Trans Guyana Plane Crash 012914

CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & MORE E ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM BBEAN.COM BBEAN COM • TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE: 647 647-722-6298 722 6298 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 25 • WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH 2014

TRANS GUYANA

PLANE CRASH Canadian pilot dies in crash GUYANA -- Captain Blake Slater and aircraft loader Dwayne Jacobs both of Trans Guyana Airways sadly lost their lives when a Cessna Caravan piloted

by Slater crashed in Guyana’s Mazaruni Jungle Saturday morning. The 13-seater plane went down while delivering mining supplies between Olive Creek and Imbaimidai.

Twenty five year old Captain Blake Slater had an undeniable passion for aviation and was a part of the Trans Guyana Airways family for nearly three years. Born and raised right here in Canada, Slater attended the Univer-

sity of Western Ontario and then went on to pursue his aviation passion in London, Ontario at the Diamond Flight Centre.

Pilot Davendra Singh, friend of Slater’s will forever remember him as a great friend who always sported a smile and had a great love for flying and was truly a hero flying through the rugged terrain of Guyana.

Also aboard the aircraft was 28 year old cargo loader Dwayne Jacobs, a loyal and dedicated employee of Trans Guyana Airways for the past 10 years. Jacobs entered the company

EMILY SINGH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

as a handyman and worked his way up to become a cargo loader.

As Sir Walter Raleigh once said “The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul.” This could not be truer for Captain Blake Slater who put his heart and soul into every flight.

Our deepest condolences go out to Trans Guyana Airways and especially the friends and family of these two men during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with both the Jacob and Slater families.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

JOBS – Donʼt judge me! Try me! For 2014 Ebony Narpatty TC Reporter

Alana,

22, Guyanese, is currently studying criminal justice.

When she’s not in school, Alana is more than busy focusing her efforts in the Athletic Centre, volunteering at the aboriginal Youth Centre, and working in a mentoring program.

Though she is extremely busy, Alana believes that it is important to spend time with family. “Our best qualities are bound in our families” Photo Courtesy: www.UniGirlCanada.com

Don’t Judge a book by its cover. An old sensible adage indeed! The cover of a book might be ugly or boring looking but it is the interesting story that unfolds itself that counts.

Just like people, some are black, white, brown, yellow, red, freckled, ugly, beautiful, handsome, hairy, bald, straight haired, curly haired and any other types you can think of. Yes in Canada Toronto here we live in a multi-cultural society and expect our respect in return. Employers have to remember to stay neutral and accept people of all walks of life when the public comes towards them for a job offer. The way someone looks or expresses themselves should not stop someone from accessing the employment market. So next time my dear employer, when you see someone as colourful and down to earth like “Boy George” or someone with dreadlocks, tattoos or piercings, it shouldn’t bother you because that is someone’s human rights, freedom of expression and the way they can express themselves artistically. In this article, my fellow new readers, I will be focusing on the local issue: employment and employers, so sit back and relax as I take you down the path of getting that great job opportunity you want!

The New Year is here! Cheers 2014! After all the sporting events of the grand Christmas family feast and New Year’s drinks with friends I hope you are all sobered up and ready to tackle this marvellous New Year

ahead of us. Yes it is time now to make that New Year’s resolution of taking up the challenge of going out there bravely and competing with others to achieve your dream goal of the magnificent job offer you have been waiting for. First things first, we have to create a job hunting schedule. Yes job hunting can take a few hours to complete every day so we must know where and how we can fit it in in our everyday lives. I know we have our daily routine chores and errands to run but job search should be a priority and number one when you want to make a great change in your life which will be rewarding one sweet day. Job hunting can be done on the road, store – to – store just passing by and asking customer service “Are you hiring?

When? For how long?” It can even be asked when you are in a store purchasing an item.

It doesn’t hurt to ask, it may be a door to your dreams. It is also very important to walk with a lot of resumes’ in a folder that you can distribute. Most places you may come across will tell you that they are not hiring on the spot that you will have to send your resume’ online. This you can get a lot of help with if you need help with your job search. You can join a youth resource centre where you can get access on how to set up your resume’ in an attractive way that you can be called for an interview even gain employment. You have to know what your main objective is and throw out all your skills, experiences and qualifications on the resume’ so that the employer will be amazed and would want you to fit their position. After continuous updating your resume to tailor-fit positions online you will find you are getting better at the process of seeking employment. I know it sounds strange and it’s a lot of work but you will end up loving it.

Continued On Page 11

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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She speaks and teaches from her personal and professional experience.

Every woman who is overweight, exhausted and stuck on the diet treadmill can relate to Monique. Her ideas are practical strategies that make you believe in yourself. Through the use of activities, exercises, and personal examples, Monique proves that you knew how to do it all along; you just needed some help to realize it.

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Within the pages of this book you will learn: • How to Create a Positive Mindset • How to Set Achievable SMART Goals • Why Portion Size Does Matter • How to Lose Stubborn Belly Fat • The Benefits of Hypnosis and Weight Loss • The Solution to Reach Your Ideal Weight To learn more about Monique go to: www. moniquebartlett.com

Correction Notice for “Haiti Help One Person Can Make a Difference” published in the January 14th edition Some facts was misinterpreted in the finished article and we would like to ensure that the public is not misinformed.

Allison Harvey said that she chose to work in Haiti because of the lack of opportunities that exist there.

She did not say that Trinidad could not use assistance as well. She was simply making a reference that in the Caribbean education is free for most but in Haiti there is a fee attached in order for the children to attend school. In Haiti 50% of the population is under the age of 18, and 73% of the population is illiterate resulting in the need to encourage and foster education.

Allison Harvey started off by herself with the work that she does in Haiti. There was no group involved! She operated under “10,000 Toys for Haiti”.

As the years passed she added school supplies and clothing.

Allison currently sponsors two boys from an orphanage (that has 68 children) enabling them to be able to go to school and is working on finding other people who would like to help, so that

the other children may be sponsored and have the opportunity to attend school.

She does not oversee or run eight orphanages. She contributes to them providing toys, clothing and food that is donated by those who want to help.

Allison Harvey will not discourage anyone from going to Haiti, but in fact encourages people to visit and learn more about Haiti and the situation there. But for those who cannot make the trip and would like to help there are other options available. Contributions or sponsorships to assist children with the school fees are always welcome.

Allison Harvey was never attacked while in Haiti nor does she have an office in Haiti. For more information you can reach Allison @ 647-713-3622.

If you would like to learn more about Haiti, watch for her upcoming event “Destination Haiti” in August, where she will showcase the culture, cuisine, art, music etc. of Haiti giving the people who can’t get to Haiti the opportunity to come out and learn about the country.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Popular designer gunned down, execution style GUYANA -- Popular fashion designer, Trevor Rose was shot dead early Saturday morning in the vicinity of Eccles, EBD whilst making his way home in a taxi.Taxi driver, Trevor Nieuenkirk and the designer’s female partner, Latoya Towler, with whom he reportedly has a child, were also injured in the incident.

The 32-year-old’s shooting death is being regarded as an execution.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that when PMM 8113, the white Toyota 212 in which Rose and Towler were travelling stopped at the traffic light at the entrance to Eccles, a heavily tinted vehicle pulled up alongside it.

Still unclear, reports suggest that during a heated exchange between the driver of Rose’s taxi and the occupants of the other vehicle, someone exited the latter and opened fire on the former, hitting the designer in the upper body and neck, Towler in the buttocks, and the driver in the shoulder.

The deed being accomplished, the dark-tinted vehicle and its occupants then fled the scene, leaving the injured taxi driver to seek medical attention for himself and passengers at

the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

Rose was pronounced dead on arrival, while Towler and the driver were treated for their injuries and questioned by the police.

According to release issued by the police Saturday, they were able to recover a 9mm pistol with 19 matching rounds at the scene of the shooting. It was not clear, however, whether the firearm at reference was the one used to kill Rose, or whether it belonged to any of the other occupants of the car in which the assailant, said to be the driver of the vehicle, was travelling.

It is also unclear whether Rose had any issue with anyone prior to his demise, to the extent that they would want to do him harm.

Some time ago, Rose made the headlines when he was robbed of a large sum of money which was supposed to be used to design costumes and a float for Mashramani that year.

Rose had been married to fashion icon, Michelle Cole, another top Guyanese designer with whom he had three to four children. The couple had gone on to form the company, Facts and Roses, now defunct. (Guyana Chronicle)

T&T in top ten for homicides per capita TRINIDAD -T&T continues to rank in the top ten for homicides per capita around the world. This is according to a source at the United Nations Information Service. The United Nations Information Service has produced reports with statistics on homicides in 207 countries. The categories are: Homicides by most Populous City; by Firearms; by Sex; and Total Homicides in 2013, and is recorded per 100,000 citizens.

Calculations by the Sunday Guardian showed that between 2004 and 2009, for every 100,000 people in Port-of-Spain, an average of 112 were killed. Further calculations under Total Homicides in 2013 show an alarming average of 330 homicides for every 100,000 people in the country. T&T, meanwhile, ranks consistently among the top ten, with death by firearms emerging as the primary cause, at an average rate of 305 homicides for every 100,000 people between 2004 and 2009.

The reports are compiled from statistics provided by several official sources, including the Organisation of American States

(OAS), and then sent to the UN. How many guns are there?

According to criminologist Renee Cummings, “A major part of the crime problem is the illicit guns that find their way into the hands of criminally involved youth who seem fascinated with violence. Too many young men are involved in gun violence as perpetrators and victim.” Indeed, the UN Report on Homicide by sex shows a large disparity between males and females in which the numbers are consistently and alarmingly high for males more than females.

Cummings urged the Government to show the country it had the “political courage “to dismantle and disrupt the illicit gun market by focusing on acquiring information on the number of illegal firearms circulating in the country.” She said this would lead to information for formulation of a desperately needed focussed prevention and intervention strategy to get guns off the streets.(Trinidad Guardian)

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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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Stop sunning the babies! Paediatrician warns against old wives remedy for jaundice JAMAICA -- Head of the Special Care Nursery at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Professor Minerva Thame, is urging parents and caregivers in the habit of exposing their babies to direct sunlight as a means of curing jaundice, to stop.

The consultant paediatrician said that not only is direct sunlight ineffective but overexposure to it is potentially harmful to infants.

“This thing about sunning the baby, I am on a campaign to stop it. It is rubbish!” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“If the baby is ill and jaundiced it needs to be treated in hospital, not (by) sunning. Sometimes they come to us and by the time they come to us these levels are extremely high,” she said in reference to bilirubin — the brownish yellow substance produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells, leading to excessive yellowing of the skin and eyes.

In newborns, jaundice is primarily caused by blood incompatibility between the mother and the child. The symptom is yellowing of the eyes and skin.

“Jaundice of the newborn is usually caused when the red cell of the baby and the red cell of the mommy fight each other, breaks up the red cells of the baby, and the liver, which is immature, can’t deal with the load so the baby presents with jaundice,” Dr Thame explained.

Proper treatment is administered by photo- therapy lamps which project concentrated blue light onto the infant who lies

naked with eyes and genitalia are covered.

In extreme cases, an exchange transfusion becomes necessary in order to bring the bilirubin level down.

“If we don’t get that level down we run the risk of damaging the baby’s brain and that’s why it’s so important to pick it up early and treat it appropriately. “(With sunning) there is a false sense that you are treating the baby when you are really not because the wavelengths that we use is 460 nanometers, that is blue light. The light from the sun has all the rays in the rainbow spectrum so the very little blue light that is coming through is so small that it won’t do what needs to be done,” she explained.

Depending on the severity of their illness and their level of prematurity, the babies’ average length of admission at the special-care nursery ranges from three days

to six or seven weeks.

“Jaundice is extremely common within our population in the nursery,” said Thame, explaining that in addition to the blood incompatibility between mothers and their babies, infections and large birth weights particularly in diabetic mothers and the attendant bruising during the birthing process, are also factors which give rise to jaundice.

“Infections, which are very common in the nursery, lead to jaundice. If you have an infection, the infection breaks up the red cells and the same thing happens (with respect to the immature liver being unable to handle the load).

Other cases which the special care nursery sees often are infants of diabetic mothers and prematurity. In reference to the latter, Thame said, “that’s the group that we need to target and do much better with”.

She was referencing a previous interview with the Observer in which she pointed to a chronic shortage of life-saving equipment particularly for babies born before the full term of between 38 and 40 weeks.

In the article ‘Needs are many at UHWI’s Special Care Nursery’ in last Thursday’s Observer, the consultant paediatrician listed eight incubators, six ventilators, six vital sign monitors, eight photo therapy lamps, four radiant warmers and six infusion pumps as immediate needs for the facility. A bilirubinometer to assess infants with jaundice and a sterile area to prepare nutrition for premature babies were longer-term goals, she said.

“I have been in situations where I have had three babies and one ventilator,” she said, quickly batting away the tears that had welled up in her eyes. “I’m not God. I don’t want to make that decision. That’s too hard for me.”

Over the last seven years, the neonatal mortality rate at the facility has averaged 21 per 1,000 live births.

The UHWI nursery is one of three organisations that were selected to benefit from the Sigma 5K event set for February 16 this year. The others are the Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation and the Sickle Cell Unit at UHWI in conjunction with the Sickle Cell Trust in Mandeville. Organisers expect to rake in $17 million from the event. (Jamaica Observer)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Kamla on US cocaine bust: We had a hand TRINIDAD -- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says this country was able to make the $644 million cocaine bust with the help of allies. The drugs left T&T in juice cans seized in Norfolk, Virginia, last month.

Persad-Bissessar, who spoke on the issue when she arrived at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa) in Portof-Spain, for the launch of a National Week of Prayer, yesterday, said she was “fortified” when SM Jaleel was able to show the cans were counterfeit. SM Jaleel pointed out that the shade of green on the labels of the cans in which the cocaine was shipped was different to their cans. The prime minister declined comment on the actual investigation of the cocaine bust.

“The matter is under investigation and very sensitive and it would be inappropriate to comment,” she said, although she said that every nation would have issues with narco-trafficking. She said her government is working with Customs and Excise and the relevant ministries to deal with the scourge of illegal drugs in the country.

She said the installation of two port scanners, purchased through grant funding at a cost of $25 million each, has begun. The scanners arrived in T&T on December 26, 2013. Two others are expected to arrive in June. Persad-Bissessar referred to an article in the Sunday Guardian which stated that the Mexican drug cartel’s strategy was to use the Caribbean to move drugs, not only to West

Africa and Europe, but also to the eastern seaboard of the US and Canada.

“It has been known for a long time this country is a trans-shipment point for drugs,” Persad-Bissessar said.

University of the West Indies (UWI) criminology lecturer Daurius Figueira said the cocaine bust suggests that T&T has been infiltrated by the Mexican drug cartel. He said: “That shipment has all the hallmarks of a Mexican drug cartel operation. Its fingerprints are all over it. That is the wake-up call for T&T. The Mexican cartels have already infiltrated the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Eastern Caribbean, Belize, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos islands, US Virgin Islands. It’s T&T’s time now, and Jamaica’s turn is next.”

Persad-Bissessar said she supported National Security Minister Gary Griffith’s gag order on the matter until the situation is locked down. “With such sensitive matters, information should be released only on a need-to-know basis. I think it (the gag order) is a good strategy,” Persad-Bissessar said.

Griffith said investigations into the bust are ongoing and said he had informed all investigators, local and abroad, that information was to be released only on a need-to-know basis. He said not even Government ministers need to know.

Griffith said local intelligence is working closely with the US Drug Enforcement Administration on the matter. Persad-

Bissessar, who will attend the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States tomorrow, said she plans to raise the issues of narcotrafficking trade and regional security at that meeting.

Last month, US Customs and Border Protection officers discovered the 732 pounds of cocaine concealed in cans of fruit juice in a 20-foot container during an inspection. The shipment was destined for New York. (Trinidad Guardian)

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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10 Wednesday, January 29, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Facebook post brings many closer to centenarian JAMAICA -- Several people converged at the home of Mable Elizabeth Brown recently, following a Facebook post that the woman was living in a deplorable condition.

They all turned up to see for themselves where the 104-year-old woman lived.

Others turned up to discredit claims that the elderly woman was not being cared for.

Whatever the reasons were for being at Brown’s humble abode, most persons left smiling after they met and interacted with the centenarian.

Mable Brown was also happy to have company and was not shy to be her usual comedic self.

“A how so much man a come look for me?” a jovial Brown asked.

The woman who still has a sharp memory at 104, took the time to find out who she knew or their families.

Member of Parliament Dr Dayton Campbell was among those who visited the woman, known to many as “Aunt May”.

When asked her age, her answer was always the same. Brown gave her date of birth, March 3, 1909, and told persons to “work it out”.

According to Brown, she was born in Bamboo, St Ann but as a young child after the death of her mother, she was sent to live with a woman in Lincoln, about 10 miles out of Claremont.

She returned to her hometown as an adult. Brown, who lives alone, said that she is still able to prepare her meals.

“While mi have what to cook, me cook,” the elderly woman stated.

She was however quick to point out that one of her favourites is Ramen noodles.

Brown, who said she sometimes feels pain, told visitors that she was feeling well.

“Mi no feel sick. Mi a tell you the truth. Sometimes mi feel really bad. But right now mi no really feel sick,” she said.

Dr Campbell, with the assistance of a nurse, carried out a physical examination of the woman, which included checking her blood sugar and blood pressure.

Brown, who does not have any biological children as her son died as a baby, told the Jamaica Observer that she took care of several children.

“Mi raise about 15 a dem,” she said.

She however explained that only one maintained a close relationship with her.

Brown said that she is often assisted by community members. She however admitted to hungry days. The centenarian said that she sometimes goes to the shop to get her items. One shop operator that she said always gave her the items free of cost even if she turned up with money.

Brown said that she is always happy to have visitors around.

“It show that is not me alone; there is somebody who remember you,” she stated.

Brown, a strong believer in God, thinks that once she puts her trust in Him, He will take care of her.

“I put my trust in the Lord and He will take care of me,” she added.

The elderly woman believes that it

is God’s love which has kept her alive at 104.

Her faith in God, she explained, helped her to overcome many obstacles in life.

Although over 100, Brown still had words of advice for the young. “The greatest advice that I have to tell the young people is try to lean upon Jesus, the solid rock, and he will carry you through”.

“Sometimes you fall down but still lean upon the rock and He will carry you through,” she went on.

The elderly woman, who attended another denomination before becoming a Baptist, pointed out that she did so because of the distance she was from her church.

Based on that experience, Brown also had an advice for Christians, which she received in her younger years.

“It is one God and a no 10 God; we have different denominations but a one God,” she said.

Married twice, although both husbands have died, Brown said it is her hope to die peacefully without suffering.

“Mi come easy and nice and him (God) a take me back easy and nice,” she said.

“Mi still feel good but mi a beg the Lord no make mi punish ... take me home before. Mi married twice and the two husband dead. Mi raise one whole heap a pickney and one remember me,” she commented.

In the meantime, Dr Campbell said that he came to Brown’s house after a post was made to his Facebook page during the week. Dr Campbell said that prior to his visit, he had asked several agencies in the par-

ish to assess Brown’s situation.

“The persons from the Poor Relief will provide continuous monitoring,” he revealed.

He added that Brown was still able to take care of herself and has stated firmly that she does not wish to be placed in an infirmary.

Dr Campbell, however, had a concern about Brown’s blood pressure which was a bit high. He said that it would have to be monitored, as she was not having any symptoms of high blood pressure and it could have been as a result of the excitement from having so many visitors at her house.

Brown was given a mattress, stove, food items and other necessities during the visit.

The woman’s home was reportedly refurbished last year by the Bamboo Youth Club, which also hosted a birthday party for her in 2013.

Dr Campbell commended the group and others who have been assisting Brown.

Vernice Lynch, coordinator of the National Council For Senior Citizens St Ann group, said that through volunteers of the organisation and collaboration with other community groups, it will be ensured that Brown is assisted.

“As far as she is concerned, care and protection is most important for her, so we are going to be working out the logistics with the other agencies so that somebody can be here every day to see to her daily routine,” Lynch said. (Jamaica Observer)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Try me for 2014!

Continued For Page 2 -- The Employer and the Interview. The most thrilling ride of your life and evil step of all! Please employers, try to bear up with the people you are calling in for the job offer, they may be not having a great day, feeling weak, not ready to be pressured with lawyer questions, or to be picked on just because you don’t like them. Give the individual a chance to sparkle by just trying them out on the spot. The person might not be great at interviews like expressing themselves or being put in a spot to handle endless questions where they can become stressed, tense, edgy, suffer from an anxiety attack, get worried, get nervous and start trembling or stammering but when put to the ultimate test they shine out from the rest. I believe a person’s effort defines a worker who he or she certainly is. At the end of the day you just have to have the skills and capabilities of conducting the work with your past experience and knowledge in this field; why should it matter if you are not fair and pretty and that you wear glasses and are considered “fat” instead? Why do people look at our nationalities when to offer us a job opportunity? Why does the employer have to like you, they have to like the work that you can do. Why should we be judged on our ethnicity, gender or looks? Why are you trying to scrutinise me when I am sure in your time you had it easy to gain your employment? Dear employer, just give the person an opportunity to show you how they can be an asset towards your organisation.

Sometimes the person you liked the best does not possess any of the qualities written on their resume but you just like them because they may be beautiful or handsome which doesn’t make any sense at the end of the day because remember your main objective is to get someone to fit and fill the position. As for advice for people going for a rollercoaster ride of an interview, be prepared, be confident, believe in yourself and just answer your questions briefly, don’t over elaborate, don’t be a know it all.

I would like to dare to share some of my past experiences in the job hunting area. Yes I was 6 months without a job. I was devastated at times thinking when am I going to find this wonderful job I have been longing for. I applied to many job objectives.

One should have themselves open towards various kinds of employment. In total I had eight resumes’. It is good to be open and selfmotivated ready to take on new challenges. I kept on updating my resume’s and felt good about myself that I am this conquering lion

and no one will stop me in achieving my aspiration. Yes I was in full throttle ready to attack an accomplishment of a desire I had in my heart, winning the job. Believing in myself was the key to success. At times I was so depressed and even sobbed for hours thinking when I was going to get the job I was waiting for. I was ready to take anything.

I even went to a crummy food chain and they refused me saying I am too qualified for them and why would I want to work for them. I did many mock interviews with the three employment centres I had been working with, updating my resume to improvise it all the time, getting called for jobs but wasn’t being hired. Running all the time behind job interviews constantly one after another in a week can be a tiresome triumph to encounter indeed but I was never giving up. I saw every rejection as a building block towards success, developing my skills and learning from my mistakes every day. It was a hard process though I must admit being disheartened from running around everywhere and not getting nowhere. Also it affects someone emotionally and mentally each time you cut them open with the swords that strike out of your mouth i.e. your nasty sarcastic remarks on how you think they are not fit for your position. I asked myself at times, “Is something wrong with me?” But no, nothing wasn’t wrong with me. At the end of the day my fellow friends, It is up to the employer if they like you, they will hire you. You have to make some effort too in winning the job offer so I can say it is a two way street. About a week now I have been hired with a new job as an “Impulse Product Promotions Coordinator” at a large scale business in Canada here. I am glad to know that my 6 months of hard work finally paid off. I finally got a job that I had knowledge and experience about and something I found interesting and loved doing and learning more about it. A quick advice tip here: Remember to stay positive, happy and vibrant and smile all the time for progress!

From an economic perspective, I would now like to look at the creation of employment in Canada. Over the past year we have expanded in American based stores such as retail clothing stores, financial banking and insurance businesses, hotels and restaurants, electronics, coffee shops and many other kinds of forms of businesses. Why isn’t Canada creating jobs and expanding their own companies? Does this have to do with capitalism and marginalisation? Why are they accepting newcomers every day in

Toronto Canada when there are not enough employment opportunities for all of us?

Why does “Population Explosion” seem to be the main cause of the “Out of jobs” scenario being played out? Is there going to be enough room for us to walk down the streets soon? Is there going to be enough housing to accommodate all of us? If Ontario is going to get soon “Extremely over Populated” shouldn’t the government focus more on the other provinces for immigrants to seek employment opportunities there instead? Will this local issue ever be solved with having a low employment rate and so many people out there eager to work but are without jobs?

Why are the wrong people given positions in the first place? Why are job opportunities mostly based on who you know and your nationality? I am delighted that a legislation was passed recently on the strong topic that you no longer need “Canadian Experience” to work in Canada, as a Youth Resource Centre Coordinator told me. Yes your education and experience is important regardless of where you obtained it from. Can the government also look into offering “very soft loans” towards business people so they can expand in creating businesses and employment opportunities for others which will also be a boost towards the economy as well? Where is all of our tax payer money going? Is the government not supposed to create more jobs with this income? If cost of living is going to be so high, and there is no employment, how are Canadians going to survive this economic crisis? How are we going to pay bills, buy groceries, educate ourselves?

We can’t do volunteer work forever!

There are many benefits in creating employment. Someone can work for your company for many years then become an entrepreneur of their own who would then invest in a business which would create job opportunities for others. You the Employer out there need to pave the way for others.

Pass the blazing torch so others can make this life a better place for all of us and create a future for our upcoming generations to come. Don’t make others feel disheartened which has led to suicide in the recent years.

Also Employers, I must conclude that you shouldn’t take a person at face value. You don’t know that journey that person has been through and who they really are and what they can really do. Don’t judge the luck of a lousy cat. You don’t know what their future is.

President optimistic airport modernisation has potential to attract more airlines GUYANA -- With the US$138M Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) modernisation programme progressing on schedule, President Donald Ramotar is optimistic that more airlines will soon be rapping on Guyana’s door, once there is adequate capacity to accommodate them.Referring to Panama-based Copa Airlines having already announced commencement of service to Guyana from July this year, President Ramotar noted that Guyana is already attracting increased foreign interest.

“These new airlines are coming in on what we have, it is not a question that they are waiting for the completion of the project… this gives you an indication that, with a better runway, Guyana can realise our potential,” he said.

CJIA Public Relations Officer Aneka Ed-

wards said the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), is continuing it works.

On January 4, 2014, Public Works and Transport Minister Robeson Benn, CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir, other airport officials and CHEC engineers visited the sandpit CHEC uses to backfill the trial section.

Last December, the joint Opposition opposed release of a $65.4M allocation for the CJIA included in a Statement of Excess, a financial paper tabled by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.

Given that that the minister had acted in accordance with the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, the Opposition’s non-approval post-expenditure did not affect the allocation.

The project faced similar opposition when the 2013 Budget was cut, but, in mid-September this year, Chairman of the CJIA Board, Mr Ramesh Dookhoo, said the modernisation project is being propelled by a US$20M mobilisation advance made under the 2012 Budget.

Under the CJIA Modernisation project, a new and modern terminal building will be constructed, with the runway extended to accommodate larger, wide-body planes.

Government has signed with the Chinese contractor a design-and-build contract to the tune of US$138M, under which CHEC has 32 months to complete the project.

The project is being partially funded by a US$130M loan from China, with the rest coming from the public treasury. (Guyana Chronicle)

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 11

12 Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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Real massage parlours fade in the shadow of sex shops JAMAICA -- The proliferation of sex shops across the island, particularly in Kingston and St Andrew, has resulted in the closure of what one owner describes as ‘real’ massage parlours.

According to the owner of one of these ‘real’ massage parlours, who gave her name only as Felicia, when she started business 10 years ago, there were more than 20 establishments in Kingston that offered real massage services. However, today the number is down to four.

According to Felicia, the four that now remain have changed their branding from massage parlours to spas, in an effort to differentiate themselves from the illicit sex shops.

“What really upset me is that when they talk about massage parlours, everybody think it is a sex shop. But I want people to understand that massage parlour is different from sex shop,” she told the Jamaica Observer last week.

“Sex shop is when you go to a place and pay straight up for sex. When you go to a massage parlour, that does not include sex.

People are getting it confused,” Felicia added.

She was responding to a recent Sunday Observer report on the ill-treatment being meted out to young female workers at sex shops, which advertise massage services.

“Years ago, about 20 massage parlours were in Kinston, not sex shops, and most of them have closed down, because of these people. First time when you buy an Observer and look in it, [it full… and none of them were sex shops. But they slowly went out of business. Now, there are only four of us left in Kingston, three in Montego Bay and two in Ocho Rios,” she said, explaining that she communicates regularly with the owners

of other establishments like hers.

Felicia said that she remains in business because she has already established a name for herself, and her clients know what she offers.

“I have a set of clients and even if they go overseas and come back they will be coming back to my place,” she said. “All when I’m dying for hunger I will not go over the phone and advertise sex. I will not. There are times when I don’t even get one client for the day. That is why some people lock down, because they say the sex shops are taking over.”

She said that while the amount of money that her business makes varies, on a good day she can take in $20,000, while on a bad day, only $8,000 is made.

She explained that when they didn’t have the level of competition from sex shops, they made up to $50,000 for the day.

“Now, $20,000 is a good day. So you see we not making anything,” Felicia said, adding that she has to pay rent, water, electricity bills and salaries to her workers every fortnight from the money made, as well as General Consumption Tax, because hers is a registered business.

One girl, she explained, is paid between $7,000 and $8,000 per week.

“People have been asking how the four of us in business so long. But it’s a pity they don’t know we are all struggling, because it’s not like it used to be before,” she said.

“I have heard clients say that when they want sex, they go to ‘those places’, and when they want massage they come to us,” she said. “But the number of clients has decreased a lot over the years.”

Felicia explained that she recently

moved to a new location and right now business is “not bad” because the clients follow.

Asked to explain what types of services her parlour provides, Felicia listed sensuous, Swedish, and therapeutic massages, as well as body scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures.

The sensuous, she explained, is a full body massage which includes massaging the genital area until the client reaches a climax. “But there is no sex involved in that massage,” Felicia emphasised. “Oil or a lotion is used on the body and you have to massage the entire body. Some men say they would rather come and do that than cheat on their wives when their wives are away. Trust me, it is very relaxing,” she stated.

According to Felicia, both men and women will come in for the sensuous massage, which costs $3,000.

The Swedish, she explained further, is a deeper type massage of the muscles and joints, during which the body is stroked.

The therapeutic is similar to the Swedish, except that during this massage the muscles and joints are penetrated, as against stroked. The Swedish goes for $5,000, while the cost of the therapeutic is $4,000.

Felicia said that the masseuses have to be trained and certified in order to be able to perform the services, especially in the therapeutic and Swedish massages.

The body scrub entails the use of a number of ingredients to scrub the body with the intent of removing dead skin. This service is for $2,200.

Today, Felicia has seven girls who, she said, are trained and certified in the art of massage.

She explained that the workers range

in age from 18 to 40 and some attend evening classes or university. The money they make is used to pay for their education. Some, however, do the job simply because they like it.

“And you find that the men who come for massage like mature persons who they can talk to,” Felicia said. “So the girls work like psychologists sometimes.

“You cannot walk into our place and ask for private service, because we don’t provide that. But if they do, we encourage them to take the massages that we offer and some will consent. However, there are still those who will walk away,” Felicia said.

“I am not going to be a hypocrite, because at the same time we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but we don’t advertise that and we don’t promote that,” she said.

Felicia explained that the women working for her are required to sign contractual agreements which forbid sexual intercourse with clients on or off the compound.

She conceded, however, that it is impossible to monitor who their employees spend time with outside of work hours.

She said that when she just started the business she was offering sensuous massages. However, she sought and did training in order to offer more.

“It’s not a thing where I am selling my body,” she said. “And no one was asking me to. So I said, ‘OK then, this is something I can do’.”

She said that image painted on the business by illicit sex shops is discouraging young women who want to learn the art of giving massages.

Continued On Page 14

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The Supertones Bandʼs Latest Release “Doh Study It” Sure to Rock the Airwaves The Supertones Band has been tantalizing fans all over the globe for quite some time, and it’s about to get even better.

This US-based Chutney-Soca band, led

by Avinash Singh, also includes Princess Anisa, King Raj, Dave Lall, and Omesh Kemraj. They have toured the US, Canada, Holland, Suriname, Guyana, Spain, and the UK… with more to come.

They have gone from an All-Guyanese group to an All-Rounded group, taking them to heights no other US-based Chutney-Soca band has ever seen. In 2009, they were the most toured Chutney-Soca band, allowing them to win that year’s West Indian Music Awards (WIMA) for “Best Performing Stage Band”, “Best Crossover Band”, and “Best Recorded Band”. In 2010, they took home the WIMA for “Video of the Year” for the music video of their hit single “Tek Sunita” (Princess Anisa). In 2013, they won the WIMA for “Outstanding Contribution to Music”, “Best Music Director” (Avinash Singh) and “Female Singer of the Year (Princess Anisa). They are always contributing to the community in a variety of ways, rewarding them with Proclamations from many cities and states, with their latest being from the Mayor of Jersey City, NJ. They are the 1st and only Chutney-Soca band thus far to perform off-Broadway, being featured in two musicals. They are also the 1st Chutney-Soca band to launch an App in the iPhone and Android markets. Along with all this, what truly sets this band apart from the rest is their stage production. They are currently the only Chutney-Soca band that utilizes synced lighting and video during their performances, raising the bar for all others in the industry.

Now, their latest release, “Doh Study

It” is scheduled to be internationally launched the weekend of February 1, 2014. Keep your eyes and ears peeled on all the major radio and television programs the entire weekend for that sure-to-be hit, including the official music video.

“Doh Study It” will launch in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Holland, Suriname, South Africa, and across the United States that weekend. Unlike their other 2014 releases, “Cheatin’”

by Princess Anisa and “Wife” by Avinash Singh, this latest release is truly a band collaboration.

The lyrics were written by Princess Anisa & Dave Lall, and it was sung by the two, as well as King Raj. Music maestro, Avinash Singh, put the flair and umph into it to make it one song that’s sure to keep you moving. This is not your typical chutney song, nor is it soca. The Supertones Band has been producing all genres of music, from the Indo-Caribbean styles to reggae, dancehall, reggaeton, and more, and you can definitely hear that fusion in this song. It’s already making heads turn within the music industry. Guyanese legend, Terry Gajraj, feels it’s the Supertones Band’s “best production yet”. Princess Anisa mentioned in a radio interview a few months ago that this is one production she is “really excited about”.

So wherever you are, you can’t miss the official launch and release of The Supertones Band’s “Doh Study It” on all radio and television programs. It will also be available on iTunes, SoundCloud and other music download sites. Also, keep an eye out for Dave Lall in the 2014 Chutney Soca Monarchs with his new single, “Jootah”. You can locate them on Facebook, Twitter, and you may subscribe to their videos on www.YouTube.com/SupTBeti.

Real massage parlours Continued From Page 12 -- She said that image painted on the business by illicit sex shops is discouraging young women who want to learn the art of giving massages.

“Once upon a time you place an ad that says ‘ladies wanted to do massage’ or ‘massage therapist needed’ and you used to have a lot of females calling. Now, people running away from it, because if they tell anybody that they going to do massage they say is sex they are going to sell.

So it’s very hard to get girls coming into the industry,” she said.

“What persons don’t understand is that if 100 men come in for the day, out of the 100, 95 per cent will just lie down and take their massage.

They don’t request anything else, while the others will. Of that 100, about 50 will do the sensuous and out of that 50 you will have about five asking for intercourse.”

She said also that in an effort to differentiate her establishment from others, she enforced a rule that the women employed by her cannot dress in anything skimpy. They must wear bush jackets.

“We don’t want to be like the sex shops.

So during the day they wear bush jackets and in the nights they can wear anything, but nothing skimpy. We want to be different,” Felicia said.

While the girls are not fined whenever they do anything inappropriate, they are still expected to not do certain things, like beg clients.

Felicia disputed claims that sex is offered for more than $1,000 in the sex shops, adding that two services which include intercourse and oral sex go for $1,500.

“I don’t understand why they are selling their bodies so cheap,” she said. “When you are in a massage parlour like ours, you get a tip.

The men will look at you and say ‘well done’ and you get a $1,500 or a $2,000 for a tip. And if you do three clients for the day and you add up that plus your pay, then come on! So I don’t know why they would go and sell their bodies for $1,500 and the boss gets 50 per cent and they get 50 per cent. They have to have sex with 10 men

to make $5,000,” Felicia reasoned. “They will tell you that they make more money, but it’s a lie ... is shame dem shame; is $1,000 they charge for sex, and they can make more than that at the straight massage parlour.”

Interviews with two regular male visitors to sex shops revealed that intercourse can be had for $1,000 in the establishments, $1,500 for two services and $3,000 for anal sex.

Felicia said that certain prices will attract certain men and there are some she would not want to attract.

“I don’t like to take girls who used to work in those places because they are coming in with the expectation of seeing many men coming in.”

She said that if she does employ girls exposed to sex shops they leave soon after because they say business is too slow there.

The massage parlour owner said that should she find out that one of her girls has been having intercourse with a client, then she would receive a warning.

“Guess what, you have private investigator and you have police who will come into the place to check. So we have to be very careful. And sometimes you don’t even know them because they come in as a client. So that is why we have to have the contract and the contract has been from a long time,” she said.

Felicia said that she also offers an escort service.

“Escort is dating, or if someone wants to go to a function. It’s not sex. But I get to understand that some people do it now and it includes sex. But it’s better they were doing that and charge the men $15,000 or $20,000,” she said.

“We provide escort service because you find that people who come in the island may want someone to dine with or go to functions with, she said. “But we don’t have that a lot now. Back in the days we used to have it a lot.”

She added: “I want people to know that there are real massage parlours and they are good massage parlours.” (Jamaica Observer)

16 Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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Barath ready for Nagico Super50 TRINIDAD -- Adrian Barath is planning to use the upcoming Nagico Super50 to regain a spot in the West Indies team. The diminutive T&T opener believes the big scores will come in the limited-overs series as well as in the WICB Regional Four-day championship to follow.

The tournament will be played at Queen’s Oval in Trinidad and Shaw Park in Tobago from Thursday to February 15. The home side have been drawn in Zone B alongside Barbados, Combined Campuses & Colleges and Leeward Islands.

“I am obviously setting my goals, we have the World Cup in Australia, and I have good memories in Australia,” said the 23-year-old. “My goal is to get into that West Indies team in 2015 (World Cup in Australia and New Zealand). I know I have to perform in the NAGICO Super 50 tournament. I have done a lot of work on my game.”

Barath spent last year at the Sagicor High Performance Centre where he made some changes to his game. Back in 2009 the right-handed opener had an amazing Test debut in Australia, where he made a blazing century in his second Test innings at the Gabba.

“I want to take what I did at the Sagicor HPC camp and apply it so I can have a good regional series. It is not going to be easy because we have a lot of good West Indies players in terms of opening batsmen,” Barath said.

“So I am looking forward to the

2014 season – both in one-day cricket and four-day cricket. I want to use my performances as a platform to get back into the West Indies team once I perform well.”

He added: “We have been working really hard and the preparation is coming along really well. We are confident, playing at home...this is a big tournament and everyone is aware of what they have to do. We aim to go out there and win.”

The Nagico Super50 tournament will run from January 30 to February 15 and will be broadcast live on ESPN and on Caribbean Super Station radio.

Matches at Queen’s Park Oval will be day/night fixtures while matches at Shaw Park, Tobago will be day games.

Schedule: Thur: Windwards vs Jamaica Fri: Guyana vs Ireland February Sat 1: Leewards vs CCC Sun 2: T&T vs Barbados Mon 3: Jamaica vs Ireland Tues 4: Guyana vs Windwards Wed 5: Leewards vs T&T at Shaw Park Thurs 6: CCC vs Barbados at Shaw Park Fri 7: Ireland vs Windwards Sat 8: Guyana vs Jamaica Sun 9: CCC vs T&T Mon 10: Barbados vs Leewards Wed 12: Semi-final 1 – Zone A winner vs Zone B second

Thur 13: Semi-final 2 – Zone B winner vs Zone A second Sat 15: FINAL – Winner of Semifinal 1 vs Winner of Semi-final 2 (Trinidad Guardian)

18 Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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Caribbean Pot: Vegetarian pineapple fried rice Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking This Caribbean inspired vegetarian pineapple fried rice is a wonderful way to use leftover rice you may have in the fridge and it must be noted that it is not a traditional Caribbean dish. However with use of wonderful Caribbean flavors you’ll find that you’ll purposely make extra rice just so you can have this dish on the regular.

You’ll Need: 4 cups cooked rice (day old) 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 bird’s eye pepper (or 1/4 scotch bonnet) 1 tablespoon soy sauce 3 cloves garlic (crushed) 1 large onion (diced) 1 bell pepper (1/2 yellow + 1/2 red) 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger

1 sc scallion cal alli lliioonn 1/2 carrot (diced finely) 1 stalk celery (diced finely) 1.5 cups pineapple (1/4 inch pieces) 1 tablespoon veg oil 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil 1/2 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 teaspoon curry powder

Optional – toasted coconut flakes – topping.

If you’re using freshly cooked rice (or leftover), may I suggest that you allow it to cool in the fridge for a few hours. This will give you a lovely grainy finish to the rich dish. I used parboiled brown rice, but you’re free to use any rice you like.

Start by prepping all your vegetables as this is a very quick dish to put together. Next heat the vegetable oil on a medium heat in a deep pot (I used a non stick pot to cut back on the amount of oil I use) and add the diced onion and garlic. Reduce the heat to low and let that cook for a couple minutes. Then add the diced celery, carrot and bell peppers and allow it to cook for 3 minutes (low heat).

Toss in the bird’s eye pepper (whole), grate in the ginger, add the black

pepper, salt and curry.. raise the heat to medium and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the curry powder to bring out all the flavors of the spices in the curry powder.

Then add the diced pineapple (you can use drained canned pineapple if you want) along with the soy sauce, sesame oil and hoisin sauce. Stir well.

Raise your heat to med/high and toss in the rice (note – if the rice was in the fridge as I suggested, take it out about 15 minutes before you start this dish) and mix well. The idea here is to warm the rice through and help it take on that wonderful flavor base we created. Let it cook for about 4-6 minutes, then top with the chopped scallion and turn off the heat. Serve!

You’ll notice that I didn’t use

much salt as my rice was already cooked in salt and the soy sauce will contain much salt. Also notice that I didn’t cut or break the birds eye pepper as I wanted the flavor without the raw heat. But you can certainly cut them finely for that added kick. This is best served warm so your guests will really appreciate the combination of flavors we created with this tasty Caribbean inspired Vegetarian pineapple fried rice. A great way to add extra flavors and texture is to top the finished rice with some toasted shredded coconut.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 19

Stroke rehabilitation through Yoga Geeta Maraj Yoga While yoga has become a general term used to describe a form of exercise geared to those with greater flexibility, there is much more to this magnificent art. Studies continue to show that yoga is beneficial in aiding stroke survivors improve their balance, flexibility, as well as, restore muscle strength and tone.

When a person suffers from a stroke, the brain is deprived of a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood which is vital to its efficient functioning. A stroke occurs as a result of a blockage or a break in one of the vessels which supplies blood to the brain. This creates damage to the fragile brain tissue, and depending on where this occurs, various limitations to the body is the resulting factor.

The consequences of a stroke can be paralysis on one side of the body, speech impedi-

ment, and difficulty with memory, coordination and association of ideas. More so, stroke victims often suffer from balance issues which result in a greater risk of falling and bone injuries.

Routinely, after a stroke, there is a rehabilitation program in which the sufferer is enrolled, so as to improve balance, coordination and muscular tone. Adding a yoga routine to help with rehabilitation can greatly enhance recovery rate. Yoga not only tones and stretches specific muscles that are affected but also helps with emotional and psychological recovery. The latter is mainly through a variety of breathing and relaxation routines.

Always seek your doctor’s consent before starting a yoga routine as some yoga stretches should be avoided based on the victim’s health status. Equally, seek a yoga therapist who is qualified to render such therapy. Most often, such a routine requires a personal yoga therapist as there are not many yoga classes geared solely to victims of stroke.

Also of importance is finding ways to prevent a second stroke from ever occurring. Depending on the type of stroke from which one has suffered, the preventative measures differ. However the basics for preventing a stroke in the first place, or have a recurrence of a stroke includes: not smoking, control of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, a healthy diet, and having a balance between work and leisure time.

There are a number of exercises in

yoga which help to tone the facial muscles after a stroke. These exercises can be routinely performed whether you have had a stroke or not, for they help to strengthen the facial muscles. As we get older, it is equally important to strengthen the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the tongue. The extrinsic muscles help the tongue move up and down, from side to side and in and out. These muscles keep the tongue in place by being latched to the jaw bone. The intrinsic muscles are within the tongue and aid in the tongue’s ability to alter its shape. This feature is important for clear speech and correct swallowing or deglutition. By strengthening the muscles of the tongue, choking on solids and liquids when eating can be prevented. Choking allows small particles to be pushed into the lungs, gradually increasing pneumonia risks.

Here are a few exercises which can be performed to strengthen facial and tongue muscles: Trace the shape of each of your tooth with the tip of your tongue. When tracing the shape of each tooth, be sure to trace over the entire front of your tooth, the surface of each tooth and the back of your tooth. Start from the upper left back molar and move slowly around to the upper right back molar. Then trace with tongue, the bottom teeth beginning with the right back molar and move along to the left back molar. This will be difficult to do at first as your tongue will ache but persevere and the ache will be less as you strengthen

the tongue muscles. Try to do this exercise at least 2 to 3 times a day.

A second exercise is to push the cheek away with your tongue. This exercise is done by reaching around the circumference of the mouth with your tongue and push away the cheek from the gum line. Again, begin from the back, upper left side of your teeth and move your tongue across to the right upper teeth, pushing the cheek from the gum line with as much strength as possible. Then proceed in the same manner from the bottom right lower jaw and move over to the bottom left lower jaw. Remember it is the strength in the push of your tongue between your cheek and gum line that tones the tongue muscles.

Relax the facial muscles by blowing a huge air bubble onto the right cheek, and then push the air bubble to the left side, pushing out the left check. Then switch the air bubble back and forth between the two cheeks as often as is comfortable.

Remember to always breathe as you do these exercises and do not hold your breath. It is the oxygen which helps to work and strengthen the muscles. If you hold your breath while doing these exercises, you are robbing your muscles of the energy rich oxygen which it requires, leading to cramps in the muscles. Best of all, these exercises also help to keep the face glowing and shapely.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Fried foods are more harmful than you think Even the most health-conscious person may find it difficult to deny that fried foods are delicious. The aroma they emit and the feeling they provide with every bite can be quite irresistible. But fried foods come with their share of adverse health effects.

Cancer risk Research carried out at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and published online in The Prostate in 2013 revealed that regular consumption of deep-fried foods, such as doughnuts, fried chicken, fried fish and French fries, could elevate the risk of prostate cancer.

This link could be due to the formation of carcinogenic compounds in foods that are cooked at very high temperatures.

Foods cooked at high temperatures, in particular deep-fried ones, also contain large amounts of compounds which are linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

These conditions, too, increase cancer risk.

For example, a chicken breast which is deepfried for a third of an hour could have almost 10 times the amount of these chemicals compared to one boiled for one hour.

Previous research had already shown that deep-fried foods elevate the risk of breast cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, as well as head and neck cancers.

Cardiovascular and heart health Fried foods affect cardiovascular health, too.

In research published in Circulation: Heart Failure in 2011, postmenopausal women who consumed more fried fish had a higher risk of heart failure. In fact, just one serving of fried fish a week was found to increase the risk of heart failure by a very significant

48%.

In contrast, women who often consumed baked or broiled fish had a lower risk of heart failure. So while the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are known to improve cardiovascular health, deep-frying the fish not only seemed to negate these benefits but even ended up creating compounds which were harmful to the heart.

Toxic substances Research carried out by Spanish and Portuguese researchers and published in Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2013 found that fried fish sticks contained more furanic compounds than those that were oven-baked.

While furans could improve the smell and taste of foods, there is research suggesting that they are harmful to health, and even carcinogenic.

Generally, higher temperatures produced more furans, while longer frying times also generated more furans. On the other hand, the more time that passed after frying, the lower the amount of furans that remained.

Therefore, some ways to reduce the amount of furans ingested include using the oven instead of a deep-fryer, cooking at lower temperatures, shortening the cooking time and leaving about 10 minutes between cooking and consumption.

Frying produces trans fats, which are detrimental to health In addition, research has shown that frying foods raises the levels of trans fat in them,

and trans fat has been linked to a wide array of illnesses.

This type of fat increases the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), plaque formation, inflammation in the body, insulin resistance, diabetes, autoimmune disease, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer.

Inflammation and insulin resistance themselves are linked to higher risks of many other health conditions, including cancer.

Trans fat also raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (commonly known as “bad” cholesterol) while decreasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (“good” cholesterol). Further, it could cause delayed infant development when the mother consumes too much trans fat.

Accompanying ills of fried foods Moreover, deep-frying is usually carried out with vegetable oils which come with their own share of adverse health effects, while many fried foods are largely empty calories devoid of quality nutrition; in fact, some of these processed foods contain MSG and preservatives, which are themselves harmful to health.

Conclusion Fried foods, without much doubt, smell wonderful and taste great. But the harm that they do on health is significant - they harm the heart, cause inflammation and increase the risk of cancer and diabetes, among many other adverse effects. These cannot be ignored by anyone who wants to nurture a strong, healthy body and avoid numerous serious chronic diseases. (NaturalNews)

Large number of cosmetic skin-lightening products contaminated with mercury Infamous for poisoning the kidneys and brain, mercury is a potent, silent destroyer of healthy cellular function. Mercury compounds can be readily absorbed through intact skin - inducing toxic, dermal effects.

As a melanotoxin, mercury compounds are capable of decimating melanosomes, which are tiny “balloons” in the skin that consist of melanin.

Unprecedented levels of mercury found in anti-aging creams from around the world There’s a dangerous practice going around regarding the manufacture of skin-lightening, “beauty care” cosmetics.

Many skin-lightening products, anti-aging lotions, and acne creams contain unprecedented levels of mercury. This mercury is rubbed directly into the skin, where it is readily absorbed into the body.

Mercury levels are reportedly so high in some skin products around the world that the FDA has issued a public statement warning consumers not to use skin creams, beauty products and lotions that might contain mercury.

New report shows products exceeding mercury standards 10,000 to 1 In a new report from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine, hundreds of skin-lightening products from around the world were found to contain extraordinary levels of mercury that exceed FDA standards 10,000 to one!

The FDA limits companies to 1 ppm mercury in cosmetic products. Some of the products being tested at the Loma Linda University reach 10,000 ppm of mercury!

The products are typically marketed as anti-aging treatments, capable of removing freckles, wrinkles and blemishes. These

same formulas are often used as acne treatments. The toxic metal mercury abounds in these skin creams, labeled alternatively as mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric or mercurio.

“Even though these products are promoted as cosmetics, they also may be unapproved new drugs under the law,” says Linda Katz, M.D., director of FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors.

Charles Lee, M.D., a senior medical advisor at the FDA, states, “Exposure to mercury can have serious health consequences. It can damage the kidneys and the nervous system, and interfere with the development of the brain in unborn children and very young children.”

Furthermore, mercury from these skin creams can be breathed in or accidentally swallowed. Infants can receive a toxic dose if they touch parents who use these creams. A little one is prone to come into contact with the cream and put their affected hands and fingers into their mouth, and thus begin ingesting high traces of mercury.

California University tests 549 skin creams from around the world Many of these mercury-containing beauty products are imported into the US and are sold online. In the study from Loma Linda University, 549 skin-lightening products were purchased from 32 different countries.

This included online sales from countries like Taiwan, Japan, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the US. Using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, the researchers screened the products for mercury exceeding 200 ppm.

Of the products purchased in the United States, 18 products were found to contain mercury levels exceeding 1,000 ppm

- a truly toxic dose. Overall, 6 percent of the 549 products tested from around the world contained mercury in excess of 1,000 ppm.

Nearly half of those products contained over 10,000 ppm mercury!

Reports of mercury toxicity from skin creams A 39-year old woman from Northern California sought medical attention when mercury toxicity symptoms began setting in.

Found to have more than 100 times the average amount of mercury in her urine, the woman showed symptoms of mercury poisoning, including weakness, insomnia, pain in the extremities and severe headache.

According to the California Department of Public Health, the woman and her husband had used an unlabeled mercury-containing face cream for three years. Brought in by a relative from Mexico, the cream was found loaded with mercury. The husband and their four-year-old child also had high levels of mercury in their urine. The problem, mercury, was isolated.

In another case, a teen had come down with mercury poisoning symptoms.

In just months, the fatigue penetrated him.

The Texas Department of Health couldn’t find the source of contamination in the teen’s environment, including paint, soil and indoor air tests. The family continued to look for solutions and finally realized the answer. The teen regularly used an acne cream called “Crema de Belleza-Manning.” After laboratory testing confirmed that the product contained 6 percent to 10 percent mercury weight (labeled as mercurous chloride), the teen stopped use and saw improvements.

(NaturalNews)

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Industrial agriculture has reached its ʻpeak,ʼ say scientists; time for a return to small-scale organics The era of large-scale monoculture, with all of its toxic pesticides and untested genetically modified organisms (GMOs), could finally be coming to an end. Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) discovered recently that yield expansion rates for most major industrial food crops are plateauing or even declining in many areas of the world, a fact that further supports the case for a return to small-scale, diversified agriculture grown organically.

Published in a recent issue of the journal Nature Communications, these and other findings, including updated projections on future crop yields, help obliterate the myth that modern, industrial methods of food production (e.g., transgenic modification, pesticide use and single-crop cultivation) have led to dramatic advancements in agriculture, when it has actually accomplished quite the opposite.

According to the data, as much as 31 percent of the global supply of rice, wheat and corn has reached a yield plateau. This means that, no matter how much further crop

scientists try to tinker with our food plants, the resulting yield will not be any higher than it was prior. Further, a considerable percentage of these same crops are actually producing higher yields at a decreasing rate, which suggests that the system is ultimately failing.

“The declines and plateaus in production have become prevalent despite increasing investment in agriculture, which could mean that maximum potential yields under the industrial model of agribusiness have already occurred,” writes Nafeez Ahmed for The Guardian. “Crop yields in ‘major cereal-producing regions have not increased for long periods of time following an earlier period of steady linear increase.’”

The paper from which Ahmed derives this conclusion also reveals that production levels for many crops have already flattened and have no potential of ever again reaching their previous high growth rates.

The reason for this, experts claim, is that crops eventually reach a biophysical yield ceiling, meaning there is only so much of a

certain crop that can feasibly be grown in a given patch of soil.

Some are now trying to claim that this ceiling was only reached in the first place as a result of so-called “green revolution” technologies like GMOs, but this simply is not the case. These technologies were already doomed from the start, because as the study itself admits, they were “one-time innovations” that, based on the science, have actually resulted in yield decreases throughout the past several decades.

“A concern is that despite the increase in investment in agricultural R&D and education during this period [from 1981 to 2000], the relative rate of yield gain for the major food crops has decreased over time together with evidence of upper yield plateaus in some of the most productive domains,” reads the study.

So much for all those “studies” that boast of great boons in food production as a result of things like GMOs and pesticides.

Not only is this assessment fundamentally flawed -- pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

were identified in the study as contributing factors to decreasing rates of yield increase -- but it is the very basis of many fundamentally flawed yield projections, which are grossly overestimated.

“The study criticizes most other yield projection models which predict compound or exponential production increases over coming years and decades, even though these ‘do not occur in the real world,’” adds Ahmed.

Organic farming methods, on the other hand, hold the most potential for increasing yields, at least according to the United Nations.

“A landmark report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food demonstrated that agroecology based on sustainable, small-scale, organic methods could potentially double food production in entire regions facing persistent hunger, over five to 10 years,” concludes Ahmed in his report for The Guardian. (NaturalNews)

USDA moves to deregulate herbicide-resistant genetically modified corn and soybean seeds The USDA has recently released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), suggesting the deregulation of 2,4-D-resistant soybean and corn seeds. Dow AgroSciences, in direct competition with Monsanto Company, made the request and plans to fully unleash the seeds within the US by 2015, pending acceptance by various federal agencies.

While some farmers have come out in favor of the seed deregulation, concerned scientists have expressed fears over the potential dangers associated with the increased use of the 2,4-D herbicide.

At this stage in the deregulation process, the public is in the midst of a 45day open comment session with the USDA, which began on January 3, 2014. It is during this time period that scientists and concerned citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the potential deregulation of the seeds.

2,4-D, a key component of the once weaponized defoliant known as Agent Orange, has been declared a non-threat, as various scientist believe it is not the chemical responsible for the horrendous health effects attributed to Agent Orange.

Currently, the 2,4-D herbicide has had limited use in crops, as it is very toxic to plants early on in their lifespan, thus the deregulation of resistant seeds carries the implication of major profits for Dow AgroSciences. The use of such 2,4-D-resistant seeds directly infers a future increase in the use of 2,4-D, as rampant use of the chemical Roundup has fostered the development of hyper-resistant superweeds.

What are the health risks associated with 2,4-D?

The herbicide 2,4-D has been linked in studies to a series of serious health conditions, several of which are mentioned below.

Studies conducted on crop workers from Europe and Kansas in the 1970s suggested an association between the chemical and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In the 1990s, a University of Minnesota study found that birth defects in children doubled when conceived by crop workers during times when 2,4-D was being sprayed on crops. A study conducted at the University of Saskatchewan showed 2,4-D to have negative health effects on the endocrine system, primarily regarding the thyroid and gonads. Various other independent studies have shown 2,4-D to have links with breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease, low sperm counts and the increase of abnormal sperm.

As a result of these and further studies, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and ar-

eas of Canada have moved to ban usage of the chemical all together.

In the US, however, a consortium of scientist, along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), contend that the chemical is relatively safe for use around humans. Other scientist have decried such statements as inaccurate and insufficiently supported. The main criticism of studies purporting the safety of 2,4-D use around humans is that the pure form of 2,4-D used in testing is not the same as the powered up version of the chemical being used in the herbicide products themselves.

As of now, several petitions have been formed in an attempt to stop the USDA from deregulating the seeds. (NaturalNews)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

New Yearʼs weight loss Monique Bartlett Fitness In January there are many people who decide to make a New Year’s Resolution. It’s great that people want to make changes in their lives, however, the fact is that the further we get into the year, fewer people will still be pursuing their goal. So instead of looking for the latest diet or exercise craze, think about what goals you can set that you can actually achieve.

Become more conscious of what you do, how you do it and why you do it. The first step to help you achieve this is to keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat, how you feel when you eat it and why you are eating. Get a food journal where it will be easy for you to see on a daily basis the unconscious habits you have formed which have led to your current habits. Take time to actually enjoy your food and be more mindful while you’re eating.

It should be your goal to aim for a realistic weight loss. Extreme weight loss can be dangerous unless medically supervised. Even then it can cause your weigh to balloon back up because a drastic weight loss is more difficult to maintain. However, when you don’t lose the weight you have set as a goal you may get discouraged. Make your goal achievable. 1-2 pounds a week is reasonable. It is easier to achieve and easier to maintain. Clear your cupboards of food temptations. Think about which foods are

your triggers and get rid of them before you sabotage yourself on this journey.

Your ultimate goal should be overall health and wellness. Eating more fruits and vegetables will help you lose weight and boost your immune system. Exercising more will help to increase your metabolism, reshape your body and increase your lean muscle mass. Start slowly and work your way into more increased intensity. You can begin by taking a walk, swim, yoga, psilates and many other exercises that are easier on your muscles. Once you’ve conquered these you can move on to exercises where you can increase your exertion and intensity.

Discuss your weight loss goal with your doctor first. Everyone is different and you may have some limitations that your doctor can help you work through before you begin. Be positive and know that you will be successful if you take this journey just one step at a time.

The flu shot: Yay or Nay? Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips One of the most common questions I get from my patients this time of year is “Do you think I should get the flu shot?” For parents, this question extends also to their children, a group that can be vulnerable to influenza related complications. Adults over the age of 65 are also at greater risk of pneumonia, bronchitis and hospitalization, if they contract flu. Keeping this in mind, the vast majority of flu sufferers will get over the virus in three days, with appropriate rest. Admittedly, it will be a terrible three days and you probably will not feel quite yourself for a week or more. My answer is typically along the lines of “Here is the information I have

researched on the vaccine. It is ultimately your decision.”

Toronto Public Health recommends that virtually everyone over the age of 6 months should get the flu shot every year.

You need a shot every year because the flu virus has a nasty habit of mutating, changing its structure, to evade your immune system.

Influenza researchers have the tricky job of trying to predict what strains of influenza are going to predominate and then they make a vaccine based on those strains, for example, H1N1.

The vaccine works approximately 60% of the time. It has been shown in some studies to lessen the severity of the symptoms as well. So, getting the flu shot does not guarantee that you will not get the flu this season. Also good to keep in mind, is that the shot takes two to three weeks to become effective in the body. Catching the flu after getting a vaccine does not mean the shot made you sick. You unfortunately caught influenza before the vaccine could start to work.

There are seven different types of flu vaccine, made by different manufacturers available in Canada. The flu vaccine is

egg based, so if you have an allergy to eggs, depending on how severe it is, the shot might not be advisable for you.

The seven vaccines do contain formaldehyde, and some other hard to pronounce chemicals like, Cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide and Triton X-100. While these chemicals are not typically something we would consume, they are assumed to be present in such small quantities as to be of negligible effect. Adverse vaccine reactions do occur and can be serious; however, they only happen extremely rarely.

If you choose to get the vaccine, get it when you are feeling healthy. Do not go if you think you are already getting sick. If you do get the flu, please just stay home. This is especially true if you work with children or the elderly, or take public transit. Although, quite frankly, it really does not matter where you work. Spreading the flu to your coworkers is never a nice thing to do. The best way to speed the recovery of the flu is to rest your body and allow your immune system to go to work. Next issue, I will discuss how to nurse yourself back to health if you contract influenza this winter.

Headaches and TMJ Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental Health

Dental treatment can be helpful in the prevention, treatment and elimination of many of the severe headaches that cause a lifetime of both mental and physical torment for many people worldwide.

The cause or diagnosis is key to the treatment and elimination of headaches.

Although there have been many health professionals and specialists involved for years in treating this problem, these bouts of pain tend to reoccur. Often people are told that their pain is stress related. Although this may be a factor in a few cases, stress is seldom the cause.

The common treatment for headaches are over the counter pain medications,

prescribed narcotics, physical therapy, cold application, heat therapy, acupuncture, relaxation exercises, ultrasound etc. All these may help but if the symptoms do not go away, it is reasonable to conclude that the true cause of the problem has evaded the investigators.

If you suffer from excruciating headaches, and you have tried everything without relief, you may be suffering from TMD i.e. Tempero Mandibular Dysfunction, commonly referred to as TMJ. With TMJ, there is dysfunction of the joint between the upper and lower jaws, the disc between the joints may slip out of place causing difficulty opening and closing the mouth, the muscles of the head may go into abnormal contractions, affecting also neck and back muscles.

TMD may result in severe headaches and sometimes neck and back pain. A diagnosis of TMD must be made by a dentist knowledgeable in this field. If you have most of the following symptoms seek help without delay.

Here are some of the common symptoms and conditions.

1. Headaches.

2. Clicking, popping or grating sounds within the jaw joints.

3. Difficulty opening and closing or moving the jaws.

4. Ear pain with no infection.

5. Ringing, buzzing, hissing sound in either ear.

6. Jaw locking when opening wide.

7. Neck pain.

8. Pain under the eyes.

9. Clenching teeth in the day.

10. Grinding teeth at night.

11. Snoring at night.

12. Serious trauma, whiplash.

If you have most of these symptoms, it is highly likely you have TMD. If the jaws and teeth are positioned abnormally this can head to TMD therefore it is important to diagnose and treat as soon as possible.

A simple appliance worn at night and sometimes during the day usually relieves the pain but for long term treatment a combination of orthodontic treatment, surgery and physical therapy may be necessary.

Find out more at dr.weekes.com.

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Home staging, syndicate mortgage & self directed investing Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate: Home Staging can increase the value of your home. It may be the most effective way to make it easy for someone to imagine themselves living in your home. A fresh coat of paint indoors and outdoors can increase the flow of potential buyers to your property. Changing your office to a bedroom or study area, replacing older kitchen appliances with newer models to give the kitchen a modern look or even replacing carpet with laminate can have a huge impact on the appearance and appeal of your home.

One area that is regularly overlooked when thinking of home staging is the curb appeal. Neat landscaping, a paved driveway and a tidy backyard also impact the decisions of potential buyers. Professional staging is never a waste of money and time and will most likely have a positive return on your investment.

Mortgage: A Syndicate mortgage is a loan offered by a group of lenders that is structured, arranged and administered by traditional or non traditional financial institutions known as arrangers. The mortgage loan pre-

pared for a single borrower. The loan may involve fixed amounts, a credit line, or a combination of the two. The interest rates are usually fixed for the term of the loan. There is a lead bank or underwriter of the loan, known as the arranger. The arranger may be putting up a proportionally bigger share of the loan, or perform duties like dispersing cash flows amongst the other syndicate members and administrative tasks.

At the most basic level, arrangers serve in the investment banking role of raising investor funding for an issuer in need of capital. The issuer pays the arranger a fee for this service and the fee may increase with the complexity and risk indicators of the loan.

If you are an average investor looking for an alternative to mutual funds or segregated funds, this may be an option to consider for generating cash flow.

Finance: A growing trend in the financial industry is self directed investing. This type of investing puts a bit more control and accountability in the hands of the investor. The investor has to be thorough in researching his or her investment whether its stocks, mutual funds, segregated funds, etc. There are some guidelines to follow and there are regulations in place to assist the consumer.

However, the average person does not understand the process and risks involved in investing and may purchase an inappropriate investment depending on their risk tolerance. Consult a financial advisor or representative to assess if self directed investing is the right option for you.

Recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day TORONTO -- Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) are launching new innovative learning tools to help educators promote Holocaust remembrance and education. Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, made the announcement today as Canada and the world prepare to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, is an important occasion to remember the unique horror of the Holocaust and pay tribute to its victims.

To help educators learn new approaches to teaching the Holocaust, the NFB, in partnership with CIC, is organizing an International Holocaust Remembrance Day Virtual Classroom on January 27. A French language virtual classroom will follow on February 4.

These professional development events will help educators discover new approaches to teaching the Holocaust and its lessons on human rights, racism, genocide, democratic values and citizenship. During the virtual classrooms, which will run as live webcasts, educators will interact with Holo-

caust experts in addition to teachers such as the winner of the CIC Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education, Scott Masters, as well as award finalists Line DubĂŠ and Annie Frenette. Educators will also have the opportunity to view NFB films and access innovative learning resources. The moderator of the English webcast will be Dr. Carson Phillips of the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre. The French language webcast will be moderated by Jacqueline Celemencki of the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre.

CIC is also partnering with the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre to offer workshops on the Holocaust for newcomers in the Greater Toronto Area, Kitchener-Waterloo and Peterborough, Ontario. In addition, the Azrieli Foundation, an organization that publishes memoirs and produces videos by Holocaust survivors who emigrated to Canada, will provide resource packages to newcomers participating in these workshops and to educators who register for virtual classrooms. These packages, available in English or French, include Holocaust survivor memoirs, a DVD and thematic questions. (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

407ETR time line Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters Here’s a little history behind Highway 407.

In the 1950’s, as part of the 400 series highways corridor identified as Parkway Belt land, property acquisition began. Leslie Frost, 16th Premier of Ontario, from 19491961 created the 400 series of highways, most notably was the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway better known as Highway 401. The 1950’s saw the birth of Highway 407. The land was purchased and set aside for Provincial needs in transportation, utilities and recreational purposes.

Bill Davis, Ontario’s 18th Premier

from 1971 to 1985 created the Parkway Belt Planning and Development Act, 1973 (now the Ontario Planning and Development Act, 1994). It was this legislation that would implement the Parkway Belt Planning and Development Act. The area covered by the Parkway Belt Planning and Development Act was divided into two general land use categories, the Public Use Area and the Complementary Use Area.

Public Use Areas are defined as areas presently used, or to be predominantly used in the future, for infrastructure and open space related land use. The Public Use Areas consists of areas designated as: Public Open Space and Buffer Area, Utility, Electric Power Facility, Road, and Inter-Urban Transit. Davis administration introduced regional governments for Durham, HamiltonWentworth, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Waterloo but shelved further plans in response to popular protests.

Complementary Use Areas are to be predominantly used for private uses that

aid in the Parkway Belt Planning and Development Act’s objective of preserving the country landscape and encouraging land uses such as agricultural, recreational and institutional pursuits that do not require intense urbanization.

It was the 20th Premier of Ontario, David Peterson (1985-1990), that saw Highway 407 become an election issue. In 1986 he took a ride in a helicopter to get a bird’s eye view of the 401 parking lot. Shortly after that he announced the government would proceed with Highway 407 between the 410 and Highway 48 a 69 KM section. A ground-breaking ceremony took place just before the 1987 election. Not sure where the gold plated shovel is now, but it used to be hung in the Ministry of Transportation’s offices boardroom.

The next few articles will take you through Highway 407’s construction, from Premier Peterson’s ground breaking ceremony to what we have now.

Welcoming your visitors to Canada Olivia Boodram Travel Do you have a parent or grandparent that would like to visit you here in Canada?

Perhaps you may need help with your family, or you want to spend more time with your aging parents, or you just simply miss them.

Previously, this process was arduous and time consuming – it would take up to 8 years to get a visitor’s visa. The new Super Visa can be issued in about 8 weeks with validation of Medical Insurance. As of December 1, 2011, visitors are now eligible to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa and stay in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status every 6 months. As long as you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you can apply to have your family member join you here in Canada.

An important fact to understand with this process is that prior to obtaining a visa with immigration, applicants are

now required to show that they have an insurance policy. It is therefore important to purchase a Travel Emergency plan for visitors before they even apply for a Visitor’s Visa here in Canada. In the event that they are denied their visa to Canada, the premium paid is 100% refundable.

• Coverage is valid for up to 10 years • Applicants can stay up to 24 months at a time, without having to re-apply • Applicants may take multiple trips back home and suspend coverage at this time.

• Insurance policy can be purchased up to 365 days prior to the visitor applying for their visa.

The Canadian Super Visa has become very popular and the demand for it has increased dramatically from since its beginning. This has made visiting with the parents and grandparents in Canada easier than ever. Immigration of Canada is also proud to say that they have an approval rating as high as 85% of all the applications they have received to date.

For more information on the Canadian Super Visa program please visit: http://www. cic.gc.ca/english/visit/supervisa.asp

Travel Insurance for Visitors to Canada If you are expecting family or a visitor from outside of Canada to visit, you will want to make sure they have emergency medical health insurance coverage. Otherwise, those who are not covered under the provincial health plan run the risk of having to pay out-of-pocket expenses for any medical bills that may arise.

Although not as expensive as our neighbours to the south, medical bills in Ontario (and the cost will vary from province to province) average out to about $30,000 for a medical emergency such as a heart attack and upwards of $100,000 for a major surgery or accident. However, it is very difficult to estimate what the cost may be, because a medical emergency is just that – unpredictable. But what it does mean is that a visitor to Canada could end up with a significant medical expense if an illness or accident occurs while they are visiting.

Example: 50 year old male visiting for 1 month - $150,000 coverage works out to about $7/day. This works out to about the cost for a specialty coffee and muffin, not a bad deal.

Make sure your visitors have the necessary Emergency Medical Coverage, so they can enjoy their stay with complete peace of mind.

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Vincy born entertainer looks to Carnival Mecca for greatest example - Promises to observe & network in 2014 St. Vincent is rumbling with the energy of artistes who are ready to show the world just how impressive their individual style of sweet soca music, truly is. Son of the soil, Cameron is one of these artistes and as the mecca of all carnivals, Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival, comes more and more into focus, the artiste who now resides permanently in the United States, says he wants the people of the Caribbean to know him and gradually become familiar with his music.

Unlike other new kids on the block who’re eager to get into fetes in T&T this season, Cameron understands that he must pay his dues so with no qualms about that, he says he plans on visiting Trinidad in February where all effort will be placed on

networking and attending the events that he knows he’ll one day be part and parcel of, as an entertainer.

In 2009, the artiste who credits his mother for her constant motivation, made it official when he released his very first single, “Don’t be Afraid.” The single was produced

by Trinidadian producer, The Madarchitect and was a success, according to Cameron.

One year later, Cameron released a single he called, “Against The Wall” which also got the attention of DJs and music lovers, giving the artiste added momentum and encouragement in his budding music career.

Since that time, Cameron has released several other tracks, experimenting along the way by fusing soca with techno

and pop music in a bid to explore a new sound of sorts. As he explained it, he felt it was important to offer other cultures outside of the Caribbean culture, an opportunity to understand the Soca music that he so loves by fusing it with genres that are already staples of the global music industry.

Last year, Cameron teamed up with Adrian Bailey- the producer of Kevin Little’s smash single, “Turn Me On”. Together they created a track called ‘Encore’ and managed to turn some heads. Subsequent to that, another single called, “Eclipse” raked in some 52,000 plus views on YouTube, assuring the eager entertainer that he was in fact doing something right. Currently, a single called “Body On Body” has Cameron very excited.

FOR SALE FOR SALE

FORWANTED SALE HELP

FOR SALE SERVICES

METAL SHELVES: 3 metal shelve cases for cargo van. 1 in excellent condition, 2 in good condition. $500 for all 3. 647-3094606 DVDs: Assorted DVDs for sale or swap.

Contact Jim for more information. 416-8947859 JAMAICA HOME: Jamaica Home for Sale. Near Ocho Rios. Spacious 2 story house, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, hot and cold water, security grills, fully fenced yard, seasonal fruit trees, move in condition. Contact Yvonne 416-786-5149 msamie@rogers.com

EXPERIENCED TINTERS: Experienced tinters needed for busy Brampton tint shop.

905-450-8484

FRIDGE: Looking for a fridge for our church. Free or $50 and less. Call 416-9383753. Message 416-686-5502

FOR SALE OPPORTUNITIES DISTRIBUTORS WANTED: Looking for self motivated individuals to help promote some natural health products. 416-721-9945

ROOM FOR RENT: Student Preferable.

Victoria Park and Main/Danfort. Call 416938-3753. Message 416-686-5502 WORSHIP SPACE: Space available for Worship. Available from 2pm Location Warden and St Clair. Call 416-938-3753.

Message 416-686-5502

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FOR SALE PERSONALS

BUSY BRAMPTON ROTI SHOP: Immediate help wanted. Please call 905-497-6800 SALES REPS NEEDED: Seeking sales reps to increase new business. Confident and self-motivated, highly skilled at aquiring new business. 647-722-6298

FOR SALE WANTED APPRENTERSHIP: Student looking for apprentership position within the Electrical industry. Punctual and professional. Please call Neal 647-869-7073

He says it’s his most recent release and one that is already creating a stir in places such as New York,England,Canada,Africa,Aruba and Anguilla.

With the prospects of further growth on his mind, Cameron says he is ready to conquer new territory and is bent on eventually becoming a household name in T&T- the mecca of Carnival. He is however looking toward earning the respect of music lovers, promising that every release will be a quality release, deserving of their attention.

For more information on Cameron, visit his Facebook fan page – keyword: Cameron Music and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @MrEnigmatic12. (EtceteraBuzz. com)

DRIVER: Driver wanted for a cargo van.

Must have a G or G2 License. Call 416938-3753. Message 416-686-5502

FOR SALE CHARITY EVENT PLEASE SUPPORT: Delicious Pasta & Empanada Charity Dinner on February 11th at 5pm at 540 Finch Ave, proceeds help Karen, student, to build a school in Kenya.

Tickets $10/each. RSVP: Text 647-9751234

PERSONAL TRAINING: Free personal training using either Chiropractor or Athletic Therapy insurance benefits email eric@habitual.ca for more info!

FOR RENT SALE FOR HOUSE FOR RENT: Available for January 1st 2014. 45 Amethyst Circle, Brampton, The Gore Road/Contrelle Blvd. 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms, full wash, spacious living room/dining room. Close to shopping area, businesses Call 416-570-0925 or 416722-6528 ALL SEASON COTTAGE: Wasaga Beach. 4 Bedroom, sleeps 10. 15 Minutes drive from Blue Mountain and Beach. Log on to www.wasagabeachretreat.ca for more info or call 905-495-8901

Businessman looking for a Guyanese Indian woman married or unmarried for companionship.

ATTENTION SPECIAL SOMEONE: You called me before, I was not ready then. Please call now.

Call 647-854-0335 COMPANION: Looking for a companion to share a cabin on a boat cruise. Please call after 6pm. Sally 647-344-4650 PEN PALS: Looking for male pen pals from Guyana or Trinidad. Between the ages of 50-59. Please email sharmen.singh@ yahoo.com

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Your Horoscope - January 29th 2014 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

The end of the week can see you make good progress. Friday’s stars are great for wheeling and dealing, a get-together, or an intimate encounter. Sunday/Monday, you should find yourself in full swing and playing a good game. There or almost there, Tuesday can thrust you into the final stretch of an important decision, undertaking, or long-awaited conclusion.

A friendly vibe prevails on Friday. Business and pleasure mix well as the workweek comes to a close. Mercury in Aquarius can open you up to a new line of thinking. It can also put fresh options and opportunity in your path. Stick with it and you’ll get yourself somewhere good. Sunday begins a momentous and happening week. Aim to rock it Tuesday/Wednesday.

You can expect life to keep well on brew for the rest of the month. Intellectually, creatively, and socially, you’re a sharpshooter while Mercury continues in Aquarius to next Friday. Something new regarding finances, family, real estate, professional development, or an official relationship status can open up, kick into gear, or thrust you into action mid next week.

Jupiter, the growth and increase planet, will be in Cancer through mid July. The search for more and better continues to be steady fuel. To the beginning of March, Jupiter retrograde puts you back in touch with what you need most—from yourself and the world around you. Through the end of the month, Jupiter/Pluto builds urgency on that growing need.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Friday’s events are sure to push your Refresh button. A talk, social exchange, or shopping excursion perks you right up. A night of indulgence or lust hits it just right too. Saturday and Tuesday, the stars move you past a personal, intellectual, or relationship block.

Sunday can light a spark. The busy week ahead keeps you in good flight.

Friday’s Mercury/Mars alignment makes for a relatively smooth go of the work, the spending, or the rationalization. Try a new technique, angle, or tool—it could work well for you. Saturday moves you past a mindset or stumbling block. Sunday onward you’ll gain a much better sense of direction.

On Tuesday, effort nets significant results.

Take charge, push ahead, call the shots, and make it happen.

At work or at play, Mars in Libra keeps it on a smooth dial-up as the workweek finishes. On Friday, get your sexy on. Sunday/Monday keeps the good vibe and your good ideas going strong. Tuesday could be a milestone day regarding a legal judgment, a contract, an important decision, a result, a money matter, a beginning, an ending, or a completion. From here, you move onto a lucrative fresh page.

You’ll find yourself nicely situated, in your element, and coasting right along on Thursday/Friday, thanks to Mercury/Mars and the Scorpio moon. On Tuesday, push the boundaries, force things into action, and gain. It can be an eventful and lucrative launch-it or find-it day. Tuesday through next Friday, watch for important news, information, or results, a visit, an event, or a major opportunity to set big wheels in motion.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Same-page accord comes readily Thursday/ Friday. You’ll find it’s easy to relate, negotiate, track folks down, or find what you’re looking for. Sunday/Monday, the Sagittarius moon keeps you nicely replenished, on top of your game, and connecting the dots very well. Tuesday, a major push is on. You may have to work for it, but there’s plenty to be gained.

Cooperation, agreement, and win/win can be easily achieved Thursday/Friday. You’ll find those in charge are more willing to accommodate you or give you a chance. Monday/Tuesday, you’re a dynamo. Call the shots, give it your all, don’t hold anything back. Wednesday onward fast-tracks you into something fresh and lucrative.

Right place, right time, right words: Mercury/Mars keeps you quick on the uptake Thursday/Friday. Next Thursday’s super new moon in Aquarius stokes you with exceptional fuel. You’re likely to feel the energy surge as early as Sunday. Tuesday can build more pressure or incentive, or require added force. Midweek sets the new reality into play.

Mercury/Mars makes for good sharing or good lovin’ on Friday. Sunday, it’s time to freshen it up and/or get moving in a new direction. Tuesday’s full-to-the-brim day can see you reach a significant goal or make major progress with someone or something.

It could be a big money day—earning or spending it.

July 21 - August 22

July 21 - August 22

(April 21 - May 21)

(August 23 - September 22)

(December 21 - January 20)

(May 23 - June 20)

(September 23 - October 22)

(January 21 - February 18)

Answers available on www.TorontoCaribbean.com

(March 21 - April 20)

Across 4) Least of these wins [STROKES] 6) Eldrick Woods’s nickname [TIGER] 7) Ace; hole-in-____ [ONE] 8) One over par [BOGEY] 11) Target off the tee [FAIRWAY]

Down 1) Relief from unplayable lie [DROP] 2) Used on the green [PUTTER] 3) Where the hole is [GREEN] 5) Where golf was first played [SCOTLAND] 8) Sand trap [BUNKER] 9) Hole marker [FLAG] 10) One under par [BIRDIE] 13) Middle-distance clubs [IRONS] 14) Two under par [EAGLE]

(June 21 - July 20)

(October 23 - November 21)

(February 18 - March 20)

12) Long-distance club [DRIVER] 15) U.S. or British [OPEN] 16) Long grass [ROUGH] 17) Winner gets a green jacket [MASTERS]

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Power of having productive meetings Jim Pagiamtzis Business Development We all have meetings on a weekly basis.

Have you ever asked yourself after the meeting was over if all the subjects were covered?

The following points were inspired by the amazing Brian Tracy, author, speaker and entrepreneur. Brian has shared his expertise with thousands all over the world.

Take notes: Whether your meeting is in a coffee shop or at the office, it’s important to

take notes. Every conversation creates synergistic energy and inspiring conversations occur. Taking notes allows you to remember and have a written record of the conversation.

Review your notes: After the meeting you can review your notes and follow up, either by phone, text or e-mail.

Take action: As you review the notes, you can determine if there are specific dates that certain tasks need to be completed by or if there is a group leader that needs to be updated?

Taking notes during your meetings is very important, making sure that you are efficient and effective in your conversation.

Taking action and following up is great habit to start managing and creating energy with other members of your group.

Why should you choose an Independent Insurance Broker?

Sherene Cole Insurance Matters Insurance: It’s complicated, we need it, we hope we never have to use it, we don’t understand it...

These days there are many different ways to buy insurance, but there are good reasons to consider using an insurance broker’s expertise to help you make an informed decision.

Choice More choice means better coverage options to meet your individual needs, and saves you time. Brokers have access to a distribution chan-nel of the best insurers in the county, none of whom sell directly to the public.

Once your broker has properly assessed your individual insur-ance needs, they do the shopping for you, finding you the right cover-age at a competitive price. What’s more, in most cases you get “ONE STOP SHOPPING” to take care of your personal, business, and often your life insurance needs all in one place.

Expert Advice you can Trust When you choose to do business with an insurance broker you get a highly skilled and licensed professional who provide expert, unbiased advice and puts your interest first.

You can buy with confidence know-ing that the recommended coverage is right for your particular needs.

Knowledge Brokers are a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of insurance and other preparedness.

They know how to ensure that you receive all applicable discounts on the insurance you buy. They are experts at risk assessment and how to properly protect you and your family’s interests with respect to Auto, Home and Business coverage. Profes-sional education is ongoing and mandatory in the profession.

Personal Attention & Flexibility Is building a relationship important to you?

Would you prefer if you had your own personal advisor that you can contact at anytime? What about the option of having a face-to-face conversation when you need one? The independent broker network allows you to communicate in whatever way you are most comfortable with, that fits your preference.

Some brokers, like myself, provide after hours, evening and weekend service.

On Your Side – Your Personal Advocate If you have to make a claim, your broker is there to ensure that you are treated fairly. If you make an inquiry about a possible claim, it will not be automatically recorded as a claim. If an issue arise about the handling of a claim, your independent broker will go “to the mat” for you. Brokers are your advocate, and we understand you need us most, when you have the misfortune of a loss.

Transparency It doesn’t cost extra to use the services of a broker. Be concerned if you are asked to pay a separate fee to a “consultant ” to connect you with a broker or arrange a policy. Brokers are paid a preset commission percentage by the insur-ance company they place your business with, and there is no financial incentive for them to pick one over another.

What’s more, they are re-quired to be completely open about the transaction and any additional charges, where applicable, must be explained in detail.

Should you choose me as your insurance advisor, you will get the service you deserve from someone you can trust!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 29

30 Wednesday, January 29, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

3 ways entrepreneurs kill their productivity Tina Dietz Business Development There has rarely been a better time in history to start a business. In 2013, more than 135,000 jobs were added to the US market and guess where nearly half those jobs came from? SMALL businesses. To really make it as an entrepreneur you need tremendous tenacity, top notch networking skills, and a no-fear approach to sales—even in the most heart-centered of business ventures. But if you’re reading this, I’m probably not telling you anything new yet, and what you want is to break through to the next level of time and money freedom in your business.

Every industry I’ve worked with-

and there have been more than 20+ industries internationally-has its own unique quirks and challenges. However, some very common trends arise when it comes to how you’re likely to sabotage yourself regarding time and your productivity.

Productivity Killer #1: The “Perpetual Expert” How much time do you spend collecting information, certifications, and more training so that you’re “ready.” Collecting information is only useful if it is immediately practical. If you have a client who has a question, look it up. Google is your friend, and problem solving when there’s actually no problem is a drain of time, energy, and resources.

The brain only retains about 10% of the information that it is exposed to, so chances are you’re going to have to look it up again anyway if you need it at all. Your time is better spent finding out what your ideal clients need, and focusing on filling those needs in a targeted and concise manner.

Productivity Killer #2: Having an Open Schedule There’s a difference between being available and being a 24/7 hotline. Have a policy that you will always return communications within a certain amount of time (say 12, 24, or 48 hours) and honor that policy. This gives you room to breathe, builds trust with your clients, and also sets clear expectations.

People value a service more when they know they have to plan for it, and most “emergencies” resolve themselves or quickly become non-emergencies if you don’t feed the energy of a knee-jerk reaction. Limit checking your email and voice mail to 2-3 times a day for a half hour at a time. Unless it’s someone you’re waiting to hear from, don’t pick up your phone when it rings. These practices will have you focus on your most important tasks and keep your responses to the point.

Productivity Killer #3: Being Too Friendly This goes for both colleagues and clients.

Obviously you don’t want to be a jerk, but it’s completely doable to be kind even when

you’re setting a boundary or saying no. Gossip, social media, and instant messaging, and other kinds of chitchat can wipe out hours of your day, leaving you frustrated and scrambling to get your priorities handled. The same goes for meetings. Start by wearing a phone headset (in the case of an office setting) or putting a “please do not disturb” sign on your office door if you have one (even at home) to reduce distractions and interruptions. Minimize your time in live or phone meetings by partnering up with a colleague and trading off going to meetings and taking notes for each other. As for clients, steer clear of personal entanglements. If you’re with a client who is on a roll with a personal story, reach over and give a gentle, compassionate squeeze to their shoulder or hand and say, “you’re really going through some difficulty right now, so why don’t we take a step back and see where I can best help you.” You can then redirect the conversation to a more solution-focused place. Don’t be afraid to interrupt them, they will thank you for it later.