3 Days Of Caribbean 071713

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VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 11 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 17TH 2013

CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & MORE

3 DAYS OF CARIBBEAN!

A taste of the Caribbean in three days, under one roof

CINDY RAMKUMAR/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

BRAMPTON -- Walking into the Caribbean Pavilion at Brampton’s Carabram, I am immediately drawn to the “back home” feeling. I feel as if I am island hopping from my cold Canadian home, all my way down to the southern-most Caribbean islands, Trinidad and Tobago. Trophies, history, pictures, art, and memorabilia adorned the entry and walkway to the pavilion.

Carabram, founded in 1982, is an annual multi-cultural festival, hosted in Brampton. Carabram is celebrating 31 years, of the world’s greatest festivals in one city.

Residents of Brampton can taste, enjoy, see and feel the culture of 40 countries.

I had the pleasure of enjoying everything that the Caribbean Pavilion had to offer. The Caribbean pavilion is the only original pavilion still in the festival. The Caribbean festival was hosted by the United Achievers Club, and the Congress of Black Women Chapter this year.

This Caribbean Pavilion was definitely a must see over the weekend.

Brampton came alive this weekend with the sounds of steelpan, Caribbean mu-

sic, traditional dancers and everything ethnic, cultural and Caribbean.

For those who were in attendance, the environment was one of relaxation and socialisation. People were treated booths and booths of Caribbean merchandise, apparel, souvenirs, and food. I was even upsold on buying souvenirs that I know I won’t use, but I couldn’t help myself, as everything was Caribbean made and incorporated Caribbean colours of its respective countries.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

8th Annual Caribbean Tales Toronto Film Showcase Set to Hit the Screen

Emily Singh TC Reporter

Robyn,

28, works with autistic children in an elementary school and is also a yoga instructor in Toronto. When she’s not working, she loves to be active, playing soccer, volleyball and doing a lot of yoga.

This beauty fell in love with Soca and Reggae music when she was very young and has developed a love for Carnival! Robyn’s dream is to one day open her own yoga studio where she can help transform peoples lives.

TORONTO -- Lights, camera, action! Brace yourself to be blown away yet again for the 8th year of the Caribbean Tales Toronto Film Showcase. The beautiful islands of the Caribbean are noted for their pristine beaches and honeymoon getaway spots, but there is something that is more beautiful hidden amongst these islands: Stories. Come out from August 17th to September 14th and witness Caribbean culture, beauty, history and more importantly talent come alive on the big screen.

The official media launch on Thursday hosted at the Consulate General for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago turned an eager crowd excited to be a part of history in the making. It was here that CEO of Caribbean Tales, Frances-Anne Soloman took to the floor to announce the five centerpiece films that will be competing. The five confirmed films are: Kingston Paradise, No Bois Man No Fraid, Abo So (Only You), Elliot Loves and lastly Songs of Redemption.

Hand in hand Caribbean Tales Worldwide Distribution and Islands of the Caribbean will take over the Canadian National Exhibition on August 17th, 18th and 30th to present “Gems of the Caribbean”. Come down to the CNE at 210 Princes’ Boulevard during these three days to view a series of film screenings.

The film showcase in which four of

the five centerpiece films will be screened will be taking place on September 9th, 11th, 13th and 14th. Hosted by the Harborfront Center at 235 Queen’s Quay West the showcase will commence with “No Bois Man No Fraid” on September 13th at 6:30 PM. This film coming from Trinidad highlights the martial art of Kalinda also known as sticks fighting and follows the journey of two young martial artistes.

To end the showcase on September 14th will be the highly anticipated film “Songs of Redemption” at 9:30 pm. Through the universal language of music inmates of the General Penitentiary located in Kingston, Jamaica tell their story through song.

September 4th will be the official Red Carpet Gala from 5:30 pm to 11 pm at the Harborfront Centre. There will be a catered reception followed by the screening of “Kingston Paradise” at the Studio Theatre. This gala is launched in association with the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

“I know last year Frances-Anne said they sold out at the screening so I would expect the same this year. The films are really good films, especially “No Bois Man No Fraid” by Christopher Laird from Trinidad and Tobago.

He is very talented so I know that film will be a hit for sure.” Commented Venessa RamhitRamroop representing Dr. Vidya Gyan TotaMaharaj, Consul General for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto.

Come out and celebrate the diversity, beauty and richness of Caribbean culture from August 17th to September 14th. The Caribbean Tales Toronto Showcase will without a doubt amaze you and put the Caribbean on the map for film and television. For more information and screening times visit www.caribbeantales-events.com.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Brampton comes alive with the Caribbean spirit!

Cindy Ramkumar TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- Sadly my Caribbean journey ended on Sunday. As sad as I was to see it end, it hurt even more to feel it ending, as no longer would I hear the sweet sound of the steelpan, or be entertained by

the beautiful kids in French Creole dresses dancing so beautifully and graciously on the stage.

However it left me with enough memories to keep my mind entertained and my heart full, until the next Carabram takes place in 2014. Hopefully as promised every year, the event seems to be getting bigger and better.

So to the Carabram committee, I am sure I speak not only for myself, but for those who attended such a vivacious beautiful multi-cultural festival, in 2014, we all await with great anticipation and excitement to see if you can supersede such a beautiful and cohesive pavilion.

Toronto Celebrates 25th Annual Afrofest 2013

Emily Singh TC Reporter TORONTO -- Through the rain and shine Afrofest 2013 presented by Music Africa turned a large crowd both Saturday and Sunday at Woodbine Park. Kicking off its 25th year Afrofest is a dynamic showcase of the diverse continent of Africa. Embracing Toronto’s vast multiculturalism, this two-day event had everyone swaying their hips and snapping their fingers in sync to the traditional African drums.

Countries such as Sudan, Cameroon, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria took to both the Baobab Stage and Main Stage in the form of dance performances, song, drum displays, reggae performances and rap numbers. Also on display was a wide selection of handmade Af-

rican jewelry, traditional clothing and beautiful pieces of African art. Africa is well known for its all-natural beauty products such as shea butter, which is credited for its skin restoration and healing properties. Also on sale was a variety of natural handmade soaps infused with natural scents. Torontonians got a firsthand taste of Africa and its mouth-watering delicacies not to mention summer favorites like ice cold lemonade.

Over the course of two days the public was able to embrace the beauty of African and get a firsthand look at its diversity amongst its many countries. Events such as Afrofest allow us to embrace and celebrate the diverse city that we live in as well as educate and teach the younger generation about the world. Children were able to learn about African culture and had a chance to play the drums and have their faces painted. Despite the rain, nothing stopped the drums from beating and the dancers from dancing. The festivities and celebrations wrapped up at 8:30 pm Sunday with a prayer vigil for former South African leader Nelson Mandela who is currently ill.

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Three rescued in Cuyuni River mishap GUYANA -- Three persons were saved from a watery grave Saturday afternoon after the vessel in which they were travelling capsized, tossing them into the Cuyuni River.

Reports are that a Brazilian national and his two Guyanese associates were heading upriver when their vessel hit an underwater object and toppled.

The vessel reportedly had on board only the three men, who, up to press time were not identified by name. At time of the mishap, the vessel was allegedly ferrying fuel.

Last evening, Director-General of the Maritime Administration Department, Ms. Claudette Rogers, expressed satisfaction at the efforts of persons in the area, whose assistance ensured the three men were rescued, thus preventing another river tragedy.

Ms. Rogers pointed out that the safety team of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) was scheduling a visit to another location where boats frequently operate, but in light of Saturday’s incident, the team would divert its attention to the Cuyuni River area.

However, before confirming that the men were rescued and were all safe, the Director-General expressed frustration that, with all the resources being expended to ensure safety on the waterways, and despite the various sensitization programmes, when accidents occur on the waters, the department

ultimately feels its efforts to preserve lives are in vain.

The Maritime Administration Department enjoys the full support of subject minister Robeson Benn, who has responsibility for travel in Guyana, be it by road, air or water.

There have been instances when Minister Benn himself accompanied officers from MARAD and the army coast guards in coordinating search and rescue and recovery operations.

In the past, the Maritime Administration Department and the Ministry of Public Works have been redoubling their efforts to ensure both boat operators and passengers comply with safety regulations and practices.

There is often the sad practice of some passengers refusing to wear life jackets throughout their journey on the river, and there are those who usually take them off when the boats leave the respective docking points.

The MARD has been putting systems in place to curb this practice, even as it tries desperately to ensure persons who enter a boat for however short a journey comply with using a life jacket, and using it the correct way.

Some calls have been made for a review of the maritime laws. (Guyana Chronicle)

Information hub to assist farmers with marketing JAMAICA -- An information hub has been established to gather and disseminate information between the ministries of agriculture and tourism.

Minister of Agriculture Roger Clarke said this move is aimed at assisting farmers with information on market needs, which will determine their production targets.

“What it seeks to do is to really garner information, as to what is needed in the hotel sector and to guide production to satisfy that demand,” he explained.

The agriculture minister was responding to questions from the press at the closing session of the Supporting Economic Empowerment and Development in the Caribbean and Pacific (SEED CAP) women’s Forum, held at the Half Moon Bay Resort, in Montego Bay, last Friday.

The SEED CAP forum, was hosted by the United States Department of State in collaboration with the New Zealand Government.

Clarke noted that the lack of information on what is needed has been a sore problem in relation to the production levels of farmers, which has on many occasions led to inconsistent supplies.

According to Clarke, the problem of inconsistency of supplies is one of the reasons why his ministry has also moved towards establishing greenhouses to enable farmers to be able to produce on a consistent basis.

“The other thing that we have done is to expand our irrigation systems. Right now we have put in place about five new systems, which will enable farmers to produce on a consistent basis,” Clarke informed.

He added further, “All that we want now is for the information, what is needed, and that information to be fed back to the farmers, and the farmers to produce on a timely basis.”

The information hub will be operated out of the Tourism Ministry. (Jamaica Observer)

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

MSJ head: PP uses ads to threaten media houses TRINIDAD -Political leader of the Movement for Social Justice, David Abdulah, said yesterday that he is aware of Government ministers who threaten to withdraw advertisements from media houses in an attempt to punish them. Abdulah was speaking at a press conference at the Communications Workers Union Hall on Henry Street in Port-of-Spain.

Abdulah said he heard “with his own ears” Government ministers speak at a June 2011 People’s Partnership caucus in Tobago about using the State advertising budget to “penalise media that they believe are being unfair to them.” On Thursday, the MSJ released a statement in support of Guardian Media Ltd journalists who had resigned citing political interference in the daily operations of the paper. Abdulah did not name the ministers whom he heard make such statements and said he would do so at a later date.

Asked why he chose not to name the ministers, Abdulah said, “I don’t think its necessary for me to name names. It’s not about personalities, what I’m pointing to is ministers making statements as a matter of their political approach to deal with issues and the political culture and behaviours of the PP Government which are wrong and bad.”

He added, “We want to say categorically and without fear of con-

tradiction that the approach of the PP government has been one of using the State advertising budget as a means of exerting power over the media.”

However, Abdulah did say that the ministers in question were “members of the cabal.” Questioned further, he said, “Ask Mr (Jack) Warner who the members of the cabal are.”

Abdulah said the MSJ made its statements based on reports from the Media Association of T&T (Matt) and individual journalists. On Wednesday, former Guardian public affairs editor Dr Sheila Rampersad and investigative reporters Anika Gumbs-Sandiford and Denyse Renne walked off the job and tendered their resignations amidst reports of political interference in the Guardian newsroom.

The Matt released a statement following the walkout saying the organisation was “monitoring with serious concern the developing crisis at the Guardian Newspapers that [is] reportedly stems from political pressure, to soften the newspaper’s editorial and investigative line.” The Matt has since released another statement on Saturday retracting their original comments on the issue. Abdulah said it was not uncommon for governments in T&T to attempt to influence the media as it was part of the local political culture. (Trinidad Guardian)

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Abdulah: By-election a ʻfalling-out of thievesʼ TRINIDAD -- Political leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) David Abdulah yesterday referred to the upcoming by-election in Chaguanas West as a “falling out of thieves.” Abdulah was speaking at a MSJ press conference at the Communications Workers Union Hall on Henry Street, Port-ofSpain. “We are saying categorically that what is happening in Chaguanas West is a case of the thieves falling out amongst themselves,” he said.

“There is an old saying that when tief tief from tief god laughs. Sadly, in this situation it is not a situation of somebody stealing from private money; it is a matter of allegations and accusations about who has been stealing from the public purse,” he said. Abudlah added that the Chaguanas West by-election was an “internal battle within the UNC.” He said the Government and former government ministers are using “insider information” in a series of smear campaigns. This is why the MSJ, he added, has opted not to participate in the by-election and will focus on local government elections later this year. The accusations of corruption made by the candidates as well as by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar were directly linked to issues of poor governance in T&T, Abdulah said.

“The fundamental crisis of governance in our country is why we walked away and this is the issue of corruption is manifesting itself in Chaguanas West,”

he said. “It is also manifesting in the failure of authorities to go after people who are not paying taxes and so on.” He added that there were “elements” in both the Government and the Opposition who did not want strong public procurement legislation. Abdulah was a member of the Joint Select Committee on Procurement.

“If we had a strong regulation then issues arising now in public domain would not be taking place...The root of all evil in government is money and corruption,” he said. He added that there was approximately $10-15 billion annually in uncollected taxes, which were primarily unpaid by “business people.”

He said the main offenders were businesses supporting political parties. (Trinidad Guardian)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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COP backs Khadijah

TRINIDAD -- The Congress of the People (COP) political leader Prakash Ramadhar has come out in full support of United National Congress (UNC) candidate Khadijah Ameen for the Chaguanas West by-election to be held on July 29. Ramadhar was speaking with the media after the COP held its National Council meeting at the party’s operations centre, Caroni Savannah Road, Chaguanas. Party chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan was also present at the news conference.

When asked about the COP’s decision not to have a candidate in the by-election, Ramadhar said: “It is very simply this,

that we the COP believe that our word is our bond and we agreed in 2010 and coming together with the People’s Partnership that where one of our partners put forward a candidate that all the other partners in the partnership should support that candidate.

“The UNC having had discussions with us and it was decided that the UNC shall put forward a candidate, it is our duty, under our agreement, to support that candidate and that is what we did,” he said. Ramadhar invited the public to attend the public meeting on Tuesday evening at Felicity Hindu School. He said Ameen would not be on the platform. “The meeting on Tuesday is a COP meeting because we have a base of over 5,000 supporters since 2007 here in Chaguanas West.

“It is about re-establishing support and the assistance of that support in winning the election come the 29th of July on behalf of the UNC and certainly on behalf of the partnership.” He said it is a COP meeting to establish its presence in the area and to bring to the fight in the area, the COP’s value system. He said support for the party remains.

Ramadhar said he publicly endorsed Ameen as the UNC’s candidate. “So we shall support the candidate of the UNC working within the context of the partnership agreement,” he said. When asked if other supporters will be allowed to attend, Ramadhar said it is open to all. “As you know, this country is in perpetual crisis, it appears, politically, and we believe this na-

tion needs stability,” Ramadhar said.

“It needs the right things to be restored in this country. The COP has stood for that from day one till now. We have been extremely consistent in our value position and we want to further that effort now.”

When asked about COP councillor Wasim Daniel defecting to Jack Warner’s Independent Liberal Party (ILP), Ramadhar said novelty is always attractive and the grass always appears, literally, greener on the other side.

He said it is not expected in local government elections. Ramadhar said the party wished Daniel well. When asked if he saw Daniel’s defection affecting the party’s chances in the local government elections, Ramadhar said: “Not at all. Indeed I want to say we have to be careful of the flavour of the month or the colour of the month and consistency is critically important and this nation seeks now more than ever to have a sense of trust in political parties and confidence in them.”

He said more will be said at the party’s public meeting on Tuesday. When asked about the conduct of the campaign for Chaguanas West seat, Ramadhar said unfortunately, it has been the history of politics.

“We do not believe in character assassination, however, if the truth has to be spoken on issues then you cannot avoid it,” he said.

“Others may describe it as mudslinging. But look at where we were in 2010, what the COP has said then and what we say today. Consistency and it is about

values and standards not about personalities.” Asked about Warner’s signal to join the partnership, Ramadhar said it was a simple mathematical equation.

“The partnership agreement which we are now respecting, unless that is changed—and I don’t foresee it now being changed, it would be changed for 2015 maybe—says that when a partner puts a candidate the others have to support, so it can’t be that you are contesting against a partner and then say you want to join in partnership,” he said. “That is a contradiction mathematically impossible.”

The party said negotiations were to be held between the partnership members to determine which local government corporations would be fought singularly or collectively. Ramadhar said yesterday that the party’s National Council agreed that the party will fight three (Arima, Diego Martin and San Fernando) corporations singularly in the upcoming local government elections. He said he party will screen candidates in preparation for what it wants to achieve.

Seepersad-Bachan said the party’s position was tabled at the last chairman’s meeting and that it was put as the COP’s position on the negotiating table. She said the negotiations would have started last Wednesday and completed on July 21.

“COP is still of the view we must make decisions...We cannot wait until after the byelection to make decisions about seats,” she said. (Trinidad Guardian)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Amaila Falls hydro project will remove risk of price volatility GUYANA -- The Amaila Falls Hydro power (AFHP) project is the most prominent and transformative scheme that will convert Guyana from being entirely dependent on fossil fuels to becoming dependent on renewable energy. This will in turn bring back benefits and the avoidance of a significant import bill associated with fuel for electricity generation.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said hydro power in Guyana will see a reduction or almost elimination of the risk of exchange rate, and it will remove the risk of price volatility, particularly regarding oil. He made these statements during a segment of the fivepart series being aired on the National Communications Network on the AFHP. Minister Singh noted also that while hydro power is extremely attractive and beneficial to the people of Guyana, it has environmental advantages, being consistent with the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy. Putting all these advantages together, he observed that it would bring reliable and affordable power, reduce the cost of electricity to every household and to every business, and relieve the latter category of having to invest in back-up power.

With respect to cheap energy becoming abundant through the AFHP, Minister Singh observed that “there can be no doubt at all that affordable, reliable energy is absolutely critical to an economy that is going to perform well and that will facilitate improvement of social and individual well being.” He recalled that energy is a critical input into every productive process; and as a result, energy goes to the core of doing business in any environment.

Minister Singh pointed out that the reality is

that each investor in Guyana has to factor in the cost of back-up power, especially in capital and operating costs, which is significant.

He expressed no doubt however, that should the need for this be removed, “domestic profitability will be increased because they don’t have that carrying cost any more…operations would become greater, they are going to set up new industries.”

Minister Singh emphasised that more affordable power would mean greater investment, job creation, increased profitability which would bring fiscal benefits, improved capacity to pay wages with more competition, “and ultimately, people’s net disposable incomes would be increased.”

The reality, he pointed out, is that the generating capacity of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company has to be increased along with the upgrade of the distribution network. This cannot be possible without the harnessing of hydro power, he stated. ‘It is time we harness that potential and realise the transformative benefits for our country,’ he stated.

“I am convinced that the project deserves to be placed on its merit on the highest level of our priorities, and that is our Government’s position,” Minister Singh said.

He also pointed out that the Blackstone Company, one of the largest investment companies in the world, through its subsidiary, Sithe Global, feels that the AFHP is a good project and as such it should not be dismissed.

He also noted that this AFHP is not only about cheaper power and lower bills; it also involves macroeconomic outflow. This includes the demand for foreign exchange in Guyana, taking into consideration that GPL

and any self – generating business are currently vulnerable to price volatility regarding oil prices on the international market. This reality is that with the fluctuating prices, either the consumer or the generator of electricity has to pay the cost.

“Amaila Falls relieves you of the vulnerability of oil price fluctuation, and relieves you of the need to find hundreds of millions of US dollars to import fuel,” he stated.

Speaking on the environmental dimension, Minister Singh noted that with Guyana’s commitment to the LCDS, the AFHP, as a single investment, moves it from a country fully dependent on fossil fuels to one fully dependent on a renewable resource, water.

“This project can be seen from many perspectives and has strong justification from each perspective,” Minister Singh said.

Financial funding is already on stream for the project, the minister observed, with the Chinese, and Inter-American Development Bank committed to their investments.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, in the first part of the series, noted that the journey towards developing hydro power in Guyana dates back to the days of the Demerara Bauxite Company, the 1950s and 60s, and targets the Mazaruni River as a base. He noted that between the 1970s and 1980s, a study was done regarding the locations for hydro power plants; however the expectations then were less than now, both socially and environmentally.

He expressed the hope that within two years of the AFHP being completed, it would be able to handle the peak demand of power needed in Guyana. (Guyana Chronicle)

Asafa, Sheroneʼs trainer detained by Italian police JAMAICA -- A physical trainer associated with former world record holder Asafa Powell and Olympic medallist Sherone Simpson was last night held and questioned by Italian police about the presence of banned substances found in samples provided by the athletes at the recent JAAA National Senior Championships held in June.

Powell’s publicist and business partner Tara Playfair-Scott confirmed on her twitter page that the Canadian trainer, who joined the MVP camp in May, was detained by Italian police after the officers raided his hotel room at the MVP base in Italy. Jamaica Observer sources say the police confiscated a number of items from the trainer’s hotel room. The trainer’s name is however being withheld.

Yesterday both athletes, along with discus thrower Allison Randall, the Central American and Caribbean Senior Games gold medallist, released statements confirming anti-doping authorities had notified them that they returned adverse analytical findings at the Trials.

The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCo) had confirmed yesterday also that five Jamaican athletes had returned adverse analytical findings at the JAAA National Senior Championships held in June -- two sprinters and three from the field events.

Powell and Simpson tested positive for the substance oxilofrine (methylsynephrine), which is a stimulant, while Randall tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic which can be used as a masking agent for other more serious drugs.

As a result of the findings all three

have been provisionally banned from further competition, and Simpson, who had finished second in both the 100m and 200m at the Trials, will likely miss the IAAF World Championships to be held in Moscow August 10-18.

Powell had placed seventh in the men’s 100m final and out of the running for a place in the 100m, but a series of good performances since the Trials, including a season’s best 9.88 seconds run at an IAAF Diamond League meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, had seen calls for his inclusion in the relay pool.

Randall, who competed at the Olympic Games in London last year, and who is coming off a back injury she suffered in April, had failed to make the ‘B’ qualifying standard for the World Championships, despite winning a second straight Jamaican title and the CAC Senior title last week in México.

Powell said in his statement: “I want to be clear in saying to my family, friends, and most of all my fans worldwide that I have never knowingly or wilfully taken any supplements or substances that break any rules. I am not now -- nor have I ever been -- a cheat.”

Powell’s release said his “team” had launched “an internal investigation, and we are cooperating with the relevant agencies and law enforcement authorities to discover how the substance got in my system. I assure you that we will find out how this substance passed our rigorous internal checks and balances and design systems to make sure it never happens again.”

The man who has run nearly 90 sub10-second races, more than any other human

being, said his “attitude towards doping regulations and testing is well known, and I willingly give samples whenever requested”. The results had “left me completely devastated in many respects. Professionally, this finding fully negates any possibility of me being a part of Jamaica’s contingent of athletes competing at World Championships in Moscow later this summer”.

Simpson denied that she would ever take any form of illegal substance. “I want to sincerely say to my family (especially my parents, grandparents and siblings), Paul Doyle (agent), MVP track club, fellow athletes, former sponsors, and the rest of Jamaica that l am deeply sorry for any hurt or embarrassment this positive test may (have) caused.” She added: “My team and I will try to do everything we can to get this issue dealt with as best as we can.”

Randall, who is based in the US, told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that she was shocked and embarrassed by the result. “I have not intentionally taken any banned substance. I have been vigilant with everything I consume, so I am extremely shocked and surprised by this incident.”

The master’s candidate who also works full time while training, added: “I do not have the desire, nor the means to cheat.

I have never even seen steroids, and don’t know the first thing about them. I am willing to undergo any other testing methods to prove my innocence (blood, hair, spinal tap). I love throwing the discus for my country, and I hope this incident clears up after my ‘B’ sample has been tested.” (Jamaica Observer)

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Red House upgrade to be completed by 2016 TRINIDAD -- The expected completion date for restoration works on the Red House has been pushed back to January 2016, the Urban Development Company of T&T (Udecott) has stated. In February, based on information from Udecott, the T&T Guardian reported that the restoration project would be completed by the first quarter of 2015. The project was initially expected to be completed by December 2014, the T&T Guardian report stated.

According to Udecott, the discovery of human bones and project management issues caused delays. In April, the human bones, which date between 430 AD and 1390 AD, were discovered during excavation work on the building located on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain. “Work has slowed considerably due to the recent discovery of the bones.

We had to pause because the area is critical to people in T&T,” a source from Udecott said.

At present, an archaeological team is working in the area where the bones were discovered, while work in the surrounding areas continues, the source said. Describing the work being done on the iconic building as “preliminary,” the Udecott source said the “real” restoration work hasn’t started. The Udecott official said designs are currently being formulated by a historical architect.

After the designs are completed tenders for the restoration work would go out, the source said. According to an e-mail from Udecott, work under Udecott’s tenure began in 2005 and has cost the company $84,180,037.04 so far. Restoration works on the “home of the Parliament” started under the National Insur-

ance Property Development Company (Nipdec) more than ten years ago, according to newspaper reports.

In 2011, the People’s Partnership Government announced that taxpayers had spent $200 million over an eight-year period on the restoration of the historic building.

Based on information on Nipdec’s Web site, the “full-scale” restoration was expected to cost $100 million over a five-year period. In October 2011, the Parliament moved to the International Waterfront Centre on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, to clear the way for restoration work.

Preliminary works done on the building include construction of an underground plant room at the western side of the compound, construction of a temporary roof above the South Chamber and the South Link, dilapidation surveys, demolition of modern-era construction elements, asbestos removal and excavation of the foundation.

Restoration Update • Stollmeyer’s Castle: expected completion— December 2013; 90 per cent complete • Whitehall: scope of works being developed • President’s House: expected completion—2015; preliminary work to start in August • Red House: expected completion—January 2016; preliminary work ongoing.’

MORE INFO Although work has recently slowed, the restoration of Stollmeyer’s Castle is expected

be completed by December of this year. The building is one of the Magnificent Seven and is located at Queen’s Park Savannah West, Port-of-Spain. According to an e-mail from Udecott, restoration work began in January 2008 and is now 90 per cent complete. In an interview, a source from Udecott said work on the building has slowed because the company was awaiting funding from the Office of the Prime Minister.

“The funding is expected any time now. Once we receive that funding, work should be completed within three months,” the source said. The contractor is doing remedial work which involves correcting minor defects in and around the building, the source said.

The historic building, originally called Killarney, was initially earmarked to be used as a “protocol house” for visiting dignitaries.

However, according to the source, the use of the historic building has not been finalised, but the Office of the President has expressed interest in it. The Udecott source said the scope of works for Whitehall is still being developed and restoration work has not started.

“Once the scope of works is finalised, a budget will be determined and then the project will go out for tender.”

Meanwhile, restoration work on President’s House, which falls under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, is expected to be completed in the latter part of 2015, according to Zanim Ali, director of construction at the ministry. Asked if any work has been done on the building located on Circular Road, St Ann’s, he said: “No work has been done ex-

cept for a temporary roof over the collapsed part.”

Ali said he is “hoping” that preliminary work, which involves building a temporary roof over the structure, would begin in August. The tendering process for the complete restoration, he said, would begin in November.

According to a T&T Guardian report in March, Ali said work was earmarked to begin in May. Ali said the layout of the President’s House has been finalised but needs to be validated by President Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona.

The initial design of the restored building, which was completed in 2007, had to be changed due to the collapse of part of the building in May 2010, he said. The designs are now being finalised, he added.

Office of the President Stollmeyer’s Castle and Whitehall have been earmarked by the Cabinet and President Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona as prospective locations for the Office of the President. In a telephone interview, Napier Tillai, executive director to the President, said Cabinet has been in discussions with the President on the issue of the location of the Office of the President.

“Two possible locations came up— Stollmeyer’s Castle and Whitehall—but no decision has been made and discussions are still ongoing.” At present, Tillai said, the Office of the President is located at Circular Road, St Ann’s. In March, Minister of Housing, Land and Marine Affairs, Dr Roodal Moonilal, described Whitehall as a good facility for the Office of the President. (Trinidad Gaurdian)

16 Wednesday, July 17, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Struggle to save 4 year old Family unable to find $1.7 million for son stricken by cancer JAMAICA -- Juliet McNamee has been sleeping on a chair for the last three months as she refuses to leave the side of her four-year-old son Ajani Campbell, who has been a cancer patient at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) since April 23.

The cost for the treatment has not only depleted McNamee’s entire savings but severely hinders her ability to care for her 11-year-old daughter, who is struggling to deal with the absence of her mother from the family home in Christiana, Manchester.

Ajani’s father, Andre, is said to have sold all prized possessions, including his beloved pit bulls, and has given up his rented flat to move back in with his mother as the family sacrifices everything to save their son.

But there doesn’t seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel for this family, who, having watched their son return from death’s door, is now faced with the harsh reality that all their sacrifice will be in vain if they fail to find $1.7 million, in the next seven weeks, to pay for radiation treatment to keep at bay the cancer eating away his body.

“There was a time he was so sick that every day I was preparing to hear the worst and now that we are at that point of breakthrough, it seems like it is out of reach because we can’t find the money for this radiation,” a distraught McNamee told the Jamaica Observer.

McNamee said there was no early warning signs that the energetic and bright Ajani was sick until three months ago when he complained of not feeling well.

“He came home one day from school with a fever, headache and vomiting and two days later his left eyeball started to swell,” she recounted.

He was admitted to the Percy Junor Hospital, suffering from severe dehydration and later transferred to UHWI for a CT scan.

“The ambulance took us to UHWI on April 23 and I have not been back home since because I am afraid to leave him,” she said, adding that she is now torn between staying with her son and being there for her daughter who has not been coping with the separation.

“She always say she know I would have done the same for her but (last) Sunday when she was leaving she break down and started to cry and I know she feels it even more because it is summer and I am not there for her,” said McNamee.

The family’s painful journey began when the CT scan found that Ajani had fluid in the brain and a tumour to the back of the head which was later confirmed as cancerous.

From there, it was a downhill spiral after he underwent surgeries to remove the tumour and the excess fluid from the brain.

“For one month he was unable to open his eyes, talk, or breathe on his own,” McNamee told the Observer, explaining further that another complication which has since developed is Ajani’s inability to swallow. This has resulted in his being fed through a tube as doctors try to figure out if something is blocking his throat or the surgery has rendered him unable to carry out this function.

Last Wednesday, when the Observer spoke with McNamee, Ajani had just returned from the operating theatre where he had undergone a further procedure to figure out what should be done.

In the last few weeks, Ajani’s spirit has returned as once again he has been able to talk and walk around, but McNamee fears this progress will be short-lived if he doesn’t get radiation treatment.

Given the effects of the surgery on his body, McNamee said the doctors do not want to do another to remove the rest of the tumour and has recommended that radiation be done instead.

However, the Kingston Public Hospital and Cornwall Regional Hospital where radiation is done do not cater to children, leaving the family with no choice but to pay the $1.7 million to have it done privately.

According to an emotional McNamee, the doctors have given her two months to have the radiation done if the cancer is to be prevented from returning. “I have gone three weeks already and I just don’t know what to do because every day I go on the road to these various places to seek help but all I can hear is no,” she said.

The Sandals Foundation has since pledged $500,000 to the procedure but McNamee said she has exhausted all options to find the remainder. In the meanwhile, the hospital fees continue to climb past the $1.6 million that is now owed. Unwilling to leave her son’s bedside, McNamee said she has no form of income as she lost her job a month before Ajani’s diag-

nosis and cannot go in search of another. Since then she has had to withdraw her daughter from extra lessons and extra-curricular activities as she struggles to scrape everything to save her other child’s life.

McNamee said she has to sleep in a chair by his bedside in order to be there when he wakes in the night and begins to fuss. The hospital, she said, provides her with a folding bed; however, she is unable to use it as she often has to hold him in her arms when he is having any discomfort.

“So, I just have to sleep in this chair every night and right now my feet are swollen because of that,” she said.

But McNamee is remaining optimistic that her son will get the help he needs so the family can reclaim their lives.

“There was a time that he was so sick that doctors and family members thought he wouldn’t make it but he has gone through so much and for him to be still here fighting then I know God won’t take us this far to leave us,” she said.

A Good Samaritan Jeanne Croskery who first brought the family’s plight to the Observer, said she has been touched by McNamee’s struggle to save her son’s life.

“She has slept in a chair for the past 10 weeks because she has refused to leave his side and although Ajani has been through so much he still continues to smile,” she said.

An account has been opened at the Jamaica National Building Society, account number 10954963. (Jamaica Observer)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Afridi too much for Windies

GEORGETOWN -- All-rounder Shahid Afridi returned to international cricket with a blistering half century and a career-best 7-12 as Pakistan recorded a thumping 126run victory over West Indies in the first One-Day International Sunday.

Afridi, recalled after missing last month’s Champions Trophy due to poor form, scored 76 off 55 balls to pilot Pakistan to 224-9. Afridi then skittled West Indies out for 98 in 41 overs to record the second-best ever bowling figures in One-Day Internationals after Sri Lanka’s Chamina Vaas’ 8-19 against Zimbabwe in 2001.

It was also West Indies lowest ever ODI total against Pakistan.

West Indies had Pakistan on the mat at 47-5 before Afridi and captain Misbah-ul-Haq (52) featured in a 120-run stand against some inconsistent bowling which saw the home team bowling 23 wide balls.

The second One-Day International of the five-match series will be played at the same venue tomorrow.

“It was the most difficult pitch on which I have ever played,” Misbah said.

“The ball was seaming and stopping, but it was Afridi’s day, the way he batted and bowled.”

West Indies never looked to threaten Pakistan’s total from the onset once 7-foot-1-inch fast bowler Mohammad Irfan clean bowled Johnson Charles with a low full toss and had Darren Bravo caught behind down the legside.

Chris Gayle, who wanted to make his 250th ODI appearance a memorable one, was run out in a mix-up with Marlon Samuels for just one run as West Indies slumped to 7-3 in five overs.

Lendl Simmons and Samuels batted at a snail’s pace before Afridi started the slide in the 23rd over.

Afridi had Simmons stumped and trapped captain Dwayne Bravo leg before wicket off the next delivery. He went on to claim the wickets of Kieron Pollard, Samuels and Kemar Roach in his opening spell of eight overs before he returned to finish off the innings by claiming the last two wickets of Sunil Narine and Holder.

“I just try to keep it simple, sometimes I get good turn off the pitch and if I don’t get turn I try to bowl straight ones for leg before wicket decisions,” Afridi said.

Afridi also reached 350 wickets in ODIs to become the third Pakistan to achieve the feat after Wasim Akram (502) and Waqar Younis (416).

Earlier, Afridi dominated Pakistan’s record-breaking sixth wicket stand against West Indies of 120 runs off 113 balls with Misbah holding the innings together with a sedate 52 off 121 balls.

Afridi holed out in the deep in the 39th over which helped West Indies to hit back but its bowlers were guilty of giving away too many extras which swelled Pakistan’s total.

Holder broke through early after Dwayne Bravo won the toss and put Pakistan in to bat at Providence Stadium—hosting its first international match after two years.

Ahmed Shehzad (5) and Mohammad Hafeez (1) were clean bowled while attempting to leave Holder’s incoming deliveries but Nasir Jamshed (6) was unlucky to be adjudged leg before wicket by umpire Joel Wilson as the television replays suggested the ball was missing the off stump.

Asad Shafiq was brilliantly caught behind by makeshift wicketkeeper Johnson Charles after West Indies opted to leave out regular ‘keeper Dinesh Ramdin for at least first two games of the five-match series.

Pakistan stuttered at 23-4 and it could have been 24-5, but umpire Wilson again erred when he could not hear a clear edge off Umar Akmal’s bat that would have earned Holder his fifth wicket.

However, West Indies did not have to wait long as Akmal got a leading edge off Roach and was caught by Dwayne Bravo at mid-on after struggling to score 19 runs.

Afridi then revived Pakistan’s innings with Misbah, who gave the flamboyant all-rounder most of the strike.

The introduction of spinners Narine and Samuels eased the pressure on the batsmen as both spinners bowled a dozen wide balls among them and gave away 56 runs between them off six overs.

Afridi raised the 100-run stand with a flat six off Samuels over long on before he holed out off a slower delivery from Pollard.

Misbah raised his half century off 119 balls with only one boundary but added some valuable runs with Pakistan’s tailenders to take the team’s beyond the 200-run mark.

The Pakistan captain was caught behind in the 48th over when he got a thick edge off Bravo, who also conceded 14 runs in his last over with No 10 Asad Ali hitting a big six over mid-wicket. CMC

SCOREBOARD West Indies vs Pakistan

PAKISTAN Nasir Jamshed lbw b Holder*6 Ahmed Shehzad b Holder *5 Mohammad Hafeez b Holder * 1 Misbah-ul-Haq c †Charles b DJ Bravo*52 Asad Shafiq c †Charles b Holder*0 Umar Akmal c DJ Bravo b Roach*19 Shahid Afridi c Sammy b Pollard*76 Wahab Riaz c Holder b Roach*7 Saeed Ajmal not out*15 Asad Ali b DJ Bravo*11 Mohammad Irfan*not out 4 Extras (b 1, lb 4, w 23)*28 Total (9 wickets; 50 overs)*224 Fall of wickets 1-15, 2-18, 3-21, 4-23, 5-47, 6-167, 7-183, 8-200, 9-220 Bowling:Roach 10-0-38-2, Holder 10-413-4, Sammy 8-2-35-0,Bravo10-3-52-2, Narine3-0-32-0,Samuels 3-0-24-0, Pollard 6-0-25-1 WEST INDIES CH Gayle run out (Misbah-ul-Haq)*1 J Charles b Mohammad Irfan* 0 DM Bravo c †Umar Akmal b Mohammad Irfan*5 M Samuels lbw b Shahid Afridi*25 L Simmons st †Umar Akmal b Shahid Afridi*10 DJ Bravo lbw b Shahid Afridi*0 K Pollard c Wahab Riaz b Shahid Afridi*3 D Sammy not out *21 K Roach c & b Shahid Afridi*1 S Narine c Nasir Jamshed b Shahid Afridi*14 J Holder lbw b Shahid Afridi*1 Extras ( b1, lb 6, w11)*18 Total (ten wickets, 41 overs)* 98 Fall of wickets 1-1, 2-7, 3-7, 4-41, 5-41, 6-50, 7-51, 8-55, 9-98, 10-98 Bowling: Mohammad Irfan, 7-2-17-2, Asad Ali 5-0-13-0, Wahab Riaz 5-1-8-0, Saeed Ajmal 7-0-25-0,Mohammad Hafeez 8-116-0, Shahid Afridi 9-3-12-7.

Result:Pakistan won by 126 runs Player of the match:Shahid Afridi Toss: West Indies Umpire: Paul Reiffel and Joel Wilson, TV Nigel Llong (Trinidad Guardian)

Wednesday, July 17, 2013 17

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Caribbean Pot: Baiganee a vergetarian classic

1 cup split peas powder/flour 1 clove garlic (crushed) 1 teaspoon salt (for eggplant) 1/4 teaspoon salt (for batter) Pinch curry powder 1/4 teaspoon tumeric powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup allpurpose flour 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 scotch bonnet pepper (minced) Water (see notes) 2 cu ccups p vveg ps eg ooil il

Something found at road side vendors in Trinidad and Tobago

Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking Though a very popular side dish/snack sold by many road-side vendors in Trinidad and Tobago, our only encounter with these tasty treats came yearly. Our mom’s cousin would always invite us to her home for Divali, where she would have a buffet of Indian influenced dishes and treats wait-

ing for us. I can still remember that distinct scent of coconut oil burning in the deyas and the lovely aroma from the variety of dishes she prepared earlier in the day. Cousin Ivy is no longer with us (sadly), but the wonderful memories we have of her and the influence she’s made in my culinary journey will never be forgotten.

As part of the ‘party food’ theme for the month of November, I know you’ll be greeted with rave reviews after serving up a batch of these. * In Trinidad and Tobago eggplant is sometimes called baigan.. maybe that’s where we get baiganee from?

I ended up using close to 1 1/2 cups of water in making the batter. You may have to adjust this slightly as the flours you’ll be using may be a bit different than the one I had. I used 2 smaller eggplant as I wanted them to be somewhat slim so the slices would not be g tires. like huge

Ingredients I large eggplant (baigan.. about 1.5 lbs) Wa s h , trim and dry the eggplant (cut off the stems and discard). Then cut into wheels about 1/4 inch thick.

The eggplant (baigan) usually has a sort of bitter aftertaste and contains a lot of moisture, so we need to remedy this. Line a cookie sheet or cutting board with paper towels (or tea towel), then arrange the sliced eggplant one layer thick. Now sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of salt over the cut surface (press into it), then flip over and do the other side.

Allow this to sit for about 1 hour. You’ll have soaked paper towels and beads of liquid on top of each slice of eggplant. Using a towel or more paper towels, blot (press) and soak up this moisture.

Set aside and lets make the batter. Put all the dry ingredients into a bowl

and give it a good whisk, to incorporate everything. Start adding water and whisk until you have a thick, well mixed batter. It’s important that the batter is thick (but runny enough) so it can coat each piece of eggplant.

It’s very important that the slices of eggplant are dry for the batter to really hold on to them. Tip: You can certainly dust each piece in flour before placing then into the batter if you wish. Heat the vegetable oil on a medium high flame, then set up a sort of frying station. You’ll have the slices of eggplant, the batter, the heated oil and a basket (or bowl) lined with paper towels to soak up the excess oil after they’re fried.

Dip each slice into the batter and coat evenly. Shake of excess batter and gently place into the hot oil. Cook for a minute on one side, then flip and cook for another minute. Cook for a minute or two after and flip for an even golden colour. They will float as they cook and will only take about 3-4 minutes to fully cook. Fish out with tongs and allow to drain on the paper towels.

D ependding on Depending the size of frying pan you use, only fry about 3 slices at a time. Try not to over-crowd the pan, or you will alter the temperature of the oil and end up with soggy baiganee. These are best served warm and with a spicy dipping sauce. On the recipe index page, there’s the mango chutney, tamarind sauce and other spicy condiments you can serve these with.

After further thought I think our mom never made these at home since we were not fans of it as children… oh how that’s changed over the years. This is a wonderful vegetarian treat to pass around during the holiday season and if you’re having guests over for Divali (or have no friends to invite you these days like me), you can whip up a batch of these… they’re sure to be a hit.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, July 17, 2013 21

Yoga for arthritic hands Geeta Maraj Yoga It is commonly accepted today that yoga is a form of exercise which helps to keep the body healthy. Yoga is a holistic remedy, in that; it is a fusion of the health of the emotions, as well as, the health of the body. And for this reason, almost any aspect of mental or physical setbacks, can find some rendering through the amazing practice of yoga.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints of the body, which can be quite painful and discomforting. There are almost 100 different types of arthritis and the variations continue to grow. Today, millions of dollars is being allocated to arthritis research and remedy. These result in a variation of treat-

ments to include, oral medication, injections into the affected joints and surgical intervention. But above all variation of treatment, on rule holds true, that the more you keep the joints active through specific exercises, the healthier and stronger the joints become.

While there might be the tendency to restrict movement of the painful joint so as to prevent further agony, the opposite is actually more beneficial. Research shows that through the strengthening of the muscles, synovial fluid is somehow produced, thereby preventing the joints from rubbing together and creating swelling and discomfort.

There are many weight bearing and resistance stretches which help to prevent or aid discomfort in the joints of the fingers and knuckles of the hands due to arthritis.

Exercises for finger joints: Place your fingers in a cupped position (like you are holding a large ball in your hand) on the surface table or desk. Ensure that your knuckles are curved and not outstretched.

Then push on the surface with your cupped hands. This creates resistance in the joints,

thereby, helping the knuckles and joints to become stronger.

While keeping the resistance in your fingers in the cupped position on the desk or any flat surface, an additional stretch would be to try to lift a single finger at a time, so that the finger becomes parallel to the surface upon which you are pushing.

After you have lifted the finger and hold in position for as long as is possible, (2 to 10 seconds or longer), replace that finger in the cupped position before you begin to lift the next finger. Repeat until each finger has been lifted off the surface, all the while pushing down on the other fingers onto the surface.

Make your hands into fists, with your fists facing you. Tighten your fists with as much strength as you can. Once you can no longer tighten your fists, slowly allow one finger to be outstretched while maintaining the tight fist hold. Once you have completed every finger being outstretched, then turn your hands downwards in the cupped position and gently shake out your hands as if you were trying to shake water from your

fingers.

Wrist rolls: To exercise your wrists, make a fist and tense the hold to make the muscles of your hand contract. Then slowly rotate your fist in a clockwise position, thereby rotating your wrist. Count the amount of times you rotate your wrist in the clockwise direction and then repeat to the same count in the anticlockwise direction.

An additional stretch for your fingers, wrists and shoulders is to stand a foot length distance from the wall. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder level. Spread your fingers widely apart and pretend you are trying to push the wall down. The muscles of the entire arm should be tense as you push against the wall. To come out of this position, you slowly decrease the push against the wall till there is no force left. Then gentle lower your arms and shake them about to +help with the blood flow in the arms. You can repeat this stretch 2 to 10 times or as is comfortable for you.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Spirulina: Immune boosting, mood enhancing, protein-rich wonder food Blue green algae, commonly known as spirulina is a group of organisms found in the ocean and sometimes in fresh water lakes.

They are among the most nutritious plantlike organisms known to humans, so if malnutrition is anywhere on the radar, then think “spirulina” because the concentration of micronutrients in this power packed “magic food” is unsurpassed.

Spirulina has the highest concentration of digestible vegetable protein with a perfectly balanced combination of essential amino acids. One of the most common vitamin deficiencies found in a vegan or vegetarian diet, namely that of B-12, can be quite easily be fixed with spirulina. This naturally occurring wonder food (which can also be cultivated) is rich enough in protein (65 to 70 percent complete protein) apparently to make even beef cringe, and is

remarkably well endowed with beta carotene, iron and trace minerals, and the rare yet essential fatty acid GLA.

The unparalleled immune boosting qualities of spirulina The immune boosting qualities of spirulina can never be over stated what with it’s unique ability to fight infection, enhance cellular functioning, and even keep cancer at bay. The dark green color of spirulina is a measure of how rich it is in chlorophyll, which in turn is a great detox agent, helping the body steer clear of atmoshpheric and other pollutants. It pen-

etrates as far into the body as the DNA and gives it a cellular “tune up” or regeneration, thereby vastly improving cellular communication and well being. There is enough scientific research and evidence to validate the immune boosting qualities of spirulina and consumers reporting increased energy levels bears testimony to this fact.

The list of diseases and conditions known that could succumb to spirulina treatment is pretty long, of which fighting viral infections, increasing mental sharpness, and enhancing the body’s ability to generate new blood cells are but a few.

However, blue-green algae products must be free of toxic chemicals and liver-damaging substances, so it is wise to look into where the product is coming from. Contaminated blue-green algae is incredibly toxic to the system and can cause a range

of fresh health problems such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and shock. Due to the little known benefits of spirulina consumption during pregnancy and lactation it best avoided during this time.

As well, it is important to check the recommended daily dosage, which could vary from 1 to 8 grams depending on various factors such as body constitution and quality of product, before taking spirulina as a dietary supplement on a daily basis.

While spirulina is not a cure all or a replacement for other types of therapy, it certainly bears all the markings of dietary genius with healing properties, and seems well worth investigating into, especially since it promises relief from chronic fatigue, depression, obesity, and maybe even memory loss. (NaturalNews)

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The critical role vitamins play in your body: Part 1 Dr. Lydia ND

Health Tips When I see a patient for the first time I ask them if they are taking any vitamins. Frequently, they are. There seems to be a general consensus that vitamins are good for us and our body needs them. While this is completely true, I find that very few patients know what vitamins really do for us. The word vitamin comes from the word vital because these microscopic molecules are essential for human life. A substance is considered a vitamin when a deficiency causes a symptom. For example, a deficiency of vitamin A causes night blindness.

Vitamin A interacts with our DNA to tell cells what kind of spe-

cialty they are going have. Just like the school guidance counselor that helped you pick what career would best suit you. Vitamin A tells cells what they are going to be when they grow up. A deficiency of vitamin A causes problems with our immune system. None of the cells that should be fighting infection know what they are supposed to be doing without vitamin A to tell them what type of immune cell they are.

Vitamin A is known as the vision vitamin. A high concentration of vitamin A is in the back of the eye.

When light hits the stored form of vitamin A, the molecule changes shape and sends a signal to the brain about how much light we are visualizing. Are we outside at nighttime? Or is it a bright sunny day on the beach? That is vitamin A’s job.

Vitamin C is a top selling supplement. Usually people think of taking this citrus antioxidant when they are coming down with a cold. This amazing vitamin has so many underappreciated functions in the body. One of the primary uses for Vitamin C is in

the production of collagen. Collagen is used to make blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and determines elasticity of our skin.

Vitamin C is always hard at work making useful molecules that our body needs. From regulating metabolism and fat stores to our mental health, this vitamin works overtime. Vitamin C helps us make a molecule called carnosine that moves fat into cells, where it can be used to produce energy. Vitamin C has the power to affect our moods by helping us make neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers attach to cells in our brain, dictating our mood and response to everyday stress.

Vitamins are helpful little compounds that regulate many of our body’s functions. I always advise that people aim to get vitamins from food sources before they look to a supplement. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables can boost both vitamin A and vitamin C levels. In the next article, I will discuss Vitamins B and D.

Nutrition and dental health Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental

It is important to pay attention to good nutrition early in life. This is especially true for mothers since the development of teeth starts in the womb.

Good nutrition is essential for the development of teeth as early as 6 weeks in the fetal stage. Therefore during pregnancy mothers should be aware that they have the important responsibility of maximizing their children’s

dental health. A mother’s diet should provide the building blocks for healthy teeth in a healthy oral environment.

Diet should include adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and vitamin D. Basically the foods that are beneficial for your body are also good for your teeth. The foods that may cause the most damage are high in sugar, starch and acids. Sugar and starchy foods sustain the growth of bacteria which produce products that demineralise the teeth and can cause inflammation leading to infections in the teeth, bone and gums. Acids which are found in citrus foods also decalcify teeth and commonly cause cavities. An important fact to remember is the length of time residual amounts of these foods remain in the mouth. The longer they

remain, the more damaging the effect.

A well balanced diet should include Vitamin C for good oral health, Vitamin D for preventing bone loss and maintaining general health.

When choosing your meals and snacks, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, select foods from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry, fish, peas, legumes, low fat or fat free dairy products.

Food supplements are beneficial in replacing the depleted minerals especially in adults including the elderly. For those with serious medical issues, you should check with your family doctor as to whether or not there could be any adverse reaction to the prescribed medication you are taking.

Best body weight exercises Monique Bartlett Fitness When starting an initial exercise program the biggest problem seems to be that most people don’t know where to start or what to do, so they tend to do nothing at all. This is the worst thing you can do. Something is always better than nothing. Even if it’s just going for a walk to get your heart rate up, it’s still helping you make progress in looking

good and feeling great.

The biggest misconception is that you need to go to the gym to lose weight. You can go to the gym if you choose but you don’t have to. Some of the best exercises are done with your own body weight and can be done with no equipment in a very small amount of space. It may sound crazy, but it’s true!

My top 10 list is below: 1. Squats 2. Pushups 3. Sit ups 4. Plank 5. Jumping Jacks 6. Burpees 7. Lunges

8. Yoga 9.

Pilates 10. Mountain Climbers You may not initially know what all these exercise are or how to do them, however you can just start with two or three and once you build up your strength and endurance you can work on learning a new exercise.

You can then add more exercises to your routine as you become stronger and increase your endurance. Master the exercises you know with good form and then increase your intensity and repetitions. It will not only help you to strengthen and tone, it will also increase your confidence, and help you to like what you see in the mirror.

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26 Wednesday, July 17, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Home inspection, breaking a mortgage & debt consolidation Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate - Home inspection is usually a condition in Schedule A of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. A home inspection is a key component in assessing the current condition of a house. In order for the contract of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale to remain in force, a waiver of the condition must be signed and presented within a certain time to the seller’s agent who in turn will sign an acknowledgement of the waiver. An inspector will check the structure, plumbing, electrical, basement and roof but not limited to for defects, leaks and repairs. Most inspectors are experienced and knowledgeable in areas of fire code and safety.

Protect yourself as a buyer and avoid any undesirable situations after closing. A buyer should not solely rely on the expertise of an inspector and should check for minor defects themselves, whether visible or hidden. The findings from a home inspection is to assist you in making an educated decision on the valuation of the home when considering the offer amount in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. This is not to be confused with an appraisal.

Mortgage - A typical Canadian mortgage is

either a fixed or variable rate mortgage with a five year term. Most closed fixed rate mortgages have a prepayment penalty that is the higher of three months interest or the interest rate differential(IRD). Most variable rate mortgages do not have interest rate differential penalties because the interest rate reflects the current rates. They are still however subject to the three month interest penalty.

If you are having thoughts of refinancing or selling, you should consider whether there is a penalty for breaking the existing mortgage.

When interest rates are lowered, most borrowers in a fixed rate mortgage contemplate breaking the existing mortgage to save on the amount of interest paid.

You should contact the financial institution to find out what the penalty is to break the mortgage as each lender has a different way of calculating the penalty.

Finance - Most individuals are living with borrowed money, credit cards, personal loans and lines of credit. Reducing or eliminating debt is never an easy task. Debt consolidation is a great tool to assist in achieving such a task. You may have credit card balances that accrue interest at a rate of nineteen percent to twenty nine percent, personal loans at a rate of seven percent and a line of credit at a rate of three and one half percent. You may choose to consolidate these into one payment at a cheaper interest rate combined.

If you own a home, you may be able to refinance your mortgage to include the debt at a cheaper interest rate. There are lots of credit counsellors available that can give you expert advice and get you back to financial freedom.

Super Visa keeps getting more popular—20,000 and counting!

OTTAWA -- More than 20,000 Parent and Grandparent Super Visas have been issued since the program’s launch in December 2011, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. ““The government is committed to family reunification and the Super Visa provides families with the flexibility to spend longer periods of time with loved ones,”” said Minister Kenney. ““It’s an innovative way of giving parents and grandparents the freedom to travel back and forth between Canada and their home country, helping them stay connected with families and friends both in Canada and at home, without the hassle of having to reapply every time.””

With over 1,000 Super Visas being issued monthly, this has become one of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s most popular programs. The approval rate remains high at 85 per cent.

The Super Visa is a multiple entry

visa that is valid for up to ten years, while offering holders the option of staying in Canada for up to two years at a time. This reduces the need for frequent visitors to renew their status during an extended family visit.

The process for getting a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is simple and straightforward. Applicants for the Super Visa must provide proof that the host child or grandchild meets a minimum income level, demonstrate that they have purchased comprehensive Canadian medical insurance and undergo the immigration medical examination. To date, almost 99 per cent of Super Visa applicants who met these requirements were approved. ““We understand that what families want most is to spend more time with their loved ones,”” said Minister Kenney. ““The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is yet another way the government is bringing families together.”” (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Labor unions protest 407ETR Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters Wednesday, July 10th, 2013, exactly one month after the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and Class Action lawyers appealed a lower court ruling regarding the provision of Plate Denial on bankrupt people, a small group of people gathered outside 407ETR’s offices at 6300 Steeles Street West. The group was made up of union members from UNITE, Britain & Ireland’s largest trade union with 1.5 million members, CAW with 193,000 members across Canada, USW with 225,000 members and UFCW Canada, Canada’s most experienced and respected union backed up by the strength of UFCW International — one of North America’s largest private-sector unions with over 1.3 million members. Stop the 407ETR’s Abuse of Power had representatives on hand too.

One thing about labor unions is

they know how to illustrate their point. The most striking feature of this peaceful, protest was a giant 10ft inflatable rat! Rats can be symbolic for opportunistic if not parasitic people or companies. The rat perfectly illustrates the predatory relationship with its customers 407ETR is notorious for.

The protest consisted of handing out informational flyers as people drove onto 407ETR’s property and hung banners on bridges over 407ETR Highway.

When asking members from the different unions represented what they thought the common theme was, unanimously the answer was how Ferrovial, an investor in 407ETR, treated people that had worked on several different projects internationally.

Informational material on this protest highlighted a member from UNITE, electrician and Shop Steward, Frank Morris. UNITE is advocating on Mr. Morris’ behalf. He was wrongly fired and “blacklisted” for pointing out health and safety concerns while working on a job contracted by Ferrovial in Britain.

For those unfamiliar with the term “blacklisting” it’s a practice whereby an individual will no longer be able to obtain employment. This has led to poverty, family

breakdown and even suicide.

This kind of behavior by 407ETR’s parent company is not unfamiliar to us here in Canada as I have written quite extensively on how this company has been ruining people’s lives in the Province of Ontario through their invoice suppression scam.

407ETR has been crushing people, causing financial ruin because of their unfair business practices. Bills show up in people’s mail for thousands of dollars, out of the blue, for an undocumented amount of money the company claims the individual owes them.

People have been forced into bankruptcy because of this practice only to find out that 407ETR ignores Federal Bankruptcy legislation and uses its unique power to deny a person’s ability to legally license their vehicle. This has caused undo hardship to many people as they no longer had a way to get to work to support their families.

It is hoped with the pressure starting to mount on this company, they will be ready to sit down and negotiate a more fair way of treating people. If not, this movement will only grow stronger.

Please sign and share the petition http://tinyurl.com/ 407petition

New Senior Citizenship Judge Appointment Announced OTTAWA -- Renata Brum Bozzi has been appointed as Canada’s new Senior Citizenship Judge, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. The Senior Citizenship Judge heads the Citizenship Commission, an administrative tribunal consisting of all citizenship judges working across Canada.

Ms. Brum Bozzi’s appointment means that the majority of full-time citizenship judges will continue to be women. ““With her successful selection, 11 out of 19 full-time citizenship judges appointed by the Governor in Council since 2008 are women,”” said Minister Kenney. ““In addition, the current makeup of the Citizenship Commission quite appropriately reflects Canada’s diversity.””

Ms. Brum Bozzi previously served six years as a Citizenship Judge and conducted over 7,000 hearings in both English and French. She was called upon to consult on policy, jurisprudence and legislative ini-

tiatives to combat fraud and reform the citizenship process. Immediately prior to her appointment, she worked as a member of the Social Security Tribunal.

Ms. Brum Bozzi was born in Ribeira Grande in the Azores, Portugal, and came to Canada with her family as a child. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, a Master of Arts from the Toronto School of Theology and a Certificate in Public Relations from the University of Toronto. She did legal and policy research for the Honourable Mr. Justice David M. Brown, now at the Ontario Superior Court. Her wide community work has included the 820 Chris Hadfield Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. She is a mother of five, and speaks French, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian.

The position of Senior Citizenship Judge was publicly advertised. After a rigorous screening process, the individual is appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister, on a full-

time basis for a five-year term.

Reporting to Parliament through the Minister, the Senior Judge is responsible for ensuring that judges perform their statutory and administrative duties under the Citizenship Act and is the liaison between judges, the Minister and departmental representatives on citizenship issues. The Senior Judge also acts as a spokesperson for the Commission and manages the administrative and professional services that the Commission provides to judges.

Citizenship judges are responsible for making decisions on citizenship applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens. New appointees are chosen from a list of qualified candidates who have gone through rigorous screening, including a written exam, reference check and oral interview. (CIC)

Wednesday, July 17, 2013 27

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Rakesh Yankaran - The “Raja” Vashtie Doorga Entertainment The undisputed “Raja”, meaning King, is better known as Rakesh Yankaran, was honored earlier this year to be chosen as one of the Living Legends of Chutney, part of a special presentation at Chutney Soca Monarch, and held by George Singh of Southex Event Management Company Limited. He says it is long overdue, and looks up to George Singh for his contribution to culture and has opened many doors and opportunities for many artists past and present.

Rakesh stems from Chutney royalty. His dad, the late Great Maestro Isaac Yankaran who he never got to sing with, was a pioneer and one of the founding pillars of musical history in Trinidad and Tobago. His message to upcoming chutney artists is to propagate our culture by singing new original songs, as it doesn’t make sense for the Bal Vikas, religious studies for children, to be teaching it in school, and it is not applied into society. He adds it is important to send a message to the people; the lyrics must make sense and tell a story with substance. D Raja said with great passion in his voice, that once you have God’s name in your thoughts, he will always open a door for you.

Had this Cultural Icon not been a

singer, he would have definitely been playing lovely cricket! If he is not performing, you will find him in the stands at any cricket game, any level, from high school cricket to the West Indies. As there are overs in cricket, D Raja is far from over. Music is his game and batting musical centuries that are timeless is what he creates that can withstand the test of time. He is also very spiritual. I was lucky enough to be backstage at one of his performances, and on a few occasions I witnessed him burst out into religious song backstage that are just so peaceful and calming to the mind despite all the chaos going on around. That is where you will see a very reserved Raja, break a smile, as his soul sings.

As one of his most memorable songs “Janey Chale” explains, We are going in this world and do not know where we will be, sometimes there are good moments and sometimes bad, but we must be sensible about it. A lesson learnt from one of the most remarkable singers in Trinidad history and a true Living Legend. The raja will be performing next in Canada, live at the Hut Like Pepper Family Picnic on August 4, at the Power Aid Center in Brampton, Caribana Sunday.

Dancehall Artiste: Aidonia Born Sheldon Aitana Lawrence on April 6, 1981, Aidonia is the second of four children for his mother who was a teacher, and his father an ex-soldier. Originally from the Red Hills Road area, he took his stage name from the first two letters in his middle name ‘Aitana’, and ‘Donia’, a name which he earned while playing football.

Aidonia attended Mona Heights Primary, then Meadowbrook High School where he had the misfortune of being expelled (for keeping ‘bad company’) while in 6th Form. It was from as far back as 1994, while still attending Meadowbrook, that Aidonia’s special love for music began. After watching a tape of Sting 1993 with the infamous clash between Beenie Man, and his icon Bounty Killer, Aidonia immediately got his mind set on becoming a deejay.

Soon after watching the Sting 1993 tape, he began re-enacting the clash for classmates and friends, many of whom recognised his talent from as far back as then. He started writing his own lyrics and formed the JAG1 (Jah A Guide) crew with friends. JAG1 or JOP (Jag One Productions) were often referred to when they were performing at school concerts and

fetes.

tion.

After being expelled, he relocated to the United States with his father, and started working at FedEx. For the next three years, he would visit Jamaica regularly, and did a few ‘minor’ things on the dancehall scene in New York. While in New York, he was encouraged by some to return to Jamaica in order to get his career going; he did just that.

He met Mr. G (then known as Goofy) and recorded his first single ‘Many a Dem’ in October 2003 on Goofy’s Young Blood label. Soon after, he began working with Rod Pinnock of Orizen Entertainment, and in early 2004, he became a popular performer at a weekly event called “Battle Thursdays”, where he got some recognition and also had an opportunity to work on his performance skills.

In the latter part of 2004, Aidonia was approached by Cordell “Skatta”’ Burrell who invited him to record at his studio. Two months later, Aidonia had his first bonafide hit, the song “Lolly” which was done on Skatta’s Irish Dance riddim.

In October 2005, news broke that “Lolly” was included on VP Records’ annual Strictly The Best (Volume 33) compila-

More hits followed from 2005 into 2006, including “Chicken Head”, “Prayer”, “Inna Di Ghetto”, “Eagle”, “Ooku”, “Unknown Assailant” and “Kingfish Ah Come”. He also fulfilled one of his goals of working with Bounty Killer, when he recorded “Sen Fi Dem”.

More recently, he has had “Reload” on the Redbull & Guiness riddim, “Bukam” on the Billback riddim and “Wine” on the Tremor riddim.

Look for more big tings from Aidonia in the near future.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, July 17, 2013 29

Simple internet marketing techniques Simple techniques that render results and are cost effective!

Julie Rambali Business Development Too often businesses get trapped with Internet marketing and get stuck with little or no results. It doesn’t help that they’re competing with larger companies and their big marketing budget. Then having to also compete with social media and a multitude of other distractions for the attention of prospects can be drag and make you want to give up.

There isn’t one method which will draw thousands of repeat visitors to your

website. You’ll need to put in the time in the right places with some patience and employ a variety of techniques over an extended period of time to see any major results.

The goal is to start networking on the major social media platforms and integrate it into your daily lifestyle so it doesn’t become overwhelmingly boring. Here are some great starting points: Start your own blog. Do some research online and write about topics in your industry or simply ask permission from other types of businesses in your industry for their news and re-post it in your blog. Don’t forget to give the source website credit for their news with a simple link back to their website. This creates an “active” link on your website which search engines love. Keeping your website constantly updated/active be-

gins a cycle that will automatically grab the interest of major search engines.

Connect with social media. I know social media sounds like a lot of work but it’s extremely easy, effective, and free. There are over 1.1 billion users on Facebook, over 554 million Twitter users, and over 1 billion unique users visit Youtube each month.

They’re all very powerful platforms for marketing your business online. Engage users on Facebook and network with other affiliates to get your products/services in front of an audience you haven’t had contact with before. Tweet about things of interest to you, quotes, jokes, funny photos, and you will begin to humanize your business. Create quick and simple Youtube video blogs with a clear message and call to action for the viewer to do something like subscribe to your channel.

If you have a low budget, simply use your built-in smartphone camera and easy to use video editing apps.

The main reason for Internet marketing is simple and that is to get onto all major search engines. The above techniques are the most effective ones I’ve tried so far and will definitely share whatever I learn next. The idea is to basically flood the Internet market with your links and branding which will automatically draw the attention of search engines and ultimately the attention of very large crowds all across the web to your website.

Next time, I’ll get into more detail about blogging, how to blog, and what to blog about to drive targeted visitors to your website.

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Your Horoscope - July 17th 2013 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): It’s all about how you respond to the signals and the growing needs, theirs and, more importantly, yours.

Mars in Cancer, starting Saturday, mobilizes all matters to do with home, family, legacies, and the residues of the past that are still crowding the present. Wednesday’s momentum shift can remove a barrier or a question mark and thrust you a big step ahead.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21May 21): Jupiter’s recent advance into Cancer has already put you on the move. Mars in Cancer, starting Sunday, spurs you to more resourcefulness. When it comes to navigating your way, it’s not what you know but who you know that counts.

A friend, ally, sibling, or client relationship grows in importance now. Wednesday turns it around and/or brings it together for you quite well.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23June 20): Starting Saturday, Mars will help you to get an even better handle on what offers you the best bang for your buck. Jupiter in Cancer is already gifting you with amped up inner wisdom, empathic ability, and coping skills. Tuesday and Wednesday are especially opportune for finances, professional or personal ambitions, legal dealings, and matters of the heart. Don’t snooze!

Cancer Horoscope (June 21July 20): The sun, Jupiter, and Mercury retrograde already have you nicely juiced up. As of Saturday when Mars advances into Cancer, you’ll hit the refresh button full on. Sunday/Monday could be instigating in some unforeseen way. By Tuesday/ Wednesday, it should make a lot more intuitive sense. Take action and opportunity will reveal itself. Divine timing supports you.

Things can work out in a roundabout way.

Leo Horoscope (July 21-Aug. 22): Once Mars takes a dip in Cancer you are likely to feel more interested in chilling out than making the rounds. That doesn’t necessarily mean slowing down.

There’s still plenty to keep you occupied.

Perhaps you have a big event, project, or move to plan for. Sunday/Monday can bring distraction or disruption. Mid week keeps you and life humming along.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): Jupiter’s recent advance into Cancer has really opened it up for you. Over this next year, Jupiter helps to make goals more attainable. It helps to increase your profit or paycheque too. Starting Saturday, Mars in Cancer directs even more focused attention to that specific target or goal. Sunday/Monday, relationships are tricky. Tuesday/Wednesday takes you past a hurdle and onto an emotional release.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): Jupiter in Cancer keeps your sights set high and rightly so. It’s an excellent time for the big push.

Although there’s still another week of Mercury retrograde left, a wonderful grand trine alignment sets a lucrative planetary support system into place. Stay goal oriented and give it your best shot. Sunday through Wednesday stirs it up. Tuesday and Wednesday, make your power play.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23Nov. 21): Usually Saturn’s transit through your sign is a tough one to get through.

Yes, you have heavy rocks to lift, but as a key grand trine player, Saturn in Scorpio gifts you with well-placed sway, swagger, and an advantageous edge. It will push and empower you for the rest of this year and next. Tuesday/Wednesday, you’ve got it going on in spades.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): It seems you have something major on the go or at least in the initial planning stage. Starting Saturday, Mars in Cancer adds more fuel to the fortuitous grand alignment between Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune. Even though Mercury retrograde continues to Saturday, Wednesday signals the time to take that big, life-altering plunge into marriage, a family expansion, home purchase, relationship, or financial redirection.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): Thursday/Friday can keep you running around, but the Virgo moon makes for a productive and relatively smooth go. For the most part, the stars keep communications and relationship accords humming along. Starting Saturday, Mars adds more juice. Sunday/Monday could be a push/pull. Tuesday/Wednesday, the grand trine at peak can get it cooking, perhaps abruptly or unexpectedly so.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): Jupiter in Cancer has begun a potent healing, learning, and correction chapter. You can still be challenged by a work or health issue, but the grand trine in water loans you better coping skills. Tuesday onward clears the way for more workable avenues and solutions. Scout for work or talk to an official or decision maker.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): For the most part you should feel that life is in a good flow. It will be even more so as of Saturday when Mars begins a six-week stimulus cycle.

Wednesday stars are especially blessed for luck, love, travel, or social, financial, and creative opportunities. Go on instinct or impulse. It could prove to be a great move.

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Common networking traps

7 Mistakes made by entrepreneurs when attempting to network their business

Jim Pagiamtzis Business Development In the process of transitioning from being a professional in a corporate environment to becoming an entrepreneur, you may unwillingly fall into several networking traps.

Here are a few mistakes that entrepreneurs make in the beginning.

Talk too much: The entrepreneur will be so excited and passionate about their business that they will not be able to stop talking about it.

Giving out business cards too fast: There is a term that Cindy Mount from BNI calls “spray and pray” that many new entrepreneurs do. This is the act of going

into a room and giving your card to everyone and saying” this is my new business, call me and let me show you the amazing plan, it’s awesome!” This too will lead to failure in more ways than they can image, from business cards being thrown in the garbage after the event.

Not listening enough: Some entrepreneurs do not listen enough. My mentor always said” you have two ears and one mouth”. This is such a simple statement to make but a hard habit to break!

It all comes back to the excitement of passionately sharing your business over and over again, but not taking time to listen and possibly ask a great question!

Not asking good questions: Many networking experts such as Bob Burg Author of Endless Referrals and Ivan Misner founder of BNI have always said in their training about the importance in asking open ended questions so that you can engage in a conversation of mutual benefit.

Not asking good questions will lead to a

very short and non responsive conversation.

Improper body Language: Having proper body language is a big reflection on who the entrepreneur is and how they treat their business. It may seem a minor issue but you may come across as not being an interesting person to speak to. Moving your hands all over the place in conversations to not standing still and facing who you are speaking to will not create a great speaking environment. Crossing your legs, folding your arms are not positive body language attributes to use in a networking environment.

Not offering valuable information: The ability to have an engaging conversation that of meaning is important to you and the person you are engaging in conversation with. Not offering a tip, suggestion or recommendation doesn’t put you in the position of being able to possible get some great information in return or perhaps more! There is lots of value that you have access to that you can share and be of ser-

vice. Not doing that puts you in position on not getting a business card or anything else of value from the potential networking attendee.

Not having a giver mentality: Bob Burg author of Go-Giver shares in his book that it’s the power of “sharing value on ongoing basis” where the true magic begins. Not having the giver mentality will only create a frustrating experience in any networking environment. Being able to be a natural giver of your talents, insights and experiences will only enhance your ability to communicate and have better conversations. There is a statement made by many” what goes around come around”. being a giver will tell you the world and universe and other in the room that are a give and are ready to be receiver.

Be aware of these seven mistakes as you begin your networking journey and making a mental effort to not go ‘through the rabbit hole” with any of these in the long term. It will not only affect growing your business but also make money with it too!

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