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VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 5 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10TH 2013

CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & MORE

WARMTH OF THE ISLANDS

CARIBBEAN HOSPITALITY Brampton’s Courtyard Marriott Goes Caribbean EMILY SINGH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

TORONTO -- The warmth of the islands and the sweet sound of Caribbean music filled the Brampton Courtyard Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, as visitors were welcomed. Little did they know what they were in for. The Caribbean ambience was recreated on the patio, complete with tiki bar, torches, lounge chairs and of course cool drinks. The invitation was extended to their existing corporate clients as a thank you and also to showcase the venue and new menu to potential clients.

The atmosphere and vibe complete with food, music and décor was nothing short of genuine Caribbean hospitality. Thanks to the addition of a new Caribbean chef the Mar-

riott’s food menu is now Caribbean friendly and able to cater to the diverse Caribbean community. The Courtyard Marriott’s existing menu is second to none complete with several different international cuisines such as Thai, Vietnamese and Indian, not forgetting the traditional favorites: Nachos, burger sliders and poutine.

Trish Browning commented “I tried several dishes and the food was great. A nice touch was having the different chefs put the finishing touches on the dishes I chose. It made it more personal”.

Trish Browning received the invitation from Candace Sutherland, Director of

Sales and Marketing for the Brampton Courtyard Marriott.

“We chatted about a few different topics and I was amazed at how hospitable she was. People from the Caribbean have an innate ability to make you feel welcome and special and Candace certainly made me feel at home.” said Trish Browning.

The Brampton Courtyard Marriott no doubt provides endless possibilities for crowds as intimate as ten to larger groups by the hundreds. With the new and exciting savory Caribbean menu the Courtyard Marriott is bringing the authentic taste of the islands right here to Toronto.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Four die as truck topples at Buck Hall - second Buck Hall accident within two months

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GUYANA (GC) -- Four persons died on Saturday night after the truck they were travelling in encountered what is suspected to be mechanical problems and eventually toppled pinning four persons in the process.

The Guyana Chronicle was unable to ascertain the names of all of those injured and dead. However we were able to confirm that 31-year old George Persaud of 37 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam is among the dead.

Those injured were identified as Norlando George, Andrew Abel, Leroy Sealy, Kavita Klinken, Benedict Leonard and Wayne Blake. This publication was told that the truck which was not speeding was making its way up a hill when the engine suddenly cut off.

According to injured passenger, Wayne Blake the vehicle had just descended a hill and was about to make its way over the 115 Hill and as the truck reached the top it began to roll backwards.

The truck then skidded off the road as it made its way backwards and ended up passing through several thick bushes which caused lacerations to the bodies of many of the passengers.

He said that as the truck continued its backward movements it became stuck and eventually began to topple in slow motion and those who were on top of the truck at the time were pinned to death.

He said that the vehicle had about 12 persons. Blake said that what caused the vehicle to descend the hill even faster was the weight on the truck at the time because apart from the passengers it had fuel and gro-

ceries.

Meanwhile, Abel told the media that the truck while heading up the hill should have done so in the low gear and as the truck ascended they realised that the driver was having difficulty in getting the vehicle into a low gear as he was trying desperately to do so.

He explained that when the truck began rolling down the hill also, the driver lost control which caused the truck to veer off its path.

One of the injured told the Guyana Chronicle that following the accident at 22.30 hrs on Saturday they travelled by rough terrain to a hinterland medical facility before completing their journey to the city.

They arrived at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) just after 07:00 hrs Sunday morning.

Up to late Sunday afternoon the bodies of those who perished in the accident were not brought to the city. Also late Sunday the police were in the area continuing their investigations.

This publication was informed that the driver of the vehicle was also injured but he was taken into police custody.

Sunday morning several relatives of the injured and dead travelled to the GPHC to get word on the condition of their relatives. Most of those who had families involved in the accident only learnt of the accident Sunday morning as the men were being transported to the city.

Some travelled from as far as New Amsterdam to seek word of their relatives’ condition.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Seeing smiles can lower aggression TRINIDAD (TG) -- A happy face can certainly lift spirits, but can it reduce rage?

Studies have documented that the physical act of smiling is a universal, and effective way to lift mood, if briefly.

But in the latest research on the power of the smile led by Marcus Munafo of the University of Bristol in England found that even seeing smiles on the faces of others can have a profound effect on a person’s tendency toward violence or aggression—that is, as long as that person recognises the smile as one of happiness, and not as a sneer.

Munafo and his colleagues conducted experiments involving normal adults as well as highly aggressive teens who had been referred to a youth programme, either by educational authorities or the courts.

About 70 per cent of the teens already had a criminal record.

In the first experiment, 40 healthy adults, aged 18-30, looked at computer images of faces that had been morphed to show facial expressions that ranged from happy to angry with increasingly difficult to discern

expressions in between.

Participants were asked how angry they felt and then had to rate the images as displaying either happiness or anger—there was no option for “ambiguous” or “unable to tell.”

From ratings, the scientists were able to generate a score of their biases toward happiness or anger as reflected by where the volunteers decided that happiness ended and anger began.

Previous research found that aggressive people—including violent offenders—tend to interpret even neutral expressions as hostile: “You looking at me?” can easily turn what would have been a nonevent into a tragic confrontation, so preventing such misinterpretations could have important implications.

Based on their initial scores, half of the healthy participants were then told by the computer that some of the ambiguous faces that they had rated as angry should have been scored as happy. This was intended to bias them toward judging the in-between

faces more positively. The other 20 received feedback that simply validated their prior choices, creating a control group.

After this training, both groups were tested again and the group that received the biased feedback shifted its ratings of ambiguous faces toward the happy side.

Participants were also asked to rate their level of angry feelings again after completing the second round of testing. Those who were trained to interpret ambiguous faces as happier actually reported feeling less angry afterward compared to the controls.

The researchers next focused on the 46 adolescents from the high risk youth programme, ranging in age from 11 to 16. These teens completed the same testing, but both the youth and the staff reported on the teens’ levels of aggressive behaviour before the testing started and for two weeks afterward.

The teens who had been trained to interpret ambiguous facial expressions more positively were significantly less aggressive two weeks later, as rated by both the staff (who did not know which kids were in the

intervention group) and by themselves.

“The results of our experiments strongly suggest that biases in the perception of emotional facial expressions play a causal role in subjective anger and aggressive behaviour,” the authors conclude.

That doesn’t mean that smiles alone are the answer to violence among adolescents—previous research in which antisocial youth were trained to better recognise emotions, for example, did not have any effect on their level of aggressive behaviour.

Since ambiguous signals are more prone to misinterpretation, it may be that violent behaviour in some youth is perpetuated by their constant misinterpretation of angry expressions where they don’t exist, that push them to combative responses.

Findings suggest helping young people, particularly those prone to violence, to learn to give others the benefit of the doubt when they see what they think is threatening, could help end the vicious cycle of violence.

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Buxoʼs boxing ghosts TRINIDAD (TG) -- Five people who have never worked at Yan’s Sporting Academy in Arima are said to be owed outstanding salaries amounting close to $300,000. This came to light when a feud erupted between some employees of the academy and the T&T Boxing Board of Control’s special adviser Boxu Potts over non-payment of salaries to administrative staff and football and boxing coaches for the period JulyDecember, 2012.

T&T Guardian investigations found that while retainer agreements showed the five people were on contract for the July-December period, attendance records at the academy indicate otherwise. Copies of the agreements showed some of the terms and conditions listed for the five include a monthly salary of $8,000 and a travelling allowance of $2,000. However, none of them ever reported for work at the academy.

The academy was set up in 2011 under the Unified Promoters Boxing Association, which is owned by Potts’ son Giovanni, who is also a boxing promoter. The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs funds the initiative. According to documents, the six-month programme was expected to run for four cycles over two years. It caters for children ages nine to 18 and is based at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima.

The first cycle of the programme was held from January to June 2011, followed by three other cycles ending in December 2012. The programme is now entering its fifth cycle, but workers are calling for an investigation into operations at the academy.

“People must be made to account. Money is just passing through the academy and no questions are being asked. Just like in the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), a ghost gang also exists in the academy,” a staff member claimed.

Last week, another staff member reported to the Arima police that there had been a threat on her life when she promised to expose the scam two weeks ago. When the T&T Guardian contacted newly appointed head of the academy, Amanda Potts, on Friday to ask why people who had never worked there were listed on the payroll, she asked: “You are calling me from the T&T Guardian and have that information?“ Potts then insisted that the T&T Guardian disclose how we obtained the con-

Amanda replaced him at the helm. Additional funding was also requested for capital outlay set-up for the six-month period amounting to $132,200, including telecommunication services, video and digital cameras, office supplies, advertising and catering services.

Funding was also sought for boxing equipment, which amounted to $185,930.

tracts. Told that the contracts had been sent to the newspaper Potts then replied: “I am not in any position to disclose any information to you. I am not going to get into any discussion with anybody from the T&T Guardian who has nothing to do with the academy whatsoever. I am not going to get into this. I am sorry.”

On why there had been a breach of the agreement on payments to several coaches, Potts said: “I have no comment and please redirect your questions to Mr Potts.” Asked why questions were being referred to her father, Buxo Potts, when she is now the head of the academy, she said: “ Your questions need to be directed to Mr Potts. I am saying I am not having this conversation. Thank you for your call and enjoy the rest of your day.”

But when the T&T Guardian contacted the elder Potts, he hung up the phone when asked to explain how contracts were awarded to people who had never worked at the academy. Sport Minister Anil Roberts did not respond to text messages on the matter.

Where the funds went Financial documents showed a total of $719,930 was requested to roll out the fourth phase of the social programme, entitled Academic and Talent Identification, which ran from July to December. The documents show the claim for the five people who never worked at the academy was incorporated as part of the funding requested for salaries over the six-month period, which amounted to $402,000.

Since the first phase of the academy began in 2011, documents list the elder Potts as the executive chairman, receiving a monthly salary of $15,000 and a travelling allowance of $3,000. In January Potts’ daughter

No pay for coaches Another bone of contention at the academy is the breach of contracts with some of the coaches who have not been paid their salaries as outlined in their contracts. Under the academy’s budget, which was submitted to the ministry for funding, a head coach is listed to receive a monthly salary of $5,000, while part-time coaches are to be paid $2,500.

However, in some instances, coaches have not been paid for the past year and in other instances they are being short-paid.

Among those affected is former WBA World Lightweight title holder Claude Noel. Noel could not be reached for comment. Contacted for comment, assistant football coach Roger Maloney said he was not prepared to discuss the situation and his focus was on saving young people from getting involved in wrong activities.

Asked if he was receiving payments as outlined in his contract, Maloney ducked the question, saying: “The contract stated I was supposed to get $2,500. It was signed in July 2012. “At the end of the day I deal with kids that have the potential to go astray. This is not only a money issue but a humanitarian issue. “They are the important factor at this time.”

Former co-ordinator Carlene Mc Carthy said she is no longer employed at the academy. Asked if she had resigned because of non-payments, she said: “I was told the academy was closing down and my last day for work would be on March 26, so please speak to Ms Amanda Potts.” Told the academy is still in operation, Mc Carthy replied: “That is news to me.”

As to why everyone was refusing to answer questions about the operations of the academy, Mc Carthy said: “We were all instructed that questions must be directed to management. I am no longer employed there.”

Man found dead inside car parked near gas pump JAMAICA (JO) -- Taxi operators who use the Texaco service station at the intersection of Waltham Park and Molynes roads in Kingston were left in shock Sunday morning after they found the body of a man inside a motorcar parked near one of the pumps.

Onlookers theorised that the man — a Rastafarian, believed to be in his late-50s — may have died during the pre-dawn hours.

Sunday, taxi operators who use the service station as a pick-up point said they became suspicious after they saw the car inside the gas station about 7:00 am.

“He must have been there from about 4:00 this morning. I came here about six o’ clock/seven, and when I came he was inside the car,” said Julian Myrie, a taxi operator who goes by the alias ‘One and ready’.

“Based on how the car did park it look like him never feel good and just pull off a di road. Him seat did all push back so it looked like him did a sleep,” said the woman, who said other taxi operators began knocking on the car window in an attempt to wake the man.

But repeated efforts were fruitless, the woman said, adding that one taxi operator decided to take a closer look inside the vehicle. It was then that they realised the man was not sleeping.

“The taxi man start seh ‘wake up nuh, Rasta’ but nothing. Likkle after that him see seh the man finger dem curl up and dat him neva a breathe,” she continued. “Same time the taxi man realise seh is a dead man him did a talk to all along,” she said.

As news of the incident spread and police arrived and cordoned off the scene, several residents filed into the service station to look at the man’s body.

At first, many thought it was a crime scene; however, that view changed as the taxi operators relayed their experience earlier in the morning.

Sunday, Andrea, a female attendant at the service station, said she was saddened by the death. She said, however, that it didn’t affect operations at the station.

“This morning, because of the police tape, we couldn’t use this pump,” she said, pointing to the pump closest to where the dead man’s vehicle was parked. “But after dem finish and everything, things went back to normal,” she said.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

President tells cub scouts to dream big TRINIDAD (TG) -- President Anthony Carmona brought joy to more than 75 cub scouts on Saturday when he took the time to shake every one of their hands and speak with them at the South West Scout Zonal Camp 2013 at Cedros. Many times the President burst out in laughter as some of the youngsters, who greeted him with the Scout’s howl and handshake, revealed they were from his home town of Fyzabad, and fired back questions at him.

It was Carmona’s first official Scout function since he was designated Chief Scout only last Thursday. As he formally opened the three-day camp at the Cedros Composite School, the President said he frequented Cedros as a young boy where his parents took him for chip chip. This was in response to a question from Naparima Scout leader Surindra Maharaj who asked him when was the last time he had been to the area.

President Carmona told the cubs their place of birth or simple status in life should not stop them from impacting on the world. He told them the story of two Trinidadians, whom he credited with paving the way for the United States of America to elect its first black President, Barack Obama—former US Congressman Mervyn Dymally, who was born in Cedros and Stokley Carmichael (Kwame Ture), who was involved in the 1960’s American Civil Rights movement.

“We love success, we love the end result, but we are rarely interested in the road to success. People like Stokley and Congressman Dymally, they were there on the road to success, to the point that we have President Obama,” he said President Carmona said often times the soldiers who worked in the trenches fight-

ing for equality are forgotten, He recalled the initiatives of former President Arthur NR Robinson in creating the International Criminal Court of Justice which deals with persons who commit war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

“From small things, great things can happen. From small villages, people can in fact move on to become great men in the world,” he said. “I would like all you young men and young ladies to listen to your teachers listen to the motto of the scout movement, knowing fully well you have the capacity and power to make a difference not only in T&T, but worldwide.”

Reggae producer Harry J dead at 68 JAMAICA (JO) -- Harry Johnson, the former insurance salesman who became one of reggae’s top producers in the 1970s, died Wednesday at age 68. Johnson died from diabetes at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in his native Westmoreland, his daughter Tara Johnson told the Jamaica Observer. Popularly known as Harry J, Johnson launched his Harry J label in 1966 and had several big hits including The Liquidator by the Harry J All Stars and Young, Gifted and Black done by Bob Andy and Marcia Griffiths.

The Liquidator’s opening guitar riff inspired the Staples Singers’ classic hit I’ll Take You There. Johnson also produced singer Lorna Bennett’s sultry Breakfast in Bed and the spiritual Book of Rules by the Heptones.

In the early 1980s, he produced Sheila Hylton’s cover of the Police’s The Bed’s Too Big Without You. Drummer Sly Dunbar and his long-time music partner, bassist Robbie Shakespeare, played on The Bed’s Too Big Without You. Dunbar said Johnson was “steady as a producer, wasn’t afraid to tell yuh what he wanted”.

The Harry J studios in Kingston was a popular recording spot in the 1970s. Bob Marley and The Wailers recorded their first four Island Records studio albums (Catch A Fire, Burnin’, Natty Dread and Rastaman Vibration) there.

Harry ‘Harry J’ Johnson is survived by four children and three grandchildren.

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Veteran PPP member, esteemed Hindu leader Reepu Daman Persaud passes on - glowing tributes paid to his life and work GUYANA (GC) -- Veteran People’s Progressive Party (PPP) member and esteemed President of Guyana’s largest Hindu organisation the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud passed away late Saturday night at the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)-based Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI). He was 77 and was ailing for some time with Parkinson’s disease.

Pandit Persaud became a member of the PPP in the early 1960s and was actively involved in the struggle for independence and the restoration of democracy and free and fair elections.

Following the historic October 5, 1992 elections he served as Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. He was also Guyana’s longest serving parliamentarian being in the House for over 40 years and was the PPP’s Chief Whip for a substantial part of his parliamentary career and served as Deputy Speaker, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Chairman of the Constitution Reform Select Committee and Leader of the House.

Pandit Persaud who came from humble beginnings, growing up in a logie at Diamond, East Bank Demerara was also a highly religious person who was a mem-

ber of the Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha in his early religious life, but eventually branched off in the early 1970s and founded his own religious grouping the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and became its president, in which capacity he served until his death. Over the last seven years he established a foundation to provide a scholarship programme to help those who wanted to pursue higher education but could not afford to do so.

Several distinguished Guyanese have paid glowing tributes to Pandit Persaud for his sterling and outstanding contributions to Hinduism and politics in Guyana including President Donald Ramotar.

President Ramotar In his facebook page Sunday said: “I am truly saddened by Pandit Reep’s death.

Reep was more than just a friend; he was a good teacher and an amazing orator. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of all Guyanese who knew him. Reep’s memory and deeds in the fight for democracy and freedom in our land will always remain deep within my heart. Deepest condolences to his family.”

President Ramotar at a special religious function in 2012 celebrating Persaud’s work said Reepu Daman Persaud

“managed to skillfully blend religious and cultural needs to the needs of the whole country and brought it to be part of the general movement that eventually brought freedom to Guyana.”

Anil Nandlall – Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General A Guyanese political icon, a religious giant, a guru and a comrade has fallen. Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud is dead.

In the over 50 years of public life, Comrade Reep has transformed and touched the lives of thousands. His sojourn in this material world has come to an end. To his family, I extend my deepest sympathies.

May his soul rest peacefully at the lotus feet of Prabhu Shri Ram! Captain Gerry Gouveia I am deeply saddened by the death of Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud. He was a fighter for democracy and was a very wise man.

He stood on the moral high ground as a leader in Guyana.

He tried hard every day to safe guard moral standards in our country. May his soul rest in peace!

Last year, as part of a new initiative by Speaker of the National Assembly Rapahel Trotman to honour past Members, Persaud was celebrated and honoured by

the Full House for his 41 years of service as a Member of the Parliament of Guyana.

During that ceremony, Home Affairs Minister and longtime PPP member Clement Rohee reflected on Persaud’s contributions to Guyana pointing out that as “the son of a humble indentured immigrant from India, Reepu Daman Persaud made an indelible impact in all the struggles of this country and can be best known as a noble Guyanese son and patriot who has helped to bring our country to where it is”.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament and historian, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine said then that Persaud will always be remembered as a diligent and committed politician and religious leader who loved his country.

In 1996, Persaud received Guyana’s second highest National Award, The Order of Roraima which celebrated his work in the National Assembly for decades. He would later form a Foundation in his name as part of an education drive.

Reepu Daman Persaud was 77 years old.

Persaud and former leader of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR), Robert Corbin were in July 2012 honoured by the National Assembly for their 41 and 38 years service respectively as parliamentarians.

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Mobile phones bridging T&Tʼs digital divide As world marks 40th anniversary of cell phone

TRINIDAD (TG) -- The mobile phone and its increasing features are helping to bridge the digital divide in T&T, said Ronald Walcott, executive vice president Mobile Services, Telecommunication Service of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT).

Walcott, commenting on the 40th anniversary of the mobile phone which was celebrated last Wednesday, said: “Mobile broadband internet access is an integral component in bridging the digital divide. You no longer have to be tied to a desk to reach the Internet. In the last few years, there has been an explosion in the use of mobile broadband (high-speed internet) driven by investment in 4G technologies such as HSPA+, WIMAX and LTE. “This is combined with the increased sale of smart phones, tablets and notebooks, the development of WiFi hotspots, all at affordable prices to consumers.” He referred to the T&T Telecommunication Authority (TATT) whose December 2012 report showed that the mobile penetration rate in T&T is 142 per cent.

Walcott said while in the past geography and income levels have inhibited access to technology, this is changing because of the impact of the mobile phone. “The confluence of the deployment of 4G mobile broadband access technologies along with affordable user-friendly devices has made internet access more accessible to a wider cross-section of the population. Geography and income levels are now much less a factor than in years past,” he said.

He sees the mobile market in T&T evolving in relation to what is happening across the world. “Globally, the sale of smartt phones has for the first time been higher than feature phones. As the national ICT programme continues to develop, the market forr mobile phones will evolve accordingly.

“We see the growth of mobile commerce and location based services as the next evolution in the industry. As consumers get more comfortable with smart phone technology, the mobile phone becomes the single tool sitting in their pockets that can do pretty much anything. It will make life easier, offering convenient solutions for everyday problems,” Walcott said.

He said bmobile will continue to in-

vest in technology improvements in line with the best global standards as the company has an exclusive partnership with Apple which brought the iPhone and other related technology to T&T. “Our partnerships with the industry leaders such as Samsung, Huawei, Cisco and others will allow us to continuously keep our customers on the cutting edge of global technology. Our goal is to put mobile broadband

in the hands of every citizen of T&T. We have already ensured that the development of local apps and relevant content are a part of our permanent strategy. We will continue to make access more affordable while improving coverage and network quality,” he said.

T&T’s other major telecommunications service provider, Digicel, said when it entered the market, it broke a monopoly and sent prices of mobile phones down.

“When Digicel came on the scene it was a monopoly type situation and with our entrance we brought affordability. Phones moved from being something high income owners had, to being accessible to people at all levels. We were the first customer care to provide 24 hour service,” the company said in a statement, adding that people now want to share their experiences in real time and they have smart phones to assist in this.

“With the availability of 4G, plans are now affordable to the average person because of the range of smart phones, like androids which are becoming popular. Now you can get prepaid smartphones for a low as $399.

“Trends internationally show people want to remain connected all of the time. There are innovations like Samsung S4 and Nokia will be launching next week.” Digicel is celebrated their seventh anniversary of entering the T&T market Sunday and wants to continue growing and innovating.

“We have experience stores now where customers, even before they buy, they can click, feel, see it and feel the phones and other products in real time,” the company said.

The world is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first call from a cell phone, which was made in New York City on April 3, 1973. That first call was made by Motorola employee Marty Cooper, who used a prototype known as a DynaTAC to call rivals Bell Labs—then a division of AT&T—to inform them that they had been beaten in the race to achieve the technological breakthrough.

The Motorola DynaTAC was nine inches tall, weighed 2.5lbs, had a talk-time of 35 minutes and took ten hours to recharge. It would be another ten years before Motorola finally introduced the DynaTAC 8000x, the first commercially available mobile phone weighing one pound, with a one-line text-only LED display and costing US$3,995.

Genealogist unites descendants of Budlee and Boodheah TRINIDAD (TG) -- More than 400 descendants of the Budlee and Boodheah family, whose ancestors came to T&T 144 years ago as indentured labourers, came together for a family reunion in Princes Town yesterday.

Among the descendants are Guardian’s senior sub-editor Natasha Saidwan and former World Bank official Dr Ridwan Ali, a great grandson of Budlee and Boodheah.

Other attendees came from as far as Norway, Australia, England, Canada and the United States. Minister of National Diversification and Social Integration Clifton De Coteau and genealogist Shamshu Deen also attended. De Coteau commended the family for their reunion. He said the United Nations, under its Family Social Policy and Development Division, had declared 2014 the International Year of the Family, so his ministry will be launching

initiatives to foster and encourage family support.

He said strong families are the pillars of a united community. He also announced that a theatrical production will be held on Nelson’s Island on May 24 to re-enact Indian Arrival Day. Meanwhile, Ali expressed thanks to Deen for tracing the family’s roots. He said Deen’s book, Solving East Indian Roots in Trinidad, was an important resource tool for East Indians wishing to trace their roots.

Ali said during his last assignment at the World Bank, as director for rural development in the South Asia region, he visited the ancestral villages of his forefathers. “Most of the people who migrated here came from the parts of Northern India, which now include the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal,” Ali said.

He added that not many families migrated from India. However, Budlee, 29, and Boodheah, 27, left their home in Uttar Pradesh and came to Trinidad with their four children—Toolonee, eight, Sahabau, five, Ramjan, three, and 11-month-old baby daughter, Noseebun. Ali painted a picture of life in the sweltering barracks.

“Imagine a family of six living in a two-room barrack. Cooking, bathing, and washing were all done outside. Work on the plantations were physically difficult. They worked six days a week, seven to ten hours per day for 25 cents,” he said. Ali said the sacrifices of their ancestors must never be forgotten.

“We have a lot to be proud of and hopefully we can prepare our children for their future just as our forefathers did,” he said.

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Portland police, residents clam up about robbery of villa They told me not to say anything - villa worker

JAMAICA (JO) -- The lips of the Portland police as well as residents in San San and nearby communities were glued tight on Wednesday in relation to the burglary of a villa where National Security Minister Peter Bunting was a guest.

Crime chief for the parish, Detective Inspector David Ebanks, when asked if any further details were available on the crime, was quick to point out that he would not be commenting on the incident, in which thieves broke into a villa in San San occupied

by Bunting and two American female friends and made off with cellular phones and an iPad computer.

“I will not comment on that issue. All enquiries must be made to the commissioner of police through the Director of Communication Karl Angell,” Ebanks told the Jamaica Observer.

A visit to the San San Police Station also proved futile.

“I was not at work. I don’t know what happened. I cannot comment on the issue. We will not speak on that, please contact Mr Angell,” one cop at the small station house said.

However, on the same compound, where the police station is located, lies the secluded villa where the crime occurred.

The Sunday Observer went into the area and after probing deeply found the site where two men, including Dazel George Clarke who has been charged, committed the offence.

There were two high-end vehicles parked inside the villa nestled atop a hill in San San. “Ordinary Portland people don’t or can’t go there. That is for the rich and the famous. They enjoy them-

selves far away from the everyday hustle and bustle and sometimes the big man dem ...come chill. Is not Bunting alone, but more politician and big name people come here come chill,” one Portlander said.

Inside the compound, which houses at least a dozen upscale villas, workmen were seen laying gutters.

The parish experiences the most rainfall in the island.

One worker who was seen walking up the hill, gave muted directions to the villa where the burglary occurred.

“They told me not to say anything. I will lose my job, but don’t call me name, it is up the hill on your right. The minister was only enjoying himself. Why this whole heap of excitement? Is not nothing strange,” the worker said.

“The rich people come here almost every weekend,” the worker added.

Bunting, as reports suggested, was sleeping when the burglars struck on March 30. However, he surprised them after being awakened by strange sounds. The thieves made off with the loot before the minister could raise an alarm.

Police have since reported that he was under no threat of harm during the incident.

On Friday, it was revealed in the Port Antonio Resident Magistrate’s Court that the items did not belong to Bunting, but to the American owner of the villa who is a close friend of Bunting.

Another resident of Portland told the Sunday Observer that Bunting and the two females whom he was

visiting were not inside the villa when the burglary took place, but were out to dinner. The resident also scoffed at suggestions that the minister had dismissed his security team in order to get privacy.

“It is my information that he was not there. He was out at dinner, and I would know because I know him personally and have been to that very same villa many times. He does come to the parish regularly, but he was not there,” the source said.

Clarke has since pleaded guilty to housebreaking and larceny and was remanded in custody when he appeared in court for the second time on Friday.

But even on Thursday when he made his first court appearance, the air was heavy with officialdom as a female clerk of court made a veiled attempt to keep the media out of the courtroom.

“I will have to ask the judge (RM Tara Reid) if you can sit in on the matter,” the clerk told the Sunday Observer.

But after being informed that the public was only barred from sexual offence cases, family court, and gun court cases, the Sunday Observer was allowed to sit in court without a hassle.

However, a sexual offence case was called up immediately before Clarke’s matter and all were asked to exit the courtroom. Clarke’s case was called up next and most persons who were outside the court actually missed the matter before a female police constable informed them that it was okay to re-enter the court. A second man was arrested with Clarke, but has not yet been charged by the police.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 11

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Red Force finishes on top TRINIDAD (TG) -- T&T’s Red Force ensured they topped the preliminary round of the Regional Super50 Sunday with a 41-run victory over Barbados at the Queen’s Park Oval.

With the win, T&T finished unbeaten with six wins in the prelims and a total of 25 points. They will now play the fourth place team in the semi-finals on April 18 in Barbados.

After skipper Denesh Ramdin lashed a wonderful 134 to lead a remarkable recovery, to see his team reach 264 for eight in their 50 overs, the T&T bowlers led by Marlon Richards with three wickets was able to stifle the Bajans and restrict them to 223 all out.

Ramdin’s first Super50 century and 63 from Jason Mohammed took T&T from five runs for three wickets to 175, before they eventually scored a very competitive 264 for eight.

Jonathan Carter then made a fluent 61 to keep Barbados’ interest in the game until the 33rd over when Shannon Gabriel removed him. Apart from him, Shane Dowrich 28 and Rashidi Boucher 21 were the only other batsmen to offer any resistance.

Carter played a classy hand and

while he was there the visitors had a chance of getting the sizeable target. He faced 77 balls struck eight fours and a six.

Richards, bowling a good line had the Bajans in early trouble with three wickets before they had reached the 50run mark. He disturbed the stumps of Kraigg Brathwaite (6), Boucher (21) and chest-on Kirk Edwards (10). He ended with 3/24 and was well supported by Rayad emrit 2/44, Shannon Gabriel 2/43 and Yannick Cariah 2/47.

Earlier, T&T won the toss and decided to take first strike and within minutes they would have been questioning the wisdom in that decision as Barbadian opening bowlers Javon Searles and Kyle Mayers were seaming the ball a lot. Using the early morning conditions they got the pitch to respond to their accurate bowling and sent three men back in the hut with just seven runs on the board.

The first victim was Adrian Barath who was leg before without scoring.The next over Lendl Simmons got a beauty from Searles that jagged back from outside off stump and struck him in line with the stumps for a legbefore decision. With without addition to the score Kjorn Ottley feathered one to wicket-

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keeper Dowrich off Mayers.

At this point it looked as if T&T was going to capitulate for a meagre score but skipper Ramdin and Mohammed showed the value of their tremendous expeience as they combined for a fourth wicket association that was worth 170 runs.

Ramdin was on sound from ball one and batted with great assurance. With the skipper leading the way, Mohammed grew in confidence and they started to rebuild the innings.

Ramdin dominated the varied Bajan attack and took the game away from them with excellent stroke play. With the ball coming unto the bat nicely, Ramdin was allowed the liberty of playing through the line and his strokeplay delighted the 1000 or so fans at the venue.

He brought up his half century off 54 balls with one six and five fours. Mohammed soon followed and reached his fifty with a six over extra cover off Kenroy Williams. His milestone was achieved off 83 balls with the help of seven fours and one six.

With T&T out of the woods and pushing for the ascendency, Mohammed lost his wicket going for quick runs. He fell with 63 with the score at 175 and T&T lost another wicket that of Emrit for the addition of three runs.

Yannick Ottley came in and saw his skipper bring up his maiden regional Super50 century off 114 balls with nine fours and two sixes. The two added 63 runs for the fifth wicket before Ramdin exited for a well played 134.

His final tally read 135 balls 12 fours and four sixes.

Ottley followed for a run a ball 21 and Ganga finished on 11 not out, as the innings closed at 264 for eight off 50 overs.

The teams will now meet in their regional First Class clash from Wednesday at the same venue.

L Simmons lbw Searles 4 K Ottley c Dowrich b Mayers 0 J Mohammed c Brathwaite b Searles 63 D Ramdin c Boucher b Benn 134 R Emrit c Brathwaite b Searles 0 Y Ottley c Edwards b Benn 21 S Ganga not out 11 M Richards c Boucher b Mayers 0 Y Cariah not out 0 Extras b5, lb8, w15, nb3 31 Total for 8 wkts (50ovs) 264 Fall of wkts: 5, 5, 5, 175, 178, 241, 255, 257.

Bowling: J Searles 10-3-23-3 (1w), K Mayers 10-3-35-3 (5w, 1nb), K Stoute 4-0-31-0 (1w, 2nb), S Benn 10-0-53-2 (2w), A Nurse 5-0-520, K Williams 3-0-20-0 (3w), K Carter 7-0-370 (3w).

Barbados inns K Brathwaite b Richards 6 R Boucher b Richards 21 K Edwards b Richards 10 J Carter c Emrit b Gabriel 61 K Stoute lbw Cariah 16 S Dowrich lbw Emrit 28 K Williams c Barath b Cariah 5 K Mayers c K Ottley b Sherwin 5 A Nurse not out 19 J Searles c K Ottley b Emrit 20 S Benn b Gabriel 9 Extras lb7, w15, nb1 23 Total all out 223 Fall of wkts: 24, 42, 44, 93, 147, 158, 171, 175, 207, 223.

SCOREBOARD

Bowling: S Gabriel 10-0-43-2 (6w), M Richards 7-2-24-3 (1nb), R Emrit 10-1-44-2 (4w), Y Cariah 9-1-47-2, L Simmons 3-0-22-0 (4w), S Ganga 10-0-36-1 (1w). Result: T&T won by 41 runs.

A Barath lbw Mayers 0

T&T 4 pts, Barbados 0.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Pot: Crispy golden cassava (yuca, manioc) fries

on the inside. So the goal of this recipe is to achieve the same result, except we’ll be using cassava.

Ingredients 2 lbs cassava pinch sea salt 3 cups vegetable oil for frying Using a sharp pairing knife of potato peeler, peel the tough exterior off the cassava. Then cut down the middle (length wise) to reveal a sort of core (fibrous) line down the center. Remove that and discard. Now cut as you would normally cut potatoes for fries.

Heat your vegetable oil on a medium/high heat, then gently (make sure they are completely dry) add the now pre-cooked cassava pieces. It should not take more that a few minutes to go a lovely golden brown. Do in batches so you don’t crowd the pan and remember to have some paper towels on hand to drain them after they’ve been fried. Sprinkle with the sea salt y come out of the hot oil. Serve as they warrm wa rm! rm! warm!

Simple, different yet tasty - This will definitely be a hitt in y your o r home! o e

Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking I love ground provisions (yam, da-sheen, sweet potato, cassava, eddoes,, etc) with a passion, so I’m alwayss looking for new ways to include them on my plate. Fresh cut fries (potato) is a

huge hit in our home, especially the way I get then super crispy on the outside and warm and creamy

Trry to Try keep it a bit thi hick k G ive th tthee cut keep thick.

Give cassava a quick wash and set aside.

Now bring a pot with water to a boil, then place the cassava pieces so they boil for about 10 minutes. After-which you need to drain them and place on paper towels to dry off all the moisture.

all lly hhave ave ours w ithh garl it rlic rl ic ic We usu usually with garlic sa sauce, but ketchup is just as good! If yo you’re a fan of ground provisions and fr fresh cut fries you’ll love this, but keep n mind that for some reason they are in m more filling than typical potato fries.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 15

The importance of silence

Through silence, clarity of thought and action become more streamlined.

Geeta Maraj Yoga Silence exerts a power of its own, where introspection, reflection, and tranquility of the mind lends greater ground for peace within.

Through silence, clarity of thought and action become more streamlined. Silence of its own brings a distinctive inner energy which can only be understood through practice.

As a form of yogic cleansing of the mind, ‘mouna’ or a vow of silence for a period of time is practiced. This brings about considerable peace as verbalization energy is converted into energy of the spirit, which in turn develops stronger will power. It is at this point that meditation becomes enjoyable and successful.

We use words simply to fill the void

of silence. Silence makes us uncomfortable, so we seek to chatter. We connect with others through words for the sake of communicating and most times, an empty connection is supplemented by increased chatter. Such conversations bear no relevance to the improvement of our being or psyche.

A quote by Rumi, a 13th century Sufi mystic, says, ‘In Silence there is eloquence. Stop weaving and see how the pattern improves.” When we make our mind still we discover that our energy becomes one to which others are attracted. This is apparent when we sit amongst those with a higher understanding of the spirit. Hardly is there need to utter a word yet we feel revitalized. There is a communication which occurs from a deeper perspective than general awareness. When we attune to it, we become exposed to the benefits of silence to our deeper self.

How to begin a practice of Silence - Each day for a short period of time practice silence. Or you may practice silence on a specific day or at a specific time once a week.

This allows us to refocus, and reenergize the

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mind and the body. This is the period that spiritual seekers use to connect with a higher realization.

Another way to prepare yourself for periods of silence is to slowly decrease your length of time talking. Pay attention to what you say and how it is received. Are your words well intentioned? What feelings do your words bring about to others? Try not to be argumentative without purpose. Arguments destroy energy which can be utilized to nourish the self more beneficially. We are all entitled to our own views and opinions, beliefs and convictions. While you may think your opinion is beneficial, you cannot force change, as others equally are entitled to their views as yourself. Therefore it is best not to try to burn your energy uselessly by imposing your opinion as law but let life follow its path if no heed is taken.

An additional way of preparing yourself for the practice of silence is to observe the company you keep and what is gained from your conversations. It is suggested that an aspirant evaluates what energy their company and conversations brings.

Company that is peaceful and positive in

nature will provide nourishing energy to the body and mind. Company that is negative, condescending or lazy will sicken the mind, leaving you feeling exhausted and weak. By observing your energy, and welcome good company while abstaining from negative company, the mind becomes calmer, and the practice of silence becomes easily attained.

During your periods of silence, try not to repeatedly assert silently, ‘I won’t talk, I won’t talk.’ This will only make the mind excitable and calmness will not prevail. Simply go about your tasks silently, observing the mind and how your body reacts to this period of no words, where you are enjoying ‘your moment’ with your best companion yourself.

During introspection, the mind itself becomes the subject of study. Basically, a fraction of the mind studies the remaining portion of the mind. In other words, the higher mind studies the lower mind through observation and evaluation of thoughts. Selfanalysis, self-reliance, and self-determination are the three main aspects of our being which serves to elevate our life status during our sojourn.

16 Wednesday, April 10, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

3,500 calories

Monique Bartlett Fitness There are 3,500 calories in one pound of fat.

Thus, if you cut back or work off just 3,500 calories, you will lose an entire pound of fat.

While it is possible to cut back on your calorie intake and increase your exercise program in order to lose pounds quickly, it is important to note that doctors recommend that you lose no more than 2 pounds of weight per week in order to ensure that your body properly adjusts to the weight loss.

Here are some tips to help you safely drop 3,500 calories from your regular routine:

Run - Running for about 1 hour at a moderate pace will help you lose approximately 350 calories, depending on your body type, speed and terrain. Thus, if you run for one hour five days a week while maintaining a proper diet, you will safely lose one pound.

Many people who just begin running will eat pasta and other foods high in carbohydrates in order to compensate for the exertion. They think that because they worked out so hard, they deserve a treat. After all, they justify, the pasta will help to keep their energy levels high.

However, what they may not realize is that while they are justified in thinking that the carbohydrates will infuse their workout routine with energy, they are not actually setting their bodies up to lose weight. Running does, however, help to boost metabolism and change your muscle tone so that you burn calories more efficiently.

Eat In - When you eat out at a restaurant, not only are you subjecting your body to an array of high fat, high calorie foods, but you are also tempting yourself to eat a larger portion than you might normally eat. What could be a simple 500 calorie meal at home can easily turn into a 1500-calorie meal in a restaurant.

When eating out, generally you are in a social situation where food is not a priority, but spending time with others is. For this reason, people tend to eat more than they normally would. Non-dessert eaters often even spring for the extra round of calories. You will be amazed at the difference in the amount of calories you take in when you make simple choices such as meal options.

By reducing your overall calorie intake and increasing your level of physical activity, you will be able to lose those 3,500 calories without much trouble. Make sure that you stay focused, motivated and on task.

You’ll shed unwanted weight in no time!

The oral examination

Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental

There are basically three types of examination performed by the dentist: 1. The emergency exam 2. The specific exam 3. The complete exam All of the above require the patient to complete a medical history questionnaire before the examination begins.

The emergency examination focuses on the area of the mouth that is paining or where trauma or injury to the tissues has occurred. The main goal is to relieve the patient of pain as quickly as possible and provide

treatment to stabilize the condition and then schedule follow up treatments if required.

The specific examination is in response to a specific problem that is the chief concern of the patient. This area is investigated thoroughly in order to make a diagnosis. The findings are discussed with the patient and different treatment options offered.

Once the patient gives his consent, the dentist can then proceed with the treatment.

The complete examination is a complete examination of a patient that requests an evaluation of their oral cavity. Patients who are new to the dental office and have not had their teeth checked for a long time, and are motivated to receive the best possible care welcome this initial experience. This visit is an opportunity to find out what is going on in the patient’s mouth and how dental health can be improved. It is a time to discuss how lost teeth can be replaced, the correction of crooked teeth and other concerns.

However before questions can be answered it is necessary to have x-rays taken

and a clinical examination performed in order to discuss the findings.

The exam may include an examination of the head, neck, lymph nodes and skin.

The joints between the jaws are examined (TMJ). The extent of opening and closing the mouth fully and pain free is determined.

Structures inside the mouth including the top and bottom of the tongue, tonsils, cheeks, teeth, bone, gums, and throat are examined.

Also, a thorough examination may detect lesions which may indicate early to advanced stages of cancer. Harmful habits such as clenching grinding of teeth or tongue thrust may be detected. The presence of advanced periodontal disease, cavities and abnormalities will be brought to the attention of the patient. At the end of the examination a treatment plan will be presented to the patient and payment options discussed.

Well informed patients tend to achieve the best treatment results. We are always happy to partner with you in your pursuit of improved dental health.

Facts and benefits of using Coconut Oil sure.

Trish Browning Health Tips If you are from the Caribbean, you know that coconut oil is a staple in every home. However, it is mainly used as a skin moisturizer and can also be used in your hair.

Today coconut oil has many uses, but until recently it was not known that the oil contained some health benefits, including hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion, relief from kidney problems, heart disease and high blood pres-

The benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and is also an antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and has soothing properties.

Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrients for your hair. It helps promote healthy hair growth, while making your hair shiny and is effective in reducing protein loss.

The benefit of coconut oil for your complexion is comparable to that of mineral oil. Coconut oil also delays the onset of wrinkles and sagging skin which normally becomes prominent with age.

Coconut oil is also beneficial for your heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which aids in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

Coconut oil may be very useful in weight loss. It contains short and medium-

chain fatty acids that aid in weight reduction.

It is easy to digest and can help to promote the healthy function of thyroid and enzyme systems.

Coconut oil helps to improve the digestive system and may help prevent various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome.

When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi and bacteria. Coconut oil is most effective on bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing tissue damage.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 17

USDA caves to food industry pressures, approves three new toxic meat preservatives After intense lobbying by Kraft Foods Global Inc. and Kemin Food Technologies, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has agreed to reverse existing regulations that prohibit the use of three toxic meat preservatives.

According to Courthouse News Service (CNS), sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, and benzoic acid will now be permissible for use in preserving and treating meat and poultry products, despite having been previously banned. FSIS has long been of the persuasion that major food corporations would attempt to use such additives to “conceal damage or inferiority in meat and poultry,” but the agency’s view has apparently changed.

After Kraft submitted its own company-funded trials claiming that the three preservative chemicals are allegedly safe, and that they supposedly cannot be used to disguise sub par meat and poultry products, the USDA suddenly changed its mind about them. This is all according to its mouthpiece, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which made the announcement recently about the change.

“Kraft submitted data collected from its in-plant trials and from scientific studies that show that these substances do not conceal damage or inferiority, or make products appear better or of greater value than they are under the proposed conditions of use,” says FSIS.

Factory food companies commonly use chemical preservatives, anti-microbials to mask inferior meat This is a nice story, but according to admissions made by both Kraft and Kemin, use of these additives will indeed be used to disguise inferior meat and poultry products.

According to CNS, the two companies admittedly petitioned FSIS to allow use of the chemicals in liquid form to kill pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, which typically only exist in tainted meat derived from factory farms.

Industrial agriculture is a filthy business, especially when animals are involved. Rather than have access to pasture and the outdoors, cows and chickens from factory farms live most, if not all, of their lives in confinement, where they wallow in their own feces, and sometimes even in the rotting carcasses of other dead animals. As a result, such animals become ill, and their systems infected with harmful pathogens that must be eliminated before human consumption.

The reason companies like Kraft and Kemin exist and thrive is because highprofit factory farms exist and thrive. And the

only way these food corporations can “safely” sell their factory-farm food products to the public is to kill it, sanitize it, and smother it in antimicrobial agents like sodium benzoate, sodium propionate and benzoic acid.

So to claim that their goal in seeking approval for the three chemicals is not to conceal second-rate meat products is simply a lie. Low-grade meat products from squalid factory farms have to be disguised, otherwise the public would never purchase them.

Beyond this, the chemical substances in question are not even safe. Sodium propionate has been linked to causing gastrointestinal upset and respiratory prob-

lems, while sodium benzoate can cause DNA damage and promote the formation of cancer cells. And benzoic acid, which is often added to processed foods, can promote the development of asthma and hyperactivity, particularly in children.

“The continued ingestion of certain chemicals has been linked to cancer, fatigue, memory-impairment, imbalanced motor-function, diabetes, thyroid problems, confusion and far more,” says Creative Bioscience about food preservatives and additives. “Such food additives can stunt or stall weight loss and even cause more pounds to add on.” (NaturalNews)

18 Wednesday, April 10, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

“RMF” - the 3 most important topics Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate - In this tough economy, Real Estate is still the driving force boosting flourishing communities. Lower home prices allow current home owners the opportunity to upgrade to larger homes that they would not qualify for based on their income and Total Debt Service Ratio (TDS). This in turn makes smaller, more affordable homes available to individuals and lower income families. Although there are concerns of a cooling housing market, low mortgage rates continue to attract potential buyers. Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada believes that the housing market will self adjust without drastically impacting the economy.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, get professional advice from a Real Estate Sales Representative. A sales representative will utilize tools to market your property to maximize exposure and negotiate price.

Speak to a Real Estate professional regarding any questions or concerns.

Mortgage - As Canada’s Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty changes and tightens borrowing standards and mortgage regulations to aid in the economic recovery, we still see evidence of high household debts. More Canadians are refinancing their homes for debt consolidation to pay off higher interest loans and credit cards and also to pay for post second-

ary education for their children.

Prime rate is at 3% and you can negotiate with your lender depending on your whether you choose a variable rate or fixed rate mortgage and the term you hold the mortgage for. Credit card rates range from 19% to 29%, which makes it logical choice to refinance to consolidate debts into one single reduced monthly payment.

Whether you’re thinking of purchasing, refinancing, equity take out, equity line of credit or debt consolidation, seek the advice of a mortgage professional. Newcomers and first time home buyers have great opportunities to take advantage of. A mortgage professional will negotiate rates on your behalf and has access to a wide range of lenders. Speak to a mortgage professional regarding any questions or concerns.

Finance - Retirement is usually the furthest thing from anyone’s mind until they approach the age of retirement! Tools exist to assist you with savings and investing for retirement while reaping some benefits today.

Registered Retirement Savings Plans(RRSP) allow you tax deferral on income earned but also generate a Return On Investment (ROI) depending on the fund your RRSP is invested in. You pay taxes when you withdraw money from the RRSP. If you have used up your contribution room, you can register a Tax Free Savings Account(TFSA). A TFSA will allow you to accumulate interest on the funds invested and because you have funded it with after tax dollars you do not have to pay tax when you withdraw the funds. A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is used to save for a child’s post secondary education. Speak to an advisor or agent if you have questions or concerns.

Minister Kenney Unveils Revamped Welcome to Canada Guide and New Living in Canada Online Tool A new, more comprehensive guide and a new web tool to help newcomers settle and integrate in Canada were unveiled today by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

CIC’s new flagship publication, Welcome to Canada, is intended to be the official handbook to assist immigrants in preparing to come to Canada and to help them navigate their way during their first months in Canada. ““Our Government is committed to ensuring newcomers to Canada integrate and succeed in the Canadian economy and society as soon as possible,”” said Minister Kenney, speaking at the MOSAIC settlement service centre. ““The new edition of Welcome to Canada shows our commitment to helping the citizens of tomorrow experience a smoother transition into their new community and into the Canadian workforce.””

Twice as long as the previous edition, the new guide’s content has been built on the foundation of academic research, in consultation with several federal partners

and experts in the field of integration, and has been reviewed by new immigrants.

The guide features practical information on many different topics including how to access language classes, basic information about Canada’s education system, laws and the justice system, the labour market and much more.

For the first time, the Welcome to Canada guide includes examples of immigrants to Canada who have successfully integrated. The guide was enriched by advice and anecdotes from Nick Noorani, himself an immigrant and an expert who specializes in immigrant integration and career outcomes. ““It is a huge honor and privilege for me to have had a chance to work on this publication,”” said Mr. Noorani. ““Canada has given me more than I could ever have dreamed of and through my experiences I can help future immigrants succeed in Canada and this guide is a big part of that.””

Continued On Page 19

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Immigration backlog reduced by forty percent Faster processing times for workers and families MISSISSAUGA (CIC) -- As a result of actions taken by the government since 2008, the backlog of permanent resident applications has been reduced by about forty percent, paving the way for a faster and more effective immigration system in 2013 and beyond, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. ““Backlogs and delays prevent Canada from attracting the best and brightest from around the world and ensuring that our immigration system is contributing to economic growth and long-term prosperity,”” said Minister Kenney. ““For too long, we accepted far more applications than we could process each year.

That led to backlogs increasing every year and processing times of eight to ten years in some cases, which discouraged talented,

dynamic people from coming to Canada.””

This has been accomplished, in part, by continuing to process a high number of applications from parents and grandparents in the Family Class while a temporary pause on new applications remains in effect until the end of the year. In addition, a pause was put in place on new Immigrant Investor applications and the oldest Federal Skilled Worker applications were eliminated while we continued to process record high levels of existing applications.

The government will continue to transform Canada’s immigration system to make it fast, flexible and more responsive to the labour market. The massive reduction in the backlog allows us to move toward a just-in-time system that recruits people with the right skills to meet Canada’s labour market needs, fast tracks their

applications and gets them working in Canada in a period of months, instead of years. It also means that families will no longer have to wait close to a decade to be reunited with their loved ones. ““We still have work to do, but by taking clear and decisive action to deal with backlogs, we will attain our goal of having a fast and flexible immigration system,”” said Minister Kenney. ““Newcomers will arrive with skills and talents that are in short supply in Canada and contribute to our economy. The immigration system must work for Canada, which is why we will continue to reduce backlogs and speed up the system, so that people spend less time waiting and more time participating fully in the Canadian economy.””

Canada Open for Business to Start-Up Entrepreneurs Faster processing times for workers and families OTTAWA (CIC) -- The world’s best and brightest entrepreneurs from around the world, with ideas for new business ventures and financial backing from Canadian investors, can apply to the brand-new Start-Up Visa Program as of April 1, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. ““Canada is open for business to the world’s start-up entrepreneurs,”” said Minister Kenney. ““Innovation and entrepreneurship are essential drivers of the Canadian economy. That is why we are actively recruiting foreign entrepreneurs - those who can build companies here in Canada that will create new jobs, spur economic growth and compete on a global scale - with our new start-up visa.””

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is the first of its kind in the world.

By providing sought-after entrepreneurs with permanent residency and access to a wide range of business partners, Canada hopes to become a destination of choice for start-up innovators which will help Canada remain competitive in the global economy.

CIC has worked with two umbrella organizations, Canada’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Association

(CVCA) and the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO), to identify and designate the venture capital funds and angel investor groups that are keen to participate in the program. Immigrant entrepreneurs hoping to launch cutting-edge businesses in Canada and attain permanent resident status need the support of participating Canadian investors. A full list of designated venture capital funds and angel investor groups is now available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

“The CVCA and our individual members look forward to the launch of the Start-Up Visa Program,” said Peter van der Velden, President of the CVCA. ““Our participating funds welcome the opportunity to take part in this first-of-itskind program, which has the potential to help them attract best-in-class entrepreneurial talent to their Canadian-based investee companies.””

“There has been significant interest from both angels and entrepreneurs since the announcement of this program,” said Michelle Scarborough, Chair of NACO. “Our angel group members across Canada are eager to participate, and we look forward to supporting the growth of new businesses and helping them to make

their mark in Canada, further expanding our economy.”

To apply for permanent resident status in Canada, the foreign entrepreneur must first secure a significant investment commitment from a designated Canadian angel investor group or venture capital fund. Applicants must also demonstrate language proficiency skills at a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, speaking, reading and writing, and have at least one year of education at a postsecondary institution. ““With our new start-up visa, we are opening the door to new and exciting opportunities for Canada’s economy to grow and prosper,”” added Minister Kenney. ““This is part of our government’s transformational changes to Canada’s immigration system that will make it fast, flexible, and focused on Canada’s economic needs.””

The Start-Up Visa Program is a pilot program that will run for five years.

It is expected that due to the narrow focus of the program, initially, the number of applications will be limited. However, the focus of the program will be on the quality of the applicants and on establishing a track record of success.

Helping Immigrants Integrate and Succeed Continued From Page 18 -- This is the first time the Welcome to Canada guide has been revamped since it was first introduced in 1997. Like our Discover Canada citizenship study guide, Welcome to Canada is available in PDF or E-book format at cic.gc.ca/publications.

In addition, following the resounding success of the Come to Canada Wizard, the online immigration assessment and application tool, Minister Kenney today launched another interactive

tool, this time intended for newcomers who have recently arrived in Canada.

The Living in Canada Tool produces a semi-customized settlement plan filled with tips, next steps, and useful links based on user responses to the initial questionnaire. Users can also find local immigrant-serving organizations with the integrated Find Services map, and can bring with them their customized settlement plan for additional, personalized support. ““To help newcomers integrate,

the Government has tripled settlement funding since 2005-06 and remains committed to ensuring the distribution of settlement funding is fair, that immigrants receive the same level of service, regardless of where they choose to settle,”” said Minister Kenney. ““The new Living in Canada web tool helps newcomers find and access language and settlement services quickly upon arrival.””

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Your Horoscope - April 10th 2013 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): Thursday could be somewhat of a push, but by the end of the day, you should feel you’ve made good progress. Venus and Mars are on to something new and so are you. You’ll find yourself on a hot-stuff fast track through the middle of the month. With Sunday through Wednesday’s new moon, unfetter yourself as best you can.

Put your needs/wants first.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): Thursday/Friday can be your best time to connect and socialize. Saturday/ Sunday, chill out and catch up with yourself. Monday, hit it fresh and hit it hard. The new Venus/Mars cycle calls for you to show more of your feisty side. Make them sit up and take notice. Speak up, don’t settle for less. You have more power and presence than you realize.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21May 21): A busy end to the workweek is likely, but at least the time will pass quickly. Venus and Mars in Aries keeps you buzzed and going strong. There could be something cooking behind the scenes, perhaps even a secret crush. Tuesday brings the unexpected. Wednesday’s new moon can make you feel like you just tossed back a shot of Red Bull.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You can coast for the weekend, but plan to get right at it once next week starts. Four planets in Aries suggests a new job, process, technique, piece of equipment, or schedule can be the ticket. A new health regime could do it for you too. Experiment—it’s the quickest way to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): The workweek ends on an upbeat note, especially so when there’s news to share. Venus and Mars in Aries suggests there’s something new to reach for. Things are shaping up fast. Saturday through Tuesday, explore, introduce yourself, try something or someone on for size, take things one step at a time. Wednesday, hit things early while the day is fresh.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21July 20): Four planets in Aries can keep you in a race against the clock. Monday/Tuesday could be demanding. Those in charge can be particularly sharp-edged. It’s important to know which boundaries you can cross and which you can’t. By the same token, you can be easily provoked. Don’t limit yourself—aim for a fresh page. A new job or career direction is ideal.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): No matter where you find yourself, Thursday/ Friday keeps you busy, stimulated, and well entertained. A quiet weekend to replenish and relax hits it just right. Monday, it’s back-in-action time with no time to waste. Gaining a boost from Wednesday’s new moon in Aries, Venus/ Mars launches a vibrant love, lust, luck, and creativity cycle. You’re hot, it’s hot.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): The home front is likely to see plenty of action or friction over the next week or so. On the positive side, four planets in Aries can inspire you to tackle a spring spruce-up or finally get moving on the search for new digs. Look to Venus/Mars to begin a new-you or fresh-start chapter.

Leo Horoscope (July 21Aug. 22): Looking for a perkme-up? It’s an ideal time to scout around and see what’s gaining traction. Watch for Venus and Mars to liven things up. It can seem like everyone got the same message at the same time. Saturday/Sunday can simply evaporate. Monday through Wednesday, aim to stay one step ahead of the game.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): Thursday/Friday, the moon in Aquarius keeps you in touch, in sync, and going strong. Saturday/Sunday, relax and take the easy way out. You’ll find yourself especially quick on the uptake Monday/Tuesday. Someone or something new can spark your interest and enthusiasm.

Thursday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are ideal days for an introduction, a test-drive, or a fresh start.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): A new attitude is half the battle won. The sun, Uranus, Venus, and Mars in Aries turns up the heat lamp on intimate relationships, shared resources, and finances. For some, a hot new relationship is in the works; for others, the single life is calling. Don’t worry about where things are going; be here now. Monday through Thursday, job and money prospects are on the rise.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Keeping on the usual spin works just fine as the workweek finishes out, but by Saturday you’re ready to let loose. While others are kicking back, you could be ready to kick it up. Saturday/ Sunday, you have energy and passion to burn; put your creativity to work. The new Venus/Mars cycle makes you especially resourceful.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Auto tune up tips for your car

Important maintenance schedule for your vehicle A tune up is an important part of the maintenance schedule for your vehicle. While fuelinjected vehicles do not require as extensive a tune up as a carbureted vehicle, the tune up should be done on schedule. There are no adjustments to make to the fuel system in a fuel-injected vehicle, but the ignition must be kept up to par, or it will affect fuel mileage.

Several other things should be checked whenever you do a tune up, though they are not a requirement.

Plugs and Wires - Many people think that doing a tune up consists of only replacing the spark plugs. Ensuring that the other components of the ignition are in good working order is also important. It is always a good idea to replace the plug wires, and if you have a distributor ignition, you should replace the cap and rotor. The plug wires may not look worn, but you cannot see pinholes or whether the wire inside the casing is worn. A worn wire causes excessive resistance, which affects fuel mileage.

The terminals on the cap and rotor

could also become corroded, making it harder for a strong spark to reach the plugs. The cap and rotor should also be changed during a tune up. The terminals inside the cap, and the small metal piece on the end of the rotor, could wear or become scratched, or they could become corroded, making it difficult for the system to produce enough spark.

Fluids - While fluids should be checked at least once per month, it is a good idea to check them again while doing the tune up.

Part of a tune up consists of topping off fluids that are low. You should check the power steering pump fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, oil and windshield washer fluid. On most vehicles, the transmission service and an oil change coincide with a tune up -- all three can be done at the same time, saving you the inconvenience of having to work on your vehicle twice.

Suspension and Steering - Check to ensure that nothing in the suspension or steering is loose. You can rock the tires back and forth

and try to move the suspension up and down to check if there is too much freeplay. You will have some, but it should be very little -less than 1/8-inch of movement.

Bounce on the front and rear bumpers on the vehicle to check the shocks or struts. Bounce it up and down on all four corners, three or four times. When you release the vehicle, it should bounce up once and stop. If it continues to bounce, the shocks and struts should be replaced.

Tires and Brakes - A tune up consists of checking over the entire vehicle, and some of the most important things to check are the tires and brakes. Check the tread on the tires.

If you look between the treads, you will see a small, square bump. That is the wear bar.

If the tread is close to the wear bar -- within 1/8 inch -- the tire that is worn should be replaced.

The brakes also have a wear bar, often referred to as the squeaker. It is a metal tab on the side of the brake pad. If the pad wears down below the metal tab, the tab

rubs against the rotors, causing an annoying squeaking noise. If the brake pads are within 3/32 to 1/8 inch, the brake pads should be replaced. If you have drum brakes in the back, check the wheel cylinders. You can tell if they are leaking, because you will see drips of brake fluid on the inside of the tires. Check the thickness of the rear brakes by putting the emergency brake on. If the pedal goes more than halfway to the floor (or the hand brake comes up more than halfway), the brakes are low. If they haven’t been adjusted before, you could adjust them. If they have been adjusted, you should replace the brakes.

A lot of newer cars do not require a tune up until 100,000 plus kilometers. You should definitely check everything at that time, but this comprehensive check -- often referred to by auto technicians as a comprehensive tune up -- should be done every 50,000 kilometers. Before platinum plugs were put into cars, tune ups were required every 50,000 kilometers, and it is still a good idea to check the plugs, wires, cap and rotor at the 50,000-kilometer mark.

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Entrepreneurial Journey to Success

The road less traveled is where experiences and talents are learned and then applied to your everyday life.

Jim Pagiamtzis Business Development As you walked the hallways and listened to different teachers you learned essential information that you apply in your working life. As you become more experienced in a particular field, there are three important components to apply and do in your continued educational career.

Put yourself in the position to listen to great speakers Various organizations in Toronto have symposiums and seminars throughout the year (www. enterprisetoronto.com, bizlauncha. ca). Business topics and roundtable discussions

are held by professionals in various fields. Be proactive, make notes and engage speakers with questions and feedback. This is the arena where relevant information is shared and discussed, where you will learn amazing stories of success from others about their journey to success.

In the last few years, I have listened to dynamic speakers like Jack Welch, T Harv Eker, Alvin Law, Robert T. Kiyosaki from different industries speaking about business, life and success and how they achieved their success, how they dealt with their failures, through teaching and training. I continually apply and teach their principles.

frey), where they began their success and how they keep moving forward to bigger and better business ventures.

Many of the leaders have had similar experiences and you will learn how they dealt with them and what they learned as they went through it at the time.

During the past couple of years I have read biographies from Living the Good Life (David Patchell-Evans fouder of Good Life Fitness Clubs) Gretzky (Gretzky & Taylor), Business as Unusual (Anita Roddick, Founder of Body Shop)

mentors and leaders that you will aspire to learn and become as successful as they have been.

Early in my networking career I met an internet pioneer who had a successful nonprofit organization. I quickly realized his experience and knowledge and began participating in symposiums and seminars as a volunteer. As the months and years went by I did marketing and promoting including some digital photography. I have spoken on Mentorship and teaching other volunteers and professionals about the learning experience I had participating in this organization.

“Leaders are Readers” ~ attributed to many.

“You are who you associate with” ~ attributed to many.

“Learn, Do and Apply” ~ Blair Singer.

Associate with people of success - As you go out and meet entrepreneurs and business leaders you begin to grow your own network of professionals in different industries. Many may become lifelong friends and some may become partners in business ventures and others will be

Read Biographies on people of success - Learn from great leaders from the past (Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy) and from the present (Donald Trump, Oprah Win-

Connect with various entrepreneurs and leaders in your community and enjoy the journey of success where you can Make Wealth Happen!