Riding For A Cure 061913

CARIB101.COM’S

TEL: 647-722-6298

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19TH 2013

CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & MORE

RIDING FOR A CURE

RIDING TO CONQUER CANCER ONE PEDDLE AT A TIME EMILY SINGH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

TORONTO -- Equipped with a bike, helmet, determination and one common goal in mind, 5,020 riders embarked on the two-day journey from Toronto to Niagara all in the name of cancer research. Last Saturday over the course of two days and 200 km, the participants in The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer raised a grand total of $19.1 million, which goes directly to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Marking its 6th year, riders were given a choice of six differ-

ent routes to take all leading up to one place: Niagara Falls. The funds raised will go towards ensuring that life saving treatments such as stem cell programs can be sustained and further advanced. Proceeds will also be put forth into new personalized cancer medicine, which will be designed to aid in cancer detection and diagnosis.

Geared up and ready to go, riders from all walks of life took to their bikes to do their part to help conquer cancer. Warm smiles and hot

lunches greeted the riders at Mohawk College in Hamilton as day one came to an end and they camped out in anticipation for the remainder of the journey.

The odds of developing cancer are real. How real? Every 2 out of 5 people will develop cancer during his or her lifetime. The odds of dying from cancer are 1 in 4. The crowd drew in many participants, each with a different motivation for doing the ride.

Continued On Page 2

2 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Riding for a cure

Ride to Conquer Cancer photo platform for riders, some cancer survivors themselves (Photo by Emily Singh)

Emily Singh TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- Some were cancer survivors themselves, others doing it for loved ones who have either lost their lives to cancer or are currently fighting the battle.

“Although the ride was challenging at times, I knew it was for a good cause. Cancer research is something that is close to my heart. I lost one uncle from it and currently have two who are battling through it. I hope next year more people turn out and do the ride.” Commented first time participant Tony Singh.

Grab a bike, a helmet and a group of friends and help conquer cancer. Join in The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer next year on June 7th and 8th 2014 during their 7th consecutive year. Visit www.conquercancer. ca or call 844-699-BIKE to register and get involved.

Housing horrors for Moonilal

Rudiana, 20, half Guyanese and half Brazilian from

New York is in her second year of college majoring in psychology and international studies and plans on pursuing a career in Journalism.

This beauty is also an experience model showing up in the Caribbean scene. “I love what I do and it’s my passion.” In her spare time, Rudiana loves playing Volleyball.

TRINIDAD -- Housing applicants have been trying everything in the book to secure a roof over their heads, and Minister Roodal Moonilal obviously has been their main target.

It’s a problem that Moonilal said he can’t get away from as throngs of applicants have been swarming him everywhere—at funerals, weddings, hotels, restaurants and even on airplanes.

With the demand for housing reaching 160,000, Moonilal said he has been avoiding social events outside work hours.

Moonilal said he carries on his shoulders the burden of trying to solve the country’s chronic housing shortage.

At a funeral recently, Moonilal said while standing over the casket to view the body, he was approached by a mourner seeking shelter.

“While travelling first class on a plane from London to Trinidad somebody in the economy class break away and pull down the blinds to ask me for a house,” Moonilal said.

In New York, at the Marriott Hotel, Moonilal said he was feeling unwell and had asked the front desk for a tablet.

“An employee of the hotel brought the tablet and asked if I was the minister of housing in Trinidad. She said her sister lives San Juan and begged me to help her.”

Asking a restaurant employee for a bill after ordering food is just as bad.

“Instead of getting the bill you get someone’s cell number,” Moonilal added.

“I had to stop making restaurants bookings. That tells you the level of desperation and need. I understand their vulnerability.

You cannot be a minister of housing and be impatient and arrogant when dealing with human suffering.”

At the 2013 Point Fortin Borough Day Moonilal said he was also bombarded by members of the public.

Moonilal said because of his repeated encounters he avoids going out unless absolutely necessary. (Trinidad Guardian)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The Caribbean Islands Dominate the Toronto International Track and Field Games Emily Singh TC Reporter TORONTO -- Off goes the starters’ pistol, as the sprinters take off, commemorating the start of the track events of the Toronto International Track and Field Games. Amongst the 14 countries that participated at the Varsity Centre, University of Toronto on Tuesday, four of them hailed from the Caribbean.

Through the sponsorship from Scotiabank, ten high school relay teams throughout Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago were able to participate. This year marks the 3rd year of the annual Toronto International Track and Field Games, and the crowd support was electrifying.

“It’s a pleasure watching the athletes compete in an international meet because the experience for them at that age is always positive. Fortunately the weather was great, they didn’t have to run in the rain and the competition was good. “Commented five time Olympian and world renowned legendry Jamaican sprinter Donald Quarrie.

The highlight of the spectacle was without a doubt the Scotiabank International High School 4x100 Relay Championship. As the Caribbean athletes along with local Ontario athletes prepared to dart to the finish, the crowd was on their feet cheering them along. The Caribbean turnout was remark-

able, Jamaican, Bajan, Bahamian and of course the red, white and black Trinidadian flag could be seen waving across the crowd.

The crowd was on their feet jamming away to the sounds of radio station G98.9 and live drumming performances.

The Jamaican high school girls relay team dominated the track with Holmwood Tech coming in first. Also placing was Trinidads St.Francois Girls College in fourth place, Jamaica’s Vere Tech in fifth place, Springer Memorial in sixth and C.V Bethel from the Bahamas in eighth place.

The Caribbean boys’ high school relays teams put out their greatest efforts and it reflected in the final scores. Coming in second and third place was Calabar High School followed by St.Jago High School both from Jamaica. A close fifth was taken

by Queens Royal College in Trinidad, followed by Queens College in the Bahamas placing sixth and Queens College located in Barbados coming in seventh. The boys of C.V Bethel Senior High School, Barbados did not disappoint when they ran their best and placed eighth.

“This was the second time for us, and we definitely enjoyed it the first time and this time was even better. It was a different competition and a different place in Canada, we definitely enjoyed it and couldn’t ask for anything more. People were extremely friendly no complaints whatsoever.” Comment Springer Memorial, Barbados Coach Sean D. With the incredible partnership with Scotiabank and fan support of Toronto all ten schools put forth their best efforts and without a doubt made the Caribbean proud.

Campbell Brown drug issue overblown?

JAMAICA -- Reports of Jamaican superstar Veronica Campbell-Brown’s failed drug test might have been blown way out of proportion, the Jamaica Observer has learned.

A well-placed source close to the issue told the Sunday Observer yesterday that the situation might have grown out of proportion and the reports of dire consequences and banishment of up to two years could be premature.

“No serious drugs were involved, no PEDs (performance Enhancing Drugs) were involved, that’s all I will say,” the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said.

After the ‘B’ sample came back positive, Campbell-Brown will next face a Jamaica Anti-doping Commission’s panel, before which she will explain how the substance got into her system.

According to the source, she could receive a three-month ban or even a public reprimand. The source added that she was expected to be back in competition again soon.

Campbell-Brown won a bronze medal in the 100 metres and a silver as part of the Jamaica team that ran a national record 41.41 seconds in the 4x100m relay, but

was a disappointing fourth in the 200 metres as she sought to create history by being the first woman to win three straight Olympic 200m gold medals after victories in the previous two Olympics.

Campbell-Brown told reporters in London that she has missed significant training time leading up to the games, for a medical condition which the Sunday Observer found out to be low blood pressure.

Reports of Campbell-Brown’s failure of a drug test at the Jamaica International Invitational (JII) meet surfaced last Thursday and just over 24 hours later it was heard that the ‘B’ sample had also returned a positive test at the IAAF certified laboratory in Montreal, Canada.

Reports have also said that the multiple Olympic and World Championships medalist had tested positive for a diuretic, a possible masking agent for the use of steroids.

The reports of the failed drugs test had resulted in widespread hysteria among Campbell-Brown’s legions of fans all over the island and even overseas expressing a wide range of emotions on the social networks. (Jamaica Observer)

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

3

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

First Lady treats New Amsterdam prisoners to sumptuous lunch dation shows appreciation to fathers and prisoners are no exception. She believes that every parent has something to offer their children and, that every inmate should strive to better themselves, so that, they can reintegrate with their families and be a part of the upbringing of their children.

“I implore you to learn as much as you can to become productive members of society,” she encouraged.

GUYANA -- Ninety four male inmates at the New Amsterdam Prison yesterday were treated to a sumptuous lunch, compliments of First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar, as part of the outreach programme of her Foundation.

The First Lady extended cheers to the prisoners, on the occasion of Father’s Day, while reminding them that, they still have to focus on life beyond prison, by returning to the society and make meaningful contributions.

“Donʼt be discouraged, you can still achieve your dreams and build a life. Once you build a productive life, you can inspire people.”- First Lady Dont be discouraged “Don’t be discouraged, you can still achieve your dreams and build a life.

Once you build a productive life, you can inspire people,” she posited.

The First Lady also encouraged the prisoners, not to let the experience of prison, prevent them from becoming constructive professionals. “It’s not where you start, but how you finish and I am quite optimistic that, you can effect positive changes,” she further added.

Show appreciation The First Lady declared that her Foun-

Belief Believing that anyone is capable of effecting positive changes, the First Lady said: “ As fathers, your children will come to your for guidance and you need to step up to the task and play that fatherly role in their lives, because, you are the ones who would first recognize their mistakes.”

Interaction During her visit to the penal facility, the First Lady, also took the opportunity to interact with some of the convicted & remanded inmates and took special note of their complaints.

Along with the First Lady, two members of her foundation, Mr. Prandatt Basdeo and Ms. Chitraykha Dass, also met and interacted with the inmates.

Proud Speaking at the luncheon, Officer-inCharge of the N/A Prison, Senior Superintendent Linden Cornette, stated that he is certain that, there are lots of talent among the inmates, while complimenting a group that performed songs to entertain the First Lady.

“If this is so, i am a happy man of what this prison has produced,” he noted.

The Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) Vice-chairman, Bhopaul Jhagroo and Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice Regional Health Authority and Member of Parliament, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo also accompanied the First Lady during her visit to the prison that, currently has a male population of 311. (Guyana Chronicle)

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

5

6 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Car parts racket revealed TRINIDAD -- A car parts and maintenance racket has been discovered within the T&T Fire Service. A number of questionable transactions are listed in the departmental vote book for the maintenance of the Fire Service fleet. They include ordering parts for vehicles that had already been sold, costly paint jobs and oil changes, and the scope of works submitted by selected firms. It comes on the heels of the hefty $10,189,115 quotation submitted by Sammy’s Multilift Services Ltd last November to retrieve a firetruck that ran off the road in Blanchisseuse.

Cabinet eventually signed off on the revised $6.8 million bill.

The T&T Guardian has obtained copies of the financial statements listing maintenance work on Fire Service vehicles for January-May this year. Among the items listed is a motor starter bought for $92,676.

The starter, T&T Guardian learned, was purchased for a 50-seater Mercedes Benz bus that had been sold in a public auction at the Chaguanas Fire Station last October. Invoices have also been submitted for the supply of four batteries costed at $45,500 for a 1982 Dodge mobile canteen and a Rosebauer water tanker. However, the mobile canteen was auctioned off last year. A paint job on a Toyota pickup, fleet number 543, was recorded as costing $65,378. Such jobs are usually carried out by the Fire Service’s own engineering department.

Documents also showed that an invoice for $41,858 was submitted for oil, air and filter changes on the Toyota SUV—PCT 1633—being used by acting Chief Fire Offi-

cer Nayar Rampersad. A similar job was also done on a Volkswagen Touareg at a cost of $35,917. In March, documents showed that a voucher for $86,250 was submitted for a transmission for a Dennis water tanker, but the transmission was not received. Invoice 646152 showed that $88,527 was paid for the supply of parts and labour for an Isuzu D/ Cab utility. The left front door, left rear door and left rear flare tender skirt were expected to be changed. Upon delivery, sources told T&T Guardian, concerns were raised over the repairs carried out on the vehicle.

Contacted yesterday, Rampersad said he intended to launch an investigation into the payments. “Based on the information provided, I am going to conduct enquiries into the matter with the procurement unit and the accounts department,” he said.

“Even though the matters are now coming up for payment, several transactions would have took place before my time. The Ministry of National Security has a responsibility to look into the matter and if a discrepancy is found , they have to send it back to the accounts department. “We do not print cheques at the Fire Services. The process involving the acquisition of goods and service are sent to the ministry for checking.”

On the issue of whether Brantec Ltd was a preferred contractor for the supply of tyres, Rampersad said, “They have a longstanding relationship with the Fire Services. There is a contracted supplier for tyres. However, I was informed by the engineering department that the tyres being offered by that supplier are not durable. When

I was informed I wrote the permanent secretary asking for the tyres to be purchased on the open market.” In a January 18 memo that accountant I Kameel Hosein sent to Rampersad he said, “I wish to inform that an invoice order VV597500 dated August 27, 2012 was issued to Messrs Brantec Ltd for customs purposes to import certain sized tyres for use by the T&T Fire Services. “In this regard, we have entered into a binding agreement to purchase said tyres from that firm. “However, Messrs Brantec Ltd is not reflected as a contracted supplier. Notwithstanding that, and without prejudice, our commitment must first be to Messrs Brantec Ltd, as mentioned previously a binding agreement exists.”

Brantec Ltd is listed on the documents as the service provider for all four jobs. The head of Brantec Ltd, Caroline Baboolal, yesterday told T&T Guardian that she was unaware of the payments submitted on the invoices. Referring to the job carried out on PCT 1633, Baboolal said, “Oil, filter and air change could never be $41,000. It would cost around $6,500.” As to the $35,917 payment for oil and filter change, Baboolal said, “I will have to look at my invoices. It is not possible to charge $35,917 to change oil and filter.” On the transmission for the water tanker, Baboolal said, “I would have to look into that one. If Fire Services have a problem they should contact us, not call the T&T Guardian.” (Trinidad Guardian)

8 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Hiker tells of seven-day ordeal in forest: I survived on river water and prayers TRINIDAD -- Surviving only on river water and prayers, Princes Town mother of three Bissoondaye Geeta Seenath had almost given up hope as she wandered through the Matura forest for seven days encountering snakes and sleeping in complete darkness.

Seenath, 47, was reported missing during an excursion to Salybia Beach on June 8.

She was found alive in the Matura forest on Saturday. In the words of her husband Mohan, the 47-year-old woman’s prayers and sheer will to live brought a “sweet end to a sad story” as she was miraculously rescued on Saturday by Matura resident Jerod Nelson. He said his wife, from whom he is estranged, “drank river water” to survive because she could not find any fruit trees.

Seenath, of Chappel Street, Manahambre, Princes Town, went missing last Saturday during a hike to Rio Seco waterfall, Matura.

She was among 40 people who went on an excursion to Salybia Beach. Thirteen of the 40 people decided to hike from the beach to the waterfall, which was nearby and Seenath decided to go along.

However, she got separated from the group and wandered off the trail. She is now warded at the Sangre Grande District Hospital in stable condition. Speaking to the T&T Guardian from her hospital bed yesterday, Seenath said it is a “miracle” she is alive. After the hike, others in the group realised Seenath was missing and a search was launched. Members of the Defence Force and Police Service combed the area.

They called off the search after four days.

However, on Saturday, she was found by Matura resident Jerod Nelson, also called “Wire.” In all, she had survived in the forest for seven days by living off of river water.

In an interview at the Sangre Grande District Hospital yesterday, Seenath seemed drowsy from her dramatic ordeal. Her hair was pulled back in one and she was covered with a thick pink blanket. Nurses and orderlies bustled around giving her medication and arranging to take her for an X-Ray. Seenath said she was unable to move on the

bed and was in pain, even as she recalled the ordeal she lived through in the forest.

“It was like a miracle, every step I made I prayed. At nights I heard gospel, Hindu songs and prayers. I hold on to the mountain and made my way. I walked and I walked,” she said.

She said before she got lost others in the group were bathing in a river.

“Some friends of mine were going. There were some foreigners there (by the river) so I followed them out and then I got lost.

They were in front of me and I got lost from the rest of the group,” she said. Seenath said she climbed over hills and followed the path of a river. She said even as she stood at the highest points on the hills there was no civilisation to be seen. “I tried to climb this hill to get away from the water and I fell down and hurt my knee. I stayed there whole night until the next morning. It had big crabs and little crabs there but they did not bite me.” “I went in the water and swim but I could only swim a little bit, I am not that good,” she said. Seenath said she had to survive on what was available. “I never saw one fruit tree and I had to drink the river water. I won’t go hiking again, never,” she said.

Reunited with family Seenath’s sister Champa Singh, speaking with the T&T Guardian at her Chappel Street, home yesterday, said God led her to meet Nelson whom tqhey gave their telephone number to so he would contact them.

She said on Wednesday she contacted her pundit Roopnarine Maharaj, of Iere Village, who read Seenath’s patra (horoscope.)

Maharaj said he read the Rashi Mala which showed that Seenath would be found on the Western side of the forest. Maharaj told the Guardian he took Singh to Matura on Wednesday and while driving they passed Nelson’s house. He said he got a vibration, reversed the vehicle and drove straight to Nelson’s house. He said he asked him if he saw Seenath and he said, “No.” Maharaj

said they exchanged numbers and Nelson said he would look for her. Two days later Nelson found Seenath when she walked into his yard.

Even after the search was called off, her daughter Roshnie, 19, did not lose hope that her mother was alive nor did she give up searching. Yesterday, a visibly happy and smiling Roshnie could not contain her joy that her mother was rescued. She said when she saw her mother at the Sangre Grande hospital on Saturday night they broke down in tears. Roshnie said her mother was in a lot of pain, her legs were swollen, blistered and her left shoulder was dislocated. She said her mother used a mora tree branch for support. The 19-year-old held on to the branch yesterday and said: “This is the reason my mother survived. Without this she could not move and walk down the river.” Mohan said he intends to clean and varnish the branch and hang it in the Palmyra Shiv Mandhir, which Seenath attends, as a symbol of inspiration for all. He said the incident has changed a lot of things for the family. He said the family was grateful for all the help the family received as he said, “There was no better Father’s Day gift.”

Roshnie also gave her father a wallet for Father’s Day. Mohan dismissed rumours that his wife had run away. He said when he looked at Seenath he could tell she had been through a lot. “She is a very spiritual person. It was not easy for her being out there, being alone. I felt pity when I saw her.

When I looked at her last night (Saturday,) when I looked at her feet I believe her story.

I know it is true,” he said. Roshnie said her mother told them she found a stone shaped like a Shiva Lingam (oval-shaped Hindu symbol) and offered prayers and flowers to it. She said her mother also told her that one night she was sitting with her back against a tree when she felt a snake touch her ear.

“She scream and move away,” Roshnie said. Mohan admitted that given the ordeal Seenath experienced she may need spiritual guidance and counselling. He said while

she was in the forest she said she prayed “Lord take me.” Mohan said the sad part is no one from the Government, except Toco/ Fishing Pond Councilor Terry Rondon and Manahambre councilor Judy Hart came to give the family support during their ordeal.

More Info Jerod Nelson is being hailed as a hero for rendering assistance to Seenath on Saturday. However, Nelson, speaking with the T&T Guardian in a telephone interview yesterday, said, “I think God put me in place to help this woman.” He said since he saw Seenath’s story on the television he was “praying hard” for her to come out of the forest. Nelson said on Saturday he was supposed to go to the grocery store, but “my mind tell me stay home. Then I see this lady walking in my yard. I recognise her immediately from the clothes she was wearing.

Nelson said Seenath approached him and she said, “Mister, mister gimme something to eat nah, gimme something to drink. I am a vegetarian but even if you have meat I will eat that.” “She was dirty, her hair was ruffled and she tell me she feeling weak,” he said.

He said he made her sit, contacted her sister Champa Singh, who had left her number with him when they visited the area searching for Seenath. He said he also contacted the police. Nelson gave her a meal of rice, bodi and patcholi which he reheated for her, until the police arrived. He said he did not expect to see Seenath outside his home. Seenath’s sister, Champa and Pundit Roopnarine Maharaj, returned to Nelson’s home yesterday where they gave him a hamper with foodstuff and a gift for his actions. Singh said they wanted to show their appreciation for his help.

She said Seenath told them when she was wandering she came upon a man with a Rastafarian hairstyle and pleaded with him for help. “He chased her away. He tell her ‘go from here, I cannot help you,’” Singh said. (Trinidad Guardian)

10 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Not our Veronica — VCBʼs dad say positive drug test hard to believe JAMAICA -- Veronica Campbell Brown’s father reacted with shock and dismay that his offspring had been fingered in a doping scandal that threatens to gnaw away at the gains of Jamaica’s glittering athletic programme.

Cecil Campbell, a resident of this sugar cane-producing community, said that he had not communicated with his daughter in less than a week, but remained confident that things will work out for her.

“I am really surprised. I heard about it this morning (Saturday), but I really don’t know what to say right now,” stated an apparently disappointed Cecil Campbell.

“It is possible that she could be drinking something and someone poured something in it,” added the man of few words, while insisting that he has not spoken to his daughter since last week Wednesday.

At the same time, other members of the Clark’s Town community also reacted with horror regarding news of a doping violation on Campbell Brown’s part.

Campbell Brown spent her early years growing up in Trelawny, before moving to Clarendon to live with the Myton family and attended Vere Technical High School where she performed as an athlete par excellence.

Sports enthusiast Trevor Davis, who has known Campbell Brown for several years, told the Sunday Observer that “for someone in the sport for so long, I actually don’t believe the results are positive.

“This has to be some kind of mistake. I believe something went wrong along the way during the testing. I’m confident she will overcome this though, and I don’t think that at this point in her career she would actually do something like this,” said Davis, adding that the athlete has his fullest support.

“I’m giving her my fullest support and I hope everything will work out for her and Jamaica as a whole. I am sure she would not want to have her reputation tarnished at this point in her career.”

Cosmetologist Consela Barrett believes that the athlete’s reported positive drug test “is a set-up”.

“Veronica is a good girl and because they realise that Jamaica is on top, they will do anything to destroy us. I believe it is a set-up and so I really don’t believe the result of the test,” Barrett said.

Sports administrator Leon Jackson, who also expressed shock and disappointment at the disclosure, said that he hopes that athletes will “learn

from what has happened”.

“I am one of the most disappointed persons. I have been watching her from ‘Champs’ days, winning at every level and it is very difficult to understand why in the evening of her career she would want to resort to using performance enhancement drug. I hope it’s a lesson for other athletes,” said Jackson, adding that he has confidence in the system used to test athletes for banned substances.

Campbell Brown, who has represented Jamaica with distinction as a junior and senior athlete, has won three Olympic gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the world’s greatest sporting showcase — the best by any Jamaican female athlete.

She has an equally brilliant achievement in the World Championship in Athletics with nine medals overall (two gold, and seven silver).

Campbell Brown, who is married to long-time schoolmate and sprinter Omar Brown, who dominated schoolboy athletics in his days and who also went on to represent Jamaica at the junior and senior levels, is expected to return to her homeland soon to face a Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission disciplinary hearing.

Officials have not named the drug involved. (Jamaica Observer)

Woman perishes in Plaisance fire, two homes flattened GUYANA -- Thirty-seven year old Susan Mclean of 73 Victoria Road Plaisance East Coast Demerara lost her life yesterday morning when her home went up in flames and she was trapped inside.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the fire started just around 03:00 hrs yesterday morning and from all indications it started at the home of the woman who was killed in the fire.

Her home was completely destroyed. Persons in the area said that they were at home watching television yesterday morning when they heard the sounds as if glass was being shattered and as they looked outside there saw a big ball of fire in the woman’s home which was causing the glass on the windows to burst.

According to the residents of the area they heard no strange sounds prior to the fire neither did they hear the woman shouting for any form of help nor was she screaming based on their recollection.

Meanwhile, Avery Adridge who lived at lot 72 Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara just next door to where the fire occurred also lost everything as a result of the blaze.

The woman said that she was at a wedding reception on Saturday night into yesterday morning when she received a call around 03:25 hrs informing her that her house was on fire. She

said that at the time she got the news she was travelling back to the East Coast and arrived sometime after 04:00 hrs yesterday.

The visibly shaken woman related to the Chronicle that when she arrived she noticed the fire tenders and police on the scene trying to keep the blaze under control and take control of the scene.

Mrs. Adridge said that when she arrived at the location too, persons in the area were telling her that the fire started at her home but initial investigations by the Guyana Fire Service determined that the fire was started at the home which was burnt flat and claimed the life of a woman.

The woman said that her two sons were at home when the blaze started and had to exit the house and ran by a relative who lived in the area for shelter. The boys are said to be ages 9 and 13. They too were also questioned by members of the Guyana Fire Service.

Asked about the estimated damage as a result of the fire the one time shop keeper said her losses go way beyond $10 although her shop has been closed for the past eight months.

She explained that although her business was non-operational there were several things that were left in the lower flat where the shop used to be and those include freezers, fridge, and other very important and vital items includ-

ing household appliances.

The woman also claimed her losses of very important documents including source ones. According to the woman she has worked all her life for the things she has acquired and losing everything is really a heart breaker for her.

Asked about losing a neighbour in such a tragic manner, the former shop keeper said that she and her neighbour never really shared a good relationship.

She said that there were times when she was forced to leave all the windows on one side of her house closed for want of peace. She added that whenever she opened her front door she had to put up a sheet or blind so that the woman does not see her.

The fire also caused several residents living close by to take precautionary measures by emptying their homes of valuables and household appliances.

Over at another home which was scorched from the fire at the lot 72 property, the occupants there removed beds, chair sets, electrical appliances and other things.

When this publication visited yesterday morning those persons were cleaning the household items to pack them back into the home even as the interior of the home was disarranged and had to be put into order. (Guyana Chronicle)

12 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

President Ramotar urges emulation of Enmore Martyrs GUYANA -- President Donald Ramotar yesterday called upon those involved in the sugar industry in any way to take an example from the Enmore Martyrs and make the necessary sacrifices towards reversing the industry from its current state, which he said can be described as “almost a crisis.”

The President was at the time addressing a gathering at the Enmore Monument Site for the annual rally to honour the five Martyrs, Lallabagee Kissoon, Pooran, Dhookie, Rambarran and Harry who died on June 16, 1948 while protesting for better working conditions on the sugar estate, better wages and for the recognition of a union of their choice.

The President said that for a very long time the sugar industry was the only industry in Guyana, and that citizens ought to be thankful for the role that it has played in the history and development of this country.

He pointed out that many other sectors in Guyana have had their beginnings and origins in the sugar industry and stated that this is why it is important to recognise that now is the time that the industry has an even bigger role to play in the development of Guyana.

Noting that the present condition of the industry can be described as “almost a crisis” the president exhorted that the resuscitation of the industry is very important and it calls for maturity, a change in attitude and for all to work together.

“What has brought us to this stage?

It’s not one reason that brought us where we are in the industry and the difficulties that ex-

ist in the industry, but there are many. Some of them have been outside our control,” he asserted.

He further cited the change in pricing of sugar on the global market as one of the many challenges and noted that while he is confident that the Skeldon Sugar Factory will prove to be a wise and good investment, it has still not lived up to its expectations to date.

Ramotar also stressed that it is also a challenge to deal with current attitudes.

He said that while the industry is now in the hands of the people and the state, the attitude in the industry has not changed from the colonial time and the time of the Enmore Martyrs.

“Workers still do not see themselves as being the owners of this industry and management still operates in a very high handed way. And these are the attitudes that we have to change,” he lamented.

The Head of State further stressed that he is ready and willing to accept all workable ideas that can turn the industry around.

“If the workers and the unions feel that they know and they understand the industry very, very good and they can produce better than the management, I am ready to even consider giving them the land in co-ops and let them produce,” he said.

He added that it is difficult times like these that bring out the best in people and said that he is looking forward that everyone will put their best foot forward to rescue the industry.

“Stop making excuses; stop complaining; stop the blame game and let us together try to turn this industry around and allow it to continue the role that it has played as a major factor for development in our country,” he urged.

Meanwhile, the President highlighted that while much has changed since 1948, and Guyana has achieved significantly, there are still challenges and struggles being faced, alluding to some of the challenges being faced presently in the National Assembly.

He pointed to the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, which was recently taken to Parliament, and noted that the government has not yet been able to pass it because it does not have the control in the National

Assembly.

Ramotar further related that legislation to take illegal weapons off the road that were recently brought to the Parliament, have all been thrown out on the excuse that the combined parliamentary opposition does not like the bearer of the bills.

“How much more petty can we get?

How much more childish can we become?

Are we not seeing the harm that we are doing to all our communities?” he questioned.

He asserted that a change in direction and a change in attitude are needed, where the only criterion for evaluating such situations will be the welfare and interest of the country and its people. (Guyana Chronical)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 13

Edwards says future bright for WI KINGSTOWN -- West Indies A Test captain, Kirk Edwards believes the future of both West Indies and Sri Lanka cricket looks bright after both A teams played to a 0-0 in the two ‘Test’ series over the last two weeks.

Edwards was speaking moments after his side shook hands, ending a rain-hit 2nd ‘Test’ at Arnos Vale in St Vincent where the entire of Day 2 was washed out. He feels the selectors on either side should be happy with how both teams played in the series.

He said, “It was a chance for the people to actually play and show what they could do. I think it’s a positive for both West Indies and Sri Lanka that they have players that could play over a four day period, which they will be looking for these players to move into Test cricket. I think both territories should be pretty please with the way the players went about the job.”

The matches though were far from any exciting spectacle as the 1st ‘Test’ at Warner Park consisted of 1273 runs with six batsmen getting centuries and another four getting halfcenturies. Onto St Vincent and after a sunny first day, Days three and four suffered heavy losses to rain that ultimately ended any chance of a result.

But had the rain not intervened at Ar-

nos Vale, Edwards was optimistic of one team grabbing a win. “When you go into a game, you’re looking for a result and cricket is funny as we saw in St Kitts; one team gets a huge total and the next team comes in and chases down that total so who knows who would have gotten stuck in here at Arnos Vale?” Edwards stated.

But amid Warner Park’s batsmanfriendly pitch and Arnos Vale’s rain, there were periods of play in which West Indies A players dominated, effectively putting their hands up for the selectors to see.

These players impressed Edwards who said, “We had Fudadin getting a hundred, Leon Johnson getting his first hundred, Narsingh getting a hundred today [Saturday, Day 4, 2nd ‘Test’], and Nikita Miller I thought bowled really well, and that’s the guy who has been doing well for a very long time. Obviously getting a chance to play four day cricket for the A-Team, he grabbed it with both hands. But then Cummins bowled really well for his four wickets in this game along with the talented Cotterell so we have a lot of positives.”

Not mentioning himself, the skipper too hit a remarkable 190 in the 1st ‘Test’ in a knock that lasted 404 minutes, facing 276 balls, stroking 26 fours and a six. His ultimate goal

is to get back into the West Indies Senior Test team, but his plan to get back at the highest level is very simple; “My job is to score runs so every opportunity I get, it’s just to go out there and do that.”

Having captained his native Barbados to Regional 4-Day success this season, Edwards felt privileged to be handed the role of West Indies A Team captain, though he admitted, it was a step up from leading at the domestic level. He said, “It’s totally different because when you’re captaining the West Indies, you’ve got guys coming from different places so in such a short space of time for us to gel it was kind of difficult whereas in Barbados we are more familiar with each other so that was just the difference.”

Kirk Edwards flew home on Saturday night as the next phase of the series sees both teams playing two Twenty20s at Arnos Vale on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both matches start at 2PM Atlantic Standard Time (1PM Jamaica Time). The West Indies A Team Twenty20 squad will soon be released for those two matches.

Following the two Twenty20’s, both teams travel to Grenada for the final leg of the series which entails three One Days on June 23rd, 25th and 27th. (Trinidad Guardian)

Because family matters Let us take care of yours

The People to Serve You The Compassion to Care

We provide the guidance and services you require at a time of need or when planning ahead.

We understand the traditions, beliefs and needs of the families we serve. Accommodating shipping requests to the Caribbean & Worldwide.

Proudly serving the Caribbean community, offering complete shipping requests.

Call for your free information kit: 416-773-0933

Ask us how you can receive a free information kit. Call 905-840-3400

Highland Funeral Home Scarborough Chapel

Brampton Funeral Home & Cemetery

by Arbor Memorial

by Arbor Memorial

3280 Sheppard Avenue, E., Scarborough www.highlandfuneralhome.ca/scarborough

10061 Chinguacousy Road, Brampton JT %CTG รง YYY DTCORVQPOGOQTKCN EQO

Arbor Memorial Inc.

Arbor Memorial Inc.

Your Life. Family. Community.

We are here to help We provide the guidance and services you need.

Proudly serving the West Indian community and offering shipping requests to the Caribbean.

Call for your free planning kit: 416-782-1197 McDougall & Brown Funeral Home - Eglinton Chapel

by Arbor Memorial

'INKPVQP #XGPWG 9GUV 6QTQPVQ รง YYY OEFDTQYPGINKPVQP EC Remembrance Services Inc. & Arbor Memorial Inc.

Services to meet your cultural needs. Ask about our new Jamaican Funeral Coach

16 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Pot: Jamaican callaloo (amaranth) and bean soup A combination for an excellent Caribbean inspired soup

Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking I must mention that I used chicken broth in this recipe and you’ll find it’s listed under the vegetarian section of the website so please use vegetable stock to make this fully vegetarian as I didn’t have any left in the pantry when I was putting the recipe together. If you can’t

source Jamaican callaloo (chorai bhaji), any ‘greens’ will work (spinach, collard greens… even the green parts of pak choi (bok choy) or Swiss chard).

The flavors from the fresh herbs, scotch bonnet pepper, onion and the textures of the sweet potato and callaloo, will all combine for an excellent Caribbean inspired soup.

Ingredients 3 cups chicken broth 1 can (540 mL) Bean Medley 1 large onion diced 1 potato 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 8 cups Jamaican callaloo 1/4 cup parsley leaves with stems

33/4 tsp salt 11/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp coconut oil 11/4 scotch bonnet pepper.

1 diced sweet potato 2 scallions (spring / green onions) thyme 1 ta ttablespoon abl b es espo p on tth po hym hy mee

Use veg stock the this U t k ffor th h veg version i off th hi recipe. If you don’t have coconut oil, use extra virgin olive oil.

Start by prepping the ingredients.. wash, chop and dice. The sweet potato is peeled and diced as you would any regular potato and try to cube them in the same sizes. Remember to wear gloves when handling the scotch bonnet pepper, wash your hands with soap and do not include any of the seeds. That’s where the real fire is when it comes to such lethal peppers.

Heat the oil in a heavy soup pot on medium heat, then add the diced onion, garlic, parsley, thyme and scotch bonnet pepper. Turn the heat down to low and let that gently cook for about 3-5 minutes. We’re creating a lovely base for the soup at this point.

Wash, W h ddrain i and d trim i the h callaloo ll l ((cut into smaller pieces).. feel free to use any tender stems if you wish. Tough stems will not cook down and will give the soup a woody texture. Now add all the chopped callaloo to the pot and give it a

good stir. It will wilt down as it cooks.

Add the cubed potatoes and all the other ingredients to the pot. Bring that up to a boil and reduce with the cover slightly ajar to a rolling boil for about 20-25 minutes.

I don’t like using beans straight oout of the can, so I usually place the bbeans in a strainer and let cool water run oover them to remove the grit and excess sodium in packed in.

Taste ffor salt accordingly.

T l and d adjust djj di l The vegetables will still have their shape so it’s now up to you (if you want to thicken it up a bit as I did), to use a stick blender and give it a couple quick buzz. DO NOT over do it. If you don’t have a stick (immersion) blender, you can take about a cup or 2 (not all) out and place it in your traditional blender and give it a couple pulses. Then return it back to the pot and give everything a good mix. If you don’t have either you can use a whisk or swizzle stick to break things down a little so it thicken up a bit.

This recipe is enough for 4-6 people as a starter and 3-4 as a full meal with some coconut bake or your favourite bread… please serve hot.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 17

Alleviate hypertension through yogic breathing Geeta Maraj Yoga Breathing in yoga is seen from a totally different perspective than merely the act of inhaling and exhaling. Control of the breath is called Pranayama. Correct breathing is crucial to the health of our organs, our stress level, and stability of the mind.

Swami Yogananda, a great yogi who helped to educate the West of this ancient art said, “Breath is the cord that ties the soul to the body�. The health of our body, mind and emotions are all directly related to the pattern of our breathing.

Regular, slow, deep breaths enable one to feel calm, while irregular, rapid breaths causes anxiety and irritability. Breath control helps to recharge and re-energize ev-

ery cell of the body resulting in a rejuvenated and relaxed feeling.

Hypertension is one such illness which is a reflection of poor breath control and focus of the mind. Hypertension or high blood pressure is more common in people with stressful lifestyles. Statistics Canada reported that nearly 1 in 5 Canadians suffer from hypertension. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Hypertension is a result when the heart has to work harder to push the blood along the arteries. As such, blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the resistance level of blood flow in the arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

One important pranayama, or yogic breathing, which helps to control the heart rate, is referred to as balanced breathing. To perform this breath you simply count how long it takes you to breathe in, and you exhale to the same count. By slowly increasing the count over time, and with practice,

you are lengthening how long it takes you to breathe one breath of air into your lungs.

The longer it takes to inhale a single breath, the slower your heart rate, and similarly the calmer the mind.

The brain produces as many as 50 to 70 thoughts per minute. The aim of controlled breathing is to decrease this to a single thought. As such, not only does the balanced breath have the capability of decreasing the heart rate, but equally by slowing down your breathing, you slow down the many thoughts which bombard the mind.

But in order to master breath control, an understanding of how to breathe correctly must be practiced initially. There is a correct way of breathing, as there is an incorrect way of breathing. The correct way to breathe is to ensure when you inhale that your chest rises, and your abdomen extends.

When you exhale, your chest should collapse as your abdomen contracts - pushing all the stale air out of your lungs.

The incorrect way of breathing would be that when we breathe in our abdomen contracts at the same time. This is

common at various times in the day when our body begins to feel stressed. Therefore, it is always important to check your breathing pattern. The way in which you correct your breathing is to exhale all your breath till your abdomen contracts tightly. Upon inhaling your next breath, your breathing rhythm will automatically be corrected.

Practice of proper breathing techniques so as to calm your body and relax your mind is an important and crucial step in learning to relax, thereby, helping to control your blood pressure. Hardly do we realize that our breathing pattern affects our health and causes tension to be built in our body. However, by paying attention to this correct way of breathing during the day, we can control the stress we feel in our body and ultimately control our blood pressure from rising.

Once the mind is controlled and the breath is balanced, this consequently allows the body to react differently to stress and frustrations. By not allowing issues to affect the body, or the mind, we therefore are able to secure better health and well being.

separate reasons

18 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Achieving Weight Loss Monique Bartlett Fitness The key to weight loss is finding the right balance of what you eat, what you think, and what activity you do. Finding the right balance helps you to decrease your calorie intake, increase your metabolism and stops self-sabotage. Here are 5 ways you can find weight loss success.

1. Eat more often Skipping meals or waiting too long between meals can slow your metabolism

and results in overeating later in the day.

It’s best to have 3 small meals and 1-2 snacks throughout the day. You will feel more satisfied and eat less. You should plan to eat at least every 3-4 hours.

2. Watch portion sizes Appropriate portion sizes are still quite misunderstood. Most North Americans are eating 2-3 times the recommended portion sizes. Restaurants are notorious for giving extremely large servings of food. Eat half of the food on your plate and take the rest home for lunch the next day. Studies show that when people are given large portion sizes, they eat up to 56% more calories without realizing it.

3. Increase your fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are not only

packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they are also loaded with fibre and are low in calories. This is one of the most important changes you can make to your diet. When you fill your plate up with fruits and vegetables you eat less of the higher calorie foods.

4. Eat only when you’re hungry Our bodies have an innate weight management mechanism. When you feel full it is time to stop eating. Every time you eat past full you are taking in more calories than your body needs which will result in weight gain. It’s common for all of us to do this from time to time. Listen to your body, it will tell you when you are physically ready for food and when you are ready to stop eating.

5. Exercise regularly it is important to include both cardiovascular and weight bearing activity into your routine. Cardio helps you to burn the fat and weight bearing activity helps to increase your metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than fat. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you will burn in a day. By adding three to five pounds of muscle you could actually burn 100 - 250 additional calories a day.

The key is to make small changes which in the end will give you results.

Don’t try to change everything all at once. Change one thing at a time until you master it and then work on the next change. Change how you feel about food and exercise and you will get the results that you desire.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Balanced Occlusion - A Key to Good Oral Health

Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental

Dental occlusion is defined as the contact between teeth. It is the relationship between upper and lower teeth when you bite, chew, or when the jaws are at rest when the teeth touch. Ideally the forces exerted on the teeth in opposing jaws should be evenly distributed. If during motion some teeth experience much more pressure than others, this may cause mild to severe pain.

In a balanced occlusion the teeth and jaws are aligned in their correct positions. The

teeth relate to each other in such a way that when they touch and slide against each other there are little or no anatomical interferences.

The motion is smooth with minimal pressure or friction. When the jaws are in operation there are no painful symptoms.

Malocclusion or a” bad bite” is the misalignment of teeth and jaws. This can cause various forms of health and dental problems.

Some malocclusions develop early in life soon after the permanent teeth erupt or later in life due to periodontal disease, the shifting, and rotation or over eruption of teeth into vacant spaces.

A “bad bite” can cause grinding of teeth at night (bruxism) leading to sore muscles, pain in the joints and sometimes severe headaches. The annoying grinding sounds can be heard from both children and adults.

The pain of malocclusions can be due to the rapid wearing away of enamel leading

to the exposure of microscopic nerve endings from the pulp of teeth. Once the enamel is gone, the teeth can become very sensitive. There may be infection in the teeth and surrounding tissues that may either cause the pain or aggravate it when the teeth touch.

Badly fitting dentures or restorations may contribute to an uneven bite. If this is the case, either have them adjusted or remade.

Whenever a problem with your bite develops seek dental treatment without delay. At least have a consultation to find out what is causing the problem. Don’t assume that you will need major expensive treatment. Sometimes the treatment may be a simple occlusal adjustment which is a painless balancing of the pressure on the teeth in both arches. The objective of Orthodontic treatment is to correct malocclusions.

Crowns, bridges, dentures, implants and appliances also help to provide a balanced occlusion.

Got Gout?

Dr. Lydia ND

Health Tips For thousands of years, gout has been known as a terribly painful arthritis. Classically linked to excess consumption of meat and alcohol, gout was known as the “disease of kings.” We now know that gout occurs because the body fails to metabolize uric acid properly. Gout happens when uric acid, a normal body waste product, builds up in the blood. If our bodies make more uric acid than our kidneys can filter, it starts accumulating in our joints. Once uric acid lodges in the joints, it creates needle-like crystals that cause inflammation and pain.

The rate of gout has doubled in the

past twenty years and millions of people suffer with attacks of hot, swollen, painful joints. The big toe is involved in 90% of cases; however joints like the ankle and knee can also be affected.

The most important thing you can do to prevent gout is to have your uric acid level checked with your routine blood work. High levels of uric acid in the blood make you more likely to develop gout. This is especially important if you have a close family member with the disease, as 20% of people with a family history get gout as well.

If you have been diagnosed with gout there are some simple things you can do to decrease the number of attacks you experience.

Start by increasing your water intake until your urine is clear. This promotes kidney filtration and uric acid removal.

Tart cherry juice is a classic remedy for gout. Both cherries and strawberries contain cyclo-oxygenase -1 and -2 which are enzymes that help your body break down uric acid. If you do not think you can eat a bowl of cher-

ries every day, and then look for an organic tart cherry juice concentrate. One spoonful can equal as many as 50 cherries. A great dose.

Individuals with gout need to cut sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup, out of their diet. Two sugary drinks per day can increase your risk of gout by up to 85%. That’s huge. Hard liquor and beer increase uric acid, thankfully, red wine has not been associated with gout. Coffee has been shown to lower the risk of gout in women.

Reducing your meat intake, especially organ meats and seafood can help your uric acid levels slightly. More effective, is to adopt a diet that sheds excess pounds. A leaner body weight and an active lifestyle help reduce your number of gout attacks. A naturopathic doctor can help guide your weight loss if it is a struggle for you.

Reducing your overall inflammatory level, with the use of fish oil, turmeric or bromelain (an enzyme from pineapple) may offer additional benefits. Speak to a naturopathic doctor if gout attacks are hindering your quality of life.

Why fast food is not fit for human consumption While most people are aware that fast food is not the healthiest food around, they often choose to ignore it in favor of the convenience, taste or cost. However, fast food is far worse than most people are even remotely aware. In fact it’s so bad, that it’s simply not fit for human or even animal consumption. This is true not only because of the fat or sodium content, but because the animals themselves are often sick from malnutrition, diseased, cancer ridden or worse.

In 2002, author Eric Schlosser, a correspondent for the Atlantic Herald, came out with a ground breaking book called Fast Food Nation which takes us through a sordid maze of deception, cover up, lies, fraud and both animal and human cruelty that has unfortunately become all too common in the meat packing industry today. This was even turned into a 2006 movie release of the same name.

The fast food industry came out in strong protest against his book saying that they don’t agree with his conclusions. At the same time when asked if there were any errors in the book, they said “no” that they could not find any errors in the book at all.

Animal cruelty

With the terrible and inhumane way in which the animals themselves are treated which causes the meat to lose any of its health benefits, coupled with the contamination of the meat itself during processing, you now have a situation where this meat is not only providing very little nutrition or bio-energy, but it can be quite dangerous and deadly.

“Every day in the United States, roughly 200,000 people are sickened by a food borne disease, 900 are hospitalized and 14 die.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), more than a quarter of the American population suffers a bout of food poisoning each year. Most of these cases are never reported to authorities or properly diagnosed” - Fast Food Nation, page 195 How science is used to deceive The meat and other foods sold at fast food restaurants bears little to no resemblance to actual freshly cut meat. Food scientists employ a number of very deceptive and clever techniques to fool the senses into thinking that such foods are tasty and healthy. Science has discovered many chemicals that can exactly emulate the smells of fresh foods found in nature.

For example; Ethyl-2-methyl butyrate smells just like an apple. Adding methyl2-peridylketone makes something taste like popcorn. Ethyl-3- hydroxybutanoate makes something taste like marshmallow. On and on these combinations go and it can all be done without effecting the appearance or nutritional value of the processed foods. These ingredients can be listed as “natural flavors” on the labels, even on foods that are listed as “organic.”

What color is the food?

Aroma is not the only tweaking that goes into fast foods. The color of food also has a lot to do with its perception of flavor. This is by design because we know that color often indicates whether a food is ripe or rancid. In the early 1970s an experiment was done where people were given an “oddly tinted” meal of steak and French fries that appeared normal under the colored lights they were subjected to. Everyone thought that the food tasted fine that is until the lighting was changed. As soon as people saw that the steak was actually blue and the fries were green, people were shocked and several even became ill.

It’s for these reasons that you should avoid fast food at all costs. (NaturalNews)

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 19

20 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Accepting an offer, private lending & RRIF Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate - Accepting an offer for your property can be nerve wrecking. Common concerns are: Are they offering too little? Am I making the right decision?

Can I get more for my home? While these are certainly valid questions, other factors to consider are the conditions in the offer and the closing date. An offer will usually be accompanied by a schedule “A” with conditions for approval of financing and a home inspection. A condition for an apartment or condominium may also include a status certificate. A firm deal is always better than a conditional deal.

You may come across an offer that has no conditions that may be fifteen thousand dollars less than an offer that may have a finance condition. It becomes a personal choice on which offer to accept. Ask the advice of your sales representative whether the market is a buyer’s market or sellers market. This may affect your decision because in a seller’s market you could expect more offers.

Mortgage - The mention of private lending sometime make clients cringe. It is however, not an avenue that brokers and agents neglect. Clients that may not qualify under the regular guidelines need to consider this option. Experience in buying properties and understanding interest rates would be an asset to clients in

their ability to understand the choice of private lenders. Private lenders provide an avenue for financing for clients that may already have a home, may have a lower credit bureau score or may not be able to provide the necessary documents to secure a commitment letter from a financial institution. Such lenders rely on the amount of down payment or equity the client has and the interest is typically higher than a typical bank or financial institution.

You may be eligible for a first, second or third mortgage depending on your situation. Some private lending are interest only, which means you borrow a sum of money and throughout the term you make interest payments. At the end of the term you are required to repay the initial sum of money that is borrowed.

Finance - A Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is a fund that is transferred from a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), a Registered Pension Plan (RPP) or from another Registered Retirement Income Fund. A RRIF can be established at anytime but must be done no later than the year an individual turns seventy one. A RRIF account can be set up through a bank, credit union, trust or insurance company.

Your financial advisor or agent will assist you in choosing the right type of RRIF and should discuss the contents of the investments within the RRIF. Once a RRIF has been established, the following year you will receive a yearly minimum amount. You may take out more than your yearly minimum amount but not less than that amount. For more information please visit http://www.cra-arc. gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/rrif-ferr/menu-eng. html.

Come to Canada Wizard Attracts More Than Four Million Visits OTTAWA -- More than seven thousand people a day, from all around the globe, are using the Come to Canada Wizard to conjure up answers to their immigration questions. The Wizard has now seen more than four million visits since it was launched in August 2011. ““We want the world’s best and brightest to come to Canada and to help grow our economy,”” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. ““The Wizard has made it easy for people to assess their personal eligibility to come to Canada

and has simplified the first steps of applying, which saves them time and money.””

The Come to Canada Wizard is an interactive, online tool designed to help people determine their eligibility to live, work or study in Canada. Visitors to the Come to Canada Wizard answer a ten-minute questionnaire about their specific circumstances and receive a recommendation as to the best suited federal immigration option. The Wizard also helps visitors through the steps of an application and provides the relevant forms and instructions. (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Superintendent of Bankruptcy and Class Action Lawyers Appeal 407ETR Bankruptcy Decision Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters June 10th, 2013 saw the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and Class Action Lawyers appeal the Moore vs. 407ETR bankruptcy case.

I have to say, as I sat there listening to the lawyers for the 407ETR, I was in disbelief with the arrogance they portrayed. Perhaps I shouldn’t be in such disbelief because what we have seen this company pull off has been quite ... remarkable.

I really appreciated the opening questions from Justice David Doherty. They instilled confidence in me that he, Justice Janet Simmons and Justice Sarah Pepall may understand the issues. The gist of his questioning was; where’s the Province? He is not wrong in his questioning. I have been saying for years that this is the Province’s mess to clean up. However, because this is a very simple case of a business that is ignoring the Bankruptcy Insolvency Act, the Province

has chosen not to be party to it.

But that didn’t stop the 407ETR’s lawyers from speaking as if they were representing the Province. One question swirling around was whether or not there was some public policy to protect? I am sure that question was swirling around due to 407ETR’s submissions. I want to have confidence that the three Justice’s sitting there listening to 407ETR lawyers could read between the lines and realized that if the Province felt there was a public policy to protect, then they would have made themselves party to the appeal to protect it.

I say “I want to have confidence” because what 407ETR has been allowed to get away with has shaken my confidence.

Personal and political agendas trump doing the right thing.

407ETR had the audacity to speak as if previous decisions made with respect to bankruptcy was old school and that there was a new way of doing things and the courts had to catch up with the times. We have come to expect that kind of behavior from this company, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept it. They believe they are special and the rules don’t apply to them.

407ETR’s position was clear. They were trying to create a new type of debt.

407ETR’s claim was that as a creditor, denying a person’s plate gave them the option of not extending credit to someone thereby protecting their business. Of course this is absolutely ridiculous considering the agreement they signed with the Province was one by which they were to allow the public access to the highway. There are other issues to consider as well, but I will save that for another article.

A great way to sum up the whole day of submissions was when Justice David Doherty asked Class Action lawyer, David Thompson, what he would say to the respondent since there is a justification in keeping 407ETR viable. After all, they signed an agreement that required them to extend credit to anyone that shows up. David Thompson’s response, “Tough... you made your deal” and that in a nutshell is the whole point. 407ETR knew full well what they were getting themselves into when they signed the agreement with the Province. For them to be pushing the boundaries now, after the fact, is outrageous.

The Superintendent of Bankruptcy lawyers had a few gems I would like to share, but that will be in a different article.

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

Minister Kenney Marks Achievements of Canadaʼs First Plenary Session as Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance BERLIN -- The multi-year work plan that Canada presented at this year’s first plenary session of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance was successfully advanced by Alliance members, announced Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. The session was led by the Alliance’s Canadian Chair, Dr. Mario Silva. ““The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten,”” said Minister Kenney. ““It is essential that the international community work together to advance Holocaust education, remembrance, and research to help combat anti-Semitism and prevent future acts of genocide. Canadians are proud to lead such efforts, in the international arena, over the next year.””

Between June 11-14, Canada chaired the first of two annual meetings held in Berlin, and which included special guests from countries including Ukraine, Uruguay and South Africa in an effort to raise awareness of the Alliance and increase membership.

The meetings included discussions on the multi-year work plan which will: - focus on research into Holocaust killing sites that lie outside of major death camps; - improve access to Holocaust-era archival records; - research approaches to Holocaust education; - implement best practices in organized Holocaust Memorial Days.

Special sessions focused on efforts to: - combat anti-Semitism; - improve the efficiency of IHRA expert working groups; and - increase cooperation with international organizations, such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. ““Alliance member states are committed to using the Holocaust as context to fight all forms of hatred, intolerance and discrimination, including anti-Semitism, and to promote human rights around the world,”” said

Dr. Silva. ““A strong commitment from both government officials and Holocaust experts was evident here in Berlin, which makes me optimistic about what we can achieve this coming year.””

Notable decisions at the plenary session included the approval of a Holocaust education project, and annual reporting on current issues related to anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial, and research into the persecution of Roma during the Holocaust. Furthermore, discussions were held – in advance of the October 2013 conference in Toronto – regarding the definition of Holocaust denial, candidacy for IHRA membership, and the IHRA Grants Program.

Canada joined the Alliance in 2009 and was named Chair in March 2013. Canada will chair the Alliance until March 2014.

The IHRA is a consensus-based intergovernmental body comprised of government officials and experts from 31 countries.

Its mandate is to promote Holocaust education, remembrance and research around the world. (CIC)

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 21

22 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Sweet steel pan band gets the community dancing Emily Singh TC Reporter Close your eyes as we embark on a trip back to the Caribbean, are you in Trinidad yet?

Let the sweet sound of the steel pan wake you up and get you moving. That is exactly what The Brampton Community All Steel Percussion Concert Band, under the teachings of the very talented pannist Ed Peters does.

Established in 2007 as a non-profit organization, students as young as six are

welcom to come embrace their heritage and make music. Many classes are offered based on age groups such as the Baby Harps designed for 6-9 year olds, Junior Harps for 10-15 year olds, Silver Harps catered to an older crowd of 40 years plus and lastly the Devine Harps which is open to students of all ages. However their flagship band is the Golden Harps International with a beautiful repertoire of jazz as well as world music.

Over the past few years they have participated in many concerts, events and successful competitions. The most popular event being the annual Pan Alive steel band competition which takes place during the Caribana or Scotia Bank Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

The band not only serves as an outlet to play music and learn the steel pan but also as a positive space for the youths of the

community. It provides the opportunity to meet new people and socialize with others who have the same passion.

“This organization was formed to engage the youth especially those of Caribbean heritage through the experience of this musical art form. It also gives the parents the vehicle by which they could pass on their cultural heritage to their children.” Said Ed Peters.

Over the past four years the Brampton Community All Steel Percussion Concert Band has held an all day steel pan summer camp. In previous years the camp was free of charge to the Brampton community, however this year due to lack of funding there is a small fee. The six week camps will be running at St.Leonard Elementary School at 185 Conestoga Drive in Brampton.

A brief history of the steel pan Hammered into the shiny metal surface is a series of dents. Each one creates a different note, subtly different from the ones around it, according to their position and size.

The steel pan, often referred to incorrectly as a steel drum, emerged in the 1930s.

Metal objects including car parts, paint pots, dustbins, oil drums and biscuit tins, were originally used as percussion instruments, but at some point they began to be tuned.

“It was a slow process, everyone got together and invented the steel pan by using pots and pans and testing them out,” says Sterling Betancourt, a Trinidadian panman who now lives in London “The sound and the notes came, but it wasn’t like we thought about it.”

Betancourt, 82, grew up in Laventille, a poor suburb just outside Port of Spain, said by many to be the birthplace of the steel pan.

“It was exciting, we knew we had something but we were just playing, it took time,” he says.

The history of Trinidadian street music goes back centuries.

When French planters arrived in Trinidad in the late 1700s they brought with them a carnival tradition - and their slaves formed their own festival, fuelled by drum music.

After emancipation in 1834 the celebrations became noisier and more colourful, though after disturbances in 1881 the British government tried to ban the performers’ sticks and drums.

What followed was the tamboobamboo - bamboo sticks cut for striking together and hammering against the ground.

But in 1934 the tamboo-bamboo was banned too.

This is when the steel pan came into its own.

“It really came from the bowels of our impoverished lower classes and we are

extremely proud of that,” says Michelle Huggins-Watts, a Trinidadian steel pan arranger.

“It helped bring the players recognition, it allowed them to travel and see the world, it brought opportunities they would never have had if they had not been involved in this art form.”

Huggins-Watts is a rare thing. She is the only woman arranger to win the island’s prestigious Panorama competition with her band, Valley Harps.

“It wasn’t until the late 1970s or 80s that women even started playing the steel pan.

It was a street instrument, it took a while to become respectable,” she adds.

The pans used by the Valley Harps are made from old chemical containers now, they are more readily available than oil drums.

“They have to be very carefully cleaned so they are safe,” she adds.

“Some pans are made from scratch, brand new, but that’s a very new thing.”

By 1951, Trinidad’s new steel bands put forward their best players, including Betancourt, to join the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra for the Festival of Britain.

“We went over with our rusty pans.

They weren’t painted or chromed or anything - just dustbins,” Betancourt says. “People didn’t know what to expect, but they liked it.

They said it was ‘black magic’.”

The music has been keenly adopted by the pop world. The Hollies used the sound of the steel pan in their song Carrie Anne, Prince used it in his song New Position, and 70s jazz-fusion band Spyro Gyra incorporated the sound of steel in Morning Dance.

“There is something about the steel pan and Caribbean music in general that resonates with the rest of the world,” says Prof Tim Wall, a lecturer in radio and pop music studies at Birmingham City University.

“It’s familiar, they play songs that we know, but it’s also very exotic, and we like that.”

It also sounds like holidays, and sunshine, which may explain some of its appeal.

“It can sometimes have a cruise ship mentality, people think of it as a happy summery sound from Trinidad and the Caribbean islands as a whole, but it is a lot more than that. It’s got a very important history,” adds Wall.

“Music builds community and acts as a form of communication. Looking back centuries ago, slaves had been stripped of their cultural identity, their names, their music, so they created new music using things they found lying around. That created that rich history of percussion music.” (BBC)

TORONTO RONTO CARIBBEAN

Roger “Bill Rogers” Hinds Guyana Chutney Soca Monarch King 2013 Vashtie Doorga Entertainment Roger Hinds, better known as Young Bill Rogers, is the new Guyana Chutney Soca Monarch King for 2013. He is not new to the entertainment industry as his artistic talents include acting, singing, song writing and he is also a poet. He has also won the Calypso Monarch in 2008 with ”We Are Still Paradise”. As they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as he followed in his father’s footsteps. Bill Rogers, one of the first recording artists to record in a US based company called RCS, now owned by Sony entertainment, a world renowned recording studio in the US. Bill Hinds sings with dedication and has assisted in sending posi-

ul countive messages in his beautiful iousness try of Guyana to raise consciousness h songs about provocative issues with nd HIV like “Put It On” in Aids and nd Vioawareness with “Unite to End ing light lence Against Women” shedding on these sensitive issues . He has won to Monnot one, but 5 times, the Shanto arch, a light hearted mix of calypso ostly acand Jamaican folk music mostly companied by a guitar. y for My His song, “A Chutney ing winLarki” won him the title of King ca Monning the Guyana Chutney Soca yana in arch and will represent Guyana ca MonTrinidad for the Chutney Soca arch back in Skinner Park January 26, held by George Singh of Southex ny LimEvent Management Company uyana to ited. From the Seawall of Guyana idad and the melodic twin Isle of Trinidad ontinues Tobago, Young Bill Rogers continues esenting the legacy of his father in representing at stages Guyana abroad, in a forum that nt in the the biggest Chutney Soca talent world.

Wednesday, Wednes sd da ayy,, June 19, 2013 23

24 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - June 19th 2013 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): The stars are on a corrective ease-up Thursday/ Friday. Insight and clarity may sharpen; things can have a serendipitous way of working out. The weekend’s catch-up can be productive. Monday’s fresh start puts the key in the ignition for what will prove to be a full-to-the-brim, fast-track week. Mid week, there’s plenty to discuss, a bar to raise, and more to gain.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21May 21): Your follow-through on rules, requirements, promises, or good intentions can be challenged as the workweek comes to an end. An indulgence within reason is perfectly acceptable. In fact, it can be good for the soul. Saturday keeps you on a roll. Tuesday through Thursday are big money or big steps days. You’ll pull off more than is usual.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23June 20): As the workweek finishes, Venus can dish up a poignant healing, victory, or remembrance. Thursday through Saturday, handle financial matters and clear your clutter. Physically, emotionally, and planning and communicationswise, Sunday through Thursday sets you on a major race ahead. Jupiter in Gemini brings the adventure to a peak on Wednesday. Intuition, impulsiveness, creativity, luck, and opportunity run especially high..

Cancer Horoscope (June 21July 20): Thursday through Saturday, Venus brings you timely opportunity and insight. Kicking into high gear through the next week, you can rely on your instinctual wisdom to know just how to read it and play it. Additionally, Jupiter’s building alignment with the sun can operate like your hidden ace or lucky charm. Tuesday and Wednesday are your best days for a power play.

Leo Horoscope (July 21Aug. 22): As the workweek comes to a close, plans or ambitions may need to be adjusted. Someone could turn you down or bail on a commitment, but this will set you free for better things. There’s plenty to be gained in the week ahead. Monday onward, things can click together very well.

Easy rapport, same-page accord, good partnering, and mutual appreciation are readily found.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): Almost there now.

By mid next week, you’ll reach that prize or goal post; don’t worry about how much further there is to go. The weekend keeps you moving right along. Start to finish, the week ahead helps you to optimize where it does you the greatest good. Trust; you have what it takes. Watch for positive feedback, acknowledgment, and reward.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): Feeling encouraged and optimistic? You should be. The fast-approaching future is giving you plenty to think about. More than one great opportunity or big plan appears to be in the works.

The next week favours travel, a social or public event, visits, legal matters, education, publishing, and marketing. Monday and Tuesday are your best days to seek attention, launch something, buy something, or say yes or hello.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Making it, spending it, or looking for it, money matters are all-consuming now. The investment, expense, or fees can be significant, but so too the opportunity, gain, or benefit. A key business, personal, or intimate relationship moves to the next level. The week ahead is ideal for wills and estate matters, legal or lease agreements, talks, teaming up, pooling resources, and planning ahead.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): You might not be in the mood to slog it out as the workweek comes to a close, but you’ll function well despite your attitude. Saturday could prove to be productive and hit the spot socially too. On Sunday, relax. Social, financial, and partnership-wise, Monday begins an opportune, connect-the-dots, get-a-move-on week. Plan to make the most of it.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): You’ll gain better insight and opportunity as the week draws to a close.

Friday through Sunday, simplicity does it best. Say what’s on your mind—you’ll find that you can express yourself quite naturally. Monday/Tuesday, stay accommodating: appearances count. A contract can come to fruition. It can be a lucrative week for work or for working it out.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): You could spend more than you plan to over the next couple of days, but the convenience, pleasure, or reward is worth it. Monday and Tuesday are your best days to scout, put it out there, or make your presence or feelings much better known. The sun/Jupiter increases luck and opportunity where you desire them the most.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Socially, financially, and heart-wise too, Venus favours you Thursday/ Friday. You’ll now gain clarity on an issue that has grown more complicated in recent weeks. Family and home matters can loom large, but know that next week will set you on a positive upswing.

Tuesday through Thursday are optimal for visits, talks, investments, new projects, and packing bags or boxes.

26 Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Proven ways to follow up with new contacts Useful systems to increase your network!

Jim Pagiamtzis Business Development Experience has taught me not to feel disappointed when I don’t get a call back. There are many reasons why this happens. My professional opinion is that it comes down to the fear of picking up the phone and believing there is

nothing worth discussing. This is the furthest thing from the truth!

Here are some useful systems that I use to increase my network: Envelope system In the first envelope place all the cards that you have collected from an event.

In the second envelope place all the cards for businesses that you have already called. The goal is to move the business cards from the first envelope to the second, giving yourself a reward when you have completed the task.

As you begin to go through

the cards be prepared to go call everyone. If you have a lot of business cards, you can break them up into sections. Make the calls and make notes while you are on the call. Good questions to ask: Which social networking sites are they on? What new projects are they working on? What did they enjoy about the event?

Accountability This is the most powerful and effective way to complete your task. Having an accountability partner gives you the challenge to complete your goal much faster. You can do the following: either

have monetary values to complete the task or offer to do something for your accountability partner (ex. wash car, or coffee for the week). This will create the necessary momentum for you to complete the project.

Group call This is similar to the suggestion made above but gives it an added dynamics of having everyone in the same room, creating tension to complete the task quickly and effectively.

Use the above tips to obtain guaranteed results. Go out and get connected and Make Wealth Happen!

L O W E S T

JAMAICA

FLIGHTS

PROVIDENCIALES

Rooms Ocho Rios ***

TORONTO - SANTO DOMINGO, D. R.

Ports Of Call Resort ***

$

505

JUL 21, 2013 7 Days - Breakfast Plan

+ $390 taxes (SWG)

TORONTO - MONTEGO BAY JUL 21 - JUL 28, 2013

555

Air Only

taxes incl. (SWG)

BARBADOS

JUL 20, 2013 7 Days - Breakfast Plan

$

733

CROP OVER Festival

BRIDGETOWN

JUL 21 - JUL 28, 2013 Air Only

JUL 28 - AUG 4, 2013

$

689

JUL 24, 2013 5 Days - Air + Hotel

JUL 21 - JUL 28, 2013

$

658

taxes incl. (AC)

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

+ $304 taxes (SQV)

Par May Las Inn *** JUL 2, 2013 4 Days - Breakfast Plan

629

TORONTO - ST. MAARTEN

$

659

809

taxes incl. (DL)

TORONTO - DOMINICA

$

668

$

891

JUL 16 - JUL 23, 2013

TORONTO - ANTIGUA JUL 20 - JUL 27, 2013

taxes incl. (WJ/Liat)

TORONTO - GEORGETOWN, GUYANA

$

677

$

942

JUL 22 - JUL 29, 2013

taxes incl. (WJ)

+ $112 taxes (WJ)

$

JUL 31 - AUG 7, 2013

taxes incl. (WJ)

PORT OF SPAIN

Coconut Court ****

$

TORONTO - ST. LUCIA

taxes incl. (AA)

+ $237 taxes (ACV)

TORONTO - PROVIDENCIALES

$

G U A R A N T E E D !

TURKS & CAICOS

REGGAE SUMFEST

OCHO RIOS

P R I C E

taxes incl. (Caribbean Airlines)

TORONTO - ARUBA JUL 22 - JUL 29, 2013

$

695

taxes incl. (SWG)

TORONTO - BRIDGETOWN JUL 10 - JUL 17, 2013

$

691

Air Only

BAHAMAS

TORONTO - PORT OF SPAIN taxes incl. (WJ)

JUL 28 - AUG 4, 2013 Air Only

SEVEN MILE BEACH

Wyndham Nassau **** JUL 11, 2013 3 Days - Air + Hotel

Tresure Island Resort ***

$

395

+ $340 taxes (SGN)

TORONTO - NASSAU JUL 18 - JUL 22, 2013 Air Only

JUL 22, 2013 5 Days - Air + Hotel

1-877-SellOff (735-5633)

$

748

$

578

JUL 28 - AUG 4, 2013 Air Only

TORONTO: (416)679-1894 s 171 East Liberty St. TORONTO: (416)789-1010 s 3329 Yonge St. OAKVILLE: (905)842-4999 s Unit C - 146 Lakeshore Rd. W MISSISSAUGA: (905)403-9090 s1960 #11B Dundas St. W WINSTON CHURCHILL: (905)785-1266 s #5-3035 Argentia Rd.

USA FLIGHTS TORONTO - NEW YORK JUL 14 - JUL 17, 2013

TORONTO - FT LAUDERDALE JUL 11 - JUL 16, 2013

674

299

TORONTO - MUMBAI

$

369

OCT 23 - NOV 14, 2013

JUL 15 - JUL 19, 2013

$

1238

taxes incl. (JetAirways)

taxes incl. (AC)

TORONTO - MIAMI

$

$

taxes incl. (AC)

+ $211 taxes (AC/UA)

TORONTO - GRAND CAYMAN

taxes incl. (WJ)

BOOK YOUR VACATION TODAY!

640

taxes incl. (WJ)

CAYMAN ISLANDS

JUNKANOO Summer Festival

NASSAU

$

TORONTO - DELHI

$

411

OCT 23 - NOV 11, 2013

taxes incl. (WJ)

$

1303

taxes incl. (JetAirways)

taxes incl. (WJ)

AJAX: (905)428-1328 s #18B - 105 Bayly Street. W BARRIE: (705)725-1033 s 11 Bryne Dr., in Zehrs @ Essa Rd. BRAMPTON: (905)846-4622 s #102-50 Peel Centre Dr. CAMBRIDGE: (519)624-0777 s #31 - 200 Franklin Blvd.

CHATHAM: (519)354-6040 s #31 - 399 McNaughton Ave. W HAMILTON: (905)575-7031 s #25 - 989 Fennell Avenue East

LONDON: (519)679-4885 s #104 - 1420 Ernest Avenue LONDON: (519)642-1492 s #107 - 200 Queens Avenue MILTON: (905)878-2886 s 1009 Unit 2 Maple Ave. ST. CATHARINES: (905)937-2101 s 285 Geneva Street SARNIA: (519)332-3212 s #105A - 600 Murphy Road

New bookings only. Cash Back Voucher - available for bookings up to June 30th, 2013 for travel up to December 15th, 2013. Free Wheels offer valid on min. purchase of a 3 day car rental with Saturday overnight at participating Alamo and National locations in Europe, Canada and US (excluding Manhattan NY). Conditions Apply. For details call 1-877-SellOff or visit or contact a branch. Above prices are per person based on double occupancy in the lowest room category offered. Prices are subject to availability at time of creation and can change at any time without notice. While all reasonable efforts are taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in the ad, SellOffVacations.com accepts no responsibility for actions, errors and omissions arising from the reader’s use of this information howsoever caused. SellOffVacations.com, a division of SunwingTravel Group, 31 Fasken Drive,Toronto, Ontario Canada M9W 1K6.

TICO Reg. # 4276176 British Columbia license #3731 Quebec Permit # 702612