Mission Catwalk Winner JAMAICA -- Drawing on the Hispanic and Mayan influences in her country, 18 year-old Belizean fashion designer Rebecca Stirm emerged the winner in a culture-inspired challenge in the second episode of Caribbean fashion designer reality series Mission Catwalk, filmed in Kingston Jamaica. Stirm and 14 other designers were instructed by host and executive-producer Keneea Linton-George to “create an outfit that reflects the style and culture” of their individual countries joined by “the common thread of independence.” The designers, who were given pointers from Season One winner Shenna Carby, had to apply their creativity within a short time frame and on a US$20 budget. “I wanted a lot of material, so I looked in the curtain section,” said Rebecca. “I was able to get a lot of this very, very light; airy fabric for a little bit of money since we were on a tight budget. I added embroidery to give it some detail and intricacy.”
Rebecca’s design on the runway - Mission Catwalk is a fashion reality series created by Jamaican fashion designer Keneea Linton-George aimed at discovering and developing new talent. The Kingston-based show tests the creativity and skill of each contestant through various challenges.
Photo By Alty Benjamin Jr
“Beautiful, dramatic, tasteful, stylish-I can feel the culture,” said Linton-George about Rebecca’s dress which also impressed judges -Jamaica Observer Lifestyle Editor, Novia McDonald Whyte; menswear designer Carlton Brown and guest judge, Trinidadian actress Nadia Khan.
The next best design came from Barbadian Kerin Scott’s skirt and top combo which reflected the laid back beach culture of her island and the blue and yellow of the national flag. Jamaican Janel Jolly created an African-inspired chic casual dress while Trinidadian Ryan Chan delivered his version of a modern sari.
Rebecca (who calls her label Fancy Purple Paint) was the first of the show’s designers to win a challenge as no winner was declared in the previous episode where five contestants went home.
Jamaicans Crystal Powell, Keshon Hawthorne, Maria King-Beadle, Natalie Rochester as well as Barbadian/Trinidadian Janelle Forde and Ryan Berkeley of Guyana were given the opportunity to continue to
next week’s show for what Hawthorne aptly described as a “second chance”. In the bottom four were Trinidadian Shannon Kwong and Gregory Williams, Shellane McFarlane and Kimbally Smith of Jamaica. The final two came down to Shellane and Kimbally and the latter was cut for his poor interpretation which according to McDonald-Whyte failed to impress. Rebecca and the remaining 13 contestants are vying for JA$3 million in prizes including the chance to show at London Fashion Week.
PAGE 2 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Raging Atlantic besieges lower East Coast and grinds traffic to a halt as flood waters, in some cases knee-high, overran trenches and inundated bridges. Telephone lines at the hotel were also apparently affected, since this newspaper was unable to make contact with management, using the numbers in the telephone directory.
GUYANA (GC) -- The Ocean View International Hotel and Convention Centre and a gas station were among several businesses and residential buildings hard hit by flood waters yesterday morning when the fierce waves of the Atlantic Ocean roared over a section of the East Coast Seawall, causing appalling destruction. Premises along an approximate one-mile stretch of road extending from the Russian Embassy on the Rupert Craig Highway eastwards to Turkeyen were overwhelmed, forcing residents in the respective neighbourhoods and guests at the hotel to keep indoors
Monique,
25, a Canadian born West Indian of Grenadian and Panamanian background, is from Etobicoke/Mississauga, ON. - Currently a contestant in Miss Black Beauty Canada 2012. Her portfolio spans from playing sports competitively, working with youths in Kenya, and traveling the world and creating a Caribbean Youth organization. This Caribbean beauty speaks English & French and is learning Japanese, Spanish and Arabic. Model, Socially Conscious Advocate, Sports Specialist and Fan. Monique aspires to reach new heights as a Afro-Caribbean Canadian Woman!
You could be our next editions “TC Girl”! To enter, send your photo and a brief description to info@carib101.com
Eerie spectacle It was terrifying to watch the implacable waves hurtling over the Dutch-constructed seawalls to almost instantaneously flood cars, trucks, and other forms of motor vehicles plying the main East Coast thoroughfare. As a consequence, traffic ground to a standstill, as many vehicles suffered mechanical and auto-electrical failure due to damage caused by water. Several vehicles attempting to make their way through did not manage, and were eventually abandoned by motorists and commuters, who were forced to ‘foot it’ out of the danger trail. Other areas said to have been seriously affected by this eerie spring tide were: The Stabroek Wharf and Municipal Market, which were severely flooded out; Parika Waterfront and commercial area; and a section of Leguan Island, in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands).
‘I am meant to be a testimony’ - Shot broadcaster JAMAICA (JO) -- My child will come to motivate and inspire, says gunshot victim, broadcaster Jody-Ann Gray - from her hospital bed came an upbeat and optimistic message from 28-year-old broadcaster Jody-Ann Gray.
“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from people all over the world. I am grateful to God because this could be worse,” the seven-months pregnant Gray told the Jamaica Observer via text message on Friday after giving the police her statement. Gray was said to be recovering well after being shot in a violent attack at her gate for which a co-worker and two men have been detained and are being questioned by the police. The day before, against the odds, she had breezed through surgery to remove a bullet from her neck, which had lodged there when she was shot as she exited her car Wednesday night at the gate to her house in Golden Grove, Portmore. How the popular Supreme Ventures televi-
sion hostess, Kool FM announcer and former Fiwi Choice host came to be shot in the face and hand is officially a mystery, although there has been abundant public speculation about it. The police are still interrogating Gray’s 44-year-old co-worker Wayne Whyte — with whom police allege she was romantically involved — and two other males. Police said Whyte was driving the waiting car in which the shooter fled the scene. The police were able to quickly intercept the vehicle, which had crudely-made fake licence plates, and arrest the three men. The firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was later found on the scene. Police reported that when the plates were removed, it was discovered that the motor car was registered to Whyte and a woman who shared his last name, of a Harbour View address. Continued On Page 6
Deadly accident in Haiti
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 3
But the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders, which has been operating in the region since the 2010 earthquake, helped local authorities to evacuate many of the injured to other medical facilities. One witness said that the road where the accident occurred was known for being dangerous. At least four people were killed in an accident in the same area last week. The lorry, which was carrying retail traders, many of them women, was said to have lost its balance as it climbed a steep incline. The hospital director in the town of PetitGoave Joel Charles, put the death toll at 27 and said 17 of the victims were found dead at the scene.
HAITI (NN) -- Port au Prince - At least 27 people were killed and more than 40 others hospitalised after a lorry overturned on a highway south of the capital, on Saturday night, Haitian officials have confirmed.
A local radio station said the nearby town of Petit-Goave was “overwhelmed” and underequipped to deal with the victims of the accident. Petit-Goave has only one modest hospital.
“Some of the injuries are critical, a lot of head trauma and broken bones. We need surgeons, other medical specialists and ambulances,” Charles said, adding “the victims need to be transported to hospitals in Portau-Prince”.
China Buys Inroads in the Caribbean, Catching U.S. Notice economists and investors.
“When you’ve got a new player in the hemisphere all of a sudden, it’s obviously something talked about at the highest level of governments,” said Kevin P. Gallagher, a Boston University professor who is an author of a recent report on Chinese financing, “The New Banks in Town.” BAHAMAS (NYT) -- A brand new $35 million stadium opened here in the Bahamas a few weeks ago, a gift from the Chinese government. The tiny island nation of Dominica has received a grammar school, a renovated hospital and a sports stadium, also courtesy of the Chinese. Antigua and Barbuda got a power plant and a cricket stadium, and a new school is on its way. The prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago can thank Chinese contractors for the craftsmanship in her official residence. China’s economic might has rolled up to America’s doorstep in the Caribbean, with a flurry of loans from state banks, investments by companies and outright gifts from the government in the form of new stadiums, roads, official buildings, ports and resorts in a region where the United States has long been a prime benefactor. The Chinese have flexed their economic prowess in nearly every corner of the world. But planting a flag so close to the United States has generated intense vetting — and some raised eyebrows — among diplomats,
Most analysts do not see a security threat, noting that the Chinese are not building bases or forging any military ties that could invoke fears of another Cuban missile crisis. But they do see an emerging superpower securing economic inroads and political support from a bloc of developing countries with anemic budgets that once counted almost exclusively on the United States, Canada and Europe. China announced late last year that it would lend $6.3 billion to Caribbean governments, adding considerably to the hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, grants and other forms of economic assistance it has already channeled there in the past decade. Unlike in Africa, South America and other parts of the world where China’s forays are largely driven by a search for commodities, its presence in the Caribbean derives mainly from long-term economic ventures, like tourism and loans, and potential new allies that are inexpensive to win over, analysts say. American diplomatic cables released through WikiLeaks and published in the British newspaper The Guardian quoted diplomats as being increasingly worried about
the Chinese presence here “less than 190 miles from the United States” and speculating on its purpose. One theory, according to a 2003 cable, suggested that China was lining up allies as “a strategic move” for the eventual end of the Castro era in Cuba, with which it has strong relations. But the public line today is to be untroubled. “I am not particularly worried, but it is something the U.S. should continue to monitor,” said Dennis C. Shea, the chairman of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, a bipartisan Congressional panel. But, he added, “With China you have to be wary of possible policy goals behind the effort.” This archipelago, less than a one-hour flight from Florida, has gotten particular attention from the Chinese. Aside from the new stadium, with its “China Aid” plaque affixed prominently at the entrance, Chinese workers here in the Bahamas are busy helping build the $3.5 billion Baha Mar, one of the region’s largest megaresorts. Beyond that, a Chinese state bank agreed in recent weeks to put up $41 million for a new port and bridge, and a new, large Chinese Embassy is being built downtown. The new stadium here, Bahamian officials said, was in part a reward for breaking ties with Taiwan in 1997 and establishing and keeping relations with China. Continued On Page 4
PAGE 4 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN
China sets US on alert Continued From Page 3 -- It is one of several sporting arenas that China has sprinkled in Caribbean and Central American nations as gratitude for their recognition of “one China” — in other words, for their refusal to recognize Taiwan, which Chinese officials consider part of their country.
“They offered a substantial gift and we opted for a national stadium,” said Charles Maynard, the Bahamian sports minister, adding that his government could never have afforded to build it on its own. In this enduring tug of war with Taiwan, others have switched, too, with a little financial encouragement. Grenada ended relations with Taiwan in 2004, and it is now in talks with China about getting a new national track and field stadium. The parting has not been entirely amicable; Taiwan and Grenada are now locked in a financial dispute over loans that Grenada received to finance the construction of its airport. Determined not to be sidelined, Taiwan is seeking to solidify its existing relationships with countries like Belize, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia — which in 2007 broke relations with China in favor of Taiwan — with a bevy of projects, many of them agricultural, including an agreement signed with Belize in recent weeks to develop the fish farming industry there. Still, Taiwanese diplomats in the region conceded that they could never keep up with China’s largess but continued to make strategic
investments in the Caribbean. There are some commodities in the region that China wants. In August, a Chinese company, Complant, bought the last three government sugar estates in Jamaica and leased cane fields, for a total investment of $166 million. Last year, Jamaica for the first time shipped its famed Blue Mountain Coffee to China. The Jamaican government has also received several hundred million dollars in loans from China, including $400 million announced in 2010 over five years to rebuild roads and other infrastructure. “In order to be prosperous you need to build roads first,” said Adam Wu, an executive with China Business Network, a consulting group for Chinese businesses that has been making the case for China in several Caribbean countries. Several analysts in the Caribbean say they believe that China eventually will emerge as a political force in the region, with so many countries indebted to it, at a time when the United States is perceived as preoccupied with the Middle East and paying little attention to the region. “They are buying loyalty and taking up the vacuum left by the United States, Canada and other countries, particularly in infrastructure improvements,” said Sir Ronald Sanders, a former diplomat from Antigua and Barbuda.
“If China continues to invest the way it is doing in the Caribbean, the U.S. is almost making itself irrelevant to the region,” he added. “You don’t leave your flank exposed.” In some places, Chinese contractors or workers have stayed on, beginning to build communities and businesses. So many have opened in Roseau, Dominica, that local merchants have complained about being squeezed out. Trinidad and Tobago has had waves of Chinese immigration over the past century, but locals are now seeing more Chinese restaurants and shops, as well as other signs of a new immigrant generation. “I am second-generation Trinidadian-Chinese, and like most of us of this era, we have integrated very well in society, having friends, girlfriends, spouses and kids with people of other ethnicities,” said Robert Johnson-Attin, 36, a mechanical engineer now with his own successful business. “It’ll only be a matter of time before it happens with the Chinese coming in now.” Here in the Bahamas, Tan Jian, the economic counselor at the Chinese Embassy, said he that believed “it’s only the start” of the Chinese presence across the Caribbean, casting it as one developing country using its growing economic power to help other developing ones. The Bahamian government, he said, “cannot afford to build huge projects by itself.”
While the Chinese built the stadium, the Bahamas is responsible for utility hookups and the roads and landscaping outside it. The $35 million gift “is costing us $50 million,” said Mr. Maynard, the sports minister. “But at the end of the day it will pay for itself” by putting the Bahamas in position to host major sporting events and reap the tourism revenue that comes with that. For Baha Mar, the Chinese Export-Import Bank is financing $2.6 billion, nearly threequarters of the cost, and China’s state construction company is a partner. The Bahamas agreed to allow up to 8,000 foreign workers, most of them Chinese, to work on the project in stages, but it also required employment for 4,000 Bahamians, dampening concerns that Chinese workers were taking jobs. American companies will also take part in building and running it. Mr. Jian played down any economic competition with the United States, whose tourists, he asserted, stood to benefit from China’s presence in the Caribbean. The Chinese workers here live in barracks behind the project fences, largely shielded from public view. “We hardly know they are here,” said James Duffy, watching a track practice next to the stadium one recent afternoon, adding with a chuckle: “Except for the big things they build.”
GUYANA (DW) -- The Guyana government says it has no plans to go the route of other Caribbean jurisdictions and revoke the licence of the now-grounded low fare airline REDjet. This is according to spokesman Dr. Roger Luncheon who told reporters on Thursday that they see no need to go that route at this time. “I don’t know it’s possible that Guyana might but then again we don’t have to because REDjet is not flying so we don’t need to. I don’t believe that you’re going to pile on unnecessary agony because once you revoke it you’ve got to go through the whole process of providing them once more with the licence. The Trinidad and Tobago aviation authorities on March 30 revoked Barbados-based REDjet’s licence in the wake of their Bajan counterparts’ decision to suspend the airline’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC) 10 days prior. Trinidadian regulations require an airline to have a valid AOC. Dr. Luncheon added that REDjet has been in consultations with regional governments on returning to financial viability and getting back in the air. “It’s all about financing; the plug fell out, wasn’t pulled, of REDjet and the enterprise on
financial grounds … in terms of what eventually took place, it was unsustainable and what we have experienced in our discourses with REDjet is some proposals dealing with improving the financing of the enterprise. I’m suspecting and reasonably so that that has also been taken to other governments in CARICOM for refinancing or support for refinancing and putting REDjet on a more sustainable financial and economic platform,” he said. The airline suspended flights on March 16 citing the government-subsidised nature of other carriers in the region which allowed them to drastically cut their fares. According to the company, the move by the other airlines was meant to “shut down” REDjet. “REDjet is hopeful that we will be given a small part of the State assistance others receive, as it will allow us to get our recently approved and exciting new routes established and profitable. Once this happens, our shareholders and staff will do their utmost to see that there is no return to high fares and business as usual,” the company said in the release announcing the suspension. Flights have been suspended until further notice.
EVERY FRIDAY!
Guyana not revoking REDjet’s licence
Two bronze medals for T&T TRINIDAD (TE) -- Trinidad and Tobago’s boys picked up two under-15 bronze medals in the Caribbean Cadet and Junior Table Tennis Championships in Cuba on Thursday. After winning their first five fixtures in the staight round-robin competition in the Cadet (under-15) team event, this country’s boys were beaten 3-0 by the two strongest teams in the tournament, Dominican Republic and the Cuban A side. And the pattern was similar as Aaron Wilson and Savresh Mungal were beaten in straight games in both fixtures, while Arun Roopnarine went out in five games both times. T&T had started the tournament with Roopnarine winning twice and Wilson securing the other point as they accounted for Cuba B 3-1. But then this country’s trio went on the rampage as they trounced the outfits from Aruba, Guyana and Jamaica 3-0 to be as-
sured of a medal.
The clash between Cuba A and the Dominican Republic turned into the battle for the gold medal and Emmanuel Lozano—who beat Roopnarine 13-11 in the fifth and final game when they faced T&T—secured glory for the visitors by convincingly winning the deciding match in three straight. Wilson and Roopnarine won twice in three straight games in doubles to move into the medal round. But after losing in three straight in the semis to a pair of Cubans, they had to settle for the bronze. Mungal and younger brother Amresh won a match in three straight before losing to two other Cubans. This country was not represented in either the girls’ cadet competition or the junior (under-18) events.
T&T teams too good for Jamaica TRINIDAD (TE) -- The Trinidad and Tobago girls Under-19 team defeated their Jamaican counterparts 10-3 in the morning session of the CARIFTA Water Polo Championships at the National Stadium Pool in Kingston, Jamaica yesterday.
The victory gave the T&T U-19 girls a 2-1 lead over their hosts in the best-of-five contest and they were scheduled to face the Jamaicans in the fourth match of the series last night. A win in last night’s game would give Trinidad and Tobago an unassailable 3-1 lead and ensure they finish in first place and collect the gold medals. Yesterday morning, the Polo Princesses gave another good performance, following on from their 12-4 win over the home team on Friday as Anya Welch put T&T in the lead 1-0 after the first quarter. Jamaica drew level in the first minute of the second quarter, but Welch restored the lead shortly after, while Jordan Van Reeken, fighting for position in the critical “hole” position, found the back of the net for Trinidad and Tobago to close out the half leading 3-2. The Jamaicans evened it up again at the start of the third quarter but the fire power coming from the Princesses was beginning to take its toll as Tianna Joseph scored twice and Welch got her third and Van Reeken scored her second as T&T took a 7-3 lead going into the
final session.
Welch scored two more goals in the final period, while Joseph ended the scoring with her second to close off a dominant performance. In the Under-19 girls’ 12-4 win over the hosts on Friday, Welch scored five goals, Van Reeken hit the back of the net four times and Joseph scored three times. Also on Friday, the T&T boys Under-15 team thrashed Jamaica 24-3 and the boys Under-19 team swept aside the hosts 40-0. For the boys Under-15 team, Adrian Hinds scored seven times and Christian Gillette and Dyllon Lara both got four each. Also finding the back of net for T&T were Nabeel Hosein (3), Justin Bhola (2), Kryztien Sharpe, Adam Alexis, Takashi Afoon and Kieron Charles. The Trinidad and Tobago Under-19 boys— preparing for the Junior World Championships in Australia later this year—were led by Jonathan Gillette who scored ten goals. Ryan West chipped in with six, while Daniel Alvarez and Kieron Alexander scored five each. Russell Ferreira added four and Marc Stuble and Andrew Clarke also put their names on the score sheet with three goals apiece. Christian Chee Foon and Andrew Chin Lee rounded off the scoring for T&T with one each.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 5
PAGE 6 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN
My child will come to motivate and inspire
grammes department. From then, she spelt out what she wanted to achieve in the business. I encouraged her to enter entertainment and it’s quite obvious she learned the ropes very quickly. She moved from What a gwaan to Hit List to On Stage to Fiwi Choice, along with being a popular Lotto Girl and radio presenter at Kool FM. Every time we spoke she wanted more, and attempted to make her grandmother, the woman she describes as her rock, very proud,” Watson told the Sunday Observer.
Continued From Page 2 -- “The broadcaster and the two other men remain in custody and will be questioned in the presence of their attorney,” said Collin Pinnock, senior superintendent in the St Catherine South Police Division, yesterday.
Close friend and fellow media worker, TVJ newscaster Janella Precius, who has been by her side since the shooting, said the injured broadcaster is a resilient young woman, who would overcome this horrific attack and rise again.
Police investigators say they have collected fresh information in the form of statements from the victim and her family but the senior cop shied away from making a comment about the possible motive for the attack.
“I was very encouraged when I saw her; the swelling has gone down and she is very optimistic about making a recovery, especially because of the fact that she has her child,” said Precius, who grew close to Gray during their university internship programme at a local radio station some years ago. She was heartsick about her friend’s injuries, but marvelled at her spirit.
“The police have received a number of reports and will be exploring all possible angles in the matter,” was all SSP Pinnock would say. Since the shooting, Gray’s many friends on Facebook have rallied to her aid, posting their thoughts, prayers and wishes for her speedy recovery and the safety of her child, whom doctors say is in good health despite the trauma endured by Gray. “Jody is in high spirits after surgery and is on the road to recovery from her physical and mental scars. Her family is asking that you respect her privacy and is grateful for all your prayers and good wishes. The investigations continue on the criminal end, with the key suspect still in custody. All we can now ask is for justice to run its course. Jesus said ‘you abide in me, and my word abides in you. You can ask anything in my name and I’ll surely give it to you’ (Sandra Crouch),” read the post of one close friend. Subsequent updates gave progress reports on her physical condition after surgery. “Guys, I’m happy to report that Jody is stable after a surgical procedure to remove a bullet lodged in her chin/neck region. By all accounts she is expected to have a full recovery and the baby is still comfortably onboard. You all should have heard by now that a suspect is in custody and being interrogated by the police. Hopefully justice will be swift and a strong signal will be sent to those who masterminded and executed the attempted murder of our friend, colleague and Godfearing Jamaican,” read another post. But even with all this goodwill sent her way, nasty posts from random strangers caused the broadcaster to have someone pull her page from the social network site.
“What struck me is that despite everything, despite the bandage, I mean she looked a little disfigured, but she still was in high spirits. And you’re wondering like, ‘My girl, you nuh realise what just happen to you?’ You know? And she was very high-spirited and this is who Jody is, she just epitomises resilience. She just has this fire in her belly. No matter what happens, she always bounces back, and she never allows any adversity to keep her back. “What is going to keep her going is the fact that she is carrying a life inside her,” she added. Precius, like many of Gray’s friends, was shaken by how close she came to being killed, but all of them remain tightlipped about the swirling rumours about what was behind the near-fatal ambush, refusing to fuel speculation. Precius did have something to say, however, about female media workers who are forced to live out their private lives in the public eye. “Some other female media workers were discussing it yesterday (Thursday). You have to be so careful who you allow into your life, unfortunately, the people that you date, because it becomes a bigger issue, you’re out there in the public. People know you, and there are those who think they know you. But I know Jody is going to pull through,” said Precius. Other friends, including former CVM sports journalist and advertising creative writer, Cassius Watson, said Gray’s energy was amazing. “I’ve always been impressed by her drive from her intern days in the (CVM) pro-
Previous articles written about the bright, talented and ambitious media worker, describe Gray as a young woman who has seen more than her fair share of hardship, including growing up without her birth parents; something she has spoken about publicly. She was partially raised by her grandmother, who was eventually forced to send her to a boarding house on Mountain View Avenue when she could no longer take care of her. A bumpy life followed, according to friends, including attempted suicide at a young age. Gray told a reporter in 2010 that years before, she had been verbally flayed by her absentee parents for failing her Common Entrance Examination. The distraught 10-year-old child set herself on fire, and bears the scars of that today. But what followed was an upward trajectory marked by high achievement academically,
while juggling student leadership responsibilities. She became head girl of Constant Spring Junior High School before moving to Merle Grove High, where she also ascended to head girl. There, she got bitten by the media bug and broadcasts with FAME FM led her to the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication at the University of the West Indies, where she got her undergraduate degree and set her career as a female broadcaster in motion. Sheer determination got her to her current job at Kool FM, where staff have reportedly been placed under a gag order. Tensions are said to be high among employees, appalled by the attempted murder on their pregnant, young media colleague. Her friends and family, however, want to ensure she is protected until she recovers and returns to the beloved media fraternity, stronger and more determined than ever to be a success. The eternally optimistic Gray herself texted this message to the Sunday Observer from her bed in her hospital room: “In every bad situation there is good, and in this situation I did not have to go far to realise that I am meant to be a testimony, and it is obvious that my child will also come to motivate and inspire. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!”
Chanderpaul gives WI advantage eventually removed him when Sammy topedged an attempted pull to deep midwicket.
TRINIDAD (TG) -Kensington— Shivnarine Chanderpaul not only has one of the longest names in world cricket but also one of the longest attention spans. The Australians know this because four years ago in the Caribbean he averaged more than four hours per innings against them. Little has changed. Chanderpaul’s six-hour unbeaten century in the first Test in Barbados has given West Indies the upper hand against Australia, although they must hope the time their batsmen used won’t cost them later in the game. The dour West Indian display ended late in the afternoon when Darren Sammy declared, a rare privilege during his tenure as Test captain, at 449 for 9. It was the first time West Indies had ever had all 11 batsmen reach double figures in a Test innings, although they did so at a run rate of less than three an over. Australia’s openers survived until stumps and were 44 for 0, with David Warner on 27 and Ed Cowan on 13, and much work lay ahead for the visitors. It is unlikely that men such as Warner, Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting will trickle along slowly on a good batting pitch, but they would be wise to exercise at least some of the caution shown by the likes of Chanderpaul, Kraigg Brathwaite and Darren Bravo over the past two days. At times the West Indies innings threatened to stagnate, but it wasn’t dormant for too long at a time. Sammy himself made sure of that with a highly entertaining 41 from 36 balls. He batted just like he had during the limited-overs games last month and did not resist his naturally attacking urges. But there was aggression from both sides during a fascinating period in which Sammy was clearly shaken by a Watson bouncer that struck him on the back of the helmet as he ducked and turned his head. Sammy’s response was to launch the next ball from Watson high and straight back over his head for six, to the cheers of the West Indian fans. But in what was perhaps a delayed reaction, Sammy appeared to be struggling at the end of the over when he received attention from the team doctor, and it took a few minutes for him to decide that he would bat on. Earlier, Sammy had shown his intent with three powerful fours off the offspin of Nathan Lyon and after his blow to the head nothing changed. He pulled Watson for another six reminiscent of some of the strokes he played in the ODIs and cleared the cow corner boundary off Ben Hilfenhaus, who
Chanderpaul had scored only eight during his 53-run partnership with Sammy but that was hardly surprising, for he is not the type to get caught up in the moment. He scored his runs with typically Chanderpaulesque nudges, clips and prods, although he also showed a willingness to attack when the opportunity arose and lofted Nathan Lyon’s offspin down the ground for six. Along the way, Chanderpaul moved past Brian Lara to become the highest Test run scorer at Kensington Oval, and at length his century arrived with a swivel pull for two from his 235th delivery. With that stroke, he moved past Viv Richards into outright third on the list of all-time West Indies Test centurions with his 25th hundred. Chanderpaul had been in the nineties when the No.11 Devendra Bishoo came to the crease and although he didn’t hurry to triple figures, he had no need to, thanks to the ample support he received. Bishoo finished not out on 18 and Chanderpaul had 103 when the declaration arrived, as the Australian bowlers struggled to string wickets together. They managed only two after tea, Kemar Roach caught at slip off Lyon for 16 and Fidel Edwards caught at long-on for 10 when he pulled David Warner’s legspin. Two wickets had also fallen in the middle session of the day, the loss of Sammy preceded by the runout of Carlton Baugh for 22. Baugh took off for a single when Chanderpaul turned a ball from Lyon behind square leg and was caught short by Ryan Harris’ direct hit when sent back by Chanderpaul. That ended a 31-run stand that had nearly been stifled in its first few deliveries when Ricky Ponting at slip dropped a tough chance when Baugh was on 4. The run-out was a bonus for the Australians, who used eight bowlers in a Test innings for the first time since the Delhi Test against India in 2008, as they sought a way through the gritty West Indian batting order. During the first session, Chanderpaul lost two partners, Darren Bravo for 51 and Narsingh Deonarine for 21. Bravo and Chanderpaul had compiled a 73-run partnership before the breakthrough eventually arrived when Bravo drove on the up and edged Watson to gully. It was no surprise that Bravo fell to an edge; he had brought up his half-century with an edge wide of slip off Peter Siddle from his 114th delivery and had slashed a streaky boundary over gully the previous ball. Australia followed with the wicket of Deonarine, who tried to work a shortish ball from Ryan Harris down into the ground and behind square leg but succeeded only in top-edging a catch for the wicketkeeper Matthew Wade. Fortunately for West Indies, another Guyanese left-hander was able to stick around for much longer. (Cricinfo) Scoreboard West Indies vs Australia West Indies 1st Inns Adrian Barath c Siddle b Harris 22 Kraigg Brathwaite c Wade b Siddle 57
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 7
Kirk Edwards c & b Warner 61 Darren Bravo c Hussey b Watson 51 Shivnarine Chanderpaul not out 103 Narsingh Deonarine c Wade b Harris 21 Carlton Baugh run out (Harris) 22 Darren Sammy c Cowan b Hilfenhaus 41 Kemar Roach c Clarke b Lyon 16 Fidel Edwards c Hussey b Lyon 10 Devendra Bishoo not out 18 Extras: (12b, 9lb, 4w, 2nb) 27 TOTAL: (for 9 wkts decl) 449 Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-142, 3-167, 4-240, 5-285, 6-316, 7-369, 8-402, 9-421. Bowling: Ryan Harris 29-8-83-2, Ben Hilfenhaus 33-12-67-1 (1nb), Peter Siddle 3110-83-1 (1nb, 4w), Nathan Lyon 31-11-94-1,
Michael Clarke 2-0-4-0, Shane Watson 155-46-1, David Warner 10-0-45-2, Michael Hussey 2-0-6-0. Australia first Inns Ed Cowan not out 13 David Warner not out 27 Extras: (4lb) 4 TOTAL: (for 0 wickets) 44 Bowling: Fidel Edwards 4-1-14-0, Kemar Roach 4.5-0-18-0, Devendra Bishoo 1-0-8-0. Umpires: Tony Hill, New Zealand, and Ian Gould, England. TV umpire: Marais Erasmus, South Africa. Match referee: Jeff Crowe, New Zealand.
EVERY SATURDAY!
PAGE 10 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Dear Suzie: My daughter is 17 years old and wants to spend all her time in her room doing her own thing, or she and her girlfriends hang around in her room. She and her friends only come downstairs if they want something to drink or eat. Her room is a complete mess; she doesn’t clean up, leaves her dirty laundry on the floor and used dishes piled on the floor. I want to spend time with my daughter talking or doing things together. I can’t stand the mess in her room. I have spoken to her; yelled at her; taken her computer and television away, but she still does as she wants. I really don’t know what to do. Help! A hardworking, loving Mom.
enjoy looking at other women, but there is no attachment to the picture in the magazine. You are the one he loves. You are the one he chose to be with. It is your own insecurity about yourself that makes you fear your husband reading pornographic magazines. Rather than being critical of your husband, look at the magazine with him. Discuss them, laugh together about the pictures. Admire the photographs. Your husband will appreciate your openness. He will value and respect you for being noncritical. You both may learn new and interesting things about each other from which you could both benefit. Have fun! And remember we women enjoy looking at a good looking, well put together man.... there’s nothing wrong with that, is there? S.
Dear Mom:
Dear Suzie:
Teenagers! They do need their own space and time with their friends, but they also need to interact with their family. They also need to learn the basic principles of hygiene and cleanliness. This calls for a compromise. Make a deal with her that you spend at least half an hour every evening talking together about the day, her achievements, thoughts and problems. Listen to her and don’t be critical or judgmental during this special time. She will grow to appreciate the time you have together and it may get longer! With respect to hygiene make a deal with her. If she keeps her room neat and clean for two weeks she will get something she wants for her room that shows she is decorating her room in an attractive way. She won’t want to leave dirty laundry and dishes lying around.
I am a 14 year old girl and living in a big apartment complex. Whenever I come out of my building there are lots of teenagers hanging around. They yell rude and mean things at me and I feel frightened. For the last few months I have not dared to leave my apartment, because I can’t face the taunts and threats. I feel like a prisoner, but I do have things I want to do outside and have friends I want to hang out with. How can I leave my building safely and not be scared?
S. Dear Suzie: I love my husband very much and we have a great sex life, but I can’t come to terms with his need to read pornographic magazines. It makes me feel inadequate. Now he hides his magazines, because I fight with him when he brings them home in front of me. What can I do to make his need for pornography no longer necessary? Inadequate Dear Inadequate: You are not inadequate. But you do need to rethink your approach to your husband’s need to buy and read pornographic magazines. First, the fact that he brought his magazines home openly for you to see shows you that he is not hiding his interest in pornography from you. There is nothing wrong with pornography. Fighting him about it makes you appear to him to be critical and judgmental, so he hides it now. You need to understand that viewing or reading pornography is not a demonstration that he finds you less attractive or sexual. Men
Threatened. Dear Threatened: No one should be afraid to leave his or her home. You are being bullied by teenagers who have nothing better to do. Your fear is understandable though and I am sorry you are suffering like this. Have you talked to your family or the building superintendent about this problem? Try and make your arrangements to go out at a time when you can walk out of the building with an adult or with your friends. If you have to go out by yourself sometimes walk tall. Hold your head high with your shoulders back. Look forward. Don’t respond to their comments and taunts. Think about what you are going to do. Remember that you are a valuable young girl with your own needs, wants and rights to live your life. You have somewhere to go and something positive to do. These teenagers hanging about are going nowhere in their lives. When you are 50 feet passed them, they will loose interest in you. You will be on the way to having fun outside your apartment. Bullying is hard to deal with, but you must be bigger and stronger than those who taunt you. These teenagers feel that they have succeeded with their bullying if you show fear. Show them who you are, a strong, positive young lady with a life to lead. When they see that their meanness has no effect, they will gradually give up. S. Do you have personal questions? Contact Suzie DearSuzie@TorontoCaribbean.com
DIRECT DIAL!! AUTO ATTENDANT SYSTEMS!! VoIP!! BUSINESS PHONES!! CUSTOMIZED PACKAGES!!
GUYANA - GHANA - NIGERIA - CARIBBEAN - UK - INDIA - PAKISTAN CANADA - JAMAICA - USA - MIDDLE EAST - SOUTH AMERICA - EUROPE SRI LANKA - ST. VINCENT - ST. LUCIA
contact@eldantel.com Tel: (416) 477-1215 | (416) 731-4166
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 11
Premixed Cake Batters Can Become Toxic cake mix but in the past I have purchased the .99 cent special.
Trish Browning Contributor My article this week is a bit out of the norm but I think it is worth sharing. I am not one to take expiry dates on canned and boxed food or even medication too seriously. I always though that it can’t be bad for you. After all it was sitting in that package for how many months. As long as it is still sealed it should be safe. If the Tylenol is expired maybe it will not be as effective. Well was I ever surprised when I saw an email come into my mailbox warning about an expired cake mix. Apparently it is unsafe to consume products that are made with pre mixed batters that have expired. I was never one for the boxed
Based on my research via the information highway, I have found that some people are saying it is not so bad and some are reporting some serious situations where it is reported that individuals have either died or became ill from consuming items made with expired batter. Yeast develops spores over time and can become toxic. Whether this is true or not I think I have learned my lesson and I will not be so frugal discounting the fact that a date is stamped on the item for a reason and I am not willing to take the risk to find out if it is correct or not. Check the expiration dates on packages like pancakes and cake mixes that have yeast and make sure they are still good. Be conscious of food items that may develop spores. Mold can grow on many foods, including grain products. Consuming it can cause con-
Herbal Pain Relief With no additional chemicals or foreign agents mixed together as in the normal conventional or alternative medicines available over-the-counter at a chemists shop. Herbal Pain Relief
The conditions of the diseases such as: Alzheimer’s; Ageing; Brain and nervous disorders; Cancer; Diabetes; Allergies; Digestive problems; Chronic pain of the joints and muscles due to arthritis; Ear and hearing problems; Eye-sight corrections; Cardiovascular diseases of the heart such as heartburn etc; High-blood pressure; Hormonal genetic disorders of the blood; Immunity; Urinary, kidney and Liver contingencies; Migraine and unusual headaches; Nutritional values of the diet chart plans; Osteoporosis; Oral malfunctions; Skins; Nails and Hair fall with rest of the other diseases of the human body can be affectively overcome with the help of extraction of the natural resources and treatment of the acute pain can be made possible. Taking care of fitness is a good habit. That does not mean buying a trampolines or whole sets with kettler and all. A treadmill and a stepper will be more than enough. Natural herbal pain remedies The white willowing tree that holds the key to diminish various forms of acute pain of the joints, bones and muscles etc and the bark of the tree is extremely rich in a specific compound called upon as Salicin that alleviates the pain instantly. The importance/benefit of such natural herb and shrub is that it doesn’t naturally give im-
proper side-effects such as: Intestinal internal bleeding and gastric disorders and even the blood platelets are affected by it like in the medicine aspirin. The herbal pain relief diminishes the level of body’s inflammatory agents which looks like hormones of the body cell. The tree extracts are also helpful to control the menstrual deficiencies in ladies. Chronic pains of the muscles and joints of the body are the physical discomforting processing pains which have lasting effects that shall begin from first month to last for six consecutive months as well. Certain patients who are not completely depended over conventional medicines such as: allopathic treatment of the diseases of the body or completely discard away for various side-effects adopt the usage of natural herbal medicinal treatment because in a specific case where the patient has gone through a complicated sport injury or a brutal car accident, the adoption of allopathic therapy takes sudden treatment for the disease but becomes dangerous at the same time when the root of the disease stays right there whereas complicated herbal medicines adopt much slower healing processing but never creates side-effects to any form of disease whatsoever and vanishes up the disease from the root itself. There are other many forms of herbal pain relievers such as: Achilles Mille folium which is a natural plant extract herb and used widely for the treatments of anti-inflammatory actions and antiseptics of the patient’s body.
vulsions, gangrene or death.
• Molds come in different colors and textures from dust, fuzz, fur, from white to gray or green. They all can make you sick. • Visible mold produces spores that can easily become airborne. Below the visible mold are “threads” or “roots” extending down into the product. Near the threads can be mycotoxins, some of which are carcinogenic. So don’t just cut it off the cheese. Get rid of the cheese. • Cooking does not kill mycotoxins. • Check the expiration dates before you buy a product. Be aware that grocery stores will put things on sale close to the expiration date. It is also possible you will be sold something already past the expiration date. • When you put things in your pantry and refrigerator put the newer things in the back. • Store opened grain products in airtight con-
Andro-graphics Paniculata herb helps in boosting immune system and dissolves the blood clot inside the stream. Geranium that fights upon sinusitis and infections of the throat to acute bronchitis etc with Eclipta alba is an Ayurvedic herb that treats hair fall loss and high-blood pressure syndrome of the patient whereas last but not the least Gupu-lipids helps in discovering a Gum of the Indian Mukluk tree. Herbal tea as known upon by everyone in this day-and-age is recommended by herbalists for its anti-oxygenation compound cri-
tainers once you have opened them. Freezing them is no guarantee. Check the dates. • Check produce in the store for mold. Once you get it home, wash it and eat it quickly. Once washed, it is prone to get mold rapidly. • Clean your refrigerator every few months with a solution of 1Tbsp. of baking soda in 1 Qt. of water. • Scrub black mold off the rubber casting with a solution of 2 Tbsp. of bleach in 1 Qt. of water. • Wash your dishcloths, sponges and dishtowels frequently. • If you find or suspect mold, don’t sniff it. To dispose of it, move the item very carefully so as not to disturb the spores, which can become airborne, seal it in a bag and put it in the trash outside immediately. • Throw out the contaminated container. If you must keep it, clean it with very hot water and soap or antibacterial cleaner.
teria helps in providing sufficient amount of oxygen to the body. The realm of personal herbal tea includes Ginger tea; Jasmine tea; Chamomile tea etc. There are simultaneous health benefits in consuming such forms of tea daily in breakfast and patient feels rejuvenated. The tea helps in digestive problems; de-stresses the patient from tensions; helps in regulating proper flow of the respiratory processes i.e. unrestricted breathing process of the tube of the throat etc.
Your Horoscope - April 2012 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): It will show off your leadership qualities, all your drive and your will to do just about anything quickly. You could talk about your projects, too, the new things that interest you. Do make sure you look good, attempt to be efficient, and perhaps you could do with a new pair of shoes. So the foot you put forward is new, too.
changes occurring in whatever environment you’re in. The importance here will be how and what you communicate in order for understanding to occur. The group is more important now than the individual. Try and support the greater good. You won’t get lost. And don’t be critical.
Taurus Horoscope (April 21-May 21): Love seems to have taken on a new intensity. I am not limiting the word love to a present intimacy. It’s the word and experience of love that is being defined for you now, providing an inward change to your existing life’s values. Something you have not been aware of is brought to light. Love is the instrument. A psychological change is the outcome.
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your everyday ways of being, both personal and professional, probably need even more efficiency, which, last Month, I said you could do very well. This Month needs more awareness than usual of how you are helpful to others. Helping others in turn helps you which in turn creates more efficiency. This is the opposite of carelessness which would waste your vital time. And if you’re not helpful, then try to be. You’re very capable at this.
Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): The group is very important but it’s the new group and less of the old. Your ability to bring love to humanity is probably the strongest in the zodiac, except for Pisces. The financial picture will soon shift from nothing to everything. I know this is your hope and wish. Try not being unpredictable. It ruffles you too much.
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): Try not to be harsh, withdrawn, and or neglectful of those you encounter daily, especially family, friends, colleagues and all who care for you. It’s possible you’re caught up in financial responsibilities, desire for social activities, and extreme business concerns. You will battle to defend your values. Wear armor.
Cancer Horoscope (June 21-July 20): The work situation has captured your mind and heart and this will continue. You seek to maintain high ethics and balance everyone’s interests. This is noble. Whereas some will not recognize you, others, in high ranking places will. Especially those Beings in spiritual realms who oversee our lives. To them you are a most important influence. You need this identity to continue.
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): Parents could be a concern or perhaps it’s your parenting that you’re concerned about. Which ever it is, they both need a lot of love. You need to love your parents and tell them so. And you need to know that no matter how you’ve parented, you’ve been doing it with the most love you can bring forth. Now discipline’s another situation entirely. Go slow on that one so as not to disrupt harmony and security of everyone.
Leo Horoscope (July 21-Aug. 22): It’s a New Year for you. The Sun will recharge and revivify you if you stand in it daily and long enough. You are to radiate yourself like a Sun into all environments. Remember that your tending must be toward yourself. Everyone else comes next. Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You feel the need to restore and revitalize yourself. This will occur in part if you change your schedule, find new sources of direction, and create a new health and fitness routine. Money and tax matters become great concerns. You’ll need to be resourceful with time because extra professional responsibilities may prove tiresome and tedious. Careful with distractions. Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Establishing tranquility is your work for the month. Especially with loved ones but more so for yourself. There may be
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): Contacting your siblings is important. If not by phone then by letter, card, or email. It’s the time to do this no matter how you feel about it. Also, you need to consider education for either yourself or another. And a walk around the neighborhood is a good idea, too. What I’m referring to in all these situations is connections, more information, and a deepening of affection and knowledge about everything. Big and small. Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Look at where your important papers are, review your monetary input and output, make investments if that’s what you do, and consider the value of your work and services. These and all financial situations are to be engaged in seriously. A new state of awareness of how you value yourself is also occurring. Be aware of this for from it your future emerges.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 13
PAGE 14 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN
407 ETR Relieves Traffic Congestion or Contributes to Traffic Congestion? ing the environmental impact of driving.
Tammy Flores Contributor Highway 407’s current model was the first of its kind in the world. It’s an open access all-electronic toll road. Unlike the common toll road with manned tollbooths, collection is done electronically and the person that owns the plate is the one that is supposed to be billed. We will not rehash the customer service nightmare this has caused. This article will focus on the idea behind this new concept of toll collection. The 407 ETR claims “More than 380,000 trips take place on the highway each workday and each month the 407 ETR processes millions of electronic trips eliminating the need for customers to stop at a toll booth causing congestion. In 2010, customers made over 114 million trips, traveling more than 2.3 billion kilometers - relieving congestion on other area highways and local roads. Customers traveling the 407 ETR save time and, by traveling at a safe and consistent speed, also save money on fuel while reduc-
Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power believes there is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that more study is required to validate the 407 ETR’s claim. For example, vehicle registrations increased from 6,329,052 to 7,854,228 during the period from 1993-2005. Of greater significance was the estimated 125,102 million vehicle kilometers traveled in 2005 in the Province of Ontario. The greatest increase occurred in 1999 & 2000. 1999 was the year the 407 ETR began operating Highway 407. We also know that Ontario’s population is foretasted to grow at the rate of 1.2%, 4% in Toronto and the GTA has been growing in leaps and bounds. We would like the 407 ETR to explain to us where the increase in vehicles and traffic is going if it is not driving on Highway 407? Does this model relieve traffic congestion or cause it? We cannot ignore the impact the increase in Vehicle Registrations and Vehicle Kilometers traveled has had on our traffic woes. On April 19th, 1997-The Toronto Star’s, Jim Kenzie writes, “Open Up Highway 407 and let drivers try it for free. If commuters fall in love with the tollway, it’ll cut traffic elsewhere”. On June 14th,
1997-The Toronto Star’s Jim Kenzie writes, “Highway 407 is worth it-for free True value will be seen in how 401 congestion is relieved”. We were sold hook, line and sinker that this highway was the answer to our traffic congestion issues.
Most noticeable was this article in the Toronto Star of October 15th, 1997; the day people were charged to use the toll highway. It was a retreat back to the 401. Minister Al Palladini, who drove the tollway during the morning rush hour with his successor, Tony Clement is quoted as saying, “There’s no question traffic was very light, but once motorists get tired of getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Highway 401 and other routes, they’ll be back”. This was when we were only paying under $.10/KM. The 407 ETR is now pushing $.25/KM. I don’t believe people are flocking back to this highway as Minister Al Palladini thought they would. Another point to focus on is that when the tolls took effect, the increase in traffic on the 401 and other vital routes was duly visible and we feel it even more so now with the growth that has taken place. How did this model “relieve congestion on other area highways and local roads … save time … save money on fuel while reduc-
ing the environmental impact of driving”? Comments of commuters in that article were such that indicated the extra $60$70/month it would cost them to travel on the highway could not be justified and that they would revert back to other travel routes. Now we have people slammed with bills of $1,000-$38,000 that the 407 ETR claims people owe them, but do not prove it to be a fact and the MTO blindly collects without knowing weather or not they are lawful charges. As stated, there is enough anecdotal evidence that warrants further study that concentrates on weather Highway 407 is relieving traffic congestion or contributing to it. We want to know the social/economic impact driving on this highway has had on you. Please write to Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power, 75 Bayly Street, PO Box 14524, Ajax, Ontario, L1S 7K7 or email us at 407AbuseofPower@hotmail.ca You can also find us at www.407etr-abuseofpower.com If you would like to keep up to date with what’s happening on a daily basis, please join our Facebook group “Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power” or you can follow us on Twitter @407AbuseofPower.
Is Jail the Answer?
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 15
Sue von Achten Toronto Caribbean Contributor
to do crimes better and have graduated to more serious crimes with more solid connections to lifetime criminals. This is what the government has taught you; this is how you have been educated in jail. This is how the government values you as a member of their province.
Mandatory minimum sentences have been introduced by the Conservative government for many offences, particularly those involving firearms. Mandatory minimum sentences sound good to the man on the street who believes the government line that locking up the “bad guys” for a long, long time will keep our streets safe. With apologies to Mr. Harper and friends, this is “hog wash.” This is their way to win votes and power for themselves. Judges are in the best position to determine the right sentence for those who come before them. They have the experience and they know about the individual and their personal circumstances. That is their job. With the government in our bedrooms we are fast becoming a state controlled society. Let me explain. The majority of those charged and convicted with gun related charges are under thirty years of age. This age group is more likely to rehabilitate given the opportunity to do so. The government is not interested in investing in their people individually; their focus is on big business and their friends. The objective of sentencing is general deterrence, that is to tell the public that possession of firearms will result in a severe penalty; specific deterrence, that is to tell the person convicted that they will face a harsh sentence for such an offence and rehabilitation, which means that the convicted will be taught how to behave to make them into a contributing member of society. The government’s “mandatory minimum sentence” serves only as a general fear to the community that they will lock you up and throw away the key. Sentences served provincially in Ontario, have nothing to do with rehabilitation. Many prisoners are locked up twenty-three hours a day, often three to a cell, with only television on the range and a few books to read. Library services in facilities are almost part of history. Exercise is limited to walking around outside for an hour. Maplehurst
Correctional Facility has a fully equipped gym for prisoners, but they don’t get to use it, because it would cost the government too much. The staff has their gym which they use free of charge. Prisoners resort to filling a bag with water to use as a punch bag. This is, of course, forbidden. There is no education in Ontario jails. Prisoners are offered bible classes and receive certificates as they progress. This means a great deal to inmates. Thank you volunteers. Where are the lessons to teach prisoners life improvement? Education in life skills, Math, English, Healthcare, History, Geography is critical. Teaching inmates how to calculate; opening their minds through reading; learning how to care for themselves and their families; showing them what went on in the past and how we arrived at where we are today; teaching them that there is a big world out there with lots of opportunities for them, if they choose; this is how we rehabilitate. Computer and business studies are necessary to show inmates how to earn an income through their own efforts and abilities. Once you get a criminal record your employability is virtually nil. Owning and operating your own business is the way out. If mandatory minimums are going to work and achieve the sentencing principles, education is the answer. The Conservative government has only done half, the easy bit - lock them up. Now years later they
return the prisoners to the community with no skills, or abilities to become contributing members of society. Often the inmate has no home, or family to return too. The long jail terms almost guarantee that wives, girlfriends, husbands, boyfriends have moved on; children have been fatherless too long. There are no, or few jobs available. The government has succeeded in creating a vast number of people relying on welfare to survive - money the taxpayer doles out. We, the taxpayer, have paid a high price to keep so many people locked up for so long. Where is the benefit to the community and the convicted? Nothing except a huge tax bill. The government should invest money in their people whether they are in jail or not. We are all losers. There is nothing positive in going to jail. It may show you are cool and solid to the street code when you are in your teens or twenties, but you age rapidly in jail. A forty year old will soon look like a sixty year old. Poor food, no fresh air, little exercise, the hard life of doing time ages you dramatically and then you are no longer cool. You are an old dude; a has been; a worn out nigga’ who nobody knows or respects when you come home. With nobody to talk to you, or teach you in jail you are released with no future. You have associated with people who are more criminal than you are. You have learned how
What is the use of putting young people under twenty five into jails locked up twenty-three hours with professional criminals? There is no teaching of rehabilitation skills and no encouragement to improve self-esteem or confidence. The government locks them up making them think they are the dregs of society; they come out knowing that they are. To ease the pain of incarceration prisoners frequently pretend that it is cool; that they are a man and can do the time. Inside, however, they have been further destroyed as a person by what they have experienced or seen. A young person, with no criminal record, holding a gun for another will go to jail for four years. He may not have even touched the weapon, but it was found in his property. Is four years minimum in jail the right sentence? No, it can never be. Young people, particularly young men do not mature in their thought processes or behavior until their late twenties. Their thought processes do no include reasoning, or rationalization for what they do; yet they are sentenced as adults when they are not adults at all. It is only when they end up in jail that they begin their education in criminal activity. What can we do about it? Look to us; educate yourself. You have a long life to live. Create goals for yourselves and achieve them. Invest in yourselves. Making a quick buck today can destroy your opportunities of enjoying a good life for the future and take away your freedom. We cannot rely on politicians, but we can rely on ourselves. You’ve got it in you - make it happen. See next edition - “Are We Warehousing Prisoners?” Sue von Achten is a mother of five and lawyer practicing criminal and family law for twenty years, both in Canada and England.