Recognizing Caribbean Artists "The Right Way" 112013

CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & MORE ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM • TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 20 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH 2013

Recognizing Caribbean artists ‘the right way’ BRAMPTON -- Every year, Penny Providence tunes into the Juno Awards and sees the same thing. She watches the national awards ceremony hoping to see CaribbeanCanadian music recognized on the grand stage. Yet, each year, she’s disappointed.

“Whenever they have the Caribbean segment, the awards are given behind the scenes, before the ceremony,” Providence said. “It’s never given on stage. We’re not recognized on stage.”

Providence, a Guyanese-Canadian, is a former professional bassist and founder of music management company PenPro Entertainment. She knows first-hand what it feels like to make music and not be recognized for it.

“In Caribbean music, we work as hard as any other genre,” she said. “As hard as country music, folk music, rock ’n’ roll – and we need to be acknowledged.”

Providence is putting all her efforts into helping Caribbean-Canadian artists gain that recognition. Her company, whose mandate is to advocate and work for such entertainers, is organizing the second annual Caribbean Music and Entertainment Awards (CMEA), which will be held on Dec.15 at the Rose Theatre in Brampton.

“My goal is to recognize (Ca-

ribbean-Canadian artists) the right way,” Providence said. “I always wanted to be acknowledged for what I do, as well as to acknowledge other people. Because coming from the Caribbean, we have entertainers that are top notch.”

The CMEA will highlight various genres of Caribbean music, including reggae, soca, calypso, chutney, steel pan and Latin, among others. There will be special appearances from chutney-soca megastar KI Persad, Latino singer Fito Blanko, and Canadian reggae artist Steele. Each will be receiving international awards for their respective genres.

The CMEA will also acknowledge other types of entertainers such as dancers, comedians, actors and poets. There will be several awards handed out during the evening, in addition to performances on stage.

Read More On Page 3

DAVID SINGH - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean music and entertainment awards David Singh TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- Providence says the inaugural CMEA, which was held last year in a banquet hall, received positive feedback. But this year, in an effort to make it “bigger and better,” she decided to hold it in a theatre, where a grand stage will be the main focus.

In order to improve the event, Providence has been meticulously studying other awards ceremonies like the Junos and Grammys to see what kind of elements she can incorporate. Her goal is to have the CMEA

eventually become a staple function in Toronto entertainment.

“I watch every award ceremony and try to take a little that I find can work for me,” she said. “I need to learn from them because they’ve made it. I need to know what I should be doing in order to get there.”

Providence is working on the event with a heavy heart. Her husband, also a former professional bassist, died in August. The CMEA is her way of paying tribute to him.

There will even be a memorial award named after him.

“It’s fitting to have something like this,” she said. “He would often say to me, ‘I’ve done so much music, but now that I’m retired, nobody knows who I am.’”

If Providence has her way, there won’t be many Caribbean-Canadian musicians in the future who have the same dilemma of recognition.

To learn more about the Caribbean Music and Entertainment Awards, visit cmeawards.com

Unique sibling short story collection to be launched in Toronto on December 1st

Melissa,

22 - from Trinidad, is currently a fourth year student at the University of Toronto completing a double major in Criminology and Caribbean Studies.

When she’s not busy studying, Melissa enjoys baseball but academicwise she loves exploring the complexities and cultural contours of the societies that make up the Caribbean region as it continues to face revamped forms of colonialism and neo-imperialism, both domestically and on the international scale.

TORONTO -- Toronto based Guyanese writer and educator Kennard Ramphal proudly announces the publication and Toronto book launch of a collection of short stories Imprints in Life’s Journey, which he wrote with two of his siblings.

The book features stories by Ken himself, the author of a short story collection Teacher Ram’s Fascination with Fire and contributor to the Caribbean poetry anthology Roraima, his sister Barbara Verasami, a retired teacher based in New York City, and his brother Dwarka Ramphal a college professor and Christian pastor in North Carolina, USA. The majority of the stories are based on their experiences in Toronto, New York, and North Carolina, with just one being the story of a young girl’s triumph over adversity in Guyana.

The Toronto book launch takes place on Sunday December 1, 2013 at the Windies Restaurant in Scarborough (3330 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough at Lawrence and Bellamy) starting at 3 pm. Interested members of the public are invited to attend and hear excerpts from the book and comments by the authors, and of course get their signed copies of Imprints in Life’s Journey.

Ken considers this to be a unique publication from the Caribbean community in North America, because it is one of the few occasions that siblings have contributed

towards a work of literature, and because the focus is on the immigrant experience in Canada and the United States rather than nostalgia about life in the Caribbean many years ago. Dwarka’s observations as a Guyanese born pastor working in a mainstream North Carolina Christian church are also very unusual for Caribbean literature.

The stories in the book detail the often negative experiences of Caribbean immigrants in North America, even in the church.

However, they are not stories of defeat but tales of overcoming adversity in a strange new land. They make no attempt to sugar coat the immigrant experience in Canada or the United States, with Barbara making stinging observations about hypocrisy in the USA, and Dwarka finding the administrators of the church to be not as Christian as he expected. Ken himself produces a vivid story about a man with Alzheimer’s who is placed by his family in a strange territory in a Canadian seniors’ home, and a fabulous tale of a young Guyanese girl scorched by scandal but yet able to rise above it through strong will and heart.

Signed copies of the book Imprints in Life’s Journey can be obtained in advance of the launch by contacting Ken Ramphal at 905-239-8135 or by email at kramphal@ rogers.com. The cost is $10, which includes postage.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Respect my mandate! ...Holness tells the defeated JAMAICA -- Opposition Leader Andrew Holness said Sunday that those who failed to unseat him as leader must -- sooner rather than later -- acknowledge and respect the mandate given to him by the delegates of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

Speaking to a large number of Corporate Area delegates at a meeting on the campus of the University of Technology Jamaica (UTech), Holness said it cannot be that those who opposed his leadership talk about the importance of democracy in challenging him, then refuse to accede to the will of the people after he is re-elected.

“Once you have given the mandate, I can’t stand around and allow people to disrespect that mandate that you have given...

So what you will be seeing, going forward, is a decisive but just leader,” he said.

“At some point in time, preferably sooner than later, there must be a submission to the will of the people,” Holness told the crowd as he explained the positions he has taken since his re-election on November 10, and his plans for the party going forward.

“I have to act very quickly, to ensure that our friends and colleagues move quickly, themselves, to acknowledge and respect the mandate given by you the delegates,” he said. “The quicker we get that out of the way, the better it will be.”

He said that it was for this reason that he has moved to appoint a new shadow cabinet, which will have the duty of holding

the Government accountable, advocating the party’s policies and bringing them to public attention. However, Holness said that his actions, since last week, should not be interpreted as a judgement on the future of the affected members.

“There are some members who are very valuable to the process of holding the Government accountable and in advocating our policies, as well as educating the public, who are not in the shadow cabinet now. But I foresee it in the very near future, once we get over this reluctance and uncertainty towards accepting the mandate of the people,” he said.

“Once we get over that quickly, then there is always room for people who are competent and people who have the trust of the people in the shadow cabinet of the Jamaica Labour Party,” Holness said.

“They may not be in the shadow cabinet at this point in time, but I am certain that, in the near future, once it is clear that there is an acceptance of the mandate that you have given, there is always space for them in the shadow cabinet,” he said.

The meeting was chaired by JLP Deputy General Secretary Audley Gordon.

Chairman of JLP Area One and Councillor for the Waterloo Division in North East St Andrew Winston Ennis also spoke. (Jamaica Observer)

Runaway patient chased through Sando streets TRINIDAD -- A patient who ran away from the San Fernando General Hospital Sunday dressed only in a vest and adult diapers, with an IV attached to his arm, was chased through the streets of the city by hospital security guards. The unusual scene was witnessed by several people shortly after 3 pm. The patient kept glancing back at the two guards, a man and woman, who ran after him down Chancery Lane, to King’s Wharf and then onto Quenca Street where he was eventually held.

By then a nurse and a man in plain clothes had joined the chase. The patient’s hands were tied with cloth behind his back and he was taken back to the hospital. Contacted for a comment about the incident, Dr Anand Chatoorgoon, hospital medical director, expressed surprise. “I don’t know about that. I will call the administrator and find out about it,” he said. Subsequent calls to Chatoorgoon’s cellphone went to voicemail.

(Trinidad Guardian)

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New security unit from December 1st TRINIDAD -- The Government’s Rapid Response crime-fighting initiative will be implemented from December 1, National Security Minister Gary Griffith announced Sunday. Speaking after a community meeting with residents of Andalucia, Maraval, Griffith said the unit was one of several initiatives announced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in August, after a joint meeting with Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to address the escalating crime problem following a spate of killings in East Port-of-Spain.

Griffith said the unit will provide a 24-hour mobile presence in three to four areas during the pilot project, including the western peninsula (Diego Martin, Carenage), San Fernando and possibly Siparia. He said 51 vehicles will patrol designated areas on a 24-hour basis. The vehicles will be equipped with GPS systems and will be monitored through the ministry’s operation centre to ensure they are where they are supposed to be at any given time. When fully operational, the Rapid Response unit will operate in 15 regions in T&T. The minister said the unit will act as a visible deterrent to criminals and will provide a sense of comfort to citizens.

Griffith said the ministry is considering the revamping of community policing. He said his meetings with varous residents’ groups evolved out of the plan to revamp community policing. He has already met with residents of St Ann’s and Hololo to ascertain the threats in those areas and to “assist the communities in building a relationship with the police.”

He said he has been speaking

with acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams about the matter but could not provide a definite timeline for the revamping to begin. Griffith said the National Training Police Academy is important because not every officer could be a community police officer. Some officers, he explained, have to be trained specifically in community policing so they would be able to build a relationships with residents in communities, which would lead to residents passing out information about crime.

He said purpose of the community police would be informational, while the Rapid Response would be operational.

Griffith said in revamping community policing, more meetings will be held between residents and the police. Asked if the revamping of community policing meant more foot patrols in designated areas, Griffith said the Rapid Response unit and aerial patrols using the four national security helicopters will be used to fight crime. Griffith said he would insist that the helicopters be used for low aerial surveillance.

The minister said he hoped to visit as many communities as possible since crafting any crime plan should involve dialogue with residents. At Sunday’s meeting with the Andalucia residents, Griffith was accompanied by senior officers from the Maraval Police Station.

“I have been going to the ground, speaking to residents and sharing their concerns,” he said. Griffith said he offered advice to the residents who are often seen as “soft targets” by criminals. (Trinidad Guardian)

Guyanese woman bound for New York nabbed with cocaine GUYANA -- A Guyanese woman was reportedly arrested with 5.7 pounds of cocaine on Saturday as she was about to board a New York bound flight at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.The cocaine was said to be concealed in a suitcase that the 32-year old woman had on her person. She was then taken by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) agents to the drug agency’s headquarters where the cocaine was extracted and weighed.

In recent times, New York author-

ities have arrested Guyanese entering the US with cocaine concealed in their underwear and more recently in pepper-sauce.

It is unclear how those couriers were able to slip out the illicit narcotic through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport despite the presence of police and CANU drug agents as well as newly purchased equipment that detects if foreign objects are concealed on travellers’ bodies.

(Guyana Chronicle)

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Teary send-off for Special Constable JAMAICA --

Members of the police force, regarded as cold and heartless in many circles, showed a different, more human side Sunday at Braeton Seventh-day Adventist Church, where they gathered to bid a final farewell to slain colleague Special Constable Ariana Samantha Henry.

Several of them, elegantly dressed in ceremonial garb of white jackets and black pants with stripes, wept openly, while many others sought comfort from each other as they mourned the loss of the officer who, for the past three years was assigned to the National Intelligence Bureau and was recently transferred to the Darling Street Police Station.

The Force’s mourning fraternity was headed by Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington who read the opening scripture from James 4:13 - 15.

He later described Henry as a young and dedicated servant of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF).

“I am leading the mourning rituals being expressed by the Police Services at the tragic passing of Woman Special Constable Ariana Samantha Henry. The passing of this law enforcement practitioner has cut short her contribution to our collective effort in the fight against crime,” Ellington said.

Members of the ISCF followed with a medley of songs.

Henry, who officially joined the ranks of the ISCF on April 26, 2010, was cut down on October 25 in Portmore, St Catherine. She was 23.

One of her batchmates, Tamara An-

derson-Bennett, offered a tribute on behalf of the 2010 intake. She said Henry was wellloved by those with whom she trained and will be sorely missed.

Anderson-Bennett said although Henry’s life was taken in unfortunate circumstances, they were happy her mother, unlike many parents, allowed her to become a police officer so that they got the opportunity to share in the last three years of her life.

“Thank you for sharing your daughter with us. The memories will always be cherished,” Anderson-Bennett said.

Eureka James-Crooks, Henry’s godmother, said although she was taken suddenly by an evil deed, it was best to remember the good times spent with Henry.

She reflected on Henry’s childhood days growing in St Catherine.

“We are here to remember good over evil. Life over death. Joy over sorrow.

Today, we remember Ariana, a woman of great promise, full of ideas for her life, was cut down and gone too soon,” James-Crooks said “We remember Ariana as a kind and loving person. She loved her family and she loved God,” she continued.

James-Crooks then told the mourners that many of them were not aware that Henry had a certified black belt in karate, which she earned in her early teenage years.

She added that the slain cop also had a soft side to her and loved entering beauty pageants. Henry entered Miss Teen Portmore in 2007 and won Best Dressed in the most recent beauty pageant at International Univer-

sity of the Caribbean where she was a student in her penultimate year of a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Pastor Kemar Douglas, a volunteer chaplain of the JCF, delivered the homily. He said the manner in which Henry was killed was undeserved.

“When I got the news I was overseas. The manner in which she was killed is not for anyone. She was only 23, in the prime of her life and doing our nation good.

The brazen attack on law enforcers shows us that our nation is in trouble,” Douglas said.

“I’m very cognisant of the pain which her mother is feeling right now. It is not natural for parents to bury their chil-

dren,” he added.

According to reports, about 8:45 pm on October 25, Henry and another police officer were standing near her gate in Marine Park, when a Toyota Corolla motorcar with armed men aboard drove up and ordered them not to move. Four men reportedly alighted from the vehicle and immediately opened fire at the officers, hitting Henry in the abdomen.

The bereaved family includes Henry’s mother Sandra, father Earl and sisters Atiana, Anakay and Suzette.

She was buried at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Mandeville. (Jamaica Ob-

server)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Legal action against UK, France and Netherlands TRINIDAD -- Vincentian Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has told Britain’s Observer newspaper he instructed law firm Leigh Day to bring a case against the UK, France and the Netherlands for reparations for slavery.

With the backing of the 15 Caricom heads of state, Gonsalves believes the case could be heard in the international court of justice at the Hague.

Historian Prof Bridget Brereton told the T&T Guardian there is a “very compelling moral and legal case for Britain and other countries to pay reparations for slavery and the slave trade,” but noted: “The difficulty will be conceptualising how reparations should be made.” In St Vincent, the reparations committee is seeking the establishment of a development fund as opposed to payments paid to the individual descendents of victims.

“As far as I understand, no one is calling for a single transfer of money,” said Brereton, “they firstly want Britain to make a full apology for the crimes and then a fund for education.”

Asked how T&T’s experience of slavery compared to the rest of the Caribbean, Brereton said T&T should be considered separately. Whereas Trinidad had a relatively short experience of plantation slavery—50 years, from 1780 to 1830—Tobago’s was considerably longer, as the island was first established as a Dutch slave colony in the 1600s and recolonised in 1763 by the British.

Whereas the last census in Trinidad showed 38 per cent of the population selfidentifying as Afro-Trinidadian, Tobago’s African ancestry is closer to 100 per cent.

Brereton put the case for reparations in human terms as well as fiscal. “In addition to bringing people to the Caribbean against their will, they were enslaved as lifelong slaves and hereditary slaves—the children of an enslaved mother inherited her condition, and of course there were no wages,” she said.

Speaking about the lasting effect, she referred to the “huge legacy of damaging race myths and stereotypes, ideas about colour, shade and blackness that continue to this day. Massive social disadvantages that descendants of slave had to face in the 19th and 20th century.” On the economies of the Caribbean she said: “Slavery promoted skewed economic development. The focus on the export of plantation crops created an imbalanced economy.”

Khafra Kambon of the Emancipation Support Committee told the T&T Guardian the process of setting up a reparations committee in T&T had begun but was not finished. Since the meeting of Caricom heads of state in June, at which it was agreed that all 15 countries would appoint their own reparation committees, there have been two stakeholder meetings involving preliminary discussions, attended by representatives from academic institutions and the government.

Asked what form reparations should come in, Kambon said that was a matter for further down the line. Right now, he says, the “critical thing is that people accept reparations in principle and that we get our society to understand why it is necessary.”

Kambon supports the Caricom agreement and, in anticipation of a long court case, he

said extensive research was being carried out in all 15 member states into the specific impacts of slavery in each country.

“A lot of people don’t have a proper idea of the loss brought about by slavery,” he said, “not just the the cruelty but the impact on society and human beings. That period reshaped the world in terms of economic power, psychology and in human and material terms. A tremendous amount of research has to be done to make a case. Each country has to research its own experience.”

Asked about the likelihood of securing victory in such a complex historical matter, Kambon pointed to reparations to the Jews of Europe after the Holocaust as a precedent. The creation of the state of Israel was part of the compensation to Jewish Holocaust survivors and victims. Similar states in West Africa, established as homelands for emancipated slaves—Liberia and Sierra Leone—do not, however, receive the funding and global economic partnerships that Israel does.

Asked why Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac had refused to apologise for Britain and France’s roles in the slave trade, Kambon said: “An apology is an admission of guilt which opens the door for payments, so instead they say they deeply regret their state’s involvement but justify it by saying slavery was legal at the time.” He pointed to the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams’s support for reparations, saying: “People have a sense of justice.”

Asked whether the case might damage the relationship between T&T and the UK and Europe, he said: “There is something very wrong in a relationship where

someone who has done wrong doesn’t want to correct that wrong. It exposes a flaw in the relationship.

“By international law, as long as the effects of the wrong—a crime against humanity—remain, and those who benefited in the past continue to benefit, then there is a legal case.”

T&T stakeholders The stakeholders who attended the preliminary discussions before the establishment of T&T’s reparation committee are: Jennifer Marchand Director of Caricom and Caribbean Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Heather Cateau Senior lecturer and deputy dean, UWI Avril Belfon Archivist at the National Archives Deon Isaac Deputy presiding officer, THA Aiyegoro Ome President, NJAC Lucia Phillip Executive director, Nalis Khafra Kambon Emancipation Support Committee Tiffany Bethel Office of the Prime Minister.

(Trinidad Guardian)

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant Gala Affair - less than two weeks away TORONTO -- The Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant is taking a giant leap forward and hosting our annual event at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) on December 1, 2013 - 995 Arrow Rd with doors opening at 5pm sharp.

After many fantastic years of tremendous success, the organizers have decided to take advantage of new opportunities. This year you will see a splendid and dazzling array of beauty, talent, cultural and awareness. The MCCP committee will be focusing on the rich heritage of the Caribbean and Canada with special emphasis on education, talent, business and tourism through the representation of the contestants. The contestants will showcase and represent different business while focusing on different Islands and Province of their rich history and cultural heritage.

The location that has been selected for this Gala Event will be making some changes. The production has been revamped to make every seat feel like a front row seat and a special VIP area has been designed for

consulates representing each Island and special dignitaries in attendance. With the shift away from the traditional pageant, the Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant is happy to open modeling, acting opportunities and volunteer positions to the entire Bay. The beneficiary of the Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant of 2013 will be Sickle Cell Association of Ontario.

The organizers forward to continuing their great relationships with sponsors, designers, press, and all of our fans—and with only a few weeks until show time, our staff has kicked into full gear. Directors Lloyd Dwyer, Althea Greene, Serena Thompson, and Junior Daring, along with Sickle Cell Association of Ontario, are committed to making this year’s production one that goes down in history.

For more information, please visit www.misscaribbeancanada.ca We look forward to seeing you at Jamaican Canadian Association on December 1st!

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Remembering accident victims - Trinidad PM: We must do more to keep T&T roads safe TRINIDAD -Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar wants citizens to do more to ensure the nation’s roads are safer. In a message to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Sunday, she said: “We must all, as drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, practise greater care and awareness.” Persad-Bissessar said there are more than 30,000 road accidents in T&T. “We must eliminate dangerous behaviours which place our lives at risk,” she said as she urged road users to “adhere to the nation’s traffic laws and be considerate to others who are also in transit.” The Prime Minister advised drivers to employ responsible strategies and urged pedestrians to use zebra crossings and walkovers where available.

She said her Government is committed to “reducing the number of vehicular accidents on our roads” and announced that there will be increased highway patrols, implementation of random breathalyser tests and establishment of a National Road Safety Council (NRSC) to develop a road injury and prevention policy for T&T. Persad-Bissessar said the

NRSC will be “the overarching body for coordination with inter-agency and multi-sector stakeholders with a shared goal for reducing traffic related incidents.”

The Ministry of Transport, in a statement in observance of the day, noted with grave concern the recent spike in carnage on the nation’s roads, including the “tragic deaths of six people and the unfortunate demise of Jocelyn Marquis-Taylor, who was impaled by steel rods in San Juan.” The ministry said such accidents were preventable and appealed to citizens to be more cautious on the roads.

The Transport Ministry said Marquis-Taylor’s death highlights the need for drivers transporting construction material to ensure precautions are taken to ensure the load was secured. It also said establishment of the new Motor Vehicle Authority will improve road safety by providing “stronger deterrents “ for violation of the rules of the road, among other things. In addition, the ministry said, discussions were held recently with the T&T Police Service to introduce modern speed detection devices.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, applauded governments which have agreed to a Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020, with the target of saving five million lives. He called “for more concerted action on road safety as part of the future development agenda.” “This will be a vital component of efforts to improve health and save lives in the years ahead,” he said.

“On this World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, let us work to make more roads safe for all who use them.

Together, we can save millions of lives.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed on the third Sunday of November each year by an increasing number of countries. The day is in memory of the millions killed or injured in road crashes and their families and communities and also pays tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury. (Trinidad Guardian)

College launches work programme to help students with fees JAMAICA -Education Minister Rev Ronald Thwaites has praised an initiative by Brown’s Town Community College to establish a work programme to assist students who are excelling academically but are experiencing difficulty paying their fees.

“The Ministry of Education commends Brown’s Town Community College for thinking innovatively, originally, and for your continuous efforts to link academic programmes to employment opportunities locally and abroad,” he stated.

“This is a path-breaking event in the history of Jamaican education,” he said.

The minister’s comments nothwithstanding, Mandeville-based Northern Caribbean University has a work/study programme that dates back to its early days as West Indies College in which students work on campus to help offset their tuition fees.

Brown’s Town’s Students Earning Opportunities Drive was launched last Tuesday, November 12, at a ceremony on the campus. Thwaites, who was guest speaker, said he hoped other institutions would soon follow the college’s example.

“I am hoping that this innovation by your college is going to be infectious and will

in fact be adopted by many other tertiary institutions in Jamaica,” he stated.

He added: “This initiative being launched keeps the doors of education and employment opportunities open for hundreds of ambitious persons all through the communities that you serve.”

The minister, while encouraging students to make use of the programme, called on more private sector groups to partner with the programme.

He also encouraged the college to use students in its internal operations.

“Find opportunities for those most needy students to work in the college to do essential things so that they can in fact stay in school,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the education minister stressed the need for parents to start saving for their children’s tertiary education from their early years.

At least one student who has benefited from the work programme had high praises.

Business studies student Marshena Cheddesingh, who gained part-time employment Jamaica Money Market Brokers, which has a similar initiative, said it gave her a sense of financial freedom.

“I have benefited tremendously... I am better able to afford what my course requires in terms of fees and buying text books.

One of the greatest benefits that I have received is the on-the-job experience I have obtained from working at JMMB,” Cheddesingh stated.

Principal of the college James Walsh said the programme is not a charity and that students involved are doing well academically.

“We are not just looking to give them a job, but to expose their potential,” Walsh stated.

He explained that the programme will be in full operation in a few weeks in partnership with the business community in St Ann, Trelawny and St Mary.

The Earning Opportunities Drive forms part of a two-part strategy to assist students in funding their education. The first component involves informing them of and exposing them to sources of loans, scholarships, bursaries, grants, and earned tuition assistance. The second is the Earning Opportunities Drive, which allows students to gain part-time employment while pursuing their studies. (Jamaica Observer)

Christmas Tree Light-up at Rahamanʼs Park ushers in festive season GUYANA -- Acting President Samuel Hinds and Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali helped to usher in the Christmas season last evening at the ‘Christmas Tree Light-up’ at Rahaman’s Park, an event that has now become an annual tradition.

This time around marks the eighth such celebration at this East Bank Demerara location. Police had to cordon off a section of the public road to facilitate seats for those attending.

It was a packed event with mainly parents bringing out their young ones to witness the lighting up of the tree that stands some 70 feet high. An impressive display of colourful fireworks also captured the attention of those present.

The kids were also treated to a show of Dora, Sponge Bobb, and many of their other favourite cartoon characters, and also had the opportunity to witness Santa Claus and his entourage.

The audience, who helped in the 10-second countdown to switching on the lights, also enjoyed steel pan entertainment

and a musical instrumental from Roy Alder.

The National Dance Group also performed, along with a few church groups.

Mr. Hinds, in extending Christmas greetings to the gathering, referred to the occasion as an important event on Guyana’s calendar. He congratulated the Tourism Ministry and the private sector for their part played in realising the annual feature.

Noting that “Christmas is a time of caring, sharing and forgiving,” the prime minister proposed, that for those who have not done enough sharing and caring during the year, Christmas should be a good time to make up for it.

The prime minister said government is pleased to be associated with the private sector-led activity. He acknowledged the contribution of businesses that have bonded together with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce to make the event a success.

Rent-a-Tent; Banks DIH; Prettipaul Singh Investment, Courts, Ansa Mc Al, DDL, among others, collaborated to make the event a success.

He expressed government’s appreciation to Mr. Ray Rahaman and family for making this event a national tradition, and observed that the crowd this time around was bigger than at any other time. “We need more of these events in our country,” he declared.

He brought greetings from President Donald Ramotar and his wife who missed the event because of overseas engagements.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Minister said he took great pleasure in participating in the event as they sought to ring in the Christmas season. Christmas, he offered, presents an opportunity for Guyanese to come together, to reach out to each other and to work together.

Ali said the Tourism Ministry will be creating a series of events for the holiday and will soon launch the ‘Christmas Village’ on Main Street. “You will be shocked at what we will produce,” he declared.

A ‘Romance the Ports’ dinner will be hosted out of town, and there will be a cruise along the Demerara River, he informed.

(Guyana Chronicle)

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 11

12 Wednesday, November 20, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Criminals join forces JAMAICA -- The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting that the trend of criminals from opposing political affiliations merging their operations and sharing resources is increasing.

Their intelligence shows that, in the new dispensation, criminals are willing to hide each other and allow members who were once banned from entering their communities to use the areas as havens to both hide and operate.

They say it was first noticed in 2010 as members from organised criminal networks bonded to counter lawmen who intended to arrest then Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher “Dudus” Coke.

“This trend it is something that we are very much aware of,” Assistant Commissioner of Police George Quallo told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

“It has reached a state where criminals are putting aside their political affiliation and are coming together in the name of crime,” another police told the Observer.

Police said the criminals were resorting to greater sharing and circulation of firepower, equipment and transportation among members as a means of survival.

Cops in downtown Kingston said the most recent case took place about a month ago when gunmen carried out a daring daylight attack on a man in the vicinity of Red Rose Fish Market. Criminals shot and killed the man, but were confronted by a group of police as they tried to escape.

“The police confronted the men and, during a running gun battle, the men

were able to escape in an area that was once a ‘no venture’ zone for gang members who were involved in the shoot-out,” said one policeman who was part of the team that took on the criminals.

Steve McGregor, Superintendent in charge of West Kingston Police Division where the extradited Coke once reigned, said many of the linkages between criminals were being forged in prison.

“What you find is that when many of these criminals are placed behind bars, despite of their differences, they are forming a series of connections, many of which will continue even when they are released,” said McGregor.

Last year, the former head of the Clarendon Police Division, the late Superintendent Dayton Henry, reported that the trend was slowly emerging in the rural parish, but that the police had managed to control the problem.

He said then that signs of increased co-operation among gangs which were once sworn enemies, came to light when several gunmen were killed by the security forces in a reported shoot-out in the parish. The police discovered that four of the men had previously been identified as being from different gangs, yet were operating as a unit.

Anthony Castelle, the man who heads the St Catherine North Police Division, said he too was aware of the development.

Members of the JCF admit that the trend is problematic for law enforcement officials but pledge that they will not be daunt-

ed.

“We would not be able to disclose our information as a matter of national secu-

rity, but the police continue to monitor these situations at all times,” ACP Quallo said.

(Jamaica Observer)

Finance Minister makes one last appeal for Opposition support of Anti Money Laundering legislation.

GUYANA -- Today marks the deadline for which Guyana should have been in compliance with the CFATF, AML/CFT legislation.

Despite numerous calls from those who are most affected by the lack of appropriate legislation being in place such as the private and manufacturing sectors and the banking, insurance and service industries, the Joint Parliamentary Opposition still has not made any attempt to remedy this deadlock they have created.Both the APNU and the AFC have indicated in the media that they are willing to re-consider their previous position with regard to the bill, provided that Government gives certain concessions. Neither party has offered any significant willingness to commit to a deadline for this to bill to be re-tabled in the National Assembly.

This approach by the Opposition to ransom Guyana’s social and economic development for political mileage is an unhealthy one.

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall is currently in the Bahamas where he will report to a group of approximately 40 persons representing the interest of 26 countries. The AG will try to convince the group of the need for a further extension of the deadline, though it is unlikely that, at this point in time, another

extension will be granted.

In the meantime, the APNU and the AFC have accused Government of engaging in scare tactics in relation to the consequences of being blacklisted by CFATF. Thisludicrous claim by the Opposition is far from the truth as Government has time and time again informed and educated the public about the realities of what non-compliance means for Guyana. Even without being blacklisted quite yet, international financial bodies have already begun issuing official letters urging “enhanced scrutiny” to banks when transacting business with Guyana. In addition, private investors who have had an interest in conducting business in Guyana have also indicated their hesitancy in moving their business further until there is assurance that Guyana complies with the CFATF requirements.

Despite multiple failed efforts to see legislation through the National Assembly, Government remains open to constructive dialogue to see the passage of this vital bill and call on the people of Guyana to urge the members of the National Assembly to do what is right for the greater good of Guyana.

(Guyana Chronicle)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

President acknowledges Commonwealthʼs contribution to strengthening of democracy GUYANA -- President Donald Ramotar in his interaction with Heads of State and Government at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which concluded Sunday in Colombo, Sri Lanka noted that their meeting afforded the opportunity for them as leaders of the Commonwealth to recommit to the values and principles of the organisation. In particular he highlighted the enormous contribution which the Commonwealth had made over the years in the strengthening of democracy.

Acknowledging that the countries of the Commonwealth were at varying levels of development, President Ramotar said that it was important as they sought to strengthen the Organisation, that the diversity of the Commonwealth be cherished and respected. He noted that in a world facing many political, socio-economic and environmental problems, the Commonwealth remaineda relevant institution as countries worked together to find common solutions.

President Ramotar took the opportunity to update Heads of State and Government on the work of the Iwokrama International Rainforest Centre. Heads acknowledged the valuable role that the Iwokrama Rainforest

Programme continued to play in promoting research on the impact of climate change as well as in the development of models for sustainable forest management in transition to low carbon development. They therefore supported the intensification of efforts to find a long term solution to develop sustained financing for the Programme.

President Ramotar joined his Colleague Heads of State and Government in expressing his sincere appreciation to the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksaas well as to the people of Sri Lanka for the excellent arrangements put in place for the hosting of the meeting and the warm and gracious welcome accorded to all of the delegations which set the tone for serious and substantive dialogue and a successful outcome of the meeting.

President Ramotar was accompanied

by First Lady DeolatchmieRamotar and his delegation comprised the Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Guyana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Laleshwar Singh. (Guyana Chronicle)

Kaituma gold heist mastermind refused bail GUYANA -- Twenty-nine year old Neville Chandrawattie who reportedly conjured a plan to steal cash and almost $100M in raw gold was on Friday last arraigned for the offence.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-

Beharry refused him bail and remanded the accused to prison until November 26, 2013.

It is said that the accused made good his plan by putting sleeping pills in a colleague’s porridge which facilitated him being able to execute his intentions.

Chandrawattie was not required to plea to the indictable offence of allegedly stealing 96 ounces of raw gold and cash totalling $93Mfrom El Dorado Trading, Port Kaituma on November 8.

Particulars of the alleged offence said that Chandrawattie was affiliated with the General Manager of the company, Amirullah Kuturatullah, who was previously charged in connection with the offence.

Chandrawattie, according to the prosecutor, confessed to investigators that he had been involved in early plans for the heist.

He also led police to Kuturatullah where a quantity of cash and gold was discovered.

He also allegedly handed over stolen items

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 13 he had in his possession.

Reports from the prosecution disclosed that Chandrawattie and Kuturatullah allegedly facilitated the entry of another accused, Anil Diaram to the premises where he hid under a bed.

The prosecution further alleged that Chandrawattie put sleeping pills in the porridge belonging to several workers. As dictated by the prosecution, Diaram allegedly tied up the workers as they slept, while Chandrawattie packed the cash and raw gold into bags.

The booty was allegedly handed over to Diaram who fled the crime scene.

(Guyana Chronicle)

Engineer touts benefits of concrete roads JAMAICA -- Jamaica could benefit from concrete road surfaces as they are more durable and cost less than asphalted roads, Desmond Young an engineer and a member of the Institute of Engineers told the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) Council meeting on Tuesday.

Young, who made the presentation to the council on behalf of Carib Cement Company, said that a growing number of developed countries were displaying a preference for concrete road surfaces.

In the United States, about 30 per cent of the highways had concrete surfaces, while Germany and the Netherlands were also constructing more concrete roads, he said. In the Caribbean, Young pointed to St Lucia and St Kitts which he said were using concrete to build roads on hilly terrain.

Roads made of concrete remained stable for 13-30 years compared to asphalted

surfaces that lasted for six-20 years, the engineer added.

“Over time, concrete roads get better and the structural integrity remains, while asphalt surfaces deteriorate,” Young argued.

Outlining the advantages of concrete roads, he said they were environmentally friendly, have increased resistance to erosion from rains, are resistant to spills, and because cement is produced locally, there would be less importation of raw material which means less cost. Also, according to Young, the braking distance on concrete roads was shorter and tyres would last for a longer time.

He pointed out, too, that the same method and equipment used to build asphalt surfaces could be used for concrete roads.

Young said that institutions such as HEART could train people to construct concrete road surfaces as “they are not difficult to lay down”. (Jamaica Observer)

14 Wednesday, November 20, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Samuels, Shillingford reported for suspect action KOLKATA -- West Indies off-spinners Marlon Samuels and Shane Shillingford have been reported with suspected illegal bowling actions during the second Test against India, which ended in Mumbai yesterday.

Samuels and Shillingford were reported at the end of the second day’s play on Friday by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nigel Llong, TV Umpire Vineet Kulkarni and Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC match referees.

Both off-spinners have been recommended to undergo testing within 21 days.

Pycroft handed over the copies of the reports to the West Indies team manager after the conclusion of the Test.

The umpires’ reports have cited concerns over the two bowlers’ bowling actions, with particular references to Samuels’ “quicker deliveries” and Shillingford’s “doosras.”

Samuels’ and Shillingford’s bowling actions will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to bowlers

reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Clause 2.2 of the ICC regulations, which deal with ICC independent analysis, provides that the players are required to submit to an independent analysis of their bowling actions; this analysis must take place within 21 days, and the reports on the independent assessment of their actions must be submitted to the ICC within a further 14 days.

If the players are found to have bowled with an illegal action during the independent analysis, then they will be suspended from bowling in international cricket and until the independent assessments are received, the players shall be permitted to continue bowling in international cricket.

However, at any time throughout this period the players are subject to being called on the field by the umpire(s) in accordance with Law 24.2 and the consequences of such law must apply. During this period, a further match officials’ report will, however, have no consequence. (Trinidad Guardian)

T&T Invitational wins in San Francisco TRINIDAD -- The T&T Invitational under 16 cricket team won it’s first tour match on Saturday in the US City of San Francisco.

Batting first against the California Cricket Academy U-18s, T&T scored 229 for the loss of just two wickets in their allotted 40 overs.

C. Jangoo the young Merryboys and T&T under-17 player scored an unblemished 72 not out, while QPCC’s Jordan Warner opening the batting scored an attractive 66. Warner’s opening partner, national under 15 player Keagan Simmons was first out for 37. Team captain and national under 15 captain Kirstan Kallicharan was unbeaten on 23.

The CCA started with a flourish to reach 98 for two, but faltered to the three pronged spin attack of T&T. Kallicharan took 4/16, while national players Bryan Boodram and and Emilio Gopaul took three each to finish the host’s innings at 190 all out.

Team coaches Kenneth Benjamin and Ken Franco expressed satisfaction with

the batting of the team and the approach by the spinners, but felt the very cold conditions may have accounted for some fielding lapses.

The T&T boys will arrive in Sydney Australia today for a tri nations series against hosts Australia and India.

Scores: T&T Inv. 229/2 (40 overs) vs CCA U18 190 all out (35.2overs). (Trinidad Guardian)

16 Wednesday, November 20, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Pot: Bodi stewed in coconut milk and salted cod Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking As a young fella on the islands I fondly remember helping our mom pick (harvest) the mature bodi (bora, long-podded cowpea, asparagus bean, pea bean, snake bean, or Chinese long bean) which grew on the bamboo branches our dad would place next to the plants for the vine to spread. Something about the long beans cascading down like lengthened streams of water falling from the heavens attracted my attention. Especially when we had a good crop and the beans

were the length of long shoe laces. However you had to be careful when picking the bodi when there were still flowers on the vine, as they attracted bees who did their thing pollinating so we could have a continuous crop.

If you can’t source bodi (bora in Guyana) french beans, string beans or any of your favorite green beans will work for this recipe. The one thing you will have to note though is the cooking time for the beans you select. Bodi is a bit tough so it takes about 5-10 minutes longer to cook than other beans.

You’ll Need: 1 bundle bodi (about 1lb) 3 cloves garlic (diced) 2 tablespoon olive oil (veg oil works great as well) 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup coconut milk 1 medium onion (sliced)

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1/4 1 scotch bonnet pepper (any spicy pepper) dash black pepper d 1 cup shredded salted cod 8 cherry y tomatoes

* Prep Prepp salted Pr salt alte al ted fi fish shh – soak soa o k – boil bbooil – ddrain rraain ain n aand nd shred – please use boned salted fish for less work. Click here >> How To Prepare Salted Fish <<< to learn how to prepare saltfish for use.

Heat the oil on a medium heat, then add the salted fish and cook on low for about 3 minutes to create a lovely base of flavour. Then add the garlic and onion and cook for another 3 minutes on low heat. Stir well.

While this cook wash the bodi, then trim off about 1/4 inch off both ends and discard. Now cut them into 1 – 1.5 inch pieces.

Turn the heat up to medium/high, add the trimmed bodi as well as the other ingredients (except the tomatoes) and bring to a simmer.

Turn the heat down to a simmer, cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes. After-which remove the lid, taste for salt (adjust accordingly to your taste)

and turn the heat up to burn off all excess liquid.Should not have any liquid when done.

You will notice that the bodi will nnot have the brilliant green color you started ooff with (normal) and you can personalize tthis by cooking to the consistency you like aas I know many people who like their beans with a little crunch to them. Add the tomato w ((toss), turn the heat off and cover the pot.

The residual heat will gently cook the toT mato. m If you want to make this fully vegeetarian you can leave out the salted fish and sstart by gently cooking the onion and garllic and proceed from there (for extra flavor yyou can add a vegetable stock cube). And rremember if you can’t source bodi, you can use your favorite green bean with great results. To stretch this dish for more people you can add some cubed potato, but do remember to adjust the amount of salt you add.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 17

Chair Yoga Geeta Maraj Yoga Yoga has become the universal word known as a pathway to good health and longevity.

There are over 250 varieties of yoga, and as a result, there is accommodation to every health issue or limitation.

Chair yoga, came into existence as there are practitioners who are unable to sit on the floor or lie on the ground for medical reasons. Equally, chair yoga becomes beneficial to those who want to practice their stretches during their regular routine of the day, especially for those who have sedentary occupations.

Along with the importance of breathing correctly, yoga focuses on the health of the spine to keep the body relaxed and coordination balanced. One of the main exercises while sitting in a chair is to ensure that the spine is stretched and flexible. A

healthy spine decreases tension and stress of the body. Chair yoga, therefore, becomes an easy way to accomplish a healthier body even when faced with limitations.

The way to stretch the spine is to first of all sit in a chair which is very upright.

Ensure that the knees are bent at a 90° angle and that the feet are firmly on the ground.

Stretching the spine to the right - you place your right arm behind chair in alignment with the spine and use your left hand to grab a hold of the right side of the chair, turning your body as far right as possible. Turn your head as far right to look over your right shoulder. Hold this position and breathe deep, even breaths. This is best achieved by counting how long it takes you to inhale and exhale to the same count.

To come out this position, you simply release the hold of the right arm from behind the chair and return to the front facing position. Then you repeat the same stretch on to the left side by placing the left arm behind the chair, hold the left side of the chair with the right hand, and turn your head to look over your left shoulder. Keep your breath balanced and even while holding this position for a few seconds. This left and right twisting of the spine can be repeated several times as is comfortable and necessary.

If the chair you sit in however is

not upright, you can achieve the same benefit and stretch by simply sitting upright in the chair, ensuring the spine is very straight. In this case when twisting the spine the arm no longer reaches behind chair but the space between the body and chair, keeping the hand as close to the spine as possible.

Apart from twisting the spine to the right and left, it is important to balance the twist with a forward and backward bend of the spine. This is achieved by sitting upright in your chair ensuring your feet are firmly on the ground and your knees are bent at a 90° angle. Place both hands on your knees and tuck your chin in to your chest as you roll your spine in a forward curve - hold the forward bend and breathe deep even breaths.

In order to come out of this position, simply uncurl the spine and return to the upright position.

Backward bend of the spine is achieved by holding onto your knee with your hands from the same seated position, then push your chest forward while spreading your shoulders backward, as you look up to the ceiling. This ensures a backward curve of the spine. Again, hold the position while breathing deep even breaths. To come out of this position, simply relax the chest to the upright position. This forward and backward bending of the spine caters to flexibility of

the spine and equally triggers the release of endorphins into the bloodstream, making the body feel happy and more relaxed. For this reason, this exact stretching of the spine is also beneficial to those suffering from depression and anxiety.

Shoulder drops are also another exercise that can be practiced while sitting in a chair to reduce stress from the body. To do this exercise simply sit upright in your chair and breathe in through your nostrils while pulling the shoulders up towards the ears squeezing them as tightly as possible onto the sides of the neck. Hold your breath while squeezing your shoulders to your neck.

Then to release, exhale through your mouth with an outburst of your breath, while at the same time, dropping your shoulders with a force back to the regular position.

By simply paying attention to the breath and keeping the spine flexible and healthy, this enhances many benefits to the body and mind. Flexibility of the spine, in conjunction with the breath, equally allows for a balanced gait. By having a balanced body, one is less inclined to stumble or become off balanced easily when walking or climbing stairs. This in itself can be extremely beneficial toward preventing breakages from falls, especially for seniors.

18 Wednesday, November 20, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Organic Italian jam found to contain radiation from decades-old Chernobyl accident - what is Fukushima doing to our food supply?

More than 5,000 jars of organic wild blueberry jam made in Italy have been intercepted and recalled by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in Japan after multiple batches of the fruit spread tested positive for unacceptable levels of radioactive cesium-137. According to the Japanese news source Shukan Asahi, the blueberries used in the Fiordifrutta brand jam, which originated in Bulgaria, were affected by radiation not from a recent nuclear event like Fukushima but rather from the infamous Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986.

This shocking revelation came as officials began tracing the source of the contaminated fruit, which tested as high as 164 becquerels (Bq) per kilogram (kg) of cesium-137, according to the paper. Located some 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) away, the fields where the tainted blueberries were grown somehow came into contact with residual radiation from

an accident that took place nearly 30 years ago, illustrating the harrowing long-term effects of nuclear disasters.

A popular commodity in Tokyo, Fiordifrutta jam is an otherwise high-quality food product that contains no processed sugars, is certified organic and bears the Non-GMO Project label of purity. It is also routinely rated as one of the best tasting jams on the market and looks like the type of thing one might find on the shelf of a reputable health food store. All of this makes it that much more disturbing that the jam’s contents somehow ended up tainted with an invisible poison that is likely to become even more common as a result of Fukushima.

“The reality is that pollution caused by the Chernobyl nuclear accident 27 years ago is still upon us,” reads a rough English translation of the Shukan Asahi report.

Very little imported food is tested for radiation, so contamination rates could be far higher The paper admits that only a tiny fraction, less than 10 percent, of food imported into the country is tested for radiation. This means that there could be far more affected products than just the jam that millions of people could be consuming unwittingly. And since countries like the U.S. and many in Europe have lower radiation standards for food, this is even more of a possibility in Japan.

“The US limit is 1,200 bq/kg and [the] EU limit is 600 bq/kg, so the product is unlikely to be recalled in the USA,” writes Mead Rose for WhatIsRadiation.com, noting

that detected radiation levels in the Fiordifrutta jam were well below these thresholds.

Still, others insist that the radiation levels detected are hardly a cause for concern.

One anonymous commenter giving his two cents on the Shukan Asahi report claims that one would have to consume 470 kg of the jam, or about 1,800 jars, to receive a dose of radiation equivalent to 1 millisievert (mSv), which is considered to be the maximum acceptable public exposure level for one year.

“The point here is that the contamination comes from the Chernobyl catastrophe of 1986,” adds Rose. “For people that are paying attention, this illustrates the ever-growing nature of the problems at the Fukushima Daiichi site, which promises to contaminate the entire Pacific Basin over the next 7 years or so.” (NaturalNews)

Consumption of tree nuts reduces womenʼs risk of pancreatic cancer The main article in my source list had a red flag: It was from the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation (INC NREF) located in the area of Davis, California. That seemed like a conflict of interest.

But further research revealed that INC NREF had basically posted a favorable and accurate press release based on a study that had been published by the BJC, the British Journal of Cancer, an arm of the prestigious BJM, or British Journal of Medicine.

The study was not done or funded by the INC NREF. It was part of an independent third party prospective* epidemiological mega-study based on data collected from the Nurses Health Study (NHS), which started in 1976 and has gone through two phases to date.

The third phase recruitment is underway, seeking another 100,000 nurses or student nurses between the ages of 20 and 46

in the USA and Canada.

Thus far, 238,000 nurses have participated in the overarching total study, designed to determine the impact of diet, lifestyle and exercise on health and funded originally by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and coordinated and managed by the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, both located in Boston, Massachusetts.

The surveys are done online. Baseline (beginning) data is collected and followed up with surveys every two to four years for disease and health status along with all the lifestyle/dietary information at each time.

From this enormous database collected from surveys of knowledgeable health professionals who have access to medical testing, several different groups within the surveyed NHS participants can be accessed with various study topics that can be ad-

dressed by researchers, even those who are outside the institutions that created and manage the NHS. The pancreatic cancer tree nut study The tree nut pancreatic risk survey study was conducted by researchers at the Channing Division of Network Medicine, which is connected to the two previously mentioned Boston medical institutions.

The study abstract’s background information states that the researchers were aware that tree nut consumption reduced the risk factor of diabetes mellitus, which is also a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. They prospectively followed 75,680 nurses who had never had cancer and made statistical adjustments for smoking, body mass index (BMI) or weight/obesity factors and lifestyle activities.

During the prospective period, 466 cases of pancreatic cancer had occurred

among the 75,680 nurses. The researchers discovered that participating nurses who ate one ounce of tree nuts two or more times per week had reduced their pancreatic cancer risk significantly.

Study conclusion: Frequent nut consumption is inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer in this large prospective cohort of women, independent of other potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

The International Tree Nut Council certainly has “evidence based” nutritional cancer-resistant data to use for promoting tree nuts from the producers they represent.

Hopefully, the FDA won’t get on their case the way they did with cherry growers who promoted actual scientific study results as a basis for their health claims. (NaturalNews)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Cayenne pepper improves circulation, reduces inflammation and spices up your cooking Cayenne pepper is used around the world for seasoning regional dishes, including jambalaya in New Orleans, Szechuan chicken in China, Pad Thai in Thailand and good old American barbequed ribs. Cayenne pepper has also long been used around the world as medicine. Used as an herbal medicine in Greece, China and the Middle East, cayenne stimulates blood flow, increases the action of mucous membranes, heals muscle aches and cleanses the body. Cayenne is also available as a homeopathic remedy for both acute and chronic disease.

The Latin name for Cayenne pepper, Capsicum annuum, means “to bite,” and it is native to South America and the West Indies. A member of the Solanaceae family of plants (along with tomatoes, potatoes and deadly nightshade), the seedpod of the plant

is used after drying and grinding into a powder.

Cayenne increases circulation Cayenne has the unique ability to stimulate circulation, so it is often used in herbal therapies that demand an increase in blood circulation. Recent research has shown that cayenne acts as a natural vasodilator and may be useful in treating angina. Because of its ability to improve blood flow, cayenne is used by herbalists to heal muscle and joint pain, and even to speed healing of damaged tissue. Increased blood flow provides a source of healing nutrients to the tissue, and the blood also carries away the toxins from the damaged or wounded area. Cayenne can be used internally or in a topical application.

Cayenne is antimicrobial Because cayenne has an antimicrobial action, research with cayenne has shown that it can be used to delay microbial growth in stored foods. In tests, cayenne reduced the growth of microflora, yeast and molds in Kareish cheese. Because of these cleansing qualities, it is often used in herbal therapies that demand an increase in blood circulation.

It is also used in detox programs.

Because it is a stimulant, it can keep a person awake and prevent grogginess.

Cayenne reduces inflammation For reducing pain caused by inflammation, cayenne is one of the best herbs available.

Whether the pain is caused by swelling of tissues or by muscle sprains and tears, cayenne is the herb of choice. (NaturalNews)

Early treatment is key for deformed jaws and crooked teeth Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental

Parents get alarmed when they start to notice that their toddlers are developing crowded teeth. The front teeth may protrude producing a “Bugs Bunny” profile or teeth may

erupt in abnormal positions looking like fangs.

These children often have narrow jaws, re- duced airway space, difficulty breathing as a result of airway obstructions, such as en- larged tonsils. Snoring may be a symptom. The jaw joints may also be affected in cas- es of deep overbites or under bites causing headaches, neck pain, dizziness, earaches, or clicking in the jaws. Speech problems can also develop.

Many of these children may have low self- esteem, since they are often selfconscious about the unsightly appearance of

their teeth; and may endure teasing at school.

Early treatment is the key. Although crooked teeth can be corrected at any age, jaw defor- mities are best corrected early.

Functional appliances can help correct un- derdeveloped jaws, narrow arches, crowded teeth, deep overbites, thumb sucking and joint problems. Children cooperate best be- tween the ages of 8 to 11.

Most children over the age of 12 with the above conditions will require Orthodontic treatment (Braces) but the treatment would be shorter if they were wearing functional appliances earlier.

Take off the pounds successfully Monique Bartlett Fitness Starting to lose weight can be difficult, especially if you don’t know exactly how to get started. So where do you start?

Exercise is one of the key elements to weight loss. Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes a day should be your goal. Consider group activities such as soccer or tennis or individual activities such as running or walking. Group activities are a great way to

meet new people. They’re also a great way to meet like minded people so that you can provide one another with mutual support throughout your fitness journey.

Diet is also instrumental in reaching your weight loss goal. Find low calorie versions of the foods you like. Watch your portion sizes and eat everything in moderation. Not eating enough and food cravings cause many people to abandon their better eating habits. Indulge your craving with a low fat or reduced calorie versions of your favorite foods. This allows you to suppress your cravings without causing you to binge at a later time.

Figure out what is healthy for your body. If you function better in the morning, then get up earlier and do some exercise. If you function better in the evening, then exer-

cise as soon as you get off work so you don’t come up with excuses or other reasons to not get in your 30 minutes by the time you get home.

In order to keep the weight off, avoid eating just before bedtime. When you eat food just before you go to bed, it won’t digest properly and causes the food calories to turn into fat.

If your bedtime is 10pm, don’t eat any later than 8pm. If you absolutely have to have a snack, grab some fibrous vegetables, lean protein or water.

Now that you have some facts you should be ready to start a routine that will help you lose weight and feel much healthier. So pull out your old clothes or go buy some new ones. Get started on the road to a slimmer, healthier, happier you.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 19

20 Wednesday, November 20, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Closing costs & permanent life insurance Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate & Mortgage: There are closing costs associated with any real estate or mortgage transaction. Closing costs include Home Inspection, Appraisal, Survey, Home Insurance, Land Transfer Tax and Lawyer Fees.

A Home Inspection can identify any underlying problems with a home’s heating, electrical, structural or any major issues that a qualified home inspector may find. A Home Inspection may save you from costly repairs. An Appraisal is often required by lenders to determine the value of the property or how much they are willing to lend on the property. The appraised value on the property is an assessment based on the opinion of a certified appraiser. Most lenders use their own appraisers. The lender will also require proof of Home Insurance in the event of an unfortunate and unforeseen circumstance that the property can be restored or repaired to its original condition. A current Survey may be required by the lender before finalizing the mortgage.

The Home Inspection, Appraisal, Survey and Home Insurance should be completed before the closing date. Lawyers Fee and Land Transfer Tax will be completed on closing day. If you are a first time homebuyer, you may be eligible for a refund of the Land Transfer

Tax. These are some of the closing costs.

Consult your real estate sales representative and your mortgage agent to see what closing costs apply to your transaction.

Finance: Permanent Life insurance premiums are much higher than Term Life insurance premiums. Permanent Life insurance will remain in force until death, regardless of what age that might be, as long as your premiums are up to date. Permanent Life insurance can be classified in three general categories: Term-to-100, whole life, and universal life insurance.

Term-to-100 has a term of one hundred years and the premiums never increase.

The policy is paid up at age one hundred and the premiums cease at that point, however the coverage continues past age one hundred.

Whole Life insurance is a life insurance policy that remains in force for the insured’s whole life as long as the premiums are paid up to date. It also accrues a cash value or savings. There are two types of Whole Life insurance policies, Participating and Non-Participating.

Universal Life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance where the excess of premium payments above the current cost of insurance is credited to the cash value of the policy. Interest is credited to the cash value portion of the policy and the cost of insurance is debited, as well as any other policy charges and fees which are applied. Another type of Universal Life insurance is Variable Universal Life insurance that builds a cash value and the cash value can be invested. Speak to your financial advisor about what policy best suits your financial needs.

Live-in caregiver admissions to reach an all-time high in 2014 OTTAWA -- Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander today announced aggressive new action to address the growing backlog and increasing processing times in the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP).

Wait times in the Live-in Caregiver Program have grown to levels that are unacceptable to caregivers,” said Alexander. ““Our government has already slashed application backlogs for skilled workers and parents and grandparents.

Now, we turn our attention to the LCP.”” Canada will admit 17,500 permanent residents through the Live-in Caregiver Program in 2014 – almost double the number this year. This represents the highest number of LCP admissions in a single year since the program began in 1993.

Application backlogs and processing times have grown steadily in recent years. The number of caregivers

completing their work obligations and becoming eligible for permanent residency has routinely outpaced the planned levels of admissions from the program.

Alexander added: ““Live-in caregivers participating in the program came here with the promise of permanent residency after meeting work obligations in looking after the children, elderly or disabled people in their care. We need to honour our commitment to them.””

The Live-in Caregiver Program facilitates the entry of qualified caregivers into Canada when employers have not been able to find Canadians to fill these positions. Caregivers can apply for permanent residence in Canada after working for two years during their first four years after entry into Canada. As a result, a record number of live-in caregivers will be admitted as permanent residents of Canada in 2014. (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Waiting on appeal courtʼs judgment - 407ETR Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters On June 10th, 2013, the Court of Appeal heard submissions from the Superintendent

of Bankruptcies office and Class Action lawyers regarding Mathew David Moore vs. 407 ETR File #C54560. At issue is whether or not it is lawful for 407ETR to use the “Plate Denial” remedy if someone has gone bankrupt.

It’s been 5 months and we are anxiously awaiting the decision on that matter as the outcome will have a significant impact on the Class Action that was put forward on behalf of bankrupts you remain in “Plate Denial”.

If 407ETR can release a corporation from their clutches after bankruptcy, they absolutely can and should be, if not for the social makeup of our nation then under law, releasing people from bankruptcy.

The group “Stop the 407ETR’s Abuse of Power” will keep you posted as soon as they hear a from the Appeal Court.

In the meantime the group asks that you please support their campaign to change the 407 Act by signing the petition here http:// tinyurl.com/change-the-407act

Improving the Canadian experience class OTTAWA -- Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced changes to improve the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) so that the program continues to attract top quality candidates. ““The Canadian Experience Class has allowed more than 25,000 people to stay in Canada permanently to contribute their skills and talents,”” said Alexander. ““The government is taking concrete action to reduce backlogs and processing times.

By making these changes to the Canadian Experience Class, we are moving toward

a more effective and efficient immigration system.””

In order to manage intake, maintain reasonable processing times and prevent a backlog from developing in the CEC, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is introducing an annual cap on the number of new CEC applications. CIC will accept a maximum of 12,000 CEC applications from November 9, 2013, to October 31, 2014.

Despite the annual cap on applications, the department will admit approximately 15,000 individuals under the CEC in

2014.

CIC is also seeing an overrepresentation of certain occupations in the program.

In order to bring in as diverse a skill set as possible, the department will introduce limits on the number of applications under certain occupations.

Effective November 9, 2013, CIC will introduce sub-caps of 200 applications each in certain skilled occupations. Also, six particular occupations will no longer be eligible for the CEC. (CIC)

Minister Alexander Announces Citizenship Judge Appointment OTTAWA -- Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander today announced that Trang Angie Nguyen has been appointed for a three-year part-time term as a Citizenship Judge for the Vancouver Area.

Prior to her appointment, Trang Angie Nguyen worked as an Accredited Court Interpreter for the Attorney General in British Colombia. She is active in the Vietnamese community through her involvement with Vietnam Heritage Day, Vietnamese Student Scholarships and Bur-

saries for Vietnamese Women’s Society and as a spokesperson for the Vietnamese Canadian Community. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Citizenship judges are responsible for making decisions on citizenship applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens.

Citizenship judges are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Citizen-

ship and Immigration. New appointees are chosen from a list of qualified candidates who have gone through rigorous screening, including a written exam, reference check and oral interview. Candidates for citizenship judge appointments are evaluated against the skills required by the position: information-seeking, judgment/analytical thinking, decision making, effective communication, cross-cultural sensitivity, leadership, self-confidence, self-control and writing ability. (CIC)

Canada lifts visa requirement for the Czech Republic OTTAWA -- Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced that, effective immediately, Czech nationals no longer require a temporary resident visa to visit Canada. Czech nationals can now stay in Canada for up to six months visa-free, which is consistent with all other visa exempt nationals. ““Canada values strong ties with our European friends and after working with Czech officials for some time we are pleased to be able to extend visa-free travel for Czech citizens,”” said Alexander. ““This move is a testament to the strong relationship between Canada and the Czech Republic and reinforces our government’s commitment to facilitate legitimate trade and travel.””

A recent visa policy review of the Czech Republic has revealed that it now

meets the criteria for a visa exemption.

Canada’s visa policy is based on a country-by-country assessment, which looks at several criteria. These include a country’s immigration issues, such as violation rates and asylum claims, the integrity of a country’s travel documents, safety and security issues, border management, human rights, and bilateral relations.

Our confidence in lifting the visa requirement is further enhanced by Canada’s improvements to its asylum system, which will serve as an effective deterrence against unfounded asylum claims. In particular, claimants from the Czech Republic will be processed more quickly as it is a designated country of origin, and those whose claims are rejected will be removed from Canada within a few months. ““This is great news for both the

Czech Republic and Canada,”” said Canadian Ambassador Otto Jelinek. ““By making it easier for Czechs to visit Canada, we are strengthening the already close cultural and economic ties that exist between our two countries.””

Canada is committed to the free and secure movement of people between European Union member states, and we will continue to work in cooperation with all member states.

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

Visa requirements for travellers to Canada are the country’s first line of defence in maintaining the health, safety and security of Canadians. (CIC)

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Kerwin Dubois, born a winner “If I fail to succeed then success is my failure, I was born a winner,” this is the mantra that has kept the 2008 International Soca Awards Soca Producer of the Year winner going over the many years he has been involved in the music industry.

Born in the capital city Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, it seems Kerwin was always destined for success in Calypso and Soca.

Kerwin, who started singing in primary school not only took part in the nation’s first Junior Calypso Monarch competition, but also won the title in the second year.

The talented performer rose through the ranks of the calypso world, captured the Young Kings title and even reached the Big Yard for the National Calypso Monarch finals on several occasions.

Hailed as a rising star, he delighted all with his melodious voice and thought-provoking lyrics and was selected to represent Trinidad along with other young Calypsonians for a Calypso Youth Exchange programme hosted by the Association of British Calypsonians in the UK, where he settled for a number of years, eventually capturing the UK Calypso Monarch title.

In recent years, Du Bois has spread his wings and can no longer be considered simply a calypsonian, having branched out into Soca not only as a performer but also as a

highly rated producer and songwriter.

His efforts have been acknowledged by some of the other major soca artists who have tapped into the talents of this accomplished hit maker. He has produced tracks for Bunji Garlin’s Black Spaniard album wrote and performed the 2004 hit ‘BubbleNut’ with HD Machel Montano. He has also worked with the dynamic vocal group H2O Phlo on a track entitled “J’ouvert”.

His talents emerged greater through the years as he went on to produce other major hit songs like Machel Montano’s “Scandalous”, which was written by Kernal Roberts.

Kerwin performed throughout the Carnival 2k6 period with Xtatik with his major hit song “Madology”, which was a continued re-mix of the already acclaimed hit “Madda dan dat” performed by Machel.

In 2007 he teamed up with one of the most highly rated divas of soca Denise “saucy wow” Belfon, the results the hit song “De rose & de stem,” however one hit wasn’t enough, and the popular “Party Rocker” certainly had the industry buzzing.

In 2008 he captured third place with Shal Marshall in the International Soca Monarch competition with the international hit “Gyal Farm,” which he wrote and produced.

Things didn’t end there as “Breathless,” another one of his compositions and productions,

also took Roy Cape’s Blaxx to the International Soca Monarch finals.

It was therefore no surprise when he was nominated for eight (8) International Soca Awards and went on to capture two, the Soca Producer of the Year and Best Groove Collaboration. He was also nominated for 3 COTT awards, Groovy Soca of the Year Award – Gyal Farm, Soca of the Year and Song of the Year – Breathless.

In 2009 he created Soca history by composing, producing and bringing together the biggest female Soca artistes as a trio collaboration in the names of Destra Garcia, Allison Hinds and Denise Belfon with a worldrenowned smash hit “Obsessive Winers”. Du Bois also worked with Blaxx of the Roy Cape Allstars once again to write and produce the hit track ‘Tusty’.

Kerwin joined forces with Farmer Nappy to bring the immensely popular 2010 Carnival Anthem ‘Pavement’. The duo who were expected to win the International Groovy Soca Monarch pulled off an amazing performance although their video presentation experienced technical difficulties and failed. Kerwin and Farmer placed fourth in the competition.

Du Bois also wrote and produced Farmer’s second hit for the 2010 Carnival season ‘I Pay For This’.

2011 has proven to be a busy but ex-

tremely successful year for Du Bois, writing and producing a list of popular hits thus far for the season. This year Du Bois teamed up with Kees from Kes the Band to write and produce ‘Wotless’. This anthem is Kees’ biggest hit to date. ‘Wotless’ thus far is the front-runner for being the biggest groovy hit for 2011, the song has also propelled Kees’ career to higher levels in the Soca arena. In a collaboration with Kees, Kerwin also wrote and produced ‘Ah Ting’. A song that displays intense vibe blended with angelic melodies not taking away from the vibrant pulse & jam of this piece.

Last but not least, Du Bois reunited with the King of Soca, Machel Montano HD himself. Kerwin pulled another hit out of his hat, or as Machel likes to say “in de pocket” to write and produce one of HD’s Road March contenders for the Carnival 2011 season. ‘Illegal’ is expected to be in the Road March race while causing some extreme wining damage on the road.

All in all, Kerwin has put in an immense amount of work in his Toronto based studio KNS. Hard work pays off and Du Bois is grateful and humbled by the fact that he is having yet another successful year.

Du Bois is a powerhouse of young talent bringing Soca music to the world, as he plans to develop and further his drive in taking Soca Music to places beyond our imagination.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - November 20th 2013 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Something that’s been in the works for a long time will hit pay dirt all at once. Thursday through Sunday, the stars propel a longstanding relationship, career, or financial matter to a fruition gateway. Even if you’ve paid a high price, you’re still on the gain side. Be grateful and extract the best from it.

A shift in priorities overtakes you now.

Over the next couple of days, Venus can work like an icebreaker. Something revealed or sparked on Thursday/Friday prompts a reassessment. Sunday’s full moon confrontation or breakthrough—with self, another, or reality—completely changes the score.

There is great opportunity to voice it, take your power back, change a heart or mindset, or break or rewrite a contract.

On Thursday, you could stumble upon something that makes things much more effective, workable, or lucrative. When the option or alternative presents itself, take it on, buy it, sign the contract. Although you may have more to straighten out, Thursday through Sunday lays it out or locks it in for you. Maximize on the week ahead: get a move on, make it happen.

Over the next few days, there could be more than one adjustment or unexpected hiccup. Another may dictate how things play out, but even if you’re confronted by pushcomes-to-shove, it’s a ripe time for a major redirection regarding a relationship, your career, or your financial status. By mid next week, much is surpassed and you’ll fasttrack onto the next page.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Thursday could spark a sudden release, an opening, a solution breakthrough, or an inspired flash. Friday through Sunday, emotions drive the show. You can be moved, provoked, overtaken, or usurped. Choose quality, even though it costs or requires more. Sunday’s full moon in Taurus puts the finishing touch on a project, a plan, an important decision, a contract, or an investment matter. Monday begins an opportune week.

The next few days push you through your own sound barrier. Friday/Saturday, take charge and make it happen. Despite a bump or two along the way, the future is shaping up. Sunday’s full moon shows you what you really have to work with. The emotional investment or price tag is substantial, but so too the potential reward or satisfaction.

Thursday puts a new spin on things for you.

Friday through Sunday’s full moon, keep at it, plow through, and aim for better or more. It’s a decisive weekend for choosing between survive and thrive, for heart, intimacy, or money matters. Monday/Tuesday, there’s more to discuss, plan, or piece together. Mid week, a better comfort zone and more support are easily found.

A change of plans, schedule, approach, or method can be the “it” ticket Thursday.

Despite some friction or the need to accommodate another, the full moon weekend can shape up quite well. Indulge with friends and loved ones. Birthday or not, let yourself be pampered. The week ahead sees financial or legal matters, talks, and travel and holiday plans on a good roll-along.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Thursday sends you into action, perhaps unexpectedly so. Friday/Saturday calls for extra work, but keep at it and you’ll get yourself somewhere good. Sunday’s full moon requires that you jump in with both feet; it’s all-in or all-out. Monday/Tuesday, you’re on a good move-along. Wednesday is particularly smooth running for family involvements, money handling, or heart matters.

If you’ve put time and effort into something, you’ll start to see a substantial payoff. If you haven’t started yet, look to Venus, Uranus, Pluto, and Sunday’s full moon to supply you with the necessary prompt. The now is especially ripe for the taking. Give it your best shot and fullest commitment.

The end of the week brings you to a significant finish line or official end of the road.

Friday to Sunday forces an assessment of wants versus needs, practicality versus temporary gratification, responsibilities, debt, or duty. Keep the long-term gain, benefit, or goal in mind. Monday to Wednesday puts you on a productive move-ahead.

Something quite lucrative and long-term could shape up now. Pre and post Sunday’s full moon, watch for news, results, or an auspicious connection, or for an opportunity to make a major financial or relationship turnaround. It’s an ideal time to sign a contract, launch a business or creative venture, or overhaul your social, professional, or personal life.

July 21 - August 22

July 21 - August 22

(April 21 - May 21)

(August 23 - September 22)

(December 21 - January 20)

(May 23 - June 20)

(June 21 - July 20)

(September 23 - October 22)

(October 23 - November 21)

(January 21 - February 18)

Answers available in next edition

(March 21 - April 20)

(February 18 - March 20)

Across 2) Caution card colour (soccer) [YELLOW] 4) Too close to a kick returner (football) [NOYARDS] 6) Unsportsmanlike (hockey) [CONDUCT] 10) Kicker or QB contact (football) [ROUGHING] 12) ____-and-back (basketball) [OVER] 13) Five for ____ (hockey) [FIGHTING] 14) Double ____ (basketball) [DRIBBLE] 16) Misconduct minutes (hockey) [TEN] 17) Seconds in the key (basketball) [THREE] 18) 24 on the shot clock (basketball) [SECONDS]

Down 1) ____ of game (hockey) [DELAY] 3) Too many steps (basketball) [TRAVELLING] 5) Getting in the goalie’s way (hockey) [INTERFERENCE] 7) Lined up incorrectly (football) [OFFSIDE] 8) Making someone fall (hockey) [TRIPPING] 9) ____-checking (hockey) [CROSS] 11) ____-sticking (hockey) [HIGH] 15) Hitting from ____ (hockey) [BEHIND]

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The importance of Integrity Jim Pagiamtzis Business Development There have been many books written on integrity from John C Maxwell to Brian Klemmer.

I have come to the conclusion in recent years that many professionals have not either read these books or simply have no integrity!

As a busy entrepreneur I manage my weekly events by having scheduled meetings either by phone or meeting clients at my office.

I have always made an effort to show up early and be prepared for the meeting. If I am late I make every effort to call or text Hence today Friday Oct 11th I had a scheduled phone call at 11:00am to discuss an upcoming event happening at the end of November and of course I had to leave a message.

I did send an email to remind him and later in the day (early evening) I left an online message. I have not received a response.

Later that afternoon I had a meeting at 12:30pm at a downtown coffee shop. The client is from out of town and I give him exact

instructions where we were meeting. I showed up earlier than expected and took the sights and sounds of Yonge and Dundas Square for half an hour.

At 12:00 pm I got a text that he was going to be a few minutes late. Half an hour later I waited outside and enjoyed the awesome day we were having in Toronto! Time began to tick away and I checked my phone just in case to see if I had missed a phone call or text. It was at 1:15pm when I sent him numerous text messages that I had go to soon and I couldn’t wait.

I had returned to the office when I received a text that he had missed the out of town bus and he was going to be late. I had already made my mind up and was headed back. A few minutes later he sent a text apologizing for his lateness.

The above stories share the insights that some people (not all) don’t respect others time and don’t plan ahead. Therefore they miss opportunities to learn and grow and possibly create great long-tern business relationships or friendships.

I encourage you to read books by John C Maxwell or Brain Klemmer. They share the insights on integrity, leadership and much more..

The moral of the story. Being early is a good thing to practice, creating the habit of not showing up or being late may signify areas of your life that you may want to evaluate.

Making the Leap from Buffalo to Costa Rica Tina Dietz Business Development On our last night in Buffalo I found myself at 2am still packing suitcases, the sale of our house not closed yet, and nowhere to sit because all our furniture was in storage or had been sold. I was THRILLED. You know the old saying, “you can’t see the label of the jar you’re in,” right? Well we had busted open the jar and in 3 short hours we (me, my husband, and our kids aged 8 and 7) were getting on a flight to Costa Rica to live there.

People would say to us when they found out we were moving to Costa Rica, “wow, you must really like it there if you’re going to move there!” The truth? We had never been to Costa Rica. I had met Michael Simons from Tres Amigos REMAX and some other Costa Rica folks via email years before through mutual colleagues in my work coaching business owners internationally, and my father had been to Costa Rica many times, but us? Nope. We were fulfilling a 5 year plan that had suddenly become a 3 year plan just a few short months earlier.

We had owned our home in Buffaloa good house in a great neighborhood-for 11 years when we decided it was time to sell. The market was decent, and we were tired of the upkeep and expense. Moving to Costa Rica had been a long term goal of ours, but we didn’t think that’s where we were going to move when we put our house on the market-we just thought we were moving to a different suburb that was closer to farmland! But just a few short weeks into getting the house ready for listing the last puzzle piece fell into place. My husband’s company changed a policy that allowed him to go from working at home to working anywhere in the world. Our reaction was instant. We were going to Costa Rica!

We wanted a lifestyle that would al-

low us to spend more time as a family, be closer to nature, and give our kids the opportunity to experience different cultures while they were still young. The way the world is changing, by the time our kids become adults it’s going to be essential to be able to work with people globally. I made one call to Michael, and within 20 minutes I was connected with amazing people to help me with everything from schools for the kids, to housing, to renting a car, to totally handling the legal process for applying to be residents. It was easier to set up our new life in Costa Rica than it was to get things handled in Buffalo!

Costa Rica has been the only place I’ve ever been where the reality has been as good as the fantasy. We have become closer as a family, and my husband and I have become closer as a couple too. After 15 years of marriage, I had no idea that was even possible! Our kids come home from the international school they’re attending, which we love, and jump into the pool outside our door. We get to eat fresh food all the time that isn’t overprocessed.

Our health care is handled without crushing our budget. Best of all? My kids get to see and experience parts of the world that before they had only read about in books. Rain forests. Volcanoes. Coral reefs. Hot springs. My husband and I often take long lunches walking on the beach, or work at a beach café or by the pool.

We’re not retired, we’re not millionaires, but our lifestyle is richer now than it’s ever been, and our cost of living is less.

In my speaking and coaching practice, professionals and entrepreneurs alike come to me initially feeling stuck, stressed, and maxed out. They have this belief that you have to make tons of money and work 60 hour workweeks to get to the point eventually where you can have a lifestyle that feels like your perfect day. We’re living proof that this isn’t the case at all. We live in a time of unlimited resources and unprecedented opportunity. You can find anything you want or need, anywhere in the world. Living our dream didn’t happen overnight for us, but we had a plan so we were ready when the opportunity came. I think life’s too short to spend it on anything less than the creating a life you love, don’t you? Moving to Costa Rica has been the best decision we’ve ever made for our family.

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Why arenʼt you using video to promote your business?

Right now YouTube is the third largest website for traffic!

Tina Dietz Business Development Can you imagine having more than 16 MILLION hits on YouTube? How about more than 32 THOUSAND subscribers? Well that’s exactly what my guest expert Ryan Hoyme has-and counting! Ryan is known as the “Massage Nerd,” and he started using video to help his massage students catch up on work they missed when they were absent from class. His website, http://www.massagenerd.com is the largest massage website in the world and his monthly interview show draws guests and watchers from all over the globe. I can’t wait for Ryan’s guest expert

teleclass on using YouTube to promote your business with video in the Profitable Promotions with Voice & Video Program that starts THIS week. In the meantime…here’s Ryan!

Right now YouTube is the 3rd largest website for traffic and the average user spends 15 minutes a day on YouTube. Only Google and Facebook are ahead of YouTube and Google owns YouTube. More than likely you are on Facebook (like everybody else) and if you have a website, then you are on Google. Just imagine a client is searching for a massage on Google and your business pops up with one of your videos you shot. Do you think the potential client will click the url’s or watch a video? Well, most will want to watch a video and you already grabbed their attention over your competition. In my mind and most everyone else’s, YouTube is one of the most powerful forms of advertising (and cheapest) and it’s your turn to get on this bandwagon. It’s a lot simpler than you think and I’ll give you some ideas to get started.

1. Get a decent camera that shoots video, or even use your smartphone to start with, or you can even record a video with your webcam and upload it to YouTube that way too.

2. Use windows Media Maker to edit your videos or iMovie if you use a Mac (both come standard with your computers).

3. Make videos for each page of your website: Home Page (introduce yourself), About Us Page (explain a little bit about how you got into massage and things you have learned), Services Page (explain about what each style you offer and explain the benefits of them), Contact Us Page (explain about how to find your page) and specials page (explain about what specials you offer).

You will get people from all over seeing your videos, but your goal is to have people that live around you to view them. Tags

(keywords) are still important in videos, because that is how people find your videos.

Having the city, town, state, your business name, your name and styles you offer is beneficial. Even having a long description in the description section will help with your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Another thing that is important is the title of your video and you should add as much information in there as possible.

The fear of being on video is on most people’s minds and there are ways around it.

You can have a friend that is comfortable on camera to talk about you business or even do a voice-over and add pictures to that. Having video testimonials is very important for businesses, so the next time one of you clients say to you that was the best massage ever, ask them if they would like to do a quick 30 second video explaining how they feel. The next time your business is slow, start writing some ideas down for some videos and you will be a star in your clients’ eyes!

CANADA: 1-800-565-2632