This Magic Moment 120215

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THIS MAGIC MOMENT Photo: Phot Ph oto: o: A ALYSSA LYSS LY SSA A MA MAHA MAHADEO/TORONTO HADE DEO O/T /TOR ORON ONTO TO CARIBBEAN CAR ARIB IBBE BEAN AN

WOLMER’s Alumni Association Award’s Scholarships to Deserving Youth

ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO TORO TO RONT NTO O CARIBBEAN CARI CA RIBB BBEA EAN N Nostalgia and memories of days past filled the hearts of many on Sunday November 22nd inside Pearson Convention Center, as The WOMER’s Alumni Association of Toronto held a Luncheon Concert in light of the 286th anniversary of Wolmer’s Schools.

Known as one of the oldest schools in the Caribbean located in Kingston Jamaica, Wolmer’s consists of a collection of schools including Wolmer’s PreSchool and Wolmer’s Prep School, as well as Wolmer’s Girls School and Wolmer’s Trust High School for Boys. The Wol-

mer’s Schools are considered some of the most prestigious schools in the Caribbean, with a traditional British-style uniform and a Christian philosophy that is ingrained in the upbringing of its students. Wolmer’s schools closely resemble the British schools of the 1950’s unlike the more modern prep schools of today.

Last year The Wolmer’s Alumni Association here in Toronto launched a Buy-a-Brick campaign in hopes of building a new auditorium at the Wolmer’s Boy’s School. They asked their supporters to invest in this cause and received an

overwhelming response. Over $22,000 was contributed to their campaign, and through the efforts of the other alumni chapters, organizations, businesses and individuals they fulfilled their quest to build this new space of learning and fellowship. They have recently opened the Douglas Orane Auditorium on site at the Boys’ School and are pleased that through the efforts of their supporters, it was made possible.

Continued On Page 5

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Marcia Brown; Earning the Trust of the Community Striving to make a difference in the community, by helping the future leaders of tomorrow is something that Marcia Brown has become very familiar with.

Born to a Jamaican mother and Antiguan father, Marcia was raised in Etobicoke, where she attended high school and later became a student at Humber College.

Marcia began her career with the Toronto District School Board, as an Educational Assistant in 2005. As the mother of an autistic child, she was used to working closely with children that had special needs.

She was drawn to working with kids who needed some extra attention and found a greater purpose in helping them and giving them the support they needed to get through the challenges they faced in life.

Marcia realized that in her community there was significant need for a place where young men and women could come to feel safe and accepted, while also receiving that much needed support.

She noticed that while she was able to work with students during school hours there was a lack of afterschool programs in which she could achieve the same reach. She opted to take matters into her own hands, by starting her own

community support organization in 2011.

Looking for somewhere to start, Marcia took on the task of printing 250 fliers and then walking door to door, around the Rexdale community letting them know of this new opportunity. She gave out flyers to any young woman that she saw who might benefit, also speaking to parents about what she hoped to achieve in this new venture. She informed parents about what her program would entail and asked them if they would allow their children to participate in this enriching after-school program.

A local church allowed her the space she needed to host their first meeting and Marcia wasn’t sure what she could expect on that first day. She knew that what she was doing would greatly benefit the community and she had faith that enough people would support her in what she was trying to achieve. On that first day fifteen young women from throughout the community attended her first meeting prompting her to name the organization Trust 15.

The ability to earn that trust from the community and those fifteen young girls paved the way for the work that she had planned for the future. Marcia has worked relentlessly for the last five years building and developing the organization around the young men and women that attend each week. Since that first day she has amassed groups of Girls on the Rise, Women on the Rise and most recently Men of Distinction, with a total of 189 students currently enrolled in her program.

Her program provides a safe, nurturing space for young people to discuss and find solutions for real life issues surrounding self-esteem, conflict resolution, abuse, violence, peer pressure and family life. Marcia has become a mentor for these students giving them an outlet in which to discuss the challenges they face, when they are struggling to find someone to turn to.

Many of these students also look for advice on public speaking and mental health issues, so Marcia has listened, putting their needs first allowing them to utilize her program to be the people they want to be.

Over the years, Marcia has had to make many sacrifices, but her work has not gone unnoticed. She has been awarded many awards for her outstanding accomplishments within the community. However it’s not the recognition that pushes her, but seeing the difference she has been blessed with making in these children’s lives, in knowing how much trust they have in her, keeping their best interests at heart. “Kids are the future, without them we have nothing,” she shares.

“Never give up on yourself, we should not discourage the strength, pride, passion and hard work of young kids; if someone is not behind you they are in front of you leading the way to your success.”

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

community

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Photos: MARK LEGENDRE/MK PHOTOGRAPHY

Local boxer inspires youth to live fearlessly Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter Dedicated, driven and focused are all words that best describe aspiring professional boxer Mohammed Feroze Abedeen, a young man out of Mississauga who is making a name for himself in the competitive world of boxing.

Twenty eight year-old Abedeen came out on top last weekend, winning his third fight against opponent James Bishop at the Hersey Center putting his record at 3-0.

The experience left him rearing to go, with hopes of many more fights to come.

Initially Abedeen didn’t see himself with a future in boxing. While in high school, he was assigned a project on World

Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali. At first he was against the entire assignment, firmly against completing it, but at the risk of loosing substantial marks. When he finally did complete this assignment it had given him a brand new perspective on the sport and he realized it was something he wished to pursue.

Coming from Guyanese and Muslim heritage, Abedeen started amateur boxing at the age of seventeen. While living in Mississauga he started boxing with Champions Boxing Club in Brampton. Registered as an amateur boxer of Canada, he commuted back and forth making the journey to the club, with some disapproval from his mother. While she wasn’t a fan of the sport, she was very supportive and saw the passion that he had that drove him to put his everything into boxing.

He participated in his first fight at the novice provincials after only a few months of training. He managed to take home the victory, after defeating his opponent coming back strong after the first two

rounds. He had the chance to fight this same opponent later on, knocking him out in the first round, boosting his confidence and reassuring him of the progress he had made.

After that experience he started training harder than ever before, having the opportunity to train at Champions where many Canadian boxers got their start. With every fight Abedeen was gaining momentum dedicating his time and efforts to put his best fist forward. When he finally made the decision to turn pro there were many challenges he had to face, especially when it came to scheduling fights. The world of professional boxing is very competitive and fights are sometimes hard to come by when you are starting out. However this didn’t seem to faze Abedeen and he continues to train just as hard so he will be ready for his next fight.

Alongside his professional boxing career Abedeen is very involved within the community. With every fight that he wins a portion of his winning goes back to charity, which includes the Canadian Cancer Society, as well as the Mosque located across

from the Hershey Center in Mississauga.

Currently he is working on re-implementing an anti bulling program that he had started before going to train in the states. Through Radix Performance Center in Oakville and Stockyards Boxing and Fitness in Toronto, Abedeen works closely with underprivileged youth helping them to build confidence and self-esteem while also combating their issues with bullying. He works with them in self-defense and hopes to set a positive example for them to change their lives for the better.

With all of the bad things happening in the world today, especially singling out the Muslim community it is important that we promote the positive things being implemented. Abedeen’s program is called Live Fearless, his own brand of mentoring that he has emotionally invested himself in 100%. “[Muslims] should take the first step to do something positive, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Everyday we are going out and making an impact in the community and a positive change in our society.”

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

WOLMERʼs alumni Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter

Continued From Page 1 -- The Alumni Association is run through the aid of many volunteers who are dedicated to giving back. This year they successfully organized a walk-a-thon, the luncheon concert and also hosted the Wolmer’s Girls’ track team while they were here attending an international meet, donating their time and efforts to get the jobs done.

They couldn’t have asked for a better turn out at Sunday’s Luncheon Concert, with over 700 guests in attendance, many who were alumni of other schools in Jamaica. Hosted by Marion Rodrigues, radio host at G98.7 she introduced tenor vocalist Paul Williamson, Alumnus of Wolmer’s Boys school who opened with a powerful rendition of the Canadian and Jamaican anthems. His ‘startlingly rich voice’ echoed throughout the hall praising the Jamaican and Canadian nations with all his heart.

Guests were invited to bid on a collection of items donated as part of the silent auction, while also purchasing raffle tickets for the chance to win door prizes as well as grand raffle prizes donated by Wolmer’s supporters. All of the funds collected at this luncheon concert will go towards sustaining the legacy of providing quality education to the students of today and continually building the communities through the power of education.

Lunch was a delicious three-course meal, topped off with a savory dessert, while enjoying a presentation and celebration of Jamaican Schools and remarks from Association President and Alumna of Wolmer’s Girls School Tka Pinnock. $20,000 in scholarships was awarded to seventeen students who are aspiring to achieve more through their education and pursuing post-secondary

educations at various institutions here in Canada, as well as in Jamaica and the West Indies.

The 2015 scholarship recipients making a difference with the support of Wolmer’s are: • Ashley Henry • Deanna Lindsay • Christopher McFarlane • Miles Banfield • Kimberly Stennett • Shaniel Walters • Akeem Bennett • Jozelle Dixon • Patrice Grandison • Tamika Jolly • Channece Kinlocke • Shana Wright • Shevon Mchayle • Joerio Scott • Samantha Thompson • Matthew Royal • Givana Witter Finally, after much anticipation, The Drifters featuring Rick Sheppard took to the stage to put on a special high energy and retro performance that had most of the audience on their feet! People were dancing and singing along to old favorites like their hits On Broadway, Under the Boardwalk, There goes My Baby and much more!

The Drifters featuring Rick Sheppard are entering into their fourth decade of thrilling audiences with their unique and popular sound. Rick Sheppard has been an integral part of The Drifters as he has been a part of the group for twenty two years. After joining them in 1996 he toured with The Drifters throughout the world and shared the stage with some of the greatest names in show business.

The audience drifted away, reminiscing days of old, holding each other close, smiling from ear to ear as they let the tunes of The Drifters take them back in time.

The Wolmer’s Alumni Association, Toronto humbly thanks all of their supporters for coming out to the Luncheon and helping to contribute back to the legacy of the school, providing superior teachings to the students of today.

community

PAGE 5

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

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Jamaican Canadian youth council event Kevin Yeboah

kevin@carib101.com

TC Reporter

“United we stand and divided we fall!

Try? There is no try, everything is a must and we’ll do just that.” These were two out of a plethora of mantras that were the basis of all modes of thinking at the recent monthly Jamaican Canadian Youth Council or JCYC meeting hosted on Nov 19th. I had the luxury and fortune to be amid many driven and empowered Jamai-

cans collectively aiming for the same interests. A deep commonality based on the progression of Jamaican youth educationally, mentally, spiritually and financially by way of organization.

A key point discussed at the meeting was how to get the community involved in hopes to actualize the ideas on bettering youth. “How do we get these kids off the streets?

Far too often do I see these kids on the streets when they should be in school…? Doing absolutely nothing. It is disheartening to see.” Said Melissa, a social worker and senior member of the JCYC. Melissa came to the conclusion that one of the ways to tackle this issue is to get these kids involved into the platforms already

presented to them like school, the work force, community projects and meetings, but how exactly? Which ties into the guest speaker’s topic of the night.

“Networking is key. Sometimes it isn’t about what you can do entirely, but who you know and what they can do for you.” Warren Clark, a graduate from Guelph University’s social anthropology program and teacher, as well as a member and contributor to the Canadian Anthropology Society. Warren was the guest speaker and had many prolific ideas and realities of how to get youth involved in building a career and chain of network early. The benefits of networking is simply learning how to talk to people you may come across

at any given time, knowing how to “speak to the occasion” as Warren would put it.

The night boiled down as all the members, invitees and walk-ins curious to get in the know, had a further meet and greet solidifying some of the relationships built during the meeting. “Let’s try and make an effort to make this a constant anomaly, bringing our ideas to light and making them into a reality for the community.” One of the last remarks made during the night, a resounding and prolific sentiment to close off. The JCYC plans to host monthly meetings and can be reached by the public by email at jcyc.ontario@gmail.com.

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community

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

The Green Dupatta Charity Organization Restoring communities worldwide Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Those words spoken by the highly revered philosopher, Mahatma Gandhi has become an inspiring motto utilized by humanitarians everywhere as fuel that allows them to take action and give back to the world around us.

Living in a country like Canada, we are privileged to a certain standard of living.

Through charity organizations and fundraisers hosted in the community, it has been brought to our attention that there are places in the world less fortunate than we are who struggle to develop and sustain their communities, because they do not have the means to help themselves.

During a trip to Guyana, Nirmala Ramprasad came by a run down old building that had been built back in the day by her Grandfather. The building located in Leonora, Guyana had been a central pillar of the town and had been previously utilized as a community center. The building had long since been shut down due to safety concerns, but Nirmala saw potential for the old building and decided to take action and bring new life to the community.

When she arrived back in Canada Nirmala came to her three friends, Jasmine Sukhu, Rhea Bhim and Keisha Singh to pro-

pose the idea of what she would like to do.

As students Nirmala and her friends always took part in fundraising and raising awareness for various causes in school. This presented them with the opportunity to carry out their own cause and so in 2013 together they founded The Green Dupatta Charity Organization.

The Green Dupatta Charity Organization is focused on community building and urban development. The Green Dupatta strives to provide communities around the world with the means to sustainable agriculture. Through their efforts they hope to build, create and restore communities by providing them with the means to grow and flourish on their own. The green represents the environmental work and sustainability while the dupatta represents something that is all encompassing and global. “Essentially what we would like to do for these communities is to help people, help themselves,” explains Nirmala.

Through a variety of fundraising initiatives the organization hopes to create urban gardens and restore communal infrastructure in communities all around the world.

Their projects will be youth based, which means that they are both created and executed by students or recent graduates. In addition to international work, The Green Dupatta intends to educate youth on the importance of sustainable energy and the creation of a global community.

Currently most of their focus has started with their first major project in community of Leonora, Guyana. The Green Dupatta Charity has opted to raise the funds required to renovate and restore the commu-

nity center to its former glory. This building is an imperative part of the community and it is in dire need of repair. Upon completion this center will not only be used as place for community gatherings, but also as the local temple, and a place to host after school developmental programs. This past August Nirmala took a trip down Guyana to start the initial renovations, but there is still much to be done with regards to repainting, replacing parts of the building and purchasing new furniture and appliances.

The Green Dupatta hopes to take their efforts worldwide, fulfilling the needs of communities throughout the world and providing them with stable, sustainable developments and agriculture through the creation of green rooms, and development of rural areas, allowing these communities to have something they can call their own.

The process involved in getting her charity registered is long and tedious, but well worth the wait. While undergoing the process she has learned a lot and it has only provided her with the persistence she needs to keep going, and doing what is right. At only 23 years old, Nirmala currently works as a Behavioral Therapist, working with children with disabilities. She was recently crowned as Miss WI Canadian 2015 in October, and hosted a fundraising gala for her charity where they managed to raise $7,500 towards the completion of the project in Guyana. Nirmala has dedicated much of her time into seeing this project through, taking off time from school, and making regular trips to Guyana to check on progress. In the future she hopes to run her organization fulltime, leaving her positive mark on the world of today.

Soca Artist Slammer Cutter putting T.O on the Map Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter The life of a Soca artist seems like it might be the best time of your life, filled with endless days of parting that’s never done. The truth of the matter is that it brings long days filled with hard work and competition, as the field is filled with well known and highly experienced performers that have been making a name for themselves with their music recognized worldwide.

Big name in the business Stephon Mark, also known as Slammer Cutter, has been in the game for just over ten years releasing hit singles like Hangover, Bad Weather, No Scene, Mash Up and his newest release for 2016 ‘Oh Gosh’.

Coming from the island of Soca, Trinidad & Tobago, with a love and passion for the culture of his homeland, Stephon brought Soca to Toronto when he migrated here at the age of nineteen. Though he has

faced many challenges over the years his passion to make music and the ability to put together hypnotizing song lyrics drives him to produce songs to get people hot and groovy.

Stephon had taken a little break, taking some time off working on developing his career, but never forgetting the Soca scene waiting for him in the background. After taking care of his other responsibilities, he is back and ready to take over the world.

Recently back from Trinidad where he was filming a music video for his new single ‘Oh Gosh’, Stephon says that his determination and passion is what fuels him to take his Soca to the international level. With Carnival 2016 just around the corner, Soca artists are banding together to keep up to date in the latest trends in Soca music, creating new and unique sounds to match the ever changing market and maturing Soca developments.

Although he was born in Trinidad &Tobago, Stephon takes pride in being a citizen of Toronto representing the 6ix everywhere he goes. He wants people to recognize that the Soca scene in Toronto is pushing out their own unique vibes and that they are a force to be reckoned with. His lyrics are inspired by his own life experiences and he is truly humbled by the reception he receives by the fans of Soca music whenever he takes

to the stage.

His reputation as a down to earth, and all round great guy, comes from the fun loving and party hard personality behind his Soca tunes. His aim is to make a statement with his music, offering a little something for everyone. “I have a passion for Soca and I will continue to implement my talent as best I can. I still aspire to see this thing through on an international level.”

His unique name ‘Slammer’ comes from his aptitude to piece together lyrics and free style on the spot, while ‘Cutter’ was implemented as a result of his parents living abroad and shipping a lot of brands for him to wear.

Looking toward the future of Soca music, Slammer hopes to get on board with a lot of the other artists in the industry to collaborate and push out some tracks. They have been working together recommending producers, how and when they should release and coming up with a plan of attack to achieve the highest rate of success. “We want audiences to come out and say yes, give us positive feedback, this is what we like and this is what we have to do to get there.

Look out for Slammer Cutter’s new video for ‘Oh Gosh’ dropping this week, just in time for Carnival 2016!

community

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Positive vibrations at the Marley House - The birthplace of Reggae Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” Brother Bob made some riveting statements during his time, all which have lived on as part of his legacy. The words he spoke held a truth that could not be explained any other way. He was a wise man who made a deep impact in the country of Jamaica, taking his songs and teachings worldwide.

In a city saturated by the deep cultural heritage of the Jamaican people, Kingston has found itself unappreciated by tourists travelling to Jamaica. On more than one occasion I have had people tell me of the beautiful turquoise seas and white sand beaches in the popular tourist locations of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, but no one has ever men-

tioned going to Kingston. As the capital city of Jamaica, you would think there would be more of an excitement to travel there and immerse yourself in the country’s history.

While arts, culture and entertainment are a prominent part of the city, there is one attraction on top of the list of must-sees in Kingston.

Even if you are headed to the beach, take time out of your schedule to head down to Kingston Jamaica to visit 56 Hope Road the home and residence of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley.

When you first enter the compound the walls are covered in mural style photos and paintings of some of the most well known highlights in Bob’s life, while living at the house and touring the globe with the Wailers. Everywhere you look there are vibrant bursts of color. Most prominent of them all is the yellow house dominating the center of the property.

At the front of the house standing tall is a statue in Bob’s likeness, with his finger pointed towards the heavens in his signature one love pose. On either side are two lions and painted at the base of the statue is a portrait of his three little birds and the prophet Sir Marcus Garvey Jamaican Civil Rights leader and activist.

Miss Susan Maxwell, a bubbly ball of energy conducted the tour of the house with such a refreshing and engaging presence, it left little room for distraction as we listened to her prattle away recollecting the stories of Bob’s life.

Bob purchased the Marley Home, which currently serves as the Bob Marley Museum in 1975 from Island Records Boss, Chris Blackwell. In 1986 Bob’s widow Mrs. Rita Marley implemented the Museum, which is currently being managed by their eldest daughter Cedella Marley. On May 31, 2001, the Government of Jamaica declared the museum a protected National Heritage Site.

When you enter the house there is an over whelming presence of memories and inspiration throughout the air. Every room has a unique personality hosting various displays of photographs and all of his Gold and Platinum Selling albums. In various rooms of the house you can find Bob’s Lifetime Achievement Award which he received in 2001, his Order of Merit medal from 1981.

In his recording studio there hangs a genuine Lion’s tail that he received as a gift during his tour in Africa and an exhibit of some of his favorite items of clothing like his trademark denim shirt and khaki pants.

The tour of the main house concluded with a glimpse into the legend’s bedroom. Unable to pass the threshold of his dwelling, Bob’s room was staged just as he had left it all those years ago, his bed made up in his favourite denim sheets and his bible open on the nightstand keeping some of his ‘special herb’ safe for when he returns.

After the tour of the main house Susan took us down to the first floor kitchen around the back of the house where an attempt on Bob’s life had taken place. The area is now furnished with newspaper clippings of the event, and the walls are marked from the deadly bullets that almost took his life.

Walking over the ground where a legend once stood is truly a humbling experience. To know that he once sat on the marble steps in front of his home smoking his special herb, or sat under his favourite tree in the yard rolling a splif, grounds him as a symbol of hope and freedom to the people of the world. Bob’s music has become the signature soundtrack to the lives of people worldwide and the experience standing in that house leaves you feeling nothing less than ‘irie’.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Jamaicaʼs maritime industry to benefit from UK aid JAMAICA -- Jamaica is among 25 small island Commonwealth nations that will get a share of a £5.6-million donation from Britain to help improve fishing, tourism and shipping industries in the Caribbean and other territories.

British Prime Minister David Cameron made the announcement of the donation Saturday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta, noting that he wants the recipient countries to be able to make the most of their natural maritime resources.

Among the other ‘small island’ recipient countries are Bermuda, the Maldives, the Seychelles, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Cameron made the announcement while unveiling a £26-million aid package to help tackle global warming ahead of Tuesday’s meeting of world leaders in Paris.

The cash will be used to man-

age fisheries, protect coastlines and tackle pollution, as well as extending disaster risk.

“We have a real opportunity to get the small island States that are so vulnerable to climate change on board for an ambitious global climate change deal in Paris,” Cameron said. “Britain is firmly committed to helping these countries deal with the effects of climate change.

“That’s why we’re announcing new support Tuesday to help protect them from the risks of climate change and to make the most of their natural maritime advantages, which are so vital to their economies,” Cameron added.

Britain will be spending £16.3 billion on its foreign aid programme by 2020 -- more than the amount spent on border controls, immigration, police and prisons.

- Jamaica Observer

Cancer care gets $4-m injection from CIBC FirstCaribbean JAMAICA -- The Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) can provide increased opportunities for screening for the disease, and diagnostic services, as well as expand its education and treatment programmes, thanks to a $4-million injection from CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.

The money, the proceeds of the fourth annual CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure in Jamaica, was presented by Nigel Holness, managing director of the bank, to Yulit Gordon, executive director of the JCS, at a ceremony at Knutsford Court Hotel last Tuesday.

Holness noted that each year since 2012, bank employees in Jamaica, friends, family and customers participate in a 10lap walk at Emancipation Park in New Kingston to raise funds for the benefit of the JCS. The bank’s employees across 17 Caribbean countries do likewise with funds raised benefiting the cancer organisations in their states, while the events coincide with the CIBC Run for the Cure hosted in Canada by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and sponsored by the bank’s parent company.

Holness said that he was “truly encouraged by the enthusiasm of all who are united in the fight against cancer, which has resulted in the doubling of the amount raised for the JCS this year over the last year”.

The bank also increased its contribution to cancer care regionwide, amassing US$400,000 through the Walk for the Cure -- again doubling last year’s contribution to regional cancer associations.

Hailing this year as a phenom-

enal success, walk co-chairs, CIBC FirstCaribbean executives Trevor Torzsas and Mark St Hill, praised the fundraising efforts of the bank’s staff and the enthusiastic support of the business community who came on board as sponsors.

“We doubled the funds raised and the number of participants this year,” Torzsas noted. “We could not have asked for a greater response from everyone involved. We thank everyone who took part in the Walk for the Cure for sharing our vision of a region and a world where persons afflicted by cancer and their loved ones can get the care and support they need and deserve: a region and a world where the words hope and recovery will be synonymous with cancer, and not despair or hopelessness.”

St Hill added: “The phenomenal growth of this event is a clear testament to the passion, drive and total commitment of Team CIBC FirstCaribbean. However, matching our passion and commitment every step of the way has been a corps of corporate sponsors who have adopted this cause with the same fervour as we have.

“Drawn from around the region and from diverse areas of commerce and enterprise, they have joined with us every year in larger numbers -- making financial pledges and being present in person to walk and show support with those in whose names we do this. Many of them have already signalled their intention to making this event even bigger and better in 2016.”

- Jamaica Observer

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

news

One last flight - return of the body of the late Captain Alvin Winston Clarke from Canada GUYANA -- HEROES come and heroes go, but even as Captain Alvin Winston Clarke has passed on to the Great Beyond, Roraima Airways Chief Executive Officer, Captain Gerry Gouveia, gave him a “Hero’s welcome” when five airplanes, a sky-van and a helicopter lined the airwaves in arranged choreography as they transferred his body from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to the Ogle International Airport late on Friday afternoon.

The night sky was lit with the lights of airplanes as the entourage, which included team-leader Gerry Gouveia, several pilots, Roraima Airways staff, family, a few friends and the media surrounded the sky-van on the aerial return and landed at 5:38 pm on the runway, which the late Captain Clarke used to dominate with his take-offs and landings as a pilot.

Clarke’s body was flown from Canada by Fly Jamaica airline, and touched down at 4:20 pm on Friday. He was given a welcome deserving of the hero he had become to thousands over the years.

A fleet of airplanes, led by the BK Skytruck, departed Ogle airport for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), and awaited his arrival. On the tarmac at the CJIA, scores of Aviators formed an honour passage as his body, taken off the Fly Jamaica Jet, was transferred onto the BK Skytruck.

The fleet of seven aircraft, led by the Skytruck, flew over the city of Georgetown before touching down at the Ogle Airport, where his body was borne by Pilots and placed in the Merriman’s Funeral Home hearse and taken away.

Captain Clarke was fighting for his life but lost to the dreaded disease cancer on Saturday, November 21, while he was in Canada for a medical evaluation.

He was remembered today as hero, friend, pilot, dad, humorous, handsome, and a man worthy of great honour. Captain Clarke was known as one who cared deeply about the survival of those whose lives were at stake, and he flew at any hour at nights to transport passengers in need of urgent medical help.

A Hero He had been hero and friend to Attorneyat-Law and Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes, who credited

the pilot with saving his life. Speaking to the media at Ogle on Friday, Hughes declared, “I am alive today because of him.” He explained that it was Clark who had travelled into the interior at an hour many would not feel is worth the sacrifice, and had flown him miles out of Guyana’s hinterland to where he could access medical help.

“When I had my heart episode in Purudi at 1:00 am in the morning, he flew into Aishalton with unlit runway with flambeaux (lamps) inside and flew me out, and that’s what saved me; and that’s about four hours after I had the heart attack.”

Hughes said that when he heard of the pilot’s illness eight months ago, he knew he needed to be there for him and his family through a very difficult period. Now that Clark has passed on, Hughes joined the party to welcome his hero one final time, “Only to make sure that he arrives here and he is treated with the dignity that he deserves. As a friend, that’s the least I could do.”

Captain Gouveia, Clarke’s employer and closest buddy, said that for the 40 years they had bonded, he had found Clarke to be dependable. Even strangers trusted his sure response every time there was a distant emergency call.

“He was dependable. When the people on the hinterland of Guyana — all over this hinterland — when this country was sleeping at night, they know they could have called Roraima and they know that Roraima would respond. I could have stayed in my bed because I know that he would do it, and if he couldn’t do it and didn’t do it, I had to do it.

And because he was there, I didn’t have to do it, and he did it and he did it for years, and he did it well,” Gouveia said.

Would be different With sadness printed all over his face, Captain Gouveia stood strong to receive the late Captain Clarke, managing the event and speaking to the media. He said work at Roraima and life in general would be different with his Chief Captain gone forever. “…but I’ll miss him. He was a fantastic guy. I will tell you that a Guyanese hero died in the realest sense of the word.”

Gouveia said Clarke had a fantastic sense of humour. He is the pilot’s pilot. He is tall, dark

and handsome,” he reflected with his first smile.

After leaving the army, Clarke became one of the leading Medivac pilots at Roraima and in Guyana, generally risking his life to save a life almost weekly, Captain Gouveia revealed.

“Medivac in Guyana is very difficult because medivac means you’re actually going into that jungle in the dead of the night, sometimes in the worst weather conditions, and landing on runways with flambeaus on it to save people’s lives; and he’s done it countless times, sometimes five/six times a month.

So he’s really an exceptional guy.”

He reminisced on the night Hughes’s life was saved: “It was a terrible night, raining, and he went. And we know the confidence that we have that every time we launch him in the dead of the night, we know that he is coming back.”

Gouveia said that after learning of Clarke’s illness and that he was terminally ill, he and Hughes had written President Granger. “We asked the President to consider giving Alvin a national award when he was still alive. If there was a person who deserved a national award, not only because he was a pilot — but he was a pilot of exceptional skills, but more particularly of exceptional courage, and I think that is what national awardees are made of, that’s the purpose of national awards. And if there is anyone that deserved a national award, he did,” Gouveia said, holding back tears.

Speaking of the welcome home the pilot received from Roraima, Gouveia quickly alluded, “But you know, what we honoured him this afternoon. He deserved it,” he said.

Roraima, in a statement to the press, said: “Captain Clarke served as an officer and pilot in the Guyana Defence Force, and gained ‘Veteran Medivac Pilot’ status over the years, belting more than thirteen thousand (13,000) hours of flight time. He also served as Roraima’s Chief Pilot from April 1, 2005 up to the time of his death. He was nominated for a National Award by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes and Roraima Airways for his sterling contribution to aviation and medical evacuations. It is our hope that this nomination is considered by the Government of Guyana”.

- Guyana Chronicle

ACIC/SADR to observe countrywide Eid programmes GUYANA -- UNDER the theme “Celebrating Mercy – The Universal Messenger to all creation – Prophet Muhammad” the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) and The Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman will be associated with a series of programmes countrywide to mark the Birth Anniversary of the Beloved Prophet of Islam, Muhammad.

The programmes will commence during the Islamic month Rabi-ul-Awal (the month in which the Prophet was born), are expected to commence on December 13, 2015, and will climax in April 2016.

Eid Milad un Nabi, or Youman Nabi, has been observed by these organisations for decades, and is observed in nearly all countries where Muslims are present. Set to open the four-month-long series of programme, is the visit of Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Dabbaagh, a world renowned Sunni Scholar who has done wonderful work for the Ahlus Sunnatwal Jamaat against the doctrines of the Salafis and Wahabbis.

According to ACIC President, Hakeem Khan, his visit to Guyana, a first for him

and his team, has been made possible through the courtesy of the Anjuman Sunnatul Jamaat Association of Trinidad & Tobago Inc. (ASJA), the twin-island’s largest Muslim organization and several of its leaders will accompany the delegation to Guyana.

The main programme featuring Shaykh Dabbagh will be held at Guyana’s most famous Islamic institution — ACIC — on Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 13.00hrs or 1.00pm. Several other programmes are slated to be held throughout Guyana for Shaykh Dabbagh and his team.

Khan said the twelve-night programmes will commence on Thursday, December 10, 2014 at 18.00hrs (or 6.00pm) with the “Welcome to Rabi-ul-Awal Program” at the ACIC. Thereafter, each night until December 23, 2015, there will be programmes at the ACIC. At these programs the life of the Prophet of Islam will be discussed, as well as the importance of showing love and gratitude for this greatest of all human beings.

Imam of ACIC, Imam Abdool Fazeel, and Shaikh Masud of Suriname will

make nightly presentations. Special videos will be shown on “big screen” featuring His Eminence, Shaikh/ Professor Dr. Tahir-ulQadri, one of the world’s foremost Muslim scholars and founder of Minhaj University, as well as other scholars of Islam.

Guyana, through ACIC, will again join Muslims around the world in an event themed “International Mawlid in the city Event”. The original inspiration for holding the “Mawlid in the City” event was drawn from the hugely successful event held three years ago outside Google’s London headquarters.

The ACIC President explained that the portrayal of Muslims by the media as an angry, violent and blood-thirsty community must stop.

This year, “rose-themed” events are organised in over 70 cities throughout the world. It’s a very simple concept – offer a rose as a peaceful gesture to people, and at the same time convey the true message of Islam.

- Guyana Chronicle

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

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2 in court charged with trafficking Venezuelans TRINIDAD -- After being arrested a week ago for trafficking two Venezuelan women, Sandy Bedasie-Andrews, the owner of the popular Santa Maria Hotel and her employee Eli Sylvester, had to spend another night in jail after police complainants failed to show in court.

When the matter was called by Senior Magistrate Lucina Cardenas-Ragoonanan in the San Fernando Magistrates Court Monday, prosecutor Cleyon Sedan told the court he had no facts on the case.

Cardenas-Ragoonanan stood-down the matter for just over an hour and when it was called again, neither Insp Haynes or WPC Hector, who laid the charges were present in court. This led to the annoyance of attorney Sheriza Khan, who along with Keith Scotland are representing Bedasie-Andrews and Sylvester. Khan asked for the matter to be dismissed on account of the officers’ absence.

She said both Haynes and Hector were present earlier and were fully aware that the matter would be called. She said she tried calling them three times on their phones but got no responses.

However, Seedan argued that it was the first time the matter was brought before the court and Cardenas-Ragoonan adjourned the matter until Tuesday, to give the complainants a chance to present their case. She said it was likely that it would be transferred to the Chaguanas Magistrate Court, which is currently housed at the Tunapuna Magistrates Court’s building.

Although the charges were not read, Bedassie-Andrews and Sylvester were still advised to apply for bail.

In a release from the Ministry of National Security Monday, both accused were charged by the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) under the Trafficking in Persons

Act, 2011 after they received a report from the Venezuelan Embassy. They are accused of harbouring and receiving two Venezuelan women, who were rescued by the CTU on November 11. Bedasie-Andrews was said to be the owner of Santa Maria Hotel, also known as “Dads Dan” of Bhagna Trace, Chase Village. She was also charged under the Sexual Offences Act for keeping a brothel while Sylvester was charged for assisting in the management of a brothel.

According to the ministry, the rescued women bring the count of people rescued by the CTU to twenty-six (26), since it was established in January 2013.

What the Act says The Trafficking in Persons Act 2011, defines “trafficking in persons” as: “The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of the threat or use of

force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, the abuse of power, the abuse of a position of vulnerability or the giving or receiving of payment or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.” If found guilty, a person is liable to a fine of not less than $500,000 and imprisonment of not less than fifteen years.

With regard to the keeping or management of a brothel, under the Sexual Offences Act Section 22: “A person who keeps or manages or acts or assists in the management of a brothel is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for five years.”

- Trinidad Guardian

Tobago Health Authorityʼs CEO sacked TRINIDAD -- Chief executive officer of the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) Brent Murphy is no longer employed with the authority with immediate effect.

The announcement was made via an internal memo dated Monday and signed by acting chairman of the TRHA board, Lydia Peters.

The letter came on the same day of a major protest by TRHA employees calling for the payment of their monthly salary for November, back pay and salary increases.

While no distinct reason was given for his removal, sources told the T&T Guardian that Murphy’s contract was terminated due to the differences of opinion between him

and the TRHA board.

The memo outlined the new acting arrangements.

It said: “Dr Nathaniel Duke, Medical Chief of Staff (MCOS) has been appointed to act as chief executive officer of the TRHA and Dr Inger Manswell-Myrie, Specialist Medical Officer, Paediatrics, (SMO) has been appointed to act as MCOS of the Scarborough General Hospital until further notice.”

Murphy of Delaford, Tobago, has held the position for only six months. His contract was expected to expire in 2017.

Secretary of Health and Social Services in the THA, Claudia Groome-Duke, could not be reached for comment.

The letter came after operations at the Scarborough General Hospital came to a halt as all categories of employees attached to the authority protested for their salary increases, back pay and the late payment of their wages. The protest was led by PSA president Watson Duke.

Approximately 300 employees dressed in black carried placards, sang, chanted and circled the rotunda of the hospital in full view of patients and visitors.

Duke deemed Monday as “Maniac Monday” as they believe that the board of the TRHA and the Tobago House of Assembly reneged on promises to pay all outstanding monies by the end of this October and No-

vember.

Duke said the workers were no longer prepared to deal with the disrespect meted out them by the TRHA board Speaking to the media Duke said the workers were no longer prepared to deal with the disrespect meted out to them as the TRHA board was describing their representation as illegal.

A meeting had been scheduled between the PSA, TRHA and Groome-Duke.

However it never came off. T&T Guardian tried to contact Groome-Duke for a comment but all attempts were futile.

- Trinidad Guardian

Man murdered after prophecy TRINIDAD -- Two weeks ago, 23-yearold Jovon “Seggy” Mc Gill told relatives he would not live to see the end of the year. This self-fulfilling prophecy came true on Sunday morning when his body was removed from down a precipice in Morvant.

Speaking with the media at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, Monday, a female relative of Mc Gill, who did not want to be identified, said he told her that he dreamt he was walking with his parents, both deceased.

She added that he also told other relatives that he did not believe he will live to see Christmas. Mc Gill, she said, began having the dreams around the time he began his

part time job at National Flour Mills.

According to police, Mc Gill’s body was found at Poinsetta Drive, Morvant, around noon on Sunday after he left his Dorata Street, Laventille, home Saturday afternoon.

Police said Mc Gill may have been killed as a result of another murder that took place in the area on Friday. Police say there is an ongoing war between Morvant and Malick, Barataria. The other murdered man, Lorenzo Phillip, lived at Malick, Barataria but was killed in Morvant.

Also speaking to the media at the centre Monday was Mc Gill’s girlfriend, Natalie Brown, who said the father of one was a

quiet person who kept to himself.

“I don’t know why he was there (in Morvant),” Brown said before being interrupted by another woman who said Mc Gill received a phone call before leaving his home to meet someone.

Brown added: “He was home Saturday evening with his daughter and he got a phone call and it was so strange that whoever called him, he tell them hold on he coming now.

“I find it strange because normally he don’t leave home at those hours or walk down the road, cars always picking him up home and dropping him back.”

Police reports stated that around 5

am Friday, Lorenzo Philip, 27, of Seventh Avenue, Barataria, was found murdered and naked at Poinsettia Drive, Morvant, not too far from where Mc Gill’s body was found.

Police said residents heard gunshots and later found his body. Police believe that Philip was killed as a result of an ongoing dispute over the ownership a house and land in the Morvant area.

The killing of the two men have taken the murder toll to 380 for the year, five more than the corresponding period last year.

- Trinidad Guardian

Wednesday, Decembe December er 2, 2, 2015 20 01 15 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean Caribb

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Jeanieʼs Market & Bakery Your Home away from Home!

Jeanie’s Market & Bakery, located at 3355 The Collegeway in Mississauga, is your destination for the finest in Jamaican foods and quality ingredients that will make you feel as though you have never left home!

Jean and Neville Buckley founded Jeanie’s Market in 2002. They were both born and raised in Jamaica before migrating to Canada with their family in 1989. Jean had always dreamed of opening her own store in Canada with the hopes of bringing back the feeling of ‘back home’ and the authentic atmosphere of the Caribbean islands.

They created for themselves a home away from home with a warm and pleasant environment that reminded people of a storefront in Jamaica. Whenever you walk into Jeanie’s, you are greeted with familiarity by the warmth of her staff.

Keeping with the idea of bringing the taste of Jamaica to Canada, they took over a bakery in 2008, and enjoyed the experience of dealing with people and making a difference in the community. The bakery produces a variety of baked goods that are highly enjoyed in the Caribbean, with tasty favorites such as: Bulla, Rock Buns, Plantain Tarts, Rum Cakes, Sweet Potato Pudding, Toto, Patties, Corn bread, Bran Bread, Peg Bread, Spice Bun and their most popular item: Jamaican Hardo Bread. The Hardo Bread is one of Jamaica’s iconic baked goods that will most certainly bring back the reminiscences of being back home. Jeanie’s bakery offers nostalgic baked goods that are baked fresh everyday with only the finest ingredients, which always has its customers coming back for more.

At Jeanie’s Market and Bakery, they are in the business of welcoming their

customers like family. As you walk through their front doors, you can be sure that you will be greeted with a friendly, warm and welcoming smile. They ensure that every visit to their store is a memorable one and there is always the chance of meeting new friends or reminiscing while running into old ones. Through familiar conversations, there is always something you can learn from everyone, whether it be exchanging recipes, stories from the past, or hilarious jokes that will have you laughing till there are tears in your eyes.

Along side their freshly baked goods, Jeanie’s Market offers the freshest imported produce and fruits, fresh and pickled meats and an assortment of spices and seasonings catering to your every need. Jeanie’s vast variety of pickled meats include, mackerel, pig’s tail, pig’s snout, salt beef, salt beef ribs, pickled oxtail and corned pork to help you create the tastiest dishes straight from the islands. Jeanie’s will make you feel as though you picked everything fresh from your yard, back home on the rock. At Jeanie’s you can find aloe vera, avocado, breadfruit and roasted breadfruit (can be roasted by order on Fridays and Saturdays), callaloo, cho cho, coco, coconut, dasheen, scallion, green banana, seasonal mangoes, peppers, plantains, sorrel, sweet potatoes, seasonal sweet yam, thyme, white also known as negro yam, seasonal yampie and yellow yam.

Down at Jeanie’s they work hard to guarantee customer satisfaction. They carry an array of brand name products that are well known within the Caribbean community typically delivered on a weekly basis. The bulk of their produce is imported from Jamaica on a weekly basis and their bakery is well

known for its fresh products that are baked onsite, always leaving the store filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread.

At Jeanie’s they are always doing their part to get involved with the community, especially in Canada and Jamaica.

They are involved in a quite a few charities including Non-Such All-Age School in Portland, Jamaica, Peel Children’s Society in Brampton, their annual Backpack to School and finally Jeanie’s Christmas Wish Charity.

All of these charities are set in place to benefit many individuals within the community and without the help of the community; they would not be able to fulfill these commitments year after year.

The Non-Such All-Age School is a school close to their hearts at Jeanie’s. While living in Jamaica, Jean attended this school along with her sisters and brothers. This school is located in a rural part of Portland.

It accommodates 100 students and currently has an enrollment of 70 students and five teachers. An Anglican Church houses the school and classrooms are divided by chalkboards. On the weekend, the school is transformed back into a church to accommodate members of the community. The building itself is in dire need of re-construction and also suitable learning equipment for the students and teachers. Their mission at Jeanie’s is to help with the building and with educational equipment for the students and teachers through your monetary donations.

The Peel Children’s Society is one of the largest organized non-profit institutions that services children in Canada. The services are free and private and offer family support, foster care and mental health support. The collected donations made at Jean-

ie’s for Peel Children’s Society help’s to ensure that these services remain available and to make living just a little bit easier on some of the foster families.

During Thanksgiving and Christmas, they put together a food drive to give families an opportunity to have a comfortable family experience for the holiday season. In addition, they try to fulfill children’s Christmas wishes from two local schools.

They urge the community to help in any way you can with any of these donations, and appreciate all donations as well as the continued support of those individuals that dedicate their efforts to giving back.

Jeanie’s Market and Bakery is open Monday to Saturday with the exception of Sunday offering the most sought after ingredients straight from the Caribbean. They have a supportive and welcoming team of Jean, her husband Neville, their daughter Allison and their niece Kimberly, all who have a warm, friendly and welcoming smile ready for when you come in. They are agents of Western Union, and Jamaica National, as well as Digicel, for all of your money transfer needs. They are also the only place in Toronto where you can pick up a bag of Sky Blue Mountain Coffee, straight from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica to satisfy your cravings. If you are ever in Mississauga, stop

by Jeanie’s Market and Bakery to enjoy the tastes and feelings of those warm relaxing vibes of back home!

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

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1015-81923TC

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Popular Caribbean personality marks 10 year anniversary with notable partnerships Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment As his ten year mark in the business of entertainment approaches, one of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean’s burgeoning comedic forces is showing even greater ambition, teaming up with athletic champion, Jehue Gordon and fashion designer, Ecliff Elie to further cement his name and theirs in the Caribbean’s lifestyle market. Known simply as, Sunny Bling, Chaguanas homeboy Kerron Sealy has been a figure who’s comedic ease has brought many laughs and now, ahead of the year 2016, he’s doing some rebranding that will sway public perception

but certainly keep the laughter coming.

In a modern world where perception is some people’s reality, all with social media being the rave, Sunny Bling has masked his personal life well. His silly public rants on the airwaves of Slam 100.5FM where he now calls his home away from home, and the stage antics seen when he makes public appearances or hosts events, have made him a public figure in every sense of the term.

Now, plans underway to further market himself to a wider audience across the Caribbean Diaspora and internationally, call for bigger steps.

In November, Sealy teams up with Trinidad and Tobago fashion house owner and designer, Ecliff Elie. The Caribbean men’s clothing line was established in T&T in 1992 and has grown into somewhat of a household name in Trinidad since that time.

Sunny Bling has been an avid supporter of the clothing line. His current partnership with the brand was only a natural progres-

sion since Sealy’s been a true fan of the professional look maintained by the designer.

“The Ecliff Elie look is classy and professional. As much as I’m a comedian, I don’t always strive to look comical. I want to look good, stand out, and that’s what Ecliff Elie’s clothing does for me,” said the Direc TV endorsee.

With the local fashion industry often being sidelined by the man on the street for replacement foreign threads, Sunny says it’s unfortunate. “As an adult, I’ve come to realize that you can get the look you want and feel the part, from a local designer, for an even better price. I can get the same look and feel, and sometimes even a better look and feel from a local fashion house. I’d rather help my own too. That’s what we need to do- represent for the Caribbean,” said the father of two.

Recently, Trinidad and Tobago hurdler, Jehue Gordon launched his “Ambition” men’s fragrance to much commendation

by local media and fellow sporting figures.

Sunny Bling has now partnered with the 23-year-old athlete to further market the fragrance. “I’ve known Jehue for a few years and he believes in me and what I’m capable of doing. The “Ambition” fragrance is fully endorsed because it smells really good and it’s long-lasting too,” said Sunny.

Much like he’s done with his own personal career, delivering a down to earth sense of self and capturing large audiences along the way, Sunny’s partners feel he will now draw audiences to their brands in a subtle yet powerful way. With much more to come from the self-made entertainer, in the weeks and months ahead, there’s no doubt that the highways of Trinidad and Tobago will continue to be aligned with his images, all blown up for the world to see.

- EtceteraBuzz

Christmas spirit for the kids. Soca artiste reflects on 2015 and basks in present season Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment Christmas comes before Carnival in the Caribbean so although the airwaves of urban frequencies may be blazing carnival 2016 anthems in Trinidad and Tobago, one soca artiste says he’s excited for Christmas, as he usually is.

Fadda Moses has been releasing soca music. In fact, he released two tracks approximately one week ago, but while that’s his professional ambition, the entertainer who broadened his musical horizons this past year, says Christmas is a very special time of year for him. From the smell of the

traditional Caribbean Christmas cuisine to the lingering scent of paint and polish that is almost synonymous with the season, Moses says, Christmas brings a warm feeling like nothing else. “I really look forward to seeing family- family I may not really see during the year. I love seeing my children’s faces when they receive their presents,” said the dad of two. Amid the nostalgic sentiments of a season that some argue is being forgotten and replaced by the Trini Carnival spirit, Moses says as a stakeholder in the business of music and carnival, he understands why artistes feverishly press forward to get their music played and promoted before Christmas. “With a season that’s as short as this one is, the only option artistes have is really to push hard prior to Christmas. When it comes to the less popular artistes, it’s even harder to make that breakthrough so releasing in September or thereabout is really the only option,” he explained.

His recent release of “Champion

Winer” and “No Beg Friend” which shares a riddim with fellow artiste, M1 and his track, “ All Ah Dem”, came even as Moses prepared to fly out of Trinidad. He represented T&T at two events in Atlanta on the weekend. “I launched the songs there with first time performances,” he said, acknowledging that it was also his very first time in the ATL. “This past year has taught me a lot, musically. I’ve learnt that sometimes you have to just get up and press; come out of your comfort zone and go after what you really want,” he said. Moses’ encounter this year, with fans overseas who enjoyed his sound was indeed an eye opener for him. He experienced the desire of British music lovers to hear more of him when he visited London earlier this year. “This year I realized that sometimes you just have to pick up and go to these places. Sometimes your music isn’t playing in Trinidad, but it’s on heavy rotation overseas and you don’t even know it,” he said.

He was blown away when he visited London

and heard his track ‘Sample’ being played on the popular radio stations out there. When he took the stage at an event during his visit, the response of the crowd came as an incredibly awesome shock to Moses, a shock that sent ripples through his body.

Now with new soca tracks circulated and an energy that fuels his ambition, Fadda Moses says he’s ready to quench all thirst for enjoyment by carnival lovers. “I wrote these two tracks and they were produced by Dante Pantin (Champion Winer) and Chain Link Studio (No Beg Friend). The music speaks for itself. Not much explanation needed,” said the Chaguanas native who certainly remains humble, taking every experience as a lesson learnt. Fans of the artiste can look out for the imminent release of a video for Champion Winer in the days ahead.

- EtceteraBuzz

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

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Tim Keeʼs plea: Donʼt send football back 20 years TRINIDAD -- Outgoing president of the T&T Football Association (T&TFA) Raymond Tim Kee is pleading with his successor David John-Williams to not interfere with the new constitution which was approved and praised by the world governing body for football, FIFA. His call comes a day after JohnWilliams, in his victory speech after his elevation to the top post on Sunday, said he will have to review the constitution and make some changes. This infuriated Tim Kee as he described this as a backward step that would send T&T football back some 20 years when one administration led for many years.

“I am begging for goodness sake, leave the constitution alone. I have fought

very hard to make these changes and make this happen for the betterment of the sport, why do you want to change it now,” Tim Kee asked.

John-Williams triumphed 25-19 after the second round of voting to Tim Kee, after the first round saw Williams earn 18 votes, Tim Kee 13, Clynt Taylor 8 and the others two candidates Selby Browne and Ramesh Ramdhan eliminated by virtue of each receiving just three votes.

Tim Kee, who was seeking a second term in office, reminded John-Williams that it was the same constitutional changes for which he fought, that allowed him (JohnWilliams) the advantage of ten TT Pro League votes and eight Superleague votes to

win.

“I was at a disadvantage but I accepted it because it was what the FIFA ordered. This is the system being used by all football nations around the world and to change it now could spell danger for T&T football,” Tim Kee explained. The Mayor of Port of Spain said he felt that John-Williams’ elevation was nothing but a misnomer, sentiments that he had expressed in a radio programme before the elections.

“He is a campaigner in the TT Pro League which is totally dependent on the Government’s subventions to stay alive but he is now saying that he can change things in the same league,” Tim Kee said.

Of major disappointment also for

Tim Kee was the exclusion of Colin Murray, the Carib Brewery’s events manager and Trotters owner John Sabga. They both perished to the overwhelming support by JohnWilliams’ slate, losing out to Ewing Davis for the position of first vice president.

Davis received 15 votes while second vice president Joanne Salazar got 23 and Allan Warner collected 20 votes for the post of third vice president for John-Williams’ team.

“Colin Murray and John Sabga would have been able to attract corporate T&T which is critical to rebuilding football in T&T,” Tim Kee said.

- Trinidad Guardian

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com ww.torontocaribbean.com m|W Wednesday, ednesday, December 2, 2015

Holder: WI to exploit Aussiesʼ weakness AUSTRALIA -- West Indies will be aiming to exploit some of the chinks in Australia’s armour which were exposed during the just concluded series against New Zealand.

Australia beat the Black Caps 2-0 in the three-Test series but suffered several anxious moments in the final Test in Adelaide when they scraped home by three wickets in pursuit of a meagre 187 for victory.

“We saw weaknesses where we could exploit but it’s important we analyse each batsman and bowler and try to come up with game plans that are best suited for the conditions that we are playing in,” skipper Jason Holder told reporters here yesterday.

“There are some new faces mixed with some guys who have been in some rich veins of form. It’s important we put some pressure on their middle order. I think if we get early wickets with the new ball, you can

*6 Beers

get guys like Shaun Marsh and those guys who are now trying to make their way back into the side, put them under some pressure to score.

“Once we can do that it will be a relatively competitive series. Obviously they have some in-form batsmen as I have said—David Warner and Steve Smith—so we need to put pressure on their middle order and try to get them out early and put the newer guys under some pressure.”

West Indies enter the series as heavy underdogs, with just one win in their seven Tests this year and languishing at number eight in the ICC Test team rankings.

They drew 1-1 with England in a three-match series in the Caribbean, were swept 2-0 by the Australians a month later before being hammered 2-0 away to Sri Lanka earlier this month.

Holder said while a positive re-

*6 Beers

sult would be a huge boost for the team and the Caribbean, what was more important was the team becoming more consistent over longer periods. “[A good result] would do a lot for us back home. It would do a lot for us in the dressing room as well. I think once we do well here, what is important is we continue to do well. We’ve been at fault in the past for doing well here and then slipping behind in the next series,” the 24-year-old explained.

“Consistency is the name of the game for me and once we’re consistent, I’ll be pleased with the progression that we’re making. I just don’t want to win a series here and then don’t win another for two or three series. We need to make that steady progression forward.”

West Indies face Australia in the first Test of the three-match series starting in Hobart on December 10.

- Trinidad Guardian

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food

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Quickest pholourie ever!

Chris De La Rosa chris@carib101.com

Caribbean Cooking Pholouire is one of those popular vegetarian street foods you’ll find being sold throughout Trinidad and Tobago, alongside “Doubles” and Aloo Pies. Usually served hot out of the fryer, with a side of spicy chutney (Mango | Mango chutney, Tamarind sauce, Coconut or Cucumber) and relatively cheap.

This recipe is a sort of hack version (save you time), showing how you can use a pre-

pack kaged mix with great resu ult lts. IIff yo you’re packaged results. looking for a ‘from scratch’ recipe for making pholouire, click on Recipe Index at the top of this page.

You’ll Need: 1 package of pholourie mix 1 scallion (green parts only) 1 tablespoon shado beni (culantro) or cilantro will work 1/2 small scotch bonnet pepper (optional) no seeds. * 2-3 cups veg oil for frying. * I like using a green scotch bonnet pepper (not fully developed) as you get a lovely flavor and a milder heat level.

Basically all you’re doing is following the method according to the pack-

age instructions. To enhance things I added the other ingredients mentioned in the list above (finely chopped). You can leave out the scotch bonnet pepper if you wish as the Tamarind sauce will have a bit of heat to it.

In my case I believe the package asked that I allow it to rest for a couple minutes before frying, so during this time I heated my veg oil in a deep pan on a med/high heat. You have two options when it comes to forming the small dough balls for frying.

1 – you can use a teaspoon to scoop out and add to the heated oil or 2 – you can use your fingers to pinch off bits and add to the hot oil. I oiled my fingers (so the dough would not stick to it) and pinched off a teaspoon size bit and added it to my hot oil. There is a traditional way of placing the dough in your hands and squeezing the right amount between your fingers – sadly I don’t make

ppholouire often so I never perfected that technique.

Fry for about 4-5 minutes until they puff -up and go golden in colour. Set on paper towels to soak up the extra oil and serve warm.

I know there will be questions about which “mix” to use.. since I don’t get any sort of backing by these companies I’ll prefer not to endorse any. However if you go to your fav Caribbean / West Indian store there should be a couple options for you to choose from. Just personalize it a bit as we did and follow the instructions on the package and you should be fine. The funny thing is I got this mix at a Chinese grocery store.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

travel

PAGE 27

A volunteering holiday Micca Vanvield

micca@carib101.com

Travel Specialist As the holiday season draws near we start to place giving at the forefront of our minds.

We start to think about what gifts we would like to buy for our loved ones and what we would like Santa to leave for us under the Christmas tree. This is a time for families to spend that quality time together that is generally missed throughout the year as lives get too hectic. Many families choose to travel for the holidays, especially to the Caribbean to visit family. But have you ever thought

to volunteer or donate to a charity or cause while you plan to take that holiday?

The Christmas season is a time of giving. I strongly believe in giving and expecting nothing in return. When planning your travels this holiday season think about the destination you will be visiting.

Think about those in need like children, or the homeless, those in need of things that we may overlook in our own lives. Think about how you can make a difference in the world even if you believe that it’s a small gesture.

I recently took a trip to Jamaica where I was out eating with my family. We were in a rural area and were enjoying our meal outside. We sat on stools and ate our meals on a shelf which made the perfect table. This is similar to what we would call a patio, however it was in true Jamaican rural style. As we sat down and enjoyed our meals we were approached by a small child.

He looked to be about six years old and was

asking me to share my meal with him. As I looked at what was left, which was barely nothing, I realized that it wouldn’t be enough for a meal. Not knowing when his last meal was, I decided to buy him his own meal. I was brought to tears when I saw the smile on his face as he walked away with his own meal. A full meal that would probably be replacing a number of missed ones.

I have no idea what this gesture could have done for this child and maybe even his family, however it did make me think about how much more I could have done when preparing for this vacation.

When visiting family we all would like to take them the world. Keep in mind the baggage limitations when travelling. Most major carriers will allow you to carry one piece of luggage, a carry on, and personal item at no charge. You are also generally allowed a second piece of checked luggage for a small fee. When thinking to carry items for fam-

ily or to donate to a shelter or charity, think about the impact that this will have on the person who will be receiving them. Things like books, pencils, diapers, sanitary napkins, underwear, socks, blankets, etc. This list could go on and on.

You don’t have to bring the world, or even break the bank, but think about volunteering your time, resources, or in some cases finances to the next destination you’re visiting. This experience will not only benefit those that you are visiting or offering these gestures to, but it will offer you a new found sense of peace knowing that you made a difference . You can actually book your trip as a volunteering vacation through companies that specialize in this area or plan your own self-guided volunteer adventure. Either way the purpose of helping someone else while you have an opportunity to get away will both be fulfilled.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

body & soul

PAGE 29

Yoga teachers helpful or harmful Melissa Goodman

melissa@carib101.com

Yoga Specialist We have all heard or read articles on how yoga can be dangerous. Articles that highlight the dangers of yoga often look at the style of yoga or the typical Western mindset, rushing from one thing to the next in a state of overdrive. I have been asked by several people if yoga is dangerous. My response is no, when it’s performed with awareness and a knowledgeable teacher. However, I have been in classes where I believe the teachers can create the potential for danger by

guiding and cueing poses without proper knowledge.

In a profession that is not licensed a teacher can become ‘qualified’ by completing a 200 hour training program, which can be done online. When we look at other professions such as mechanics, the training involves three separate terms of schooling at 240 hours each plus an additional 6,000 workplace hours under a licensed mechanic.

So how does one learn all about the human body, the systems, the many health challenges that are ever present in our society today in as little as 200 hours, it’s impossible.

When a teacher is guiding ten students or more through a practice, they do not always see each student in every pose before moving onto the next posture. The posture may look aesthetically pleasing but how does one know if the

right muscles are engaged. Frequently there is lack of awareness from the teacher in this area and over time from repetitive incorrect movement this may lead to injury or lack of balance between the muscles.

The physical is but one aspect of yoga. When we explore the mental/emotional aspect of yoga, teachers who lack awareness or knowledge in this area can create physiological stress.

I have seen the repercussions of teachers who play therapist, leading students down the path of emotional release. Once the student is vulnerable and ready to release, the teacher offers no further support, leaving the student to figure things out on their own. On the opposite end to this we have the teachers who point out a student in class to praise them or have the other students look at how this particular student is perform-

ing a posture. This may either put the student on a pedestal or ostracize them from the class. Leaving the other students who were not pointed out feeling like they are not good enough or it may spark their ego and they begin to push themselves harder.

Yoga is a wonderful healing technique that has countless benefits and has helped many people transform their life. I do not write this to diminish an industry I am a part of but rather to draw awareness to the lack of training, especially when dealing with many different health concerns.

With an industry that is being flooded with teachers, I encourage you to do your research the same way you would if you were visiting a mechanic to have your car serviced or repaired. Your body can be repaired but unlike a car it cannot be replaced.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health news

FDA approves controversial drug to beef up farm animals despite being reported as the most dangerous livestock drug on market and being banned in 150 countries If it’s been deemed bad in other countries, that’s often when the United States comes in and welcomes it with open arms. In this case, we’re talking about the fact that a California judge recently dismissed two lawsuits that claimed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) illegally approved a harmful drug additive – ractopamine hydrochloride – used in animal feed.

Indeed, despite having information about the weight gain inducing drug’s detrimental effects on animals, and that the active ingredient, found in the brand Paylean, is banned in 150 countries, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers turned a blind eye.

FDA records revealed that pigs in particular have suffered horrific consequences from being given the drug, which is designed to make them gain weight without having to consume a great deal of feed. While cost effective for the farming industry, it’s been found to have rendered 160,000 pigs unable to walk, to experience hyperactivity and broken limbs, and even to die.

In fact, a Food and Environment Reporting Network (FERN) investigation determined that ractopamine is fed to “an estimated 60 to 80 percent of pigs in the United States” and has “resulted in more reports of sickened or dead pigs than any other livestock drug on the market.” Over the years, farmers and veterinarians have repeatedly expressed concern

over ailing pigs.

Still, the judge feels it’s appropriate to dismiss the lawsuits while these horrors continue to unfold.

Judge’s unbelievable reason for dismissing lawsuits A portion of the judge’s explanation for the motion to dismiss reads as follows: Due to statutory and regulatory requirements that applications to FDA for new drugs remain confidential... plaintiffs only became aware of the approvals, and FDA’s associated decisionmaking, when they were final and published in the Federal Register... Thus, plaintiffs were not able to participate in the administrative process prior to the FDA approvals at issue... Central to defendant-intervenor’s motion to dismiss, plaintiffs do not allege that they pursued any administrative remedies with the FDA relating to their NEPA grievances following the FDA approvals.

So there you have it. The FDA is protected by secrecy, able to approve harmful drugs under a cloak of application confidentiality, knowing full well that participation in approval processes is limited. Not everyone is in on it, of course, especially those who the FDA knows would be likely take issue and dare to ask questions.

Organizations who take issue with this additive include the Center for Food Safe-

ty, the Sierra Club, the United Farmworkers of America and the Animal Legal Defense Fund, all of whom – along with others – originally filed the suit in 2014. They maintained that it violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Administrative Procedure Act when the animal feed additive containing ractopamine hydrochloride was approved. They are also adamant that the FDA did not properly test the feed additive, which is manufactured

by Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly.

What this means for you What does this mean for your food and for those who advocate the humane treatment of animals? It means that animals will continue to be given drugs that severely compromise their health. They are dying, trembling and living in a constant state of fear.

It also means that the food you eat involves an additive – ractopamine hydrochloride – which has actually been deemed “not for human use,” yet has turned up in tested meat samples. This doesn’t just pertain to pigs, either; it’s been found that ractopamine is fed to turkeys and cattle as well.

If this has you shaking your head in disbelief and disgust, it should. Once again, greed enters the picture – one that’s wellframed by loopholes and hush-hush regulatory processes.

- Natural News

How to Turn Your Bedroom Into a Meditative Space Does your bedroom provide more distraction than relaxation? Do you long for a peaceful retreat where you can go to forget about the world for a while, rather than be constantly reminded of it? Read on for a few tips on how to create a peaceful, meditative retreat without breaking the bank.

Remove as many electronics as possible.

This tip may prove challenging, as we’ve been trained to seek out online entertainment and distractions during every hour of the day.

However, moving your TV and computer into the den or the living room will definitely benefit your sleeping patterns. According to professor of sleep medicine Dr. Emmanuel J. Mignot, studies have shown that “bright screens at night can shift your circadian rhythm by hours.” If this isn’t enough impetus to quit your nightly smartphone habit, perhaps try moving your phone across the room for a week and see if you can eventually replace your phone with an alarm clock and work up to keeping your phone in a different room.

That’s a dramatic effect worth the loss in entertainment while we try to fall asleep. Electronics provide opportunities for distraction, rather than contemplation. Replace your electronic devices with elements that aid in relaxation and meditative activities: books, writing implements, art supplies. If these precautions seem extreme, keep in mind that you’re very likely to lose a considerable amount of sleep unless you move your mobile technologies out into a different space so as to maximize your time spent getting renewed and refreshed.

Darken the light to a gentle, muted level.

One simple way to ensure the lighting will always be muted is to hang curtains over your windows. You’ll always have the ability to open them. However, you’ll appreciate the curtains’ darkening effect when you want to retreat to your bedroom for a rejuvenating nap.

If blinds are your only source of dimming the flow of sunlight into your sleeping space, it’s likely to prove frustrating next time you try to take a nap when it’s really sunny out! Try getting a dimmer for your overhead light, or to

limit the sources of light to LED lights, since they have more blue light than fluorescent light bulbs; this will assist your brain in creating the correct levels of melatonin.

If you want to go the extreme route to ensure that your melatonin levels are up to par, try using amber-lensed goggles once the sun has gone down. Their blue-blocking lenses greatly reduce the effects of blue-light exposure, and they’ve “been shown to improve sleep quality as well as mood, simply by blocking blue light and simulating physiologic darkness.” Of course, if you’d rather go the natural route, simply abstain from electronic devices like smartphones and laptops for several hours before bedtime, and try, also, to limit the amount of artificial lighting used around the house—perhaps with the use of a few candles?

Use fabrics to soften the space.

Some ideas for decorating with fabric may seem fairly intuitive: hang area rugs or blankets with interesting patterns on the wall for an interesting splash of color and texture. For example, hang a tapestry on the wall behind your bed’s headboard. You could also try hanging long pieces of fabric on your wall in creative ways—for example, using scarves. This technique has been a great use of scarves for me, as I’ve found myself with a number of accumulated scarves that I rarely wear. However, you might even be able to decorate your walls with scarves that you wear on a regular basis: just make sure you hang them in such a way that allows for easy removal and re-hanging.

Make the bed area simple with clean lines.

This means you should select a bed frame and headboard that are not overly ornate, but rather feature clean lines and neutral colors that don’t compete with the rest of the room’s décor. For example, rather than choosing a bright red headboard, perhaps opt for brown or olive— which are more earthy tones. Natural shades will feel more grounding than bright, patterned designs; although you’ll be alert and wideawake, transitioning into sleep-mode may prove challenging with such a vibrant sleeping area. Also, think about the choice of throw pil-

lows on the bed. If you opt for a few large pillows rather than a large number of small ones, your bed will feel less chaotic and more peaceful, since there won’t be as much to look at.

De-clutter the room and get rid of unnecessary objects & furnishings.

This is pretty basic, but it’s advised that you get rid of unnecessary objects and only keep those wardrobe items and objects that you use on a regular basis. This means, for example, that it’s in my best interest to discard all my old notebooks and journals that I keep lugging from place to place. I’ve kept them in hopes that one day I will go back and review my notes from my freshman year Humanities 110 class or that I might successfully salvage some scribbled observations from five years ago for use in a new poem. In reality, neither of these scenarios has materialized, and yet two shelves-worth of notebooks sit in my closet, as yet untouched and unmined for potentially brilliant lines of poetry.

I’m currently in the process of moving, and this time, I want to actually get rid of some of that stuff I’ve been lugging around for years. The main reason for this is that I never actually open any of my old notebooks to glean wondrous insights from their pages. Instead, they remain untouched, sitting quietly upon a shelf, gathering dust. This feels pointless and indicative of a potential idea that never comes to pass. Holding on to these objects may be blocking my energy.

Think of the Feng Shui approach in considering whether energy is blocked or facilitated in moving freely around the room. Is the path to the door clear or blocked? Is the space beneath the bed littered with unnecessary clutter? Is your bedroom filled with circles or with sharp lines and angles? Lastly, think of your bedside tables, desks, and bookshelves.

Clear the remains of the day from these spaces before bedtime so that there won’t be a large mess to deal with the next day. The fewer tiny objects are scattered around the room, the less there is for your eyes to focus on, unnecessarily.

- Natural News

PAGE 31

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health news

PAGE 33

Good reasons to eat Pineapple 7 conditions remedied by this tropical fruit Pineapples are very healthy and nutritious, these sweet and juicy tropical fruits are packed with nutrients and can improve many health conditions. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as with a host of benefits for your skin, hair and health. Following are some good reasons you should include this fruit in your diets: 1. Pineapple is rich in Vitamins, especially Vitamin C A single cup of pineapple chunks contains 131% of the daily value of Vitamin C. And it’s also loaded with Vitamin A, calcium and potassium, all of which are essential to promote good health condition.

2. Pineapple is well known to relieve arthritis pain As pineapple has anti-inflammatory qualities, eating this fruit will alleviate the pain

of arthritis and also strengthen the bones.

Besides, the rich amount of Vitamin C also helps to keep joints moving smoothly. The manganese present in pineapple helps in strengthening bones too, and a cup of pineapple juice provides you 73% of the daily value of manganese for a day.

3. Pineapple prevents cough effectively Pineapple contains bromelain, which is effective in suppressing coughs, and the Vitamin C can fight off viruses that lead to cough. It’s believed that pineapple juice is 5 times more effective than cough syrup, next time when you’re suffering from a cough, try pineapple juice and honey remedy. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey into 1/2 cup of warm pineapple juice and drink it.

digesting properties, so it can keep the digestive track healthy. Apart from that, pineapple provides a good amount of solube and insolube fiber, which are important to regulate elimination and clean out the bowels.

5. Pineapple helps in weight loss Also due to it contains a good amount of fibers, eating pineapple will fill your stomach easily. And pineapple is with very high water content, such foods have ability to make you have a long time full feeling, which is also essential for losing a couple of pounds. Pineapple is also a nutrient-dense food, it contains a lot of nutrients while a small amount of calories, one cup of cubed pineapple only contains about 80 calories. This is another reason why pineapple aids in weight loss so great.

6. Pineapple relieves nausea and morning sickness Intake pineapple juice is a simple remedy to avert nausea or morning sickness, it’s quiet useful for pregnant women who are experiencing morning sickness. Or you can take pineapple and ginger remedy to relieve the nausea. Drink a cup of pineapple juice with a pinch of ginger, a pinch of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon organic sugar, take it 3 times per day.

7. Pineapple helps your skin look younger and fight many skin problems The high Vitamin C content of pineapple helps you looking youthful naturally. It has been popular used as a cure for acne, pimples and other inflammatory skin issues.

- Natural News

4. Pineapple improves digestion Bromelain found in pineapple has protein-

Red cabbage sauerkraut can help starve lung cancer cells!

In 2015, they are estimating that there will be approximately 221,200 new cases of lung cancer. Every year, more people die of lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined.

New research reports that scientists have found a way to stop the growth of lung cancer cells by blocking the cells alternative sources of nutrition. Scientists report that the metabolism of cancer class is different from normal cells. They use glucose or sugar as their main source of nutrition. When glucose becomes scares then the cancer switch to alternative sources of nutrition.

New research shows that when lung cancer cells no longer have sugar to feed on, they feed on glutamine!

A team of scientists from major universities around the world studied the response of cancer cells when glucose is reduced. The team examined the most common types of lung cancer that affects 85-90 percent of lung cancer victims. The team found that the cells then switch from feeding on glucose to feeding on glutamine.

The team then found that an enzyme known as PEPCK reprograms the cancer cell metabolism. The scientists found that by blocking PEPCK in cancer cells, this slows down the growth of the tumor and can

cause the cancer to starve.

Blocking PEPCK enzyme prevents cancer cells from reprogramming cell metabolism and allows glutamine to fight cancer instead of feed cancer!

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acids in the body. The body makes enough glutamine for regular needs but during times of extreme stress such as heavy exercise or injury, your body may need more glutamine.

Glutamic is made in the lungs and stored in the muscles. It is necessary for removing excess ammonia and helps the immune system function well.

Red cabbage sauerkraut is the best way to boost glutamine levels and provide your body lots of healthy bacteria!

Most people who have cancer have low levels of glutamine. Researchers are beginning to make recommendations to eat foods that are high in glutamine to help fight cancer.

One of these foods is red cabbage! Red cabbage is the most dense vegetable form of Lglutamine. You can juice, shred, or ferment it. Red cabbage sauerkraut made with apple cider vinegar is a great way to boost glutamine levels and give your body an abundance of good bacteria!

- Natural News

PAGE 34

health & you

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

The biggest mistakes that could be affecting your Diabetes Dr. Lydia Thurton

drlydia@carib101.com

Health Tips Being diabetic doesn’t have to severely impact your quality of life. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to have a take-charge attitude. Be empowered about making the right health decisions. This weeks article will be discussing the common mistakes I see my diabetic patients making.

Good news! All of these errors are easy to correct.

Critical mistake #1 - not taking metformin properly. Metformin has many positive health benefits for diabetics. Patients do not realize that diabetes can put you at risk for certain cancers. Endometrial, pancreatic and kidney cancer risk increase with a diag-

nosis of diabetes. This drug cuts the risk of cancer for diabetics by 50%. Use metformin to reduce this risk. Metformin can also help you control your weight and produces anti aging effects. Take this drug as prescribed! It can prevent you from having to take greater doses of stronger more dangerous medications down the road.

The second mistake I commonly see is patients not taking their blood sugar at the right times. Know what your sugar is upon waking and two hours after meals.

Take it regularly at consistent times and keep a record. This information helps your doctor make the right decisions for your diabetes management. Secondary to this, do not avoid your routine blood work. When your doctor sends you to get your blood sugar checked.

Go! Knowledge is power.

Making excuses not to exercise is a huge mistake. Diabetic patients need physical activity to keep blood sugar levels in check and to manage their weight. Even ten minutes a day, over time, will create significant metabolic changes. As we age our fat mass tends to increase and our muscle mass

decreases. Muscle mass is what we call metabolically active, meaning it burns calories and sugar all day long.

There are over fifty different words that mean sugar on food labels. This is very confusing for patients. Knowing that many people, not just diabetics, are watching sugar intake, food companies have gotten creative and disguise sugar content by using different words. Anything that ends in –ose is a sugar.

Fructose, sucrose and glucose are all sugars.

Cane syrups, high fructose corn syrup and even things that sound healthy like rice syrup are all sugar. Agave nectar is one particular health food that people often think is a safe alternative to sugar. It isn’t. It contains high amounts of fructose a sugar that has negative consequence for diabetes.

By far the biggest error is ignoring your diabetes because you feel “fine.” Diabetes is a disease that needs to be respected.

Long term implications of poor blood sugar control are serious. By following these tips you don’t have to be at the mercy of your blood sugar swings. Take control! Eat smart!

Weight loss and electronics Monique Bartlett

monique@carib101.com

Fitness In today’s world it is becoming easier and easier to gain weight because we have technology that does everything for us. We barely need to lift a finger. With PlayStation, remote controls, tablets, laptops and more, technology is at our fingertips.

In the old days we had to get up to turn the TV on and off and change the channels. We used to go outside to play, go to the park and ride our bikes just for fun. Now we barely get outside unless it’s time to go to work. We can barley take our eyes off our

electronic devices.

It’s time to stop using remote controls if you want to lose weight. Remote controls may be great gadgets but from a weight loss point of view, they just aren’t very helpful. They cause us to take a laid back kind of attitude towards life itself. In fact if remote controls weren’t there, the TV probably wouldn’t have become so popular.

It’s because of remote controls that people can sit where they are and switch from one channel to the next. You only have to twitch a finger muscle.

I have nothing against TV but what I suggest is that you get up from your seat to change the channel. The same goes for other remote controls as well. Just think about it, we have remote controlled TVs, DVD players, air conditioners, garage doors and more.

Technology is just making us way too lazy!

You also need to do things like picking things up off the floor and turning things off and on by yourself. Often when

we come back from work, we are tired and tend to get others to do simple chores for us. These things are really no big deal and they’re things that we can do for ourselves but we don’t.

That’s why you might ask your kids to go get something for you or put something away for you. Training your pet is also a wonderful thing. It’s unbelievable how some people get their dogs to fetch them something. However, the fact is that while you may be making sure that your dog is getting a lot of exercise, you are neglecting your own exercise.

Make a point to get up and walk around during commercials on TV. If you want to sit all night with your eyes glued to the TV, then good on you but at least spare your eyes the agony of the commercials.

When the next commercial comes on instead of channel surfing get up and take a quick walk. Your body will thank you for it!

Eating raw, pulverized garlic daily reduces lung & bowel cancer 40% New studies show that eating raw, pulverized garlic every day reduces the risk of lung and bowel cancer quite dramatically – as much as 40% and possibly even more. It is thought that the primary reason behind the drastic reduction in cancer risk is the compound allicin.

The key ingredient appears to be a chemical called allicin, released when the clove is crushed or chopped. Allicin is believed to reduce inflammation in the body and act as an antioxidant, reducing damage from so-called free radicals to the body’s cells.

The amount of garlic consumed in patients that saw this potent anti-cancer benefit was typically the equivalent of 1-3 full cloves of garlic a day.

The study authors say: “Protective association between intake of raw garlic and lung cancer has been observed with a dose-response pattern, suggesting that garlic may potentially serve as a chemo-preventive agent for lung cancer.” (i)(ii)(iii)

Other Health Benefits Of Raw Garlic Boost Immune System In the winter months garlic is a great food to boost your immune system and ward off colds and flu. An old folk remedy is to eat a clove of garlic that has been dipped in honey at the first sign of a cold.

Lower Cholesterol A study found that the consumption of garlic reduced cholesterol by 9 to 12 percent. Reductions were noted in LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Lowers Blood Pressure Garlic has been used in China for many years as blood pressure medication. Additionally, the Japanese government officially recognized garlic as a blood-pressure depressor.

Anti-clotting properties The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. While this fact

is great for people with heart ailments and those prone to suffering from a stroke and other clotting disorders, it may also increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.

Combat Allergies Garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory property. It can help the body fight against allergies. The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone.

Garlic has been shown to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Garlic is most well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections. Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.

- Natural News

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health & you

PAGE 35

Get the facts about HIV Michelle Smith

michelle@carib101.com

Health Care World Aids Day is December 1, 2015, but there is a growing concern about the ability to talk about HIV and Aids within our community. This is a topic that should be taught and learned by all. With Charlie Sheen “Coming Out” about his HIV Diagnosis, as your health advocate I wanted to go over some facts.

We know now that anyone can be infected with HIV, no matter your age, sex, race, ethnic origin or who you have sex with.

DID YOU KNOW? That more than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidences have been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008.

According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. HIV is a virus that can make you

sick. HIV (or Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens your immune system, your body’s built-in defence against disease and illness.

Anyone can be infected with HIV. You can have HIV without knowing it. You may not look or feel sick for years, but you can still pass the virus on to other people.

Without HIV treatment, your immune system can become too weak to fight off serious illnesses. HIV can also damage other parts of your body. Eventually, you can become sick with life-threatening infections.

This is the most serious stage of HIV infection, called AIDS (or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

There is no vaccine to prevent HIV. There is no cure for HIV, but with proper care and treatment, most people with HIV can avoid getting AIDS and can stay healthy for a long time. Anti-HIV drugs have to be taken every day. They cannot get rid of HIV but they can keep it under control.

DID YOU KNOW? That only five body fluids can contain enough HIV to infect someone: blood, semen (including pre-cum), rectal fluid, vaginal fluid and breast milk.

HIV can only be passed when one of these fluids from a person with HIV gets into the bloodstream of another person— through broken skin, the opening of the penis or the wet linings of the body, such as the vagina, rectum or foreskin. HIV cannot pass through healthy, unbroken skin.

The two main ways that HIV can be passed between you and someone else are:

• •

through unprotected sex (anal or vaginal sex without a condom) by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs (including steroids)

• •

HIV can also be passed by sharing needles or tattoo ink, sharing needs or body piercing jewellery or to a fetus or baby during pregnancy, birth or breast feeding.

HIV cannot be passed by talking, shaking hands, working or eating with someone who has HIV, hugs or kisses, coughs or sneezes, swimming pools, toilet seats or water fountains, bed sheets or towels, forks, spoons, cups or food, insects or animals.

HIV can be passed during unprotected sex. This means by vaginal or anal sex without a condom, oral sex without a condom or dental dam (a piece of latex used to cover the vulva or anus) or sharing sex toys.

Oral sex is not as risky as vaginal or anal sex, but it’s not completely safe.

Protect yourself and your partner(s) from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can have sex with little or no risk of passing on or getting HIV. This is called safe sex. Safe sex also helps protect you and your partner(s) from other STI’s, such as gonorrhea and syphilis.

People can have HIV or other STI’s without knowing it because these infections often do not cause symptoms. You could have HIV or another STI and not know it.

Also, don’t assume that your partner knows whether they have HIV or any other STI. The only way to know for sure is to be tested.

To practise safer sex…

• •

• •

Use a latex or polyurethane condom correctly every time you have vaginal or anal sex.

Use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants. (Oil-based lubricants can make latex condoms break.)

Get tested for STI’s regularly. Having an STI increases your risk of getting and passing on HIV. Avoid sharing sex toys and if you do, cover each one with a new condom before each use. It is also important to clean your toys between vaginal and anal use.

Use a condom or dental dam every time you have oral sex.

Choose forms of sexual stimulation that pose little or no risk for HIV, like masturbation or sensual massage.

A Snapshot of HIV/AIDS in Toronto • Every day, two Torontonians are newly infected with HIV • More than 1 in 4 new HIV diagnoses in Toronto are among young people under 30 • 65% of new infections in Toronto occur in men who have sex with men • Women represent 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses in Toronto This has been watching out for your health.

Remember you are the most important part of your health care team

life

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

A few mistakes we make with our money money to spend? The value of the thing that we purchase then, is weighed against the time we exchanged to acquire it.

Fazaad Bacchus

fazaad@carib101.com

Finance Specialist You may have heard that money is meant to be spent, what you haven’t heard is that it is meant to be spent wisely and definitely what we don’t hear is that money is meant to be saved. Yet this is the reason that Canada’s household debt is at an all time high, spending, spending and more spending. Why the need to be a compulsive spender, to show that we can afford things or to keep up with the Joneses? When we earn money, don’t we exchange precious time to earn that money and doesn’t it mean that we are giving more time to our jobs so that we could have more

Let’s talk about some mistakes we make with our money: We tend to spend in relation to what we earn, that means our expenses increase according to our incomes. This is because most people do not have a spending plan or a proper budget that they stick to. Lacking a budget is a surefire way to have your spending go out of whack. The solution is simple “If I didn’t budget for it then it will have to wait”.

A good recommendation is to balance your budget this way: • • •

50 % for our essential needs (mortgage, utilities, transportation etc).

30 % for our discretionary expenses (dining out, vacation travel, shopping etc) 20% for our financial goals (children’s education, retirement planning, debts etc).

We spend first and save what is left, typically we save what is left over after we have paid all our bills. And usually that is if anything is left over! The way to combat this issue to save first then spend after, if you try to save at least 10% of your net income before paying off expenses and you cannot balance your budget, then it forces you to look at the expense and make adjustments accordingly.

We buy things that depreciate too quickly. There was a time when you bought a television or a car for example and it would last you for many years. That time is gone.

Today, models are ever so increasing that the need to be in the game is too tempting. So we get tempted and away goes our money on depreciating assets. Why do we have to buy new when it becomes used the next day? Try to put your money where it grows not where it goes.

We don’t discuss money at a family level. My money is my money and your money is your money – this is such a big mistake in families. Discussion needs to take

place at the kitchen table about money matters, about who is earning how much, how are bills to be paid and how much should they save as a family. Many marriages fail through because of money, not because there wasn’t enough but because by the time they started to discuss it, it was already too late and into argument phase.

Not having fun with your money.

Money is meant as a means to an end, it gives comfort, security, and sometimes it even gives up peace of mind. But money should also bring joy to our lives, what’s the point of saving all our money for a time that may never come; such is dilemma we are faced with.

Life is about balance; enjoy your money today without overspending. Save for emergencies and hope they never come. Take trips every year and make life memorable.

Save for your retirement so that charity does not become necessary.

Do talk to your advisor about helping you rearrange your finances for a more balanced and a better life.

Determining your homeʼs selling price Ron Barlay

ron@carib101.com

Real Estate The correct selling price for your home is the highest price the market will bear. As a real estate professional for more than twenty five years, I have had ample experience helping clients sell their homes quickly and for the best possible price. This article reviews some valuable information that is used when determining a home’s correct selling price.

Specifically, there are three factors that help determine the correct selling price of a home: homes that have sold in the last six months, homes that are for sale now and listings that have expired in the past twelve months.

Sold in the Past Six Months: The final selling prices of similar homes recently purchased in the neighbourhood are the best indicators of how much buyers are prepared to spend for comparable homes in current

market conditions in your area. This analysis of comparable homes in the neighbourhood is an important guideline because it tells us: what homes were on the market, at what price they sold, for how many days they were on the market and what they actually sold for.

For Sale Now: Your competition comes from similar homes currently on the market. The competition includes both new and resale homes. This analysis of comparable homes gives us a clear picture of the competition. If the home down the street with the same floor space and the same number of bedrooms and in the same condition as your home is listed at $650,000 it is unrealistic to imagine that a buyer will spend $700,000 for your home. If you were the buyer, would you? This analysis shows us: what homes are on the market, at what prices, how many days the homes have been listed, what the original asking price was.

Expired in the Past Twelve Months: Expired listings provide valuable information on what price ranges did not work. In many cases, listings expire and the home is taken off the market because the price was set too high. An analysis of expired listings is an analysis of what price ranges did not work

for comparable homes in the neighbourhood.

This analysis shows us: what homes did not sell, what price did not work, for how many days they were on the market.

What happens when a home is priced above its true market value? Most owners believe that their house is special and that its market value is higher than it really is. This is a normal reaction. We become familiar with our home and our neighbourhood. We hear stories about how much someone else sold their home for.

Some real estate sales representatives will accept a listing at what they know is an unrealistic price just to get the listing.

But what happens when a home is placed on the market at a price well above its true market value? Usually, there is less activity than there should be and very few reasonable offers. The listing agent will then suggests a price reduction which the vendor will be forced to accept very reluctantly. The vendor’s heart was set on the higher price and they were already planning how they were going to invest the proceeds. Now the For Sale sign says, “Price just reduced.” As a buyer, doesn’t this make you wonder what’s wrong with the property? If there are still no reasonable offers, the agent may recommend one more price reduction, “to adjust for to-

day’s tough market.” Now that the house is priced correctly, the vendor still faces another serious problem. Real estate sales representatives question why the house was on the market for so long and why it had so many price reductions. They assume that something must be wrong with the property and it does not get the attention or the showings that it deserves. At some point, a buyer offers a price well below the market value of the home. The buyer knows that the home has been listed for a long time with several price reductions. The buyer uses this information to justify the lower price. By this point, the vendor may be so discouraged with the process that they accept the offer.

This analysis reveals how important it is to correctly price your home for sale. To arrive at the correct selling price of your home, Team McDadi will provide you with a comprehensive market analysis of comparable properties that have recently been sold and properties that are currently listed for sale. With more than twenty five years of experience selling homes across the Greater Toronto Area, Sam McDadi understands how to price your home properly so it sells for the best price. Call 905-502-1500 for more information and a free home evaluation.

Sex education - Myths vs facts Kathy McDonald kathy@carib101.com

Student Education The Ministry of Education revised the Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum. This update was well overdue as there

have been significant social and technological changes since 1998. The curriculum is not new, it is now more relevant and pertinent. The Sexual Educational component is a small portion of the HPE but it is a very important one. The teaching of the human development and sexual health component will be delayed until the spring of 2016. This will give teachers a chance to get to know their students, to develop a rapport and to gain the children’s confidence and trust. Parents will be given advance notice and information on all sensitive subject matters. There are only two to five lessons that relate to the human development and sexual health. At the PDSB

and I dare say all boards across Ontario parents play a crucial role in supporting the curriculum.

As a parent you have the right to opt out of any part of the curriculum. Schools in Peel District School Board will not make accommodations for students when teaching subject matter protected under the Human Rights Code. Parents still have the choice to keep their kids home that day. Parents, I would caution you to remember that issues like same sex parents and discussions around gender are discussions that we need to have at an earlier age by virtue of the fact that kids are being exposed to such topics at a very

early age. They have classmates that have same sex parents and gender identity issues.

At the PDSB the new HPE parent guide is a good example of transparency and it has been translated into several languages.

This document has been endorsed by several faith leaders from the Christian, Muslim and Sikh faith, the PDSB Parents Involvement Committee as well as several community groups with the Region of Peel. The HPE guide helps parents navigate the revisions to the curriculum. The guide debunks the myths and clear and logically defines the facts.

- Continued On Page 37

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Changing an order or agreement for child or spousal support Valerie Dye

valerie@carib101.com

Legal Matters Bearing in mind that orders for the payment of child support and spousal support are based on certain circumstances the family law legislation makes provisions for support payors or even support recipients to bring a motion seeking a change in support payments. It should be noted that often times obligation to pay support may come about as a result of a Separation Agreement rather than a Court order. In such circumstances the provision relating to support payments in the Agreement is enforceable by the Court even though the Agreement was entered into voluntarily by the parties. In this regard, a motion can also be made by either the support payor or support recipient for a change in the support payments.

On what basis can either the payor or recipient seek to have a support order changed? According to both the Family Law Act and the Divorce Act the court must be satisfied that there has been a material change in either the payor’s circumstances or the recipient’s circumstances.

A material change must be of such that if such circumstance was known at the time the order or agreement was made it would have resulted in a different order or different terms in the Agreement. One of the main reasons for seeking a change support order is where the payor experiences a reduction in income. Variations are also often sought where a child is no longer a dependant. The recipient of child support can also seek a variation in support payments if the

income of the payor has increased significantly which allows him to pay more support than he or she was ordered to pay.

In genuine cases where the payor definitely experiences reduced income the court is likely to vary the support order to allow the payor to make smaller support payments. However, where the payor deliberately causes his income to be reduced by quitting his job the court is likely to refuse to vary the support payments and may impute income to the payor based on the amount the payor would have earned had he remained in employment. Voluntary unemployment would not be considered a material change in circumstances for the purposes of terminating or reducing support payments.

The court may also impute income to the payor based on his or her lifestyle.

For instance, if the payor seeks a variation in support payments on the basis of reduced income but at the same time the payor goes on vacations and buys an expensive car the court is likely to impute a certain level of income to the payor and determine that support payments should not be reduced.

Where a payor files a motion to change support payments on the basis of his failure to obtain employment the court may require evidence of his job search such as copies of job applications made and the responses obtained from such job applications.

As such, both legislation and case law make it clear that, although parents may apply to court to change the support order and allow them to pay less support or no support at all, the court does not automatically change the order. Further, the court does not automatically accept a payor’s claim that he or she is earning less income especially where the payor is deliberately underemployed in relation to his or her qualifications and where the payor lives a lifestyle that suggests that he or she is earning much more that the amount that was declared.

Sex education Continued From Page 36 -- I can assure that children won’t be learning to have sex in grade one, they will not see demonstrations of anal sex in grade four, the will not get a crash course in masturbation in grade six or oral sex seminars in grade seven. I often ask parents to look your teachers, principals and vice principals in the eye and then ask yourself if you can realistically conceive of them demonstrating to your child such activities.

The curriculum will not make kids more prone to having sex in fact the converse is true. There is a strong push towards educating students around what consent is and that NO MEANS NO. Students are taught to stand up for themselves. The curriculum stresses abstinence and waiting before making such important decisions. It emphasises the need to be responsible and highlights the importance of safe and healthy relationships. Students will be taught to use the internet and technology safely. The will learn to be a responsible digital citizen. They are exposed to the harsh reality of an “internet mistake”…sexting. Nurturing mental health, respect and inclusivity for all communities

including Black and Caribbean peoples are all exciting components of the HPE. Most teachers are dedicated professionals that often have children of their own.

They are husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters. Speaking about sex in a responsible way won’t rob children of their innocence. Quite the contrary. It will equip then to make safe and informed decisions pertaining to their bodies.

Kids by the tender age of six are exposed to such a vast array of sexual messages via the internet, the TV, printed media and advertisements that it can only be prudent to have a knowledgeable and caring adult help them navigate the barrage of sexual information they receive. I would much rather a trained professional than a blogger, a vine or a tweet.

Parents must also remember that you are your child’s first teacher, their most important teacher and the teacher that ultimately has the greatest impact on your child’s life.

So stay in constant communication with the teacher and always keep the lines of communication open with your child.

Walk Good Belle Marche!!

life

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life

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Did former Minister of Transportation, Jim Bradley lie Re: 407ETR powers?

Tammy Flores

tammy@carib101.com

407ETR Matters The Toronto Star posted an article on December 1st, 2009 that quoted both the 407 ETR and former Minister of Transportation, Jim Bradley, on the company’s enforcement powers.

The Toronto Star quoted, former Minister of Transportation, Jim Bradley, as saying, “Ontario motorists who use Highway 407 and forget to pay their bills can legally be hounded for fifteen years if they don’t pay up.” 407 ETR also said, “It has the permission to pursue motorists for unpaid balances and add annual interest of 26.82 per cent for up to fifteen years.”

Where did former Minister of Transportation, Jim Bradley get his information? Was he the one to illegally give the company permission to ignore consumer protection laws? There is nothing of the sort in the 407 Act that would indicate the company was given any special recognition in this regard. Justice Edwards in his November 2014 ruling in Superior Court said that the company was limited to two years; from the time they place someone in Plate Denial, to enforce collections. So where did former Minister of Transportation, Jim Bradley get his information from? Did he deliberately lie

to the public because the Toronto Star was relentless in hounding the Province about the 407 ETR’s abusive, predatory billing practices? Did he think this would stop the questions? Who knows? We are here, six years later and are still questioning where he got this information.

And what about the company’s claim that it was given “permission” to pursue motorists for unpaid balances and add interest for up to fifteen years? Who gave them that “permission”? Where is it written?

Two weeks ago we learned that 407 ETR’s collection powers were limited to the Bankrupt Insolvency Act. The company chose to ignore the BIA for many years. This wrong was finally righted. In the Supreme Court of Canada ruling, if a person goes into a consumer proposal or claims bankruptcy, the company can no longer enforce collections by means of the Plate Denial provision.

It appears we will learn soon enough that the company’s enforcement powers are also limited to the Limitations Act and many other consumer protection legislation.

Torkin Manes is defending Ira Day in a court action whereby the company, 407 ETR, has tried to enforce collections after it was lawful to do so. That case will be before the Appellate Court soon.

We are patiently waiting for the outcome of this case as it is expected to affect at least five times as many consumers the Bankruptcy case affected. While we wait for the other shoe to drop in this saga, the question still remains. Did former Transportation Minister, Jim Bradley intentionally lie to the public? We encourage you to write your MPP and ask them this question.

Ministers meet with Syrian refugees in Jordan JORDAN -- The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health and Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Refugees, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, concluded a very successful visit to Jordan. Ministers made this trip to experience first-hand the situation on the ground, as the Government of Canada implements its commitment to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada.

To provide a sense of the daily lives of refugees, Ministers visited Za’atari refugee camp, located outside of Amman, Jordan, which is home to approximately 80,000 refugees. Ministers toured the camp and had the opportunity to speak with a number of Syrian refugees who have been displaced for many months and in some cases years.

Ministers attended the opening of

the new Syrian refugee processing centre in Amman. Here, they met with both refugees and Canadian officials responsible for processing refugees, and reviewed the interview and screening process.

Discussing the pressures faced by Jordan in hosting so many refugees, Ministers met today with King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Prime Minister Dr. Abdullah Ensour. They committed to working collaboratively to address the humanitarian crisis facing Syrian refugees as a result of the ongoing conflict in Syria and Iraq.

The Government of Canada is working with the governments of Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey on this complex initiative. These countries have been home to hundreds of thousands of refugees since the conflict in Syria began.

- CIC

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

insight

PAGE 39

Toilet Training; A parents worst nightmare. Part 1 Simone Smith simone@carib101.com

A Better Tomorrow This week, we will be continuing with our series on Persuasive Development Disorders; we are going to target a subject that is aimed at helping out families that have children with Autism, as well as families with children without Autism. Toilet training can be one of the most challenging stages of a child’s development. This frustration can stem from the parents inability to understand what stage of development their child is at, along with the frustration of a child who is unable to grasp this concept of not going in their diaper. I always want the readers to understand that in the majority of our interactions, there are two sides to a story. Hopefully this week we will be able to clear up some of the myths related to toilet training and start tackling ways in which to assist parents and children through this difficult transition. All change is difficult and change has the ability to affect people surrounding the person who is going through that change.

I am not a parent as of yet, but I work with many mothers, and have friends who have shared their horrifying toilet training experiences. Many mothers enjoy sharing their children’s milestones with other mothers; their children’s first smile, their first words and their first steps. One milestone that is seen as the most momentous in a child and parent’s life is when a child is finally potty trained. 3daypottytraining.com (2006) stated that the average child will go through 3,796 diapers before being potty trained. That is a lot of diapers. Parents love

their children, but no one loves changing a two or three year olds poopy diaper. Let us tackle some of the myths about toilet training which might be holding you back as a parent, and making toilet training difficult for your child. 3daypottytraining.com (2006) posted the top five toilet training myths.

Myth Number 1: Boys are harder to train than girls This is one of the oldest myths that need to be clarified. This is simply not true; the only reason that is may seem harder is because parents fall into this myth and make toilet training harder for boys than for girls. Both sexes should be treated the same when dealing with toilet training; this will make life easier.

Myth Number 2: My child will tell me when he is ready.

This has some truth to it, but not the way many parents may think. Your child is not going to come up to you and let you know that they are ready to go to the potty. Parents have to be aware and watch for signals of readiness from their child. I will go over this in the next part of this mini-series.

Myth Number 3: Making your child sit on the potty will train him How frustrating is this for parents? Some parents still believe that this will work. What many parents do not know is that doing this actually causes fear of the potty and getting your child to go to the potty will become a fight. Effectively getting your child to sit on the potty will also be discussed in this series.

Myth Number 4: Daycare will potty train your child Saying this is like saying that school will teach your child everything that they need to know about life. I hope I do not sound harsh saying this, but this can be viewed as a diffusion of responsibility. Unfortunately parents, this is not something that you can pass

on for others to do. Actually, many daycares turn away parents whose children have not been toilet trained. How frustrating must this be for working parents? Don’t you worry; I promise to assist you with this in the next month or so.

Myth Number 5: Pull-up style training pants will help with training Fail! Sorry! You wish it would be that simple. Pull –ups are training diapers, with a different design and a higher price point. Don’t be fooled; they can be helpful because they are easier to pull down when trying to toilet train, but many parents will tell you, their children just end up going to the bathroom right in their pull-ups.

So, this does seem like a losing battle, especially for first time parents. I want you to know that there is a plan to tackle the issue of toilet training by learning and using new strategies. The objective in the next month and a half is to: identify toileting readiness, apply common strategies for readiness, apply strategies for intervention and apply data collection strategies. It is a great time to start doing this; it is the holiday season and although we might be busy with the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we can also take some time to focus on our children and prepare them for a successful toilet training experience. I will catch up with everyone soon. Let the toilet training begin!

FORWANTED SALE HELP

FOR SALE COMMUNITY EVENTS

BARBER: For Stylesz Unisex Hair Salon and Barber Shop 416-281-8000 or 647-2812447

FOR SALE WANTED

FOR SALE WORSHIP

BETHLEHEM ALIVE: A journey to reveal the Christmas Story. November 28, 2015. At Prince of Peace R.C. Church 265 Alton Towers 5 pm- 8 pm Admission: food for the food bank

KITCHEN HELP Now hiring Chinese Chef and West India Cook for busy Mississauga Restaurant/ Bar. Please contact Caribbean Sunset

905-564-7800 SALES: Now hiring full/part time sales reps. MUST be experienced and self motivated. Great income potential. Serious inquiries only please. Please contact Avi 647-722-6298 SEEKING A JOB: A Part time Registered PSW, looking for a part time job. call 647 466 1661.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Community Christmas Bazaar. Sat Novt 28 at 12:00pm to 5:pm At Global Kingdom Ministries 1250 Markham Road at Tuxado Court CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY: December 6th , 2015 Time 2pm to 5pm Cost $10.00 per child Location; JCA: 995 Arrow Rd. Toronto. For info call : 416.746.5772 x 249 CHRISTMAS GRAND MARKET: Last minute Christmas Shopping. Dec 23 & Dec 24th From 12pm to 12am Location; JCA: 995 Arrow Rd. Toronto 416.746.5772 x 249

FOR SALE WORSHIP WORSHIP: Worship with us at Solid Rock Miracle Center 689 Warden Ave at 11am .

Sunday school at 10.05am. 416-293-1839 WEST INDIAN CONGREGATION Emmanuel. Mission Church of the Nazarene.

Service at 1.30 p.m.1875 Sheppard Ave. West, Toronto, ON, M3L 1Y6 For info call Rev. Jerold Boodhoo 416-303-7163

LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FREE!

Send your information to info@torontocaribbean.com or call 647-722-6298

SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211 RECOVERY THURSDAYS: You CAN recover from your hurts, habits and hangups! Rosewood Church of the Nazarene, 657 Milner Ave, Scarborough, ON. M1B 2K4. Free. Light dinner at 6:30pm. Meeting 7pm-9pm Pastor Arnie 416-459-1462

Put a STOP to your DEBT problems today!

Know your options Get the professional and honest advice you deserve

All consultations are FREE Evening and weekend appointments available Brief & Associates Inc. Trustee in Bankruptcy Call Savi Persaud at (416) 634-2036

Administrator of Consumer Proposals 3845 Bathurst Street, Suite 402, Toronto, ON M3H 3N2

Tel: (416) 665-3000

PAGE 42

astrology

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

ARIES

TAURUS

The future now writes with its own pen.

Time will decipher some of it; the rest is up to you to figure out on your own. The immediate moment and long-range are intertwined. A small step or gesture made can make a significant impact. Thursday, Monday, and Tuesday are optimal for following the flow and/or making gains.

It will take a significant amount of time to get more settled and/or bridged, but even so, at any moment you could find yourself on a great move-along. See time as opportunity and put it to its best use every step of the way. Planned or heaped on you, a new life trajectory is the right horse to bet on. Monday offers a fresh-page upswing.

GEMINI

CANCER

Previous rationalizations or goals may not hold water like they used to. You’ll speed up your own process if you allow a new truth, awareness, or yearning enough room to unfold and grow. Put trust to better use and watch for the uncertainty or guesswork to be replaced by greater confirmation and a natural move-along. Thursday, Monday, and Tuesday deliver best.

A hope, ambition, or prospect—whether you have a good handle on it or not, there’s more in the works and more opportunity than you may realize. Stay focused on today and your immediate priorities; the rest will be sorted out in due course. Thursday/Friday and Monday/ Tuesday should prove smooth-running. Sunday is good for a stop, pause, rest, or finish-up.

LEO

VIRGO

Is your faith and/or investment—in yourself, another, a situation, or a choice—well placed? Your heart has the answer. Go by feel; do and express what comes most naturally, and let the rest unfold. Saturn in Sagittarius suggests your instincts and inner wisdom have ample experience to fall back on.

Monday and Tuesday, the Leo moon keeps you and it running at peak.

Overly high expectations, overprojection, or exaggeration can get in the way of seeing clearly. Conversely, fear or worry can lead you astray too. Two feet on the ground is much better than one. Stay honest with yourself; keep it real. Feel challenged yet justified? Stand your ground. When in doubt or feeling uncertain, take no action and reserve judgment. Monday/Tuesday, it’s easily gained or accomplished.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Something you haven’t fully noticed or appreciated now vies for more of your attention. It could be an issue or opportunity; it may be a person, place, or thing. Thursday/ Friday and the new week’s start are good for socializing, travel, enjoyment, and connecting the dots. On Saturday, emotions run the gamut/the show. Sunday evening into Monday, you’ll have it nailed down.

By the time you get to the end of the weekend, you should feel pretty good about how it’s all gone down and what you’ve gained along the way. Thursday/Friday should prove easy to take. Saturday can be somewhat of a push/pull, but Sunday evening through Tuesday, you’ll hit the mark. Monday/Tuesday, bet on an attention getter; play it up.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

Thursday’s review of the past can contain a touch of the bittersweet, but overall, all’s well that ends well. Friday is good for putting it on chill. Saturday can be somewhat of a stop/start day. By Sunday night, sun/ Saturn puts you in the driver’s seat. Through Tuesday, you should feel like you’re calling the shots very well and that you reap good reward.

Saturn/Neptune loans you an added knack for reading people and into situations. The transit provides greater access to your right brain and increases your intuitive/creative capacities. Beyond the added holiday pressure, the future and life’s bigger questions also gain more of your attention. Don’t worry, it’s a thumbs up. Sunday evening through Tuesday, aim to optimize.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Finishing up a full-moon week, Thursday/ Friday should be easy to take. Know that it’s easy to be swayed by another or to talk yourself into spending, doing, or getting more involved. On Saturday, don’t jump to conclusions but do jump into action when required. Monday/Tuesday, they feel good, and you feel good too. The stars set the dial at win/win.

An eventuality can become a reality sooner than you anticipated. Whether obvious or subtle, Saturn/Neptune now restructures life’s priorities and your consciousness in both major and small ways. This transit calls for you to allow, receive, and accept. On Friday, it’s all in good flow. Saturday, emotions are easily triggered. Sunday evening onward, you’re on to a good upswing.

March 20 - April 19

May 20 - June 21

July 22 - August 22

September 22 - October 23

November 22 - December 21

January 19 - February 18

April 19 - May 20

June 21 - July 22

August 22 - September 22

Across 1) Home borough of the Yankees 4) The Big ____ 6) Current mayor 8) ____ State Building 10) New Year’s Eve locale 12) New York Stock Exchange home 14) ____ Square Garden 15) “The Great White Way” 17) Blue-clad football team

October 23 - November 22

December 21 - January 19

February 18 - March 19

Down 2) ____ Center, home of NBC 3) Radio City resident dancers 5) Huge park created in 1850s 7) Statue of ____ 9) National League team 11) One way to get around 13) “No Sleep ’Til ____” 14) Borough that’s also a drink 16) NBA team

PAGE 44

self help

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

End 2015 strong! Part 1 Keisha Johnson

keisha@carib101.com

Professional Development The end of 2015 is rapidly approaching and our goal setting for the coming year should have by now been completed or at minimum we should have a skeletal plan in mind of our priorities and major goals for 2016.

If not, let’s not panic or give up just yet. Where there is life there is hope. This article is not to cloak you in guilt but rather to empower you to end 2015 strong.

Over the course of the next two issues we will provide a few tried and proven keys that successful people have adopted to

produce extraordinary results in their business and personal lives. When applied they could boost your serotonin and dopamine levels and bump up your happiness quotient (HQ) throughout the new year as you make progress towards your ideals. For if you are not happy with yourself, it often matters little that the world celebrates you.

Don’t beat yourself up. If what you did this year did not produce the results you anticipated, take some time to do a thorough review and note the lessons learned. Albert Einstein discovered that doing the same things the same way over and over expecting a different result is nothing short of insanity.

The past is behind you. You are in the present so focus your faculties on what is within your power. What do you have in your hand? What talent, skill, connections, access, resources etc. are at your disposal?

Make an inventory of them. Then make a decision on what you can do now and what you will do differently to meet your goals next year and commit to it.

Align your goals to your overarching vision. You may already be quite familiar with SMART goals. Goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, results focused and time bound. SMART goals are great only if they are aligned to your overarching vision, much like a swim suit is ideal for the beach but not if you are going out to shovel snow.

If we agree with Earl Nightingale that “success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal,” then we can start this journey by identifying our worthy ideal or ideals for 2016. This is your big vision.

Once you have made that clear determination ask yourself, what will it take to get accomplished? As you answer this last question it will clarify the goals - the specific, measurable, achievable, results focused and time bound actions - that need to be consistently taken in order to fulfill your ideal(s).

Write these goals down and arrange them in the chronological order that they need to be fulfilled to attain your big over-

arching ideal. This will give you your timelines.

Next, consider all these factors against the resources available to ensure their achievability. I did not say the resources you personally have available, but the resources that exist that you can access (that you may not even have thought of), otherwise you may undermine your potential and limit your success.

Keep the goals that stand up to this scrutiny before you as your roadmap to your ideals. Post it on a wall, physical or electronic, where you will see it every day. Share them with a few select trustworthy people who will hold you accountable and help you meet them. Then relentlessly pursue them, mindful always that to “never give up is the secret of glory.”

Look out for Part Two in the next issue with more suggestions of tried and proven keys to help you realize your goals and fulfill your vision.