Upscale Caribbean Dining 060513

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VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 8 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5TH 2013

CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & MORE

UPSCALE CARIBBEAN DINING

New Brampton Hot Spot Brings Caribbean Flavor EMILY SINGH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

BRAMPTON -- Looking for a unique and unparalleled dining experience without compromising exquisite food? Well we found the “one” and it’s none other than OneFourteen Caribbean Cuisine, conveniently located on 114 Lisa Street in Brampton, Unit 1. Under the ownership of Anita Drudge and Norman Lumsden, One-Fourteen opened its doors Thursday for a media launch and stunned their guests on their official grand opening on Saturday.

The media launch was noth-

ing short of amazing, maintained by an upscale feel, One-Fourteen Caribbean Cuisine did not disappoint.

That authentic welcome was felt as soon as guests entered, as they were greeted with warm smiles and cool martinis and escorted out to the patio.

The steel pan band played as samples of Caribbean favorites prepared by the talented cook, Jevone Lumsden circled the patio. Guests were able to have a sneak peak of the delicious menu with items such as coconut shrimp, salt fish fritters and jerk

chicken. Also enjoying the celebration and official ribbon cutting was councilor of Brampton from ward six and two, John Hutton.

The official grand opening on June 1st was nothing short of exciting and colorful as the steel pan played once again and families poured in.

Children enjoyed the bouncing castle, face painting and refreshing snow cones not to mention the live performance put on by local Reggae artist Korexion.

Continued On Page 2

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Upscale Caribbean Cuisine in Brampton

Popular comedian Jay Martin performing live on the patio for the VIP media launch at One-Fourteen Caribbean Restaurant (Photo by One-Fourteen)

Emily Singh TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- One-Fourteen Caribbean Cuisine offers a unique dining experience with everything from the intri-

cate food presentations to the savory menu.

The jasmine rice and oxtail will be a dish that will definitely keep you coming back.

“I was surely impressed and happy that they are in Brampton, we don’t have to travel far and the food was really good.” commented Trish Browning.

Without a doubt One-Fourteen Caribbean Cuisine is the new Brampton hot spot for authentic Caribbean with that upscale elegant dining experience. Let One-Fourteen show you Caribbean food done right.

Adoriana, is a professional model, personal trainer and DJ

coming out of Vancouver, British Columbia. She enjoys snow boarding, Muay Thai Boxing, Jujitsu and extreme sports including sky diving.

Very accomplished, this beauty has competed professionally in Miss Universe Canada 2006 and competes regularly in the World Championships for WBFF BC. Official ribbon cutting ceremony with Councilor John Hutton (Photo by Toronto Caribbean)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Plans announced for Newmarketʼs Caribbean & South Asian Showcase NEWMARKET -- The Organizing Committee of the Ranji Singh Foundation delightfully announces the 2013 Caribbean & South Asian Showcase to celebrate an inviting intercultural exchange of music, dance, food and fashion that reflects the rich cultures of the Caribbean and of South Asia. Enjoy the vibrant Island sounds of steel drums, calypso, reggae, and tassa drums from the Caribbean. Be mesmerized by the hi-energy Bollywood dances, songs and the fascinating classical Bharatnatyam dances of South Asia. Tantalize your taste buds with a gastronomic array of curries, rotis, chutneys and island foods. Features a KidZone and free giveaways.

This 4th annual event will be held on Saturday September 7th, 2013 noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr., Newmarket, ON, L3Y 6B8. Admission is free and all are invited.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, TD Bank, Newmarket Celebrates the Arts, York Regional Police, Town of Newmarket, Xe.com, Magna and York Region Media Group.

Visit RanjiSinghFoundation.org for event updates.

“It’s through art that we learn how to step into other people’s shoes, consider other people’s ideas and truly open the doors to our community. By celebrating our local artists we are helping to create a spirit of unity, connectedness and global consciousness that is uncontainable” writes Melissa Jurik, RC Design.

“While a network of formal agen-

cies is critical, we cannot social service our way out of our ever more complex human challenges. The Ranji Singh Foundation understands and in fact, is grounded in this very belief ” according to Mr. Daniele Zanotti, CEO - United Way of York Region. ”In their start up years, they are putting this vision to practice with very concrete, simple and impactful celebrations in Newmarket.”

“It is well understood that arts and culture builds community pride and social cohesion.” stated Nancy Bodi, Executive Director of the York Region Arts Council. “The Ranji Singh Foundation’s 2013 Caribbean & South Asian Showcase embraces and celebrates cultural diversity.

This lively, entertaining event will welcome newcomers to our community and is a must attend for everyone.”

“The process of bridging cultures is a unifying force for communities. When neighbours share each other’s life experiences and cultures, they contribute towards a more empathetic, caring, stronger and welcoming neighbourhood” ……... a Core Value of the Ranji Singh Foundation.

“The Ranji Singh Foundation’s vision of “Caring Neighbourhoods Enriched Through Celebrations of Diversity in Communities” is a vision we wholeheartedly support” writes York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch.

The Ranji Singh Foundation produces events and programs, to combat social and psychological isolation mindful of the significant demographic shift in the region.

China offers $3b in loans to Caribbean TRINIDAD -- China’s President Xi Jinping has offered concessionary loans to nine Caribbean countries totaling some $3 billion, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar said Sunday. Details of the offer were not immediately disclosed, but Persad-Bissessar told reporters the loans would be earmarked for infrastructure and development projects across the Caribbean. “We really welcomed that generosity,” she said.

China’s ambassador to T&T, Hung Caio Ming, was also unable to say what specific projects the loans are intended to finance but he said such loans from Beijing are “something that will be increased in the future.” President Xi and his delegation departed Sunday after meeting with various Caribbean leaders in Port-of-Spain. This country was the first stop of a four-country trip in the region for Xi. He headed for Costa Rica, and also planned stops in Mexico and the United States.

On Saturday, Xi said China always views its relationship with the Ca-

ribbean “from a strategic perspective and we are committed to the building of a comprehensive and co-operative partnership.” His visit to T&T came a few days after US Vice-President Joe Biden met with political leaders from across the Caribbean to sign a trade agreement and discuss a range of security, investment and energy issues.

During his stay, Xi also announced that China was awarding a $250 million loan to build a children’s hospital and signed a memorandum of understanding to advance co-operation in energy, mineral and infrastructure development, among other areas. In recent years, China has stepped up its investments across the region. The Asian economic giant has lent and invested tens of billions of dollars in Latin American countries for a guaranteed flow of commodities.

Latin America now imports more from China than it does from the European Union, according to the UN economic agency for the region. (Trinidad Guardian)

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President Ramotar and Chinese President Xi discuss stronger bilateral ties during Trinidad Jingping meeting in Trinidad

GUYANA -- The 40-year old bilateral ties between Guyana and China were again highlighted, as President Donald Ramotar and a delegation, met with Chinese President Xi Jingping at the Hilton Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad Saturday.

The President was accompanied

by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Chinese leader recognised the importance of diplomatic relations with Guyana, pointing to the four decades of bilateral ties with Guyana.

He also recalled Guyana was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and a strong supporter of the “One China Policy”.

President Ramotar in an invited comment after the meeting said the talks were general, and both sides were satisfied with the relations; however they have committed to further strengthen those ties.

“We were very satisfied with the level of our cooperation, but we both agreed that we will want to improve on what we have, to make them even stronger in our relationship going forward. We

also spoke about the possibilities of Chinese assistance in helping us with other important infrastructure, but as you will appreciate in the short space of time (of the meeting), no details could be worked out, but in principle, I think we agree that we need to work to build on these relationships, and that we will be ready to work together … and to also encourage Chinese companies to invest into other sectors in Guyana, that we are ready to have more Chinese companies investing in our country,” the President explained.

According to President Ramotar, discussions were also held on how the two sides can work together in other areas to strengthen their ties.

He however, did not divulge the details of these discussions, but only stated that some discussions were had on how the Chinese government could assist Guyana in infrastructure, and the transport sector.

Guyana and China have enjoyed frequent high-level exchanges at the political, diplomatic, economic and cultural levels.

The relations have benefitted Guyana socially and economically with a number of key projects, like the One Laptop Per Family, (OLPF) Amaila Falls Hydro project, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the construction of the world class Marriott hotel.

China has also supported Guyana in the health and security fields with roving medical missions and the donation of fire-fighting equipment from the Chinese government. (Guyana Chronicle)

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First Lady visits hummingbird haven TRINIDAD -- China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, spent the better part of yesterday morning learning about and watching hummingbirds in Valley View off Silk Cotton Circle high up in the mountains of Maracas.

Dressed in a gold Chinese outfit, the fashionable and attractive Liyuan, described by some as the most popular woman in China, arrived at Yerette, Home of the Hummingbird, in the foothills of El Tucuche, T&T’s second highest mountain, with a fiercely protective security detail and members of the Chinese media.

Owner of the property, Theodore Ferguson, a retired University of the West Indies agronomy professor, said Yerette, located on the former Anderson Cocoa Estate, is one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, but villagers did not know the place existed.

The trip to Yerette was part of a three-day State visit to T&T by Liyuan and President Xi which ended yesterday. It was the first time a Chinese president visited this country. Asked how the president’s wife found Yerette, Ferguson said the Chinese Embassy made the connection.

Liyuan, appointed the World Health Organisation’s goodwill ambassador in 2011 for tuberculosis and HIV/Aids, sat in the porch of the hummingbird house, a homely flat, facing a garden of pretty flowers and small trees from which hung feeders filled with nectar around which dozens of hummingbirds of a variety of colours flitted.

Wife of President Anthony Carmo-

na, Reema, and Shirley Dookeran, wife of Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran, who had arrived before the First Lady, sat in her company while Ferguson, gave them a lecture on hummingbirds. Ferguson began by informing Liyuan that T&T’s first people, the Amerindians, believed hummingbirds were sacred and carried the souls of their dead ancestors. Yerette, he said, is the Amerindian word for hummingbird.

The Home of the Hummingbird is also a therapeutic centre because the hummingbird has the power to heal internally, Ferguson said.

Sipping tamarind juice, Liyuan listened intently while one of her entourage translated. Ferguson said his place has 13 of the 17 species of hummingbirds which are found only in the Western Hemisphere. The hummingbird, which he described as a flying jewel, is the smallest and most energetic bird on earth with a heartbeat of between 500 and 600 per minute.

Ferguson said the bird, seen by some as magical and mysterious, was once hunted, killed and exported. He said the hummingbird trade ended in 1918 and the bird is today protected by international law.“It is illegal to catch, buy or sell one,” he said Liyuan asked Ferguson if he studied hummingbirds as a hobby and he said yes. He said while other people pass the time playing golf and in the rumshop, he enjoyed photographing hummingbirds. Liyuan wanted to know how his wife felt about it and Ferguson said at first she didn’t understand

but is very supportive now.

Telling him he did a wonderful presentation, the First Lady asked if there is documentary from T&T about hummingbirds. Ferguson replied no, that while it is an important national symbol, not much attention has been paid to it. Liyuan told him if a documentary was made, the whole world will know about the hummingbird. She presented Ferguson with an embroidery of a hummingbird and, in turn, he presented her with a large framed photograph of the ruby

topaz, reputedly the most beautiful hummingbird in the world.

Probably, the most covered woman by the Chinese media, Liyuan was born into poverty and became a famous folk soprano singer in China before she met President Xi. She joined the People’s Liberation Army as a civilian at 18 and holds the rank of army general. The Chinese president and his wife are expected to visit the Republic of Costa Rica and the United Mexican States following their T&T visit. (Trinidad Guardian)

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Linette Bennett still strings needles, sews at 102 JAMAICA -- The sound of singing rang through the yard on Thursday as one approached Linette Bennett’s dwelling in Richard Hall District, St Catherine.

On the verandah sat a glowing Bennett, aged 102, glasses on her face and hymnal in hand as she sang one of her favourite songs from the book.

Not only can she see clearly to read the lines of the song, but even now she is still very skilled in stringing a needle.

“I still sew and still do a little reading,” Bennett said. “And I can do a little washing. I wash my small clothes and so, but I don’t wash plenty. When I was 100, I sew a whole sheet with my hand. It big so ‘til it can use to cover me,” she said proudly.

“She sew with her hands,” said Andrea Hamilton, one of the many nonrelatives whom Bennett raised. “She string her own needle. She has the machine but she prefers to sew with her hands because you know persons of her age can sew with their hands and it look like is machine,” Hamilton said.

“Like how you come see me singing now, that is how I sing during the days when I am by myself,” Bennett told the Jamaica Observer. “I make myself happy. But when the others are around me we play and laugh and talk together and so,” she said.

Bennett gave birth to 11 children, four of whom have predeceased her.

She said humorously that having 11 children was unavoidable.

“When nature come you don’t know what going to happen,” she laughed.

“A nuh lie! When nature come you don’t know what is going to come.”

Bennett was born in St James but moved to St Catherine in 1928 at age 17.

“As children we never used to go out anywhere to play. We only used to play with each other,” she said.

Bennett grew up with both parents, two brothers and six sisters — all of whom are now deceased.

“As children we run up and down

and play with one another because we couldn’t go people place at all. We mother never teach us that,” she said. “Anytime she going out she let us stay at home until she come back and we not suppose to go to anybody yard. We had to lay down in the house until she come back. Anytime we t’ief out she beat we,” she said.

“I try to grow my children like that but they disobedient for they not hearing you,” Bennett said. “But when they small they couldn’t go anywhere, either. If mi never have any money to send them to school or if mi never have money to buy something give them to eat mi let them stay a yard with me. And they never cry. A so mi grow them.

And when wi going church we carry them to church,” she added.”

She recalled the whipping given to one of her daughters by her husband after she refused to go to church with them and was later found at a dance.

“Her father beat her and send her home and when she reach home she couldn’t cry. They had to cry and don’t let any eye water fall. A so we treat them,” she said, smiling. “But these children now, you can’t do them so again or they turn round lick you down wid rock stone!”

Bennett said that as a young girl,

she did domestic work.

Still good at remembering dates, she said in 1937 when she became a Christian, that was when she also got married. Her husband died in 1972.

“The same year mi call (got saved) is the same year mi married,” Bennett said.

“When you call you couldn’t go back in bed go lay down and throw hand over man, you know. And you know mi used to love do that because you know seh when nature take you, you have to do it!” she stated, drawing laughter from those who had gathered on the verandah to hear her story.

Hamilton, who has been caring for Bennett for the last eight years, described ‘Granny’ as a very jovial person.

“Is so Granny stay, she is always giving joke. And she likes to help people.

She is very kind,” Hamilton added. “She love care for others.”

“I can’t even tell you how much children mi grow,” Bennett said. “I can’t count them. Mi grow and raise whole heap — who belong to me and who don’t belong to me. Some of them take me for their mother. I should be getting pension from off them now,” she said to more laughter.

Bennett attended Roehampton Elementary School in St James after attending

a private institution.

“I leave private school in 5th grade and go to elementary school. And I spend one year in elementary school. All mi teaching was in the private school. When I left I was 15 because they teach everything in private school,” she explained.

When asked why she believes that she is among the few who had passed the 100 block, Bennett readily responded.

“A love why mi live so long. For mi love everybody. And mi love children. Mi care for them and sometimes mi haffi feed them for them to go to school,” she broke off into shouts of Hallelujah praises before continuing.

“So is it that cause me to live so long. Mi don’t grudge nobody. Mi don’t do nobody nothing. Mi hands clean. For mi beg God if mi hands dirty when mi hold them up don’t let them come down. Let it stay up there so that everybody will see. So mi heart clean so mi feel happy. And when mi feel happy and mi begin to sing, mi cry to God to keep mi,” she said.

“Everybody come and seh ‘but you look good, man, I wish mi coulda live like you’. So mi say ‘you have to have the love of Jesus,’” she continued.

Bennett is still able to walk but said that she can no longer do so properly without a stick.

Laten Bennett, 64, one of Bennett’s children who shares the home with her, described her as a wonderful mother.

“She is a good mother, a wonderful mother. I don’t have any complaints. She didn’t grow me too strict because she give mi my time and you know young people like to have their time. When it came on to certain things, though, she would say no, don’t bother go there so. Like when I was small and wanted to go to dance she used to say ‘no you not coming out here tonight go any dance. If is church you going, fine, but if is dance don’t bother with it,” he laughed. (Jamaica Observer)

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No votes for TOP TRINIDAD -- The Tobago Organisation of the People’s (TOP) fourth Annual Party Conference came to a rowdy and abrupt end Sunday without a single vote being cast. The party is one of the coalition partners in the ruling People’s Partnership. During the conference there were heated exchanges about the party’s voting process and as tensions escalated, the media, who had been invited to attend the event, were asked to leave the conference room of the Rovanel’s Resort where the conference was held.

TOP political leader Ashworth Jack later told reporters that several people at the conference felt that an election should not take place although there had been a High Court ruling giving the goahead to hold the election using the delegate voting system. “There is a bunch of people who are adamant that the party should not have elections today,” he said.

“I left the meeting and by the time I got back it was very rowdy, so I thought as the political leader of the party there was too much toing and froing, so I moved a motion for the conference be adjourned to a date to be fixed so that we can have some further discussions on the matter.” The TOP leader said he considered the matter to be an indicator of a healthy democratic process.

“I hold no ill will or malice against anyone...I think in organisations there are going to be turbulent times so I accept that sometimes people are going to be passionate about stuff,” he said.

“Democracy is alive and well and people

must be allowed to express their views even if they do not agree with you. “For me that is important. I encourage it in my family so any organisation that I am the head of must have the same kind of opportunity for expression.”

The party’s executive is expected to meet today at its headquarters in Scarborough to determine the way forward and set a new date for the internal election. On Friday, two members of the TOP filed an injunction in the High Court to stop the election. However, Justice Judith Jones Sunday ruled that the election of officers can continue as scheduled under the delegate voting system.

Attorney Om Lalla issued a preaction protocol letter to TOP’s general secretary Alicia Edwards on behalf of members Gladstone Solomon and Trevor Gardiner, seeking postponement of the election to allow for proper implementation of a one-man, one-vote system. Lalla’s letter stated: “Should you fail to accede our request we will have no alternative but to seek legal redress from the High Court.”

Commenting on the legal action, Jack said: “One of those two members only applied for membership about six months ago. When these things happen you have to revisit your screening process to ensure that those applying for membership are the best kinds of people for the organisation who have the organisation’s best interest at heart.” Solomon told the T&T Guardian that he and Gardiner filed the injunction because they felt the election was not keeping with the

constitution.

Jack, in a media release, later reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its membership to the one-man, one-vote system, which was agreed upon at the TOP’s last annual conference, to ensure greater democracy in its governance.

“To this end, the party intends to vigorously defend the legal proceedings instituted by the two members. The party is being represented in these proceedings by attorney-at-law Michael Rooplal,” the release said.

Court order - The court order handed down by Justice Jones stated: 1) The defendants, (TOP), are restrained from proceeding with the election of its executive arm scheduled for today (Sunday), save and except in accordance with the delegate system of voting prescribed

by Article 16.01 of the constitution of the TOP and the convention adopted by it in this regard, until the determination of this action or further order.

2) The claimants undertake to file a claim form on June 23, 2013.

3) Permission is granted for the claimants to file and serve the statement of case by June 17.

4) The claimants undertake to serve filed copies of the interim applications together with the supporting affidavits of Gladstone Solomon and Trevor Gardiner on June 3.

It was also further ordered that the injunction be returned on June 6 (Trinidad Guardian)

U.S. donates funds for purchase of ambulance for Region 10 GUYANA -U.S. Ambassador D. Brent Hardt last Wednesday handed over a cheque for GY$8,967,387 to Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh for emergency services, which will be used specifically to purchase an ambulance for Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice).

According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy, it is at the ministry’s request and by agreement between the Governments of Guyana and the US, that these funds will be used to assist with the purchase of the ambulance, for which a provision was made under the Guyana 2013 National Budget.

The ambulance will be deployed to provide public health services in the outlying areas of the region including Great Falls, Number 48 Miles, Number 58 Miles, and Mabura Hill.

At the handing over ceremony Hardt pointed out that this contribution complements ongoing U.S. development assistance provided to Guyana’s health sector, including in the area of HIV/ AIDS prevention, care, and treatment.

The release noted that this support, while targeted primarily at combating HIV and AIDS, helps strengthen the entire health sector, including the supply

chain management for drugs and other health care commodities, blood safety, injection safety and laboratory improvements.

The donation precedes a medical outreach to Region 10, coordinated through the U.S. Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP), which will provide general medical assistance to

individuals in that region.

The funding for the ambulance was made available through U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Finance Ministry will finalise arrangements for its purchase and handing over to the Region’s administration.

(Guyana Chronicle)

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Slow days the norm for Causeway fisherfolk

JAMAICA -- On a windy Thursday morning, fisherwomen at the Causeway Fishing Village in St Catherine, sit around their stalls waiting to ‘break their ducks’, simply meaning to register their first sale.

Nearby, their male counterparts play dominoes to pass the time, while others closer to the beach, weigh the morning’s catch.

Such “slow” days have become the norm for the fisherfolk, many of whom were thriving entrepreneurs before they were relocated from the Causeway to this spot — a lonely stretch along Dyke Road, next door the Jamworld Entertainment Centre.

They were moved to facilitate the construction of the Portmore Toll Road more than 10 years ago. And after a decade, the vendors still have not recovered from the move, a decision that continues to nibble at the viability of their businesses.

But things were not always this bad, vendors say.

In fact, customers were slowly warming up to the relocation before armed robbers struck last Christmas, killing two fishermen — affectionately called ‘Anthony’ and ‘Bigga Belly’. Both were cut down in a brazen afternoon robbery that still haunts the memories of those at the village. For many, the heavy explosions, the screams, the blood, and the lifeless bodies sprawled in the ill-fated lane to which few now venture, are hard to forget.

But the construction of a police post at the facility has restored some sense of security. And although no policeman has yet been assigned to the post, the vendors are pleading with customers to return.

“We have the police presence like 24 hours. Every now and again a police patrol will drive through and check to see if everything is ok,” said Claudia Maragh, former secretary of the Causeway Fisherfolk Friendly Society. “So we feel comfortable somewhat with the situation, compared to that time. I myself was very scared when the incident happened, but now I feel more secure.”

Maragh said that the authorities had not yet signed off on the police post, but that could be finalised in a matter of weeks.

“I would say to my customers, ‘continue coming because the place is safe’.

It’s not only the fishing village that things happen; things happen all over the island and those places have come back around,”

she argued. “So you don’t have to have any fear coming here, we have police presence and the police post will soon be open. So feel comfortable, you’re secure,” pledged the former teacher, who has been making ends meet as a fish vendor for some time.

Like many businesses, the seafood industry is seasonal, said Maragh. Christmas and Easter bring many customers, but at other times, like during the Hurricane season, sales are slow.

“Like now, it is conch season so we are hardly getting parrots because the person who you would get parrots from they are now fishing after conch,” she said, adding that the windy weather prevents fishermen from venturing too far out to sea. “Parrot and snapper (fish) are like Nike (shoes), they are name-brand, and everybody come and ask for them. But right now we are just getting a little here and there.”

Not all vendors, however, believe that security and adverse weather conditions are the reasons why customers stay away from the village. Some maintain, as they did years ago, that the location is the chief problem.

“Where we are is not that hundred (per cent). I think that if we were nearer to the (Portmore) plaza it would be easier for persons to come over,” offered Charmaine Jones, another fish vendor.

Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses seldom traverse the Dyke Road route, the woman said, and although there is a designated taxi route from the Portmore Mall to the village, not many taxi operators take up that opportunity. Even if they did, it would still cost customers an extra fare from the mall to the fishing village, Jones said.

“Coming from downtown or HalfWay-Tree to the plaza, you still have to take a taxi from the plaza to come around here,” she said. “So I figure that if they have a bus from town or from Half-Way-Tree coming here, that will make it a lot easier for us.

“And many of our customers before came from out of town and they don’t want to pay the toll to come around here. So that is another problem,” she said.

The vendors maintain, however, that if their location is promoted, and if their safety concerns are adequately addressed, then customers will return to their fish pots.

(Jamaica Observer)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Patchy WI floored by Watsonʼs century CARDIFF - West Indies played well in patches but could not withstand an imperious century from opener Shane Watson, and slumped to a four-wicket defeat to Australia in their opening warm-up match of the ICC Champions Trophy yesterday. Opting to bat first at the SWALEC Stadium, they rallied to 256 for seven off their 50 overs, with elegant left-hander Darren Bravo top scoring with 86 and rookie opener Johnson Charles cracking 55. Left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc picked up four for 29, while medium pacer Clint McKay supported with three for 34.

Speedster Kemar Roach then produced an incisive burst, claiming two wickets in his first over to leave the Aussies tottering at four runs for two wickets in the second over of their run chase.

However, Watson unveiled a commanding 135 off a mere 98 balls while Adam Voges hit 43 and 21-year-old all-rounder Mitchell Marsh slammed a 19-ball, unbeaten 39 at the end, to see Australia to an easy victory with more than ten overs to spare. Roach finished with two for 44, while new ball partner Tino Best claimed two for 51. Playing their first of two warm-up matches before their official campaign begins next Friday, the Windies were given a breezy start by Charles who put on 28 off 26 balls with left-hander Devon Smith who made seven.

When Smith was taken behind off Starc in the fifth over of the innings, Charles and Darren Bravo entertained with a 65-run, second-wicket stand, that put the Windies back in charge. The right-handed Charles faced 63 balls and counted four fours, while Bravo hit ten fours and two sixes off 99 balls. McKay claimed Johnson lbw in the first over of a new spell but Bravo anchored two consecutive partnerships to deny the Aussies further success. He put on 49 with Ramnaresh Sarwan who hit 22 and a further 53 for the fourth wicket with his older brother and captain Dwayne Bravo who scored 20. Dwayne Bravo was finding his touch when he was prised out by a catch at the wicket off McKay in the 39th over at 195 for four. His dismissal sparked a slide which saw West Indies lose their six wickets for 51 runs.

Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin’s 25 from 29 balls proved precious before he was eighth out in the penultimate over. Roach then lifted the Windies, knocking over opener David Warner and Philip Hughes without scoring within the space of four deliveries, to catches at the wicket by Ramdin. However, Watson single-handedly snatched the game away from the Windies. Unfazed by the clatter of wickets around him, he crunched 15 fours and four sixes, to lay waste to the West Indies attack. He posted 68 for the third wicket with George Bai-

ley who scored 21, before killing off the game as a contest in a 125-run fourth wicket stand with Voges, who counted five fours in his 57ball knock. Together, they combined to take 20 runs from Roach’s sixth over—the 30th of the innings—as Australia stepped on the accelerator with victory in sight. Best accounted for both in successive overs to reduce Australia to 205 for five in the 33rd over but the untried Marsh, who lashed eight fours, and Matthew Wade (15), stunned the Windies with a whirlwind 49-run fifth wicket partnership off 36 balls. West Indies take on Sri Lanka in their final warm-up match on Tuesday at Edgbaston. (CMC) Scoreboard WEST INDIES D Smith c wkp Wade b Starc 7 J Charles lbw b McKay 55 DM Bravo b McKay 86 R Sarwan b Watson 22 DJ Bravo c wkp Wade b McKay 20 D Ramdin c Warner b Starc 25 D Sammy run out 14 J Holder c Faulkner b Starc 4 S Narine b Starc 3 K Roach not out 7 T Best not out 3 Extras (lb6, w3, nb1) 10

TOTAL (9 wkts, 50 overs) 256 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-90, 3-142, 4-195, 5-200, 6-220, 7-236, 8-246, 9-246.

Bowling: Starc 7-1-29-4, McKay 10-0-45-3, Johnson 10-0-66-0, Faulkner 10-1-50-0, Watson 6-0-14-1, Voges 2-0-24-0, March 5-0-22-0 AUSTRALIA S Watson c DM Bravo b Best 135 D Warner c wkp Ramdin b Roach 0 P Hughes c wkp Ramdin b Roach 0 G Bailey c wkp Ramdin b Sammy 21 A Voges c Holder b Best 43 +M Wade c wkp Ramdin b DJ Bravo 15 M Marsh not out 39 J Faulkner not out 1 Extras (lb1, w3, nb1) 5 TOTAL (6 wkts, 38.5 overs) 259 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-4, 3-72, 4-197, 5-205, 6-254.

Bowling: Best 7-0-51-2, Roach 6-0-44-2, Holder 6-0-37-0, Sammy 6-0-32-1, Narine 9-1-50-0, DJ Bravo 4.5-0-44-1.

Result: Australia won by four wickets.

Toss: West Indies.

Players: 15 per side (11 batting, 11 fielding) Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus; TV—Billy Bowden (Trinidad Guardian)

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Caribbean Pot: Green (fig) bananas with Cabage & Saltfish A tribute dish to the wonderful people of St. Lucia

Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking This green fig with saltfish recipe is a tribute to the wonderful people of St Lucia.

On our first trip to St Lucia many moons ago I was fortunate to have something very similar to this meal and I remember our hosts saying that it was their national dish.

I never really confirmed this, as we were

too caught-up in enjoying the great food and general hospitality of St Lucia. BTW, if you ever visit St Lucia and you’re ‘convinced’ that you should go to signal hill… make sure you’re in good shape. That trek up the hill had me craving oxygen! My time would have been better spent drinking a coconut at the Castries market.

It’s funny how when you’re a child on the islands you always think whatever your mom made was her recipe or creation… not knowing that up and down the chain of islands known as the Caribbean the same dishes are prepared for kids just like us by their mom. How could this be a popular dish in St Lucia when our mom was the only one who knew how to make it?

Ingr In gredi ed die ients ient nts nt Ingredients 2 lbs green cooking bananas pinch black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium onion 2 cloves garlic 1/4 scotch bonnet pepper 2 cups cabbage 2 sprigs thyme 2 tablespoon chopped parsley 3/4 cup saltfish 1 medium tomato The salted fish will still have remaining salt, so keep this in mind when adding salt to the dish. Remember to wear gloves when handling scotch bonnet peppers and be sure to wash your hands with soap and water directly after. Green fig is simply green ‘cooking’ bananas.

You have 2 options when it comes to cooking the green fig (bananas), you can either peel them before boiling or peel after they’re done cooking. I’ll show you the simple method. Trim off the ends and discard, then using a sharp pairing knife cut a shallow cut (the thickness of the skin) down the length of the banana (follow one of the natural ridges). TIP: coat your hands with vegetable oil or wear gloves as the sap from the green bananas can stain or cause your hands to itch.

Place the trimmed bananas in a deep pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a rolling boil and let them cook for about 20 minutes. You’ll notice two things. They will darken (even go black) and where you made the cut, it will open up.

Drain and allow to cool so it’s easier to handle (peel).

The salt fish (salt cod in my case), was soaked in cool water, then drained.

After which I placed it in a pot with about 4 cups of water and boiled for about 25 minutes. We need to rehydrate the dried salted fish and remove most of the salt it was cured in. I usually get boned salted

fish, so there’s never any bones to remove.

Rinse with cool water and squeeze dry.

Now shred into the size flakes yo like.

Chop/shred your cabbage, onion, tomato, garlic, thyme and parsley. Then heat the vegetable oil (you can also use olive or coconut oil) on a medium flame in a deep sauce pan. Add the flaked salted fish and turn the heat down to low. Let that cook for about 4 minutes as we want to create a lovely flavor base.

Now add the onion, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, black pepper and thyme and let it cook for a further 3 minutes.

Toss in the shredded cabbage and give it a good stir. It’s also now time to add the boiled bananas (they should be cool enough to handle). The cut we made before boiling them would have opened up, so simply peel back and remove the skin.

If you see any sort of stringy things, remove those as well. Now chop into 1 inch pieces and add to the pot and sprinkle in the salt.

Turn the heat up to med/low and make sure to mix everything well so the flavors coat the green bananas. After about 4 minutes (depending how cooked you want the cabbage… I like a little crunch) toss in the diced tomato and parsley, give it a stir, cover the pot and turn off the heat.

Let the residual heat from the pot finish g things. g cooking

This is a one pot dish and there’s enough here for 2-3 people as a full meal. If it’s being used as a side it will be enough for about 5 people easily. I refer to such meals as “country” meals as it takes me back to when I was a carefree kid on the islands and life was very simple in our little village in the countryside.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, June 5, 2013 17

Yoga for instant relaxation Geeta Maraj Yoga Yoga is a combination of a series of stretches or poses and breathing techniques. Not only is the body benefited from stretching, but more importantly is the mind. Yoga is used as a means to improve balance, flexibility, focus and concentration.

Due to the benefits of yoga mentally, physically, psychologically, and emotionally, it becomes an easy task to achieve relaxation when faced with stress. Through yoga, there are various ways to achieve re-

laxation. One of the main means is the practice of a routine commonly referred to as ‘shutting off all sounds’.

This routine of instant relaxation, can be practiced when sitting or lying down.

When at work, it can easily be practiced sitting at a desk. Likewise, when at home, this form of relaxation can be done either in bed or on the ground on your yoga mat.

When sitting at your desk you draw your chair close to the desk, and prop your elbows onto the desk so that you are able to keep an upright position of your spine. If you wear glasses, you would remove them from your face at this point.

If you choose to do this relaxation lying down, then you could lie on your bed or on your yoga mat. Ensure that your chin is in alignment with the center of your chest.

Let your legs relax, keeping them apart to the width size of your mat, or about 2 feet apart. Let your feet falling away from each

other to ensure there is no tension in your legs.

You then place your fingers over your eyes so that your left thumb comes toward your left ear, and your right thumb comes towards your right ear. Avoid putting too much pressure on your eyes with your fingers, but gently cover them so as to ensure that no light can be seen. Then use your thumbs to block off the entrance of your ears by creating a vacuum. This is done by using the base of your thumb to create a pumping effect at the entrance of the ear. This will create a suction allowing the pad of your thumb to create a sealing effect along the ear canal, thereby, blocking off all sounds from entering the ear.

At this point, where all external sounds are blocked out, you simply listen to the sounds you hear within. Breathing is equally important in keeping your mind relaxed.

A balanced breath, is important in keeping the mind focused and the body destressed. To keep the breath balanced, you count how long it takes you to slowly inhale, and exhale to the same count.

By paying attention to the sound of your breathing, shutting off all external sounds, and keeping your breath balanced, your body will instantly begin to relax.

While in this state of silence, try to observe what you can hear within your body as a part of its normal process. This helps your mind to relax which instantly lowers your blood pressure, causing you detachment from that which is stressing your body.

This form of instant relaxation and detachment from tension serves to prevent stressing the body when life or work schedule becomes too demanding. It helps to keep you in control of your stress level, hence preventing future illness of the body.

separate reasons

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5 easy weight loss strategies action starting right now and just start moving your body! It will only take a short time to begin seeing some results.

Monique Bartlett Fitness Weight loss is one of those subjects that everyone is always talking about. It seems you can’t go anywhere without seeing or hearing some type of weight loss message. If you’re trying to lose weight, here are a few tips to get you started.

Strategy #1 – Stop Talking About It, Just Do It! All that talk about how much you want to lose weight isn’t going to make the weight come off. If you want to lose weight, you’ve got to take

Strategy #2 – Slow and Steady is the Way to Go! Slow and steady weight loss is better and safer than a crash diet or gimmick that will leave you riding the dieting roller coaster. If you want weight loss results that last, your goal should be to lose an average of about two pounds each week. You need to be able to eat fewer calories than you burn. So combining dieting with exercise, will help you achieve your goal in a reasonable amount of time. You need to remember that you didn’t gain the weight overnight, so it won’t go away overnight either.

Strategy #3 – Try the Buddy System.

Finding someone to go on the weight

loss journey with you or to at least be support for you will help tremendously.

Trying to do it all alone will leave you frustrated and confused. Being able to bounce ideas around or get some reinforcement for the new choices you are making will help to keep you motivated and stay on the right track.

Strategy #4 – Make Your Weight Loss a Lifestyle Change. Unfortunately, the issue of weight is something that most people will struggle with throughout their lives. Increased amounts and easy access to processed foods along with a sedentary lifestyle are two of the biggest contributors to this constant struggle. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you’ve got to change the way you think about food. It should be thought of as a source of fuel, not a passion or a crutch. Successful weight loss really

is about making lifestyle changes, including making the right food choices, and then sticking with those choices throughout life.

Strategy #5 – Don’t Rely On the Scale. When you’re trying to lose weight, don’t become focused on the numbers on the dreaded scale. When the numbers go down, happiness goes up but when the numbers stay the same or go up, it is easy to give up and give in. Even though the scale may not say what you want it to you will be improving your health, gaining lean muscle and your clothes will begin fitting more comfortably. When you realize that you are actually making a difference in your life, you will want to keep moving in the right direction and celebrate your accomplishments.

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The functional role of teeth

Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental

Humans have 4 different types of teeth. They are classified according to their shape, size and function.

The two main functions are mastication (chewing) and speech. The incisors or the four front teeth closet to the midline, when chewing, work like scissors cutting up food. Next to these going towards the back are the cone shaped ca-

nines which tear food, or shred it. Going back further are the premolars shaped like two hills with a valley between and finally the molars, which are the largest set of teeth. The surface resembles a terrain of hills, valleys and ridges.

Processing food in your mouth is similar to a factory or refinery. When food enters the mouth the lips and cheeks hold it and prevent it from falling out. The tongue moves it around in the mouth, taking it along the processing line to the best suited site for crushing the load. At the sides of both cheeks and under the tongue are salivary glands with ducts (tubes) that open into the mouth, pouring in saliva with chemicals called enzymes to moisten the food. Then the cutters, grinders and crushers convert it into a form that can be easily digested into the stomach.

To digest food properly it is best to have a full dentition or an adequate number of

teeth. Lack of teeth can cause indigestion to the extent that one’s overall health can be seriously impaired.

Chewing should be painless. If there is pain there are several conditions that can cause it. Sometimes the cause could be due to the shifting or rotation of teeth. Often the problem can be corrected by an occlusal adjustment which is the grinding of pressure spots. It is a simple painless treatment. Pain when chewing may also be the result of advanced to severe periodontal disease that causes the teeth to get loose. You should see your dentist to treat the problem.

Your teeth along with your lips, cheeks, and tongue play a very important role in speech.

They help you to pronounce words. In order to get the correct sound the positioning of teeth is important. If your child has a lisp or speech impediment bring it to the attention of the dentist.

The basics of healthy weight loss

Dr. Lydia ND

Health Tips With approximately one in four Canadians considered obese, the market for weight loss products has exploded. Every day in my practice at least one patient is struggling with extra pounds they want to lose for both health and cosmetic reasons.

The old days of calorie counting are outdated and leave people exhausted as they calculate every morsel of food that enters their mouth. The best fat loss plans are those that you can sustain over the long term. Weight cycling, or yo-yo dieting, has negative consequences for your health and metabolism. Let’s look at a few ways that you can safely promote sustainable weight loss.

The food that you eat is obviously a major player in your body weight. If you consume more calories that you burn, you your body

will store fat tissue. As opposed to meticulously counting calories I encourage my patients to eat reasonable portion sizes of foods that make them feel full, and that automatically corrects over-eating patterns.

There are two words you need to repeat to yourself if you are eating to lose weight: protein and fiber. Every meal should contain these two essential dietary elements. Protein and fiber keep you feeling full longer and sends signals to your brain to keep your blood sugar balanced.

Blood sugar balance is essential to a healthy metabolism and keeping weight off, especially around the tummy area.

Many of my patients find themselves slaving away at the gym or walking for hours with very little change in their weight. Any form of physical activity is good for your body; however, when you want to lose weight not all exercise is created equally. If you are already walking, jogging, or cycling and the number on the scale is not budging, you need to increase the intensity of your workout. For example, walkers can try adding short intervals of running to burn more calories. Weight training is also essential for fat loss. Do not bother training individual muscles; work out large muscle groups with planks, squats

and pushups. Exercise intensely for short periods of time, more days than not, and your body will transform.

There are some ways that you can sabotage your efforts to beat the bulge and skipping meals, especially breakfast, is at the top of that list. The major reason this wreaks havoc on your diet plans, is that you cannot make appropriate food choices when you are starving. Being ravished is a sure fire way to end up in the drive-thru or eating chips right out of the bag. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Have healthy snacks readily available. Cook more than you’ll eat at one sitting and keep left over’s in the refrigerator that you can heat up if you do not have time to prepare a meal.

Generally, I encourage my patients to follow an 80/20 rule. If you eat right 80% of the time there is still the opportunity to enjoy cake at a wedding, or a cookie from that co-worker that bakes for the office. There is a social and emotional aspect to food that cannot be denied. Putting yourself in a state of deprivation leads to an unhealthy relationship with food. Make changes in baby steps, over time, and you will find that you are more likely to sustain your plan and reach your goals.

Arsenic being intentionally added to conventional chicken The old saying, “You are what you eat,” poses troubling implications for public health in light of a new study on chicken meat, which found that most of it contains dangerously high levels of toxic arsenic. And the worst part is that industrial chicken producers are directly responsible for causing this, as they intentionally add arsenicbased pharmaceutical drugs to chicken feed in order to bulk them up quickly and improve the color of their meat, which in turn poisons you and your family.

You can thank researchers from the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future in Maryland for exposing this little-known fact in a recent paper published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. As it turns out, virtually all commercial chicken, including certified organic and “antibiotic-free” varieties, contain some level of inorganic arsenic. But it is the conventional chicken fed arsenic-based drugs that have the highest levels.

As reported by GRACE Communications Foundation Senior Policy Advisor Chris Hunt, writing for Ecocentric, Johns Hopkins researchers collected a variety of chicken samples from grocery stores in 10 cities across the U.S. Some of the meat samples came from conventional sources,

while others were U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic or “antibiotic-free.” All the samples were tested side-by-side with each other, including in both raw and cooked form.

Upon analysis, the team discovered that the conventional chicken meat samples had the highest levels of inorganic arsenic overall, containing up to four times as much arsenic as the organic chicken samples. These same conventional chicken meat samples contained up to three times more arsenic than the maximum levels proposed, but later retracted, as a safety standard by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 2011.

“The levels of inorganic arsenic discovered in chicken are cause for concern, especially since many of us are already exposed to the carcinogen through additional dietary and environmental paths,” writes Hunt. “But unlike these other sources of exposure, which typically result from natural arsenic deposits, industry or residual contamination from the days of widespread arsenical pesticide use, as noted in the study, ‘arsenical poultry drugs are deliberately administered to animals intended for human consumption.’”

FDA currently allows Big Pharma to lace chicken feed with arsenic to boost profits What the study is referring to, of course, is the

common practice, at least up until 2011, of industrial chicken producers adding a pharmaceutical drug known as roxarsone to chicken feed. The Pfizer, Inc.-manufactured drug was in heavy use between 2010 and 2011 when the Johns Hopkins study was conducted, and researchers found traces of this chemical in a significant percentage of the conventional chicken meat tested.

According to Hunt’s analysis, arsenical chemicals like roxarsone have been in use since the 1940s, when chicken producers began adding it to chicken feed to speed up growth, prevent disease, and improve meat pigmentation. But as we now know, these chemicals are pervasive, and are known to cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, mental impairment, miscarriage, and other serious human health issues. “[T]his study provides further evidence that continued use of arsenicals in food animal production poses an entirely unnecessary threat to public health,” adds Hunt. “While the practice might boost the profits earned by poultry giants and the manufacturers who supply them with arsenical drugs, it’s imprudent and irresponsible.

As such, the FDA has no legitimate justification for its ongoing failure to prohibit arsenicals from food animal production.” (NaturalNews)

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Open house, refinance & TFSAʼs Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate - Today’s consumers are very different from the generations before them.

The influence of the internet has kept consumers in tune with changes to legislation and market trends. An Open House was a great tool used to give a house exposure to area residents and individuals looking to potentially purchase a home in that area.

However, today’s experience is a bit different. Most websites with listings have multiple pictures and virtual tours that help clients and customers identify homes of interest to them from the comfort of their home or a remote location without visiting properties that may otherwise be of no interest to them.

The internet has also made it easy for consumers to see what styles, fashions and designs are current, and allows them to make educated and informed decisions.

With that being said, open houses still play a vital role in decision making. Some pictures don’t do a home justice and can be misleading. There’s no substitute for seeing a home in person. The dynamics and layout of the home can be misinterpreted in the pictures.

Mortgages - In these economic times, more and more families are accessing the equity in their homes. Circumstances like debt consolidation, funding a child’s education and vacations are a few examples of why people are refinancing their homes. Some financial institutions will offer a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) as an alternative to refinancing at a low interest rate which allows you to pay down or pay back as much as you want on the funds used without a penalty similar to a Visa or MasterCard revolving credit. For those who refinance, it’s getting a new first mortgage up to eighty to eighty five percent of the value of the home. For cottage or rural areas, you may get up to sixty five percent of the value of the property.

Finance - Have you used up all your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution room? A Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) is another investment tool that individuals can take advantage of. A TFSA can have the same growth as with an RRSP with an added benefit of being tax sheltered even at time of withdrawal. Unlike a RRSP, a TFSA is not tax deductable. Once an individual has turned eighteen years of age, has a valid social insurance number and is a Canadian resident, he or she is eligible to open a TFSA account. TFSA was first introduced in 2009 and accumulates every year. In 2012 the annual contribution limit was $5,000.00 and in 2013 the annual contribution limit is $5,500.00. For more information on TFSA’s and how you may benefit from opening an account, please visit http://tfsa.gc.ca/thingstoknow-eng.html.

Government of Canada Announces Three Appointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada OTTAWA -- Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today announced three full-time appointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). Timothy J. Crowhurst, George F. Pemberton and W.J. Sterling Sunley were each appointed to three-year terms in the Vancouver regional office.

Prior to his appointment to the Board, Mr. Pemberton spent most of his career as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Most recently, he was Team Lead of the Anti-Human Smuggling Initiative, RCMP in Bangkok, Thailand. He lectured extensively at the RCMP Academy and to industry, police and academic groups around the world.

Mr. Pemberton received his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and his Master of Business Administration from the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands.

Prior to his appointment to the Board, Mr. Sunley was a consultant with Oregon Scientific Global Distribution Ltd. where his key responsibilities included strategic planning, business development, marketing strategies and communications.

He also served as President and Co-Founder of Camnex Marketing Inc. and held a number of positions with other financial companies. Mr. Sunley received his Bach-

elor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Alberta.

Prior to his appointment to the Board, Mr. Crowhurst managed his own business, Sea Level Communications Ltd., a strategic communications and business advocacy company. He has also served as a senior policy and communications advisor to cabinet ministers with a variety of portfolio responsibilities. Mr. Crowhurst attended the Université de Nice in France and the University of British Columbia.

These appointments were made in accordance with the IRB’s merit-based selection process. Under this process, candidates must demonstrate by way of a written exam, interview and reference checks, the competencies required as well as their personal suitability to fulfil their important role.

Created in 1989, the IRB is an independent administrative tribunal that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. The Board has four divisions: the Refugee Protection Division, the Refugee Appeal Division, the Immigration Division and the Immigration Appeal Division.

The IRB determines refugee protection claims made in Canada, hears immigration and refugee appeals, and conducts admissibility hearings as well as detention reviews. (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Metrolinx says raise taxes to pay for transit Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters How does it make you feel to hear that the Province is considering raising taxes to pay for transit? The estimated amount of money needed to implement the “Big Move” is going to cost $2 billion/year for 25 years. Advocates of revenue tools... fancy word for taxes... say yes! Bring it because we need transit.

I agree we need transit; however, I am not convinced that raising taxes is the only way to pay for it. When you look at the mismanagement in government such as Ehealth, Ornge, canceled power plants and the 407ETR to mention a few, don’t you think that if each Minister focused diligently on fine tuning their

ministries some money could be found?

Considering that it is only 2% of the Province’s yearly budget they are looking for, I believe it is possible to find that money through better management.

For example, we had Jodie Parmar, former Vice President, Corporate Development, Privatization Secretariat/ Ontario that successfully led the $3.107 billion privatization of Highway 407 write a few articles pointing out that the Province can divert at least $1 billion from 407ETR back to the Province.

Question is why the government isn’t exploring that opportunity before defaulting to the knee jerk reaction of raising taxes.

Is it because it is just easier to say give till it hurts?

We have a corporate environment that is constantly streamlining operations to increase profit and maximize efficiency. Sometimes a corporation will downsize, restructure, close branches, consolidate departments, cut unnecessary expenses, reduce budgets, etc... anything to trim costs.

Although government plays a huge role in our social conscience, the vital services we receive from them has to be run more efficiently. The waste for personal and political gain is rampant. It’s like gangrene and needs to be cut out!

After neglecting infrastructure for 30 years we now find ourselves in a crisis situation. The very first piece of advice anyone would give in an emergency situation is “don’t panic”. Then you need to take control of the situation and act quickly. The action taken will be for the greater good and not for self gain or some kind of an agenda. Debates abound for what that greater good is. Some say it’s the environment, others will say the priorities are social and economic, but regardless of which side of the debate you sit, if you don’t work together then I am afraid we will still be here 25 years from now in the same situation.

Don’t forget to sign and share the petition http://tinyurl.com/ 407petition

Minister Kenney promotes Canadaʼs new Start-Up Visa in Silicon Valley OTTAWA -- Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney concluded a productive visit to Silicon Valley to promote Canada’s new Start-Up Visa, the first of its kind in the world. ““The message was delivered loud and clear to the entrepreneur community in Silicon Valley that Canada is open for business,”” said Minister Kenney. ““The new Start-Up Visa will help Canada attract the world’s best and brightest entrepreneurs to build businesses, create jobs, and fuel economic growth.””

During his time in Silicon Valley, Minister Kenney met with foreign entrepreneurs and influential figures in the start-up and tech communities, including founders of start-ups, accelerators, other business leaders, venture capitalists, angel investors and immigration experts to promote the Start-Up Visa and explain why Canada is a great place to start a business and invest.

Minister Kenney met Dave McClure, the founder of 500 Start-Ups, one of America’s leading start-up accelerators which provides mentorship and seed fund investments to help entrepreneurs become successful. He also met with members of C100, a Silicon Valley-based organization that supports Canadian technology entrepreneurship through mentorship,

partnerships, and investment.

Minister Kenney also took time to visit Plug and Play Tech Centre which houses business accelerator programs for entrepreneurs designed to strengthen the growth of their ideas and start-ups.

Minister Kenney attended TiEcon 2013, the world’s largest conference for entrepreneurs, where he spoke with many international entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capitalists first-hand.

During his visit, Minister Kenney was a featured guest speaker at Stanford University where he spoke to scholars, researchers, and students who have a high potential for becoming candidates for the Start-Up Visa. While at Stanford, he also met with Dan Siciliano, a legal scholar and entrepreneur with expertise in corporate governance, corporate finance, and immigration law, and Vivek Wadhwa, Director of Research at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization and author of The Immigrant Exodus, one of The Economist’s Books of the Year for 2012.

He was also the featured guest speaker at an event hosted by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, attended by many prominent entrepreneurs and investors.

Minister Kenney also officially unveiled the new Start-Up Visa billboard.

““There is huge interest in Canada’s new Start-Up Visa and in Canada’s expanding tech sector,”” said Minister Kenney. ““Canada’s strong economic growth, low taxes and business costs, excellence in research and innovation, and top quality of life all make Canada a top country for innovative entrepreneurs looking to build their businesses. If you are a start-up entrepreneur and want to build a dynamic company that can compete on a global scale, then Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is for you.””

The Start-Up Visa, which opened for applications on April 1, is an important part of the Government of Canada’s plan to build a fast and flexible economic immigration system. The Start-Up Visa Program is the first of its kind in the world and provides Canadian private sector organizations with access to a broad range of entrepreneurs – including the world’s best and brightest – in whose ideas they can invest.

At the same time, the program provides immigrant entrepreneurs with valuable assistance in navigating the Canadian business environment, which can be a challenge for newcomers, and enables them to build innovative companies that can create Canadian jobs and compete on a global scale. (CIC)

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Aye Aye Aye – Sookhoo Sookhoo Naturally Healing the Body and Soul through Music.

Vashtie Doorga Entertainment When you walk into the Sookhoo residence, you may see some naturopathic red rishi mushooms, a pound of panchouni cleaned and ready to curry, with a box of Chinese food and a slab of something else ready to fry. Try a next room, you will see a new aged Korg keyboard next to a traditional yet colorful harmonium, you may hear Bhajans playing upstairs and downstairs a Soca beat being mastered and mixed with a Bhojpuri folk song. This is just a regular scene for Canadian born musician, singer, producer Ravind James Sookhoo, better known as Ravi, from N2 Studios.

He has always taken pride in everything he does from getting married to the beautiful and talented silk voiced Kavita Bissoon Sookhoo who he stole away from Trinidad, to releasing only the highest quality lyrics and music. He is well known for one of the first crossover bands out of Canada called Nirvaan, and had a second coming after he returned from Trinidad and renamed the band N2. The rum songs and promiscuous behavior encouraged in some lyrics don’t impress him and he feels they can be done in a more tasteful manner, so he tends to stay away from producing songs with that kind of content. He will tell you bluntly what his perspective is on life, you and your neighbor, but he means it in the kindest, most caring way!

Having worked on a television show with Ravi, (yes, he also did TV editing and production), I was privileged to meet his father, the late Mr. Sookhoo, a kind hearted compassionate man. He was the first guitarist in the Trinidad based band Indian Art, and where Ravi got his inspiration from.

He saw his son’s passion for music at a young age and bought all his instruments and equipment for him, and even had to accompany him to gigs at venues when he was under aged! In chatting with the late Mr. Sookhoo, when he was alive, he always took pride in his son. He said he was so proud of his

accomplishments and that he would always support him because he believed in his talent. He wanted him to do everything he possibly could, and would support him in anything he wanted to do. I know he would be very proud of him today. The last time the family was united in happier times was for Ravi and his wife Kavita’s wedding, one of the most memorable times of his life. Some of his closest friends would tell you he might have married a China man for his love of Chinese food but are all happy he found the love of his life, Kavita. His wife says her husband inspires her musically and personally.

She admires his ambitious nature in music and says he is truly a supportive and comforting husband always trying to make everyone happy. Where most musicians are full time at home, Ravi also holds down a regular 9-5 job and still puts a full shift into music as his second job.

What you probably didn’t know was Ravi’s second passion is Naturopathic health, and he became more passionate about it when his father passed on. Being one of the most life altering experiences having his dad pass away in his arms, he wanted to be preventative to find cures for everyday diseases such as diabetes and heart failure... without medication as he doesn’t believe in western medicine and is currently pursuing naturopathic education to become a specialist and perhaps a Doctor of Naturopathic medicine.

He has travelled to Suriname, Jamaica, Trinidad, the United States and Guyana to play music, and was considered a prodigy in India. Not knowing Hindi, he was singing and playing Indian music in the heart of India. In his teenage years he studied music in India for several months at a time from the world renowned teacher, Sudir Narain of Agra, along with Gauri Guha, and Ustaad Assad Ali Khan, all of whom are masterminds behind grooming Ravi into the musician he is. Leston Paul who produced 90% of the classic Soca we love today and Hari Haran are also inspirational Gurus that influenced Ravi’s music. The

rest is history as they say, literally. He was by far the youngest producer of Canadian-Trinidadian decent, producing his first Bhajan CD for Pundit Munilal. He has played music for some of the most revered Pundits worldwide, and produced some of the most distinctive voices in Chutney. He moved to Trinidad and produced some of the most coveted Chutney tracks including Sasoo Hamare by Hemalata Dindial, Aray Maan by Molly Ramcharran, Aiya Re by Anil Bheem and Bollywood hit Unse Mili Nazar by Kavita Sookhoo that topped several charts for months in Trinidad. He was one of the first producers outside of Trinidad to be respected as a son of the soil, and when top Chutney artists come to Canada to play they always request Ravi to back them up as knowing how to play for them… bet you didn’t know it was a Canadian behind it all!

Ravi says he is more spiritual than religious as we have come a long way since the verses of the holy books were created. “God gave us a brain, and that’s the best book” he says!

Music is soulful and shouldn’t be forced says Ravi.

He hopes to have children to carry on his legacy but will not

force his children into music. He is a master at the keyboards but has a special passion for harmoniums. He says the sound emanates a sweeter feeling and incorporates his knowledge of the keyboard and different melodies such as jazz to make his harmonium create a unique sound. He decided to design his own line of Harmoniums with different colors to appeal to a younger generation and the Ravi Sookhoo touch. You can order them from him and they will be custom made to suit your needs.

Ravi also sings and could pull a “Man Lagyo” bhajan and skip to another beat and be jamming to Tiney Winey imitating a guitar and having a good time. As the keys on a harmonium are black and white, so are the different aspects of Ravi Sookhoo’s musical contributions, from Chutney to Soca, Bhajans to contemporary new age melodies. As the sound on a harmonium is full of sentiment and its sweet sound is soulful, so too are the creations of Ravi Sookhoo felt. As his second passion for Naturopathic Medicine is healing the body without medication, so too is the healing of the soul with his melodies.

Ravi Sookhoo…Healing the world through music.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, June 5, 2013 23

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff on his musical rebirth Jimmy Cliff is getting to that point, 50 years into his career, when lifetime achievement awards are forthcoming.

The singer, songwriter and actor holds the Order of Merit in his native Jamaica in recognition of his status as a global ambassador for reggae and he was honoured again for his crossover success when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

But Cliff feels he’s only getting started – again.

“What I saw there [at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony] was an ‘I’ve done it, and that’s it’ attitude,” says Cliff, “but it wasn’t all about that for me. I appreciate the recognition for the work that I did but for me it is a springboard to higher things. I set out to conquer the world as an artist. I started out on this small little island and I had this global vision of becoming a stadium act, having a stream of number ones all over the world. I wanted to be a great box office star. But I’ve not won an Oscar yet, I’ve not written my best songs yet, so those are the goals that have still to be conquered.”

With that attitude as his engine, Cliff’s latest album is called Rebirth. His first new music in almost a decade and his only purely roots reggae album in some time has been received with open arms and Grammy Awards. “I haven’t put out a record that has made any kind of impression like this one in many years,” says Cliff. “But I called it Rebirth because I envisioned that’s what it would do.”

Cliff had previously been working on an album with the more stoic title of Existence, but his initial recordings didn’t get the reaction he hoped for and he put it on hold. The breakthrough came when he agreed to work with player/producer Tim Armstrong of Bay Area ska punk band Rancid, who gathered a team of Californian “reggae connoisseurs” and encouraged Cliff to go back to his roots.

Armstrong may have been a superficially surprising choice of creative director, but had been recommended to Cliff some years before by Joe Strummer when the late Clash frontman had guested on Cliff’s previous album, Black Magic. This was to be Strummer’s last recording session before he died in 2002. In tribute to his judicious matchmaking, Cliff has included a cover of The Clash classic Guns Of Brixton on Rebirth. “I thought it was the most appropriate way to lift my hat to him as a great artist and a good friend,” he says. “It’s strange how things work out sometimes in life…”

Guns Of Brixton has further resonance for Cliff. The song’s lyrics make reference to Ivan, the outlaw character Cliff portrayed in the iconic Jamaican film The Harder They Come, propelling him to overseas stardom. Although Bob Marley was to become the first world music superstar in the years that followed, Cliff’s sweet tenor was the first reggae voice to make a commercial splash way beyond the Caribbean.

He recorded his first songs aged 14,

after badgering local record shop owner Leslie Kong to go into the studio with him – a key turning point which he celebrates on Rebirth album track Reggae Music. Then five years later, Cliff scored his first global hit with the uplifting sunshine reggae track Wonderful World, Beautiful People.

The starring role in The Harder They Come came shortly afterwards. Cliff’s contributions to the soundtrack, such as Many Rivers To Cross and You Can Get It If You Really Want, had a life well beyond the film and remain staples of his set.

Spurred by those global ambitions he is still pursuing, Cliff decided he could make his way more easily if he left Jamaica. Even in the early days of his career, he cast his net wide for inspiration. “The models for me at that time were the great American acts that I heard on the radio even before I left Jamaica, like Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and the rock’n’roll people like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, then later on acts like The Beach Boys and The Beatles,” he says.

This has manifested itself in a varied musical career. One of Cliff’s earliest recordings was a number written by Nirvana (the English psychedelic band from the 1960s, not their more renowned grunge namesakes) and he has had hits with songs by Cat Stevens and Johnny Nash.

Cliff doesn’t regret his pop and soul-

infused excursions but he has always connected most strongly, both creatively and commercially, with that particular elixir provided by reggae music.

“It’s a lifestyle, it’s a frame of mind,” he says, counting off his tips for eternal youth: “I try to rest, I don’t smoke, I take care of my voice, I take care of my body, I exercise a lot. I try to do the right thing.”

Doing the right thing for Cliff includes engaging with social and political issues through his songwriting. On Rebirth, he updates the Joe Higgs number World Upside Down and adds his own food for thought on Children’s Bread.

“There are two directions of reggae music today,” says Cliff. “There are still some artists who make roots and culture music, like Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica and a few other female artists and male DJs, but I don’t know if they are making an impact internationally. But what I call ‘girls and cars and superstars’, which is what dancehall music is about, is what seems to have taken prominence over everything else.

“There isn’t a lot of artists making important social, political statements about life, so I feel good about standing up for what I believe in. You have to have the hunger and the fire inside you still to keep going.” « • Jimmy Cliff plays the ABC, Glasgow on 23 June. Rebirth is out now on Trojan Records. www.jimmycliff.com (Scottsman)

24 Wednesday, June 5, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - June 5th 2013 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): Out of sight or low-key hits it right until Saturday, but by Sunday the Aries moon sets you into action.

Mars in Gemini keeps you busy with people, plans, and projects through the middle of July. Monday is your most productive day for talks, banking, or creative endeavours.

Over the next two months, a specific home matter or family member requires more from you.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): Do what comes naturally and what works easiest for you through Saturday, and skip the rest. By Sunday, you’ll start to pick up better momentum.

Mars opens communication lines and increases your options and social opportunity.

Venus in Cancer helps you establish better support and rapport. Monday is an ideal day to work things out or talk to someone in charge.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21May 21): Mars leaves Taurus on Friday, but you’ll continue to feel charged with added getup-and-go. As a bonus, Mars in Gemini will help you juggle or multi-task better. With Venus in Cancer, you’ll find you’re better able to sense, feel, connect, and communicate, especially so Monday through Wednesday. A supportive friendship, sibling, or professional relationship knits tighter now.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Even with something unexpected tossed into the mix on Sunday, you should find yourself on an extended good roll Thursday through next Wednesday. Venus in Cancer increases your social popularity, your financial prospects, and your dealings with long-distance folk.

Monday can bring answers, results, or news.

It’s a good time to sign a contract or make a major decision.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): Starting Friday, Mars in Gemini hits your refresh button. It could take a few days before things get up to full speed, but know that Mars will increase your physical activity and keep life on a faster go through the middle of July. On Friday/Saturday, time can simply evaporate.

Sunday/Monday, dive into it. Mercury trine Neptune and Saturn blends inspiration with opportune timing.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): Mars shifts the concentration off of health and work and draws more attention to your social activities.

You should find you have more to communicate and better opportunity to get a decent dialogue going, especially on Monday. Personal or financial motivation comes readily, too. Someone in particular can make an impression or spur you to action. A competitive edge sometimes translates into positive fuel.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21July 20): Having extra time to look around and feel your way along is ideal. Through Saturday, free yourself up as best you can. Venus in Cancer, starting Sunday, begins an attraction and opportunity cycle.

Sunday/Monday gets the ball rolling. Tuesday through Thursday, Venus and Mars are fuelled with karmic potency. The conditions are set, but it’s up to you to make it happen.

Leo Horoscope (July 21Aug. 22): Start a fresh look/ see or meet and greet. You should find there’s more on the market for you now. Mars in Gemini, starting Friday, mobilizes both your social life and your financial opportunities.

Venus in Cancer, starting Sunday, helps you reach a more satisfying emotional level.

Sunday/Monday, let intuition and spontaneity take the lead. Don’t hesitate. If it feels right, go for it.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): Roll with it Thursday through Saturday and make it easy on yourself. As of Sunday, it’s time to get more ambitious. Through the middle of July, Mars in Gemini requires that you stay goal-oriented. In the coming weeks, distractions are likely to increase. It’s not a problem Sunday through Wednesday, though. In fact, you’ll keep it together and hit your target very well.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): The end of the workweek should be a breeze.

Entertainment and conversation are easy to come by. Mars in Gemini, starting Friday, spurs you to better your best. You’ll keep on a productive race through mid July. Venus in Cancer, starting Sunday, opens emotional floodgates. Monday through Wednesday, go by feel. You’ll piece things together very well.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): Mars in Gemini, starting Friday, brings you a refreshing personal, social, and creative boost. You should find that life and love pick up speed. Common ground and same-page accord can be more readily found. On Monday, negotiate a deal, nail down a purchase or plan, take a test, or talk to someone in charge.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Thursday through Saturday, the Pisces moon keeps you in a vibrant flow. Life picks up speed and so do you, thanks to Mars in Gemini starting Friday. Through the end of June, Venus in Cancer boosts your romance and creativity.

Sunday shifts the energy. Monday is productive for talks and laying the groundwork.

26 Wednesday, June 5, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

How to approach Networking and Social Media Word of mouth may still be the most effective resource

social media world has created a follower effect. The only resource that is more effective is word of mouth.

Attending various events in your city will give you a better understanding of the caliber of professionals and entrepreneurs you meet.

Networking and exchanging business Business Development cards will help to increase your list or resources. Asking key questions Three out of four people that you about their business and the types of meet may say they are not interested clients they are looking for will crein networking or social media. The ate a reciprocal interest in you. “ You

Jim Pagiamtzis

have two ears and one mouth, use them effectively and listen more” Using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to post comments daily showing where you have been and who you have met throughout the day. Take notice of the “like” feature and how many make comments about this. There are contacts that may be following you because they are interested in your expertise or have met you at previous events.

Social Media has created this

type of community. E-mailing and calling your contacts to join you at other events can be very beneficial.

Reach out and send an email or if they are online click on their name and engage in an online conversation.

Having a strategy to utilize your network effectively will lead to stronger relationships now and in the future.