use, because it contains an assortment of stabilizers which shouldn’t be ingested. Home use advice: Some individuals add a cup of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide to a bathtub of warm water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

The hydrogen peroxide is absorbed through the skin, which is your largest organ. Others drink a glass of water with several drops of food or reagent grade hydrogen peroxide.

Also look into digestive enzymes. Researchers have noted for years a correspondence between low levels of enzymes and cancer; in fact, enzyme therapy has been used with good results against cancers in Europe and by some doctors in the United States. (NaturalNews)

Anthocyanin-rich foods you should be eating Anthocyanin is a plant compound that acts as an effective antioxidant within the human body. It is also a color pigment that gives many fruits and berries a blue, red or dark purple hue and is found in a wide assortment of healthy foods. Several foods that contain anthocyanins are listed below.

Eggplant: The eggplant has been known to be referred to as “brain food,” and anthocyanin actually plays a part in this, because the compound helps protect the fats (lipids) found in brain cell membranes.

Black currant: Black currant has often been cited as the supplement of choice for anthocyanins in various studies.

Plums: Plums are juicy, delicious, dark purple fruits that are considered a staple of anthocyanin foods.

Asparagus: Purple asparagus has recently been found to contain a rich supply of anthocyanins.

Cranberries, blueberries and more: Essentially any red-, purple- or blue-skinned berry will most likely have an immense accumulation of anthocyanins. This includes bilberries, elderberries, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries and, of course, blackberries.

In fact, blackberries are known to have the highest concentration of antioxidants, more than any other fruit. By all means, the health benefits of each individual berry will vary.

found in red cabbage by scientists.

Grapes and Wine: All grapes are a wonderful source of anthocyanins, although the muscadine and concord variations have the highest concentration. The skin of a grape is where anthocyanins are mostly located.

Because white wine does not include grape skins in the fermentation process, red wines are considered a greater source of the antioxidant in comparison.

Bananas: Surprisingly enough, considering that bananas are yellow and certainly not a dark hue, research has found that they are a great source of anthocyanins.

Kidney beans and black beans: Several varieties of beans are known to have small accumulations of anthocyanins, but the best of the bunch is considered to be kidney beans and black beans. With their rich, dark hues, these two beans have a higher concentration than the others.

Red cabbage: There are at least 36 different variations of anthocyanins that have been

Pomegranates: Pomegranates are known for having a great amount of antioxidants,

and anthocyanin is just one of many found within this great, tasty fruit.

Red fleshed peaches: Due to the significant levels of anthocyanins found in red, fleshy fruits, like red fleshed peaches, they are seen as having the same degree of health benefits as berries.

Cherries: All cherries are considered a great source of anthocyanins, although tart cherries are known to have a higher accumulation than sweet cherries. The darker the hue, the more antioxidants within the cherry.

While this is a list of 12 foods that feature the antioxidant anthocyanin, there are several others, including red onions, fennel, black rice, potatoes, pears and peas. For the health-conscious, these foods are a great way to supplement antioxidants. (NaturalNews)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Know your status: HIV/AIDS in our community Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips This week I would like to discuss HIV/AIDS in the fastest growing segment of the population, women between the ages of 24 and 36. Through my work with the Durham HIV/AIDS Committee it has come to my attention that there are still a number of myths that exist about this disease. I truly believe that knowledge is power and a key factor in reducing the rates of infection, particularly amongst our youth.

In 2011, it was estimated that over 70,000 people in Canada were living with HIV. It is also suspected that up to 17,000 Canadians are living with HIV and are undiagnosed. Testing for HIV is easier than ever. Along with the traditional blood test, there is a new rapid test that involves a finger prick blood sample. The rapid test is not widely available yet, and is best found at the Hassle Free Sexual Health Clinics of Toronto.

Many of the newly diagnosed women

are shocked to learn that they have HIV because they have lived a “low-risk” lifestyle. They are not intravenous drug users and keep sexual partners to a minimum; however, they become infected because they are unaware about the sexual history of their partner. Within a monogamous relationship you are only as safe as your partner is. Using condoms and requiring your partner to undergo periodic testing is they way to keep yourself uninfected.

There is a myth that men who have sex with men, on the “down-low” are bringing HIV into the heterosexual community. This is simply not true. Only a small percentage of heterosexual women who are infected with HIV obtain it from a partner who is being unfaithful with another man. The majority of new cases are from heterosexual intercourse.

Due to advances in medication HIV is becoming a manageable chronic disease. Outcomes are best for those that are diagnosed early on in their infection and do not delay treatment with HAART (Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy) medications. I have patients who were infected in the 1980s who have seen the tremendous improvement in medication and quality of life that have occurred in the last 25 years.

Often controlled with a single pill, as opposed to the former drug cocktails, there certainly is hope of living a long and healthy life even after contracting HIV. Nevertheless, any one of my “positive” patients will tell you that protecting

yourself and avoiding infection is certainly superior to treatment.

There is also confusion about how HIV is transmitted. Sweat, urine, saliva and tears do not transmit the virus. You cannot be infected with HIV by a mosquito bite. Semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk and blood are the main body fluids that contain enough of the virus to transmit it to another person. Infection is significantly more likely if the bodily fluid makes contact with the blood stream via an open wound or cut or if there is ripping or tearing of the vagina or anus during intercourse.

Knowing your status and encouraging your partner to get checked regularly is key. Detecting infection early on benefits the individual and society as a whole. HIV positive patients that adhere to their medications are much less likely to spread the virus than those who do not know they are infected. Do not assume that you are being tested on your routine physical. HIV testing is frequently not included. Speak openly with your doctor and request to be tested. Using a latex condom is still the best method of prevention for sexually active people and a spermacide can also further decrease the risk of transmission. If you are concerned about your HIV status the Hassle Free Clinic of Toronto is a great place to get tested quickly and easily. They can be reached at 416-922-0256. Stay safe and know your status.

Dental mercury fillings controversy Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental

Silver fillings have been used by dentists worldwide for the last 150 years on poste- rior and anterior teeth.

In the absence of a better substance, it was the standard material to fill these teeth to prevent the spread of decay resulting in loss of teeth.

These fillings are composed mainly of sil- ver powder and elemental mercury, supplemented by some other metals. When mixed

together in the dental office the resultant putty is compacted tightly in the prepared area of the tooth from which the decay is removed. While still in the soft stage it is carved to restore the original outline form of the tooth. Within an hour it is hard enough for the patient to chew on it.

What is all the fuss about?

It is the ever increasing awareness of the harmful effects of mercury. Regardless of the beneficial applications of mercury, it is a poison in all its forms. Mercury exists in 3 forms. 1. Organic or methyl mercury sometimes found in fish. In recognition of its harmful effects, fish and shellfish are routinely tested for the existence of mercury. 2. Elemental mer- cury is a component of dental silver or amalgam fillings.

This puts the spot light on the dental profession. There have been scientific tests and studies by Health Can- ada, FDA and CDC (Centre for disease control). They have concluded that

the lev- els found do not pose a risk to the general public, except in a few cases where there might be hypersensitivity to any of the components. However it is now manda- tory for all dentists to install an amalgam separator connected to the office plumb- ing to prevent the mercury compound from getting in the water supply. 3. Other mercury compounds. These have varying amounts of mercury.

High exposure of any of these forms can adversely affect the health of a person.

Some of the symptoms may be neurologi- cal, skin rashes, dermatitis and others.

Here is the good news.

The silver fillings are rapidly declining in use as a result of the introduction of tooth colored white fillings, which is a resin and does not contain mercury. It is esthetic with qualities similar to your natural teeth and durable.

5 steps to weight loss success Monique Bartlett Fitness You desperately want to lose weight. You’ve tried so many different diets and failed over the years and now you’re discouraged. Let’s face it, most diets aren’t easy to maintain. They’re designed to take weight off but once you go off the diet, the weight comes right back, along with a bit more. So what happens? You end up worse off than before.

No matter what diet you try, one of

two things usually happens. You lose some weight but you’re tired of eating boring food and not enough of it or you don’t lose weight because you just can’t stick to that diet.

In either case, you feel bad, discouraged and maybe even like a failure. The truth is, losing weight is possible. Follow these 5 easy steps to success: #1 – Reduce your carbs! Cutting down on your carbs from white bread, white potatoes, etc. and instead eating more high quality lean proteins such as chicken and fish is a great way to drop a few pounds quickly. Just don’t cut carbs completely. You should still eat fibrous carbs, such as berries, spinach and apples. #2 – Stop Eating Processed Foods! Instead eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eating less junk food and eating a higher quantity of fruits, vegetables and whole grains will

lessen your chances of gaining any weight. #3 – Reduce Your Sugar Intake! Reduce how much pop or juice you consume. The sugar in these beverages can add up quickly and these drinks aren’t filling. You should also watch out for “fat-free” products. Sugar is often used to replace the flavour that is lost when the fat is removed. Also watch how much sugar you add to coffee and tea. #4 – Drink More Water! Water naturally helps to suppress your appetite and will help you lose weight and burn fat. #5 – Exercise More Often! A mixture of cardio and weight training will help you de-bloat and lose inches and pounds quickly. Do remember that if you haven’t exercised in a while be sure to check with your doctor first and be sure to start any exercise program slowly.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 19

20 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Listing agreement & segregated funds Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate: A Listing Agreement is a contract between a Seller and a Brokerage. As a Seller (Client), you should understand the Listing Agreement before you sign it. This is a legally binding contract with legal implications. You and your real estate agent should review the contract to ensure that there are no errors or mistakes before you sign the agreement. The Listing Period, Sale Price, Commission and Holdover Period should be reviewed and explained by the real estate agent. You should also be aware of the duties and responsibilities of the real estate agent and brokerage.

The “Listing Period” is the period that the contract commences and expires, the “Sale Price” is the value you intend to sell your property for, “Commission” is the compensation paid to the brokerage(s) upon the closing of the deal and the “Holdover Period” is the period after the agreement has expired that the seller may be held responsible for compensation to the listing brokerage in the event that a Buyer who was introduced or shown to the property from any source dur-

ing the listing period, that a private sale was negotiated with the Seller within the holdover period, then the Seller is liable for the total commission as stated on the contract.

The Holdover Period is also part of a Buyer Representation Agreement.

Finance: An alternative to Mutual Funds is Segregated Funds. A Segregated Fund is a type of investment administered by Canadian insurance companies. An individual that is Life Licensed is licensed to sell Segregated Funds. A Segregated Fund is an investment fund that has the growth potential of a mutual fund with a guarantee. The guarantee amount is usually seventy five percent of the initial investment and is offered in all Segregated Funds.

Like Mutual Funds, Segregated Funds consist of a pool of investments in securities such as bonds, money markets, real estate and similar assets. However, Segregated Funds do not issue units or shares and therefore, an investor of a Segregated Fund is not referred to as a unit holder. The investor is the holder of a segregated fund contract. The contracts may be registered as a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) as well as other investment vehicles. These contracts offer great benefit to contract holders such as Maturity & Death Guarantees, Potential Creditor Protection, Probate Protection and Reset Option. Consult your Life Insurance agent if you require further information.

Speeding up citizenship decisions by clearing dormant cases Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is taking action to reduce citizenship grant wait times by decreasing its inventory of dormant applications.

Measures are being taken for applicants who do not show up for their scheduled citizenship test or interview.

After a missed test or interview, applicants will be reminded in a final notice to contact CIC to provide a reasonable cause for not showing up. If the applicant provides a reasonable cause for missing their appointment, CIC will reschedule their test or interview. They will be given two opportunities over three months to provide a reasonable cause. Otherwise, their application will be closed.

Some examples of reasonable cause for missing a scheduled test or interview include: - being away to care for a dying parent; - inability to appear as a result of health constraints following an illness or accident; or - waiting for the arrival of documents requested from a third-party (requests for additional information only).

CIC sends notices to the applicant’s most-recent known address. Applicants are responsible for keeping their contact information with CIC up-to-date. Applicants can change their address online.

Applicants whose files have been closed will have to re-submit a new application if they are still interested in obtaining Canadian citizenship. (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The Premier wants policy ideas - change the 407 act!

Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters About a month ago, Premier Kathleen Wynne launched a website called Common Ground. She encouraged people to put in suggestions on ideas they had for a better Ontario. Out of 1,340 ideas, changing

the 407 Act is at #42. If you would like to change the 407 Act, and bring fairness and transparency back to consumers and reign in spirialling tolls, please visit the Premier’s website here http://tinyurl.com/ change-the-407act and vote up this idea.

Grievances against 407ETR include spiraling tolls, invoice suppression, undocumented invoicing, interfering with 407Act, keeping bankrupts in plate denial, ignoring the Statute of Limitations, improper billing, double billing, equipment failure, paying the bill and not getting credited, usury rates of interest, ect...

Unsuspecting citizens receive a bill for

undocumented amounts of money. In some cases the amounts are for thousands and thousands of dollars and has caused undue hardship to many.

We can not continue to turn a blind eye to this company’s disrespect for Canadian public policy. The government must get out of this company’s business all together and stop acting as their personal collection agency. We must level the playing field for consumers.

Together we can change the 407 Act, but it starts with you.

Government of Canada supports holocaust remembrance and education Video testimonies from survivors of the Holocaust will be preserved thanks to funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Minister for Multiculturalism Jason Kenney announced today. ““Canada has been profoundly shaped by approximately 40,000 Holocaust survivors who resettled across our country after World War II,”” said Minister Kenney. ““As Canadians, it is our responsibility to learn from these brave individuals and ensure that the horrible events of the Holocaust are not forgotten, and ensure that such atrocities never happen again.””

Through Inter-Action, Canada’s multiculturalism grants and contributions program, the Government of Canada intends to provide support of approximately $800,000 for four organizations to preserve

Holocaust survivors’ testimonials: The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre will support the preservation, access and use of Holocaust survivor testimonies in schools; The Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre and the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre will work, in partnership, to digitize existing footage of Holocaust survivors’ testimonies; and A digital archive of Holocaust survivor testimonies during the March of the Living will be created by the Jewish Federations of Canada-United Israel Appeal of Canada. The March of the Living is an annual educational program, which brings students from around the world to explore the remnants of the Holocaust.

These projects support Canada’s

goal, as 2013 Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), to promote Holocaust remembrance, research and education across Canada. Federal support will enable these organizations to educate Canadians on what Holocaust survivors went through and to make essential teaching tools more accessible to Holocaust educators.

Minister Kenney announced support for these projects at a special event to honour Holocaust survivor educators, held in conjunction with the bi-annual IHRA working meetings. He also announced the winner of the Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education, Mr. Scott Masters, a Toronto teacher. (CIC)

Language Instruction for newcomers to Canada (LINC) program The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program supports language training in English and French to adult newcomers who are permanent residents. Launched in 1992, the program helps newcomers integrate into Canada and their communities.

Did you know?

- The ability to communicate effectively in either French or English is a key factor in the success of newcomers to Canada.

This has been shown in a number of studies looking at the connection between language ability and successful integration into Canadian society, such as: - A 2005 Statistics Canada study found that

employment rates of immigrants increased with their ability to speak English and that language proficiency had the biggest impact on their ability to find employment in a high-skilled job or in their intended field.

- In a 2009 Compas Research survey on strategies for integrating internationally educated professionals into the Canadian work force, 87 percent of employers cited inadequate language skills as the top barrier preventing the foreign-educated from finding suitable employment.

- A 2008 Statistics Canada study found that literacy skills play a role in the wage gap between Canadian-born workers and newcomers to Canada.

- More than 60,000 newcomers benefit

from LINC every year.

- A new, more comprehensive guide called Welcome to Canada and a new Web tool called Living in Canada, both to help newcomers settle and integrate into Canada, were unveiled in April 2013.

- Welcome to Canada is available in PDF or eBook format.

- The Living in Canada Web tool creates a semi-customized settlement plan filled with tips, next steps and useful links based on user responses to the initial questionnaire.

People can also find local immigrant-serving organizations with the integrated Find Services map and can bring with them their customized settlement plan for additional, personalized support. (CIC)

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 21

22 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Neil “Iwer” George For over twenty years, his distinctive vocal style and unfailing ability to stir a crowd have shaken the foundations of Soca and Calypso, making him king of the dancehalls of Trinidad and Tobago. Born in Point Fortin, South Trinidad Iwer’s career began at the age of 21. He exploded onto the scene in 1987 with the runaway favourite “Boom Boom Time,” which went on to place 2nd in Trinidad and Tobago’s Road March Competition, and later the same year he took home the coveted Nation Building Calypso award with “Times Hard, Hold Tight.” Since his controversial debut on the Soca music scene, he has been perhaps the most successful artiste of the Jump and Wave theme, with such hits as “Yes Iwer,” “Jump and Dunk,” “Ah Reading,” “Carnival Come Back Again,” “Gimme Ah Bligh” and “We Reach.”

“When I explode unto the stage my mission is to totally entertain my audience.

The “ting” has to happen because I am prepared to die to make it happen” – Iwer “D Boss” George Defying critics by surpassing his first year’s monumental success, he has won several Soca titles in Trinidad and Tobago including the 2002 International Soca Monarch title for “Gimme Ah Bligh,” tying with Bunji Garlin, the 2003 Road March title for “Carnival come Back Again,” tying with Super Blue, and the 2003 Soca Monarch Title for “Ah Home.” He won his third Soca Mon-

arch title in 2007 for the catchy slow Soca song “Fete After Fete,” dethroning Shurwayne Winchester.

“The Big Man in the Business” Iwer George has been a unique asset to the Soca industry, “taking Soca higher” as he puts it, with contributions not only as a performer, but as promoter, radio station owner, and songwriter. His radio station The Street 91.9FM, broadcasting from Point Fortin and with offices in Port-of-Spain and Tobago, plays strictly Soca, Calypso, Rapso, Raga Soca, and Chutney Music. As songwriter, he penned the song “Trinidad” for his brother Naya George, which won for Naya the 2002 Road March title.

As performer, Iwer George has been consistently in demand throughout North America, Europe and the Caribbean, where he continues to please and amaze his audiences. Iwer is currently with the Invasion Band along with his brother Naya.

He has been termed “the yardstick against which Dancehall Soca is measured.”

By whatever nickname, Iwer George -- “the Boom Boom Man,” “the Big Man in the Business,” “the Boss” – is sure to be the “King Ah De Dance” for many years.

“That is why people should not envy me now that I am enjoying some degree of success because I have paid my dues”

Richie Spice - Reggae Warrior When his single “Earth a Run Red” quickly began ascending the charts in 2004, first in Jamaica and then internationally, Richie Spice took the reggae community by storm.

Fresh, well-crafted, lyrically uplifting - it ultimately emerged as one of the year’s biggest hits… all despite being over four years old.

“Earth a Run Red” was originally released on Spice’s debut album “Universal”

by Massachusetts-based label, Heartbeat Records in 2000. At that time, Richie Spice was simply a lone reggae warrior. “The songs were there,” he says, “but they weren’t getting any promotion - with me just going out there and singing them, it was like one man against the world.”

Born Richell Bonner in the Kingston suburb of St Andrew, JA, Richie Spice came from a family with a history of music. There was his older brother, Pliers, of deejay/singer duo Chaka Demus and ‘Murder She Wrote’ fame. But it was brother, singer Spanner Banner (best known for his mid-nineties hit “Life Goes On” and now a member of the 5th Element record family) who initially brought young Spice to the recording studio. Although the hopeful singer didn’t get the opportunity to record there, it opened his eyes to the proficiency that is required to succeed in the reggae industry.

“It was a strong learning experience,” he recalls. “I tried to record but it seemed like maybe I just wasn’t ready. But it show me that there is a lot of work to be done so you just do what is necessary until you reach that space where you are supposed to be.” And so the young reggae soldier marched on.

In 2004, Kingston-based 5th Element finally began a vigorous promotional campaign for “Earth a Run Red” in Jamaica, pushing the track onto the airwaves and into the dancehalls and quickly following it with the Ras Kassa directed video, bringing Spice’s incredible talent even further into the light. It wasn’t long before Richie Spice was the most sought after artist across the island.

“Ghetto Girl,” the ominous “Folly Living,” the resounding herbal hymn, “Marijuana” – his 5th Element debut, the critically-ac-

claimed “Spice in Your Life” album created a tidal wave of hits in 2006, being named one of the New York Times best reggae albums of the year. The Los Angeles Times went one further, citing it as one of the year’s ten best album of any musical genre. Meanwhile, back in JA, The Observer was honoring Spice as Artist and Vocalist of the year. It gave the warrior wings…

That year, Billboard Magazine ranked Richie Spice among the top live performers – his riveting stage presence ignited the crowds. His singles were soaring through the top of the charts. In fact, to reach Spice’s rapidly-growing international fanbase, the 5th Element family joined forces with VP Records in order to release Richie’s next big album, 2007’s “In the Streets of Africa.”

His music has since thundered through the industry, traversing across multiple genres and into the hearts of musicians and musiclovers alike. Spice’s top tracks have been remixed by a legion of producers worldwide.

And now with UTH Music, songs like “Jah Provide” (featured on his acoustic 2012 album, Soaring Sounds) and “Mama,” Richie Spice’s latest release, continue to push reggae into new territory.

Spice’s appealing brand of roots reggae is characterized by smoothly delivered, impassioned vocals that lovingly caress such as in the boomshot, “Brown Skin.”

Or when needed, they deliver the militant urgency of a righteous rebel soldier as they do in “Open the Door”. Guided by the principles of his Rastafarian way of life, Spice’s lyrics rail against injustice and the plight of the oppressed. They implore assistance for the youth and extend due respect to women everywhere. “My responsibility is to use the talent that God gave me as an instrument to uplift people who are facing the struggle worldwide and let them feel happy in themselves,” Spice explains. “It is all about spreading the love of the people, good over evil and life over death.” It is a battle which is not yet over. And so the reggae warrior forges on…

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 23

Afraid of Social Media?

Don’t stress, Social Medias are pretty basic and very easy to use.

Julie Rambali Business Development Are you not involved with social media?

You know you should be but you’re hesitant to dive into it due to not knowing the difference between a twitter handle and a hashtag and worried about all the time social media will take. Maybe you’re discouraged or worried about the potential negative reviews from customers.

The easiest answer is to just dive into social media and see the type of response you get. There isn’t much to learn about social media features as they are pretty basic and very easy to use. It just takes a few minutes out of your time to click on their documentation and read up a little on it. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends/family who may already be active on social media.

The easiest way to fail at social media marketing/communications is to be too derivative. It’s the material that has the strongest emotional content that will cause content to go viral. Post interesting facts about your industry and products/services but also don’t be afraid to post “quirky stuff” because that’s what

will cause your website traffic to spike.

Dare to be snarky, witty and just plain weird when you’re using social media to promote and share your content. It will make using social media for your business fun for you and it will also humanize your business to your potential and existing customers.

Don’t worry about the negative reviews from customers because they can post that anywhere on the internet.

Use their negative reviews as a way of improving your product/service and reply back to them with a thank you message for their feedback and inform them that you will be looking into the matter to get it addressed ASAP. Take it a step further if possible and follow up with an

apology if necessary and a solution of some kind with a discount on their next transaction. This is a positive message for your potential and existing customers because we all know that no business is perfect but we all appreciate it when businesses go out of their way to correct their issues so it never happens again.

Start using social media and you’ll notice that you’ll be up to date with all the latest news and entertainment from around the world. It will enrich your real social life as well because it will make your level of conversation more fascinating as you’ll be able to relate to almost everything that’s current.

So go for it and start posting and tweeting. You won’t regret it.

24 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - October 23rd 2013 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): What’s new, hot stuff? On Thursday, Venus/Uranus kicks things off to a great start. Friday’s Aries eclipse could spring you into action before you’ve had a full look/see. You could face more than you feel ready for. Rely on gut instincts. Saturday unwraps it further. As of Monday, Mercury retrograde can put you on a financial or relationship rethink or backtrack.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): The intensity dial is cranked right up. Expect extra excitement, pressure, or expense. Friday’s lunar eclipse can prompt a confrontation or a critical, perhaps snap, decision. You can’t sit back or sit out on this one, but as Venus/Uranus have already lit a spark, you’re well on your way even before you make a move. Remember, safety first. Don’t drink and drive.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21-May 21): Have you had a sense there’s more on brew but that it’s hidden from full view? You’re right. Friday’s lunar eclipse stirs a hot pot, perhaps surprisingly so. Watch for the days to follow to expose or reveal even more. Saturday’s action-taking is well timed. Starting Monday, Mercury retrograde can see you revisit an issue of trust.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23Nov. 21): The Aries eclipse on Friday thrusts you onto a switched track. It can fire up workplace conflict or competition, add expense, or tax your health.

On the other hand, it can send you into a more productive drive. A new project, collaboration, or initiative will prove its worth over time. Mercury retrograde in Scorpio is ideal for a personal regroup or overhaul.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): Friday’s lunar eclipse is likely to dish up something fresh, social, exciting, and opportune. In fact, expect life’s eventfulness and intensity curve to continue for some time. Watch for the eclipse to prompt a fast decision or a spontaneous choice that can be risky but holds great promise. Still, give yourself ample leeway for Mercury retrograde’s back tracks.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): You’re at the top of your game on Thursday.

Go while the getting is excellent. Venus in Sagittarius and Friday’s eclipse send sparks flying and put the show on the road. Something unexpected can rev it up for you too. Saturday could be an altogether different story. The day deflates, dissipates, or finds you spent.

Mercury retrograde keeps the back burner on high brew.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21-July 20): Whether you’ve planned it for a while or it fires up suddenly, Friday’s lunar eclipse flicks the switch on a career or personal trajectory. While there’s plenty of uncertainty to cope with, Venus and Uranus suggest today’s leap of faith will prove its worth down the road.

Mercury retrograde forces you into a power play. You can’t sidestep it. Re-strategize.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): Life hits a faster, more intense pace. A contract undertaking can be the start of a whole new reality base. At the very least, Friday’s lunar eclipse gets something new off the ground, perhaps regarding real estate, a home or family matter, or a personal goal. Mercury retrograde can redirect finances, your social life, or a key relationship.

Leo Horoscope (July 21Aug. 22): Watch for the next few days to keep life on a rapid-fire domino. Friday’s instigating lunar eclipse can gift you with a sharp-shot second chance and/or introduce you to your future in some strike-flint way. A contract or launch holds great promise. Drive defensively. Scout, dig, meet, find. Mercury retrograde pulls you into more involvement, complexity, review, revision, expense, or soul-searching.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): Venus/Uranus and Friday’s lunar eclipse could produce a notable event or interlude, good news, a lucrative financial prospect, or a surprise bargain. There’s travel and a social, an educational, or a publicity opportunity too. Make a first or second move, or a counteroffer.

The stars are in your favour Thursday/ Friday. Still, anticipate more complexity.

Mercury retrograde starts Monday.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Ready or not, the next few days can thrust you into a full-steam-ahead date with destiny. Friday’s lunar eclipse can confirm what you’ve been sensing, feeling, or dreading all along. Choices will suddenly become much more clear. Still, there’s more to confront. Watch for Mercury retrograde to cause added doubt or backtracking.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Friday’s lunar eclipse puts the ball in your court. It’s a lucrative influence for a career initiative, financial investment, or personal commitment. Take charge, come at it fresh, get it handled quick. On Saturday, look for more.

There’s risk, uncertainty, or more to face, but in the long run you’ll gain. Mercury retrograde can reshape your future.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 25

3 ways to follow-up and build successful business relationships Jim Pagiamtzis Business Development Getting connected in the 21st Century requires a plan to succeed from networking to following up with people you have met at various events. Below are three effective ways to reach new contacts in your network and create long term and successful relationships.

Email: This is the simplest way to follow-up. You can do so many things with this, from attaching a photo, e-book or anything you promised during your conversation when you first met. This shows you have integrity and impeccable memory! (you made notes on the back of the card).

You can also ask them if they enjoyed the event and what they liked or disliked. You may have a service that they are interested in. This also gives you the opportunity for some closure; either to set up a phone call to discuss specific details or a time to meet.

It’s all about being prepared and having a script (if needed) to con-

verse and potentially close the circle.

Phone call: Picking up the phone and calling a contact within a 48-72hr time frame is very important.

So why don’t we do it? Does the phone weigh 800lbs! The act of following up by phone is important for so many reasons. Let’s explore a few.

When you sent an e-mail you mentioned that you would like to call at a certain day or time. Here is where you have the ability to close the loop; i.e.: discuss business or you had promised some information on an upcoming event.

Send a Card by Mail: Appreciation marketing has been used by networkers for many years and is a

strategy that is shared by Ivan Misner Founder of BNI International in his book Networking Like A Pro. He states how sending a card is a strong strategy to use. You position yourself as a resource and a key connection in their network.

Sending a card by mail will make you stand out from the rest of your network! You can send a personalized card with pictures, gifts and any links that they may be interested in.

At the end of the day you can implement these strategies to create successful business relationships.

Go out there and get connected in the 21st Century!

26 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The priorities dance for growing your business Simple strategies to help you dance through your day!

Tina Dietz Business Development Over the years of coaching people from all walks of life, I’ve found that a large part of growing your business is giving yourself permission to experiment with making your schedule your friend and making powerful requests. Like most people, you’re probably juggling multiple priorities. What if you could “dance” through your day, nimbly mambo-ing around the unexpected or waltzing through phone calls? I’m going to give you some examples of what I’ve personally learned about dancing with priorities today, and invite you to use those examples to generate ideas for yourself.

As an entrepreneur, do you find yourself best served by a 9-5 schedule? Observe what times of the day are best for you to

do any given thing, and organize your schedule around it—is your best concentration first thing in the morning? Right after lunch?

Schedule your most important tasks for when you’re at your peak. If you are a parent, as I am, having a “non-traditional” schedule can make it easier to have time to spend with your kids after school. Back when I was still working for someone else AND developing my businesses I spent about 6 months getting up 45 minutes earlier than everyone else in the house and using that time to set my goals for the day as well as sending out any key email communications. Twice a week in the evening, my husband would take the kids to the YMCA to swim and I would work on developing my programs and other content, or coach clients. They had special time together and developed a skill, I built my business.

Did I watch much TV? Nope. But I was doing what I loved and made tangible progress in developing my business so I was energized and I didn’t regret missing the new season of my favorite show after all (I just watched it on DVD later!).

It also helped that I wasn’t allowing myself to work late, late into the night.

That drain on my body would’ve killed my productivity totally. Putting time limits on

your working hours and focusing on key tasks tends to create more results in growing your business, and this is illustrated by something called “Parkinson’s Law,” which I also call “goldfish syndrome.” That is, the amount of time it takes to complete a task is relative to the time allowed to complete that task. The more room or time you have to get something done, the more time it tends to take to get it done. You can’t procrastinate when you can’t procrastinate!

Establishing a regular routine puts you in the best possible mindset to accomplish any priority you might approach.

You’ll find yourself more prepared to tackle any hurdles when you’re expecting certain tasks at certain times. I like to write my blog posts on Friday mornings, usually at a coffee shop (hence the picture that accompanies this post). KNOWING that I have that time set aside in my schedule each week helps me stay grounded, eliminating the feeling of frenzied, “OMG when am I going to get this done?!” It’s a priority to be in communication with my community, so I take the time for that. As ideas come up during the week, I use my “personal assistant” to capture those ideas and then review them on Friday mornings during my writing time.

If you have a routine, it’s also easier to add positive habits. Just weave the new habit into your regular activities. Much like creating a schedule that works for you, you can work with what already works for you and build upon that. For example, if you’re trying to remember to take vitamins, you could make it a part of your routine as you clean up after breakfast—perhaps placing the bottle on the counter by the sink, so you see it as you rinse your dishes. Yep, that’s another personal tip from me. This is particularly helpful as you practice bringing your Perfect Day into reality by reviewing it daily and set your daily actions based on your 5 Year Strategic Vision Plan. One of the best things you can do for growing your business is not just having a plan, but WORKING your plan with daily strategic actions. I’ve even had clients keep a copy of their Perfect Day in the bathroom so that they remember to look at it every day!

If you’re going to change your life, you’re going to have to change your life. It takes time and discipline but it’s worth it for a lifetime of freedom. There’s new dance steps to learn, new routines to practice and develop, but if you keep at it soon you’ll be ready for the world stage.