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RASTAFEST Photo: Alyssa Mahadeo/Toronto Caribbean
Rastafarian Culture Thrives in the GTA
ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN Jah knows they couldn’t have asked for nicer weather at Downsview Park this past weekend where the sky was clear and the vibes them irie at RastaFest 2015. Rastafari is a way of life, an Abrahamic new religious movement that accepts Haile Selassie I, the Ethiopian emperor from 1930 to 1974 as God incarnate and the Messiah who will deliver believers to the Promised Land, identified by Rastas as Ethiopia. Its roots are deep in black empowerment and back-to-Africa movements. It originated in Jamaica and its followers continue to be concentrated there, although smaller populations of Rastas can be found in many countries today. Presented by the Upfront Theatre Foundation and promoted by Masani
Productions, entering into its 9th year, the idea for Rastafest was started rooted in the theme, “The Family is the Strength of the Community”. This festival was not only meant to be a source of entertainment, fun and excitement, but also as an educational event providing knowledge and information through the availability of various community organizations. It has provided an opportunity for networking amongst small business entrepreneurs that represent an array of products that are for sale at the Kijiji Market Place. The public had the chance to communicate with the creators of the arts and vendors as well as be given the opportunity to ask questions and converse with the representatives of various community services organizations and agencies
from the Jane and Finch community. Rastafest has attracted over 10,000 people annually since 2006 and every year they have taken strides to put on a bigger, better and most importantly memorable event in order to produce a larger crowd every year. Their commitment to keeping their patrons entertained and educated contributes to their continuous growth. Although Rastafarian culture is generally overlooked, the world needs to be more exposed to the beautiful lifestyle that Rastafarianism encompasses. Through film, music and ital food, those that attend Rastafest will experience a day of entertainment and fun. Continued On Page 5
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Angela Carter; Journalist, Communications Consultant and New Executive Director to UACS Inc. Originating from the beautiful island of Barbados, Angela Carter came to Canada in 1989. As an educated, driven and passionate person by nature, she has taken on many responsibilities and found herself in various leadership roles throughout her life. Angela graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and holds a Master of Professional Communication Degree, specializing in Intercultural and International Communication from the Royal Roads University in Vancouver, BC. Angela started working at the age of 17. Career driven and passionate about making her mark in the world, she took on a wide range of jobs learning skills that she would use and continue to develop throughout her various professions. As a journalist, Angela spent time working for local newspapers and magazines. She started her own contracting company and for more than twenty years she has been actively involved with the United Way and the Region of Peel volunteering in and working with many organizations aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens in the region. Interested in learning about the different people and cultures of the world,
she took a course in international culture. On her ventures she travelled to many places around the world to immerse herself in the arts, music and literature of their unique traditions. Angela always had a passion for helping people. She is most eager to help others learn to enjoy the quality of life. This July, Angela was appointed as the new Executive Director at the United Achievers Community Services Incorporated (UACS Inc.) Since their establishment, Angela has been actively involved as a member of the Board of Directors for the United Achievers Club where she was responsible for the community service programs and actively set up UACS as a charitable organization. Angela’s zest for life, and willingness to take action and help others, has made her the best woman for the job. Her background and knowledge of the organization especially within the Black and Caribbean community has allowed her to take on this role as UACS Executive Director to ensure that the organization continues to grow and expand, ensuring it’s success within the community. Angela brings a wide range of experience in the industry through her previous en-
deavors and work as Manager for the Cricket Legends of Barbados for three years, and her time spent at CESO as a volunteer where she has worked with First Nations in Northern Ontario and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; CARP; the Canadian Institute of Diversity and Inclusion, and is a Trustee at the Central Park Baptist Church. Angela says, “It’s important to be true to yourself, understand who you are and what drives you. Discover what you are passionate about, live that passion and be satisfied by learning to do it well. ”She takes comfort in knowing that she has done something in her life to help others and as the new Executive Director for UACS, she is on the path to help them carry out their mission encouraging social and community activities to strengthen Peel Regions Caribbean and Black Communities. “I know the potential of this organization for bringing our community together to create opportunities that will uplift our people and help them take their rightful place in the Canadian society.” Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
community
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The Real Canadian Superstore offers new products, catering to the needs of the South Asian and Caribbean Communities Alyssa Mahadeo
alyssa@carib101.com
TC Reporter Within Brampton, there are a variety of different grocery stores where residents can go to purchase their weekly groceries. For many, hunting for certain items requires going to more than one store. In a city as diverse as Brampton, customers from the South Asian and Caribbean Communities go to the grocery store now in search of products that that they were once only able to acquire in their own countries. Peter Lloyd store manager at the
The Real Canadian Superstore on the corner of Hurontario and Steeles is looking to change that, by offering a full assortment of fresh produce, imported from all over the world. They are expanding to provide their customers especially within the West Indian, Caribbean and South Asian communities offering the freshest fruits and vegetables, quality meats, poultry, cheeses, seafood, snacks and spices that each country within those demographics has to offer. Although he is new to the game, Lloyd is headed in the right direction catering to the needs of the populations very prominent within the Brampton area. He is very interested in learning about the many cultures and how he can transform his store into a one-stop shop for all of their grocery essentials. At the beginning of the month, looking to spread awareness of his stores new ventures in the Caribbean community
for the Caribana long weekend, Lloyd held his own Caribana style event providing customers with island vibes, fresh coconuts and a live steel drum band for their entertainment. Coming up this Diwali he is hoping to do another similar event celebrating the festival of lights and hoping to make even more products available such as sweets, samosas and other ingredients used to make the various delicacies of the New Year season. Lloyd says that the store has been undergoing many renovations to accommodate for the changes and make room for all of the new stock. He says that he is excited to be able to provide his community with all of their everyday food essentials, hoping that Caribbean and South Asian community take advantage of his price matching system, matching the price of any item advertised at a lower price. “Everyone should be conscious about saving money, it’s very important and I understand that it is a necessity of
many households today.” With over 70 skews of ethnic produce assortments Loblaw’s stands behind their quality assurance and strict standards to ensure their customers are receiving quality products. They take pride in their brand preparing and displaying all of their products in an attractive, clean and safe environment and providing exceptional customer service. Lloyd says this his location is the first to receive the assortment of new products and the community is responding well, so it will be spreading to other branches soon enough. His main goal is to be the destination grocery store in Brampton being able to cater and meet the community needs. He knows that in the multicultural city of Brampton there is much room to expand his store, and he will keep on educating himself and learning about the different foods and products the community requires so that he can make them readily available at the Superstore.
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Saving lives through organ and tissue donation in the South Asian community Emily Singh
emily@carib101.com
TC Reporter Imagine if you had the power to save a life… What about eight lives? Through organ and tissue donation you can enrich and extend the life of someone in dire need of a second chance. The Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) is proud to announce their South Asian Gift of Life Week happening from Oct 5 to 11, 2015 in partnership with the Trillium Gift of Life Network.
According to a research article entitled “Deceased Organ Donation Registration and Familial Consent among Chinese and South Asians in Ontario, Canada” it states that individuals of Chinese and South Asian ancestry have the lowest organ donation rate. The statistics speak for themselves, every three days one person on the organ transplant list loses their battle and dies. The results of the study indicated in the article concluded that: A total of 49,938 of 559,714 Chinese individuals (8.9%) and 47,774 of 374,291 South Asians (12.8%) were registered for deceased organ donation, proportions lower than the general public (2,676, 260 of 10,548,249 (25.4%). Among the 168,703 Ontarians who died in a hospital, the families of 33 of 81 Chinese (40.1%; 95% CI: 30.7%-51.6%) and 39 of 72 South Asian individuals (54.2%; 95% CI: 42.7-65.2%) consented for deceased organ donation, proportions lower than the general public (68.3%; 95% CI: 66.4%-70.0%).
CASSA’s press conference held at Dorset Park Community Hub consisted of a diverse panel of speakers that provided insight into some of the reasons as to why the donation registration is so low within the South Asian community. The event was hosted by executive director of CASSA Neethan Shan and the speakers included Versha Prakash, Samya Hasan and Shilpa Raju. While in the prime of her life in her 20’s Raju received a double lung transplant. Today she is living proof that organ donations save lives. Organs and tissues such as the liver, heart, pancreas, kidney, lungs, stomach, corneas, small bowel, bone, skin and heart valves can be donated. There are no barriers when it comes to donating. Anyone regardless of medical condition and age can donate and make a difference. In accordance to www.beadonor. ca, 1,615 Ontarians as of June 30, 2015 are currently waiting for an organ transplant. This is a conversation that needs to
be happening more often and openly within the South Asian community. The community needs to band together and educate one another in order to debunk the misconceptions that surround organ and tissue donation. One of the greatest questions that arises regarding this issue is, does my religion allow this? According to Hindu scriptures one of the ten virtuous acts or Niyamas is the act of selfless giving or Daan. Hence, saving the live of another human being is noted as one of the most selfless and righteous things one can do as a Hindu. In the Muslim community, much discussion has occurred over the last 20 years regarding whether or not organ and tissue donation is permissible in Islam. Verse 5:32 of the Quran states that “Whoever saves a life of one person it would be as if they saved the life of all mankind.” One donor can save eight lives, become a donor today. Log onto www.beadonor. ca to find out how you can make a difference.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
Rastafest 2015 Alyssa Mahadeo
alyssa@carib101.com
TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- Many members of the Rastafarian and surrounding community came out to enjoy the gorgeous weather and relaxing atmosphere at this year’s annual RastaFest. The day was filled with delicious Ital and Jamaican cuisine, live performances and reggae vibes offering insight into the Rastafarian culture. Vendors were set up around the perimeter of the park offering items and services for the community. Ital Cooking is the term used by Rastas to describe their preparation of food. Their diets are mostly limited to what they considered to be ‘pure’ foods. It is a simple style of cooking avoiding the additions of unnecessary artificial flavorings, artificial colors and preservatives. Alcohol, coffee, drugs (excluding ganja) and cigarettes are avoided as tools of Babylon that pollute and confuse. Most Rastas are mainly vegetarians, although some do eat certain kinds of fish. The Rastafari religion shares many similarities to Jewish and Christian beliefs. Rastas accept the existence of a single god, referred to as Jah, who has incarnated on earth several times, including in the form of Jesus. They accept much of the Bible, although they believe that its message has been corrupted over time by Babylon, which is commonly identified with Western, white culture. Specifically, they accept the prophesies in the Book of Revelations concerning the second coming of the Messiah, which they believe has already occurred in the form of Selassie. Before his coronation, Selassie was known as Ras Tafari Makonnen, from which the movement has inspired their name. The Rastafari way of life embraces the spiritual use of cannabis and the denial of the corrupt society of greediness, cruelty and sensual pleasures, called Babylon. It declares Zion, in reference to Ethiopia, as the original birthplace of humankind and from the beginning of the way of life calls for return to Zion, the
Promised Land and Heaven on Earth. This means literally moving to Ethiopia but also refers to mentally and emotionally expelling before the physical. The performance line up for this year included a long and inspirational requiem to Rastafarai culture by the BoBo Shanti Drummers, a powerful and rousing spoken word by Ottawa poet Captain Sunshine and other various performances by Prestige Dance Studio, Johnny Clarke, Warrior King, Blakka Ellis, Carol Brown, Ishacure, Shulle, Rasanaii, Kandice K*A*S*H and Jawara Ellis. The music echoed throughout Downsview Park, courtesy DJ Boxer Joe, bringing in a steady flow of people to fill the area and enjoy the festivities of RastaFest. With every year their production gets bigger and better drawing in not only Rastas, but also those interested in learning about the culture and looking to experience the peaceful and natural way of life first hand. Many of the vendors offered much insight into Rastafarian culture offering natural holistic medicines and remedies, reiki treatments and yoga demonstrating the very simple and uncomplicated life of the Rastafari people. Rastafest is a continuation of international and national Rastafarian initiatives in Canada and Jamaica. The festival was staged at York University from July 19 to July 22, 2007 however due to the overwhelming support from the patrons the festival ventured out to the Jane and Finch community and was successfully staged in the parking lot of Jane and Finch Mall from 2008 to 2010. The festival flourished in numbers in the parking of Jane Finch Mall (from 3,000 to 10,000 people) despite the negative stereotype of the Jane and Finch community. In order to accommodate the steady growth of the audience the Foundation decided to move the festival from the Jane Finch community to Downsview Park in 2011 where it has been staged up until 2014. The festival continued to flourish in numbers when over 10,000 people passed through Downsview Park in 2014. Masani Productions celebrated 35 years in the business praised for all of her hard work and dedication promoting RastaFest year after year. For more information about the festival and the organization, please visit our www.rastafest.com and www.upfrontt.com.
community
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
news
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Dana accused kept in ʻinhumane conditionsʼ - Itʼs like torture, lawyer complains TRINIDAD -- The lawyer representing 11 men accused of murdering Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal has complained that some of his clients are being subjected to “inhumane” conditions while on remand. Attorney Criston J Williams made the complaint to Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar Monday morning as his clients reappeared before her in the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrate’s Court. As he revealed that former LifeSport co-ordinator Rajaee Ali has been kept in solitary confinement at the Port-of-Spain State Prison at Frederick Street, Port-ofSpain, since December last year, Williams said such isolation could be considered torture. While Ali was only charged with Seetahal’s murder last month, he has been in remand since last year after being charged with unrelated charges for conspiring to murder radio announcer Kevaughn “Lurbz” Savory. In addition to Ali’s treatment in prison, Williams also took issue with prisoner transportation arrangement for Ali’s older brother, Hamid, with whom he is jointly charged for Seetahal’s murder. Williams said because of Hamid’s portly figure he has difficulties in entering and exiting the single-prisoner enclosure of the transport trucks and is constantly injured every time the drivers come to a stop. While she made note of the complaints, Ayers-Caesar said she did not have the power to intervene. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, also acknowledged the issues raised by Williams and
was comprised of officers of the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit (CGIU), which investigated the alleged plot to assassinate Savory.
agreed to raise it with prison authorities once Williams makes an official request through his office. Like their previous appearances before Ayers-Caesar, security around the St Vincent Street courthouse was noticeably increased. Heavily armed police officers blocked the street for the duration of the hearing, while unarmed officers stood guard outside and inside the courtroom. During Monday’s hearing, Ayers-
Caesar gave Williams and Gaspard deadlines for filing their submissions on an application calling for her recusal from the case. Williams had indicated his intention to file the application during the group’s first court appearance, as he pointed to the fact that she (Ayers-Caesar) had previously consented to be replaced as the presiding magistrate in Ali’s case pertaining to Savory. The initial request was made over the fact that Ayers-Caesar’s security detail
Alleged case Rajaee, Hamid, their younger brother, Ishmael, and nine members of their family’s Jamaat-al-Muslimeen Carapo mosque are charged with murdering Seetahal in Woodbrook on May 4. Seetahal, a former Independent Senator, was ambushed by gunmen along Hamilton Holder Street while returning home from a night out at the Ma Pau Casino at Ariapita Avenue. The other accused men, who are also charged with being gang members, are brothers Devaughn and Stephan Cummings, Ricardo Stewart, Earl Richards, Kevin Parkinson, Leston Gonzales, Roget Boucher and Gareth Wiseman. Three members of the organisation who were not charged with the murder — Devon Peters, David Ector and one of Rajaee’s wives, Stacy Griffith — were also charged with being members of the gang. Griffith was charged separately under the Anti-Gang Act for facilitating the activities of the gang. All the accused are being represented by Williams except Griffith, who is being represented by Rajiv Persad, Shivan Jadoo and Shawn Mahase. The group will reappear in court on September 21. - Trinidad Guardian
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news
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Govʼt blunders on Budget Estimates … violates laws assented to by President Granger GUYANA -- CONSIDERATIONS of 2015 budgeted estimates in the National Assembly were stalled for five hours Monday when it was uncovered that budgetary estimates presented by Finance Minister Winston Jordan a few weeks ago were done against two laws, which were passed under the David Granger Administration. Those laws are the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2015, and the Fiscal Management and Authority (FMA) (Amendment) Act 2015, which were the first legislation passed in the 11th Parliament under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government. Member of Parliament) for the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Anil Nandlall, told reports during a press conference at the Public Buildings, Brickdam, Monday, that his party had raised concerns to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, regarding the illegality of the estimates. “The estimates as currently structured and presented are in violation of the Constitution (Amendment) Act of 2015, and the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) (Amendment) Act of 2015,” Nandlall, a former Attorney General, told the press corps at a midday press conference Monday. Explaining the five-hour delay for Monday’s sitting which started at 2:00pm, as opposed to 9:00am, Nandlall said this was due to a meeting the Speaker had summoned with members of both sides of the House. “We had a long discussion, and in the end, it was accepted that estimates, as they are presently constructed, are indeed in violation of the two pieces of legislation which they passed,” Nandlall continued.
“They (Government) have undertaken to correct those estimates and will soon present a motion to the Assembly reflecting those corrections, and that the motion is intended to bring the estimates in conformity with the new prescription,” the PPP MP said. Another Opposition MP, Gail Teixeira, said another shift that has to be included in the motion is where Rights Commissions were improperly placed under various Ministries based on the 2003 amendment to the Third Schedule. An arrangement was made that considerations for constitutional bodies will be deferred during this period for estimates until the motion is brought. Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, said during the beginning of the session at 2:00pm Monday that the considerations for constitutional agencies, which were to be considered Monday, would be taken at another sitting. Those agencies include the Parliament Office; the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Judicial, Police, Teaching and Public Service Commissions; Public Service Appellate Tribunal; Office of the Ombudsman; and the Guyana Elections Commission. A second press conference was held Monday with members of the Government where Vice-President and Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge said, “The PPP has certainly discovered that they need to stay very close to the Constitution and the laws of Guyana.” Greenidge confirmed to the media that issues have been raised about the estimates conflicting with laws on the books. The budget estimates presented on August 10 were placed before the National
Assembly a month or so after the laws that were approved by the National Assembly and assented to by President David Granger. Asked whether the challenges will result in an extension of the three days stipulated by Government for consideration of the estimates, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo interjected that an agreement was made for the estimates to be made for 10 and a half hours for three days. “I don’t see us going beyond the Sub-Committee’s recommendation at this point in time, but taking into consideration there has been some delays in the morning session, I’m not sure how we’ll be able to tweak them to allow for the considerations to take place as we had agreed on in the sub-committee from 9:30am 11:00pm,” the Prime Minister continued. The laws in question, which have been violated by the presentation of the budgetary estimates, are those which grant independence from the Executive to constitutional agencies. Those agencies, based on the amendments, would have been allowed to draw monies directly from the consolidated fund. However, the 2015 budgetary estimates have listed some of those agencies under Ministries of Government. The Opposition PPP is concerned that the conflict between the legislation and the budget was allowed to pass through the Government’s filter system which includes a number of lawyers, economists, and even former Speaker of the National Assembly in the 10th Parliament, Raphael Trotman. - Guyana Chronicle
St James NW Comrades tell PNP to speed up Gordon - Webleyʼs application JAMAICA -- Clayton Morgan, chairman of the People’s National Party (PNP) St James North Western constituency organisation, has called on the party’s national executive to speed up the approval process for Joan Gordon-Webley’s membership application, arguing that the constituency wants her to be its candidate in the upcoming general election. “We are going to submit a plea to the NEC (National Executive Council) that we are asking them to speed up the process, and don’t keep it lingering... we want them to consider the candidacy of Comrade Gordon-Webley, because we already say she is a Comrade,” Morgan declared during his address at a constituency meeting on Saturday at Cornwall College in Montego Bay. Gordon-Webley, who was the head of the National Solid Waste Management Authority and contested the St Andrew East Rural constituency on a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) ticket in the December 2011 general elections, left the Opposition party following a falling-out with the leadership. However, her application for PNP membership is yet to be ratified. Some mem-
bers of the ruling PNP had objected to her joining the party, claiming that she had made unfavourable remarks about PNP President Portia Simpson Miller while she was in the JLP. But Morgan, who is also an attorney, stressed on Saturday that St James North Western lacks leaders who are equipped with management and political skills, adding that Gordon-Webley has the skills that are needed in the constituency. “Comrade Webley has served Jamaica through various channels. She was head at National Solid Waste for a few years, so she was a politician and also an administrator... she has several skills, and North West St James PNP is short of skills. Is not everybody can be MP or caretaker. We want administrators, we want organisers, and we want political advisors.” Added Morgan: “And if North West St James PNP executive say we want her to come down yah come help we fi cross the river Jordan, a she wi want.” JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang has been the sitting member of parliament for the constituency since 2002.
Meanwhile, Gordon-Webley told the gathering that that she is coming to the party with no expectations, but noted that she has the political experience that will assist the constituency, and therefore they “should not give in to arguments that the PNP cannot win back the constituency”. She said, however, that she is aware that there may be questions surrounding her decision to join the PNP. “I come to the PNP with no expectations and no hidden agendas. Are you hearing me? No hidden agenda. The only agenda is to work for people. On my being interviewed, I asked for nothing and nothing was offered. For those who may think that I was offered something, I did not ask for anything, and as a matter of fact, I would not want anybody to offer me anything either, because my work must speak for itself,” declared Gordon-Webley. “So, let us talk all about that you need to know, but let us be quick, because there is a lot of work to be done,” she said. - Jamaica Observer
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insight
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Persuasive Development Disorders Autism; it cannot be ignored! Part 2 Simone Smith
simone@carib101.com
A Better Tomorrow I want to thank the readers again for joining me through the new series; Persuasive Development Disorders; Autism, it cannot be ignored. It is important that we understand how these disorders are affecting our community. Last week we learned that Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders that are characterized by delays in the development of social and communication skills. One of the most prevalent diagnoses of PDD is a disorder known as Autism. I was able to comment on the rising cases of autism diagnosed throughout the Somali community. Research has been done that has found Autism to be rare in Africa, yet the rate among Africans who migrate to Western countries, continues to rise. There is research that indicates certain immigrant populations face unusual risk of over vaccination. As promised, I will be running a series on Pervasive Development Disor-
ders. Throughout this series I hope to highlight the affects that having a child with a Pervasive Development Disorder can have. This series will include the following topics: Understanding Behavior, Developing Communication Skills, Teaching Play and Social Skills, Toilet Training, Reinforcement, Teaching Social Communication, Learning how to Play and Playing to Learn, One Bite at a Time, Steps Towards Positive Change and finally Introduction to Applied Behavioral Analysis. The majority of my data will come from a workshop that is put on by Erin Oaks Kids, a center dedicated to the treatment and development of children diagnosed with Autism. It is a ten week workshop that has cycles occurring during the summer and fall months. More information can be found on their website, http://www.erinoakkids. ca/. Last week highlighted what Persuasive Development Disorder was; this week we will be tackling Autism, one of the most recognized disorders that exists in the spectrum. Autism is defined as a mental condition that is noticed during early childhood. Parents may notice that their child has some problems talking other people and forming relationships with other people. Parents may also notice that their child uses language that does not make sense to them, or gestures instead of words. You may notice that your child is not progressing like other children their own age, and they may have difficul-
ties with their motor coordination. Motor coordination includes large motor skills: running, jumping, climbing; or small motor skills: writing, tying shoelaces, or buttoning buttons. Contrary to popular belief, these children are often very bright and excel in visual skills music, math and art. Some of the challenges that a child with Autism can face include; • Verbal and non-verbal communication. Children may or may not talk. This should not be a concern if they interact with other children or adults. Some children just take longer to talk than others. • The ability to learn in social environments. Children with Autism may have difficulties in a normal school setting. If left untreated, children with Autism stand the risk of being bullied due to the fact that they do not communicate with others in a way that is seen as “normal.” The term normal is relative, and can be argued. • Autistic children tend to behave in a way that may seem repetitive to parents. This can include running around in circles over and over again, or making the same sounds over and over again. As we go through this series, I will explain why these noises should not be ignored. • Social interactions are usually brief and can be awkward. This is awkward for both the child and the parent. At times
•
we may not realize how frustrating it might be if you wanted to communicate a thought and you were unable to. This is exactly what it is like living with Autism. You are doing your best to ask for something, and you are unable to. The frustration also exists in the person who is the recipient of this communication. Finally, a child with Autism has limited interest in objects and activities. As a parent, we listen to other parents talk about toys that have worked wonders with their children. We buy these toys in the hopes that they might stimulate our child, only to find that our child rather play with the broken part of an old chair.
By the end of this series, my goal is to eliminate the confusion surrounding Autism, as well as provide comfort for those parents who are living with a child who maybe displaying some of these characteristics. You might have even noticed these characteristics in a friend’s child. This is a touchy subject and must be approached wisely. Maybe a good idea is to introduce this article to your friend. Express your concern about this issue and have them read it. Knowledge is key. Let us be sure to share what we learn with others. You never know who you may be helping.
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travel
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Think weather when planning that getaway Micca Vanvield
micca@carib101.com
Travel Specialist Now that the end of summer is upon us, one of the first things that couples start thinking about is vacation. You’ve just spent what seems like a very long summer trying to figure out what to do with the kids so they aren’t stricken with extreme boredom. You’ve had to plan for back to school, go shopping for school, or for some, find that new school. But now you feel burnt out, and you want to plan a getaway. Even if it is a quick getaway, it is absolutely recommended to be able to refresh and press rest, especially in a relationship. But wait, you have to consider the fact that we are in the midst of hurricane season and the weather will play a huge factor for where you end up. Hurricane season for the Caribbean generally spans from June to November, though the peak months would
August, September and October. be August October One may say that travel, especially to the Caribbean is cheaper within this period (especially the peak months), and yes the weather does have something to do with it. Travellers are always looking for the lowest prices when it comes to travel, and yes you can find some great pricing on trips to the Caribbean especially during this season. Yes, you can definitely get some great deals within this period (even last minute deals) because it’s all about supply and demand. Hotels want to make sure that rooms are bodies occupied and airlines want to make sure that there are bums in seats, so yes there tends to be some incentives to travel at this time of year due to the low capacity numbers and that tends to be because of the prediction of the weather. If a southern destination is on your list when planning that post summer getaway, keep in mind that you can still have a great trip and even avoid the bad weather. Not all of the Caribbean is made alike. You can plan to visit destinations less affected by hurricanes like Aruba, Barbados, Curacao, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago or Bonaire. More northern islands like Jamaica, Baha-
mas, Bermuda Bermuda, Dominican Republic and mas Cuba have a higher chance or being affected by hurricanes. Even the Pacific coast of Mexico is monitored greatly for hurricanes during the season. Yes there are big storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean every year, and yes this can sometimes disrupt your vacation, but what if it doesn’t. The three best things you can utilize when planning your vacation during this period are your attitude, flexibility and insurance. You will attract what you think about. So if you think you will have a crappy vacation you will. If you aren’t open to a possible change of hotel in the event that your chosen hotel gets damaged due to a hurricane you will end up extremely disappointed. And if you don’t purchase travel insurance (or even purchase within that last minute booking window) you run the risk of losing all your hard earned money that you would have spent on booking your vacation. Looking forward to a getaway where it is just the two of you could be one of the greatest forms of anticipation you could think of. Plan wisely, do your research, but most importantly use an expert.
entertainment
PAGE 14
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Fadda Moses says Global Village makes EVERYONE have a say as politics takes centre stage Aba Luke
aba@carib101.com
Entertainment No matter what’s happening at any particular time in the Caribbean, the region’s entertainers continue to deliver music and energy, constantly uplifting the spirits of supporters near and far. In Trinidad and Tobago, politics is the order of the day. The country’s general election is merely three weeks away and tensions are high on the two sides of the political divide, but one entertainer says the people must remember the need to maintain the love, and enjoy each other’s company, no matter what.
“Sometimes we get caught up in the hype but there’s life after the election and we all have to live together when it’s all said and done,” says dancehall and soca artiste, Fadda Moses. He’s been taking it all in, assessing the news and the messages of persuasion being touted by the main political parties and their representatives, but for Moses, music keeps life sane. “I just released a song that really has nothing to do with politics but my hope is that amid all the stress of the season, people will have moments to de-stress and enjoy being together and listening to the music our artistes deliver to help them unwind.” A youth voter no doubt, Moses says he knows the value of his vote and he understands the value of being informed. “I would encourage everyone to have an idea of all that’s happening around them. We live in a global village and just like I can share my music with millions across the world with the click of a mouse, so
too, every young person can get information on all that’s happening to make better decisions when it comes to voting in the election in Trinidad and Tobago- decisions that will impact our lives,” said the Chaguanas native. Earlier this month in T&T, Moses shared his music with audiences in Arima and along the North Coast at two major events promoted by two separate radio stations. His stage skills are prolific, no doubt, but he aims at bettering himself every step of the way- honing his craft and becoming a household name in the region and one day, overseas. “That’s kind of how I think we would like our politicians to be. The people want to see improvement in the politicians’ efforts every step of the way- efforts that would essentially benefit everyone and not just some,” said the artiste who released, ‘Twerk’, just a couple weeks ago. He’s kept his word to release new music every month in a bid to
maintain consistency. A father of two young children, Moses is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural representatives and he says no matter how the election poll ends up, he would like to see more being done by the government to diversify the economy. “There’s a lot to invest in, in Trinidad and Tobago. The youths in this country are really amazing. Sometimes we just need to look a little closer at what’s around us. I’m looking forward to good governance, no matter who wins next month,” he said. Focused on his personal mission to share good vibes and bring joy to the hearts of people everywhere using his God given talent, Moses says, “Life is a song, you’ve just gotta sing it!” For more on Fadda Moses and his musical journey, follow him on his social media networks, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @FaddaMoses. - EtceteraBuzz
Barbados honors Trini songwriter shaft with Crop Over award Aba Luke
aba@carib101.com
Entertainment He’s definitely making a name for himself, all the while, being extremely humble. Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop’s name has been making the rounds in recent months and on the heels of what most would agree, was a tremendously successful C2K15 season in Trinidad for the songwriter, Jason moved to establish himself further in Barbados this year. He helped seal the deal for Pe-
ter Ram at CropOver, equipping him with a song that received three top accolades, among them, the Road March title. This past week, Shaft, as he’s fondly called in the entertainment world, received the Best Songwriter of the Festival award from the National Cultural Foundation in Barbados. His work this year was shared with the people of Barbados and certainly thousands who visited the island, through the vocals of artistes like, Imani, Alison Hinds, Hypasounds, Biggie Irie, Mikey Mercer and of course, Peter Ram. The Road March hit, “All Ah We” had taken the island by storm, amping up the vibe of the festival and giving revellers something sweet to chip through the streets to. Chatting with EtceteraBuz this
morning, Jason said he felt honoured to have received the award- having been recognised and shown that level of appreciation by another country. “It goes beyond the award though- it’s a symbol that I’m moving toward my dreams and aspirations. It feels good that I’ve been recognised and appreciated in another country,” he said, adding that he’s currently in C2K16 creation mode. Some of his clients for the season ahead include Reigning Groovy Soca Monarch, Olatunji Yearwood, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Lyrikal, Jaiga and Lil Bitts. Shaft however explained that for him, writing music and being a part of the music industry, goes beyond the money and the spotlight. ” If I don’t do music, I won’t be myself. Music is what I have to
hold on to. It keeps me alive. I can’t picture myself without music. It’s in me. If I don’t do it everyday, something would be wrong,” he said. Separate and apart from Soca, Bishop says he’s been getting his foot wet in the Latin and Nigerian markets and has plans to visit Nigeria before the end of 2015. For more on Jason’s work, check out his company’s social media pages @ shaftvibesentertainment on Instagram and @shaftvibesent1 on Twitter. On Facebook, simply look for Shaft Vibes Entertainment. We anticipate there’s some major things on the horizon from this hit maker. Just stay with us, we’ll keep you in the know! - EtceteraBuzz
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
sports
PAGE 19
T&TCB in dark over WICB town meetings TRINIDAD -- The T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) has denied that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has held meaningful discussions with them concerning the hosting of a town-hall meeting of local stakeholders. This response from the T&TCB contradicts a media release by the WICB on Saturday which alleges that “efforts to host a meeting in T&T could not be finalised as far back as June 2015 when the president’s office made contact.” The WICB was responding to comments last week made by third vice-president of the T&TCB Patrick Rampersad who chided the WICB and its president Wycliffe “Dave” Cameron for bypassing T&T in their planned series of meetings which have already been held in St Lucia, Dominica, Guyana and Jamaica. In their latest media release the WICB stated that their next townhall meeting will be staged in Antigua “on a date to be announced” but again no mention was made of the T&T leg, which has raised serious concerns about the level of respect and courtesy being afforded the local cricket organisation. Rampersad, president of the Merry Boys Cricket Club, which campaigns in the Premier Division, had speculated on the reason why T&T was
WICB president Wycliffe “Dave” Cameron ....chided for bypassing T&T.
being ignored and noted that the local cricket organisation had backed the challengers to Cameron of Jamaica and Nanthan of Dominica, in WICB elections held earlier this year. Of the six regional affiliates of the WICB, only Barbados and T&T supported the candidacy of former WI fast bowler Joel “Big Bird” Garner, head of the BCA, and T&TCB executive member Baldath Mahabir for the top posts. Rampersad also refuted a claim by the WICB, that a letter dated June 22 from General Secretary of the T&TCB,
Arjoon Ramlal, “outlines an inability for the T&T affiliates to agree to a location to the benefit of what the town hall meeting was to achieve.” In fact, the T&TCB letter clearly makes a clear and cogent case for staging the all-important stakeholder’s meeting at a geographically central location which can readily attract the widest public participation from the nation’s major cricket support-base in east, central and south Trinidad. “It poses a stressful traffic nightmare to get into and out of Port-of-Spain and poses difficul-
ties for adequate parking, particularly in the afternoon. In such a physical and cultural environment, curtained views are likely to be expressed not necessarily representative of a cross-section of national views drawn from the wider cricket diaspora,” Ramlal wrote to Cameron. Cameron was told that it was “anachronistic that the historical struggle to shift the balance at administrative and decision-making power from this enclave was likely to suffer a major setback by a return to a myopic and mono-cultural base.” “The main objective of your consultation, we are certain, is to attract participation from the widest crosssection of our multi-racially blessed, ethnically mixed, culturally rich and socially diverse population. By hosting such a landmark event in Port-of-Spain will clearly not achieve this polycentric objective,” the WICB was told. It was suggested in no uncertain terms that the town hall meeting be staged at the spacious T&TCB owned administrative centre in Balmain, Couva, or alternatively the modern 220-seat auditorium of the Chaguanas Borough Corporation (CBC) at Chaguanas. - Trinidad Guardian
PAGE 20
sports
TRINIDAD -- Captain of the T&T Red Steel Dwayne Bravo has lauded the initiative by the T&T Olympic Committee to establish an Elite Athlete Welfare Fund with the aim of inspiring the nation’s athletes to win 10 or more Olympic Gold medals by 2024. The Fund which was launched back in January was designed to complement the Elite Athlete Fund already in effect by the Government and people of T&T and managed by the Ministry of Sport. Bravo said, “I think it’s good. I am an athlete and I believe athletes could only do so much. They need support. If the aim is for this medal count by the 2024 Olympics, then that means they have a target in mind, they have a goal set and I think it’s important that whatever assistance they can get from government, from companies, then we are working for 2024. I think they can be successful and achieve the ten gold medals.” With the one-year mark to Rio 2016 now in effect and prospective athletes count down the days, he said, “I just want them to give it their best shot. The Olympics is something that comes once every four years. It’s like the (ICC) Cricket World Cup for us and it’s a dream come through for any athlete to be part of the Olympics and to represent the country. My advice is for them to work hard… give it their best shot. Some of them go as individuals, some go as a team, but eventually the T&T Olympic team leaves as a team. It’s impor-
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Bravo lauds TTOCʼs funding initiative
tant that t h e y give themselves the best chance to be in the best shape, so that they can perform to the best of their ability and also put T&T on the map, again. There is nothing better than representing your country. I love representing T&T. Whenever you’re on that big stage hearing your national anthem playing, seeing your national flag: those colours alone make your feel special.” Issues related to the insufficient funding of athletes and lack of access and or lack of facilities for the nation’s budding stars were among Bravo’s pet peeves. In spite of these challenges, he called on elite athletes to get in the right frame of
mind and prepare themselves well. Bravo held the view that once local medal hopefuls prepared well, more often than not, they were going to execute and eventually reap rewards. “I am reading the papers and watching television and seeing these challenges athletes have for funding, for facilities. They don’t have proper training grounds, proper gyms and I think in this day and age now where sports unifies the country, we can do a lot more where facilities are concerned…where funding is concerned, because most of those athletes go about their business with basically nothing. They don’t get a big salary. In terms of facilities to prepare, to train, we don’t have it here and we expect those athletes to go out there and compete with the best in the world,” he said. Bravo added, “Obviously, it’s going to be tough. We have the talent, but we need to have the resources to enrich those talents. We just can’t rely on natural ability and natural
talent and expect to make it world-wide. I honestly believe we could do a lot more and should do a lot more.” He’s no big fan of netball, but the mere fact that this country’s athletes were competing in the just concluded Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, caused him to pay great attention to the nightly television newscast and the daily newspapers for progress reports on the team. Commenting on the outstanding performances recorded by this country’s athletes at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, the Pan American Junior Championships in Edmonton, Canada; the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Senior Championships in Costa Rica; Parapan Am Games also held in, Canada, Bravo had nothing but praise for them, including those who this time around weren’t successful at securing medals. “It’s not easy to take part in event that is so big and perform at the highest level, carrying the ambitions of an entire nation on your shoulders. It’s not easy! It’s good that it’s going down as one of our best Pan Am Games and with the Olympics right around the corner that in itself would give them confidence. “Success always gives you that comfort that you can do well at the highest level and do better. Doing what they did at the Games gives those athletes self-confidence and the selfbelief that they can actually go to the Olympic and win medals, as well,” declared Bravo. - Trinidad Guardian
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PAGE 24
food
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Pepper shrimp - memories of Korea Chris De La Rosa chris@carib101.com
Caribbean Cooking Tehya and I had the pleasure of being hosted by the City and Mayor of Seoul Korea a couple years ago and it was one of the most amazing culinary and cultural experiences we’ve ever had. You know a trip is starting off on a good note, when on your 14hr flight your first meal comes with a tube of peppersauce (Gochujang)! A rich, deep pepper paste with a hint of fermentation, balanced by the gentle heat of the peppers and an undertone of soy (sauce). This recipe is in memory of the beautiful people f Korea
aand an nd th he wa w ayy th tthe he C Ci ity ty off Seou S Se eouul ca cate ate terre red tto o oour ur ur the way City Seoul catered many senses and opened the door for my awareness of the rich culinary culture of Asia. You’ll Need: 1 lb medium shrimp 2 scallions 1 scotch bonnet 2 birds eye pepper 2 cloves garlic 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 table spoon Soju 2 table spoon Korean chili paste (Gochujang) 1 teaspoon soy sauce (light) pinch of salt Substitute Chinese cooking wine for Soju, add fish sauce instead of salt and tomato paste (1 teaspoon) for the Korean chili paste. Prep you ingredients .. clean and devein the shrimp, chop the garlic finely,
sli sl ice th he sc scot otch ot ch bbonnet oonnn nne net pepper (wash you slice the scotch hands with soap after), chop the scallions and grate the ginger. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan or wok on a low flame, then go in with the garlic and the ‘white’ ends of the scallions. Allow it to gently cook for a couple minutes. Add the scotch bonnet pepper as well as the Bird’s eye chili (bird pepper in the Caribbean) – open your kitchen window and turn on the exhaust fan above your stove if you have one, as the fumes with the frying pepper will be extreme. Please note that I included the seeds of the pepper for that EXTRA kick, but you can exclude them if you’re ‘shy’ of real Caribbean sunshine. Turn the heat up to medium and add the shrimp. Stir well and cook until they turn pink (about 3-4 mins). Now add the soy sauce, pepper paste and a pinch of salt (I didn’t mention it in the ingredient list.. but you can balance things with a pinch of sugar if you want). Stir well and cook for 2 minutes, then add
the Soju an nd ttop op w ith the green parts of the it ith and with scallion. Stir well.. turn off the stove and get ready to enjoy a perfect example of East meets West (Korea + Caribbean) in the form of a brilliant pepper shrimp. Quite honestly, I enjoyed these as they were, but as a meal you can place this on a bed of steamed rice and you’ll have a delightful (but spicy) meal. A great snack (we say Cutters or cuttas in the Caribbean) for when you’re enjoying some adult beverages with friends. The Caribbean will ALWAYS be “home” for me, but I’m quite intrigued by the possibility of calling Korea (or maybe another Asian country) home for a little while. The food, culture, people and SHOPPING is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced to date.
body & soul
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
PAGE 25
The secret of namaste Namaste: I honor, respect, recognize and bow to the light in you and me. This sacred gesture, used in many yoga practices, meditations and prayers, holds a secret wisdom. When the mind and senses bow to the Heart Chakra, the union between body and soul is achieved. The key, however, is to go deep into the Heart Chakra where the soul
glows its life-giving presence, bringing breath and heartbeat to your body. The Heart Chakra Why does one need to go deep into the Heart Chakra, and how does one achieve this process? The reason for going deep into the Heart Chakra is to guide the senses that are controlled by the mind and also control the mind, into the Heart. When the senses are only aware of the life around your body, the senses cannot be fully aware of your soul in the Heart Chakra. The senses must be withdrawn; in Yoga this is called “Pratyahara.” By withdrawing the senses, your mind’s awareness turns inward. To withdraw the senses and still be in the mind is not pratyahara. Essence of Oneness The experience of oneness is held in the Heart Chakra, not the mind. The feeling that reveals you are in oneness is pure love. Love not based on the material world image, but the pure true love between body and soul, creation and creator. When the mind and its minion senses are gathered together and guided inward, the gifts of the senses are now in a different reality. This reality is called oneness, innerworld, intuition, soul, spirit, Divine, union, source, etc. The more focused the mind is in its ability to gather the senses, the deeper purity and truth of the experience of oneness —
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love. When the senses finally enter the Heart Chakra, the senses become calmer and more in your control. Humility The secret to this whole process of pratyahara, and going into the Heart Chakra requires humility. Humility is when the mind and the personality it created through senses (known as ego) have reached a willingness to change. The aspiration to transform and discover a new perspective of oneself and life is also the feeling of humility. So how does one achieve pratyahara, humility and a focused mind, in order to discover what is inside the Heart Chakra? New Technique for Accessing the Heart Chakra A very special technique came to me in my mid-20s when I had reached a direction in my life where I was humbled and willing to change. This humility came forth due to the death of my parents in an aviation crash when I was a teenager and my sister’s murder shortly thereafter, resulting in my many illnesses and losing my will to live. With these techniques, by bowing into the heart, I discovered the purpose for life and found self-love. The process of this technique begins with a beautiful feeling such as love. The ability to feel this feeling build in us is the presence of the Soul. Remember, light is the image of love. - My Yoga Online
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
health news
PAGE 27
Ginger, the natural home remedy for upset stomach (and how to use it) Ginger is one of the best natural remedies out there to treat a whole range of digestive complaints. So if you have an upset stomach, instead of relying on tummy soothing drugs, make ginger your go-to natural and safe remedy. Ginger has anti-inflammation properties, which is why it works like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is just as effective as an ibuprofen capsule and/ or an aspirin tablet. Aside from slowing associated biochemical pathways, it promotes circulation as well. Ginger also contains shogaols and gingerols, which are natural chemicals that relax the intestinal tract. How to Use Ginger for Upset Stomach There are different ways to use ginger for treating an upset stomach. Eat it raw
If you can bear its strong taste you can get a piece of raw ginger and munch on it after your meal. You can eat one gram a day. If you do not like the taste of fresh ginger, you can take it in the form of tea, ginger ale or tincture. Make ginger candy You can even turn ginger into candy and chew on it. Just take a piece of ginger root and slice it into tiny pieces. Then, dip these tiny ginger pieces into some honey. Get some ghee or clarified butter and heat it in a skillet for three to five minutes. When the butter is ready, you can cook the ginger-honey slices with it. Afterward, transfer the cooked ginger slices to a cookie sheet and wait for them to cool and harden for 30 to 40 minutes. Another way to make crystalized or candied ginger is to take two pieces of ginger and cut them into thin slices. In a pot
of water, add some raw sugar and the ginger slices. Bring everything to a boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes. Let cool, drain, and refill the pot with fresh water. Add more sugar and bring everything to a boil once more. Lower the heat and simmer for another 20 minutes. Let cool and for the third time, add more sugar and bring everything to a boil. Stir the ginger slices, lower the heat, and simmer for half an hour. When the liquid is thick enough, turn off the heat. Let the ginger slices cool and dry on a rack for seven to 10 hours. Finally, coat them with some extra sugar (optional). You can keep them in an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator. If you do not have the time to make your own candied gingers, you can buy some from your local health store or grocery store. You can also order from online stores that sell them. Regular ginger intake helps to
cure recurring stomach problems. Drink it Another way to use ginger for upset stomach is to drink it. You need some ginger juice, salt, and lemon juice. Take two teaspoons of ginger juice, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and some salt. You can either use black salt, Himalayan pink or good quality sea salt. Simply combine all ingredients in a container. You can drink it in pure form or add some water. If you like tea better than juice, you can make some ginger tea. Take 1 small thumb of ginger and slice it up or use half a teaspoon of ground ginger and put it in a cup of hot water. Stir well and steep for three to five minutes. You can add honey to make it sweeter. You should drink ginger tea twice a day to treat upset stomach. - Natural News
Find out how to improve your energy, mood and reduce the risk of disease Most people living in the ‘modern’ world lack sufficient energy; feel emotionally agitated and, in many cases, suffer with chronic disease symptoms like, joint pain, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer – to name a few. And, although we often hear that the solution is all about ‘diet and exercise’ – there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Why diet and exercise are NOT enough for optimal health I know that statement sounds ‘crazy’ – especially coming from me – right? But, with over 30 years of experience – in the health and fitness industry – I can tell you it’s true. More than you can imagine, people have told me that they eat a healthy diet and exercise – yet they still feel horrible. What’s going on here? In reality, just about all of us have
been exposed to dangerous toxins through the food we eat and the air we breathe – which affect our hormones and overall wellbeing. For example, when I was much younger, my favorite snacks were the worst foods you can imagine - loaded with hormone disturbing chemicals. In addition, for decades, I walked around with 14 mercurybased ‘silver’ fillings in my mouth – which seriously inhibited my ability to absorb nutrients and, no doubt, affected my emotional wellbeing. Finally, in terms of exercising, I was intense – competing in basketball, racquetball and road racing (running) events. But, thinking back now, I know this lifestyle only added stress to my life and didn’t make me feel healthier. When I improved my eating habits and even toned down my crazy exercise rou-
tine – I didn’t really feel much better. I was still short tempered and impatient for more years than I care to remember. Clearly, my life was out of balance and eating organic food was not the only answer for me. Reality check: Hormonal imbalances pose a serious threat to health and life expectancy I now know that hormones (and neurotransmitters) are essential for just about every mental, emotional and physical function within us. In fact, if your hormones are out of balance – you increase the risk of inflammatory-related diseases such as, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. But, the main point (for today) to remember is that just eating more organic food or starting an exercise routine - in most cases - will not reverse disease conditions without addressing hormonal imbalances.
Bottom line, each person has a unique set of circumstances that brought about their current health crisis and this needs to be addressed – on an individual basis. For most people, this will require a careful examination of life from top to bottom. Besides eating a healthy diet and exercising, how many toxins are you really exposed to on a daily basis? Are you missing key nutrients? Do you need to repair your digestive system to improve nutrient absorption? And, finally, are you an unknowing victim of self-imposed (limiting) beliefs? (Remember, your beliefs guide future behavior) All of these issues affect your hormones and, ultimately, the entire direction of your life for better or worse. - Natural News
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
health news
Sugar trail may lead to early cancer detection Cancer remains one of the most-researched diseases all around the world, as international scientists work on research to broaden the understanding of every aspect of this disease – why and how it develops, grows and spreads within the human body. This knowledge hopefully then translates into medical techniques and treatments which can prevent cancer from starting, detect it in its earliest phases or treat it in such a way that minimal damage will be done to surrounding healthy tissues. In other words, this research is not just important for the sake of academic knowledge – it can lead to ways to help save people’s lives and make their quality of life better even after surviving the onset of this disease. One study which has this potential has recently come out of UCLA and has a lot of people talking. The latest research from UCLA Scientists from the UCLA have recently discovered a certain glucose pathway that encourages the growth – and spread – of cancerous tumors in the body. In other words, this is a
means by which the body delivers to cancerous cells the sugar that they depend on for their survival. One possible way in which this research could help is to stimulate the use of antidiabetic drugs to prevent tumor growth and formation. The idea here is that these drugs, which lower blood glucose levels, would essential “starve” the tumor and inhibit its access to the glucose that it survives on. If this protocol is successful, it could give clinicians fighting cancer another weapon in their arsenal in the fight against this particular disease. The study in context This research builds on knowledge gleaned from studies in the past, which found that there is indeed a connection between glucose levels and tumor development. Up until now, however, what has been blamed for tumor growth were passive glucose transporters which delivered sugars to the cancerous cells to encourage them to grow. What this study found, however, was a new and previously unsuspected pathway, called active glucose transport. This takes
place via sodium-dependent glucose transporters (SLGTs). Knowledge of this pathway is significant, because SLGTs can be detected through PET scans and can potentially provide a way for clinicians to detect the onset of cancer at a much earlier stage, which most experts agree greatly increases the patient’s chances of surviving this disease. Scientists hope to continue with this line of research to learn more about the role of SLGTs in cancer development and also to look at antidiabetic drugs to see how effective they will be at inhibiting glucose transport to the cancer cells. To sum up, the medical community is excited about this discovery for a number of reasons. First, it may well offer early detection options that clinicians did not have knowledge of before. Second, it might lead to the use of antidiabetic drugs to help with tumor control. Either way, it might mean a significant breakthrough for cancer detection and treatment – and this in turn could save many lives once it becomes a standard clinical procedure. - Natural News
Top 10 most powerful foods for supporting male libido One of the most important aspects of our health is our sexual health. When men, in particular, start exhibiting problems with their libido, they can then suffer not just from sexual dysfunction, but also from self-esteem issues and possibly a low sense of self-worth. Fortunately, there are natural foods that can help support and activate the male libido. Compiled below are the top 10 most powerful foods that do just that. Sexual health should not be ignored. This aspect of one’s life is important and should be tended to when problems arise. Sexual healing can be achieved through natural foods such as the ones compiled in the list below. Pumpkin seeds Pumpkin seeds, which can be eaten fresh from a pumpkin or purchased on their own, contain high levels of zinc. This is very important to produce more testosterone. Deficiency of this important hormone can lead to intimacy issues. Pumpkin seeds are also rich with omega-3 fatty acids. This component is essential for your overall sexual health. The tasty pumpkin seed also contains other libido vitamins, such as vitamins B, C, D, E and K, as well as other minerals like potassium, calcium, niacin and phosphorous. Do not overlook the power of this potent seed because this can help boost your arousal. Watermelon If you are searching for a sweet libido stimulator, then all you need is a slice of watermelon. Yes, it’s 92% water. However, this fruit is filled with essential nutrients that can boost the sexual performance of both men and women. Watermelon has “Viagra-like effects” that boost libido. It also has rich levels of a phytonutrient known as citrulline, which is converted by the body to arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that increases the nitric oxide levels in the body. This, together with its lycopene content, relaxes the blood vessels the way Viagra does. It amazingly supercharges your stamina and allows you to feel every ecstatic sensation better. Ginseng Ginseng can also greatly improve sexual performance. A clinical study by the University of Hawaii supports this claim. Ginsenoside extracts trigger sexual health. There are many products and supplements which claim they contain real ginseng content. However, be careful because not all ginseng products can be trusted. Choose high quality ginseng supplements or just eat fresh ginseng. You can also simply drink ginseng tea. Some energy drinks may brag about their product’s ginseng power,
but most of these products are just full of sugar which can do more harm than good. Again, choose your brand wisely to avoid fraudulent ginseng products which may only further damage your health. Pick the right product and see for yourself how ginseng helps you to maximize your libido. Maca Maca is among the group of newly discovered superfoods which can effectively alleviate impotency. Maca has the power to boost sperm count as well as increase the testosterone production for men. It is also known as Peru’s organic Viagra. This natural root increases energy, stamina, strength, libido and fertility. This powerful combination intensifies sexual urge and helps couples enjoy their improved intimacy. Maca is now available in local food stores, so you should start checking out this effective aphrodisiac. Bananas Bananas have an enzyme called bromelain that is vital to enhance a man’s sexual performance. This enzyme is also in pineapple. Pineapples, by the way, are also a great source of vitamin B which can increase the energy levels of the body as well as increase the production of sex hormones. Bananas do not contain cholesterol, so it does not harm the blood flow that can indirectly impact erectile function. This gives men the libido boost they need to enjoy a lovely night. Celery Celery is another sexual stimulator that can give rise to a potent substance called androsterone, which is a relatively odorless aphrodisiac in male’s perspiration. It boosts the pheromone levels in men’s sweat which can make them more attractive to the women. Buy organic celery to get rid of toxic chemicals that might mess with your libido boost. Eat organic celery and get ready to raise your virility and masculinity. With organic celery, you are sure to give a boost to your sexual stimulation. Avocado Avocado helps both men and women improve their libido. Avocados are full of folic acid which can drive the body’s sexual energy up. Avocados metabolize protein production effectively. Avocados are rich in vitamin B6, a known hormone regulator. These green fruits contain fatty acids, potassium, and vitamin E and B6 which can boost the hormone production in males. Your sexual responses will improve once these sexual stimulators are ingested.
Oysters Oysters have long been considered a love drug. Oysters can boost the dopamine levels which can drive the libido up for men and women alike. Oysters are also very rich in zinc that activates the testosterone production and increases sperm count. Ideally, you should eat oysters raw; however, you should be aware of health risks from Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. Asparagus Asparagus has high levels of vitamin E which is a potent nutrient to fuel a good sex life. It is a legendary aphrodisiac that also is rich in folate and vitamin B6. Its folic acid content has the potential to stir up lust in both men and women. It also stimulates the production of histamine. If you lack histamine in your body, you are unlikely to reach an orgasmic state. Thus, histamine-rich asparagus is of utmost importance. It has the potential to more effectively boost orgasm and trigger sexual arousal. Even if you are not really fond of this food, now is the perfect time to become an avid fan. Broccoli Whether eaten raw or cooked, broccoli is a powerful vegetable that can help you whenever you want to supercharge your sexual fuel. Broccoli contains vitamin C which helps the body’s blood circulation flow toward vital organs. It also has indole-3-carbinol which decreases the estrogen levels in men. Broccoli surprisingly can do wonders to power up your sexual energy and stamina. A man’s libido can slow down if one is not getting the right nutrition that the body requires. Deficiencies in the necessary vitamins and minerals can lead to feelings of depression, fatigue and low energy levels that can block the way of passionate intimacy among couples. When sexual performance problems come up, it can put a real damper on a couple’s relationship. In some cases, sexual performance issues can even hurt the couple’s romantic relationship. If you want to keep your sexual energy high and if you want your bedroom to continually be put to use, you should take some time to consider perfecting your diet in a way that is geared towards an overall boost in your libido and in your sex life. The foods in our top 10 list are just some of the many libido-boosting items that can help you get rid of your erection problems. It would be ideal if you pair this up with maintaining a regular exercise, so you can see considerable difference in your overall sexual drive. - Top 10 Grocery Secrets
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Steps to weight loss success Monique Bartlett
monique@carib101.com
Fitness Where do you start when it comes to your weight loss program? Most people don’t know where to start but probably one of the best places to start is your own common sense. Most people these days look for information online or magazines or even their favourite TV shows. When looking for information on what is and isn’t good for weight loss, it’s not just about whether or not a particular food is healthy, or whether it will affect your diet negatively or positively. It also comes down to a matter of balance. Even good foods can be bad for you if you have too much of them. If you have a special diet
or certain health conditions there are many foods that can help you to be healthier and lose those extra pounds. As everyone knows, eating fresh fruit and vegetables every day is good for you. Wholegrain foods such as pasta, whole grain bread and brown rice are also beneficial in your weight loss journey. Drinking water is also essential if you want to achieve both weight loss as well as benefit your overall health. By drinking water about thirty minutes before meals you can reduce your hunger and it will allow you to eat smaller meals because you will feel fuller faster and you won’t feel as if you haven’t had enough. Lean meat and fish can help keep healthy and help you lose weight. Good fats are just as important to your overall health. Even if you don’t eat a lot of fish you can get these essential fats from Omega vitamins, coconut oil and olive oil. Seeds and nuts can also help with this as well. Just eat as small handful as too much of a good thing is not beneficial to your overall goal. It’s important to stay away from
or at least reduce your refined sugar products and many fried foods such as french fries, donuts, cookies and cakes. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not just the food that you eat, but also how you eat. Many people skip breakfast but breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it gets your metabolism going. No matter how you decide to lose weight whether it be with a trusted professional such as your doctor, health professional or personal trainer, just know that you must have a plan and stick to it. It’s just like having a GPS and not charting your route, you won’t get anywhere otherwise. Write everything down so you know what you’ve eaten and when. Also write down how much exercise you do and at what intensity so you can see the changes that are being made as you go along. If you don’t know where you started, how will you know how far you’ve come? Always check with your doctor before you start any program since they can help you to avoid injury.
Cosmetic dentistry Dr. Matthew Weekes drweekes@carib101.com
Dental Health The main focus in the practice of cosmetic dentistry is to create a beautiful, pleasing smile in both the eyes of the patient and beholder or enhance the existing smile. Bright smiles are like stars on a dark night. They seldom go unnoticed. To be blessed with such a facial attribute gives one a feeling of wellbeing, confidence and access to limitless opportunities. This is a valuable asset to have if your career involves social interaction. When we see a patient with no smile or an unattractive smile and request a
makeover then a consultation is necessary to address their needs and expectations, the different treatment plans, limitation to treatment, cost and time frame for the transformation. We attempt to focus on the chief concern first and how best the desired result can be accomplished. If there are no obstacles to treatment and motivation is high then a comprehensive treatment would yield the best results. There are different treatment options and your dentist can advise you which is best for your case and can conform to your budget. The options may range from whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns and bridges, implants, partial and full dentures, orthodontic treatment, and orthognatic surgery. If the candidate for treatment is a pre-teen or teenager and has crooked teeth and deformed mouth then Orthodontic intervention would be the treatment of choice. Front teeth with spaces and be quickly converted into normal looking teeth with no
spaces and a lighter shade by bonding. This treatment also works well on underdeveloped teeth such as peg shaped lateral incisors, often seen as a congenital developmental anomaly of the upper front teeth. Veneers provide excellent esthetics. There are thin porcelain shells that are attached to the outside surface of natural teeth with a cement bond. The outside visible surface of the tooth is ground down prior to cementation. However over time a veneer may fracture or get dislodged and would have to be replaced by a new one. Crowns and bridges provide excellent durability and esthetics. Implant supported restorations also produce excellent results if the requirements for use such as excellent health and adequate healthy bone exist. Partial dentures will restore a smile that was as a result of lost, missing teeth or injury. Full dentures are often the treatment of choice for a few elderly with no natural teeth.
Should you eat Gluten? Hereʼs how to know Dr. Lydia Thurton
drlydia@carib101.com
Health Tips I love using this column to clear up misunderstood health topics. Understanding gluten is at the top of this list. There has been a massive trend towards going “gluten free.” Some people will claim that avoiding gluten has revolutionized their health. Lines of gluten free food products have sprung up on grocery store shelves at premium prices. Making the decision to go gluten free means a commitment to dietary mindfulness. Often hidden in a variety of processed foods, gluten is commonplace in the Canadian diet. Recent studies have reported one third
of North Americans state they are trying to reduce the amount of gluten they consume. Are you one of them? Let’s start by understanding what exactly gluten is. In short, it is a protein found in some grains. Gluten makes freshly baked bread chewy and pizza dough elastic enough to twirl. Which is also why gluten free bread can be hard as a rock. It gives dough a nice elasticity. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, oats (unless labeled gluten free) and spelt. Gluten is a protein. Your immune system reacts to foreign proteins it doesn’t like. When gluten enters your intestine it can, but not always, set off an immune response. For example, in celiac disease, patients will have a severe immune system reaction to gluten in their digestive tract. This is a very serious disease and gluten must be avoided 100%. The majority of people avoiding gluten do not have celiac disease. They have what naturopathic doctors would refer to as a food sensitivity. This is a vague term that
that means the patient feels unwell when they consume a particular food item. Sometimes, this can be confirmed with a blood test. Other times elimination of the food item is the only way to know. The scientific evidence supporting elimination of gluten in people that do not have celiac disease is lacking. However, I have seen patients that just feel better avoiding bread and gluten containing grains. They are not missing out on anything that is nutritionally essential. A gluten free diet can be very healthy. In my opinion the best way to know your gluten tolerance is to consciously eliminate it from your diet for a month. See how you feel. If you feel like your digestion, mental state, weight or sleep is improved avoiding gluten, then take note. Add it back to your diet. How do you feel? Some people will report significant differences, others will not. Short term elimination is the best way to know. A naturopathic doctor or holistic nutritionist can give you advice.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
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Carbs or no carbs, thatʼs the question Michelle Smith
michelle@carib101.com
Health Care Who would have thought, all the preventative properties that Eggplant could have. I must admit that being from a West Indian back ground Jamaican/Guyanese I had a lot of foods and remedies in my childhood and I repeat, many remedies, (ginger, garlic, lime for colds), white rum on your mole (crown of your head for stuffiness) Does common medicine compare to traditional remedies? This will be the age old question.
Traditional Cultural foods have been known to bare many beneficial properties. Since, I’m your Health Advocate, I wanted to share modern day knowledge about foods that we get so accustomed to passing in the grocery store. Grab a pen it’s time to make a new grocery list. There has been strong recommendations that people should start including eggplant in their diets. Eggplants provide many health benefits that cannot be provided by other vegetables. For instance, nasunin is only found in eggplants and cannot be acquired from other vegetables. Nasunin is high on the list of potent antioxidants. Eggplants are low in carbohydrates and calories, and do not contain fats, so they can easily be included in one’s daily diet without the fear of gaining weight. Many health experts agree that one cup of egg plant per day will help keep diseases and health problems away. Various studies have shown that egg-
plant can lower bad cholesterol or LDL, this will give immediate effect to the heart, making it healthier and disease free. The Almighty Eggplant has vitamins that improve the body’s overall health, boost the immune system, and improve resistance to various diseases. Eggplant also contains a large quantity of minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals help prevent health problems such as arthritis, osteoporosis and heart disease. Eggplant is also a great source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber protects against colon cancer, keeps the digestive system working properly and keeps the stomach feeling full after a meal. As I have discussed before, West Indian cultures are at higher risk of Diabetes. Will this be a cure? You know the answer to this already. Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires the proper care and knowledge. If you are at risk for diabetes due to family
history or currently have diabetes ask your doctor to have your AIC TESTED. This test is important in giving a true account of a person’s blood sugar level over a period of time. Did you know that a soluble carbohydrate can help to control your weight, your blood glucose and your cholesterol? Eggplant is a soluble carbohydrate. Warning..... I know in many cultures the ultimate cooking utensil is the dutch pot, cast iron pot, but remember that the way you prepare your meals can either build you up or become counterproductive. Grilling eggplant is a better option for cooking eggplant as it helps to maintain the nutritional properties to help you get the most benefits. You are the most important person involved in your health team. Always check with your Doctor if you have questions. This has been your health care check. I am your health care advocate.
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Iʼm going to borrow to fund my next vacation, or not Fazaad Bacchus
fazaad@carib101.com
Finance Specialist So the summer is quickly coming to an end and you are thinking “I haven’t gone on a vacation this year” or worse yet “I haven’t been on a vacation in a long time”. So you start quickly making plans, but find out that plane tickets are too expensive for last minute fights and especially if you are heading south to the warm Caribbean countries. So it’s too late for this summer, so hey, why not go for Christmas? Sure you can plan ahead and book early flights, the family back home will love to see you, some sorrel, ginger beer, black cake and oh it’s a wonderful plan. All seems in order, you have to pay for your tickets, fund your trip back home, fund the handouts that are usually given to all the nieces and nephews etc. Then you have
to put aside money to sport or to fete and you can’t look cheap because you are from a foreign country, so it’s expected. Wait! You still have to carry gifts, clothes, shoes, IPhone, perfume etc…and the list goes on. So a trip to Guyana or Trinidad will typically cost you around $2,500 to $3,000 at least and where will the money come from to pay for it? It’s a known fact that many people borrow off of their credit card for such a trip. It’s easy to do this, because credit is readily available as you do not have to wait for approval. Just punch you credit card numbers in and it’s all done. No problem, I’ll pay it off when I come back. This is a typical situation that most of us are faced with in our daily lives. We borrow. We were taught in school that “he goes a sorrowing who a borrowing”.However as the years went by, I realized that borrowing in itself is not a bad thing, borrowing to purchase assets that diminish in value, or borrowing where you have to repay at very high interest rates are. When we borrow to invest in our education, our children’s education, to purchase our homes and to purchase investment properties, we are engaged in good borrowing. Take for instance, your credit card balance having returned from your vacation,
is being charged an annual interest rate of approximately 15%. And if you have been paying only the minimum balance, it will take you a long time to pay off that loan as you are really only paying interest. So what are some things to do if you use your credit card to fund your trip? Pay off your balance as you soon as you return, even if you have to use your savings. The interest earned on your savings is typically less than what you will be charged. Set yourself a timeline by when you should pay off the card and what amount you must put towards it every month. At least, meet your payments on your credit card, or it will soon affect your credit score which is a position you do not wish to be in. Put the credit card away until you are able to pay it off and do not allow yourself to create more or revolving debt. Finally, if you find yourself unable to keep up with the payments, you may visit your credit card company to see if they will consolidate your loans which means that you could end up paying less interest. And please discuss the situation with your financial advisor who will help to put a recovery plan in place.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
The law relating to Child Support in Ontario Valerie Dye
valerie@carib101.com
Legal Matters In the practice of family law, child support is one of the most litigated issues in the courts. In Ontario the law related to the payment of child support is found under the Divorce Act which is a federal legislation applicable to all of Canada and the Family Law Act which is applicable to Ontario. The Divorce Act is applicable in situations where child support is to be determined between parents who are married or were previously married. The Family Law Act applies to unmarried parents or persons who are not biological parents of the child. Who is entitled to benefit from the payment of child support? In accordance with section 15.1 of the Divorce Act ‘A court of competent jurisdiction may, on application by either or both spouses, make an order requiring a spouse to pay for the support of any or all children of the marriage’. A Child of the marriage is defined in the Act as ‘a child of two spouses or former spouses who, (1) is under the age of majority and who has not withdrawn from the charge of his parents, or (2) is the age of majority but is unable, by reason of illness, disability or other cause, to withdraw from the charge of his or her parents. Section 31 of the Family Law Act states that: ‘Every parent has an obligation to provide sup-
port for his or her unmarried child who is a minor or is enrolled in a full time program of education, to the extent that the parent is capable of doing so’. Although the two pieces of legislation have different wordings as they relate to who is entitled to support it is clear that in both cases support for a child does not necessarily end when the child reaches the age of majority. It is quite common for the supporting parent (the payor) to pay child support for years after the child attains the age of majority as long as the child is still in full time education. Furthermore, as illustrated by the Divorce Act, a child who is disabled or incapable of earning a living is entitled to support after that child attains the age of majority. How Much Child Support Child support is tied to the earnings of the payor and each province has its own child support table for the purposes of paying child support. If the payor resides in a separate province from the payee the amount of child support is determined by using the tables for the province in which the payor resides. If the payor resides outside of Canada the amount will be determined by using the table applicable to the province in which the payee lives. Obviously the more money the payor earns the more child support he or she needs to pay. Since child support is tied to the earnings of the payor it is quite common for some persons to under report their earnings in order to reduce their obligations to pay child support. The courts therefore require parties to produce evidence of their earnings in the form of financial statements and pay stubs. Obviously this does not prevent the under reporting of earnings and in some cases the courts have been forced to impute earnings to some payors in order to ensure that child support obligations are not evaded.
Safety testing standards and why theyʼre important drivers leave the lot.
Jelani Daniel
jelani@carib101.com
Automotive Corner Safety for vehicle drivers should always be a manufacturer’s number one concern because as automobile technology advances, so do speed related accidents. With higher speeds there are stronger crashes that can endanger everyone from pedestrians to neighboring vehicles. By limiting the amount of impact neighboring or the driving vehicle face, damage to both the car and the owner can be significantly reduced. Understanding what type of standards your car has to uphold from crash tests can give you more insight into automobile safety practices and how you and your passengers are protected. Types Of Crash Tests: There are different crash tests that are carried out so the manufacturer can understand the amount of impact each part of the car can take from different types of force. For instance, front car impact from crashes is extremely common and typically results in excessive annual deaths. By seeing how much impact a car can resist and what damage the body will incur at low, moderate, and high speeds can facilitate in future improvements for vehicular. There are different tests that companies such as the IIHS use including: • Frontal Crash Tests • Side Crash Tests • Roof Strength Tests • Head Restraint Tests • Seat Tests • Frontal Crash Prevention Tests All tests are target-specific for certain parts of the car to ensure they meet safety standards before
Technology That Has Limited Accidents: Modern technology, including seatbelts, blind spot detection and anti-lock brakes have all contributed to a lower number of fatal car accidents. Fatigue, speed and carelessness still contribute to car accidents and fatalities. As such, modern technologies are going further to incorporate heftier safety measures to ensure driver protection in the long run, aside from the durability of the metal and strength of the airbags. Crash Avoidance Technologies: Preventing crashes is the best way to remain safe while driving, but there are still unforeseen circumstances where an accident will happen regardless of precautions. Avoidance technologies are becoming more prominent with features such as: • Automatic braking systems • Automatic steering for drivers • Automatic deceleration • Automatic parallel parking Such tools can help the driver mitigate dangers and possibly save lives. Although avoidance technologies are still being produced and perfected, there is hope that such technology will take precedence to help mitigate car crashes in the future. The Future Of Car Safety: With avoidance technologies on the rise, the autonomous car movement is the epitome of avoidance technology. Using engineered cars that drive the owner instead of the owner driving the car is a hopeful prospective solution to resolve careless accidents before they happen. This can lead to less accidents, unforeseen collisions, as well as reduced speed-related car crashes, both saving lives and lowering insurance claims, aiding drivers physically and financially. Overall, collisions are regularly stapled to nonautonomous vehicle operations, so until the autonomous movement catches speed and avoidance technologies are perfected, wearing a seatbelt and being present while driving is the best way to stay safe when driving.
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Doing the Tango with Companies like 407 ETR Tammy Flores
tammy@carib101.com
407ETR Matters Tango is a ballroom dance that originated in Latin-America, known to be a dance of passion with a range of emotions. When you mention Highway 407 and the foreign company that operates it, Ferrovial or 407 ETR, a range of emotions and passions are evoked. Ontario is not alone. Ferrovial has inflamed passions all over the world. They have been traversing the world, using many subsidiaries, like snake oil salesmen, selling governing authorities on a traffic management scheme that claims to reduce traffic on the roadways they operate, but does NOTHING to reduce overall traffic congestion to a region. They baffle our leaders with winsome words and convince them that this is a green initiative that will contribute to a new economy. They push this business model as a solution to traffic congestion because our political leaders hope people will eventually ditch their cars. There is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that the wool has been pulled over the eyes of our world’s leaders. This company’s main goal is to make sure there is ever increasing EBITA to please shareholders NOT to make sure there is less congestion. They need congestion to be viable! The dream of a carless world is just that. A dream! Javier Tamargo started his career off as a Project Manager for Cintra. Cintra, is one of Ferrovial’s subsidiaries. He quickly rose through the ranks to be one of Ferrovial’s main “salesmen” for this traffic management scheme. After working in Cintra’s Highway Management for about seven years, they sent him to Texas where he became COO for NTE Mobility Partners LLC. This new traffic management scheme has met with strong opposition from the citizenry in Texas. Their biggest issue was over “eminent domain”. The Trans Texas Corridor is one of the largest, forcible, eminent domain projects in the history of the United States. It just galled the citizens that it was all for this foreign company to have control over and profit. Terri Hall and her organization, TURF (Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom) waged a battle on behalf of citizens and ultimately was told, you can’t sue the government. I encourage everyone to watch that battle on YouTube. The documentary is called “Truth be Tolled” and it’s in twelve parts. Here’s the first part https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9LUFAKyxy5Q Javier Tamargo was then sent here, to Canada, to ensure Highway 407’s extension project would go without a hitch. It did because Canadians don’t like to make waves. We just let our politicians lead and believe them when they tell us it is a done deal and allow ourselves to be “steam rolled”. Now Cintra has Javier Tamargo in North Carolina where again this traffic management scheme is inflaming passions from the citizenry. Javier’s dance steps are getting tired because the citizenry have new techniques unfamiliar to him. He is stumbling as CEO of I-77 Mobility Partners. The citizenry there are just like the Texans in that they aren’t going to let this company take over their infrastructure without a fight! Between Kurt Naas, founder of Widen i77 and Diane
“Dee” Gilroy, a UNC-Charlotte Spanish professor, wife of Cornelius Town Commissioner Dave Gilroy, Javier Tamargo’s Tango needs improvement. In recent statements, Javier Tamargo has threatened these citizens if they did not retract statements that questioned the company’s ethics due to projects that went bankrupt. Kurt Naas’ response has been that the information he provided was public, contained in credit ratings agency reports, the Comprehensive Agreement and Mr. Tamargo’s public statements. Javier Tamargo in his rebuttal said, “A default by the developer under the financing documents does not per se lead to the occurrence of a developer default or a termination of the comprehensive agreement (or any related payment thereunder), but rather will only result in Developer default (and potential termination of the Comprehensive Agreement) if it results in a bankruptcy of the Developer, in which case no termination is required from NCDOT under the Comprehensive Agreement.” Huh? Yeah I don’t get it either. Kurt Naas’ “¿Bailás?” (invitation to dance) has been in the form of an offer to publically debate their differences. So far Javier Tamargo has not agreed. Diane Gilroy’s “Boleo” (where the leader changes direction in a Tango) is that she will not back down! She insists that affiliates of I-77 Mobility Partners failed to disclose fully all past legal problems as part of the bid process. She based her claims on reports from Spanish news organizations. Spanish news organizations have been reporting on at least six controversies the company failed to disclose involving its parent companies, Cintra and Ferrovial, or their affiliates. There were a number of convictions, lawsuits, investigations, etc., against Ferrovial Agroman and the parent company Ferrovial S.A. and these incidents were never disclosed to the public and elected officials before the contract with Mobility Partners was signed. Side note, I am sure that applies to the deals made here in Canada as well. So what’s Javier Tamargo’s “Gancho” (hook)? North Carolina’s governing authorities support this traffic management scheme. But how can they support something so ludicrous that will ultimately affect the citizenry’s quality of life? Recently Javier Tamargo has been quoted as saying that the company’s Indiana Toll Road bankruptcy has proved the resounding success of the public-private partnership model. What? The citizens in Indiana are about to pay twice for a highway and the company calls it a resounding success of the public private partnership model? A success for whom? NOT the people our governing authorities are supposed to serve. The only success is for the company’s business model and profits. Somehow the company’s success is more important to our elected officials than their citizens’ quality of life. How did our governing authorities get so side tracked? I will let you make your own conclusions to answer that question, but the main theme I see from these new traffic management projects all over the world is this false assumption that a corporate entity, a for profit entity somehow is better at being in charge of our infrastructure than who the people elect to office, to protect their quality of life. What is financially viable to the company takes precedent over the citizenry’s quality of life and congestion relief no longer matters. How much longer will we allow this “Sacada” (a move into our space to displace us)? It’s time for our leaders to take the lead in this Tango.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
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Definitions of some insurance terms Sherene Cole
sherene@carib101.com
Insurance Matters You may have heard certain terms used, but never quite understood what it meant. Here are the definitions of a few terms widely used in insurance. Additional Insured: A person other than the named insured who is protected by the terms of the policy. Most automobile policies, for example, insure a specific individual as an insured, but also insure anyone driving with that insured’s consent. The additional insured cannot make changes to the policy, unless they are “named”.
Additional Living Expense Insurance: Coverage applicable when an insured’s dwelling is damaged by an insured peril to such an extent that one cannot live in it until repaired. This insurance pays the extra amount it costs to live elsewhere until repairs are made, such as the cost of living in a hotel. Branding: A car is branded after an accident to indicate its state of disrepair. These include but are not limited to the following: Salvage - A vehicle that has sustained damage to the point where the cost of fixing it exceeds its cash value prior to the damage. Rebuilt - A vehicle that was severely damaged but has been repaired and inspected and met rigorous determined standards. Some insurance companies will require proof of repairs and re-certification prior to insuring a rebuilt vehicle. Deductible: An agreed specified sum to be deducted from the amount of loss and assumed by the insured. In automobile in-
surance, your deductible applies when you are deemed at fault for the loss, or in cases where the other party is not indentified. For example, a hit and run. Guaranteed replacement cost endorsement (building): Coverage that pays for replacement without reduction for depreciation. A guaranteed replacement cost endorsement covers any shortfall in the event that the replacement cost of a building has been underestimated. Hit and Run Accident: Collision between motor vehicles and/or a motor vehicle and another object and/or a motor vehicle and a pedestrian where a driver leaves the scene of the accident without identifying him/herself. This is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act and these incidents must always be reported to the police. Libel: A written statement made about someone that is personally injurious to that
individual. The Umbrella liability policy provides coverage for this scenario. No-Fault: This type of automobile insurance provides some compensation for personal injury and death arising out of a motor vehicle accident, with payments made regardless of who caused the loss. However, it does matter who caused the accident; if found to be at fault, a driver may experience an increase in future premiums. Proof of Loss: A formal statement made by a policyholder to the insurance company regarding a claim, specifying its circumstances and the amount of loss, usually in property and automobile insurance. Subrogation: Once a company has paid a loss for which someone other than the policyholder is responsible, it may have the right to recover this loss from the guilty party in certain circumstances. This right is called subrogation.
FORWANTED SALE HELP
FOR SALE COMMUNITY
FOR SALE WANTED
NOW HIRING: Brampton Caribbean restaurant hiring for various positions. Contact Tropical Paradise Restaurant - Phone: 905455-8100
NETWORKING: Connect! Gospel Cafe’ & Business Network Event- FREE! Saturday Sept 12th, 2015 6:00- 9:00pm Malvern Christian Assembly (6705 Sheppard Ave East.) Registration Required:connectcafe1@ gmail.com | Contact: Nicole-416 298-1649/ Glenora: 647-262-9944
CHAIRS AVAILABLE: Hair Dresser and Barber Wanted. Full and Part Time for Mississauga and Brampton Location. Contact 647-618-0074 or 905-781-8320.
KITCHEN HELP: Now hiring Chinese Chef and West India Cook for busy Mississauga Restaurant/Bar. Please contact Caribbean Sunset 905-564-7800
FOR SALE SERVICES
DRIVER: Driver wanted located in Ajax. Starting at $15.00 hourly. Call Patrick at 647-998-7076
SALES: Now hiring full/part time sales reps. MUST be experienced and self motivated. Great income potential. Serious inquiries only please. Please contact Avi 647-722-6298
SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211
WAITRESS: Waitress and general help wanted for restaurant/bar. Long term for during the week and weekends Call 416419-7858 if you are interested
FOR SALE WORSHIP LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FREE! Send your information to info@torontocaribbean.com or call 647-722-6298
FOR SALE WORSHIP
WORSHIP: Worship with us at Solid Rock Miracle Center 689 Warden Ave at 11am . Sunday school at 10.05am. 416-293-1839
RECOVERY THURSDAYS: You CAN recover from your hurts, habits and hangups! Rosewood Church of the Nazarene, 657 Milner Ave, Scarborough, ON. M1B 2K4. Free. Light dinner at 6:30pm. Meeting 7pm-9pm Pastor Arnie 416-459-1462
PAGE 38
astrology
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
ARIES
TAURUS
You are well aware of what you need to do. Perhaps the past few weeks of Mercury in Virgo have got you thinking, but are you onto task yet? Look to Friday’s sun square Saturn to increase your inner motivation; for Virgo month, starting Sunday, to put you to work; and for Wednesday’s Jupiter/sun to supply a much-needed boost.
You’ve been doing well so far, and now you’ll fare even better. The sun’s square to Saturn on Friday can remove a lingering doubt, a block, or a challenge. Virgo month is one of your best. For the most part you’ll get better mileage out of your efforts, activities, and involvements. Best of all, you’ll feel more pleased with yourself.
GEMINI
CANCER
There’s still one more weekend to go before the end of the month, but Friday’s sun/Saturn square pushes the wake-up button on your internal clock. You’ll feel it as a growing angst to get a jump-start on back-to-it season. By all means, you are wise to get yourself plugged in. Tuesday/Wednesday you can get more than usual accomplished.
As of Friday, the pressure lifts, even if it is only inside your own heart or head. From Sunday onward, you’ll start to see a lot more viable choice on the market. Tuesday/ Wednesday is optimal for putting the plan into action. Aim for start, middle, or end. In other words, no matter what stage you are at, it goes better than average.
LEO
VIRGO
While Venus/Uranus has kept you going strong this past week, the sun’s building aspect with Saturn serves as a reality-check reminder. As of Sunday, the sun exits playtime Leo, but you’ll now gain the advantage of the Virgo sun’s sharp eye, talent for organization, and productivity. Midweek is optimal for scooping a bargain. Within reason, it’s okay to take on more, too.
Venus retrograde and Mars in Leo boost your confidence and inner radiance. Together, they keep it going on behind the scenes. (Perhaps you have a secret admirer?) Outwardly, Jupiter, freshly into Virgo, gives you a great big boost. As of Sunday, the sun shines a brighter light on you, too. Tuesday/ Wednesday, the gifting duo has chosen to heap it on you. Indulge, enjoy, bask.
March 20 - April 19
May 20 - June 21
July 22 - August 22
April 19 - May 20
June 21 - July 22
August 22 - September 22
LIBRA
SCORPIO
A quiet or catch-up weekend can be ideal. While Mars in pleasure-seeking Leo keeps the summer’s best on the go, the sun now turns a corner with reality-check Saturn. The start of Virgo month prompts a natural energy and motivational shift. It won’t take much to get yourself up to speed. By the middle of next week, you should hit a good stride.
Friday is a get-down-to-business, no-beating-around-the-bush kind of day. The moon in Scorpio keeps you driven. If you need to force the envelope, so be it. By Saturday/ Sunday, you’re on a roll, and there’s no need to consider other options or to force a thing. Through Wednesday, you should find you can get it handled easily and well.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
Come Friday, the fewer distractions the better. Time to think, catch up, or take a load off is ideal. As Saturday wears on and the moon treks into Sagittarius, you’ll pick up more energy and ambition. A Virgo month, starting Sunday, puts goals, projects, and necessities on the front burner. Tuesday/Wednesday is great for getting it done.
Get away from it all or blow off steam however it suits you best this weekend. You’ll have no trouble keeping yourself well occupied. Mercury and Jupiter in Virgo, joined by the sun starting Sunday, set you up for a bonus run. On Tuesday/Wednesday, your stars are simply excellent. Take control, make it happen!
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Friday can call for you to tough it out, wait it out, and/or exert more pressure. Even if a residue lingers as Saturday begins, sun, Saturn, and the moon are already on the move. Sunday onward you should find you can cover better ground. You’ll hit your best stride Tuesday through next Friday.
Friday/Saturday takes you over the hump and/or brings you to a finish line of note. Virgo month shifts your focus onto people rather than things. The week ahead is great for topping up on visits and your summer fun. It’s also good for clean-up, organizing yourself, bargain-hunting, and staying a step ahead.
September 22 - October 23
November 22 - December 21
January 19 - February 18
October 23 - November 22
December 21 - January 19
February 18 - March 19
Across 3) Cream ____ 4) Citrus-flavoured soda 7) Things go better with it 8) Money back when you return bottles 12) A&W or Mug 14) Lemon-lime soda 15) Choice of a new generation 16) Technical term for fizzy bubbles Down 1) Canada Dry or Schweppes 2) Gin mixer 4) Pop plus ice cream 5) Tasty cola addition 6) 12-pack or 24-pack 8) Low-calorie option 9) Orange ____ 10) 23 flavours 11) ____ Dew 13) 1L or 2L
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PAGE 40
self help
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Money 101 transcribed - Part 1 Noel Walrond
noel@carib101.com
Professional Development I was speaking with some people who were finding it difficult to “find a job”. They indicated that they had been out of work for almost a year and that they were now on government assistance. I asked them a question.. “have you ever considered entrepreneurship in order to fill the gap while you are going through the interview process seeking out the type of employment that you desired?” They looked at me bewildered and said “we’re not business people”. I retorted “are you willing to learn something new, or do something different in order to change your situation?”. I explained to them that there is a saying called “ADAPT OR DIE. Any organism that fails to adapt to changes in its environment
will cease to exist…are you willing to adapt? Are you willing to learn something new? Or are you content to just slowly die, depending on the system to take care of you and living an existence that is far beneath your actual potential?” They agreed that they would be willing to adapt. This article will be a three part series. In order for me to give you the best I’ve got you’re going to need to follow along in order to get the full article. What I’m about to share is not just for unemployed people. The truth is that many of you who are reading this may be on jobs that you would rather not be doing. You are yearning for a change, but may be afraid to make a move because you have to pay your bills. Play close attention to what I am sharing and get some ideas that can help you transition from what you are doing right now, to doing something that will give you a true sense of fulfillment in addition to a pay-cheque. Yes you can go from being unemployed or employed to be being an entrepreneur/independent business person. Depending on where you are financially right now will determine the direction you need to take
in the immediate term. If you have savings behind you, you are in a totally different situation than someone who is about to get evicted and can’t pay the electricity bill. One of the areas I think a lot of people should consider if they are unemployed is direct sales and network marketing. There is no shortage of any company looking for people who can get out there and do a good job representing their products or services. You can be an independent contractor as opposed to doing it as an employee. As an example, in network marketing or direct sales, there are companies that go business to business, or door to door, or person to person using warm marketing referral to sell just about anything. You’ve got an opportunity where you can start to generate some revenue right away. In many cases you could be earning $500-$1000 a week in very short order. In many cases it can be done inside of 1-2 months. How do I know? Because I help people do it every day. Some of you are saying to yourselves…”I’m NOT a sales person”. My question to you is “have you ever referred somebody to a movie, party, restaurant, hair
salon, stores etc?”...Your answer is of course “YES I HAVE”… My question is “Did you get paid for the referral?”...lol..your answer is likely “No I DIDN’T”. Referring is SELLING! You didn’t look at it as though it was sales because you didn’t get paid, but you DID in fact sell or share and idea to your friends, family and or colleagues. Selling is SHARING ideas, products, goods and services with others. Let go of the idea that there is something “sinister” about selling. It is an invaluable skill that anyone can develop. The truth is that we are all sales people whether we recognize it or not. Let’s start getting paid for adding value to other people’s lives. I am not suggesting that if you have full time employment that you should just quit your job and jump in to a new industry where you have little to no experience. The concepts I’m sharing usually can be done on a part-time basis to start. Get some experience and build up to the point where you have a real alternative option. This concludes part one. See you in the next issue. Have a POWERFUL Day!
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