Jack ignores PNM’s calls to explain US$ bank account TRINIDAD (TG) -- Trinidad and Tobago’s Civil Aviation Opposition Senator Fitzgerald Hinds says National Security Minister Jack Warner’s refusal to respond to questions and concerns about an alleged US bank account in his name is a threat to the country’s democracy. Hinds likened Warner’s disregard to the 1990 coup attempt.
Last week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) published its judgment surrounding allegations of bribery against former FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam. The CAS found that Warner held a secret account that contained at least US$455,000. On Friday, Warner told the media he was not prepared to answer any questions on football matters. He also knocked Hinds, PNM MP Colm Imbert and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley for constantly criticising him. The PNM held its 16th General Council meeting yesterday at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain, which was followed by a press conference. At the meeting, it was resolved that: “This general council roundly and wholly condemns the behaviour of Mr Jack Warner, MP, in respect of these matters and calls upon the Prime Minister to remove Mr Jack Warner from the Cabinet forthwith, in keeping with the protection of the public interest, the protection of the international image of Trinidad and Tobago and also in keeping with her Government’s promise of good governance.”
“Jack Warner refusing to respond to questions and concerns about an alleged
US bank account in his name is a threat to the country’s democracy.” Rowley is expected to host a press conference at 11 am today to speak further on the matter. Hinds told the media the resolution called for the population to defend itself against “this serious threat” to good governance. He said, “We consider his disregard as a threat to the democ-
racy, the stability and the well-being of Trinidad and Tobago, just like the events of July 27, 1990. It’s as serious as that.” The PNM has made repeated calls for Warner’s removal as a government minister.
PAGE 2 - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Luke Williams’ moment to shine Jamaican teacher joins Olympic torch relay ahead of 2012 Games
JAMAICA (JO) -- There is a very detailed ritual that surrounds the lighting of the Olympic flame in Greece every four years, and transporting that global symbol to the host city.
It is lit by the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the ancient Games. Continued On Page 4
Tollywood movie premieres at Digicel IMAX
Yesenia, 18 from Cuba is a photography and runway mod-
el. This young beauty is studying graphic arts and designs. Her biggest passion is cooking and spending time with family and friends. “I believe that all your dreams can come true if you work hard and never give up on them” ~ Yesenia You could be our next editions “TC Girl”! To enter, send your photo and a brief description to info@torontocaribbean.com
TRINIDAD (TG) -- Digicel IMAX hosted its first Telugu/Tamil language movie premiere last week Saturday. The critically acclaimed movie of the evening—called EEGA (titled Naan Ee in Tamil)—was viewed by more than 200 people, including the Indian High Commissioner, Malay Mishra, CEO of the Digicel IMAX Ingrid Jahra and chairman of the Digicel IMAX Brian Jahra. Many of the patrons who came from south Trinidad enjoyed a first-time experience at the theatre, where they were treated to specially-made Indian delicacies including pakora, seasoned rice and samosas. Distributors of the movie Dr Kalichand Myneni and Roberts Prashanth Buthapati from the south of India, expressed great satisfaction with the turnout and the positive feedback from the
movie. They said they would like to expose more Trinidadians to these films, which are very popular in India now. Senior marketing officer, Charissa Minty, said, “We at the Digicel IMAX were very interested to showcase great East Indian movies. I was also quite impressed with the graphics and the visuals of the movie and it filled our entire screen, which was great. With the successful showing of this movie we look forward to working with Dr Kalichand and Mr Roberts in the near future with other films such as these.” With positive reviews worldwide, the producers of the film are reportedly considering a sequel, but they are still very much in the early stages.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 3
Granger is PNCR Leader according to unofficial sources. He defeated former finance minister Carl Greenidge at the party’s 17th Biennial Delegates Congress securing 512 votes to the latter’s 175. There was one spoilt vote, Demerara Waves Online News learnt.
GUYANA (DW) -- Leader of the Opposition and Chairman of the APNU retired Brigadier David Granger has been declared the Leader of the People’s National Congress/Reform,
Granger’s election marks the first time leadership of the party has passed from a living Leader to his successor. Incumbent Robert Corbin did not contest the post instead opting to be eligible for election to the party’s executive committee.
Word of Granger’s victory emerged from party headquarters Congress Place around 1.30AM Monday following a lengthy delay in the voting process which reportedly began after 1PM Sunday.
According to an official who chose to remain unnamed, counting of the ballots for the executive member posts would be done later in the day with the results announced then or on Tuesday.
Officials from both camps acknowledged that there had been delays while “internal matters” were sorted out.
Earlier, it was revealed that the former PNCR Vice-Chairman had defeated incumbent Cammie Ramsaroop to become Chairman.
The media, though accredited, were not allowed into Congress Place to witness any part of the process nor were they provided with any official updates on the proceedings.
Volda Lawrence and Dr. George Norton were elected to be Vice-Chairs while Ronald Bulkan was elected Treasurer.
Rambachan defends Kamla’s car purchase - Accuses media of attempts to embarrass PM TRINIDAD (TG) -- Minister of Local Government Dr Suruj Rambachan yesterday accused the media of being involved in a “continuing series of attempts to embarrass the Prime Minister.” This comes after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar answered questions about her acquisition of a Range Rover Sport vehicle in June. The car is reportedly worth $1.8 million but because of a tax exemption for public officers the cost was closer to $900,000. Rambachan described reports on the matter as “a cheap attempt to politicise and skew the event of the purchase of a new vehicle by the PM with her own money.” He emphasised that the PM borrowed $350,000 towards the purchase of the vehicle and said he could not understand why the purchase was deemed important.
is no privacy. However, one always hopes that in the quest to ‘invade’ the privacy of a politician that the news being carried is not slanted to create controversy or to make the public question the integrity of the politician when there is in fact nothing to question.” However, opposition MP for Diego Martin Central Dr Amery Browne said although the PM is entitled to make the personal purchase of a vehicle, these purchases must be declared. “The public has a right and an interest in obvious or ostentatious acquisitions attained by public officials,” said Browne. He added, however, that the PM was not the only public official in the country with a luxury car. Browne also said unless there was specific evidence of corruption or other irregularities in the purchase, he was “not inclined to make anything of it.”
“It is said that in the life of a politician there
Rambachan compared the report to attacks made by former prime minister Patrick Manning on the PM’s personal residence in Phillipine, as well as reports about her sister acting as an official travel assistant and the PM’s seemingly frequent travels. He said there was no review in the press of the “international achievements” for T&T acquired by these travels.
Gopee-Scoon calls on Therese to resign - Says UN address ‘absolutely disgusting’ following Cornelis’ controversial keynote address to the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) Symposium on Cultural International Diplomacy and Sustainable Development in Geneva. The video of the address has already received more than 11,000 views on Youtube and it is being widely circulated on Facebook. Gopee-Scoon said the speech was “absolutely disgusting” and an “atrocity.” She said an ambassador is respected as one of the highest representatives of the country and should be someone who knows how to deal with international and multicultural interests. TRINIDAD (TG) -- Former foreign affairs minister Paula Gopee-Scoon is calling for the immediate resignation of this country’s ambassador to the United Nations in Switzerland, Therese Baptiste-Cornelis. GopeeScoon, the Point Fortin MP, made the call
She said the appointment of Baptiste-Cornelius as this country’s ambassador to Geneva was an example of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s poor selection of diplomats. Gopee-Scoon said damage has been done to this country’s image. In her opening
remarks at the Geneva event, Baptiste-Cornelis said: “This is my first keynote speech since I became an ambassador. I had thought I would have stop making speeches after I left being a minister.” She goes on to talk about her time as health minister and said she was given the chance to do so because not only did she know the prime minister, but she was also her teacher at one point. “I caused chaos. I told the doctors they were making mistakes, they hated the fact that I pointed out they were making mistakes. They pleaded for me to get out so I agreed with them on that plea and so I gave them so much more stress, so they would plea louder. Then I was replaced by the MP who I was the campaign manager for,” she said. Continued On Page 5
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Jamaica’s Luke Williams receives the Olympic flame Continued From Page 2 -- After a short relay around that country, the flame is handed over to the new host city at another ceremony in the Panathenaiko stadium in Athens before being delivered to the host country, where it is transferred from one torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship. The last torchbearer lights the cauldron at the Olympic Games opening ceremony, as the world saw just last Friday, marking the official start of the widely anticipated sporting competition. There it burns until the final day of the Games. This Games, among the 8,000 people entrusted with transporting this key Olympic symbol around the United Kingdom was Luke Williams, a teacher, journalist and actor from Jamaica. Williams, 46, has served Central Foundation Girls’ School in Wanstead in the London Borough of Redbridge for all of the 10 years since he left Jamaica, where he has motivated and inspired many of his students. He has earned the reputation among them as “the consummate teacher and a great friend”. Which is why they had no hesitation in nominating him as a torchbearer. That nomination, read, in part: “So many students seek him out to talk about their problems at home and he takes the time to listen and to get them help. He was voted Most Talented Teacher this year and he entertains at the school’s Christmas show for
students almost every year. As Head of Media he has every reason to be proud having lifted the A-Level passes to 95 per cent (AC) and the diploma to 100 per cent.” The glowing essay also noted Williams’ introduction of one of the college’s most effective education tools — the annual Oscar Awards — where students’ films and radio products are showcased to the wider community and students are recognised and praised for their hard work. Williams, who is also the London correspondent for RJR News, didn’t quite believe that he would be picked to carry the Olympic torch. “When I heard that I had been nominated I was flattered — really touched that there were people out there who thought that I had made a positive impact on their lives and the commnunity. However, I soon pushed it to the back of my mind because, in my mind, there were hundreds of people out there who shine more brightly and would be sure to clinch the opportunity over me. Therefore, when I received the official word that I had been selected I was in disbelief at first, but that soon changed to the kind of excitement that makes you want to dance and hug everyone you see in the street,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer. The sculptural golden torch — designed by east Londoners Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, who won a competitive tender run by the London 2012 Organising Committee and the Design Council — was tested for
endurance and functionality by BMW. It is made up of an inner and an outer aluminium alloy skin held in place by a cast top piece and base, perforated by 8,000 circles. These circles represent the inspirational stories of the 8,000 Torchbearers, including Williams. The perforations also lighten the torch, which weighs 800 grams or 1.7 pounds, which made it easy for Williams to bear the Olympic flame on the brisk jog from Ilford High Road to the Redbridge Town Hall a short distance away. On July 22, Williams, an avid runner, got dressed in the London 2012 Torchbearers’ crisp new white and gold running gear. He was calm but eager to finally hold the torch in his hands. “The run was no more than 300 yards — about three to six minutes — but the most amazing six minutes. I’ve been training at the gym regularly for the past three years anyway, so I was basically ready although fitness was not essential. “Now, when I got on to the shuttle that takes the torchbearer to the starting point I suddenly felt like royalty. The streets were lined with hundreds of people cheering me on and everyone was waving and blowing kisses as the shuttle went by. However, the best moment was the run — I was bursting with excitement as people reached out to touch me and shouted really kind encouragement and congratulations to me — a very warm reception. I heard myself shouting a a shrill, high voice, ‘Yeahhhh! Wooooow!’ I tried to compose myself but the thrill had taken control of me — definitely the highlight of my life, and I have had many highs,” Williams told the Sunday Observer. The torch was received by the Mayor of Redbridge Muhammed Javed before being passed on to to young Elise Cobain. Being a torchbearer in any Olympiad wasn’t necessarily a lifelong dream for the outgoing Williams on his journey from Montego Bay, St James to Redbridge. He was born by the sea at the then St James hospital where his mother, Ivy Williams, was the matron at the time. The former Cornwall College head boy is also a graduate of The Mico Teacher’s College where he also received the JF Mills scholarship to go on to UWI to do a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French. Up until 2001, Williams was a news presenter and producer for RJR and co-presented the Smile Jamaica show on TVJ while teaching English, French and Drama. The multi-talented Williams also honed the theatre skills that he would later use to win over his British students in some epic local dramas.
“I sometimes acted in commercial plays especially the national pantomime and plays directed by Lloyd Reckord and the late Trevor Rhone. I also did some television adverts and made brief appearances in soaps such as Royal Palm Estate, Pullet Hall and Lime Tree Lane. I also operated the Portmore Skating Rink and formed the first Jamaica Roller Skating Association, which I chaired for three years. He has been nominated three times for the Jamaican Actor Boy award (once for Best Actor, twice for Best Supporting Actor). “There came a point when I wanted to explore something new and the offer of a teaching job in the UK presented itself to me. I arrived in London in August 2001 to teach English. In the first two years I did my master’s in media studies and was subsequently appointed Head of the Media Studies Faculty at the college where I teach. Within five years I turned around a failing subject to make it one of those with the highest pass rates. Since then I have been given the Jack Petchey Award for leadership by the borough within which I worked,” said Williams. Still, his heart is still here in Jamaica and he has high hopes for the country as it celebrates 50 years of Independence. “For all Jamaicans to acknowledge the power of ‘The Rock’ — so small and yet so mighty,” is at the top of his list. “If we can make such an impact [across the world], how much more powerful would we be if our unity was stronger? I can confidently say that not all that glitters is abroad — there is more gold on ‘The Rock’ than in all ‘developed’ countries combined. The gold lies in our people and the natural beauty that makes Jamaica paradise,” Williams said. This is why he will be attending the hockey and volleyball events at the 2012 Olympics, but will watch the other events on his television set right here in Jamaica. “I’m heading home to Jamaica on fifth August to catch some of the Independence celebrations. I would have preferred to have seen the cycling, swimming and most certainly the 100m and the relays, but there is no way that I would miss the 50th. I can watch the races from home soil,” he quipped. It’s uncertain if he will be packing into his suitcase the torch which bore the ‘sacred’ flames for the 28th Olympiad — which he gets to keep, minus its wick, forever. True to form, Williams is already mulling over how he can use the keepsake to help raise money for charity, namely a bursary for disabled Jamaican youth.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 5
Calling for the immediate resignation Continued From Page 3 -- She added that the diplomatic position is more work than she bargained for, adding that the Government “kinda cheated me.” She said multiculturalism is not a good word to use anymore as it had bad connotations. She goes on to describe her sister as “fertile” after having six children. Cornelius said she used her influence as a lecturer to display images of Persad-Bissessar during her lecture. She also speaks about how she found her husband on the Internet. She said she was one of the first persons to use the Internet to find a husband and she did so because her coworkers did not like
her “liming partner.” While she tells the story of her marriage she reveals that her Internet name was “tropical bear” while her husband’s was “penguin.” At another point in the speech Baptiste-Cornelis said she never wanted to be a politician because “politics is full of liars.” Cornelius also said she loved to party and used Anslem Douglas’ song Who let the Dogs out to convey her point. “I have wined to that song. When we say wine we do not mean the drink, we mean a gyration of the hips. I am an expert of that. One day I will teach you,” she told the gathering.
Trini chosen for elite NY law task force NEW YORK -- Trinidad-born Camille Chin-Kee-Fatt, Brooklyn Law School’s director of career services, is among the elite group of legal industry leaders chosen as part of the New York City Bar Association’s Task Force on New Lawyers in a Changing Profession. The New York City Bar Association’s Task Force has recruited Manhattan and Brooklyn district attorneys, New York City’s Corporation counsel, law school deans, legal aid directors, inhouse counsel and law firm partners in the effort of finding a solution to a soft job market for recent law school graduates. “Too many law graduates face diminished opportunities to launch their careers and fear they will never get on track,” said City Bar president Carey Dunne. “Even those who are employed are justifiably worried about their longer-term prospects for a pro-
ductive and satisfying career in the law. Whether these recent changes are temporary or reflect a more fundamental shift in the structure and operation of the legal profession, the time has come for the leaders of our profession to respond.” The Task Force, which will convene in September and issue a report by next year, will be led by City Bar vice president Mark Morril. “As director of career services, I know all too well the severity of the problems facing law school graduates in this unprecedented challenging job market. “Such conditions warrant exceptional efforts from the legal community, and I applaud the City Bar for forming this Task Force. I am honoured to be part of a group of individuals with the experience and wherewithal to study and make recommendations as needed to address these issues,” said Chin-Kee-Fatt.
Khan grounds plans for aerial spraying TRINIDAD (TG) -- Plans for aerial spraying to control an outbreak of dengue in Chaguanas have crashed. Chaguanas mayor Orlando Nagessar said the idea was shot down by Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan. The plan was to use a crop duster to spray abandoned sugar cane fields with insecticides to control the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Nagessar said Khan told him the Ministry of Health would not approve the use of crop dusters which were used in the days of Caroni (1975) Limited to control the spread of frog hoppers, not mosquitoes.
Khan suggested that the borough intensify its domestic spraying programme and education initiatives to ensure people remove containers that can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Nagessar said people living near abandoned cane fields have complained about mosquitoes. He said the abandoned lands also serve as an illegal dump for items that can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
PAGE 6 - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Prevent Heart and Lung issues through Yogic breathing
Geeta Maraj Contributor We are now accustomed to hearing the word ‘yoga’ mentioned on a daily basis. In fact, yoga has become a part of our regular vocabulary. And rightfully so, as it stems from ancient Eastern teachings, (originated in India around 3300 BCE), and remains unchallenged for it’s multifarious benefits to the mind, the body and the spirit. One yogic breath which can help to prevent heart issues is known as kapalabhati or the rapid breath. Though this type of breathing exercise may sound bizarre to the ear, its benefit to the heart is unmatched. Kapalabhati is a combination of two Sanskrit words: ‘kapala’ meaning ‘skull,’ and ‘bhati’ meaning ‘shine’. This ‘skull shine’ breathing exercise is basically done to cleanse the lungs and create better concentration. In conjunction, it gives the heart a massage while also strengthening the lungs. To perform this type of yogic breath, you
have to make a sniffing sound loudly through your nostrils as if you are trying to blow your nose without a tissue. If you are to imagine that your body is rigid and that there is a fly on the tip of your nose which you need to get rid of and all you can do is sniff as loudly as possible in hope that it flies off - then you have figured out how to perform this beneficial breath. While the rapid breath bears a similarity to blowing your nose, the exhalation is forceful. Itt is through this vigorous exhalation thatt the heart gets a massage as the diaphragm is pushing againstt the lungs and the heart. The diaphragm is a sheet like muscle which separates the heart and lungs from the abdominal cavity and is paramount to respiration. When the diaphragm contracts, air is drawn into the lungs. Similarly when the diaphragm expands, air is pushed out of the lungs. Our ability to contract and expand our diaphragm with force is what
helps to keep our heart and lungs strong - preventing heart disease and respiratory issues. To perform kapalabhati you must sit upright, keeping the spine straight. Once this is done, your firstly exhale till your abdominal muscles are fully contracted and you have pushed all the stale air out of your lungs. After which you inhale deeply and breathe out again. Your next inhale should be an in breath to fill your lungs to three quarter capacity. This breath is then exhaled forcefully through your nostrils as if you are sniffing loudly. Once this is done, you breathe in a regular full breath again. This is called a single kapalabhati exhalation, and at the point when you exhale forcefully, you should feel your entire abdominal area instantly contract. Once you become comfortable with this
type of breath, you can begin to do double exhalations or double sniffs – meaning when you exhale forcefully, you exhale twice before you inhale a regular breath again. With time you can build up to triple exhalations per in breath, and eventually you can exhale repeatedly for up to 20 or 30 times before you inhale a regular breath again. When you are doing this breath for extended repetitions do not fear that your lungs will run out of air to exhale. Once you forcefully push air out of your lungs, though passive recoil, air equally enters your lungs without you purposely breathing in, therefore you are able to repeatedly exhale forcefully without running out of breath to exhale. This type of breath can be practiced at any time, but is best performed in the early morning as a way to sharpen your concentration and focus. If you have suffered a heart attack, or have any heart ailment, or respiratory issues, you should only practice this breath in single exhalations. While this type of breathing can have benefits to persons with such ailments, it is best to seek medical advice prior to practicing, and more so, to practice this breath under the supervision of a qualified yoga therapist. From the young to the very aged, this breath by far is one which stands the test of time in sharpening our focus, while massaging and strengthening our heart and lungs.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 7
Solozano gives T&T slim lead over champs
TRINIDAD (TG) -- A solid responsible half-century from opener Jeremy Solozano enabled Trinidad and Tobago to take a narrow first innings lead over defending champions Jamaica in their opening round match of the Regional Under-19 three-day Championship yesterday. Resuming the day on 55 without loss, T&T were dismissed for 203 with Solozano hitting a top score of 84. Offspinner Oshane Walters was the pick of the Jamaica bowlers, taking five for 49 while Brian Gayle picked up four for 29 to provide admirable support. At the close on the second day, Jamaica had crept to 18 for one, a lead of two runs heading into today’s final day at the Yorkshire Sports Club. The left-handed Solozano, who resumed on 25, steadied the T&T innings after Jamaica threatened to run through the middle order. On a day when 113 minutes were lost to several rain interruptions, T&T moved quietly along to 77 before losing Brian Christmas after he added four to his overnight 20. He was caught behind off pacer James McDonald, driving outside off-stump. Solozano found an able partner in Andy Gobin and they posted a second wicket stand of 62 to see T&T to lunch at 116 for no further loss. After the interval, Gobin caught and bowled by Walters for 23 after facing 92 balls in 98 minutes at the crease and striking two fours. In the meantime, Solozano continued to stroke the ball well and brought up his fifty in 140 minutes with seven fours. After lunch, he continued to play enterprisingly before he was deceived by the wily Walters who had him caught and bowled, driving. His knock including 11 fours, lasted 233 minutes from 187 balls. After he fell, wickets tumbled steadily as Walters and fellow off-spinner Gayle tore through the lower order. Only captain Vikash Mohan with 23 showed any real resistance against the com-
bined spin attack. SCOREBOARD Jamaica vs T&T JAMAICA 1st Inns 187 T&T 1st Inns (o/n 55-0) J Solozano c and b Walters 84 B Christmas c wkp Thomas b McDonald 24 A Gobin b Walters 23 E Nicholson c and b Walters 1 V Mohan lbw b Gayle 23 N Pooran c Coleman b Walters 5 A Simmons c Powell b Gayle 5 A Small c McCatty b Gayle 15 J Ali lbw b Walters 4 T Robertson c Walters b Gayle 6 N Motilal not out 0 Extras (w8, nb5) 13 TOTAL (all out, 87.2 overs) 203 Fall of wickets: 1-77, 2-139, 3-141, 4-148, 5-170, 6-176, 7-189, 8-193, 9-201, 10-203 Bowling: McDonald 16.2-2-64-1, Powell 10-2-17-0, Johnson 3-1-14-0, Francis 16-725-2, Gayle 16.4-5-29-4, Walters 23.2-7-495, Creary 2-1-5-0. JAMAICA 2nd Inns O Walters not out 1 O McCatty c wkp Pooran b Robertson 0 T Coleman not out 14 Extras (b1, w2) 3 TOTAL (1 wkt, 10 overs) 18 Fall of wicket: 1-2. Bowling: Robertson 5-2-10-1, Ali 2-1-2-0, Mohan 3-1-5-0. Position: Jamaica lead by two runs overall.
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PAGE 10 - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Caribbean Pot: Curry Potato with Shrimp
toast a bit (1-2 minutes).
Chris De La Rosa Contributor Ingredients 4 medium potatoes 1/2 lb shrimp 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon prepared green seasoning 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium onion 1 1/2 cups water 4 cloves garlic 2 tablespoon parsley 1 tablespoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon anchar massala 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper Notes: If you can’t source anchar massala, you can use about 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (geera) Peel and devein your shrimp, then wash with the juice of a lime or lemon, rinse with cool water and drain. Now add the green seasoning to the shrimp and stir. Allow it to marinate for about 10-15 minutes. Chop the onion, pepper and garlic in thin slices. Then peel,wash and cube the potatoes. Heat a saucepan on medium heat and add the vegetable oil, then the garlic and onion. Allow this to cook (reduce your heat to min) for 3 minutes. Now add the sliced scotch bonnet pepper and curry powder. With your heat still on low, allow the curry powder to
Add about a 1/4 cup of water (not mentioned in the ingredients list) and scrape the stuff off the bottom of the pan. The first step we toasted the curry, this step we’re cooking the curry so we don’t get a raw aftertaste when the dish is done. Bring this to a boil and allow it to gently simmer for 4-5 minutes. Then turn up the heat and burn off all the liquid. Add the diced potato and give it a good stir, then add the anchar massala and salt and pour in the water. Be sure to scrape off all that goodness from the bottom of the pan and bring to a boil. Then reduce your heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the potato gets tender and liquid starts to thicken up (lid closed). With the potatoes tender, it’s time to add the seasoned shrimp to the pot and give it a good stir. After 1 minute, check for salt (add accordingly) and if you find the sauce is too thin, using the back of your spoon, crush a few pieces of the potato to thicken the gravy. Keep in mind that as it cools, it will naturally thicken up. So not to overcook the shrimp… turn off the stove, top with the chopped parsley (adds a nice punch of colour) and place the lid on the pan to allow the residual heat to fully cook the shrimp. * Remember if you want to control the heat you can use less scotch bonnet pepper or simply leave it out altogether. This curry potato with shrimp is excellent with rice, roti or bread and I assure you that even your kids will love this one.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 11
How to keep your energy level up
Monique Bartlett Contributor
Trish Browning Contributor
How do you make a positive impact on your health? Start with small changes. By adopting a few simple, healthy daily habits you will feel better. Make sure you find the time to squeeze them into your daily routine.
Toronto’s Carnival is just around the corner and a large percentage of the Caribbean Dispora will be spread out around various locations around the city to take in the festivities. With the added excitement and increased celebration the majority of us will be dealing with fatigued and low energy levels. If you are proactive and take precautions you can make the most of all the city has to offer without compromising your health. #1: Drink Plenty of Water Yes, you’ve heard this one a hundred times before. But are you actually managing it? If you’re slightly dehydrated, fatigue can set in, cause headaches, nausea, etc. #2: Don’t Drink Too Much Caffeine Coffee, tea and caffeinated sodas will give you a short-term energy boost, followed by a slump. #3: Eat at Regular Intervals Your brain needs fuel: if you’re hungry, it’s hard for you to focus. It’s also difficult to concentrate after a heavy lunch – so rather than stuffing yourself, eat smaller amounts at regular intervals. #4: Don’t Eat Sugary Snacks Sugary snacks play havoc with your energy levels: they give you a quick boost followed by a crash. #5: Have a Power Nap Although this one isn’t an option for many of us, a quick nap during the afternoon can really boost your energy. Make sure you don’t sleep too long, though; you’ll just wake up feeling groggy. You might want to set an
alarm 20 minutes is sufficient. #6: Don’t Skimp on Sleep at Night Even if you take a power nap during the day, don’t cut back on sleep at night. Most of us need seven to eight hours of sleep to function well – but some people need more. It’s tempting to sleep less in order to have more time to cram everything in, but if you’re well rested, you’ll have more energy to tackle everything, and you’ll get tasks finished faster. 7: Take Regular Breaks If you are spending a lot of time outdoors or on the parade route stop for a few minutes periodically and catch your breath, rest for a few minutes and conserve your energy you will find that your energy levels will stay high.
TMJ pain Dr. Matthew S Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin
Contributor The temporomandibulatr joint (TMJ) functions like a hinge between the upper stationary jaw and the movable lower jaw. If you place your finger about midway and slightly forward to your ears and open and close, you can feel this joint. There is a cartilage disc that is situated in the joint and moves forward and backward as the lower jaw opens and closes. If this disc moves out of its normal path it exerts pressure or stretching of the nerves in
Healthy habits
this area, causing pain. The muscles associated with opening, closing and chewing may go into spasm further intensifying the pain. Some of the common causes of TMJ pain are abnormal growth of the jaw, abnormal position of teeth (malocclusion), injury to the neck, jaw and face, clenching and grinding of teeth. Symptoms may include clicking or popping of the jaw when opening and closing, headaches, neck aches or stiff neck muscles, lack of sound sleep. tired jaws and sore teeth on waking, pain in either ear. Depending on the complexity of the problem different health specialists may be involved, but the first line of defense should be an evaluation by a dentist, who may either treat or refer you to a specialist. Treatment may include the wearing of a simple appliance, braces, physiotherapy or surgery as a last resort.
Believe it or not caffeine may improve your memory and protect against Alzheimer’s disease. As caffeine consumption increases, incidence of Alzheimer’s disease seems to decrease. Caffeine seems to blocks adenosine receptors (“activators”) in the brain, and adenosine is known to slow cognition and affect memory. Caffeine also seems to increase focus and concentration, and reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. It’s also beneficial in increasing your metabolism and helping to keep your weight in check. Just don’t have too much caffeine. Caffeine overload may result in jitters, a headache or a stomachache.
Find someone who motivates you and puts a smile on your face. Being happy, laughing and smiling helps to release endorphins, which not only make you feel better but also are beneficial to your overall health. Not only will it be beneficial to you, it may also be beneficial to your friend as well. Stretching before bedtime can actually help you have a better sleep. Besides improving flexibility and circulation, stretching can help your body to release stress and tension from a long day. Yoga is a great exercise to implement, which will also increase your balance and strength. Relaxing your body with yoga or stretching can also help relax your brain. This healthy habit is an important part of a healthy sleep routine. Too many people engage in stimulating practices before bed, like watching TV, doing chores and surfing the net. All of these do not promote a good night’s sleep. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night will make a huge change in your quest for overall health. A proper amount of sleep will help improve your immune system and concentration. Making your own well being a priority doesn’t take much time, and it doesn’t mean you have to take time away from your friends and family. Adopting healthy habits like these also sets a good example for others, showing them that sometimes life really is all about the little things.
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Deportation – Basic things you need to know (Part 1)
Raj Napal Contributor Every year thousands of people are deported from Canada. In most cases they have no idea what to do and a deportation occurs which could have been prevented. In the first of this series of articles we will explain some of the reasons why a deportation order is made and what you can do to stop the deportation. You are a permanent resident in Canada and you have been convicted of a criminal offence involving serious criminality. Usually if the criminal offence is minor and does not carry a jail sentence, the CBSA (Canada Border Service Agency) and Immi-
gration will not treat the conviction as something that will call for an admissibility hearing. If the offence is serious and you receive a jail sentence then there is likely to be an admissibility hearing. This is a hearing in the Immigration Division where a determination will be made on whether you should be deported by virtue of the criminal conviction. In most cases if the conviction is proven there will be a deportation order but if the jail sentence (including any pre-trial custody you served) is less than 2 years you have the right to appeal to the Appeal Division. You must appeal within 30 days and you should get a good experienced lawyer or immigration consultant to present your appeal as he or she will know they have to work hard in presenting good evidence at the hearing of strong equitable and compassionate grounds to grant you a stay of the deportation. If the Appeal Division, after hearing all the evidence is persuaded that there are strong compassionate and humanitarian grounds, they have the equitable jurisdiction to grant you a stay of the deportation for a period of usually between 2-4 years with appropriate terms
and conditions. If you comply with all the terms and conditions your stay will be cancelled and you will continue to enjoy your permanent residence in Canada indefinitely. You have overstayed your visit in Canada (You stayed in Canada beyond the date you are allowed to stay here) or you have breached any terms of your visit to Canada like working and the CBSA has become aware of this. In this situation there will be an admissibility hearing and in most cases you will be ordered deported. As you are not a permanent resident in Canada and an alien you have no right of appeal to the Appeal Division. In this situation you must consider all your available options which are set out below: If you are married to or are common law (you must have cohabited with the partner for at least 1 year) with a partner who is a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident your partner must apply immediately to sponsor you as a member of the spouse or common law partner category.
If you have lived in Canada for at least 3 years (4-5 years would be better) consider applying for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds namely that you have roots and ties in Canada and you will suffer undue hardship if you are compelled to return to your home country. Apply for any pre-removal risk assessment that the Immigration Authorities provide to you. Provide evidence of any violence and cruel and unusual punishment you would be exposed to in your home country if you were compelled to return there. The reason that you must try to apply for permanent residence in one of the ways mentioned above is that if you do not you will not be able to use these applications to enable you to apply for a stay of the deportation/ removal order in the Federal Court. If you do not act quickly in doing one of the things we have suggested there is no legal mechanism that your legal representative can use to prevent your deportation. In the next article we will examine other ways people may be deported and the way that it can be avoided.
5 Social Media tips for small businesses Most small business want to use social media, many do but only a few do it well. The promise of online engagement is so great, but where’s the payoff? This is the question that holds many small business owners back from either getting started or is the reason why they often abandon it after a short and frustrating false start. So what are the main barriers to small business success on social media and how can they be overcome? #1 Choose the right platform There’s plenty of them out there now and picking the right one for your business can be difficult. You need to find the social network where a) your customers are and b) where they want to engage with you and c) that will increase customer satisfaction and revenues. Often, small businesses take a be everywhere approach to social media and forget the #1 rule of business is location, location, location. Not sure where you should be? Try a few out and see where you get the most traction from and then focus on that particular social media network. Or better yet… be social from the start and just ask your customers where the best place to meet online would be.
#2 Success is not a given I often hear from small businesses “we have social media now so it should be easy”. The problem with that line of thinking is that so does everyone else. Social media use is now table-stakes for small business. You need it to be in the game but simply anteing up does not mean you are going to win the hand. Understanding this upfront sets the right expectation. #3 It takes time It took you how long to start and grow you bricks and mortar business? Years? You didn’t just hang up the shingle and customers immediately lined up at your door. You’re kidding? When you got started you had to hustle to win new business and hustle even harder to keep it. Why would you expect anything else with social media? Customers are customers regardless of what medium you use to talk to them. Social media just allows you to talk to more of them, more often and faster! #4 It may not be a perfect fit for your business so make it work anyway That’s right. Social media just may not be a perfect fit for your business. If you manufacture ball bearings then Facebook and Pinter-
est may not be for you. Some small businesses that make and sell things that do not have universal consumer appeal have figured out how to use social media to make their products exciting and so can you. You will need to make some tough choices like is it really worth the time posting picture after picture and tweeting about ball bearings? If this is the case for your business and you still want to leverage social media try focusing on your corporate citizenship story, providing radically awesome customer service online, share your innovative manufacturing processes or heck, you could even point out how dull bar bearings are as a satirical marketing strategy. Poking fun at yourself will make you more approachable and human. There is something really interesting about every small business, even if it’s not the product. What is it about your business or industry that people would like to talk to you about?
sistent and recognized brand and you only have a logo and 20 years of providing awesome customer service. That doesn’t mean you don’t have a brand. You have something better than flashy graphics and big budget PR campaigns… a small business has character. It has real individuals behind it and a real story to tell. This is what people really want to engage with on social media not bland nameless corporate brands. You may recognize the Nike swoosh right away when you are online, but you can’t get to know and trust a logo the way you can come to love a small business and it’s owner.
#5 You may not have a corporate “brand”. That’s awesome. Ok so you may not be Nike or Coke. They’ve spent bazillons of dollars developing a con-
Stop trying to reinvent yourself for social media. Start focussing on all the things that made your business what it is today.
So how can small business make social media work? Stop over thinking it. Start doing it. Stop trying to be Nike cause you’re not. But like Nike, just do it!
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Your Horoscope - August 1st 2012 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): Mercury retrograde has shone more light on you, and through you too. While others are growing more aware of your presence or influence, it’s time to review how present you are for yourself. A new energy is crystallizing within you, and around you too. While there’s still further to go, Tuesday’s information and insight give you yet more confirmation. Taurus Horoscope (April 21-May 21): You’ve fought, resisted, avoided, yearned, strived, and struggled all at the same time. Despite this, you have gained on yourself. Over the next week, you’ll come to see more of what’s possible and what’s probable, what’s waiting for you and what is now solidly behind you. Monday and Tuesday, success comes easily. Get it handled and out of the way. Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): Friday and Saturday meet expectations and then some. When impulse or a good idea strikes, go with it; don’t hesitate. Tuesday’s Venus-Saturn alignment brings a sense of the right place and time, of accomplishment and/or completion. Despite the fact that Mercury is still in retrograde, you are okay to buy it, sign it, cement it, or seal it with a kiss. Cancer Horoscope (June 21-July 20): The more you check in with yourself, the more confirmed you’ll get. It seems you are gaining greater acceptance of what seemed so difficult to grasp, fathom, or incorporate just a little while ago. You can afford to take more time to let it grow on you further. Fresh insight will continue to drop into place over the next week. Leo Horoscope (July 21Aug. 22): Beyond a few weeks to get your fill of the summer’s best offerings, Mercury retrograde keeps you deeply immersed in personal questioning, questing, and review. Is this as good as it gets? Are you satisfied with yourself? Satisfaction is a ready mix over the next week. The stars bring it together well. Over the longer term, there’s always room for improvement. Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): You are tapping into a deeper pool than you may realize. At the same time, Mercury’s alignment with the sun on Saturday suggests a growing inner dialogue is drawing more of your attention. Continue to monitor your inner feelings and also to pay attention to outer signals. It will take a few more weeks for the whole picture to fill in.
Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): Memories in the making—let the good times roll. Whether you have something special planned or opt for spontaneity’s surprise package, Mercury and the sun set the backdrop for an on-the-go, event-filled weekend. Interactions and revisits deliver the gold. Someone significant is likely to get your attention. There could be an announcement or important news to share. Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23Nov. 21): A special celebration or event is likely to meet and even exceed expectations. You could find yourself in the professional or personal spotlight. You may gain preferential treatment, an award, a reward, official acknowledgment, or added notoriety. On the other hand, the light could shine on someone of prominence or of influence to you. Romantic or financial, a karmic contract reaches a fruition peak. Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): In the middle of a cheering crowd, with favourite folk gathered round, with your special someone, or off for an adventure on your own, Mercury retrograde teamed with the sun sets up the shots for a delightful Kodak weekend. Travel, play, make the connection: on Saturday synchronicity, luck, and great timing are on your side. Things piece together very well through Tuesday. Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): Taking extra time to relax and indulge is ideal this weekend. Go with the flow and gift yourself as the mood strikes. If you can’t be your own best lover, what do you have to offer another? Monday and Tuesday, the empowering Capricorn moon pumps up your motivation, determination, and success ratio. Strike while the iron’s hot. Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): The weekend is ideal for a special-occasion get-together, revisiting places, and/or reconnecting with folks you haven’t seen for a while. You’ll bump into them too. As you compare notes, you are likely to feel it’s just as good or even better than it was the last time. Tuesday signs, seals, and delivers it. Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): A sense of accomplishment and completion feels mighty fine. While there’s always more you could do or say, the weekend brings it as far along as it’s meant to go. Monday puts you on a fresh fast track. Tuesday’s wrap-up should go smoothly. A contract or an important decision finalized puts the long-term into play.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 15
The 407 ETR implements new technology that enables them to better bill users ing people? To date Kevin Sack has not answered these questions.
Tammy Flores Contributor 407 International Inc. reported an 83% increase in profits for the 2nd Quarter this year. The company claims their ridership was up only 1%. They credit the increase in profits to the rise in the cost per trip of approximately 10% and supposed improvements to the technology used to record trips. They also claim that they are now able to better bill users and that the amount of unbilled trips is now only 2.2%. We asked Kevin Sack, the 407 ETR’s VP of Communications & Government Relations, back in January of this year questions surrounding the billing issues that the 407 ETR is notorious for. That conversation can be found on Youtube under the title Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power’s Meeting at 407 ETR’s Offices Jan 12th, 2012. In light of this 2nd Quarter, 2012 report, we asked Kevin Sack for some clarification on this new technology. Among the questions were when did the 407 ETR implement this new technology? What makes this technology different from the previous? How does it change the way the 407 ETR has been bill-
When we met with Kevin Sack at the 407 ETR’s offices, in January of this year, we asked questions about why the company suppressed invoices for years before sending out a bill that in some cases had thousands of dollars in interest on it and why the company was not billing the correct people or sending the bill out to the correct address when they had access to the Ministry of Transportation’s data base. We started by questioning him about the company’s “change in policy” with how it interfaces with the Ministry of Transportation’s database to access customer information. He confirmed that their policy changed in February of 2010. Kevin Sack said that when a toll occurs, invoices are sent out for 3 months and if there is no activity on the account, the company will suppress the invoice, send out a section 16 and start calculating interest on the 60th day. 90-100 days later, the company will send out a section 22, by registered mail, telling you that if you don’t pay your bill, you may be placed in Plate Denial. However, for those of us with billing issues, this is not the process we experienced with this company. What the 407 ETR will not answer directly is what if the company didn’t bill the right “customer”? And what if the company was billing the wrong address? Kevin Sack wants us to ignore the fact that they could have accessed the MTO’s database, but
chooses not to and wants us to inform people to make sure we call them and give them our address changes or vehicle changes. I quickly pointed out to Kevin Sack that calls were made to the company to inform them of changes and for whatever reason the company did not make sure that the information was recorded properly despite having the calls on record in a log. The Ministry of Transportation says that the 407 ETR only needs to send out an invoice and interest can accrue. Whether or not the company billed the right customer or sent the invoices to the right address or suppressed the invoices for years before they choose to interface with MTO’s data base to get the customer’s correct name and address is irrelevant and that they need to blindly enforce a Plate Denial request by the 407 ETR regardless if there is proof a toll occurred or not. This is a serious public policy concern.
but they didn’t choose to do that for many years. When asked why? Kevin Sack was quick to say he wasn’t going to go that far back in history. When I mentioned that people have billing issues dating back to the year 2000 and before that were caused by this problem his only response was “fair enough”. Although Kevin Sack would not directly address the company’s responsibility for not billing the right people or sending the invoices out to the right addresses or suppressing peoples invoices, he was very clear on the company’s position regardless of the circumstances, the customer owes the bill and that his CSR’s were authorized to help the customer pay their bills. In the same breath he said that the company has credited people the interest charges and video tolls, but wasn’t willing to do that for us because we missed our window of opportunity. He would not acknowledge that tolls were never proven to have occurred in our cases.
Kevin Sack defends MTO’s notion by saying that since February of 2010 a customer will receive a bill at least once/year now. When a bad address comes back, the company now checks MTO’s computer every month to try and get the correct address for their customer. This is not a service the 407 ETR pays for; it’s an automatic download. It’s always been available for them to access the information from MTO in this way,
In light of this new technology that the 407 ETR is implementing, we are hopeful that the company will finally make the wrongs it did to it’s customers right. There are only 2 ways of fixing the 407 ETR billing nightmares. They are by suasion and legislation. By you continuing to write the Ontario Ombudsman and your MPP to address the misuse of the Plate Denial process we will accomplish both.