CEEN TV The First 24hr Caribbean Station Launches in Toronto 120512

CEENTV

By Cindy Ramkumar TORONTO -- CEEN TV (Caribbean Everyday Entertainment Network) is the first to launch 24 hours of continuous Caribbean Entertainment on the Rogers Digital Network.

CEEN TV was launched intimately on November 22nd, with the grand meet and greet media launch taking place November 29th at Harlem Restaurant in Toronto. This

THE FIRST 24HR

CARIBBEAN STATION LAUNCHES IN TORONTO

meet and greet was held to introduce the Caribbean Diaspora, media and dignitaries to the only 24 hours Caribbean TV station. In attendance were Dr. Vidyha Tota-Maharaj Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago, Denise Hererra Jackson - Scotia Bank Toronto Carnival, Fitzroy Gordon (CEO) and Alicia Wright Da Costa (Director of Marketing) - G98.7FM, Warren Salmon (CEO) First Fridays Toronto, Representatives from Jam Pro, Jamaican Tourism Board and Ja-

maica National.

Sports Max is CEEN TV’s sister company. Sports Max has been in operation for 9 years and CEEN TV for 1 year. Sports Max is the #1 leading Caribbean sports channel.

The General Manager of CEEN TV, Christopher Telfer enlightened the attendees about the channel and its goals, objectives and initiatives.

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Wonder returns with new album

JAMAICA (JO) -- My Way, singer Wayne Wonder’s first album in six years, is scheduled to be released tomorrow by VP Records through his Singso Music label.

The 14-track set is Wonder’s first album in six years. He worked with several producers including Tony Kelly (who coproduced Wonder’s Grammynominated album, No Holding Back), Stephen McGregor and Miami-based Riddim Fingaz whose credits include Trey Songz, Sean Paul and Mya. Mya, the American pop singer who has recorded with Beenie Man, duets with Wonder on If I Ever. Another collaboration on My Way is with Shaggy (Don’t Say No).

Wonder is one of the true veterans

of modern dancehall, having started his career in the late 1980s. The following decade, he became a key member of producer Donovan Germain’s Penthouse Records.

He had several hits for the label including Saddest Day of My Life and Superstar which was done with Buju Banton.

Wonder later teamed with Dave Kelly (Tony’s younger brother) whose Mad House label unleashed his Joyride hit in 1997.

His biggest hit, however, is No Letting Go which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 2002 and earned his album No Holding Back a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album the following year.

GPA mourns passing of TV cameraman

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GUYANA (DW) -- The Guyana Press Association (GPA) on Sunday mourned the passing of former GTV/NCN cameraman, Ronald Livingstone as a result of a road accident near the Ogle International Airport early Saturday evening.

Livingstone,38, succumbed to massive head injuries at the Accident and Emergency unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with his wife at his side.

The GPA said Livingstone, a videographer with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) up to the time of his passing, was a “humble” person who found passion in high quality work.

“Ronald was one of the most humble and respectable young men one could ever meet. He was a diligent worker who had an eye for quality and it showed in the quality of work he produced over the years,” said the media association.

The GPA remembered him as someone who “would still willingly share his knowledge with colleagues and served as a guide to those young media professionals in the technical and newsgathering field.”

The GPA extended “deepest condolences” to his wife and three children.

Sources say that Livingstone had just ridden through the Ogle Airport gate around 7 PM when the security guard moments later saw the motorbike spinning uncontrollably.

The guard checked and saw a badly injured Livingstone lying down.

The car driver, who is in custody, is expected to be arraigned on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The past student of Christ Church Secondary School was Sunday expected to make his debut in powerlifting. He had already prepared his outfit since Friday for the event.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Candlelight vigil in support of Kublalsingh TRINIDAD (TG) -- Dr Gabriela Hosein, lecturer at UWI’s Gender Studies department, says the situation with Dr Wayne Kublalsingh’s hunger strike is no longer a question of face saving, but the Prime Minister should seize the opportunity and act in order to save his life.

Hosein was among several supporters who were outside the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, yesterday, in a candlelight vigil in support of Kublalsingh’s plight for a committee to be established to review the Debe to Mon Desir Highway. There were about 50 supporters at the vigil. “I think this is not a question of ego or saving face anymore. I think that the Prime Minister should seize the moment and show the kind of leadership she hasn’t had the chance too but now she can.”

Hosein said the civil societies have

tried to find a middle ground and she thought the Government should seize in the spirit of compromise recognising the situation has become untenable. “Nobody wants Kublalsingh to die,” she said. “I think that the Government cannot let this go to a point where Kublalsingh’s life is sacrificed. “It could be devastating for their legitimacy and they may never recover and the population knows that and so do they.”

Hosein also said Kublalsingh proved what he was doing was an act of conscience not just a flippant moment of protest.

“I think you are hearing calls increasingly from the society for his demands to be taken seriously which is transparency and accountability in terms of public planning, spending and infrastructure.”

Rosanna Farmer, an environmental activist and a very close friend of Kublals-

ingh, who had also protested with him side by side against the smelter said: “We hope that this can be resolved because his body cannot take much more of this.” Farmer said she was concern because even if they settled on a resolution it would take another 48 hours for the terms of reference to be initiated.

“So we are looking at the earliest Thursday for Kublalsingh’s hunger strike to end. I am hoping something positive really happens today.” The Joint Consultative Council (JCC) had requested a meeting with the Government and the Minster of Works Emmanuel George responded stating that he would meet with them today. Yesterday’s candlelight vigil was expected to end around 7.30 pm.

Gov’t drops no confidence motion challenge GUYANA (DW) -- The government has withdrawn its High Court challenge of the no confidence motion against Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee saying it has been overtaken by recent events with the efforts to gag the minister now before the National Assembly’s Committee of Privileges.

The opposition in July used its oneseat majority to pass the motion which called on the minister to resign or the president to remove him from the post but neither calls was binding and the government immediately moved to the court challenging the motion.

Court papers seen by Demerara Waves Online News on Monday showed that Attorney General Anil Nandlall had filed a “notice of withdrawal and discontinuance” of the matter against the Speaker Raphael Trotman and Leader of the Opposition David Granger who was the originator of the motion.

“The original has been overtaken by events,” Nandlall told DemWaves Monday evening, referring to Trotman’s ruling on November 22 that a new motion to gag

the minister be sent to the privileges committee The Speaker ruled that the motion in the name of Granger be dealt with at the committee to determine whether the Assembly had the power to gag the minister. He additionally ruled that bills and motions in the minister’s name would not be entertained before the committee’s finding with the government contending that he had given effect to the opposition motion.

Nandlall said the motion filed last week by the government incorporates the challenge to the no confidence motion and

that it would be duplication to continue with that matter in light of the more recent development.

The motion is set to be heard before acting Chief justice Ian Chang at 10AM on Monday.

The AG last Tuesday asked the High Court to discard the decisions by Trotman to put the Rohee matter before the Privileges Committee and to prevent him from speaking in the House until the committee’s decision.

He wants the court to find that Trotman’s decision to prohibit or not recognize Rohee in tabling bills, motions or making other presentations in the House imposes a sanction on the minister without affording him any form of due process, natural justice and fairness and accordingly, that decision is unlawful, contrary to natural justice, irrational, null, void and of no effect.

The High Court was also asked to declare that the Privileges Committee had no jurisdiction to deal with or determine any issue remitted to it on the basis of the Speaker’s ruling on November 22.

Government misses health card deadline JAMAICA (JO) -- Government has missed its November deadline for the introduction of its longawaited health card, which is aimed at helping to improve the delivery of health-care services to Jamaicans.

Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson in July had said that technical arrangements were being finalised for the issuing of the card by November.

However, last Friday he told the Jamaica Observer that although advances had been made, the government had missed its deadline because there was a final hurdle.

“The submission is with the Cabinet Office now; it has been there for almost two weeks; they have asked for a few details which the permanent secretary is dealing with,” Dr Ferguson told the Observer.

The health minister, who left the island for Cuba on official business on Friday, said the submission would be taken at Cabinet when he returns and the implementation put into overdrive.

“I will not be in Cabinet this Monday (today) when it meets, but certainly, I expect that Cabinet should sign off before

the middle of December based on the necessity for me to be present to defend it and I get back on the 7th of December,” he explained.

He, however, did not divulge details about the process for fear of “compromising” the submission.

“Essentially what the submission would be doing is giving the authority to goahead. All the planning has already taken place as well as consultations with the major insurance stakeholders. The submission itself, I don’t want to say too much because it has not gone before Cabinet and I wouldn’t want to preempt, it’s not a normal principle,” he noted.

“After the submission is approved, we move for implementation but if I were to explain that I would move into the contents of the submission which would compromise it. What I can say is that we have done substantial work as it relates to the implementation phase,” the health minister said.

The public will also have to wait for other details such as the expenses related to the introduction of the system.

“There is a cost for the rollout;

there are the numbers that would come in the first instance but I cannot provide those details now,” he added.

The card, which is expected to be “broader than the current National Health Fund card”, will give patrons of public health facilities ease of access to medications on the Vital Essential and Necessary drug list at no cost. The service will be available at public sector pharmacies and some private pharmacies.

All Jamaican residents are eligible to register for the card, which will be a requirement for all persons who seek to access drugs under the Government’s free health care plan.

Jamaicans can present the GOJ Health Card along with their prescriptions to the pharmacist at any public pharmacy or participating pharmacies with the ‘GOJ Health Card accepted here’ sign. The minister said the card would also improve the mechanism to bill private health-insurance providers, as it will state whether or not the individual has health insurance.

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Going Digital - A chat with one of dancehall’s Sugar cane industry rebounding, says Clarke JAMAICA (JO) -- The island’s sugar cane which he said had the greatest potential for extop producers industry has undergone resurgence in the past pansion.

JAMAICA (JO) -- Over the past three decades, Bobby Digital (Bobby Dixon) has grown from studio rookie and engineer to become one of modern reggae’s most talented producers.

His credits include some of dancehall’s finest moments, among them a series of hits with Grammy-winning deejay Shabba Ranks.

Digital had input in both Shabba’s Grammy-winning albums, As Raw as Ever and Extra Naked. He is also the producer behind some of the deejay’s hardcore songs like Wicked inna Bed and Just Reality.

He produced Garnet Silk’s It’s Growing album, Black Woman and Child and Da Real Thing by Sizzla, and Don’t Haffi Dread To Be Rasta by Morgan Heritage. What is his formula for success?

“It is really a spiritual thing as I involve the Almighty in everything that I do.

Furthermore, I am not jumpy as it relates to producing an entertainer’s work,” he told Splash. “It is also about building a connection with the artiste. This is where we get a chance to share ideas and learn about each other’s headspace,” he added.

“It is really a spiritual thing as I involve the Almighty in everything that I do.

Furthermore, I am not jumpy as it relates to producing an entertainer’s work,” he told Splash. “It is also about building a connection with the artiste. This is where we get a chance to share ideas and learn about each other’s headspace,” he added.

According to Digital, it has never

been just about the money. He said although he maintained a low profile in recent years, he was still active in the music business, assisting young producers and artistes.

“It isn’t about the financial compensation but its the feeling of fulfillment when I assist a musician and he/she elevates.

It is about bringing out the best in people,” he said.

Among Digital’s protégés is his son Craig Dixon. The 22-year-old is behind upcoming albums from reggae/dancehall artistes Cali P, Voicemail and Chevaughn.

Comparing productions of the 1980s to the present, Dixon believes contemporary producers are taking too many short cuts.

“Not every one is patient enough to make lasting material that will be still fresh 20 years into the future. Now it is like operating a fast food chain...the music is too disposable,” a concerned Digital said.

Yet, he is impressed by some artistes who are recording quality music, such as Assassin, Busy Signal and Romain Virgo.

“I lift my hat off to these entertainers as they are still trying to hold it down,” he said.

Digital was born in Waterhouse, a tough inner-city community in St Andrew.

The third of five children remembers attending dances in his community and listening to sound systems like Socialist Roots and Tipper Tone during the 1970s.

year, with a big increase in the number of registered farmers and record prices being paid for sugar.

Some 1,000 new cane farmers were registered this year bringing the number of registered cane farmers to 9,000.

Meanwhile, more than $88,000 is being paid per tonne for sugar on the local market, but the authorities say the equipment must be modernised and productivity improved if the gains are to be sustained.

“A new wind is blowing through the industry,” Minister of Agriculture Roger Clarke told cane farmers at the All-Island Cane Farmers’ Association’s (AICFA’s) annual general meeting at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston on Thursday.

A cane farmer himself, Clarke said he had been justified in supporting and investing in the cane industry at a time when others were saying it was dead. He said even a Government minister said recently that the industry should be scrapped.

“In all my years in sugar, this is one year I can buy Allan a drink,” he said, addressing AICFA chairman Allan Rickards.

“My God, man! I can eat a food!” an emotional Clarke said, noting his climb from leasing four acres of land to having 600 acres in the crop at present.

However, Clarke warned that while this year’s sugar prices were the best in many years with the help of the European Union, they would not remain that way for long.

He said the Sugar Transformation Unit needed to provide more equipment and better irrigation for the parish of Clarendon,

Modern equipment was required to transport cane and new varieties should be introduced to improve yields, he said.

Meanwhile, Rickards — who was on Wednesday re-elected to serve a new threeyear term — described the association as “the most democratically constructed farmers’ organisation in the region”.

He said about 100 of the 114 group delegates were present at the meeting and that the group associations had been restructured so that there were only one or two associations per parish.

Rickards said audited financial statements were passed and will be sent to Cabinet and laid in Parliament for the first time in recent memory.

The AICFA chairman also called for sugar to be branded and marketed locally as well as to countries in the region such as the Cayman Islands, Haiti and Antigua, in order to increase earnings for the cane farmers.

Rickards said the payment of $75,500 per tonne for export sugar was unprecedented in Jamaica, but a situation in which all other stakeholders made money before the cane farmer could no longer exist.

“If sugar is to survive, we in this room must survive,” Rickards told the gathering of mostly elderly men from rural Jamaica.

Both Clarke and Rickards emphasised that the sugar industry was vital to the survival of communities such as Annotto Bay in St Mary, Lionel Town in Clarendon, Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland, and Adelphi in St James.

CHANNEL #684 ON ROGERS CABLE Free Until February 28 2013!

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

24HR Caribbean TV station comes to Toronto

Continued From Page 1 -- The floor was open to Q & A, and all attendees walk away pleased and enlightened. This Q&A session discussed how this new opportunity can have direct benefits for Caribbean businesses in Toronto.

CEEN TV, will be originating out of Jamaica, however it is important to know that it is not a Jamaican TV station but a full 24 hours Caribbean Channel. CEEN TV showcases events taking place in 21 Caribbean islands including Guyana. Soon CEEN TV will be covering USA, Canada and UK Caribbean Events, however currently it is covering Caribbean events originating from the Caribbean.

CEEN TV content includes strictly Caribbean; News, Comedy, Sports, Cultural, Drama, Finance, Talk Shows and Entertainment. Viewers can tune into Caribbean News at 6am and 10pm. Other special event shows that viewers can tune in to are DaCosta Cup Fi-

nals - December 1, World Title Boxing Match - Dec 8th, WI vs Bangladesh Odi Series - Nov 29 - Dec 10th.

Viewers can tune in to channel 684.

CEEN TV will be free to view from now until February 28th 2013. After March 1st 2013, viewers can subscribe to the channel for $7.00 per month.

For further info about CEEN TV viewers can call, and email the: Canadian Publicist Roger Dumas 416.918.9045 via the website www.ceen.tv via facebook www.facebook.com/CEENTV and twitter twitter.com/CEEN_TV

Rowley: Unseen hands running T&T’s affairs TRINIDAD (TG) -- Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley says unseen hands are running the affairs of this country, some with allegations of criminal charges surrounding them, and has sent a message to the population to hold on, change is on the way. He was responding to disclosures by former government minister Verna St RoseGreaves in a Guardian report yesterday that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was not in charge of her Cabinet.

Rowley made the comment yesterday, at a special convention called by the PNM at the St Augustine Secondary School for the “final rites of passage” of critical amendments being made to the party’s constitution. The constitution is being amended, for the first time since the party’s inception in 1956, to put the PNM house in order, to successfully engage the population for the next election, it was revealed.

But before they got down to convention business, Rowley, addressing constituency delegates called to give the final votes on the amendments, responded to St Rose Greaves’ revelations that the PM was

not in charge of her Cabinet. Rowley said, “The Prime Minister is being betrayed by her own Cabinet...The business of T&T is not in good hands and we are in peril.”

He alleged that Persad-Bissessar had been trying to throw blame on the PNM for the problems in the Government but said it had nothing to do with the PNM, it has to do with her. He said the PM had been trying to divide the country along racial and geographical lines and, giving examples of how she did this, he recalled his visit to the recent Divali Nagar celebrations.

Rowley said he was invited to the Hindu event and he took his wife, and the PM launched a “vulgar and obscene attack” on him for associating with the National Council of Indian Culture. Rowley further told the convention that PersadBissessar alleged the PNM has been critical of the Government’s development of areas south of Caroni.

“I reject out of hand this nastiness...

This can only come to an end when people intervene as they would,” he advised.

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Gov’t moves to protect fish stock JAMAICA (JO) -- Braving the high seas to fish has been a way of life for many Jamaicans over the years, particularly those living along the coast.

This activity has provided the population with a reliable source of well-needed protein, and a livelihood for the many fisherfolk.

However, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the sector, based on the size and quantity of fish caught, and the fishing methods used by some.

The concerns are further compounded by the effects of climate change; the destruction or loss of fish habitats; overfishing; pollution; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and natural events, such as hurricanes.

The Government, with assistance from local and international organisations, is on a continuous drive to make the fishing sector a sustainable one.

During an address at the recent launch of the Caribbean Fish Sanctuary Partnership Initiative (C-FISH) in Bluefields, Westmoreland, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Roger Clarke, noted that the ministry, through its Fisheries division, has put a number of programmes in place to support and safeguard the fishing sector.

“We have been working towards the completion of a modern fisheries legislation that provides a contemporary framework for the regulation of the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sectors. Integral to this is the development and refinement of a National Fisheries Policy for Cabinet submission, which embraces the principles and tenets of

the Common Fisheries Policy, including the ecosystems approach to fisheries and aquaculture development and management,” he pointed out.

Clarke informed that the policy and supporting legislation are in their final phases of preparation.

Additional work is being done through the establishment of a number of fish sanctuaries, 14 of which have already been set up across the island.

The C-FISH initiative is one of the collaborative projects that are aimed at making the fishing sector a sustainable one.

Through this project, four grants totalling approximately US$400,000 ($36 million) — from which six of Jamaica’s established fish sanctuaries will benefit — were signed at the CFISH launch. The money has been provided under the United Kingdom based Department for International Development (DFID)-funded CFISH initiative.

With a budget of $302 million, the four-year initiative will support the operations of fish sanctuaries in Jamaica and four other Caribbean countries. The Caribbean Climate Change Centre (CCCC) will spearhead the implementation of the project across the region, while the funds will be channelled through CARIBSAVE Partnership.

In his address at the launch, Project Director for CARIBSAVE Partnership Dr Owen Day explained that one of the main reasons why Jamaica was able to benefit from the grant from DFID was because of the commitment the Government of Jamaica, through its Fisheries Division, has

shown towards the development of a sustainable fisheries sector.

“The Government of Jamaica and the Fisheries Division have established a network of 14 fish sanctuaries around the island and have put in place laws and policies, and mobilised resources that give the community based organisations the legal mandate and the means to manage these sanctuaries,” he noted.

Dr Day said the Government should be commended for what he described as an “enlightened participatory approach to natural resource management”.

The fisheries sector was not spared during the passage of Hurricane Sandy on October 24, suffering damage estimated to

be in excess of $90 million.

“I have given instructions to the Fisheries Management and Development Fund Board to provide an allocation of $20 million as immediate relief to those in the sector who suffered significantly and for infrastructure clean-up and repairs, where appropriate,” the minister told the fisherfolk in attendance.

Clarke also noted that over the next three years, the ministry will be investing some US$8 million in the development of eight agroparks in six parishes, some of which will be fitted with the requisite infrastructure to ensure sustainable fish production through aquaculture development.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Scarborough Cricket Association’s annual Gala, an evening of awards and fun

By Ishrat Ansari TORONTO -- The Scarborough Cricket Association held its 32nd Annual Trophy Presentation Awards at East town Banquet Hall, 2648 Eglinton Ave East on Sunday November 18th 2012 with fun and joy. Trophies were awarded and recognitions were given to those who contributed to the success of this Association over the past 32 years, particularly in the past one year. The first to be mentioned was the the name of Richard Ramlall who was the first President and a 19 years veteran, Bisham Singh present Assistant Secretary said.

The program started on time at about 5:00 p.m., Cash bar opened shortly thereafter. Coffee was ready. The D.J. Austin John had 2 big speakers mounted on stands and two computers to assist him in playing his music etc. Tables were decorated with small gifts and stationary from the sponsor Western Union. A tall glass vase with flowers stood in the middle of every table. Copies of Souvenir programme were also placed on each table.

The attendance was an estimated 80%, about 200. If two more teams had showed up the house would be full.

Among the speakers who came to the microphone in the early part of the programme were Bisham Singh, President Deo Samaroo, representative of Western Union Mr. Kamran Mustafa and Scarborough MPP Mr. Bas Balkissoon.

In his speech Bisham Singh recognised two disciplinary Committee team members who had worked with him. He also

thanked Scarborough Cricket Association Umpires Basdeo Dookhie, Farouk Ali, Azad Khan, President Albert Ramcharan and Francis Mathew, to name a few.

Dinner break was announced and a delicious dinner was served by East Town.

Starting with tossed salad, cut-up naan, fried rice, cauliflower and broccoli, fried potato wedges, noodles, Chinese chicken and beef with spinach. Beef with spinach or Saaggosht as I call it, suited my taste buds most.

The food was selected and prepared in such a way that if a person wanted dishes with no spices he/she could chose broccoli and cauliflower with creamy sauce and fried potato wedges plus salad etc. Desert of fruits with custard, cake and cookies came afterwards. Coffee with cream was ready all the time. Samosas with ketchup were served by waitress to each table earlier in the evening, about 6:00 p.m. The food was halal to the satisfaction of all guests.

At about 9:00 pm, first to be given was Premier Division Frank Faubert Trophy to Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club. The Arctic have won this trophy for three years in a row. The Club received biggest applause for their achievement. The trophy is named after former Scarborough Mayor late Frank Faubert who was a supporter of Cricket in Scarborough, Bisham said. The runner ups were Victoria Park Cricket Club who for the last two years and the distinction of reaching finals.

Here I must explain that the league is divided into three divisions, Premier being the top, followed by First and Second Division.

When a new team joins, it starts at Second Division level and gradually progresses upward depending upon the points and rank achieved during the season.

First Division: Richard Ramlall Trophy was won by T.P. Tigers Cricket Club with thunderous applause coming from their table. MVPs of winning and losing teams were also given trophies. Ubedur Rahman for T.P. Tiger and S.K. Ekangarajah of Kokovil ‘B’ got them.

Second Division: Winner EastWest ‘B’, their MVP Zafar Tagari. MVP for runner up was Umer Shakeel of Hawaiian Arctic ‘B’ C.C. After the Premier, First and Second divisions trophy awards were finished, distribution of Conference winners and Twenty/20 champions trophies started. Bisham Singh’s voice was getting hoarse. The announcements were made by Mohammed J. Ahmed Web Master/PRO , Eon Gunraj etc.

The list of recipients is long, folks. It’s not possible to write all the trophy names and

their winners’. But I will be doing injustice to a youngster Ahmed Ali, who excelled in bowling for Bilal C.C. His name is repeated 5 times in the souvenir programme. Another one to mention is Yahya Desai, taking 5 wickets for 7 runs for his team. Basir Lokhat totalled 376 runs, being the highest in Premier division batting. One can go to the website, namely Scarboroughcricketassocition (one word).com to get more details or try to get a copy of the Souvenir programme from a friend or organisers. Talking about organisers, Vish Jadunauth, Treasure made the guests feel welcomed when he left his food on the table to bring drinks for some guests.

He was particularly hospitable.

The highlight of the program was smile on the faces of youngster. There were 28 ‘Special Recognition to Junior Cricketers’. We saw 89 trophies and awards given out in one hours’ time. The program ended 10 p.m. but the floor was declared open for dancing.

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WI on edge of series loss after crushing defeat

KHULNA (TG)-- Erratic West Indies were left tottering on the brink of an embarrassing series loss after another abysmal performance saw them slump to a belittling 160-run defeat to Bangladesh in the second One-Day International.

If the Caribbean side were lacklustre in Friday’s opening loss, they slipped to the level of the indifferent here yesterday, allowing an energised Bangladesh to rattle up a challenging 292 for six and then keeling over for 132 off 31.1 overs without so much as a whimper.

The victory was Bangladesh’s largest ever in ODIs in terms of runs and another win in Wednesday’s third ODI in Dhaka will see them to their first ever series triumph over a top flight West Indies side.

Teenaged opener Anamul Haque was the architect of Bangladesh’s total, su-

perbly crafting 120, his maiden ODI century in only his second match in international cricket. Captain Mushfiqur Rahim stroked 79, sharing in a record 174-run third wicket stand with Anamul which set up the innings nicely for the final flourish.

The partnership was the highest for any wicket in ODIs against West Indies and the Tigers’ best ever against a Test playing nation. Fast bowler Ravi Rampaul’s five for 49 was not enough to contain the damage.

In reply, West Indies were rocked by seasoned left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak (3-19) and rookie off-spinner Sohag Gazi (321), to plunge to their lowest-ever ODI total against Bangladesh. Darren Bravo (28) and vice-captain Kieron Pollard (25) were the only batsmen to pass 20 and but failed to convert though they resisted.

Winning the toss proved just about

the only thing that went right for West Indies, as they claimed the dangerous duo of Tamim Iqbal (5) and Naeem Islam (6) cheaply, as Bangladesh slipped to 21 for two in the seventh over.

Anamul and Mushfiqur then came to the Tigers’ aid, mobilising the innings in an upbeat stand that required just 177 balls.

The right-handed Anamul struck 13 fours and two sixes off 145 balls while Mushfiqur cracked eight fours and a six in an innings lasting 87 balls.

Anamul started positively, flicking wayward seamer Andre Russell behind square for four to collect his first runs, before proceeding to expertly manipulate the Windies attack.

He reached fifty off 60 balls with a late cut for four off off-spinner Marlon Samuels and then kept his head down to reach three figures off 138 balls in the 47th over.

With his century behind him, he tore in Russell in the next over, carting him for two leg-side sixes and a four, in an over that cost 21 runs.

Rampaul removed Mushfiqur and Nasir Hossain (4) in successive overs as Bangladesh stumbled briefly at 201 for four at the end of the 39th over, but 91 run runs flowed from the last 11 overs to end the innings of a high.

Even when West Indies lost openers Lendl Simmons (9) and Chris Gayle (15) to be 32 for two in the eighth over, there still was no sign of the pending meltdown, as Bravo and Marlon Samuels carried on to reach 63 without further loss.

However, the last eight wickets tumbled for 69 runs off 104 balls, as West Indies staged one of their now famous capitulations.

Samuels made 16 off 21 balls before cutting at the fifth delivery of a new spell from Gazi and edging behind to Mushfiqur and in the next over with just two runs added, Dwayne Smith missed a defensive prod at a straight one from Razzak and departed without scoring.

The left-handed Bravo, who faced 41 balls and struck three fours, seemed most likely to hang around until he flirted with a wide one from Razzak and was taken behind on the third attempt. When Devon Thomas was bowled through the gate two balls later without scoring, West Indies were collapsing in a heap at 78 for six.

Pollard and captain Darren Sammy (12) managed to halt the clatter of wickets with a 22-run stand for the seventh wicket but restraint proved well beyond Sammy and he holed out to deep cover, attempting his second six off off-spinner Mahmudullah.

There was still hope, albeit slim, of a miraculous Windies victory with big-hitting Pollard and Russell (9) still at the wicket. This all but perished when the right-handed Pollard played back and down the wrong line and was bowled by off-spinner Naeem Islam at 111 for eight in the 28th over.

The end came swiftly for the Windies as Russell was run out attempting a quick single and one ball later in the next over, Sunil Narine tapped a catch to short cover off Gazi.

OVER 1 MILLION DRIVERS WORLDWIDE. AND COUNTING.

PROUD PARTNER OF THE BLACK BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION.

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12 Wednesday, December 5, 2012

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Pot: Caribbean smoked turkey soup

Chris De La Rosa Contributor Smoked and/or salted meats are a must for a good Caribbean soup, so when my eyes crossed paths with the smoked turkey legs when we were out shopping a few days back.. let’s just say we shared a connection.

Soups in the Caribbean are thick and hearty as most stews are in North America, so if this is your first time learning about how we make soups, don’t get alarmed. If you can’t source smoked turkey legs, you can certainly use necks or wings and if all fails, use any smoked meat you can source (ham bone, ham hocks..etc).

Ingredients 1 smoked turkey leg 2 potato 1 sweet potato 1lb dasheen 4 eddoes 1 scotch bonnet pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 pack Grace cock soup water (10-14 cups) 1 carrot 1 sweet corn fresh thyme (4 sprigs)

1 tablespoon fresh oregano 1 onion 4 cloves garlic 1 cup black eye peas 1 tablespoon veg oil 4 okra 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 scallions Optional – (flour dumplings) 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour pinch of sugar water Notes: Optional ingredients – yam, green banana, cassava.. etc. If you don’t have the Grace cock soup.. use a spicy noodle soup (Maggi) or chicken stock. You can add any greens you like (spinach, callaloo etc) or cabbage as well . And a nice addition would be some cubed pumpkin.

Chop the onion, garlic, scallions and herbs. Then heat the oil in a deep soup pot and add the chopped ingredients. Allow that to cook for 3-5 minutes on low heat. To soften the onion and create a wonderful flavor base.

Wash and drain the black eye peas (a good substitute would be yellow split peas) and add it to the pot along with the chopped carrot. Then add the smoked turkey leg and pour in the water, add the scotch bonnet pepper, salt and black pepper. Bring to a oil and reduce to a simmer.

Allow to to simmer away for 45- 60 minutes or until the peas are tender. In the meantime peel and prep the root vegetables.

Using a potato peel or sharp pairing knife, remove the skin off the dasheen, eddoes, potato, sweet potato and remove the stems off

the okra. Try to cut each in even sized pieces so they cook evenly. If you prepped this before it time to place it in the pot, remember to cover will cool water to prevent them from going discoloured. The corn is optional, but I like adding it. Cut each corn into 4-5 pieces and give a good rinse before adding to the pot.

After 50 minutes or so the peas should be tender and you should have a pot packed with flavour. Remove the smoked turkey leg and set aside to cool. Now gently add everything into the pot and bring to a boil, including the packet of ‘cock’ soup. If you find that the liquid does not cover the vegetables, add a bit more water.

Strip the pieces of meat off the bone and add back to the pot.. add back the bone as well for additional flavor.

Usually it takes between 25 – 35 minutes to cook after you’ve added the vegetables. You’re looking for a thick consis-

tency and the dasheen and other vegetables should be tender to the point where it starts to fall apart. Try not to over stir or you’ll end up with porridge.

Taste for salt and adjust accordingly. If you’re adding flour dumplings, do so the last 7 minutes so they have time to fully cook. Remember that as this soup cools it will thicken further, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin when it’s hot.

An absolute treat! This soup is loaded with goodness and don’t be surprised if you get a case of the sleepies after you’ve done damage on a bowl. Remember to fish the scotch bonnet pepper out of the pot and try your best not to burst it during cooking.. or you’ll release the dragon!

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 13

Exercises for neck pain

Geeta Maraj Contributor Most of us tend to suffer from neck pain and aches almost on a daily basis. While neck pain can be as a result of injury, stress more often is the resulting factor. Neck pain, can also be a sign of arthritis, a pinched nerve, an elevation in blood pressure, or general fatigue.

While it is important to understand the messages the body tries to send through neck pain, we should equally be aware that, lower back pain is often an accompanying indication of stress. It is beneficial, therefore, to try to understand and act upon these signs of the body as a way of preventing additional health complications.

In yoga, there are several exercises which help to alleviate neck pain. These exercises can help to reduce the tension which builds up in the neck, shoulders and lower back. Here are a few simple stretches which can make a difference in our level of discomfort. Always do these stretches very slowly, so as to enjoy the stretch, and not feel pain or discomfort during these exercises.

Spine Stretch: Sitting upright in a seated position, lengthen your spine by

stretching your torso upwards - as if you are trying to get the top of your head to touch the ceiling. This helps to elongate the neck. As you hold your spine in this elongated position, tilt your head forward as you try to get your chin to touch your neck. Ensure that only your head moves while doing this posture and not your shoulders or torso. Hold this position for as long as it is comfortable, while continuing to breathe slow and even breaths.

Always be aware of your breathing pattern as you do these exercises, and avoid holding your breath. This is important so as to allow oxygen to get to the muscles you are stretching. After this stretch, bring your head back to center position by staring straight ahead.

You may repeat this stretch as many times as you feel comfortable.

Neck Flexion: Keeping your spine elongated, as in the previous stretch, bring your chin toward your chest. Hold for a few seconds, while breathing slow even breaths.

Then look up toward the ceiling as is comfortable. Hold the position looking upward for a few seconds, before bringing your head back to center position, looking straight ahead.

Then, turn your head looking as far over your right shoulder as is possible. Hold this position for a few seconds. Then bring your head back to center position staring straight ahead.

Now turn your head as far left, looking over the left shoulder - hold the position for a few seconds, as you continue to breathe even, slow breaths. After which, slowly bring your head back to center position. You may repeat this flexion of the neck at least 3 to 5 times as is necessary.

Shoulder Drop: Sitting in an upright position, breathe in and lift your right shoulder to the right ear, hold your breath, and squeeze the shoulder, as much as possible, to the right side of your neck. Then drop your shoulder, as in a shrug, back to original position as you exhale. Now repeat this same stretch with the left shoulder.

Breathe in through your nostrils, and pull both shoulders up to your ears as you hold your breath. Squeeze your shoulders, as much as possible, onto both sides of your neck. Hold the squeeze for as long as you’re able to hold your breath. Exhale through your mouth with an outburst , as you drop your shoulders with a shrug back to its original position. Then breathe in through your nostrils and begin the exercise again. This can be repeated 5 to 10 times, as is necessary to destress the body and relax the face.

Neck Rotation/Head-Rolls: Sitting in an upright position, keep your eyes closed, and bring your chin to your chest.

Then begin to roll your head in a clockwise direction, as if you are trying to make a huge circle with your head. Breathe in as you begin to roll your head, for the first half of the circle, and breathe out as you conclude rolling your head the second half of the circle.

This head-roll should be done very slowly, so as not to create added strain to the neck. This exercise can be repeated up to five times in the clockwise direction, and then equally repeated in the counter-clockwise direction for the same number of times. Always begin the exercise by firstly placing your chin toward your chest in order to start the head-roll.

Strengthening The Neck Muscles: In order to build strength in the neck muscles, an isometric exercise is performed. This exercise involves the static contraction of a muscle without any visible movement. This can be performed as many times as is possible during the day.

Place both palms onto the forehead and press your head into your palms, while at the same time, try to push your head backwards with your palms - creating a resistance in the neck muscles. It is this resistance which causes the neck muscles to strengthen and release tension from this area.

Bringing your head back to upright position by staring straight ahead and keeping your chin parallel to the ground, place your right hand onto the right side of your head. Pretend you are trying to push your head toward the left, while at the same time your head is pushing back at your hand - trying to force your hand away. Hold this resistance for a few seconds before gently bringing your head back to center position and removing your hand from the side of your head. Repeat this exercise onto the opposite side by placing the left hand against the left side of your head and create a resistance by pushing the hand against the head while at the same time pushing your head against the left hand.

Remember to do these exercises slowly, paying attention to your breath and only to the capacity which your body allows.

When it is necessary, always consult your physician before starting any exercise routine.

14 Wednesday, December 5, 2012

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Holiday beverage calories

Monique Bartlett Contributor The holiday season is fast approaching so here is some food for thought. It’s interesting to note that most people will take a few seconds to check out a food label in the grocery store but yet, very few check the calorie content of their beverages. Why is that? Is the assumption that just because it’s liquid it can’t have that many calories?

The truth is juice and alcohol has more calories than most would assume.

If you’re looking to keep your waist line trim over this holiday season, I would suggest that you might want to just take a quick look at those labels. It’s important to remember that food and drink labels are done by portion size, not the actual amount that’s in the container, so beware! Many people have been fooled to believe that they’re not drinking and eating as much as they actually are.

Water is a good alternative for your weight management compared to sugared or alcoholic beverages, which may contain up to 160 calories and 40 grams of sugar per 12 ounce serving. Drinking water is a simple way to keep well-hydrated

and as a consequence help maintain concentration and alertness.

Take a water break. Busy days at work, home, or even running errands can keep you from meeting your food and fluid needs. A lack of water can leave you dehydrated. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy. Remember this, if you’re thirsty then it’s too late, you’re already dehydrated.

Make sure to stay hydrated while working out. Before you begin, drink 8 ounces of water, and then during your workout, drink about 4 to 6 ounces of wa-

ter (about 5 to 7 gulps) every 15 minutes.

Follow-up with another 8 ounces of water after your workout. Your body and your skin will thank you for it.

I’m sure there will be lots of parties and family parties over the next few weeks. Have a glass or two of water before you head out to your holiday festivities. It will fill you up and keep you from eating too many of the temptations that will be placed in front of you. Enjoy, indulge....a little, and remember to watch those hidden beverage calories.

Bacterial pneumonia can attack anyone, at any age

Trish Browning Contributor Bacterial pneumonia can occur on its own or develop after you’ve had a cold or the flu.

People at greatest risk for bacterial pneumonia include people recovering from surgery, people with respiratory diseases or

viral infections and people who have weakened immune systems.

If your body’s defenses are weakened—by illness, old age, malnutrition, or impaired immunity—the pneumonia bacteria, which can live in healthy throats, can multiply and work their way into the lungs.

The infection can quickly spread through the bloodstream and invade the entire body.

It’s common for people with bacterial pneumonia to feel very sick. Symptoms tend to come on suddenly. The most common symptoms are: 1) a cough with rust or green-coloured phlegm (mucus) 2) high fever (temperature often shoots up as

high as 41°C (105°F) 3) chills 4) teeth chattering 5) chest pain 6) fast breathing and heart beat 7) bluish lips and finger nails from lack of oxygen in the blood 8) feeling confused or strange 9)feeling very tired If you have a few of these symptoms don’t hesitate to see your doctor or head to the hospital, pneumonia is a serious condition but with early diagnosis and treatment its nothing that some antibiotics and correct medical attention cannot take care of.

and in some cases may begin at a young age. The stages can range from mild to advanced. The pro- gression is more rapid de- pending on one’s oral hy- giene, medical health and quality of bone. Periodontal disease, if left untreated will result in early loss of teeth.

Contributing factors include poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugary or starchy foods, clenching or grinding teeth at night and the use of some medications.

Because this disease is usually painless in its early stages, it is important to know the early signs. Very often the color to the gum at the base of the teeth becomes red and may bleed when brushing.

More severe symptoms are swollen gums, pus between the gums and teeth, loose teeth, changes in the position of teeth re-

sulting in pain when biting down, and bad breath. If you experience any of the above symptoms see your dentist.

You are responsible for your own periodontal health. To prevent or control this disease it is essential that you brush and floss correctly and often, scrutinize your mouth, and have regular dental checkups.

In our office we are proud of the excellent results we have received in the treatment of periodontal disease, orthodontics, implants and general dentistry.

By booking an appointment at our Brampton office you will have the benefit of my experience, dedication, mo- tivation and a considerate friendly team that puts your interests first.

Periodontal disease Dr. Matthew S Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Contributor Periodontal disease affects the majority of people over the age of 35 in different degrees of severity.

It is an inflammatory dis- ease that mainly starts in the gums and gradually spreads to the bone surrounding the teeth.

The early stage is called gingivitis

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 15

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Immigration matters: : Super Visa for parents & grandparents medical and travel costs below are some of the most cost effective medical insurance package for Super Visa applicants without health issues on August 11, 2012 available from Omotoso Alimni, Licenced Insurance Agent:

Marva Kollar Contributor Since your arrival in Canada, you have been separated from parents; homesick and saving to sponsor your Parent or Grandparent (the Parent) to reunite in Canada. Your Authorized Representative now advised that effect November 5, 2011, there has been a 2-year “temporary pause” on sponsorship of Parent, also referred to as Phase I Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification which plans to “increase the number of Parents accepted as permanent residents, from nearly 15,500 admissions in 2010 to 25,000 in 2012”. This will also facilitate faster processing for approximately 160,000 applications in backlog.

The Super Visa is second Action Plan. Essentially a temporary resident visa (visitors’ visa), and a new category of immigration, it is valid for 10 years, allows Parent to enter and remain in Canada for up to two years without applying for an extension and it has been said that the overall success rate is over 80 per cent. Super Visa anticipated processing time of eight weeks compared to waiting up to eight years for a Decision on Permanent Residence applications, is incredible!

Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents also called Host Families, ecstatic about the new immigration rules must first meet the criteria includes showing proof of relationship, financial security, and buying private Canadian medical insurance policy package to cover hospitalization, health care, and return home country. The insurance must be valid for a minimum of 1-year with a minimum coverage of Ca$100,000 before Host Families can qualify for the family reunion in Canada.

Some immigration critics now claim that the Super Visa is priced out of reach, carries a high rate of refusal for Host Families who are unable to meet the national average income level of over $45,000 for a family of four, prove family ties in Canada and still unable to sponsor their Parent for another 16 months. Excluding application,

Age Single Applicant Applicant & Spouse 55

$1,717

$,3434

60

$2,020

$4,040

65

$2,503 $5,006 To qualify for Super Visa, applicants must meet existing visa requirements as well as: •Undergo medical examination and be medically admissible to Canada; and •Show proof of Canadian medical insurance.

According to Statistics Canada, the top ten source countries obtaining Permanent Residence in Canada through parental sponsorship between 2005 – 2010 are: India, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Romania, Iran, Ukraine, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Israel and Haiti.

Currently in the third stage of the Action Plan is the national consultation to address new Parent sponsorship after the temporary pause. Many fear that the proposed adoption of Australia’s immigration “balance of family” test whereby a Parent would have “from half to the majority of their children living permanently in Canada” will eliminate future sponsorship of Parent for many Canadians.

While the medical insurance policy now protects Canadian healthcare system from an overwhelming demand of the aging foreign nationals, it is widely believed that this test may create hardship to intended sponsors whose majority siblings migrated to countries other than Canada. Intended sponsors can make a difference to the fourth and final stage of this Action Plan by contacting their Member of Parliament and get involved with the ongoing “multi-cities consultation”.

The real success of Super Visa will be known by virtue of Statistics Canada data, financial impact to labour force due to increase homesick absenteeism, cultural differences and changes in lifestyle. After all, your “little child” is all grown up and has found their own identity in Canada’s multicultural society.

How branding should boost your bottom line

JG Francoeur Contributor If you’re like me you want to impress prospects, land that dream account or dream client but your diploma, training and credentials are just not enough. Not to mention your prospects are overloaded with vendors who sell exactly or close to what you sell.

To just survive you must stand out from your peers and it’s branding that will allow you to rise above your peers but not branding like fortune 500 companies, branding for the small business entrepreneur.

Richard Branson said it best, “A brand is more than a name or a logo – it is a promise and a contract with every customer with whom you are dealing.”

A solid brand is important because if you put water, sugar and fizz in a can, its value is $0.10 but the minute you put CocaCola on the can, it’s now worth $1.25.

“The single most important decision in evaluating a business is pricing power. If you’ve got the power to raise prices without losing business to a competitor,

you’ve got a very good business. And if you have to have a prayer session before raising the price by 10 percent, then you’ve got a terrible business.” says Warren Buffet. If you employ solid branding techniques you can do the same with your business, raise your prices and boost your income!

To build a good brand you must focus on the 5 P’s of branding. Start by answering this questions and building your branding plan. First is purpose: When someone hears your name, what do you want them to think? Second is proposition: Your proposition is your core competency. You’ve got to know yourself to grow yourself!

Third is packaging: 55 percent of how people perceive you is visual and most small business owners look small, unprofessional and unreliable. You must convey an image that will inspire confidence for your prospects. Fourth are people: It’s simple but powerful, your net worth is equal to your network of people. Big brands are surrounded by other big brands and you can do the same if you employ a partnership model.

Fifth is perseverance: Many business owners think clients will fall from the sky. They try one venture or one marketing initiative and because it’s not successful they quit. You must never quit because your dream is important not only to you but to others who you will inspire along the way.

Winston Churchill said it best “Never, never, never, never give up!”

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - December 5th 2012 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): Plans, finances, negotiations, accords—so much is shaping up for you now. Over the next few days, the sun and Jupiter can deliver news, an answer, an offer, or a great score. A momentous visit, event, or exchange can be the “it” ticket. The weekend is ideal for exploring more, and for getting it up and off the ground.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21-May 21): You have more on the go and more going for you now, too. Making money or spending it, a full-to-thebrim weekend lies ahead. The gifts, tips, and opportunities can be substantial. Seize the moment while it’s working so well, but also make sure to play it smart. Cash in while you are still ahead of the game. .

Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): You’ll feel the fullest effects of the recent lunar eclipse if your birthday falls near the end of May. For all Geminis, especially those born in the first week of June, Jupiter thrusts life onto a marathon run through this next week.

Shop, sell, connect, work it out, shine on— through the middle of next week, you’ll gain excellent mileage.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21-July 20): Has health, work, or some other escalation blindsided you this week? Whether it’s happening around you or inside you, you are likely to say it’s been too much to cope with all at once. By Friday/Saturday, the revitalizing moon in Cancer shifts you back into your power groove. Through next Thursday, the stars help you to optimize the moment.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): Your inbox can be flooded through the weekend.

You’ll use up more minutes or clock more miles now too.

Tomorrow’s plans and prospects keep today’s show running on full-to-overflow.

The sun and Jupiter fuel hopefulness for what’s around the corner. Expect an eventful go of it through the middle of next week. You can get a leg up on more than one front.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23Nov. 21): Switch it up, try a new angle, negotiate more, or keep an open-ended dialogue going. Through the weekend, there’s more to explore and farther to go.

Friday and Saturday offer an ideal time to get back in touch, cozy up, and/or indulge more. Sunday/Monday can deliver your best rewards and results. Tuesday through Thursday, clean up the rest.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): Did last month’s Mercury retrograde or the recent eclipses derail or unhinge your full-steamahead momentum? From here on, you’ll find that you can get back on track, up to speed, and then some. This is especially so Sunday through Tuesday. You can be blessed by a stroke of luck and an intuitive sense of the right time and place.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): There’s more scrambling and scouting to do, or more to discuss or contend with now. Focus on the step ahead as best you can, but don’t push, and don’t worry about how and when. Instead, take your cue from the natural flow.

Sunday through Thursday, you can work it out or wrap it up with relative ease.

Leo Horoscope (July 21Aug. 22): Expect this next week to keep fully loaded on the activity, pleasure, and productivity dials. You’ll get the maximum out of events, entertainment, and social exchanges. Partake, enjoy, play it for all its worth. Go, get, scout, and network while the stars set a more bountiful table. Sunday through Tuesday, the Leo moon loans you the Midas touch. Synchronicity is at an optimum.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): You’ve got it going on big time and you’ll keep it going strong over this next week. Thursday, Sunday, and Monday are optimum for socializing, pleasure-seeking, the creative flow, and wheeling and dealing. Looking for more attention? You are sure to get it. Socialize, discuss it, pitch it, play it up, and/or put it out on show.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): The recent lunar eclipse and Sunday’s sun-Jupiter opposition can keep the clock ticking down and the pressure piled on thick through the weekend. Even though the list is a stretch, you are likely to find you can get more than the usual handled. Multitasking or -purposing does this trick best. Double up and you’ll shorten the distance to the goal.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Thursday can keep you swamped with extras and sidetracks, but

by Friday, you should feel pleased to see you are gaining a good handle on it all. Cozy up, entertain this weekend, or sit back and enjoy the show. The weekend should keep a good buzz going strong. Next week’s efforts can prove especially lucrative.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Organisation of your Social Media channels All business, whatever its size, needs to be active in social media. In this third blog post in the series for small business owners (see the others listed at the bottom), I’m looking at who should be responsible for which element of your social media marketing drive.

It’s best to have an ‘owner’ of each channel who can ensure consistency, quality control, manage administration, reporting, planning, and strategy. For example, you may have a pool of regular contributors to your blog, but one blog editor who manages the editorial calendar (yes, you need one of those), checks posts for quality, helps with technical issues, oversees comments and comment moderation, looks after blogger outreach, syndications and so forth. This way, everyone knows to whom they should turn for what. Sounds obvious, but if you haven’t clearly allocated responsibilities, due diligence may well not happen (as the BBC Newsnight have just found out).

To avoid the headless chicken syndrome, have a ‘social media manager’ role, which is able to oversee ALL social media channels and take responsibility for the social media efforts of the company.

Ideally this role will have access to company strategy, control over budget, be aware of client and partner relationships and have an eye to the big picture. Bear in mind that in a really small organisation it may well

be that the best structure is one full time social media manager who ‘owns’ all channels, with other staff as contributors.

If the channels are organised so that they are in fact allocated each to a different person, it is hugely important that you hold regular frequent planning sessions with all channel owners to talk about your editorial calendar, tone of voice, results and social network relationships. As you’ll probably already have found, learning best practice, experimenting with tools, content types, reporting, is time-consuming. Each channel manager needs to specialise in their own channel, but share knowledge where it can benefit the others.

Ensure consistency in how you represent your organisation (the copy, tone and images) between the channels and your website/blog and be sure to cross-pollinate the channels with links and ‘follow’ buttons.

Despite this though, be aware of the differences between the channels in terms of audience/style/tone/frequency and subject matter. One size (contentwise) does not fit all. What makes a good Facebook update, or response, wouldn’t necessarily work on Twitter or LinkedIn. Try not to duplicate content between your Facebook and your Google+ pages: it’s not good for SEO and you may well find that your audiences are rather different.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 17

Five tips to marketing success on small business

Ever increasingly your customers, everyone’s customers are spending more and more of their time online, and on the mobile net. As has always been the case, the job of every marketer is to reach into the places where potential customers are, in particular towards local. In a digital world where “local” means Facebook, Twitter, g+ and others, communities of potential buyers now hover around content and digital communities.

Soon mobile will mirror and integrate for a new kind of marketing synergy.

Here are some figures and facts that may help you get up to speed on the next phases of small business success. (even large business for the matter) 1. Your potential customers are spending more and more of their time online.

According to Social Media Today, consumers spend 22% of their time on social networking sites, 21% searching, 20% reading content, 19% emailing, 13% viewing entertainment, and 5% shopping. Tailor your marketing campaigns for Small Business Saturday accordingly.

2. People are searching for local businesses just like yours. Build a search

friendly Web presence to capture more consumers searching online. Eighty five percent search for local businesses online, yet 63% of small businesses don’t have a website and 25% don’t show up in search results.

3. Local businesses know that social media is an extremely valuable tool.

Eighty six percent of small businesses consider Facebook valuable, 75% think the same about YouTube, and 60% for Twitter. Claim and publish content to your social pages to take your business to the next level.

4. People are using smartphones to make buying decisions while on the go.

Create a mobile friendly presence to beat the competition to the finish line. Sixty six percent of smartphone users make purchasing decisions on mobile, 38% do so at the store, and 44% while in the aisle where the product is sold.

5. Spending on online advertising is growing. eMarketer projects $19.5 billion will be spent on search, $15 billion on display, $4.2 billion on mobile, and $4.8 billion on social. Don’t leave your marketing to chance: invest in multiple marketing tactics to collect more customers online.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The apple doesn’t fall far from 407ETR’s tree

Tammy Flores Contributor Everyone knows the saying... “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. SNC Lavlin’s former CEO, Pierre Duhaime, stepped down in March of this year after being embroiled in a scandal over $56 million in payments that were missing. Since then, we have heard a lot of chatter about organized crime in Quebec and how politicians from all levels were stepping down in the midst of the controversy. Pierre Duhaime has formerly been arrested for fraud, this month. SNC Lavlin is part of the consortium of owner’s in 407ETR. June 6th, 2012 I wrote about how on May 24th, 2012, Premier Dalton McGuinty made the official announcement that the same SNC Lavalin consortium that owns 407ETR had been awarded not just the build/design of the highway’s extension, but also the operations/ maintenance of it for 30 years. Premier McGuinty lent his reputation to SNC Lavalin by making the announcement for “the people’s highway” from their maintenance yard. I showed up to hear the announcement and was escorted off the property by Kevin Sack, spokesperson for 407ETR. He said it was private property

and the public was not invited. So SNC Lavalin operates from 407ETR offices? Very interesting don’t you think considering it was reported in September of 2011 that SNC Lavalin’s offices were raided close to Toronto. I wondered if those offices were at 6300 Steeles so I phoned the RCMP & the Securities Commission to find out and they could not speak about the case.

September 18th, 2012 “The Canadian Press” reported about how Premier M c Guinty didn’t want to hear about organized crime through the media.

If it was real he wanted proof, but then he stepped down from office in the midst of controversy and so did others despite the fact there was a “Minority Government”. What is going on in the Province of Ontario?

I have been working really hard at reigning in 407ETR for their shady business practices. All I hear from the Province is that they tried and failed, however, as I con-

tinue to push, I realize that what the Province claims was “trying” was actually an illegal way forward. As you read in previous articles, there is in fact a lawful way forward to reign in 407ETR, even diverting $1 billion back into the economy. Now the question becomes “why isn’t the Province pursuing this”?

Perhaps it’s because you have Liberals like David Mac Naughton that decided in 2009 he would lobby on behalf of 407ETR. The Province didn’t fix the Customer Service issues or the spiraling toll rates, but decided to take an attitude of “if you can’t beat them, join them”. I think this has crossed a line.

David Mac Naughton wasn’t just an “employee” of the Liberal government. His relationship with this party has much closer ties in that he chaired Premier David Peterson’s successful 1987 election campaign and was a senior advisor to the Leader in the 2003 provincial election, which resulted in the successful election of Dalton McGuinty as Premier of Ontario.

From October 2003 until joining Strategy-

Corp, Mr. MacNaughton served as Principal Secretary to the Premier of Ontario. In that role he focused on bringing private sector principles of sound business management to the Ontario government. His responsibilities as Principal Secretary included a particular emphasis on energy, budget, asset management, and private financing initiatives. I’ve yet to find out the date Mr. Mac Naughton started at Strategy Corp., but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was close to the date he started to lobby on behalf of 407ETR. I have asked the Securities Commission to investigate 407ETR, however, because they are “private” and don’t report, the Securities Commissions doesn’t cover them. Like I said, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. SNC Lavalin’s influence is throughout 407ETR’s operations. I asked the Liberal’s Press Secretary to stop ignoring 407ETR issues because I’ve yet to get an answer from them about what they did for us victims of 407ETR’s shady business practices prior to awarding the extension to the 407ETR consortium. The Liberal Press Secretary’s answer was that they were not ignoring the issues, but that they were expanding to improve gridlock. I then asked how when 407ETR’s goal is not to optimize trips rather to generate ever increasing EBITDA to enrich owners how does that improve gridlock? Not surprising there was no response.

Then I couldn’t help but ask how it felt to expand with a bunch of crooks. Their response was for me to take my concerns to the police.

That’s my next step.

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