No Disrespect, No Invasion of Tobago 010213

Kamla Persad: No disrespect,

no invasion of Tobago

TRINIDAD (TG) -- Trinidad will not invade Tobago. This was the statement made by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during her address at the launch of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) election campaign last evening at Tamarind Square, Scarborough. Persad-Bissessar said so in response to critics of the TOP who said a victory for the TOP would lead to the PP taking over Tobago.

“Have no fear of your Government,” the PM added. She said: “Nobody could con-

trol Ashworth Jack.” Earlier, she said her Government was not disrespecting Tobago.

She said the TOP was a critical part of the PP Government and Jack had been consulted on all policy matters. The PM said the PP Government, including the TOP, named the airport in Crown Point in honour of Tobago’s Arthur NR Robinson, former president and prime minister. She said the Government bought new aircraft to be used on the local air bridge. She asked: “Where is the disrespect?”

Persad-Bissessar listed several projects which were at various stages of completion in Tobago, including a gas station in Roxborough, tertiary institutions, a prison and others in Tobago, which were done under the PP Government. She said a bill to enable Tobagonians to legally own lands on the island is to be debated in Parliament next week.

She also said the Government had prepared legislation to amend the Constitution and to give Tobago internal self-government.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Artificial Insemination Lab produces 548 new animals

Robyn, 28, works with autistic children in an elementary school and is also a yoga instructor in Toronto. When she’s not working, she loves to be active, playing soccer, volleyball and doing a lot of yoga.

This beauty fell in love with Soca and Reggae music when she was very young and has developed a love for Carnival! Robyn’s dream is to one day open her own yoga studio where she can help transform peoples lives.

You could be our next editions “TC Girl”! To enter, send your photo and a brief description to info@torontocaribbean.com

GUYANA (KN) -- With the use of the 14,000 straws of pure bred semen which was imported from the United States of America at a cost of US $20 to US $30 per straw, specialists at the recently commissioned Artificial Insemination Lab at Mon Repos were able to produce 548 new animals.

This was done by the Ministry of Agriculture under the arm of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) in an effort to ensure food security, as well as making way for the future exportation of local produce, including meat.

Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy had explained that if Guyana wants to enhance its economy and ensure food safety, producing meat of better size and quality is vital. Thus, high quality genetics is the way forward, as it will enable local scientists to produce better breeds of animals that are of international standards.

Ramsammy, during his year end briefing on the Agriculture Sector last Saturday, promised that the year 2013 will see an increase in the importation of animals for the purpose of creating better breeds, which will later result in Guyana being more able to export its meat instead of importing it.

Guyana he says has the largest Imported Food Bill in the Caribbean. In this regard, the artificial insemination initiative was set up under the Agriculture Diversification Programme (ADP).

The ADP is there to establish services and institutions for a sustainable increase in the income derived from the export of non-traditional agricultural exports in the aquaculture, fruits and vegetables, and livestock sub-sectors.

It was under this programme that 33 bulls were imported from Florida at a cost of $26M These bulls are of the speciesBrahman, Beef Master, and Brangus. Each cost roughly about $800,000. These bulls are commonly used for breeding and meat purposes.

The Semen of these animals were all extracted, evaluated, preserved, and processed at the Artificial Insemination Lab, a multi-million dollar facility located in the GLDA compound, Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The facility itself totals $28.2M. It was funded by the Government of Guyana, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It was only commissioned in October last, and Ramsammy during his briefing Saturday, gave the project a success rate of 20-30 percent.

It was also listed in the Ministry’s yearend report as one Guyana’s Agricultural accomplishments.

Ramsammy pointed out that during the short period of time, scientists were able to conduct 31 embryo transfers, using local animals as surrogate mothers for these high standard genetics.

The Minister had said that these initiatives are just pieces to the puzzle which is to tackle the global issue of food security in a more comprehensive manner, so that Guyana never has to face the issue of food shortages, or substandard produce.

Ramsammy promised that come 2013, the Agriculture Ministry will be working tirelessly to pave the way for great food exportation.

$950m Chinese loan to build children’s hospital TRINIDAD (TG) -- She said one of the major changes in the bill Hours after yesterday’s commissioning of the San Fernando Teaching Hospital at Chancery Lane, the Government secured a $950 million concessional loan from the Chinese government to build a children’s hospital in Couva. The signatories at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday afternoon in Port-of-Spain were acting Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal and China’s Ambassador to Portof-Spain Yang Youming.

Moonilal said the “priority healthcare facility” would be outfitted with stateof-the-art medical equipment for diagnosis

and treatment. Moonilal said the hospital was also intended to attract patients from the wider Caribbean and Latin American region.

He said the facility is expected to be “an integral part of the People’s Partnership Government’s Hospital Physical Infrastructure Development Strategy.” Moonilal said the Government also intends to construct hospitals at Point Fortin and Central Trinidad.

Ambassador Yang in his address, said he hoped the government loan would help improve the health system and for the children in particular. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran is out of the country on vacation and is due back on January 2.

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9 homeless as fire destroys $2m apartment complex TRINIDAD (TG) -- Burning incense sticks can bring peace of mind to users. Instead they were the source of pain and suffering yesterday as nine people were left homeless after fire destroyed their apartment building in Marabella. Comedian Eirnil Henry, 35, whose family owns the apartment complex, estimated losses at $2 million.

Henry performs with popular comedian Learie Joseph and is known as Sgt Taylor of Besson Street Police Station in Joseph’s comedy festival shows. Speaking outside the burnt ruins of his home, Henry said, the family was still counting the losses after the apartment complex on Battoo Avenue, Marabella, was destroyed.

Henry said the fire started around 2.30 pm yesterday in one of the four rooms on the upper floor of the house. He said one was occupied by his brother while the other three rooms were rented. Henry said he lived in one of the two apartments on the ground floor. The second apartment, he said, was oc-

cupied by a couple and two children. Henry, an estate constable, was in his bedroom when the fire broke out.

“I was downstairs when I heard

cars making noise, honking horns when they passing on the road. I come outside and I see the house on fire,” Henry said. He said he contacted the Fire Service and within 15 minutes appliances were on the scene. “They did well to control the fire,” Henry said. Henry said he knew which room the fire started and he called the tenant.

“I ask him what he do in the room and he say the only thing he leave lighting in the room was an incense and he thought he put it in a good place. We lost our home and our source of income. We could not save anything,” Henry said shaking his head.

Henry said he will be staying at his home next door. He was uncertain where the tenants would be housed in the meanwhile.

“I holding up strong but nothing was salvaged in the house. If we could get help at least start back up on the house, that would be nice,” Henry said. Investigations are continuing.

Improving nation’s food security status-among 2012 goals GUYANA (KN) -- Safeguarding Guyana’s food security was one of the milestones for achievements in the agriculture sector for 2012 and this effort was consolidated with the acknowledgement that the sector is already a mainstay in Guyana’s development. The sector focused on preserving and strengthening food security, reducing food imports, developing value-added (agro-processing) industry, developing an agro-fuel industry and creating employment and generating wealth.

Agriculture contributes almost 23% of the economy, accounts for more than 33% of employment and about 50% of Guyana’s export earnings come from the sector.

Food security Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has acknowledged that Guyana is a food secure country, as such the aim is to ensure that not only is food security preserved, but that status as well. The agriculture sector acknowledges that the taste in food varieties, by Guyanese, has impacted the food import bill which is US$225 per capita. Nevertheless that is slated to change with the implementation of projects like the Jagdeo initiative which was introduced to the Guyanese business and farming communities at GUYEXPO 2012.

The achievement of food security

was the basis on which the Jagdeo Initiative, a regional programme, was conceptualised by former President Bharat Jagdeo who was responsible for agriculture in the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The initiative identifies and defines nine key, critical and binding constraints to the development of the agriculture sector in the Caribbean region and practical interventions at the regional and national levels to alleviate those constraints.

The ‘new agriculture vision’ aims at making the sector more than food production by exploring the numerous opportunities that exist for agro-businesses which will create more employment, increase export earnings and the income of all stakeholders, especially farmers.

Historic rice production The local rice industry continued to stand in the face of the negative global economic changes to shoulder food security, gain export strength, and provide steady employment opportunities for Guyanese.

At the beginning of 2012, the rice production target was set at 412,000 tonnes, and at the close of the year, the Agriculture Ministry reported that as of December 18, production figures were at 420,000 tonnes, by far, the largest output in the history of rice production in Guyana. This tremendous increase in output surpassed the 2011 production of

402,000 tonnes.

The rice sector has also done exceptionally well in export as well with more than 300,000 tonnes of rice sold to other countries. The rice export earning now stands at US$176M and has the potential to increase by US$20M by the end of December 2012. Over the last three years, Venezuela has been the major export market for Guyana’s paddy and rice, accounting for approximately 60% of total export. While this is a very good trade for the country, the Ministry of Agriculture intends to continue rice exports to traditional markets in Europe and CARICOM countries like, Jamaica and Trinidad.

Claiming yet another major accomplishment for 2012, the Agriculture Ministry announced that Guyana’s first aromatic line of rice was successfully cultivated on 60 acres of land; moving from experimental conditions to actual field conditions.

The aromatic rice is expected to be tested across the country during 2013, with the expectation that at least 25 farmers will undertake the first commercial production of the rice. This success can be credited to dedication of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Rice Development Board’s (GRDB) research programme.

(A GINA feature)

Northside Connector Road to ease traffic in Tobago TRINIDAD (TG) -- Driving in and out of Scarborough became easier for commuters on Friday with the opening of the new Northside Connector Road. The new road links Gardenside Street and the Northside Road. The 250-metre road cost $3,494,783 to construct. Local companies Kai Engineering and Construction Limited and Parks International Limited helmed the project which started on June 18, 2012 and was completed on December 21.

The road will divert traffic away from the centre of Scarborough and reduce congestion on Carrington Street. Drivers will also have better access to uptown Scarborough. During the opening, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) chief secretary Orville London said the road opening demonstrated the commitment of the current administra-

tion to bring additional comfort to the people of Tobago.

“The increase of transportation in-

dicates an increase in the quality of life as Tobago develops,” he said. The road will also create easy access to the Gardenside parking lot. Chief administrator of the THA Dr Ellis Burris said Scarborough’s development was now at an embryonic stage. “What is happening here is part of a process that started with the clean-up of illegal vendors,” he said.

The road opening was part of the Scarborough Beautification Project which is being undertaken by the THA. Other initiatives in the beautification project include improvement in the fish port and the construction of a boardwalk for pedestrians along Carrington Street, as well as the restoration of several landmarks, including the Immigration Building, Old Works Building and the Scarborough Methodist Church.

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After a year, PNP Government struggling to impress Jamaicans

JAMAICA (JO) -- One year after its stunning electoral victory, the People’s National Party (PNP) Administration is barely able to attain a passing grade from some of the country’s political commentators and civil society advocates, while others believe its handling of the country’s affairs has been reasonable.

While acknowledging that the Administration has been batting on a difficult wicket, one prominent civil society advocate believes the Government has fallen short in many areas of governance.

In its quest to return to Jamaica House, the PNP used every opportunity as an Opposition party to articulate its plans for Jamaica if it were to be returned to power.

Many of those plans were encapsulated in its Progressive Agenda, a document

containing policy ideas which the party said would place Jamaica on the path towards economic independence.

Those pronouncements intensified at the party’s annual conference on September 18, 2011, when it upped the ante and kick-started what turned out to be the campaign to wrest control from the Bruce Golding-led Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Administration, which by that time, had lost tremendous popular support due to its handling of the Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke extradition affair.

Seeking to capitalise on the missteps of the Golding Administration, the PNP leadership took its campaign to the floor of its annual conference where party President Portia Simpson Miller unveiled the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), a major job creation initiative which she claimed would go a far way in addressing rising unemployment.

Despite claims by the JLP that JEEP was wishful thinking, the PNP began to whip up more support from its base and from persons within the ranks of the undecided.

By September 25, things took a dramatic turn as Golding disclosed that he would be stepping away from the leadership of the JLP, an announcement that initiated a series of events which culminated in the appointment of the 39-year-old Education Minister Andrew Holness as prime minister in October.

Two months later, Holness — in a gross miscalculation of the pulse of the electorate — went to the polls where he suffered a pounding from Simpson Miller’s PNP

which, from all accounts, had convinced the electorate that it would come to the country’s rescue.

Now, nearly a year after being sworn in and after promising to effect significant changes, some observers are not pleased with the performance of the Simpson Miller Administration.

According to civil society advocate Carol Narcisse, the PNP is behaving as if it’s not accustomed to governance. “For a party that has spent 18 years at the wicket, this year’s performance is unsatisfactory, because these are not neophytes, these are persons who, with a few exceptions, are well experienced in statecraft and in governance and one would be right to expect a far superior level of productivity, implementation, coherence at this stage of the game,” she argued.

She is also of the view that Simpson Miller has not been providing the leadership that Jamaica needs at this time.

“The country needs transformational leadership that is good at pulling the threads together and articulating a coherent programme, strategy and vision, and that is missing,” Narcisse asserted.

However, she is indicating that on the positive side, the Administration has done fairly well at consulting with civil society groups on some important national issues, even though more accommodation needs to be made for further discussions regarding matters such as the Highway 2000 project and the Fort Augusta expansion project.

But head of the Hugh Lawson

Shearer Trade Union Education Institute, Danny Roberts, believes the Administration has performed creditably since assuming office in January.

“I think they have done a fair job with regards to the situation they inherited and the circumstances that we face,” said Roberts, who believes that much work has been done in setting the foundation for successful achievements.

According to him, the claims that the Administration has not produced are premature. “I think some people are trapped into looking for solutions almost immediately when the groundwork has not been laid as a basis for that. I want to judge it on the efforts that are being made, the context within which the economic strategies are designed and hopefully what they achieve,” said Roberts.

However, the former trade unionist, who walked away from active party politics after Peter Phillips’ unsuccessful 2008 challenge for the leadership of the PNP, is not pleased with the amount of emphasis being placed on the agreement being hammered out with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to Roberts, Jamaicans are being made to believe that the IMF will solve the country’s problems.

“The weakness I would say is the absence of motivating the people around a growth-inducement strategy, looking at the options available, what is it that we need to do to generate the growth beyond those projects which have been identified.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

PNP struggling to impress Jamaicans Continued From Page 4 -- That is where people’s head space needs to be, to recognise that it’s not the IMF that is going to solve the problems but we ourselves in terms of the kind of strategies that we can employ,” Roberts argued.

Local commentator and former economist at the United Nations Dr Davidson Daway also shares the view that too much emphasis is being placed on the pending IMF agreement.

“What I have seen, we could have been more progressive in getting our things done and not be so reliant on that IMF agreement,” he said. “I think we are a bit reluctant to introduce programmes out of fear that they will interfere with the IMF programme.

It’s very difficult to give a pass mark or a failing mark, given many reasons, including the fact that you have scarce resources.”

Daway also argued that some members of the Simpson Miller Cabinet have been underperforming.

Meanwhile, economist John Jackson believes the lengthy negotiations with the IMF may stem from the fact that the Administration is trying to negotiate an agreement that would not cause it to lose signifi-

cant political capital.

“I believe there are potential political fallouts that the Government is probably trying to contain as much as is possible.

There are persons who figure you should go in a direction that is not palatable and so sometimes you have to go back to the drawing board to see what areas you can make amendments in that won’t necessarily have the same burden or pain as other areas,” said Jackson.

According to him, the JLP Administration was also criticised by several persons, including talk show hosts, on the slow pace of its negotiations with the IMF. “People might have been led to believe that they might have been able to come up with a deal at a much quicker pace than they did. It’s like football and cricket, we have far better players in the grandstand than players in the field. It may take some time for the people to understand that things are not as easy as they may perceive them to be by just changing one guard and putting in another,” Jackson said in relation to persons who may have supported the PNP but are becoming disgruntled as they are not seeing any meaningful change in their lives.

No invasion of Tobago Continued From Page 1 -- She said one of the major changes in the bill was for the creation of independent assemblymen. PersadBissessar said the bill will be laid on January 7 and debated on January 16. It requires a two/thirds majority vote to become law. The support of the Opposition PNM is critical for passage of the bill.

Persad-Bissessar called on the PNM to support the measures. It is not expected that the PNM will support the legislation. She said the bill will give the THA greater power to pass its own laws. It will be given more powers in several instances. She said the budgetary allocation to Tobago is to be increased to eight per cent.

Protocol was amended last night to allow political leader of TOP Ashworth Jack to speak after Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar. Persad-Bissessar began her address by saying she had breaking news-that the next THA leader would be Ashworth Jack. She said London’s PNM had failed to deliver on its promises to the people of the island.

He said the PNM spent $17 billion and was unable to show any significant development on the island. She said the question is, “Has the quality of life for Tobago

people, including the children, improved under London? It is not about the house Jack built. It is about the THA and who will manage the economy of Tobago better. She said the London administration had failed miserably in all areas of life in Tobago.

“While they promised, they did not deliver,” she told the cheering crowd. Wearing their yellow TOP T-shirts a large crowd came out to see the presentation of the party’s candidates for the 12 electoral districts.

Jack, in his address, dealt with the TOP’s programme for economic development on the island.

Calypsonian Sugar Aloes, who performed three songs, was introduced by the chairman of the meeting and Justice Minister Christlyn Moore as the party’s newest member. A senior TOP official minutes later said the announcement was “just political talk.”

Earlier, Tobago Development Minister Delmon Baker urged TOP supporters to remember the several auditor general’s reports which showed that millions of dollars were unaccounted for by the PNM-controlled THA. He said the Orville London led THA had mismanaged the affairs of the island for the past twelve years and should be voted out of office next month.

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400 soca songs and counting for 2013 TRINIDAD (TG) -- VibeCT 105.1FM programme manager Kurt Williams said last week that he has already received more than 400 soca songs for Carnival 2013 and that figure is expected to increase rapidly over the next six weeks. No doubt inspired by the successes of soca stars like Machel Montano, Kees Dieffenthaller, Destra, Denise Belfon, Benjai, Swappi, and Bunji Garlin and his wife Fay-Ann Lyons, new soca recording artistes are emerging out of the woodwork at a dizzying pace.

With the usual suspects already releasing popular singles, among the already established hits are Differentology, a unique collaboration between past International Soca Monarch Bunji Garlin and renowned Orange Sky rocker Nigel Rojas; Bubble by soca veteran Iwer George, also a past Soca Monarch champion; and Kenny J’s infectious Jam Up 2 Mih. If there’s one CD on the market that tastefully marinates traditional calypso and soca and today’s avant-garde music is Alvin Daniell’s 2013 Panorama compilation, featuring 15 artistes and tracks. The album is produced as a tribute to Olympic gold medallist Keshorn Walcott and late steel pan technician Bertie Marshall.

This is one of those CDs you can just insert, sit back and enjoy every track.

This is one of Daniell’s best produced, composed and arranged CDs with every track being a joy to listen to. Listening to it over the week, I am hard-pressed to select a favourite.

However, two tracks which tick-

led my fancy were Bounce & Drive, composed by pannist Clive Telemaque, with vocals by Roy Cape singer Blaxx, and which will be the Panorama 2K13 selection of defending national champion Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars; and Hammer Time, a tribute to the late Rudolph Charles, by banker Nicole Greaves.

Arranged by Leston Paul, this single has a beautiful melody and Greaves’ diction is flawless. Of all the songs I have heard thus far, I think that Hammer Time is the most appropriate choice for Robert Greenidge to arrange for Desperadoes in the 2K13 competition.

Almost every one of the 15 singers on this CD are excellent in the areas of diction and vocalisation. I also like Emmanuel Oba Synette’s singing on My Band, a composition by Amrit Samaroo with good lyrics and a riveting bass line.

Also making me sit up and take notice are Brian “Bean” Griffith’s Tell Dem, vocalised by Black Stalin and Steve Sealy; Denyse Plummer’s Shock Attack, composed by Daniell and arranged by Leston Paul; Kareem Brown’s Pan Fireworks, rendered by The Incredible Myron B; and Destra’s infectious Addicted, arranged by Junior “Ibo” Joseph, with music

by Ken “Professor” Philmore, and the selection of NLCB Fonclaire.

Other wonderful tracks, and their vocalists on this Daniell disc are Keshorn (Eunice Peters); Musical Wind (Blackie); One for Bertie (Helon Francis); Champions (Chucky); J’Ouvert in ah Band (Sheldon

Reid); Panorama (Lil Bits); Telemaque’s Renaldo; and, Rados (Jimmy Chambers).

The CD’s cast of arrangers include Pelham Goddard, Leston Paul, Ibo, Samuel Jack, Kareem Brown and Calliston Pantor.

New music released recently also includes a sweet lavway by Denyse Plummer named Rock and Roll, composed by Super Blue. Parang soca icon Crazy has been quite busy composing well over a dozen songs for himself, and about twice that number for other artistes.

His Javelin Jubilation, arranged

by Leston Paul and composed by Sunday Guardian reporter Michelle Loubon, is one of the compositions that can eas-

ily place Crazy smack dab in the middle of the C2K13 National Calypso Monarch semifinal, scheduled for Skinner Park, San Fernando, on February 2. Loubon is also the composer of Crazy’s Christmas 2011 hit single Tito Lara.

Other new CDs worthy of a listen include Show Dem and Energy to Burn (Simply Heather), arranged by Dick Guerra; Leslie “El-Jay” James’ Trini Beauty and Wine Gyal, arranged, respectively, by Ibo, and Eumerson; Talking Government (Allan “Blackstone” Thomas), arranged by Garvin Marcelle; and Let’s Party (Joanne “JD” Davis), composed by Blackstone and arranged by Ernie Trefall.

Minister hopeful about crime reduction in T&T TRINIDAD (TG) -- Local Government Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan is optimistic that serious crime is on a decline in the country. He said so yesterday despite a burglary at his office at Kent House, Maraval, on Friday. “The fight against crime remains the most important goal of the Government. From the statistics the police service is having an impact on serious crimes,” he said in a telephone interview.

He said the Ministry of National Security and the police were collaborating and working together as they were “committed” to ensuring a safer country.

“I think that the downward trend in serious crimes will continue because of the commitment of the Minister of Security Jack

Warner and the acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams and his team,” he said.

Williams said last week the Police Service was mandated by the Government to put together new crime fighting initiatives in 2013 geared towards a “50 per cent decrease” in serious crime. Up to yesterday, Rambachan said there were no further developments with regard to police investigations into the theft at his office.

On Saturday, Rambachan said almost everything at the office was left intact with the exception of hampers which were stolen. Four security guards have been detained by the police and were questioned about the missing hampers.

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Afro-Guyanese coalition to lobby sculptor about slavery revolt monument GUYANA (DW) -- A broad-based section of African interest groups plans to lobby sculptor Ivor Thom and intensify mobilization against the construction of an 1823 Slave Rebellion monument near the Kitty seawall.

Government is currently spending GUY$26 million to build its own monument on the Kitty Seawall Road despite objections by several groups.

The decision was taken at a public forum held Sunday at the Bethel Brethren Church following historical presentations on the revolt by Dr. Melissa Ifill and Tommy Payne to support their positions that the monument should be built on Parade Ground where numerous slaves were killed. An area there has been already cleared by Afro-Guyanese activists and a sign erected.

There were also calls by a number of participants for the construction of a concrete platform on Parade Ground and the placement of a stone as a temporary symbol to commemorate the rebellion.

Chairman of the panel discussion, Nigel Hughes confirmed that Thom would be told the coalition of African organisations representing the “true descendants” would not be recognizing the monument unless it is erected on Parade Ground.

“It would be important to contact the sculptor whose work we are putting up there, who clearly used his energies and his thoughts to put it together to express some opinion about his dissatisfaction about his work being placed at a location which has no historic significance and does not enjoy the support of the people who are the true

inheritors,” Hughes told attendees.

Culture Minister, Frank Anthony has already stated that no one had responded to calls for inputs about the monument and government has decided to erect the monument just off the Kitty Seawall Road because persons would easily see it as they traverse the Carifesta Avenue thoroughfare.

Political Science Professor and veteran Guyanese politician, David Hinds’ resolution for heightened activism was unanimously adopted by those present and incorporated into a six-point plan. The resolution calls not only for a non-recognition of the government’s monument but declares that “only African Guyanese and their organisations can decide where the 1823 monument should be located.”

The Hinds Resolution also calls for the message and presentations at the panel discussion to be adopted as the official record of the coalition of African organisations and be taken to every village and African space “as a form of civil disobedience and mobilisation of African Guyanese to recover their collective dignity and right to self-determination in Guyana.”

Professor Hinds recommended that Beterverwagting residents form a chapter of the 1823 Coalition of African organisations to address concerns about the monument and the larger issue of the survival of African Guyanese.

Plans are also in train to conduct outreach activities and broadcast the presentations made by Dr. Ifill and Mr. Payne.

She noted that the heads of African slaves had been cut off and littered sections

of the coast. Ring leaders, she said, were rounded up and put on trial from August 26,1823 on Parade Ground where they were convicted and executed immediately.

“It is insulting to the memory of those who died to build a memorial at Carifesta Avenue location that has absolutely no connection to the event and I would humbly suggest that any memorial be rejected by us all unless it is sited on Parade Ground and if needs be we should build the monument on ancestors ourselves,” she said.

The 1823 Coalition includes the All African Guyanese Council, African Cultural and Development Association, Pan-African Movement, African Welfare Council, the Guyana Institute of Historical Research, and the People’s Parliament.

The 1823 Slave Rebellion was staged by at least 10,000 Africans, who were born here, and had a major impact on British abolitionists and thee eventual scrapping of slavery in 1838.

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The expectations for the New Year TRINIDAD (TG) -- It is much easier to address the expectations of the new year than to reflect upon many aspects of the previous one.

In the field of sport, the London Olympics brought to the country its second gold medal, and a few bronze medals, causing the people of T&T to remain in a pleasant state of jubilation for quite a while.

The financiers for the national sporting organisations did not conceal their great satisfaction with the results that they got for their investments, and followed the disbursement of their huge financial gifts with promises of even more funds in the new year.

From an overview, the success of the West Indies Cricket T20 team, quite naturally the Olympics, and the forward moves by our national U-17 and senior football team’s progression towards Concacaf World Cup qualifying and the Gold Cup finals, when put together, can be considered huge success for a small nation.

There are some who believe that Darren Sammy’s WI team has crossed the threshold and heading for a place at the top, while the pundits are viewing Brazil 2016 as the Olympic occasion which will place us firmly among the top countries of the world.

The feats achieved by George Bovell III following his failure to earn an Olympic medal, have been hailed as extraordinary when he gained some vic-

tories on the European swimming circuit leading up to the short course world championships.

No doubt, this will lure the Government to open the doors for more swimmers to develop the urge to put much effort and sacrifice into their performances.

We can all look forward to the building of new facilities for the swimming fraternity and keep pushing for more medals in future Olympic games.

Unfortunately, the silence coming from the burgesses about the state of our football is deafening and it is only a startling turnaround in the fortunes of the three teams which are in international competition this coming year that will help to spiral their image to regain the patriotic interest which we showered on previous national football teams.

What is probably more exciting in the field of sport was the amount of funds which were handed out to the athletes, cricketers and swimmers, as compared to the sport of football whose chaotic image from the recent past still left a bitter taste in the mouths of everyone.

One must assume that their turn is next and someone will appreciate their contributions which took them to this stage.

At the youth level, there is little to shout about, especially at the primary and secondary schools, that crucial group of children whose dedication and

commitment to whatever sport they select, will more than likely bring ultimate success to this country.

On speaking with a versatile twelve-year-old sports prospect a few weeks ago, I questioned him as to which of the sports he wanted to master.

His answer was that his first love of football, but he will change his focus towards either track and field, or even cricket, simply because he can earn a big payday if he reaches the Olympic games, and may be a very rich young man if he happens to win a medal.

As simple as this comment ap-

pears from the youngster, who knows how many others may be viewing their choices in relation to the amount of money that seems easiest to attain.

Surely, he is not yet to the age in order to understand the amount of work it takes for success in any sport, but it will be interesting to observe the trend of tomorrow’s sportsmen and women as to the sports they select.

Nevertheless, there are sufficient examples to follow and we look forward enthusiastically to 2013 and the remarkable success which we are expecting through great results.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Leewards T20 camp commences ANTIGUA (TG) -- Leeward Islands will officially jump-start their preparations ahead of next month’s Caribbean Twenty20 competition today with the start of an 11-day camp here in Antigua.

Members of the 14-man squad started arriving earlier this week for the short camp as the sub-region looks toward the January 7 start in Trinidad and St Lucia who are joint hosts of this year’s tournament.

Captain of the Leeward Islands team, Sylvester “Bouncing” Joseph, spoke with Observer Sports about the pending camp and the time it leaves for adequate preparation going into the tournament. “I am really pleased that the team is actually getting together for the first time. It’s a few days or maybe a week or so before the actual tournament starts. It would have been more appropriate for us to have a longer camp but such is the situation over the years with the Leeward Islands so I don’t think we can harp on the fact that we don’t have a longer camp,” Joseph said.

“But whatever time, whatever opportunity that we get as a team to stay together, I just hope that we as players and management staff can put our heads together so that we can come up with the best scenarios and plans and so forth to help the guys to be successful.”

The squad also includes Vice Captain Kieran Powell, Devon “Booby” Thomas, Gavin Tonge, Anthony “IRoots” Martin, Chesney Hughes, Toni-

to Willett, Jahmar Hamilton, Rahkeem Cornwall, Javia Liburd, Justin Athanaze, Kelbert Walters, Lyndel Richardson and Shane Burton.

The squad, according to Joseph, consists of players who are familiar with each other and should be able to jell pretty quickly.

“Most of us, we played youth cricket together; we played Under-19, and we have been playing for our various countries together and also playing against each other, and in the Leeward Islands team together, so I don’t think the bonding is something for us to worry about,” the Leewards’ skipper said.

“I think the players are accustomed to each other and it is just for us now to understand our objective as a team, the goals and aspiration of the Leeward Islands team for this upcoming tournament and put our skills together.”

The camp will be hosted at both Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds and Sugar Factory Grounds.

Leeward Islands will open their campaign against Barbados on January 7 at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad before squaring off against Trinidad and Tobago two days later.

The full scheduled can be viewed on the WICB web site. The team is coached by former West Indies player Stuart Williams and managed by Junie Mitchum of St Kitts & Nevis.

Gayle strokes brief cameo but Thunder remain winless

SYDNEY (TG) -- A brief cameo from West Indies star Chris Gayle was not enough to save Sydney Thunder from a fifth straight defeat in the Australian Big Bash yesterday. The left-hander cracked a run-a-ball 28 as the hosts crashed to a five-wicket defeat to Kemar Roach’s Brisbane Heat at Stadium Australia.

Opting to bat first, Gayle pummeled a four and two sixes in Sydney’s 126 all out off 20 overs. He started slowly, gathering five runs from his first 14 deliveries before exploding with a six over long-on off West Indies teammate Roach and another off off-spinner Nathan Hauritz, two overs later.

He seemed to be moving into stride when he cut a slower delivery from seamer Daniel Christian to gully at 52 for two in the tenth over. After Gayle’s departure, only Usman Khawaja with 23 passed 20.

Roach finished wicket-less from four overs that cost 26 runs while Christian picked up five for 26. In reply, 22-year-old Queenslander Chris Lynn hit an unbeaten 51 to see Brisbane home.

Thunder are yet to win a game in this year’s championship. (CMC)

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Caribbean Pot: The ultimate Caribbean Rum Punch

Chris De La Rosa Contributor When most people think about the Caribbean (if you’ve never lived on the islands) one of the things which comes to mind is sipping on a cold glass of rum punch, decorated with slices of fresh fruit while sitting taking in the rays on white sandy beach (or a swim-up bar at an all-inclusive resort). Truth be told, rum punch is not as common a drink with locals as you would think. A more classic drink would be rum and coke or if you were in Cuba, a Mojito and if in Puerto Rico, it would be Piña Colada.

I’m going back to my “ultimate” series and in doing so, give you what I think is the perfect rum punch recipe.

Ingredients 1 cup fresh lime juice 2 cups grenadine syrup 2 cups rum (Caribbean rum) 1 cup coconut rum 2 cups pineapple juice 2 cups orange juice 5-8 drops of Angostura bitters dash nutmeg

Orange slices, for garnish Pineapple slices, for garnish Notes. The traditional way of making rum punch is to use a strong white rum, but I much prefer a dark rum as I love the undertones you get from it. If you don’t have Grenadine, use a simple syrup or if you have a cane juice syrup that would work well also.

Be sure to add crushed or cubed ice before serving.

The only real work here is to squeeze the limes for that freshly squeezed juice we

need (you’ll need about 8 limes). Basically all you have to do is add all the ingredients mentioned above into a large container, mix well and put in the fridge to chill.

to this day I’ve never seen any punch in that thing. My dad used it for tossing receipts and other things from his pocket.. that’s where you’d also find our house keys as well.

If you’d like you can also add 1 cup of carbonated water to the mix before serving for that extra zing. Then pour into your serving jug or punch bowl, add some ice and watch your guests hover around as they enjoy what is sure to be the ultimate rum punch. Remember to garnish with slices of orange to make everything look pretty. Speaking about punch bowl, I recall my mom had one and

Do remember this holiday season to partake in the beverages in moderation and NEVER drink and drive. BTW, you’ll get about 10 cups of rum punch from this recipe and more if you add the carbonated water and ice.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, January 2, 2013 13

Beat holiday bloat and weight gain with bitter elixirs Don’t be weighed down by heavy meals and sugary treats this holiday season. Instead, try a bitter aperitif to help reduce indigestion, nausea, extra pounds and much more.

Designed to improve digestion and detoxify the body, herbal bitters ease the complaints of poor food choices. But bitters are not only for those times of overindulgence -- even when the diet is in top form, these tonics support universal vigor and health.

Time-honored recipe for health The first record of a bitter tonic is attributed to Swiss Renaissance physician Paracelsus, but many believe bitters originated much earlier in ancient Babylon and Egypt. Jonathan Samst, an 18th century Swedish doctor, developed the classic “Swedish Bitters” we know today. Considered a panacea, bitters are said to: • Aid in detoxification • Encourage biliary, gastric and pancreatic activity • Stimulate the liver • Tone and regenerate the digestive system • Eliminate bloating, cramps, nausea and flatulence • Purify and disinfect the intestinal tract • Alleviate inflammation • Ease constipation • Cleanse the blood • Boost energy levels • Improve immune function • Soothe depression An untroubled liver is the secret to weight loss

When the liver is happy, overall well-being improves and healthy weight is maintained. If the liver becomes congested with fat due to excessive carbohydrate and sugar consumption, a vicious cycle ensues.

As extra pounds are packed on, toxins and fat increasingly clog the liver -- creating even more inefficiency and leading to further weight gain.

Bitters break this cycle by detoxifying the liver and increasing bile along with stomach acids. Digestion becomes more efficient and metabolism is given a boost which limits the storage of excess body fat.

Festive holidays without the bloat During the holiday season, it is easy to fall off the wagon of healthful eating and indulge in rich, sugary and carbohydrate laden fare. The digestive system rebels through flatulence, cramping and bloating. Not to fret, however -- bitters can help save the day.

By revving up the digestive system before or immediately after a big meal, bitters alleviate many of the distressing side effects of holiday excess. According to the Candida Diet website: “When you take bitters, what you’re really trying to do is stimulate the bitter receptors on your tongue. This is what triggers the production of the digestive enzymes. These bitter receptors are located towards the back of your tongue, so that’s exactly where the bitters need to go ... Alternatively you can put the drops in water and drink them that way.”

A word of caution: Do not use bit-

ters for more than two weeks at a time. The presence of berberine in Oregon grape root and goldenseal can damage the intestinal lining if taken for extended periods. Potassium levels can become depleted as well which triggers high blood pressure.

Live a little Of course, it is best to strive for a clean and healthy diet a majority of the time.

But for those occasions when we need a little intervention to off-set a treat here or there, bitters are an excellent choice. In the words

of Marc David, founder of the Institute for the Psychology of Eating: “The holidays are for celebrating. It’s a time to open up. ‘The Feast’ is a theme in life, and virtually every culture with a written record and a long history has it’s feast times when they celebrate full force with food, with music, with dance, with pleasure...”

So go for it. Just don’t forget the bitters.

Source: www.naturalnews.com

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Morning or afternoon workout?

Monique Bartlett Contributor Many people wonder if there’s an ideal time for exercise. They want to know if there is a bigger benefit from working out in the morning versus the evening, or vice versa. Exercise, exercise is the simple answer. There really is no physiological difference when it comes to timing, but there are some things to consider when you are planning your workout.

Late afternoon or evening workouts can be easier on your body. By the end of the day, all your muscles are warmed up and contract more efficiently, and your joints are better lubricated. Some people find it’s just easier to get to the gym after work in many cases, because there’s just no way to squeeze it in before work. Just be careful about exercising too close to bedtime though, a late night workout can keep you too energized and interfere with your sleep.

If you do have a choice though, I’d recommend working out in the morning for a couple of reasons. First, morning exercise helps you burn calories at a higher rate all day long. Another bonus is that morning exercisers are more likely to stick with their program. Studies show there’s a 75 percent greater adherence rate for those who go to the gym in the morning. When you exercise

in the morning, there’s less of a chance of life getting in the way and being too tired after a long day at work. Morning exercisers also try to continue their good work all day long, by turning down unhealthy treats or making an effort to move more. Need more motivation to move your workouts to the morning? Getting sweaty early may also help you sleep better at night.

However, the ultimate factor in deciding when to squeeze in your workouts is when it’s convenient for you. So go to the gym, watch your exercise videos, go for a run or whatever type of exercise you like to do no matter what time it is. The fact of the matter is, as long as you’re exercising, the healthier you’ll be and the more likely you’ll continue to stick to your good habits.

Peace and goodwill is all around. A beautiful smile is the outward evidence of a happy confident individual.

Unfortunately, there are many who find it difficult to smile. A teenage girl who recently lost her front teeth in a car accident, a boy who was not wearing his helmet and fell of his bike resulting in the loss of his front teeth or the woman who recently came to Canada and was unable to afford dental treatment back home. I can identify with these people since I grew up in the Caribbean where crooked teeth were commonly extracted and replaced by dentures. Having suffered from the pain and embarrassment of such treatment, the drive and passion to be a dentist enabled me to overcome the odds

to achieve this goal. Creating the best smile possible is my life’s passion.

A beautiful smile can be the best asset you possess. If it does not come naturally, the amazing advances in dental science can provide you with the type of smile you admire. The main goal of Cosmetic dentistry is the creation of the best possible smile so that the patient can feel good with enhanced self esteem. There is Orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth, implants, bridges and dentures to replace lost teeth, crowns and veneers for damaged or discoloured teeth.

Whatever the problem, there is a solution.

Join the parade of smiling faces. We can help.

Smiling faces Dr. Matthew S Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Contributor I am greatly impacted by all the beautiful smiles I see during the Christmas season.

The malls are filled with people of all ages showing off their pearly white teeth. Almost everyone seems to be in a good mood. This time of year brings out the best in people.

Are you getting enough Vitamin D in the winter months?

Trish Browning Contributor Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps your body to absorb calcium. Calcium and vitamin D work together to help you maintain healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D also helps your muscles, nerves and immune system work properly.

Vitamin D comes from the sun. The sun’s rays interact with our skin to produce vitamin D that can be used for bone and muscle health. In Canada, because we live in a northern climate, we don’t get as much sun as we need; and when we apply sunscreen in the summer, that disables the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sun exposure. Additionally, as we age, the skin’s ability to make vitamin D decreases and for all of these reasons, many Canadians are low on vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can occur for a number of reasons: You don’t consume the recommended levels of the vitamin over time. This is likely if you follow a strict vegetarian diet, because most of the natural sources are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg

yolks, cheese, fortified milk, and beef liver.

Your exposure to sunlight is limited. Because the body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, you may be at risk of deficiency if you are homebound, live in northern latitudes, wear long robes or head coverings for religious reasons, or have an occupation that prevents sun exposure.

You have dark skin. The pigment melanin reduces the skin’s ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure.

Some studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Your kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form. As people age their kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form, thus increasing their risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Your digestive tract cannot adequately absorb vitamin D. Certain medical problems, including Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease, can affect your intestine’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat.

You are obese. Vitamin D is extracted from the blood by fat cells, altering its release into the circulation. People with a body mass index of 30 or greater often have low blood levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is not found in many foods; however, you can find vitamin D in: • Cow’s milk • Fortified soy and rice beverages • Fortified orange juice

• Fatty fish like salmon and sardines • Margarine • Egg yolks • Fortified yogurts (check the label) The amount of vitamin D you need depends on your age.

Osteoporosis Canada recommends routine vitamin D supplementation for all Canadian adults year round. Healthy adults between 19-50 years of age, including pregnant or breast feeding women, require 400 – 1,000 IU daily. Those over 50 or those younger adults at high risk (with osteoporosis, multiple fractures, or conditions affecting vitamin D absorption) should receive 800 – 2,000 IU daily. Taking more than 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily should be done only under medical supervision.

The best way to ensure that you are getting sufficient vitamin D is by taking a supplement. The type of vitamin D you should purchase is vitamin D3 (also called cholecalciferol). This is the most common type of vitamin D found in supplements in Canada.

Vitamin D by itself comes in 400 and 1000 IU tablets. Most multivitamins contain some vitamin D but the amounts vary quite a bit, so be sure to read the small print on the label carefully. Some calcium supplements also contain vitamin D3 and again the amounts vary. If you are unclear how much vitamin D your supplements contain, please check with your pharmacist.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, January 2, 2013 15

Immigration Issues: Super Visa Janice Bartley Contributor The one year anniversary of the Super Visa has come and gone with little or no fanfare.

On Dec 1, 2011 the Canadian government announced the “Super Visa” allowing Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (the Hosts), to bring their Parents or Grandparents to Canada.

This particular visa allowed Parents & Grandparents to visit for a maximum of 2 years over a 10 year period with the benefits of multiple entries into Canada. On the whole, Super Visas seem to be addressing the needs it was created for - “family reunification”. Since its inception, the success rate of approved applications stand at 83% and new targets of 25,000 approved Super Visas are slated for 2013.

The requirements are specific and two-fold, in that Hosts must fulfill and meet financial obligations as required by Citizenship Immigration Canada (CIC). Strict financial thresholds have been established in order to meet the financial obligations such as the number of persons in Hosts’ household, financial situation and a letter of commitment acknowledging Hosts’ obligation of financial support, to list a few.

The Parent must be a genuine visitor and must be able to demonstrate ties to

their home country. The purpose of their visit is important to identify that they are genuine visitors to Canada.

Application Fee for Super Visas from non-exempt countries is $150.00 CDN and visa-exempt countries may request a letter from CIC for purposes of multiple entries under the Super Visa stream.

To qualify for the Super Visa, Parents and Grandparents will have to undergo medical examination. Processing times for Super Visas are 2-3 weeks depending on visa posts and if approved, each visitation stay cannot exceed a 2 year period. Travel Insurance is mandatory and must include medical, hospitalization and repatriation for a minimum period of 12 months, with minimum coverage of $100,000.00 CDN. To simplify this for our readers, the offices of Michael Modelevsky, Insurance & Financial Specialist has provided the following quotation as of December 21, 2012: Status

Age Zero Deductible

$10,000 Deductible

Single

45

1,789.78

1,022.73

Single

50

1,789.78

1,022.73

Single

55

1,851.10

1,057.77

Married 45

3,400.58

1,943.18

Married 50

3,400.58

1,943.18

Married 55

3,517.08

2,009.76

How learning to make decisions can change your life

JG Francoeur Contributor Years ago I was stuck in a business that was losing money and I knew I had to get out of it. Actually, I knew for about 18 months that I had to get out of it but I couldn’t make the decision. I’m not sure what I was afraid of but I wasn’t making the decision I knew I needed to make.

Perhaps you are in a business now or some other situation that you know you need to get out of. Or maybe you want to get into a new business or new situation but you’re just not making that decision.

WHY? Napoleon Hill, the author of the all time bestselling book Think & Grow Rich was right when he said “Analysis of over 25,000 men and women who had experienced failure, disclosed the fact that LACK OF DECISION was near the head of the list of the 30 major causes of FAILURE. PROCRASTINATION, the opposite of DECISION, is a common enemy which practically every man must conquer.”

Most people would rather slay in their comfort zone and live passive lives without accepting responsibilities. They

drill through life waiting for things to happen rather than making a decision and making things happen.

It’s been reported that 2 percent of the population actually THINK, 3 percent think they THINK and 95 percent would rather die than THINK. Without thinking you cannot make decisions.

I’ve been very fortunate to have built seven companies that operate around the globe in 26 countries and 78 industries and I get the honor and pleasure of traveling the world to speak to business owners and entrepreneurs and I’ve noticed that most people are simply trying to make it safely to death because they are afraid of making a wrong decision.

I tell all of my teams, partners, employees and students, “I would rather, much rather you make a bad decision than no decision at all”.

Decision-making is the number one reason people don’t achieve their goals. If they would just decide what they want and go after it, most of them would be amazed at how fast things happen. I urge you to learn to make decision. Decision-making is nothing but a skill set, it’s like a muscle and as you use you get better at it.

Start now with a decision you have been putting off. Just think for a moment and consider. There is surely something you need to do, a decision you need to make but you have been putting it off.

Make that decision now and take action.

Notably, Insurers’ policy vary and only a qualified insurance specialist will be able to advise on Super Visa insurance coverage criteria or whether the unused portion of the policy is refundable if: i) the Super Visa application is rejected; or ii) in the event Granny hates the harsh cold winter and wants to go back home.

Readers must address pre-existing conditions and whether such conditions will negatively impact the purchase of a new coverage and price difference. Michael Modelevsky can be reached at (647) 284-7016.

On the other hand, some medical conditions may result in Parents or Grandparents being medically inadmissible to

Canada and as with all immigration matters readers are advised to seek expert advice of an Authorized Representative.

Nonetheless, until the ban on Parents and Grandparents is lifted, SuperVisas offers a quick alternative solution for family reunification that has been significantly impacted by the Family Class Sponsorship backlogs.

WARNING: Exercise your Right to Counsel! Under the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act – the penalty for Unauthorized Representatives is $100,000 and/or a 2-year jail term upon conviction.

Individuals who engage in this service can also face a 2-year ban from entering Canada.

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Your Horoscope - January 2nd 2013 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): Tired of the Christmas tree already? Friday’s full moon finds you overspent on all levels. Although work, the holiday deals, or family necessities push you out the door, after the fact you’ll probably say you wished you had just stayed home. Sunday delivers a physical reboot. On New Year’s Eve, enjoy dinner and then cozy up. Next year will prove utterly transforming.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21May 21): You’d be the first to admit that 2012 was a lot of living packed into a short period of time. Either you have trumped it or you are now embarking onto a complete reality overall—most likely it’s a combination. You are tougher, stronger, and better seasoned now. The first half of the year continues the learning curve, while the mid-year brings you to that much desired plateau.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): The past four months of Jupiter retrograde may have felt like a stall, but consider it as a stop, look, and listen pit stop instead. It’s been an essential information-gathering time. Jupiter resumes direct motion at the end of January and continues in Gemini until late June. The first half of the year is your optimum time for full thrust ahead.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21July 20): Friday’s full moon in Cancer can take the brakes off a conflict that’s been brewing for a while. Watch for an authority figure to make it tougher for you. You may be forced to take a step that you still don’t feel ready for, but it’s long overdue, and you know it. Next year will be a better, more opportune one for you.

Leo Horoscope (July 21-Aug. 22): Tolerance is tested as the week finishes out. Friday’s full moon can be a grind to get through. Heed early warning signals and stay within reasonable limits.

Apply effort and you’ll better your odds. On New Year’s Eve, you’ll hit it just right. Get up and rolling in the first half of 2013 and look to the second half to settle into a good groove.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): The end of the week can find you catering or carrying more than you want to. Friday’s full moon can override your plans, intentions, or rules, but follow the day’s lead and it should work out just fine, perhaps even better. You’ve worked through plenty in 2012 and there’s still major growth and learning ahead. Next year will go a lot easier on you.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): Taking care of business, finances, or family can be a more strenuous exercise as the week finishes out, but you’ll manage what you need to with yourself still intact. Lights, colour, and action can be great fun on New Year’s Eve, but a kickback at home is good too. Next year finds you more empowered and holds more potential rewards.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Whether you’ve come to the end of your journey or are just starting your travel, Friday’s full moon finds you especially emotional. The past can weigh more heavily now, but know that your future holds great promise. In fact, you are moving into a lengthy time-has-come cycle that marks one of the most fulfilling periods of your life.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): Friday’s full moon can tug especially hard on the heart, the memory banks, or the bank account.

Cozy up; make family your priority. Saturday through New Year’s Eve finds you in good flight, delivering your best and impressing the crowd. Your social life and outer circumstances improve in the first half of 2013. Support, love, and your inner life improve in the second half.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): Knowing when to stand your ground and when to yield is a major challenge as the workweek comes to a close, thanks to Friday’s full moon in Cancer. You may want to give in, but tough love is likely the best way to go. Last year put you through difficult decisions. This year, you’ll reap the benefit.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): On Thursday and Friday, safeguard on and off the job, keep an eye on the children, hold back a little more, and guard your health too. The full moon in Cancer can find you more vulnerable than usual. Next year is a good one for love, children, and creative development.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Friday’s emotional full moon offers you a last chance to tell someone how much you truly love or appreciate them before goodbyes are said and the year finishes itself out. Work, party, or ignore it, New Year’s Eve is what you make of it. Next year can generate more rewards. Love, career, and creativity prospers, especially June onward.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, January 2, 2013 17

Three very easy tips on using yoga to de-stress your hectic life Many people miss out on the benefits of yoga because they think these benefits are only accessible to a few lucky people. If you think yoga is only for people who are younger than you, or to those lucky enough to have loads of free time, or only for individuals with naturally slender and flexible bodies, think again. Yoga offers de-stressing, healing benefits to everyone. If you can breath, you can do some form of yoga and you’ll be surprised how easy it is, and how much it can minimize both mental and physical tension.

Breathing Many people move through their daily lives taking several short, quick breaths every minute. This type of breathing leaves you vulnerable to stress factors in your life and may cause chronic muscle pain, headaches, insomnia, depression and/or irritability. Learning to breathe better can dispel these symptoms.

Count the number of inhale-exhale cycles you take per minute. Then take some time to practice slowing your breath down.

Slowly inhale, thinking of filling a threequart container (the air capacity of the human lungs) from bottom to top. Then slowly exhale, emptying the lungs from top to bottom. As you practice breathing more slowly and deeply on a regular basis, you will become accustomed to using your full lung capacity. Gradually, you will find you take fewer breaths per minute. You will also find yourself becoming more resistant to the tension triggers in your life. Breathing practice is very healing on its own and it also forms the perfect foundation for the two suggestions below.

Mini-breaks of adapted stretching

Even if you are temporarily trapped in a seated position -- whether an airplane seat or an office chair in a cubicle -- you can still do some gentle stretching so that the time spent sitting does not leave you with muscle tension. Extend your left leg straight out in front of you, heel on the floor gently pointing your toes back toward your knee so that the back of your leg stretches. If there is space available, exhale and gently fold your upper body forward to increase the stretch, then inhale and slowly lift your upper body back to seated position and bend your knee, returning the sole of the foot to the floor. Perform this on each side.

To stretch your torso, keep your shoulders pressed to the chair back and your buttocks firmly in contact with the chair seat, then gently slide your upper body to the left until you feel a lengthening of the right side of your body. Only go as far as you comfortably can, then inhale and return to an upright

position. Repeat to the opposite side. Simply taking five-minute stretch breaks a couple of times during a regular work day to do gentle stretches like these can ease the tight muscles and chronic back pain.

Practical meditation: re-setting your tension meter Even if the demands of family and job mean you do not have time to sit in meditation for an hour, you can get some of the benefits of that practice by shifting your perspective. For example, traffic noises from the street or the sound of neighbors playing loud music can aggravate many people. Try combining some wisdom from the Serenity Prayer (“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can”) along with a bit of imagination.

Most of us do not become angry when we hear noises we accept as natural -- birdsong, thunder, raindrops, etc. Practice

reacting to traffic noises as if you were hearing the sound of waves rolling onto a beach.

If you have to deal with situations or people you dislike, try suspending your judgment.

Pretend that you are an anthropologist sent to observe another culture as objectively as possible. Try to take note of the situation with fresh eyes each time, observing new details, but letting go of any temptation to form opinions.

It will be easier to take this kind of flexible approach to daily life if you prepare yourself with at least 10 minutes of breathing practice each day, and use the breath throughout your day to help dispel any tendencies to waste emotional energy on situations you cannot alter. This kind of intelligent emotional economizing will also leave you with more energy to change the things on which you can improve.

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Gridlock Concerns: 2013 hot issue?

Tammy Flores Contributor Everyone is predicting what they think will be the hot issues in 2013. With all the talk surrounding improving transit and infrastructure like the Gardiner, I am going with Gridlock. The Greater Toronto Area has millions of people, cars and trucks that move around every day. Gridlock is something people are starting to get more vocal about. We don’t hear from the majority of commuters who drive their vehicles every day, but the minority, pro transit voice is getting louder and louder.

Take for example, Jennifer Keesmatt, the City of Toronto’s Chief Planner.

She has a bias and isn’t afraid to show it.

She is pro transit. The Toronto Star quoted her as saying that she was “not big on massive investments in infrastructure that are about moving more cars”. Some say she suffers from tunnel vision. In my opinion, I think it is reckless to be a Chief Planner of a city with millions of people that need to be moved from point A to point B and not acknowledge that there are already too many vehicles that need to move around the city. Perhaps her statement isn’t as narrow as some interpreted it. If she doesn’t

want to move “more” cars that doesn’t preclude the cars that already exist, does it? I would prefer to believe that her statement is about improving transit, and not about going all Kamikaze on the automobile.

That being said, the City of Toronto has some serious decisions that lie before them. The Gardiner is in desperate need of repair. Council should have money already put aside for this, but some want to tear it down and build a tunnel. Perhaps that vision of the tunnel is about moving “more” cars and not something Jennifer Keesmatt is interested in, however, repairing the Gardiner isn’t about moving “more” cars, it’s about moving the cars that already exist.

There is a crossroads here. Some

think that making the Gardiner & DVP a toll highway is the answer to financing improved transit and infrastructure. Looking at 407 ETR’s example, there is a lot that can be gleaned. This highway, in its current state, only benefits the investors and the wealthy that can afford its overpriced tolls. It does nothing to move the cars that already exist and only fills the pockets of investors. The Province won’t even collect the monies they are eligible for. If the City of Toronto is to go the way of the toll, there are many things that must be considered, but first of all, the City of Toronto has to decide what they want. So whether they fix the Gardiner, make it a toll highway or tear it down a decision has to be made without bias. Is that even possible?

It’s time for people to get involved and start caring about gridlock issues. If you are the majority of commuters that commute with your vehicle, stop sitting on the sidelines. We need your voice. Protect your pocket book! Even if you don’t commute by vehicle, but are against big business inventing new ways to open our wallets, help reign in 407 ETR. Put the politicians on notice. Sign the petition at https://campaign.to/StopThe407EtrsAbuseOfPower/petition/13/ Also, please write to your MPP and local municipal Councilor and tell them to reign in 407ETR. The majority of commuters need to start raising their voice.

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