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CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & MORE ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM • TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 21 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH 2013

Soca Viking Wins Best International Performance LAS VEGAS -- You could almost hear the buzz as word spread shortly after the announcement which was posted on the BET website: “Are you ready? The Soca Artist kept listeners moving at a steady pace with this Caribbean banger”.

International attention is nothing new to Bunji since the launch of his smash hit “Differentology” which not only took the Soca scene by storm, but also caught the attention of International DJ and remix artist Major Lazer which sent the track into the mainstream scene.

Bunji’s “Differntology” beat fellow national Soca star Machel Montano with his hit “The Fog” in the “Best International Performance” category.

In response the “Asylum family, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons- Alvarez ” via Facebook posted: “This is

for my family and this is for my fans and this is for my country. I thank every single one of you and pray God bless each of you.”

Machel Montano congratulated Garlin on the news of his win, which spread like wildfire on Social Media.

Only a week earlier Bunji’s “Differentology” was featured as the opening song for popular North American hit TV series “Grey’s Anatomy” which became a hot subject throughout the scene.

Major Lazer, Grey’s Anatomy to Soul Train, Bunji is quickly on his way to becoming an international sensation. Something that we all should be proud of!

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Migrant workers win Employment Insurance case at Federal Court of Appeal Cindy Ramkumar TC Reporter

Lexus,

21, works part time at a clothing store and spends the rest of her time modeling. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time in the studio, hitting the gym, or just relaxing on the beach at her cottage.

Lexus strives to learn from successful people and believes if you want anything in life you have to go and get it, because nothing will ever just come to you, hard work and dedication always pays off!

In 1966, the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program was created. Workers from the Caribbean and Mexico have been arriving and residing in Canada to work in the program, to plant and harvest the food that Canadians consume.

Many seasonal agricultural workers have been working in Canada for decades, and spend more of their life in Canada than they do in their home countries. They are an essential part of Canada’s work force. The contracts they must sign result in them being unemployed for 4-6 months out of every year.

These workers make contributions to EI every paycheque and have paid tens of millions of dollars into the EI fund, like other Canadian workers. They are required to leave the country at the end of their work contract each year, therefore they cannot qualify for most EI benefits.

To qualify for regular EI benefits, workers generally have to be living in Canada during the period of their unemployment in order to be “ready and available” for work. “Special benefits”, like maternal, parental and compassionate benefits are the only exceptions.

Parents caring for newborn children do not have to be in Canada to be eligible for EI parental benefits, as they are not expected to be “ready and available” for work. Seasonal agricultural workers who returned to their home countries at the end of their contracts and were caring for newborn children were eligible for parental benefits. Unfortunately this was not known until 2002.

The numerous barriers that prevent these vulnerable workers from accessing EI include they work in rural and remote locations, they work long hours with difficult working and living conditions, they are under constant threat of deportation if they try to enforce their rights, many face language and literacy barriers.

Most seasonal agricultural workers

were not aware they qualified for parental benefits until allied groups like the Agricultural Workers’ Alliance (AWA), the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), and Justicia for Migrant Workers (J4MW) began outreach efforts to help workers to apply.

The Federal Court of Appeal, on November 19 2013, granted 102 court applications. These applications were brought by over one hundred seasonal agricultural workers who argued that they were wrongly denied Employment Insurance parental benefits. The Income Security Advocacy Centre and Niagara North Community Legal Assistance represented the workers.

The Case: Cruz De Jesus v. Canada The case of Cruz De Jesus arose from 102 denials of migrant worker applications for parental benefits, on the grounds that they had applied “too late.” For over 15 years, all of these workers made EI contributions, and are otherwise entitled to the parental benefit.

The denials were upheld by an EI Umpire.

But there is no deadline for applying for EI, as long as the worker can show that they had a good reason for not applying earlier.

EI Umpire was wrong, according to the agreement from The Federal Court of Appeal, because the Umpire refused to consider the multiple barriers that migrant workers face when considering whether they had a good reason for applying when they did.

The Court has ordered the Office of the Umpire to re-hear each of the 102 cases, and to keep these vulnerabilities in mind in assessing them. Migrant workers face “unique disadvantages in the Canadian labour market,” according to The Court. The “unique disadvantages included ineligibility for many social benefits, denial of statutory protections enjoyed by other workers, social isolation and fear of employer reprisal and deportation.

According to Jackie Esmonde, cocounsel for the applicants and staff lawyer at the Income Security Advocacy Centre, “This case is important because it confirms that the vulnerable circumstances of migrant workers must be considered in determining their eligibility for the parental benefit, this gives these migrant workers a fair chance to access a program that they contribute to, just like other workers.”

Continued On Page 5

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Annual SCAOʼs Childrenʼs Christmas Party TORONTO -- As a result of the ongoing efforts, SCAO strives to continue providing a free fun-filled day for children and their families, living with sickle cell anemia by hosting their 22nd Annual Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 7th , 2013 at Sick Kids Hospital. At the present time, funding is extremely low and they are expecting approximately 40 families. SCAO is asking for your support by donating to the event. Your involvement will be officially acknowledged at the party and through our social sites and a charity receipt will be issued.

Over the past 30 years, The Sickle Cell Association of Ontario (SCAO) has been serving the community, as a recognized voluntary agency, by providing support and resources for individuals and their families affected by sickle cell anemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited and potentially fatal disease that affects the red blood cells. The symptoms of sickle cell

anemia include episodes or crises of severe pain, fatigue, infections and fever, resulting in frequent hospitalizations and absences from school. At the present time there is no cure for sickle cell disease; Patient and public awareness and education is the initial approach in the prevention of this disease and the promotion of health maintenance.

The SCAO provides confidential one-on-one support and counseling to persons with sickle cell disease and their families. Group support, school and workplace advocacy, tutoring and the provision of resource information are all part of the program. The members and volunteers work closely with health, education and other agencies in raising awareness for this disease and furthering their service. We provide public education, such as workshops, presentations in schools and community and also host an annual 2 day conference in September as a promotion of Sickle Cell Month Awareness.

Jamaica Govʼt says $20m spent on PMʼs China trip JAMAICA -- The Government has confirmed that it spent more than $20 million on the official visit to China of a Jamaican delegation headed by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller in late August.

Leader of Government Business in the Senate, AJ Nicholson, made the disclosure in answers he provided on Friday to questions tabled by Opposition member Senator Robert Montague According to Senator Nicholson, the trip cost the Government $19,680,537, including payments for “travel, subsistence and contingencies”, which were paid from the budgetary allocation in the ministries of foreign affairs and foreign trade; water, land, environment and climate change; national security; and the Office of the Prime Minister.

He said, however, that the figure did not include costs incurred by the embassy of Jamaica in Beijing, which amounted to US$3,461.84 or J$366,869.52.

Senator Nicholson said that the prime minister was accompanied by 17 persons, including the chairman of the board of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jajil Dabdoub; Dimitri Dabdoub, general manager of Tools Hardware & Supplies; Hugh Graham, managing director of Paramount Trading Jamaica Limited; four journalists; two security officers; and a team of civil servants.

He said that four agreements were signed: Letter of Exchange to facilitate construction of two early childhood institutions in Tower Hill, Kingston and Morant Estate, St Thomas; Letter of Exchange for expan-

sion of the Confucius Institute at he University of the West Indies, Mona; Economic and Technical Agreement Grant Aid valued at US$16 million (J$1.6 billion) for projects to be mutually agreed between both countries; and a Preferential Buyer Credit Loan Agreement to finance the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP) valued at US$300 million (J$30 billion), which will replace the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) which ends this year.

The Letters of Exchange and the Economic and Technical Agreement Grant Aid are gifts to the people of Jamaica, while the Preferential Buyer Credit Loan is somewhat similar to the loan arrangements for JDIP. The agreements took immediate effect upon signing by Senator Nicholson, as the minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, as authorised by the minister of finance and planning, under the Loan Act, the Financial and Audit Administration (Amendment) Act and the Jamaica Constitution.

In a statement to the House of Representatives last month on the trip which ran from August 20-25, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said that, in relation to all of the identified projects, stakeholder consultations would begin shortly to ensure that there is full understanding of the scale, scope, benefits and implications of what is contemplated, and that the interests of the people of Jamaica are protected at all stages of the project and programme development.

(Jamaica Observer)

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Migrant workers win case Continued From Page 2 -- Jennifer Pothier, co-counsel at Niagara North Community Legal Assistance said “EI was approving migrant worker parental benefits for years, without questioning the length of delay, the barriers migrant workers faced in applying were accepted by the Commission.”

In 2008, they started denying all the applications, unclear to what changed at EI? Now the Court has recognized the barriers and so must any future decisionmaker.”

One of the migrant worker applicants in the case, Glendon Sanchez, said “I am happy and excited about how the case went, but this is not simply about me. I hope that this can help the people coming after me. I also want to help my daughter.

This money would greatly help towards her college fund. Unfortunately, this case will only help those migrant workers who applied before December 9, 2012.

Recently the door to EI, for migrant workers has been slowing closing in, denying these workers any or little possibilities of EI. On December 9, 2012, the government of Canada changed the law to make it even harder for migrant workers

to access EI special benefits. Now migrant workers can only access parental, maternity and compassionate benefits during the period covered by their work permit.

In other words, they cannot access the parental benefit when they most need it, when they are unemployed and caring for a newborn child.

Canada is more and more reliant on the work of temporary migrant workers. In fact, more permits are now granted for temporary workers like these than for permanent immigrants. These workers are an essential part of the Canadian labour force. These workers deserve the same protections as any other workers in Canada. The continuing erosion of Canada’s social safety net threatens the economic and social security of us all.

ISAC and Niagara North Community Legal Assistance jointly represent all of the workers in Cruz De Jesus v. Canada. More information about the case can be found at ISAC’s website at http://www. incomesecurity.org/challenges/index.html or by contacting Jackie Esmonde at 416597-5820 (extension 5153) or esmondja@ lao.on.ca or Jennifer Pothier at 905-6826635 ext.227 or j_pothier@lao.on.ca.

Mark must speak out on degree issue, says Warner TRINIDAD -- Independent Liberal Party (ILP) leader Jack Warner is sending a letter to Speaker Wade Mark today seeking an explanation on recent allegations about Mark’s Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree. Warner told the Guardian this Sunday. Warner said he believed People’s Partnership MP Anil Roberts’ reported boycott of the Parliament last Friday was based on an integrity stand after allegations concerning Mark’s UWI degree.

Roberts was absent from Parliament last Friday reportedly boycotting, after writing Mark that day expressing concern on the degree issue and seeking clarification on it. Roberts didn’t respond Sunday to text messages on whether he would attend the upcoming Lower House session. Warner said: “I myself am concerned by what I’ve read on the issue.” He does not plan to boycott Parliament, however. “I’ll write the Speaker tonight and send a letter to him tomorrow (today) asking for an explanation before I do anything else,” he said.

“I’ll give the Speaker a chance to

explain what I’ve been reading as I need assurances from the Speaker that everything is above board. “I can’t feel comfortable if the Speaker is accused or guilty of what they allege he is.” PP House leader Roodal Moonilal did not reply to calls on Roberts’ action. PP deputy leader Suruj Rambachan said COP MP Roberts wasn’t in UNC’s caucus.

COP chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan said she was not aware if Roberts had attended COP’s caucus and had no comment on whether she shared his concerns about the degree issue. PP MP Fuad Khan, however, said if he had had any problems with the issue he’d have spoken directly to the Speaker rather than writing. “I think the university has to be the one to come out and indicate there are certain things they do and we have to await any investigation and their vocalisation,” he said.

“But in the new age approach of education systems, UWI takes the decisions based on information they have and they decide exactly what their direction is.” (Trinidad Guardian)

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

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In wake of Keyanaʼs brutal killing Kamla forms Task Force TRINIDAD -- Members of a Child Protection Task Force being announced today by the Government will be charged with reviewing all existing policies, legislation and protocols in place to protect children.

The task force will meet this week, bringing together the nation’s top advocates for the rights, protection and well-being of children.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Sunday announced the formation of the unit, after following last week’s murder of six-year-old Keyana Cumberbatch. In her dying moments, Keyana was sexually assaulted by her killer, an autopsy revealed on Friday. She died as a result of massive cerebral trauma. She was found in her apartment at Building 4, Maloney Gardens, D’Abadie, in a barrel, beneath articles of clothing, days after she was reported missing.

Last Friday, Persad-Bissessar described the killing as “a tragedy that is simply too horrific to imagine.” Sunday, she met with Keyana’s mother, Simone Williams, and other relatives. She was accompanied by Gender, Youth and Child Development Minister Clifton de Coteau. During the visit, the PM gave the assurance that “the State will provide every possible support to the family in their time of grief and anguish.”

She said: “It is very hard to imagine the depth of agony being experienced

by Ms Williams, as well as her relatives and friends. This is not a moment that any parent or any person can ever be prepared for. And what happened to Keyana is something no child must ever have to experience.”

Clear mandate A statement from the Office of the Prime

Minister said the first mandate of the Child Protection Task Force will be to recommend measures aimed at overhauling and advancing protection, care and intervention services of the State and non-governmental organisations.

The task force will complement the immediate and ongoing emergency response from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development.

The team’s full mandate includes comprehensively reviewing of all provisions, regulations, legislation and public sector processes focused on the care, health and protection of children. The unit will also recommend how, through policy intervention and partnerships with non-governmental and community organisations, the State can roll back risks to children. The task force will also make recommendations on how the Children’s Authority can become fully empowered to carry out its mandate.

Members will recommend how emergency responses can be widened, accelerated and structured to respond immediately to the needs of children at risk. During the Prime Minister’s visit, she said: “I have chosen not to go the way of others and discuss who is to be blamed and who must be held liable.” “Through this Child Protection Task Force, every loophole, every gap and every grey area that must be fixed will be identified and action will be taken.”

The Prime Minister has also mandated the task force to provide thorough recommendations, on “the causes and factors that are fueling such a stark breakdown in human values in some persons and fami-

lies.”

PNM responds PNM public relations officer Faris Al-Rawi said, “The PNM welcomes the Government’s statement, which seems to be merely an introduction insofar as the persons on the task force and further parameters have been omitted from the press release. “The PNM will, as it has always has, support all rational and legitimate measures required in the best interest of the citizens of T&T. This is all the more important in the case of the protection of T&T’s children.”

Al-Rawi added, “As T&T is aware we spent a massive amount of time developing very robust laws in the last PNM in government and we sat in many sessions (on the issue) standing in the face of even Independent senators to pass the Children Act. “We cautioned the government at the time of debate of the Children Bill in the Senate to provide much needed resources urgently so that the mechanisms which inter-articulate with the Children’s Authority could be operationalised with immediacy.

Regrettably, we are now on our third minister in charge of the Children’s Authority and we still have nothing to show for the time the Government has been in office.”

Saying the PNM has been at pains to state that urgent action is required, AlRawi said the party would make a full statement after the full particulars of the latest committee to be appointed were known.

Probe continues A 28-year-old relative of slain six-year-old Keyana “Ki-Ki” Cumberbatch remained in

police custody late Sunday evening. Investigators are working under the supervision of assistant commissioner of Police Wayne Dick. In an interview Sunday, Dick said he was happy with the investigation and the way his team of Homicide officers made enquiries with the “intervention of the Almighty.”

Several people have since been interviewed and statements have been recorded.

Senior officers been have been in conferences and working on the investigation since last Friday. Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into the death of oneyear-old Jacob Munroe, found in a cesspit near his Maracas, St Joseph home two weeks ago. An autopsy revealed he was beaten and smothered. (Trinidad Guardian)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Police investigating rape, double murder at Moblissa GUYANA -- Police are investigating the allegation that an uncle raped his 13-yearold foster niece and killed his foster sister, 34-year-old Molly James, and her 18-yearold son, Aaron James, Saturday morning at a creek close to the Demerara River at Moblissa on the Linden Highway.

Bloodstains were evident along the Linden Highway for approximately 100 metres away from Molly James’s house, suggesting that her son, Aaron, had tried to flee from his assailant after he had been attacked along with his mother.

Sunday Chronicle visited the scene Saturday morning and was told by the dead woman’s father, Ignatius James: “This morning, when I was going to work, I heard me phone ring and a chap across the river called me as I was filing my cutlass. And when I answer the phone, he asked me, ‘Is this Saggy?’ And I said, yes.

He said, ‘Man, I surprise to hear last night that something happened on the Highway.’

I said, boy, I ain’t known nothing. He said, ‘Yes, I believe Molly dead last night, and she son.’ So I said, boy, I ain’t know.”

Ignatius James continued: “Anyhow, I tell him I coming up now, and when I come I reach the police was here.

I reached here around eight O’clock this morning. I don’t know when they took the bodies away, because at 8:00h the bodies were already gone.

“This is her residence, and her children include Lolita, Aaron, Sunita, Bo-

nita, Michael, Eon and a baby.”

Ignatius James could not say whether the woman’s other children were around when the murders took place, but at the time of this newspaper’s visit to the murder scene, the children were not there because the police had taken them away to the Mackenzie Police Station, where their grandmother and a Child Protection Officer were also present.

The police have instructed Ignatius James to put in place some form of security at his daughter’s former residence, as there were valuable items in the house, such as a television set, music set, freezer and diesel generator.

Ignatius James said he lives oneand-a-half miles away from his daughter’s residence and that his daughter had been estranged from her husband.

One of the late Molly James’s cousins from Adventure said he heard of the murders at around 7:00h while he was on the road, but he noted: “when I came I did not find anybody here; the police had already gone. She child-father gone to work at Issano side. He gone a long time, a couple months. Last month he would normally be here with them. Since he gone he did not come back. We live at Adventure.”

Another man, who farms at Moblissa but lives at Amelia’s Ward in Linden, told this newspaper: “Molly lived here about two years now. I live about 1200 feet from here, and I didn’t hear anything

at all. I wake up this morning making my little breakfast, and I see the police dem come here. The last time I saw her was last week Tuesday, as I was helping them raise up that house with her father.”

Molly James’s father-in-law, Lawrence Devirius, who lives about one mile from the scene, said: “Somebody rape Molly’s daughter. I met the girl that get rape around four O’clock going down the road.” He said the girl once went to school in Linden, and then in Georgetown.” According to him, “The boy’s name is Orin.

He is her uncle, and he would stay with them at Molly’s home. This rape happened at the creek, where the man went and held her down and cut her on her hand in two places. I brought Molly from Region One,

and I know her and her family.”

The boyfriend of the late Molly James is James Simon, who had lived with her for the past two months. He said: “I used to live with she for a few months now, and Thursday morning was the last time I saw her when we were working over the Demerara River. I reach here around 6:30hrs this morning. I saw the vehicle with the police when I came. I did not speak to the police.”

He said he could not recall anyone threatening Molly. He said Orin is not related to him, but Orin was Molly’s brother, and he did not live with them, but would occasionally come around and stay. (Guyana Chronicle)

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Kartel, others sold for 30 pieces of silver JAMAICA -- A defence attorney in the Vybz Kartel murder trial Saturday suggested that the prosecution’s main witness “sold” the accused men for “30 pieces of silver” like Jesus was, concocting a story of murder to avoid picking up a gun charge.

The witness was being cross-examined by Pierre Rogers, the attorney for Kahira Jones, who — along with Kartel, Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, André St John and Shane Williams — is being tried in the Home Circuit Court for the August 16, 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams in a house in Havendale, St Andrew.

During, the scorching cross-examination, Rogers repeatedly accused the witness — who testified with his head hung in an apparent bid to avoid eye contact with the accused men — of being a liar.

But as Rogers applied the pressure the witness tried maintaining his composure and stuck to his guns that he was telling the truth about what he said occurred at the Havendale home when Williams was killed.

He also and denied that the police assisted him with the making of his statement. Still, Rogers was relentless, at one point telling the witness: “Mr [name withheld] I hate to do this but you, sir, are a liar.”

Rogers’ reference to the witness as selling the accused men for “30 pieces of silver” followed the witness saying that he was not charged with illegal possession of firearm despite telling the police that he had buried a gun in his yard in Waterford, St Catherine after August 16. Asked by Justice Lennox Campbell if the gun was recovered, the witness said ‘no’.

That question triggered the following exchange between Rogers and the witness: Rogers: “Did you carry the police to look for [the gun]?” Witness: “They know where it was.” Rogers: “You carry them to look?” Witness: “No, sir.” Rogers: “What did you have to tell the police why they didn’t charge you?” “Sir?” the witness said, as if he didn’t understand.

“Forgive me,” Rogers said. “That

was unforensic. You spoke to the police before they decided not to charge you?” “I don’t understand,” said the witness to several grunts of apparent frustration from Rogers, whose next question was: “You know about the 12 pieces of silver Jesus was sold for?” to which the witness said “yes”.

Rogers was corrected by Campbell, who told him that Jesus was actually sold for 30 pieces of silver, which sparked laughter as the witness, decked in a white shirt and tattoos running down his left arm and on his fingers, stood with his head bowed, awaiting the next question. “Did you receive any favour, any 30 pieces of silver for your story?”

Rogers asked. “No sir,” the witness said.

“But they didn’t charge you,” Rogers said.

“They never found [the gun],” the witness said.

Rogers then suggested to the witness that the police assisted him in making up a story against the men and that was why he wasn’t charged for the gun he had buried, but the witness denied the suggestion.

At another point during the crossexamination, Rogers pointed out some contradiction between the witness’s evidence and that given earlier by the sister of the deceased — which include the time of the day he said he and the deceased ran to her yard on August 14, what she was wearing at the time and the amount of money she said she gave them both. The witness was also tackled about some inconsistencies between the evidence he gave during his examinationinchief and what he did or did not tell the police. During this phase, Rogers repeatedly asked the witness if he didn’t see that he was lying, but the witness was quick with his two-word response: “No, sir.” Rogers said that the details are what present a problem with telling lies, but the witness insisted that he was telling the truth. Attorney Tamika Harris started her cross-examination of the witness on behalf of her client, St John. She’s to continue when the trial resumes on Monday. (Jamaica Observer)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

18 year old allegedly chopped to death by her childʼs father JAMAICA -- Those close to her say 18-yearold Kimberly Simpson was rebuilding her life after carnal abuse and pregnancy when she became the victim of enraged jealousy. Simpson’s relatives, friends and the residents of the remote district of Content and surrounding communities of South East St Elizabeth and South Manchester will grieve for a long time.

They won’t easily forget the manner of Simpson’s death — chopped allegedly by the father of her two-yearold son. Nor will they forget the ensuing drama involving an eight-hour standoff between angry residents and police — the latter protecting the accused, 30-year-old barber Rohan Thomas, from jungle justice.

Indeed, while grieving family members complained that a prompt response by the police to frantic calls for help early Friday could have saved Simpson’s life, the police have also come in for high praise for putting their lives on the line to uphold the law. “I don’t want it to get lost in the mix that the police were heroes on the day,” said Richard Parchment, member of parliament for South East St Elizabeth.

“The police have often come under pressure for allegedly carrying out extra-judicial killings, but (Friday) I saw police putting their lives on the line for a man accused of a most heinous crime because they recognised their responsibility to uphold the law,” said Parchment.

“I saw police standing up in the sun for hour after hour without food or drink in order to protect this man from mob rule,” Parchment added. Police Commissioner Owen Ellington also commended the cops for their “courageous and determined response”, noting that they held the angry mob at bay “at great personal risk”.

In doing so, he said, the police from the St Elizabeth Division, led by Deputy Superintendent Lanford Salmon, “saved the life of a citizen, albeit one accused of a crime”. Added Ellington: “Not only did DSP Salmon and his team prevent the mob from killing this suspect, they also spared our country another blow to its international reputation, which is a function of the police service that is too often ignored.

“I must also congratulate the Mobile Reserve Tactical Team who journeyed from Kingston… and skilfully extracted the suspect from the house and took him to safety without injury to anyone. A special word of thanks too, to our partners the Jamaica Defence Force who provided air support and lift.

“You have all demonstrated a high degree of courage, professionalism and service to country, of which all Jamaicans can be proud,” the commissioner said. Saturday, DSP Salmon told the Jamaica Observer that the police were simply doing their job.

“We feel for the grieving family, but we have a responsibility to protect every single person, whoever that person is,” he said. As hundreds gathered

— some people armed with machetes, sticks and stones — around the house where Simpson was killed and Thomas had taken refuge, a small detachment of police stood guard.

The stand-off eventually ended about 6:00 pm Friday as police reinforcements, flown by Jamaica Defence Force helicopter from Kingston, and the local contingent used teargas and fired shots in the air to clear the large and angry crowd. Eyewitnesses say that as the police set about removing Thomas from the house in rapidly fading light, stones were thrown at them by some among the crowd. Reports say a few policemen were hit.

Grandmother of the victim, Almeda Powell, told the Sunday Observer that Thomas entered the yard at about 7:00 am Saturday and an altercation developed with Simpson. Powell said Simpson had broken off her rela-

tionship with Thomas for whom she became pregnant at 15. As a direct result, Thomas was reportedly before the courts for carnal abuse.

The pregnancy had forced Simpson to drop out of school — Victor Dixon High in Mandeville. According to Powell, after jumping the fence and entering the yard early Friday, Thomas pulled the teenager inside the house and used a machete to chop her. She was reportedly chopped in the forehead and the back of the neck.

Reports from residents as well as the police suggest that Simpson was raped and otherwise physically abused before she was killed. She was eventually taken to hospital by a vehicle from the Junction Police Station but reportedly died en route. A grieving Powell charged that the murder could have been prevented had police responded quickly to her frantic calls.

“Mi call dem four time and is only when the worse happen dem come,” the weeping woman said. She charged that her granddaughter was murdered in

front of her two-year-old son. She said she only realised Thomas had come to the house when she heard “the baby sey ‘Daddy’”.

Powell said the baby, Jaydan Thomas, was pushed outside the house following the murder. Unconfirmed reports suggested that before the arrival of the police there was an attempt to set the badly injured Simpson alight, after she was wrapped in bed linen.

What is certain is that as irate residents gathered, the house was set on fire, with firefighters eventually putting out the blaze. At one stage during the lengthy stand-off, residents locked the gate of the yard, effectively blocking a police vehicle from leaving with Thomas. Stories from family members and others suggest the tragedy was long in the making. Thomas, who claimed Simpson had disrespected him, had repeatedly threatened her, reports say. He had also allegedly threatened to set the house on fire.

Simpson had been forced to give up a job in Mandeville partly because of the carnal abuse case but also because she said she was “in no peace with Rohan”. In recent months, Thomas had allegedly “put a rope round (Simpson’s) neck” and used a clothes iron to inflict burns on her.

There were suggestions Saturday that as a result of that assault and a subsequent report to the police a restraining order had been taken out, but this could not be confirmed by the Sunday Observer. There were reports, too, that co-workers of Thomas had heard him issuing death threats towards his former lover. Even with all those reports and allegations friends and family members said Friday’s tragedy took them by surprise.

“Mi really and truly never expect him fi kill mi baby,” said Powell, her voice choked with tears on Friday. Powell said her granddaughter had spent most of her life with her, including a decade in New York. It was after her return to Jamaica about four years ago that Simpson became attached to Thomas and got pregnant. Simpson’s cousin and close friend Sanche Biggs, described Simpson as quiet and ambitious.

“Kim was a friendly but very quiet person, she didn’t mix much and she wasn’t no party-goer,” said Biggs.

“She didn’t talk about her plans, but you knew she wanted to get ahead in life.” Parchment, who had listed Simpson as someone he wanted to get enumerated “within the next couple of weeks”, said his impression of the young woman was that she was “striving to get her life together”.

Parchment’s hope was that the tragedy could provide a lesson in helping to prevent such occurrences going forward. “Hopefully, this will help people to realise that when a relationship breaks down and people start to make threats, you must act and do whatever you have to do to prevent a disaster such as this,” he said. (Jamaica Observer)

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 11

12 Wednesday, December 4, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Guyana hosts CXC governance meetings, award ceremony GUYANA -- Guyana will host the annual governance meetings of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and an awards ceremony for the regional top performers.

Several events are scheduled to be held during the period December 2 – 6. CXC officials are scheduled to arrive here Sunday to participate in the various events.The meeting of the School Examinations Committee (SEC) will be held on Thursday December 5 and the 45th meeting of Council, CXC’s highest decision-making body, will be held on Friday December 6.

Among the major agenda items for discussion at the Council meeting are the report on the administration of the 2013 examinations; the Registrar’s report to Council; the 2014 budget; and the CXC Strategic Plan and Priorities 2014 – 2020.

The presentation ceremony for the most outstanding candidates in the May/ June 2013 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday December 5 at the National Cultural Centre.

During the ceremony, which also marks the official opening of the Council meeting, awards will be presented to 18 students from across the Region, 10 for outstanding performances at CAPE and eight for outstanding performances at CSEC. The awardees come from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

President Donald Ramotar will deliver the feature address at the ceremony and declare the Council meeting open.

Chairman of CXC, Professor E Nigel Harris, Registrar of CXC, Dr. Didacus Jules and Miss Yogeeta Persaud of Anna Regina Secondary School, Guyana, the most outstanding overall CSEC performer will also address the ceremony.

Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Harris, will present scholarship letters to the eight CSEC awardees from UWI. The awardees will be able to take up the scholars after completion of CAPE or an associate degree.

During the ceremony, Mrs. Sheena Daley, Caribbean Regional Director for Pearson Education, will present the first Pearson CAPE Humanities Award to Ms. Tasanique Henry of Hampton High School, Jamaica.

The regional top awardees, and a CXC delegation will pay courtesy calls on His Excellency President Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, , Minister of Education; Ms Priya Manickchand and, Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier (retired) David Granger.

The awardees will also have opportunities to interact with students from schools in Guyana and visit places of interest, including: Kaieteur Falls, Baganara Resort, Fort Island and Parika.

The Council comprises representatives of 16 participating countries, UWI, University of Guyana and the teaching profession. The Council deals with finance and administrative issues, while the SEC deals with technical and examination issues. (Guyana Chronicle)

Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett receives Grand Cross of the Order of the General Liberator of San Martin from Argentina GUYANA -- Foreign Minister Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett was presented on Friday with the Grand Cross of the Order of the General Liberator of San Martin by her Argentine counterpart Hector Timmerman. In decorating Rodrigues-Birkett with this high order of the Republic of Argentina, Timmerman paid tribute to the consistent friendship which Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett and the Government of Guyana have demonstrated to the Government and people of Argentina.

Timmerman expressed confidence that both governments were guided by similar political and democratic ideals and convictions.

The decoration was presented during an official visit paid by Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to Argentina on November 28 and 29, 2013.

During the visit, the foreign ministers discussed areas of bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Argentine South/South Cooperation Programme.

They signed a bilateral agreement for the “Free Exercise of Remunerated Activities by Dependent Relatives of Diplomatic, Consular, Administrative and Technical Staff of their Diplomatic Missions, Consular Offices and International Organisations”.

They also took the opportunity to exchange views on the activities of several regional organisations of which their countries are members, in particular the Caribbean Community, the Union of South

American Nations and the Organisation of American States.

Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett also met with the Ministers of Defence and Security and officials from the Ministries of Health, Social Development, Agriculture, Tourism and Industry.

At these meetings, there was an exchange of information on the activities undertaken by both countries within the different sectors and discussions focused on potential opportunities for cooperation. It was agreed that the two countries will work towards the early conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in agriculture that would include cattle rearing. Also, a mission from Argentina will pay a visit to Guyana in December this year with a view to exploring cooperation in the tourism sector.

Other areas identified for cooperation between the two countries include post-graduate training for doctors in specialised areas, Spanish language training and military training at Argentine defence institutions.

Cooperation between Guyana and Argentina has intensified since the re-establishment of an embassy in Guyana two years ago.

Rodrigues-Birkett was accompanied by Foreign Service Officers, Heather Seelochan and Jevon Rodrigues. (Guyana Chronicle)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 13

Jack to bring ʻorganised structureʼ to ILP TRINIDAD -- In its short five-month lifespan, the Independent Liberal Party has fought three elections and faced public scrutiny usually reserved for political groups much older.

There is speculation that the incessant media attention is due in part to its interim leader, Jack Warner, who was dubbed “the newsmaker” since his previous incarnation as a main force in the United National Congress (UNC).

Since he resigned from that party and started his own to contest the Chaguanas by-election back in July, Warner’s ILP has been seen as the third major political force in the electoral landscape. As the party kicks off its first national convention Monday and seeks to ratify its constitution, it does so amid another shocker; the impromptu resignation of its interim chairman, Robin Montano. Last week Montano submitted his resignation to the party, citing party errors and decisions taken without reference to the party’s executive.

This latest blow comes on the heels

of the public resignation of councillor Faaiq Mohammed, who voted against the party in the Chaguanas mayoral election last month.

Since then, Mohammed and Warner have engaged in cross talk in the media which stopped when Mohammed filed a gag order in the high court demanding Warner and his agents stop any negative statements against him. Warner’s young party is also recovering from the loss at the St Joseph by-election.

Warner, in a telephone interview on Thursday, said this first national convention would feature the National Alliance for Reconstruction’s Carson Charles and a representative from the Antigua/Barbuda labour party. “At this convention the ILP proposes to ratify its constitution, confirm the interim management committee and bring organised structure to the party,” Warner said in a media release. He said Monday’s meeting would be a “watershed day” for the citizenry. (Trinidad Guardian)

Good Hope man hospitalised after thrashing by sons GUYANA -- Nankumar Bhagwandin, 50, of Fourth Street, Good Hope, is now in the Georgetown Hospital in a serious condition, after allegedly being beaten by his two sons, aged 19 and 18.His right arm is fractured, his face and head are badly battered, there’s a deep cut in his left palm and some of his teeth are missing.

The assault was committed on him on Friday around 16:00 hrs at the home of his wife Jasmattie Lalbacchan of 302 Good Hope New Housing Scheme.

Bhagwandin, who says he works on a fishing boat at sea, claimed that the beating was done in full view of neighbours and a shop man from Mon Repos who was in the area at the time rescued him and took him to hospital.

The injured man recalled that last Saturday he called his wife on the phone and told her that he wanted to come by to see his grandson. He said that as he was speaking to her on the phone he heard his gransdon’s voice in the background, saying that she should ask him (grandfather) to buy chocolate for him.

Bhagwandin said that the following afternoon around 16:00 hrs he showed up at the home, picked up the child and took him to

a nearby shop and bought caramel for him. On his return minutes later, he was confronted by his wife Jasmattie who became very abusive, hurled insults at him and ordered him away from the yard. On hearing the altercation, two of Bhagwandin’s sons who were then in their wash bay, hastened over and proceeded to beat him with a piece of ‘T-Shore’ used in the construction of houses.

The man claimed that he was beaten so badly, he struggled and fell to the ground, bleeding and begging for help, but the neighbours did not intervene. The Mon Repos businessman who came by and saw what was happening stopped the man’s sons from beating him and took him to hospital.

Nankumar Bhagwandin would like to bring this matter to the attention of the Welfare Officers of the Ministry of Human Services since he sees this as a serious act of domestic abuse. Since the incident, he has remained clad only in a blood-stained pair of three-quarter jeans, wearing no shirt and he has no slippers on his feet. The man says he has clothes at home, but there is no one to visit him in hospital and bring them for him.

He is also badly in need of toiletries. (Guyana Chronicle)

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Public Works Ministry embarks on major drainage works in the city: – affected areas expected to be drained out in three days GUYANA -- The Ministry Public Works on Friday embarked on a major exercise designed to alleviate drainage problems in Georgetown, especially in the Lodge, Charlestown, Wortmanville, Albouystown and Queenstown areas.

The clean-up entailed clearing of blocked drains, and removal of vegetation and garbage from the heavily blocked drainage canals.

This move comes in the wake of the heavy downpour on November 27 that caused flooding in parts of the city and in Regions 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and 3(Essequibo Islands/West Demerara). The rainfall which was recorded at the Botanical Gardens measured 128.9mm or 5.1 inches, the highest in the City since 1892.

Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn who was on site at Sussex Street Sunday during the exercise, said the ministry has four emergency teams working in particular areas of South Georgetown.

“It’s an additional effort because we have so much of vegetation and garbage all over the city …barring not much more rain, we anticipate that we will get those areas drained out in three days’ time,” he pointed out.

He said that the ministry has installed pumps in Queenstown and Lodge, and it was anticipated that more pumps would be installed.

Benn also added that the ministry will be obtaining two long-reach excavators to assist in alleviating the drainage problems in the city, and will engage persons to remove impediments-especially scrap ironthat will cause any obstruction to clearing of the drains.

This, Minister Benn said, complements what the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is doing to address the issue of solid waste in the city.

(GINA) (Guyana Chronicle)

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14 Wednesday, December 1, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Sammyʼs rallying call for players West Indies captain Darren Sammy has challenged his side to hit the ground running when they begin their three-Test series in New ZealandThe Windies go into the first Test in Dunedin tomorrow (Monday afternoon Caribbean time) looking to bounce back from a tough tour of India, in which they lost both Tests by an innings.

New Zealand will almost certainly prove less stubborn opposition, having not won a Test all year, but Sammy knows the tourists will have to adapt quickly to conditions vastly different to those they experienced in India.

“It’s the life of a professional sportsman,” Sammy said on www.windiescricket.com.

“One minute, you are in the hot and crazy fan atmosphere of India, and the next day you are in New Zealand, Dunedin, where the breeze can blow you off your feet.

“We won’t make any excuses. We will have to come and hit the ground running.

“People might say India did not go well for us, but this is a new challenge, a new chance to focus and finish the year on a high.

“We have a lot of respect for our opponents and we know New Zealand can be a very competitive side, especially at home. We recall that England were the number one side in the world when they visited last year and they drew 1-1. They found the cricket difficult, so we expect the same.”

Sammy knows the team will be under less media scrutiny than in India, when the sporting world was focused on Sachin Tendulkar’s last innings in international

cricket.

“This is a different environment,” he said.

“In India, it’s cricket-crazy and it was all about Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell from the game and the media was all crazy.

But here, it’s a bit more peaceful and guys can relax, not so many cameras in their face, and we can focus on the game of cricket.

“There are a number of guys that want to bounce back, myself included. I did not have a good time in India and I want to come out and reassert myself as a Test captain and player, and many of the players want to do the same following the humiliation in India.”

The Windies will be weakened by the absence of Kemar Roach through injury, meaning Tino Best is in line to lead the attack.

New Zealand will be looking for improvement after their last two Tests ended in consecutive draws in Bangladesh.

They have a doubt over batsman Kane Williamson, though, who has a thumb problem.

“It comes down to the medical staff and myself talking,” he said on www.stuff. co.nz.

“That’s what we need to discuss [the risk] because it won’t be 100 per cent and the way it can be managed still needs to be discussed depending on the recovery in the next few days.”

Aaron Redmond is poised to come into the team should Williamson not play.

(Guyana Chronicle)

T&T selects 35 for pre-season training TRINIDAD -- Red Force captain Denesh Ramdin, Sunil Narine and Darren Bravo and young hopefuls including Nicholas Sookdeosingh and Nicholas Pooran, have been called up for the T&T senior cricket team trials, which will begin Monday at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva. The team’s first assignment will be the Regional 50-over competition, which will be held in this country in January. The training squad of 35 will engage in practice sessions over the coming weeks. Narine, Bravo and Ramdin are currently on West Indies duty preparing for the New Zealand tour. The New Zealand tour does not end until the middle of January, which will give many of the new faces a chance to impress the selectors.

Adrian Barath, who has been getting back his past form will be looking to cement his place on the team. Barath has been among the runs recently, scoring an unbeaten 126 for the Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme in the Super Cup Champion-

ships in Barbados. Sookdeosingh, another opening batsman, who scored heavily for Powergen during the club cricket season earlier this year, will be aiming for a spot as well. Other opening batsmen called up for training are Queen’s Park captain Justin Guillen and Evin Lewis, who played well at the Karbonn Smart Champions League T20 tournament in India, earlier this year.

A trio of national Under-19 players has also been included. Pooran, who has not yet lived up to expectations will join the team after returning from Bangladesh. Pooran, along with left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano, are part of the West Indies U-19 team preparing to face the Bangladesh U-19s. The Bangladesh tour will end on December 20.

All-rounder Vikash Mohan, who captained the national U-19 team earlier this year is also in the set up. Some of the cricketers providing experience in the squad are Rayad Emrit, Kevon Cooper, Sherwin Ganga and Jason Mohammed. (Trinidad Guardian)

16 Wednesday, December 4, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN 1 tomato 1 tablespoon Caribbean green seasoning 1/4 teaspoon roasted geera (cumin) 1/4 teaspoon amchar massala (optional) 4 cloves garlic 1 small onion 2 sprigs thyme 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 scotch bonnet pepper 1 cup water

Caribbean Pot: Curry Lobster the Caribbean way Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking If I were to count using my fingers the amount of times this dish was cooked in our home growing up, I’d have room left to count 10 other dishes. Curry lobster (or lobster curry as our Guyanese cousins say) never made it to our dinner table as far as I could remember. However curry crabs (simmered in freshly made coconut milk) served with flour dumplings was a regular thing.

L Let Le Let’s et’ t’s mi m mimic imi miic th m tthat hat ccurry urrry ry ccrab rab re rrecipe, eci cipe pe,, wi pe w with th h th h use off tthese h l t llobster b t pieces i ffor the succulent what could only be described as the ultimate curry lobster.

Quick lobster note… lobsters found in the tropical waters of the Caribbean are different than the ones most North Americans are familiar with (like Maine lobsters). The Caribbean lobster tend to be a bit more boney (spiny), there’s a subtle difference in taste and they have no claws. I remember snorkeling in the pristine waters of Tobago (Buccoo Reef) a few years back and catching my first ever spiny lobster. With no means of sparking up a fire and cooking it.. let’s just say that was the last time a lobster got away from me!

You’ll Need: 2 lobsters (about 3lbs) 1/2 teaspoon salt

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2 tablespoon veg oil 3 tablespoon curry powder 1/4 cup water to cook the curry 1/4 onion for cooking curry Wash, clean and cut the lobster into pieces.

I used a Maine lobster, so I had claws (crack then a few places for the marinade and curry to do it’s thing from the inside -out)… season with the salt, tomato, garlic , onion, garlic, green seasoning, amchar massala, black pepper, roasted geera, thyme and scotch bonnet pepper. Please allow this to marinate for at least 2 hrs in the fridge. Remember to take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you’re ready to start the curry, so it comes back to room temp before cooking.

Heat the oil in a deep pot on medium heat and add the diced 1/4 onion. Lower the heat to low and let it cook for 2 minutes. Meanwhile in a small bowl, mix the curry powder and 1/4 cup of water to form a sort of thick paste. Pour in the curry mix and cook on low for about 3-5 minutes, until it starts to cook down, go grainy and start to clump.

The goal here is to cook off the raw curry taste and to really intensify the overall curry flavors. Turn up your heat if you find that it’s not cooking down. You should have a thick paste, with signs of the vegetable oil you started off with. If you’ve not already done so, turn the heat up to medium high

and start adding the marinated lobster pieces to the pot, stirring as you do to pick up all that great curry flavors from the bottom of the pot. Try to coat all the pieces of the lobster with the curry base we created. Place the lid on the pot and bring to a boil. It will release it’s own juices. Let that simmer for a couple minutes, then remove the lid and turn up the heat.

The goal now is to intensify the combined flavors of the curry, seasonings and lobster. Burn off any liquid. In the same bowl you marinated the lobster, pour in the 1 cup of water and stir to pick up all remaining marinade. Pour in the water (mixed with any remaining marinade) into the pot and bring to a boil.

The lobster will go a brilliant red/ orange color as it cooks and stand out brilliantly against the rich greenish color of the curry sauce. With the pot uncovered, let that cook for another 4-6 minutes or until the lobster is cooked to your liking (try to not overcook). Personalize this curry lobster by tasting for salt and adjusting accordingly and the the gravy or sauce should be as thick as you like.

Since I had my mom’s help in cooking this tasty curry lobster, she usually finishes off her curry dishes with a topping of finely chopped shado beni (aka culantro, chadon beni or bandanya), if you can’t source shado beni, cilantro works great. Add when you turn off the stove.

You can get creative by using coconut milk instead of the 1 cup of water, but I personally find that it mellows the overall taste too much and takes away from the lovey flavors of the lobster itself.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 17

Prevent heart and lung issues through yogic breathing Geeta Maraj Yoga We are now accustomed to hearing the word ‘yoga’ mentioned on a daily basis. In fact, yoga has become a part of our regular vocabulary, and rightfully so, as it stems from ancient Eastern teachings originated in India around 3300 BCE. Yoga remains unchallenged for its multifarious benefits to the mind, the body and the spirit.

One yogic breath which can improve lung strength and prevent heart issues is known as kapalabhati or the rapid breath. Though this type of breathing exercise may sound bizarre to the ear, its benefits to the heart and lungs are unmatched.

Kapalabhati is a combination

of two Sanskrit words: ‘kapala’ meaning ‘skull,’ and ‘bhati’ meaning ‘shine’. This ‘skull shine’ breathing exercise is basically done to cleanse the lungs and create better concentration. In conjunction, it gives the heart a massage while also strengthening the lungs.

To perform this type of yogic breath, you have to make a sniffing sound loudly through your nostrils as if you are trying to blow your nose without a tissue. If you are to imagine that your body is rigid and that there is a fly on the tip of your nose which you need to get rid of and all you can do is sniff as loudly as possible in hope that it flies off - then you have figured out how to perform this beneficial breath. While the rapid breath bears a similarity to blowing your nose, the exhalation is forceful. It is through this vigorous exhalation that the heart gets a massage as the diaphragm is pushing against the lungs and the heart.

The diaphragm is a sheet like muscle which separates the heart and lungs from the abdominal cavity and is paramount to respiration. When the diaphragm contracts, air is drawn into the lungs. Similarly when the

diaphragm expands, air is pushed out of the lungs. Our ability to contract and expand our diaphragm with force is what helps to keep our heart and lungs strong - preventing heart disease and respiratory issues.

To perform kapalabhati you must sit upright, keeping the spine straight. Once this is done, your firstly exhale till your abdominal muscles are fully contracted and you have pushed all the stale air out of your lungs. After which you inhale deeply and then breathe out again. Your next inhale should be an in breath to fill your lungs to three quarter capacity. This breath is then exhaled forcefully through your nostrils as if you are sniffing loudly. Once this is done, you breathe in a regular full breath again. This is called a single kapalabhati exhalation, and at the point when you exhale forcefully, you should feel your entire abdominal area instantly contract.

Once you become comfortable with this type of breath, you can begin to do double exhalations or double sniffs – meaning when you exhale forcefully, you exhale twice before you inhale a regular breath again. With time you can build up to triple exhalations

per in breath, and eventually you can exhale repeatedly for up to 20 or 30 times before you inhale a regular breath again. When you are doing this breath for extended repetitions do not fear that your lungs will run out of air to exhale. Once you forcefully push air out of your lungs, though passive recoil, air equally enters your lungs without you purposely breathing in, therefore you are able to repeatedly exhale forcefully without running out of breath to exhale.

This type of breath can be practiced at any time, but is best performed in the early morning as a way to sharpen your concentration and focus. If you have suffered a heart attack, or have any heart ailment, or respiratory issues, you should only practice this breath in single exhalations. While this type of breathing can have benefits to persons with such ailments, it is best to seek medical advice prior to practicing, and more so, to practice this breath under the supervision of a qualified yoga therapist.

From the young to the very aged, this breath by far is one which stands the test of time in sharpening our focus, while massaging and strengthening our heart

18 Wednesday, December 4, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Tumeric: Whatʼs in the power of this wonder-spice?

Natalie Norman

The Obedient Omnivore

Health Tips Our bodies know us better than our minds do! Obey your body and it will thank you!

The Obedient Omnivore’s ingredient of the week this week is Turmeric! As cold and flu season is here, ensuring you take the right steps to prevent and control getting sick, doesn’t mean you have to necessarily deprive yourself.

This wonder-spice is acclaimed as an anti-inflammatory. Taken with honey, ginger, lemon or even milk, turmeric has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory action in many proven experiments. This herb contains essential oil, manganese, iron, potassium, fiber, and even vitamin B6. The potency of turmeric lies in its yellow or orange pigment called Curcumin.

Curcumin is thought to be the crucial medicinal agent in turmeric. Before we see it in its deep yellowish-orange powder form, Turmeric originates from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant. Its appearance has

tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh.

Turmeric has been an ancient remedy used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Indian and other Asian practices of medicine in which it was traditionally named “Indian saffron” because of its deep yelloworange colour. Its versatile uses have come into play throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. Turmeric is a resourceful herb used in curry for fragrance and spice. Depending on the type of curry you wish to make, your curry will have a blend of different yet aromatic spices.

West Indians love to cook curries!

Believe it or not, curry mixtures actually contain purifying, healing, and preservative properties! Peppers, that we use to add that spice and flare to give curry its heat, contain Capsaicin which aids as an effective pain reliever for osteoarthritis and headaches.

Capsaicin is used to manage the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and other conditions that may cause inflammation.

The consistent main ingredients in curry do not change, but adding more ingredients is a common practice depending on the region, i.e. Curry powder (which contains turmeric), Masala and Cumin if you are from the Caribbean. Cumin contains seeds composed of essential oil.

Some other traditional uses of turmeric were used in Indian and Chinese medicine to treat chest pain, hemorrhage, bruises,

and toothaches. As an antioxidant, turmeric acts as a defense against arthritis and other joint diseases. It inhibits cancer cell growth, lowering rates of colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Like cayenne pepper, turmeric lowers cholesterol and helps protect the heart against disease. The high level of vitamin B6 helps control homocysteine levels—a major risk factor of heart disease. Turmeric has a spicy, warm and bitter flavour and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, and while it is best known as one of the ingredients used to make curry, it also gives ballpark mustard its bright yellow colour plus, it’s delicious!

Be sure to use turmeric rather than curry powder—a study analyzing curcumin content in 28 spice products described as turmeric or curry powders found that pure turmeric powder had the highest concentration of curcumin, averaging 3.14% by weight.

The curry powder samples, with one exception, contained very small amounts of curcumin. (World’s Healthiest Foods) Turmeric is the spice with a reputation known to give curry its golden colour, however curry doesn’t necessarily have to be your only source for turmeric intake.

Check out these light and easy ways to add this beneficial spice to your daily diet:

of turmeric 2. Add a dash of turmeric to your stir fried or sautéed veggies; Marinate chicken breast in a turmeric and lemon marinade.

3. Add turmeric to your next rice dish for a tasty new take on rice.

4. Sprinkle a bit of turmeric on your next batch of roasted potatoes.

5. Infuse a half cup of olive oil with a teaspoon of turmeric and brush it onto your corn on the cob in lieu of butter.

6. Sprinkle some turmeric into your next batch of lentil soup.

7. Add a dash of turmeric into your scrambled eggs or tofu.

8. When sautéing onions, sprinkle some turmeric for added flavor.

9. Add a dash to your roasted cauliflower!

While eating right is important, you don’t have to subject yourself to a lifetime of bland healthy food - options for turmeric are endless!

1. Flare up your salad dressing with a pinch

Top 6 reasons to start eating figs right now This time of year, figs are appearing in a variety of holiday dishes ranging from salads to spreads. However, they’re desirable any time of the year and are delicious fresh or dried. Figs are not only tasty, but have a host of health benefits from helping with weight loss goals to playing a role in macular degeneration prevention.

Six Health Benefits of Figs Regulate Blood Pressure Figs (black mission figs in particular) are naturally sodium-free. Who knew? Couple that with the fact that they are a good source of potassium and the fig is a great way to help reduce high blood pressure. High sodium diets often contribute to hypertension which can lead to more detrimental health issues such as stroke and heart problems. According to a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study, those who enjoyed

a low sodium, high potassium diet lowered their blood pressure by an average of 5.5 over 3.0 points (systolic over diastolic).

overconsumption of figs, like any food high in dietary fiber, may result in diarrhea or excessive bowel movements.

pressure regulation, but for its role in preventing loss of calcium in urine which can lead to bone thinning.

Weight Control For those wanting to lose weight or just keep their healthy weight in check, figs are an ideal source of fiber. In fact, figs are listed on the World’s Healthiest Foods web site, touted as an amazing food that stands out for its high fiber content. Fiber is not only healthy, but imparts a feeling of satiety that can help reduce the tendency to overeat. Additionally, approximately 3.75 ounces of figs are only 74 calories, making them a low-calorie choice for those watching their weight.

Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Benefits Eating figs may ward off breast cancer in some women. One study involving over 50,000 postmenopausal women who ate an increased amount of fiber like that in figs, had a 34% reduction in breast cancer risk over those who consumed less. It’s thought that the fiber content in figs, in addition to its high levels of antioxidants, helps ward off cancers while promoting overall health.

Better Vision According to The National Eye Institute, about 9 million Americans over 40 suffer from macular degeneration. Figs, which are high in vitamin A, are believed to preserve eyesight. Vitamin A is known improve eyesight, including age-related macular degeneration.

Improved Digestion The fiber content in figs can help keep digestive issues at bay, bolstering bowel movement regularity and providing constipation relief. Be careful not to overindulge though;

Stronger Bones Figs are a fruit source of calcium. In fact, 8 ounces (in weight) of figs contain 79 milligrams of the bone-strengthening mineral, leading to better bones and ultimately, the prevention of osteoporosis. Its potassium levels are also important, not just for blood

There are a variety of figs to choose from.

The most common are black mission (sweet, purple/dark skin), adriatic (often referred to as “white” or “candy stripped” figs), brown turkey figs, calimyrna figs and kadota. They can be enjoyed fresh or dried. As with any food, choose organic whenever possible.

(NaturalNews)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Health foods youʼve never heard of (until now) Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips New health foods hit stores shelves every day. It can be overwhelming to keep up with all of the new products, let alone know how to use them. Let’s discuss some hidden gems that you might want to purchase next time you are perusing the aisles of your local health food store.

Have you ever heard of nutritional yeast? For centuries yeast has been a part of humanity’s food supply. Beer to bread, these little organisms help make some of our most delicious foods. There are thousands of different types of yeast, some are good for us and some are not. Saccyromyces cervicea is what is known as a nutritional yeast.

This yeast can be sprinkled on food and has a mild cheesy, nutty flavor. It can even be sprinkled on popcorn as a cheese powder substitute. Nutritional yeast is a source of selenium, potassium and all of your B vitamins, except for B12. Beta- glucans are special carbohydrates that can stimulate your immune system and these are also found in high quantities in nutritional yeast. BioStrath is a unique yeast-based product from Switzerland that is widely carried in Canadian health food stores. Sold as a liquid, a tablespoon can be mixed into smoothies for a quick and natural vitamin boost.

Month after month, I watched lonely bottles of beet root juice collect dust on the shelves. None of our dispensary customers knew how or why to use this extremely healthful drink. Beets, the naturally sweet and richly colored vegetable, contain nitrates. Your body can use nitrates to make nitric oxide and this chemical tells your blood vessels to relax and dilate. When your blood vessels open up, your blood pressure goes down. Beet root juice can help athletic performance help treat and prevent hyperten-

sion.

The health properties of honey have been known for thousands of years. This sweet food is made from the nectar of flowers, and depending on the flower, the honey can take on different properties. This leads us to our third underappreciated health food: manuka honey. This honey is so amazing that it can be applied topically to wounds and burns as an antibacterial agent. Antibiotics, while very helpful, if used in excess can lead to resistant strains of bacteria. Bacteria that are unresponsive to antibiotics are a major public health concern. Manuka honey has been shown to be active against MRSA, the most serious form of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

From healing wounds to lowering blood pressure, these hidden health gems offer a wide range of benefits. While these products are generally safe for regular consumption, it is always advisable to check in with your naturopathic doctor or health care provider before beginning a new health regimen.

Cosmetic dentistry Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

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 patients seek a smile makeover, a consultation is necessary to address

their needs and expectations, the different treatment options, limitations 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.

Your dentist can advise you which treatment is best for you.

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 a deformed mouth then orthodontic intervention would be the treatment of choice.

Front teeth with spaces can be quickly converted into normal looking teeth with no spaces and lighter shades 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.

They 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 with 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 lost as a result of missing teeth or injury. Full dentures are often the treatment of choice for the elderly with no natural teeth.

The family workout Monique Bartlett Fitness One of the biggest challenges when trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle is how to make sure you make enough time for yourself and

your family. Usually most people make them mutually exclusive but you don’t have to. Why not do something that involves the whole family so not only will you all be together but you will also be keeping healthy together as well.

No matter how many of you there are or how old each of you are there are always things you can do together. The easiest thing is to go for a walk. It’s easy, it’s fun and it’s something that you can all do. It can be done in almost any weather and is easy for everyone of most ability levels to do. You can also take it up a notch and go for a bike

ride. Whether it’s on two wheels or three, it’s still fun for the whole family.

If you want to take it up a notch, why not learn a sport together. It could be something like tennis, soccer, baseball or hockey. They’re fun, a little competitive and it’s exercise but doesn’t feel like it. It builds team spirit and sportsmanship and also builds patience and character. Who knows, you may even find a future professional athlete in your family.

Make no excuses. Just get out there and do it. Have some fun, build the family bond and stay fit and healthy together.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Mutual release, vendor take back mortgage & whole life insurance Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate: Mutual Release is a form used in real estate when a deal does not go through releasing both buyer and seller from their contractual obligations.

Both parties must sign the form as well as the Brokers of Record from the respective brokerages. This form is used as a result of a condition not being met or not waived therefore making the Agreement of Purchase and Sale void. Mutual Release allows for the return of funds (deposit) to the buyer and also allows the seller to continue to show the property and accept other offers from other potential buyers.

Mortgage: A Vendor Take Back Mortgage is a type of mortgage in which the seller offers to lend funds to the buyer to facilitate the purchase of the property.

This type of mortgage can also help promote the sale of property by making it attractive to buyers who do not qualify for the full mortgage loan. The Vendor Take Back Mortgage in most cases represents a secondary lien on the property as the primary source of funding will take first position. This is a great opportunity for both buyer and seller. The buyer will be able to purchase a property that they would not normally qualify to purchase and the seller will be able to generate revenue through the interest charged on the por-

tion of the mortgage he or she provided.

However, there is some risk to the seller if the buyer defaults on the mortgage because the primary mortgage holder will get paid first and then the seller will get what’s left over or could potentially lose their investment.

Finance: A Whole Life insurance policy is designed to provide insurance protection from the date of issue until the death of the insured as long as the premiums are paid up to date. The policy is designed to mature or endow when the insured reaches the age of one hundred. It not only provides insurance protection, it also accumulates a cash value. The insurance component pays the face value amount of the policy upon death of the insured. The investment portion accumulates a cash value that the policyholder can withdraw or borrow against at a low interest rate. If the outstanding loan is not repaid at the time of death of the policyholder, the beneficiary would receive the face amount less the amount of the outstanding loan and any unpaid interest due on the loan.

As the most basic form of cash value life insurance, whole life insurance is a way to accumulate wealth as regular premiums pay insurance costs and contribute to growth in a savings account where dividends or interest is allowed to build up tax deferred. A growing number of investors are now looking at life insurance as an attractive way to improve returns and reduce risk in their portfolios.

The cash value is invested in a professionally managed, diversified investment pool that can include stocks, bonds and alternative investments such as real estate.

Improvements to the Canadian Experience Class Between November 9, 2013 to October 31, 2014, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will accept a maximum of 12,000 new applications under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Because of an overrepresentation in the CEC applications received to date, the following six occupations will no longer be eligible for the CEC starting November 9, 2013: - cooks (NOC code 6322); - food service supervisors (NOC 6311); - administrative officers (NOC 1221); - administrative assistants (NOC 1241); - accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 1311); and - retail sales supervisors (NOC 6211).

CIC already has a large inventory of applications in these occupations and will continue processing them to a final decision.

In addition, CIC will establish sub-caps of 200 applications each for National Occupational Classification (NOC) B occupations. These are mostly technical and administrative jobs or those in the skilled trades. NOC 0 and A (managerial and professional) occupations will not be sub-capped, but they will be subject to the overall cap of 12,000 applications.

Finally, CIC will maintain the same language criteria for applicants but will verify them upfront as of November 9, 2013. The current language requirements are Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for NOC 0 and A occupations, and CLB 5 for NOC B occupations. This new measure will ensure that applicants who do not meet the minimum language requirements are screened out earlier and processing resources can be concentrated on those who are more likely to qualify.

At the same time, this is more client-friendly, as applicants who do not have the required language proficiency will have their applications returned to them along with the processing fee. (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Is 407ETR a government sanctioned monopoly?

Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters Section 6 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the mobility rights of Canadian Citizens. It was established to keep Canada united. Section 6.2 gives us the right to move to any province and gain livelihood in any province. As I understand the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the spirit is to improve people socially and economically, not have a private company, impede that.

By giving the 407ETR the ability to place a person in “Plate Denial” without any proof whatsoever that “lawful” charges exist is a breach to our freedom of mobility.

Has Ontario lost their way? Has Ontario decided that big business is more important than the quality of life of their people? Ontario has decided that 407ETR’s success is in the public interest. Ontario has refused to hold accountable this company for breaching our rights to freedoms to mobility.

By continuing to turn a blind eye this compa-

ny smacks of a government sanctioned monopoly. That would lead us down the road to fascism not democracy. It is up to us to protect our democratic rights!

Nobody should ever have to pay fees or interest on a bill over a mailing error. It is not up to the public to make sure this company is operating their business properly. 407ETR has always had access to MTO’s database, but up until 2010, the company simply choose not to access it to make sure they were billing the correct person at the correct address. They should not be rewarded for their failings in operating this highway.

Currently there is no accountability on how this company is tolling. A study is required on how much money is actually made from tolls versus interest charges and fees and also the financial feasibility of a private corporation operating and maintaining our highways based on the consumer price index. Without such studies, the question should be asked if we are supporting corporate welfare.

Kevin Sack, 407ETR’s VP of Communication and Government Relations told us that they are in the business of collecting tolls, not fees and interest. If this statement is true they have an accountability to us, the people, to prove it and our government should legislate them into it.

407ETR has increased peak rates

from $.1625/KM in 2006 to $.262/KM in 2013. This represents a 61.23% increase.

According to the Bank of Canada, the consumer price index for 2006-2013 was 12.11%. If 407ETR adjusted their rates based on CPI, tolls should be only $.1822/ KM. That is a difference of $.08/KM. Think about it. The average trip length is 20.5 KM times that by 2 and you would get 41 KM/day times that by 235 working days/year and the average commuter is paying $771 more per year according to the consumer price index. If you add to that the interest and fees 407ETR arbitrarily tacks on … you get consumers being gouged! This is worse than double taxation because not only do we pay for our roads and highways through the gas tax, tire tax, etc.… but now we are paying a premium just to get to our jobs, not just if we travel on 407ETR, but on all the other vital arteries and highways because their model is flawed and causes more congestion on other travel routes. It’s a breach of our rights to mobility.

We have to stand up for our rights!

We cannot allow a government sanctioned monopoly to interfere with our social and economic quality of life. It’s time to reign in 407ETR once and for all. We can do it!

Please sign and share our petition http://tinyurl.com/change-the-407act

Canadaʼs visa policy Under Canada’s immigration law, all visitors to Canada require a temporary resident visa, except citizens of countries for which an exemption has been granted under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

A visa requirement is Canada’s first line of defence in controlling the flow of people into the country and ensuring the integrity of Canada’s immigration and refugee programs.

Canada’s visa policy decisions are not based on reciprocity but rather on a country-by-country assessment and seek to ensure there is a balance between welcoming visitors, while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians.

Currently, there are 51 countries (including Czech Republic) that do not require a visa to visit Canada.

Assessment criteria All countries and territories are assessed

against a comprehensive set of established criteria, which are reflective of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) program objectives and Canada’s national interests.

These criteria are grouped into seven categories: - Socio-economic conditions, including political stability, economic indicators, prevalence of corruption and effectiveness of the legal system; - Immigration issues, including rate of asylum claims, visitor visa application refusal rates and immigration violation rates; - Travel document integrity, including the security and issuance process for travel documents; - Safety and security issues, including criminality, organized crime and national security concerns; - Border management, including effective border controls, human smuggling and traf-

ficking concerns; - Human rights issues, including the protection of fundamental freedoms; and - Bilateral considerations, including cooperation on migration issues, bilateral trade and investment, as well as foreign policy interests.

The criteria provided above under each category are not exhaustive and are meant to provide examples of issues that are examined in visa policy reviews.

CIC reviews visa requirements on a country-by-country basis. This process is supported by ongoing monitoring and careful analysis of conditions and migration trends. Extensive consultations are also under way with federal government partners to ensure that decisions reflect a balance of Canada’s interests.

(CIC)

Nominations now being accepted for 2014 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism OTTAWA -- Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, today invited Canadians to submit nominations for the sixth annual Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism. ““Canada’s pluralism is a big part of what makes our country great, and it’s important that we continue to strengthen and promote it,”” said Minister Kenney. ““That is why, through the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism, we recognize those who have shown dedication to fostering integration and social cohesion in communities across Canada. I encourage all Canadians to nominate a friend, colleague or volunteer worker who makes outstanding efforts to build a stronger country.””

The award commemorates the legacy of the late Senator Paul Yuzyk, who was a member of the Senate of Canada from

February 1963 to July 1986 and played a key role in the development of Canadian multiculturalism policy. He has been called the father of multiculturalism for his early role in achieving policy recognition for the “third force” of Canadian society; that is, those who were of neither British nor French descent.

One award is granted annually to an individual or a group who demonstrates dedication to advancing intercultural understanding and the integration of newcomers into Canadian society. Individuals are nominated in one of two categories: Outstanding Achievement or Lifetime Achievement.

The Outstanding Achievement category recognizes an individual or group who has recently made a significant contribution to promote and embrace Canada’s long tra-

dition of peaceful pluralism. The Lifetime Achievement category honours an individual who has demonstrated the same dedication over a period of at least ten years.

The award recipient receives a certificate of honour, signed by the Minister, as well as the privilege to select an eligible, registered, not-for-profit Canadian organization to receive a $20,000 grant from the Government of Canada. The 2013 Paul Yuzyk Award recipient for Outstanding Achievement, Mr. Bashir Ahmed of Edmonton, Alberta, selected the Somali Canadian Education and Rural Development Organization to receive the federal grant.

Nominations for the 2014 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism must be postmarked by March 1, 2014. (CIC)

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Culture and arts aid youth in depressed communities - budding T&T star calls for Government to take heed He says even if his logical mind were to tell him to give up on chasing his musical dream, his heart would never allow it. Hayden Peters, known best as Therapy- a Caledonia, Morvant, Trinidad native continues to follow his heart. Currently, he’s doing all that’s necessary to promote himself, in the same breath admitting that getting people at home in T&T, to pay closer attention and understand what he’s about, has been the biggest challenge. In the past few weeks he’s been hard at work Juelio Nu Generation Studios where a new pre- carnival release called, ‘Wine On Somebody’ has been wrapped up and is set for release across T&T. Therapy says the track, which was written by him will be the first of several new tracks he aims at releasing.

Studio time is prime time for Therapy. He’s been occupying the recording studio a lot in the past few months, explaining that because of that, he’s had very little time to make appearances at events. However, all of that will change, he assures, noting that the time has now come for some serious networking and promotion of his music. With a number of singles already created, the young entertainer says he won’t be deterred by anything as he pushes forward. In August, the budding artiste worked with two local entertainment professionals who, ironically, carry the names, Wizz Kidd- the music producer and Wyzz Kidd- the video director. Together, they released a video medley featuring two of Therapy’s older singles, ‘Million Dollar

Wine’ and ‘Good Every time.’ Therapy says he’s happy with the progress so far and plans on keeping a steady head, as he journeys onward.

Like many budding entertainers on the local circuit, Therapy understands that one must put in the work. “I will continue to put my best foot forward and deliver music that’s fit for the world to enjoy,” he said.

Referring to the work of T&T artiste, Bunji Garlin in recent months, in his bid to highlight just how much of an impact the music of our locals can have on the wider world, Therapy said, “We must have confidence in our own product before others can. It would be nice to see corporate entities and government agencies supporting the arts more,” he added, noting that many of the youths who come from depressed communities have held fast to culture and sport as a way out of their situations.

Like many in the entertainment industry, Therapy hopes that the government and corporate T&T could see the financial benefits that could be derived if more investment is made in Arts and Culture. He however says he won’t wait for things to happeninstead he chooses to chart his own course, no matter how long it may take.

With the love for music on his sleeve and a passion to propel, neither stigma nor obstacle will stop this young musical soul. “Music is in me and no matter what it takes, I will show the world just how great my music is.” (EtceteraBuzz.com)

FOR SALE FOR SALE

WINDOW SECURITY CAGE SET: Security window cage set for Chev Express or GMC Savana. Back 2 and 60/40 split windows. Selling as a set only - $100. 647309-4606

WINTER TIRES & RIMS: 215 70 R15 - 2 Goodyear Nordics (90% good) 2 BF Goodrich Slalom tires (95% good) Used for 1 1/2 seasons. Asking $350 - Came off of Ford Windstar. 647-309-4606 METAL SHELVES: 3 metal shelve cases for cargo van. 1 in excellent condition, 2 in good condition. $500 for all 3. 647-3094606 COMFORTER SET: King size comforter set (Brown, Gold & Green). Includes pillow shams and bolster pillows. Asking $50.00.

New, never used. 905-281-0735

2001 FORD WINDSTAR SPORT: So many new parts to list, new paint job in Feb. 2013. Excellent for work vehicle, winter beater or for parts. $1000 as is. 647309-4606 WINTER TIRES: 225 60 R17 winter tires (No Rims) Great condition. Used for one season! $250obo Call 416-388-7417

DVDs: Assorted DVDs for sale or swap.

Contact Jim for more information. 416-8947859

FORWANTED SALE HELP WEST INDIAN COOK WANTED: Start immediately. MUST be experienced. 905564-7800 BUSY BRAMPTON ROTI SHOP: Immediate help wanted. Please call 905-497-6800

SALES REPS NEEDED: We are currently seeking talented sales representatives to increase new business sales through the GTA. We’re looking for confident and selfmotivated individuals that are highly skilled at aquiring new business. 647-722-6298

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

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

905-450-8484

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

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Your Horoscope - December 4th 2013 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Thursday/Friday can put more burden or expense on your plate, but where there’s a need or desire, you’ll figure out a way. The sun’s trine to Uranus serves as a confidence, creativity, and social booster. The combo can also let you off the hook. The coming two weeks move you to higher ground regarding a home, family, health, or work matter.

Enlist help, take advice, choose the easy way out on Thursday/Friday. Saturday through Wednesday, let it roll and design it as you go along. Monday’s new moon calls for you to do more, dig deeper, and play it smarter.

Watch for a boost of motivation and creativity. The past still weighs on you, but it’s how you play it from here that counts most.

You’ll do more, absorb more, spend more, and accomplish more over the next few days. Although you may be stretched to the max, you’ll make the most of it. Sun/Uranus sets the stage for a great shopping, social, or do-your-own-thing weekend. Monday/ Tuesday continues the good flow. Mercury in Sagittarius, starting Wednesday, puts you in an even fuller social or personal swing.

Over the next week, the work, client hunt, or job hunt should come along quite nicely.

Sun/Uranus helps you to correct, fix, heal, find, and connect with ease. Start the new week with a fresh project, aim, or approach.

Seek advice or recruit more help. It’s the right time to start a new conversation—with another or with yourself.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Once you get past Thursday’s overload, you’re onto a smooth sail. Inspiration, rapport, entertainment, the perfect find— through the weekend, you’ll find yourself on an instant-gratification track. Monday’s new moon and Mercury’s advance into Sagittarius on Wednesday launch the full-tilt holiday countdown. Use the next week to get most of your shopping out of the way; you’ll be glad you did.

As of Thursday, the stars take you over a big hump. You’ll find things roll along more naturally for you now, without the added effort or angst. Monday’s new moon sets you to thinking, feeling, and planning along new lines. Mercury in Sagittarius, starting Wednesday, puts even more focus on the holidays and the shifting future. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself.

With the midweek pileup out of the way, you’ll find yourself motoring right along and liking it, too. Sun/Uranus sets up a great weekend for whatever you choose.

Then again, it/they could choose you. Saturday through Tuesday, inspiration, stimulation, and great finds are easy to come by.

Wednesday delivers a switch-up, but it’s still all good.

Think, say, do; wheel and deal. Your intuition and instincts serve you particularly well through the weekend. While Mercury finishes up in Scorpio, you won’t miss a thing. In fact, you’ll keep a step ahead, especially on Thursday/Friday. The weekend can be productive or fun—take your pick or do both. Your gains and wins come easily at the new week’s start.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Venus in Capricorn finds you locking it in and loving it that way. Yes, it’s the right time to sign a contract, undertake a more substantial financial commitment, make your relationship official, or build a family. You are on top of your game through Monday, but it doesn’t stop there. The new week boosts you with even more fresh fuel.

A big week now comes to a close, but it isn’t time to hit the Stop button; crank things up instead. The weekend is ideal for connecting and getting things done on your own.

Monday continues the easy all-access pass.

Follow instincts, mood, and the day’s good lead. Wednesday, you could be short on patience.

Now through mid next week, it’s as if all you have to do is conjure it up or think of them, and voilà. Synchronicity delivers.

Highlighted by the sun on Saturday and Monday’s new moon, Uranus turns you into a good-idea factory and keeps you scoring in the right place at the right time. On Wednesday, pressure builds.

Diving into something new? You’ll find it moves along well for you. If you haven’t found it yet, you could stumble upon it anytime now. Sun/Uranus and Monday’s new moon put plenty of fresh opportunity in your path. Expected, ready, or not: by mid next week, you’ll switch onto the next track.

July 21 - August 22

July 21 - August 22

(April 21 - May 21)

(August 23 - September 22)

(December 21 - January 20)

(May 23 - June 20)

(September 23 - October 22)

(January 21 - February 18)

Answers available on www.TorontoCaribbean.com

(March 21 - April 20)

Across 2) Outside the lines [FOUL] 4) Double ____ [PLAY] 7) Gold ____ Award [GLOVE] 8) High heat [FASTBALL] 9) Louisville ____ [SLUGGER] 11) Backstop [CATCHER] 12) Swipe a base [STEAL] 14) Batter’s head protector [HELMET] 15) Dinger or four-bagger [HOMERUN] Down 1) Dribbler of a hit [BUNT] 2) Caught in the air [FLYBALL] 3) Home ____ [PLATE] 5) Breaking pitch [SLIDER] 6) Base on balls [WALK] 9) Between second and third [SHORTSTOP] 10) Strike caller [UMPIRE] 11) Spiked shoes [CLEATS] 13) Pitcher’s bump [MOUND]

(June 21 - July 20)

(October 23 - November 21)

(February 18 - March 20)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Respecting your inbox!

Jim Pagiamtzis Business Development It never stops, like water dripping from the tap, emails continue to come into our inbox on a daily basis. We may want to control them, but at some point we need to manage our inbox. It is possible!

Years ago we had Hotmail and Yahoo accounts. All of our e-mails would just filter in, and we just managed to scan through the information. Today things have changed.

We have multiple projects and contacts.

Managing communication is important.

Three Strategies to Implement Use Folders: Creating folders to manage your incoming correspondence is the best to way to manage your emails and daily ac-

tivities. There are many emails you can view later in the day or week, and some you can just delete!

Folders give you the ability to handle what’s important in your day Manage Your Contacts: You can create folders with your contact’s name, for example “Eric Swift” and put all the emails coming from him in that selected folder. This will allow you to prioritize your contacts better and gives you an easier way to track down previous emails sent you to by this contact.

Priorities: Being able to prioritize emails that require responses is the first priority that needs to be completed. This should not take long. Answers should be short and sweet.

Recently Gmail made some upgrades separating your emails into primary, social and promotional. This should make it easier to view and then organize your emails for the day.

We are in the 21st century and emails are an important part of your daily business life.

Following the above steps will make it easier to manage and bring results to your day.

Bootstrapping your way to paradise Tina Dietz Business Development Best selling “lifehacker” moguls like Tim Ferriss and Karol Kadja have made their fortune telling people how to build supposedly easy ways to make money using the Internet so that you can go and travel the world without having to work more than a couple of hours a week. These guys have great ideas and are a wealth of online resources, but let’s face it, not everyone is super tech savvy. Not to mention, both of these guys (and many other well known “experts”) are single, 20 something males who dropped out of some Ivy League college. There’s nothing wrong with that, but what about the rest of us? What if you have a family, or you do not have the connections that the upper crust can provide?

Money is a factor in this equation, but it is not as important as you might think. What is far more crucial is for you to define the kind of lifestyle you want to live and what is important to you. Consider what your big picture is regardless of your current circumstances. Look at what inspires you and what legacy you want to leave. As an entrepreneur, you are still far more likely to be happier than most workers even though you might be working longer hours and making less money initially.

As a “bootstrapper,” that is, someone who is using their own money and re-

sources to gradually build a business rather than get investors or take out a big loan, you are probably in for the long haul and already have some kind of vision that inspires you.

Why not go the extra mile and build in more freedom to your dreams? If you are the one at the helm, piloting your own ship…you might as well create your business in such a way that it is an oasis for you. An oasis nourishes and refreshes you as well as those who interact with you.

If you are willing to put in the effort, build a plan, and go on the journey, you will always find a way. Connect with others who have done it. You are not alone. The world has become so flat that with a few keystrokes you can find entire communities who are creating (or who have already created) the kind of life you are looking to live and you will be happier to boot.

Start to question your status quo.

We fall into habits and patterns that we simply accept as truth over time. Unlock your inner rebel and consider if you have allowed your creative thinking to get crushed under limiting beliefs like “I can’t disrupt my kids’ lives,” or “I have to keep my job because of the insurance,” or “It is too expensive.”

When you catch those thoughts and beliefs coming up, start to ask yourself if it is really true then brainstorm some alternatives and try on some new possibilities just like you would slip on a new pair of shoes.

Most overnight successes are years in the making. You get to write your own “choose your own adventure” story. What would your “oasis” look like? My journey has led me to creating a mobile lifestyle for my family, exploring the world.

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26 Wednesday, December 4, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Gallup poll reveals immediate need for YOU to live a great life this is a problem, and unfortunately it’s even worse than you think.

Tina Dietz Business Development You don’t have to live in an exotic place like Costa Rica like I have been doing to create an oasis based business and have a life you love. Having a mobile lifestyle has been our dream, so that’s what we’re living. What I call an oasis is when your business or career nourishes and refreshes you and the people you impact. It’s living a life you love filled with passion and purpose. There is a deep need and a deep hunger all around the world right now, and since you’re reading this I know that there is a hunger and a need in YOU. But did you know that it’s not just important that you have a great life, it is essential?

The recent Gallup Poll and report, the State of the Global Workplace Study reported that more than 75% of people are disengaged from their work. What does this mean? It means that out of every 4 people you know, 3 of them don’t really like what they do, they don’t put their passion into their work, and they are not fulfilled in what they do. It’s an understatement to say that

On purely the personal side of things: - 3 quarters of our working population worldwide, is spending 40-60 hours per week feeling relatively like crap—that’s most of your life - Research shows a strong link between your health and life satisfaction and stress, so now not only are you not loving work, but you’re dealing with pain, insomnia, medical bills, the side effects of medications, and extra time, energy, and money spent on dealing with your health and dealing with being sick in some way - If you spend most of your day feeling lousy, how much energy do you have when you get home to enjoy the rest of your life outside of work? How many times per week do you come home drained, and then you get down on yourself because you want to engage with your kids, your spouse, do what you really love, but you just don’t have the energy?

All this is enough to make you say ok, enough is enough! Now why am I telling you all this? It’s really important to stay with this conversation because even though all this is lousy news—we as human beings have an incredible capacity to deal with crap, as long as it’s crap that we’re used to. No matter

what a Gallup poll says, you might not love your life right now… but you can survive it.

How do I know this? Because you’ve gotten this far, so you could keep going, right?

Right. But that’s not what you’re committed to, is it? You want something more.

Ok, so we’re clear on some of the impacts of YOU not living fully inside your passion and purpose, and that might just be enough to give you the motivation to change.

But for most people it’s not enough, simply because of the reasons I just mentioned. We are designed to survive, and we will survive.

But what about the other impacts of you not living a life you love?

- If 75% of the world is disengaged from their work, how does that impact the work they do? Are the best quality products getting made? Are people getting the best service? Are people motivated to come up with brilliant solutions and put 110% into creating and solving problems? Hell no. What gifts and talents is the world missing out on because you’re not living your purpose and passion?

- And here’s the last point, but it is by far the most important. What do we tell our kids?

Don’t we always tell them things like “you can accomplish anything!” and “you can be anything!” and “do what you love and the money will follow!”?? And then what do they see? That they’ve been lied to, because actions always speak louder than words.

You choosing to live a great life is essential.

A life of passion and purpose is the greatest gift you could ever give the world and yourself, so the only question I have for you is-how long will you wait until you have that life?

Do you fit this description?

- You’re motivated.

- You’re seeking solutions.

- You’re in action but you’re not sure what to do next.

- You want to accelerate your results now.

- You are determined to have an incredible life of passion, purpose, and profits and you refuse to take no for an answer.

If this is you, then email me tina@thisistinadietz.com to request your date and time for a complementary, no strings attached 30 minute coaching consultation to explore how we can work together to bring your vision into reality and get you the tools and support you need. Only 10 spaces are open and you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let me share the ripple effect with you and guide you on the path to thriving.