We Day In Toronto Attracts Over 20,000 092513

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JAMAICAN CYCLIST “I FACED HELL IN THAT TRINIDAD PRISON”

>>PAGE 7

We Day in Toronto Attracts over 20,000

EMILY SINGH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

TORONTO -- The famous saying “children are our future” could not have been more true Friday as 20,000 children filled the Air Canada Centre in Toronto for We Day. We Day was made possible through Free the Children, which is recognized as a global charity aimed to promote children and youth to get out and make a difference in the world and to be the change they want to see.

Artists such as Demi Lovato, The Jonas Brothers, Imagine Dragons, Austin Mahone, Barenaked Ladies and Serena Ryder took to the stage and put on a stellar performance that pumped up the audience to get involved in the cause.

Also present were brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger who are the co-founders of Free the Children.

The children were educated about bullying and heard stories

from motivational speakers such as Molly Burke, a visually impaired young lady about her personal experiences. Spencer West, a double amputee took the microphone and within minutes had the whole room in amazement as he detailed his amazing journey to the summits of Mount Kilimanjaro using nothing but his two hands, his wheelchair and a heart of determination.

Continued On Page 3

2 Wednesday, September 25, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

HRM members plan to block bulldozers

Aurora, 24, Haitian - speaks English, French and Creole. This

beauty enjoys modeling and has been featured in videos such as “Sampaloo- Roll Out/How Dem Sum Badmind”and “Scorpio - Carnival 2007” and has worked with many local artistes in Montreal and Toronto.

You can’t help but notice the warmth she adds to the frigid looking temperatures in the background of the photo!

TRINIDAD -- Members of the Highway Reroute Movement are planning to form a human barricades in front of bulldozers and other heavy equipment as they accelerate efforts to stop work on the Debe to Mon Desir leg of Point Fortin highway. However, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has warned that the group could be found in contempt of court if they continue their protests. Tensions have been escalating at the disputed site over the past few days after reports that work is set to resume on the highway extension. Over the weekend, HRM members converged on an Construtora OAS site office on the Mon Desir Road and threatened to form a human barricade in front of bulldozers if worker attempted to enter the disputed are. “I am old already, I ready to die,” resident Mohan Baney told security officials at the OAS site after giving them an earful about the problems he and other residents faced as a result of the highway construction.

Baney said while they support construction of the highway, the disputed segment is unnecessary. HRM leader Dr Wayne Kublalsingh said the group will remain at the camp to ensure that no progress is made on the disputed segment. “What we have here is action on the ground...There is a vigil in Port-of-Spain and we established a vigil to monitor activities here at the Debe to Mon Desir leg, specifically the Mon Desir Interchange. The people have decided to move. They spoke passionately and quite vehemently, explaining their own interest to the security here at the OAS camp,” he said. “They basically told the workers here that they are not going to allow them to move the tractors to go onto the lands and that is their position.” Asked how they planned to stop the work, Kublalsingh said: “It is up to the people but I believe they have threatened to for a human chain in front of the tractors and we will see how they work.”

Kublalsingh repeated his call to the Government to abide by the Armstrong report.

Moonilal warned that the HRM could be risking contempt charges with their current activities because the matter is before the courts. On Friday, Justice James Aboud, presiding at the Hall of Justice, deferred hearing of applications made by the HRM to have the disputed leg stopped to October 18 to allow the organisation and the State more time to submit documents to the court. A related lawsuit over the construction of the $7 billion project is scheduled to be heard before the same judge on October 28. The HRM is seeking a conservatory order stopping construction of the controversial section of the highway. The group is also seeking to amend its substantive case to tender fresh evidence, including a report from a technical committee which examined the highway project.

Speaking during a walkabout in his constituency to assess urgent infrastructural work, Moonilal said the court refused to order a halt to the work, so the HRM’s protests at the work site are illegal. He said the court refused an interim order for injunctive relief meaning it refused to stop the construction. “I am hoping that Mr Kublalsingh and others will obey the decision of the court,” he said. “There is a substantive matter in the court involving that. That matter continues to be heard, but they need to have respect for the court because if he tries to stop the highway now when the court has ruled, I think he will be in contempt on court.

“Proceedings could be brought against him for contempt of an order of the court so he has to be very careful about that.”

Moonilal said so far, 100,000 people have used and benefited from the highway and it would be unfair for other communities in the south-west region in Trinidad to be left out.

“The Golconda to Debe leg of the highway has opened and 100,000 people or so have passed on that road, benefited from it and they have seen the value of it and we just intend to continue,” he said. (Trinidad Guardian)

TORONTO CARIBB CARIBBEAN

We day - Toronto 2013 Emily Singh TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- Free the Children makes a difference worldwide with a tremendous effort made in the Caribbean nation of Ecuador, Nicaragua and the depths of the untouched Amazon Rainforest. Volunteers embark on their journey to the Equator to beautiful Ecuador to construct schools, educate the community and participate in clean water initiatives amongst many other

projects. The goal is to make a worldwide difference and develop leadership skills that will help the youth of today pilot a better, brighter future.

“The children really enjoyed themselves and got the message that they can make a difference in the world just by accepting one another. I truly believe that events such as We Day promote the positive message that anything is possible no matter how old you are, you can do something to help the world.” Commented KPMG sponsor volunteer Tony Singh.

You can contribute to the worthy initiative and support Free the Children through making a donation or getting out there and volunteer abroad. Visit www. freethechildren.com to find out how you can support our youth in their quest to change the world.

Businessmanʼs murder shocks Mandeville

JAMAICA -- The local business community has responded with shock and sadness at news of the shooting death of businessman Alphonso Joseph, 48, at his McKinley Drive home late Thursday.

President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce Wendy Freckleton urged the police high command in Manchester to conduct “the most thorough investigations to bring the criminals to justice”.

Against the backdrop of a perception of rising crime in Manchester and the wider south central Jamaica in recent weeks, Freckleton told the Jamaica Observer that her organisation was “asking for more vigilance (from the police) throughout Manchester”.

She said that citizens, including the business community “were very concerned about their safety and were increasingly taking the necessary steps to protect themselves”.

The police said that Joseph, who operated a loan facility on Brumalia Road, was at home around 8:30 pm, when men entered the premises and demanded money.

When their demands were not met, one man allegedly pulled a gun and fired, hitting Joseph. He was pronounced dead at hospital. Police reports said that the men left the scene in a white car.

Visitors to the home at McKinley Road provided the Sunday Observer with more detail.

They said that Joseph was not Jamaican by birth, but arrived in the country seven to nine years ago from England.

Efforts by the Sunday Observer failed to confirm Joseph’s birthplace.

Those at the scene said it was either

“Guyana or Antigua”, but enquiries to the Jamaica Observer newsroom Friday came from Antigua from persons claiming to be relatives of the deceased.

Joseph’s widow was too grief stricken to speak to the media.

Reports said that Joseph was sitting in his dining room listening to music when two masked gunmen used a ladder to enter the house through a window upstairs.

His wife, who was in the bedroom, reportedly heard someone say “Wey di money deh?”

She then heard a tussle and heard her husband shout for her to “call the police”. She then heard gunshots.

The gunmen, according to the reports, also demanded of Mrs Joseph “Wey di money deh?”

She told them that she did not have any and that they could search the premises.

They left without finding any money or hurting her.

Reports said that an attempt was also made to rob Joseph outside his home about a year ago but he fought off the wouldbe robbers.

He reportedly lived with his wife, his stepson and tenants at the McKinley Drive house.

Head of the Police Area Three, Assistant Commissioner of Police Derrick Knight, urged the public to “be careful and mindful” of their surroundings.

“We are saying it is very important that persons be aware of their environment and to call the police at any sign of suspicious activity,” Knight said. (Jamaica Observer)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Guyana police commissioner says “Declare war and protect your families from criminals - cautions licensed firearm holders who ʻwatch crimeʼ and do nothing GUYANA -- Acting Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell said that he is fed up of the criminal elements in society and believes that all other Guyanese are also fed up, and so he is calling on citizens to declare war with criminals and do everything in their power to protect their families.

“For far too long criminals have been behaving as if they own the communities, walking into your communities, entering your homes terrorising your families and doing what they feel like but this must stop now,” Brumell said.

“Do not be in your home and have people come in to rob you, rape your family and you sit there and do nothing, it’s time to fight,” the commissioner urged the residents.

And in relation to those persons who are licensed firearm holders, the commissioner also had a message for them, calling them to action by being their brothers’ keeper.

He made the strong call while addressing the residents of Region 3 (Essequibo islands/West Demerara)in the community of Met-en-Meerzorg on the West Coast of Demerara, which was recently plagued by criminal activities that left one resident dead and the entire community traumatised.

“When you have a firearm you have a position,” the Police Commissioner was quoted as saying. He warned that those persons who are firearm holders and only peep through windows and see criminal activities going on and retreat to their homes or run and hide their weapons, there is a course of action to deal with such behaviour. “Be your brothers’ keeper,” Brumell urged.

Report suspsicious characters The commissioner also called on the communities to work with the Guyana Police Force in addressing crimes in their communities and to report suspicious characters who linger around.

He credited the residents of Met-enMeerzorg for the successes and headway the police made in cracking the ring that recently terrorised the community.

Brumell pointed out that from the inception, based on the information he has received, he knew that there was going to be a breakthrough in the case.

The breakthrough came with the residents working with the police and providing all the necessary information that the police sought and that led to the arrest of several persons responsible for crimes in Region3, including Wakenaam.

The breakthrough in terms of the investigations came one day after Assistant Commissioner Eric Bassant and his deputy, Clifton Hicken took over the command of the Division. Brumell commended the ranks and the residents under their new Commander and Deputy Commander for the job that was done.

Testifying in court However, Brumell cautioned the residents that the police have done its work of bringing the men to justice and it is now the work of the judiciary and residents to ensure that the men are put away. He said that in an effort to keep the men off the streets and away from society for a very long time, those who have to go to court and give evidence must ensure that they show up for court and give evidence.

“Do not be afraid of the lawyers when they talk hard. It’s just hard talk,” the commissioner exhorted as he encouraged the residents and even the police who have to give evidence to be strong.

He also warned against the notion of some people who feel that giving information to the police is not a good thing since it gets back to the people that reports are being made against them.

“Come forward and give the police information so that you and your community can be safe,” he urged.

(Guyana Chronicle)

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

7

Fly Jamaica gets creative to sell ʻDestination Guyanaʼ sets inaugural flight for Thursday GUYANA -- Its inaugural flight is scheduled for Thursday coming, and now that it has been granted flag-carrier status by the Guyana Government, Fly Jamaica has increased its amazing itinerary of non-stop flights.

Fly Jamaica intends to survive competition by using tourism-related events to maintain a constant passenger load, according to its Public Relations Manager, Ms. Roxanne Reece.

At Saturday’s press conference, held at the company’s office at the Wings Aviation Airdrome at Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara, the PRO said, “We are not just sitting and waiting on passengers to come to us. We are coming out there and we are offering you different events in our four destinations.”

Her assurance comes against the background of numerous carriers in the past going belly-up because of price gouging by competitors and fewer passengers travelling during low seasons, coupled with high operational costs.

Reece said Fly Jamaica would be offering cooking tours, sports, concerts and other tours in Guyana, Jamaica, New York and Toronto. “It’s not just selling seats: We are selling tourism; it’s a trade-off,” she told a news conference.

The Jamaica-headquartered carrier hopes Guyanese would travel to Jamaica

to enjoy the beaches, and Jamaicans would come to Guyana to savour the rainforest.

Fly Jamaica’s first flight to Guyana is expected to land at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday at 23:00hrs (11pm).

Reece added that the airline is still awaiting from the United States Department of Transportation a response to its application for a waiver to fly direct from Georgetown to New York, rather than transit Jamaica for 90 minutes.

She said the department has 90 days within which to respond to her carrier’s application, which was lumped together with a similar application by Caribbean Airlines.

She noted that concerns had been raised then about the now scrapped fuel subsidy that the Trinidad and Tobago Government had been giving Caribbean Airlines. “Our application was objected to on the grounds that Caribbean (Airlines) was receiving a subsidy from their government,” she said. “It was an unfortunate incident, where (we were) linked with CAL, because we were all set to start those flights in July of this year,” Reece disclosed.

She added that the airline is in the process of buying a 767 craft which will definitely help its present 757 plane.

On the issue of drug trafficking through the Cheddi Jagan International

Airport (CJIA), the Fly Jamaica executive called for a more robust system and better paid persons to avoid being lured by quick cash. She said the airline would like to see a secure system that is more efficient and more reliable, but it is all based on the salaries people are paid and the level of people being employed.

She said it is unfortunate that Guyana has so many issues with drug smuggling, but assured that Fly Jamaica would be making efforts to ensure that drugs are not placed on its flights, though admittedly, “it’s going to be a very difficult job to keep on top of.”

Fly Jamaica has so far employed 40 Guyanese, including two pilots. The airline plans to buy an additional aircraft to serve more long-haul routes like Fort Lauderdale and Brazil next year, and partner with smaller carriers like LIAT. The airline plans to have handicraft, cookbooks, telephones, SIM cards, Top-up sold aboard its aircraft.

Fly Jamaica Airways began with a dream to create a truly regional airline using local talent, and with an emphasis on providing a truly local experience to its customers.

The dream is for a full-service local airline that would bring the Diaspora and the world home to the Caribbean.

Fly Jamaica Airways is a partnership between Chief Executive Officer and

Guyanese-born Captain Paul Ronald Reece and Jamaican shareholders, including the Chief Operating Officer, Captain Lloyd Tai, and Manager of In-Flight Services, Christine Steele. The company was incorporated in Kingston, Jamaica on September 7, 2011 and started with a Boeing 757 aircraft.

“We faced a rigorous start-up process, including meeting national and international requirements. Through the stewardship of our experienced management, and dedication of our amazing employees, we proved to aviation regulators that we have what it takes to be a world-class airline. On August 24, 2012, Fly Jamaica Airways conducted its demonstration flight from Kingston, Jamaica to Georgetown, Guyana as part of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority’s (JCAA) approval process. On August 31, 2012, the JCAA issued our Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

“Fly Jamaica Airways has also satisfied rigorous requirements for the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Transportation and Security Administration (TSA), in order to operate as a commercial US-registered carrier. Now we look forward to taking to the skies and sharing our passion for safe, reliable and enjoyable aviation with the world,” she said. (Guyana Chronicle)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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COP chairman stands firm TRINIDAD -- The clash between the United National Congress (UNC) and its main political partner, the Congress of the People (COP) has failed to quash the smaller party’s demand for at least six regional corporations in the upcoming local government elections. In the hours after their public stalemate and the COP’s internal mandate to vie for the six positions, UNC’s negotiation team leader Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal described COP chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan as a “tough negotiator.”

But even with the political bad blood between the two, Moonilal said he was confident that the stalemate would be resolved later this week. “We are finalising negotiations. I am currently speaking to top level COP operatives. I expect that by next week Wednesday we will settle the matter,” Moonilal said in a text interview on Friday.

Moonilal’s confidence came just hours after the COP met in an emergency session and took the internal mandate to contest four areas—Arima, Port of Spain, Diego Martin and San Fernando, while negotiating for another two—Tunapuna/Piarco and another in southern-based constituency. Sources within COP have confirmed that it was the Tunapuna/ Piarco Regional Corporation that was the crux of the fall out. “The fight is really for that corporation,” the source said.

When asked if that COP internal mandate would invalidate the Prime Minister’s call for candidates to contest under one ticket, Moonilal said the People’s Partnership was “in this thing together.” “We stand side by side with the COP and NJAC in Trinidad,” he said. Seepersad-Bachan, in a telephone interview Sunday, said while her stubborn stance may seem “tough” she was simply following the mandate set out by the COP national executive and council.

“The next time we meet, I will once again put that mandate on the table,” she said. Days before the two are set to meet again, Seepersad-Bachan said the COP will continue screening candidates for the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation and expected to finalise that by today. Despite the fall out over the last three meetings and the stubborn COP stance, Moonilal said he was “pleased” with the process thus far.

Ragoonath: COP engaging in gun talk At least two political analysts have weighed in on the possible implications of an all out battle between the two parties. Bishnu Ragoonath, in a telephone interview Sunday, said the COP was engaging in “gun talk” and “posturing” in order to be seen like a “viable option” in the political landscape.

“The COP knows that if the UNC continues the way it is going there is the likelihood that the COP could be totally wiped

out,” he said.

He said the COP was fighting for Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation in a bid to “retain a voice in the context of politics.”

Basdeo: The party fighting to signal its relevance Another analyst, Maukesh Basdeo, Sunday

said that it seemed the negotiation between the parties was taking place in the public domain rather than behind closed doors.

“The COP is trying to signal its relevance, but if the COP intends to go for whole corporations, it could backfire and spell demise for the party,” Basdeo said. “This is a big gamble to show that it is still relevant,” he said. (Trinidad Guardian)

THAʼs Sandy stable after stroke TRINIDAD -- Secretary of the Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Hilton Sandy is reported to be showing signs of improvement after he suffered a stroke on Saturday. Sandy is warded at the Intensive Care Unit at the Scarborough General Hospital where up to Sunday he was listed as critical but stable. A release from communications specialist for the Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities Colleen Holder confirmed that Sandy was visited

by Chief Secretary Orville London and other officials of the THA. “Mr Sandy continues to be visited by close family members and members of the THA Executive Council, including Chief Secretary Orville London, who was with Mr Sandy this morning,” Holder said.

In a post on her Facebook page on Saturday, Sandy’s wife Candice Chang-Sandy

described the incident as “unexpected and sudden.” She wrote: “...My son is my strength, three years he tells me daddy will come home soon, mummy be a big girl right do not cry...my tower of strength.”

The family has been receiving messages of encouragement and support.

One was from PNM senator Shamfa Cudjoe who said via Facebook: “My prayers are with you, keep your head up, you are strong and God is able.” Assistant Secretary in the Division of Community Development and Culture Ancil Dennis said: “God is in control, His grace is sufficient for you.”

On Saturday morning, Sandy complained of feeling unwell and was taken to hospital for tests. He is reported to be getting the best care possible and his condition is being closely monitored by doctors. (Trinidad Guardian)

10 Wednesday, September 25, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Jamaican cyclist “I faced HELL in that Trinidad prison!”

JAMAICA -- Jamaican cycling representative Horace McFarlane has described the year of incarceration that he endured in a Trinidad and Tobago prison as “pure hell”.

McFarlane took up a T$75,000 bail offer earlier this month. He was held last year September after police raided a house that he was visiting in the twinisland republic and found a quantity of cocaine and marijuana.

Despite him not being the owner of the property and the drugs not being found in the room that he was occupying, the police carted him off to jail and jointly charged him and the woman whom he was visiting, Afeisha Khan, as well as Devon Scotland.

Scotland had prior run-ins with the law and was the main reason that police were watching the premises, sources said.

“It was all because they heard my Jamaican accent and saw my passport.

They even threatened to kill me,” he said.

Since that fateful day his life has taken a downward spiral, as never in his wildest dreams would McFarlane believe that he would have been locked up behind bars for one year of his life.

He had no previous arrests or convictions and had visited Trinidad and Tobago on numerous occasions to take part in cycle races.

“Inside that prison is just not a friendly environment. You are under lockdown for 23 hours per day. When I was just locked up I was never given a phone call

to contact anybody, and when I asked one of the correctional officers to allow me to make a call, I got a box in my face. They told me I come to stink up their country and I am not wanted here. They made it very clear that Jamaicans are not welcome,” McFarlane told the Jamaica Observer.

He said that in order to avoid being beaten to a pulp, he hurriedly walked away and went inside his cell.

He said that he was locked in a cell with another Jamaican man who was caught with drugs at the Piarco International Airport, as well as a Nigerian who had been arrested for immigration breaches.

The staff inside the prison, according to McFarlane, are very violent and are not afraid to break heads and limbs with their batons.

“I know of a case where they beat a prisoner so badly that he died the following day and they blamed it on other prisoners. You could hear the man bawling under the heavy beating,” he said.

Jamaican inmates are oftentimes singled out for cruel punishment by the warders, he claimed.

“Whole heap a man inside get broken ribs and broken hand when the warder come through. Sometimes for the simplest things,” he said.

While he admitted that prison is not a bed of roses, McFarlane said that in the Arouca Prison no one looks forward to meal time.

The food is atrocious. The rice is more like porridge and the meals contain nothing nourishing. Not even dog food is that terrible. It’s like they are feeding a pig.

I honestly believe they spike the food, because as you start eating you start falling asleep. I think they do it to keep the people calm,” he said.

The ‘hell-like’ situation was compounded by the fact that no Jamaican representatives visited the prison to check on their nationals who are locked up in Trinidad and Tobago, and that allowed the prison officials to believe that they could have a free hand in abusing Jamaicans, McFarlane said.

“If they notice that your country don’t business about you, then they feel they can do as they like. There were Americans there and they never treat them that way because those people were visited by representatives of their country. Jamaica needs to do better because many people have only been accused and have not been convicted of any crime,” he said.

But even though he took up his bail and was released by the prison officials two weeks ago, McFarlane said that he was immediately re-arrested and placed behind bars by immigration officials even though he broke no immigration law.

“They held onto me and locked me up for three more days. I was made to wear a prison suit and it was only then that an official from the consulate and my lawyer fought to get me out. I must tell that

woman thanks, as that was the only time I felt like my country cared about me,” he said.

Still, he has been ordered to stay in Trinidad until the case is completed, but McFarlane said that that order has placed him in a quandary, as he has no means of earning a living while he stays in Trinidad and is not allowed to work. If he is caught working he could be arrested again.

His case will next be called up on January 8 next year.

“I am not looking for handouts from anybody because I have worked hard all my life. But how am I going to live?

Cases like these sometimes take seven years to come to an end. I am very confused right now,” he said.

To make matters worse, he has not got back his passport, as the Trinidad and Tobago officials seem to have lost the book, which is the property of the Jamaican government.

“The police say immigration have it and immigration say is the police have it.

It was the police that take my passport. I never handed my book to any immigration.

That passport is my property and the property of Jamaica. Where is it? Have they destroyed it intentionally, believing I would not be granted bail and would be sent away to rot in prison?” he said.

As a condition of his bail, McFarlane has been ordered to report to the police three times a week. (Jamaica Observer)

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Should Portia Reshuffle?

JAMAICA -- The ruling People’s National Party (PNP) goes into the public session of its 75th annual conference today with mounting pressure on the Government, led

by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, to clean up its act.

The resignation Friday of minister of state in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Richard Azan, and the rebuke of minister of science, technology, energy and mining, Phillip Paulwell by Contractor General Dirk Harrison have opened new wounds in the ongoing battle to sanitise governance, political observers have said.

Azan was cited by the contractor general for his role in the illegal construction of 10 wooden shops at the Spalding Market in his North West Clarendon constituency.

Paulwell was chided by Harrison, who said the minister compromised the 360-megawatt generation plant bid process, a claim that Paulwell, who is no stranger to controversy, has dismissed as untrue.

“The prime minister must act now, in this the 75th year of the People’s National Party, to reshuffle her twoyear-old Cabinet and allow the people of Jamaica to at least see that she is making a move to get serious with the nation’s business,” one senior member of Simpson Miller’s Government told the Jamaica Observer by telephone Saturday.

“Sometimes I am embarrassed to be a part of this party, because too much slackness happens. She has too big a Cabinet and management team for so many mistakes and missteps to be made,” the official said outside the private session of the conference at Jamaica College, Eastern St Andrew.

The cry for the prime minister to reshape her Cabinet and make it relevant to the needs of the island’s estimated 2.7 million inhabitants is growing louder in her party, political watchers have said, but none of the organisation’s prominent leaders have the courage to say that to her face.

“Tell Portia to reshuffle? You mad?” another in the party leadership said to the Sunday Observer. “Anyone who dares to do that would be cast aside in a jiffy. A reshuffle and a trimming of the Cabinet are things that are badly needed, but tell Portia that nuh and see how long you stay in the leadership,” the PNP bigwig said.

But some of the prominent people interviewed by the Sunday Observer believe that a reshuffling of the Cabinet would not solve many of the ills besetting the island.

University lecturer and executive director of National Integrity Action, Professor Trevor Munroe, said that other important things need to be done.

“That is the prime minister’s decision, and no one can indicate that to her. But less important is reshuffling, compared to what is needed. What is needed is new insti-

tutions, new regulations, campaign financing reform, a single anti-corruption commission, and punishment for breaches. After those things are done, then she can reshuffle the Cabinet,” Munroe said.

Commenting on the resignation of Azan, and the citing of irregular conduct on the part of Paulwell by the contractor general, Munroe said that transparency had scored a victory.

“It re-enforces the importance of the contractor general. That is an office that is independent and that operates without fear or favour. It is appropriate that Minister Azan has resigned and that the prime minister has accepted his resignation,” Munroe said.

“However, the mechanisms for transparency and accountability in Jamaica’s governance are in need of significant strengthening.

“The procurement legislation needs to be strengthened so that there is severe punishment for breaches of procurement rules. The institutions dealing with corruption need to be rationalised as the Government has promised to set up a single anticorruption agency with powers to prosecute,” Munroe said.

Immediate past president of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, Leopold Williams, said a reshuffling of the Cabinet may not be the way to deal with issues arising from the recent reports tabled by the Office of the Contractor General.

“A reshuffling could mean more or less the same thing,” Williams said.

“What is happening in Jamaica is that the wrong people are getting into politics,” he added.

According to Williams, the findings and conclusions of the contractor general’s recent reports suggest that the Government is sending the wrong message to investors.

“I think the Government is sending the wrong signal to locals who want to invest,” he said.

He said that encouraging persons to invest is the way to help reduce many of the nation’s ills, such as crime and violence.

Williams said that through investments, more young people will be employed and would therefore be less likely to become criminals.

“We are shooting ourselves in our foot,” Williams said.

Retired custos of St Mary, AA ‘Bobby’ Pottinger, also believes that a reshuffling of the Cabinet is not the answer.

According to Pottinger, the prime minister needs to strengthen her Cabinet by utilising the personnel she has at her disposal.

“This is crisis time. They need to be utilised, especially in areas of production,” he said.

President of the National Workers’ Union and PNP candidate in the December 2011 general election, Vincent Morrison, as well as former vice-president of the union, Danny Roberts, also played down any suggestion of a Cabinet reshuffle.

“I wouldn’t want to say that it is an opportune time. I think that the reshuffling of the Cabinet is the prime minister’s call and there is nobody in the country who is in a better position than her make that judgement call,” said Morrison.

“She chairs the Cabinet, she knows what is happening, not only on a dayto-day basis but also on a month-tomonth basis. She has total overview of what is happening,” he added.

“Remember, the Cabinet is a team.

People are given specific tasks, and if people are performing, then I don’t see the need to reshuffle. You just don’t reshuffle the Cabinet for reshuffling sake. You have to do so based on some empirical evidence as to why you would want to reshuffle.”

Roberts agrees. “I don’t think those are sufficient convictions to reshuffle a Cabinet. I don’t think there are sufficient reasons.

The reshuffling of a Cabinet has more to do with strategic reasons rather than simply matters relating to the current situation with Minister Paulwell and former minister Azan.

“Those issues regarding them have to be dealt with, but I don’t think they are sufficient for a call to reshuffle the Cabinet,” Roberts stated.

“I am a man for due process. I like things to take their course; that is the basis on which jurisprudence is grounded. I am not quick to act, and in the final analysis I would want to see clear and concrete proof beyond doubt. I don’t think anybody should be excluded from that,” Roberts said.

“That is important for me. I like due process, and after due process has taken place, then justice must be served. But I am not one who is quick to act,” Roberts added.

Morrison, in giving what he called a “personal reflection” on the current issues, said that sympathy ought to be shown to the Government at this time.

“I think that we are living in tough times. The present Government inherited some very tough and serious considerations and I am impressed with the way in which they have been trying to unravel some of these issues,” he said.

“They have been quite humble in their approach. They have not gone out there to lambast or criticise or blame anybody.

They have been trying to sidestep that. I think what the nation needs at this time is a bit of patience,” Morrison said. (Jamaica Observer)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 11

12 Wednesday, September 25, 2013

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Ganga looks at wildlife farming TRINIDAD -- Minister of the Environment and Water Resources Ganga Singh said wildlife farming will play a major role in boosting the local wildlife population during the two-year moratorium on hunting. He expressed confidence about the initiative during a tour of the Brigand Hill Animal Rehabilitation Centre in Manzanilla, Sunday morning. Singh was invited by the T&T Zoological Society (TTZS) to tour the 300-acre rehabilitation facility where he got a closer look at local wildlife species, including agouti, deer, monkeys, macaws and wild hogs. The centre is currently being used by the T&T Zoological Society to examine models for commercial wildlife farming. “As part of the moratorium, we intend to engage in commercial wildlife farming,” he said.

“This will be looked after by the Zoological Society and funded by the Green Fund. The centre here at Brigand Hill clearly demonstrates that it is possible to develop wildlife farming. It also shows the affinity between man and wild animals.

“This is one of the reasons why we have engaged in this moratorium; to give these animals a chance to replicate in their natural environment so that they will be present for generations to come.” Singh said his ministry is taking a serious approach to the enforcement of the two-year moratorium on hunting and emphasised the importance of punitive sanctions. “In the coming weeks, we will show the nation our latest approach to enforcement in the protection of wildlife,” he said. (Trinidad Guardian)

Over 150 volunteers take part in successful coastal clean-up exercise GUYANA -- The Georgetown coastal cleanup was carried out at the seawall area in Kingston between Pegasus and Camp Street as the Annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), coordinated by Ocean Conservancy and supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is observed around the world on the third Saturday in September.

It was supported by over 150 volunteers from different organisations, schools and NGOs. Some of the volunteers were from the Red Cross, President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG), Green Ambassador’s Environmental Group from Graham’s Hall Primary, Queen’s College, Caribbean Youth Environment Network, Bravo Arts, St. Joseph High, Stella Maris Primary, Eco Trust Society, the Leos Club of Ruimveldt,the Forestry Society, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and Patentia Bible Fellowship Church Youth Department.

The exercise started at 06:30 hrs and volunteers collected over 138 jumbo bags of garbage along the beach. The data gathered from this clean-up will be analyzed by the EPA and a report will be published by November 2013.

On the 28th of September, the clean-up exercises will be conducted at the Mackenzie and Wismar Markets in Region

10 and on the 29th of September at the Uitvlugt Seawall.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment would like to thank all the volunteers who participated in the clean-up exercises and look forward to their continued support, “as we strive for a clean and healthy environment.” Persons interested in becoming volunteers can contact the Pick It Up Coordinator at the Ministry on 231-2506-11 (ext 219).

The Annual International Coastal Clean-up event focuses on removing debris from the shorelines, waterways, and beaches of the world’s lakes, rivers and bordering oceans.

In addition to keeping the coastal environment clean, this activity also serves as a data-collection opportunity for scientists. The data is analyzed and the information used to strongly support the necessary interventions which must be made at national and international levels to protect coasts.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment’s EPA along with Pick It Up Guyana (PIUG) has organised coastal clean-ups for the month of September - the Rose Hall Beach clean-up was done on September 15th and Georgetown on September 21st. (Guyana Chronicle)

Cops arrest two for gun, ammo in car TRINIDAD -- Police have arrested two South Oropouche men, aged 20 and 25, after a gun and ammunition were found in the vehicle in which they were travelling.

The men were held in Gasparillo during a weekend police exercise in the Southern Division. During a stop and search exercise, police discovered a .38 revolver and four live rounds of ammunition in a black SUV vehicle in which one of the suspects was the driver and the other an occupant.

Police said the men will go on several identification parades today, as there have been several reports of robberies by men fitting their description. The exercise, led by Senior Superintendent Cecil Santana and Superintendent Maynard, be-

gan on Friday afternoon and ended shortly before noon on Sunday. During the exercises in San Fernando, La Romaine, Marabella, Gasparillo, Claxton Bay Moruga and Princes Town, 164 traffic tickets were issued and 91 were arrested for narcotics, robberies, housebreaking and other crimes.

Among those arrested were 25 drivers for drunk driving, including a schoolteacher, an engineer and an employee in the office of Member of Parliament Ramona Ramdial. They are expected to appear before a San Fernando Magistrate, this morning to answer the charges. Police also executed warrants for various offences and total of 51 people were arrested. (Trinidad Guardian)

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Red Force takes care of Brisbane Heat TRINIDAD -- As the T&T team was leaving the Radisson Blu Hotel one man shouted: “Jai Hanuman Gnan Gun Sagar.” Wishing the team God’s strength, wisdom and knowledge.

The Red Force needed it and delivered on the night, as they defeated the Brisbane Heat by 25 runs to make a winning start to the Karboon Smart Champions League T20 series at the JSCA Cricket Stadium in Ranchi, India.

Red Force is loved so much in this part of the world that a huge crowd gathered outside the Radisson Blu Hotel, as well-wishers came out to give the team a grand send-off.

It seemed to have hyped up the men, as skipper Denesh Ramdin (48) used his strength to carry his team on his shoulders to an eventual 135 for nine off their 20 overs. The much talked about bowling jaggernaut used their wisdom and acquired knowledge of the pitch to restrict the Australians 110 all out in reply.

With 61 runs needed off 51 balls and the Brisbane Heat on course for victory, the mystery man Sunil Narine arrived on the scene to begin the fightback. He grabbed two wickets in one over on his return and things started to change. That winning belief and that never-say-die mantra of this team came alive and Ravi Rampaul and Rayad Emrit started to shatter stumps, much to the enjoyment of the locals here, who were clearly supporting them.

Rampaul delivered “Shubh raatri” (good night and sweet dreams) when he sent back top scorer Joe Burns for 45 off 43 balls with two fours.

The returning pacer finished with 4/14 and skipper Denesh Ramdin in paying tribute said, “Ravi told me that he wanted wickets on his return to help this side and that is exactly what he did for us.”

Earlier, the Red Force flattered badly in mid-innings, as a good start and finish could not be supported by a steely middle performance.

Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis came out as two men under attack and they retaliated much to the delight of the fans at the ground. The sleepy city of Ranchi came alive, as the vibrancy of the Red Force was permeating through the air.

Simmons was slamming balls into the fence and Lewis was matching him at the other end. The crowd would have remembered the great days of the Red Force back in 2009, when they won the hearts of the Indian people.

However, confidence turned to arrogance and Simmons after hitting Alister McDermott for three consecutive fours fell next ball, bowled off the inside edge. He fell for 14 off just seven deliveries and his dismissal caused a collapse that saw Darren Bravo bounced out for a duck and Lewis for 19 off 19 balls, with four fours.

Red Force slipped to 38 for three and

it took a sober partnership between Jason Mohammed and Ramdin to bring the innings back on track.

Ramdin was excellent with his timing and placement and played some very attractive shots. Mohammed on the other end was rotating the strike nicely, until he fell for ten. Again this dismissal triggered a collapse and men were walking to and from the dugout regularly—much to the disappointment of team mentor Brian Lara, who was clearly not amused.

Ramdin motored on however and finally fell for a 38-ball 48 that included four fours and two sixes. Towards the end of the innings, Samuel Badree gave it the necessary push with two great sixes off the last over to end on 15 off seven balls.

SCOREBOARD TT VS BRISBANE HEAT T&T inns L Simmons b McDermott 14 E Lewis c Cutting b McDermott 19 D Bravo c Hartley b Roach 0 J Mohammed c Burns b Hauritz 10 D Ramdin c Lynn b Cutting 48 S Ganga c & b Haurit 0 N Pooran c Hartley b Christian 8 S Narine c Sabburg b McDermott 8 R Emrit c Hartley b McDermott 0 S Badree not out 15 R Rampaul not out 4 Extras lb1, w8 9 Total for 9 wkts 135 Fall of wkts: 28, 37, 38, 71, 71, 83, 114, 115, 116.

Bowling: J Hopes 1-0-10-0, K Roach 4-0-29-1, A McDermott 4-0-37-4, N Hauritz 4-0-22-2, B Cutting 4-0-24-1, D Christian 3-0-12-1.

Brisbane inns J Hopes b Rampaul 4 J Burns b Rampaul 45 P Forest c Ganga b Badree 16 D Christian lbw Emrit 13 C Lynn c Ramdin b Narine 4 C Hartley b Narine 3 B Cutting run out 17 C Sabburg c Bravo b Emrit 3 N Hauritz c Simmons b Rampaul 0 K Roach not out 3 A McDermott b Rampaul 0 Extras lb1, w1 2 Total all out (18.4ovs) 110 Fall of wkts: 10, 31, 76, 81, 85, 91, 101,107, 107, 110.

Bowling: R Rampaul 3.4-0-14-4, S Badree 4-0-16-1, R Emrit 4-0-26-2, L Simmons 1-0-90, S Ganga 2-0-19-0, S Narine 4-0-25-2.

Result: T&T won by 25 runs; T&T 4 pts, Brisbane Heat 0 Player of the match: Denesh Ramdin (Trinidad Guardian)

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Caribbean Pot: Caribbean style popcorn shrimp Something that reflects our love for seafood and passion for rich flavors.

1 egg 1/2 cup milk 1 cup dry bread crumbs (see note below) 1 tablespoon Caribbean green seasoning 1/4 scotch bonnet pepper (chopped finely) 1 clove garlic (crushed) pinch teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined I like using crushed salted crackers instead of the bread crumbs.

Peel, devein and wash the shrimp (Video demo how to peel and devein shrimp). Then season with the Caribbean Green Seasoning, salt, crushed garlic, black pepper and finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Allow this to marinate for 10 minutes.

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Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking After just one bite of Popeye’s popcorn shrimp many years ago I knew I had to find my own version of making this delicious snack. I needed something where I would control the ingredients used and as a son of the Caribbean soil, I knew it had to reflect our love for seafood and passion for rich flavors. But don’t take my word for it, give the

Ingredients 3 cups vegetable oil for frying 1 cup all-purpose flour

As the shrimp marinates, prepare the breading station. In a bowl place the bread crumbs (I like using crushed salted crackers as I find the texture and airiness is much better) , in another bowl you’ll have the flour and the final bowl you’ll whisk together the milk and egg.

Since these popcorn shrimp cooks

very fast I suggest you bread all of them before you start frying. Each shrimp – dust in the flour, then the egg mixture, then roll in the bread crumbs (you may need to press them down into the bread crumbs a bit) and set aside.

Basically all you have to do now is deep or shallow fry these until they are golden brown. With my flame on medium/ high (oil hot) I gently placed each shrimp (do in 2 batches to not over-crowd the pan) and cooked them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Fish them out and place on paper towels to try and absorb some of the excess oil.

Serve warm with some Caribbean pepper sauce or any sort of dip you like using. (top with some chopped parsley and lemon wedges to make the dish look even more appetizing) There’s enough popcorn shrimp here for 5 people as a snack and the recipe can easily be doubled if needs be. One bite and you’ll never go back to Popeye’s or anywhere else that serves popcorn shrimp.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Vegetarianism by nature - A yogic perspective Geeta Maraj Yoga A wholesome natural diet is beneficial in obtaining a healthy body, increased disease resistance and prolonged life expectancy.

As yoga settles into being a social norm in today’s society, vegetarianism equally is no longer frowned upon as an unfamiliar dietary preference.

Vegetarianism, once misinterpreted, as an inadequate dietary form is now the new preference of patients who have suffered from cardiac and hypertensive setbacks. Now it has become commonplace that meat eaters tend to over compensate their daily protein requirements while having inadequate vitamin and mineral supplements in their diet.

The body requires food for two main reasons, to absorb energy needed to function properly and secondly, to repair body tissues. It is a known fact that overeating is not a path to healthy living. The body requires a small percentage of carbohydrates, fibers, fats, proteins and minerals daily. However, we tend to eat a diet high

in protein while neglecting the other essential requirements of the body. Many eat to feel full - hardly focusing on the daily requirements of the body.

In the case of meat eating, the body only requires a small percentage of protein daily (0.8g/kg of body weight).

The digestive system works very hard when it has to break down an over consumption of this food group. Uric acid, which is a by product of protein digestion gets stored in the tissues of the body as it is unable to break down and eliminate large amounts of it. This buildup of uric acid results in ailments such as, joint problems, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, headaches, and nervousness. Similarly, inadequate minerals and vitamins in a diet can give rise to health problems particularly osteoporosis, organ damage and a lack of energy.

It can be argued that a meat eater has a much stronger, robust body but equally lacks endurance and they are more likely to tire mentally under pressure. Vegetarians tend to have a more complacent demeanor. Without patience and tolerance we become easily fatigued or angered. This can result in complications, such as heart disease, hypertension and depression.

An additional reason for abstaining or curbing meat-eating urges is based on ‘fear factor’. When an animal is shown affection and love, it responds positively.

Similarly, when an animal is about to be

slaughtered, it is afraid and sad. This fear factor at the point of being killed is transferred as negative energy to the consumer.

Hence, it is not uncommon to feel tired, bloated, or moody after eating such a meal.

The soul purpose to all food consumption is that we seek mainly ‘vegetable energy’. This form of energy, when not obtained first hand, as in vegetarianism, must be acquired secondarily through animals that feed on vegetation. It is for this reason that livestock and fish are eaten as opposed to the flesh of solely carnivorous animals such as, lions, tigers and jackals.

Man by nature is designed to consume a vegetarian diet. Our teeth are designed for mastication as opposed to ripping and tearing. Similarly, the intestines of the digestive system are very long (approximately 23’ or 7 m) and riveted, providing for slow digestion and maximum extraction of nutrients. Long digestive tracts are common to all plant-eating animals, as opposed to carnivorous animals, which are very short and smooth.

The choice of one’s diet, similar to one’s breathing pattern, usually determines the quality and personality of such a person. A calmer personality tends to prefer ‘sattvic’ or purer foods. Sattvic food refers to food in its natural form that has not been processed or cooked in any way.

Such foods bring purity and calmness to the mind and emotions, while maintaining

a healthy body.

Worldly, materialistic people tend to prefer ‘rajasic’ or stimulating foods.

This category tends to be foods that are hot, spicy and salty. The effects of a rajasic diet include nervous and circulatory disorders, such as, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, arthritis and uric acid diseases.

A tamasic diet consists of meat, poultry and fish, as well as stale or rotted foods. A tamasic diet is mostly consumed by people who are easily overcome by negative emotions (anger, greed, frustration) and who become easily unmotivated.

Chronic ailments of a tamasic consumer include cardiac problems, stroke, depression, anxiety and weak bones.

In the United Kingdom where there are a very large percentage of vegetarians (7 to 11%), it is not uncommon to be given reduced insurance premiums for such consumers, as their choice of diet predicts their level of health.

While meat eating can be a ‘quick fix’ to one’s craving followed by a prolonged feeling of fullness, in reality it does more harm than good to the body. Vegetarians rarely have to worry about the inadequacies of bulk, fiber, minerals and vitamins in their diet. They may have fewer choices when eating out but at the same time this prevents the additional criteria for obesity and destructive health choices.

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Bottled water found to contain over 24,000 chemicals, including endocrine disruptors Widespread consumer demand for plastic products that are free of the hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) has led to some significant positive changes in the way that food, beverage and water containers are manufactured. But a new study out of Germany has found that thousands of other potentially harmful chemicals are still leeching from plastic products into food and beverages, including an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) known as di(2-ethylhexyl) fumarate, or DEHF, that is completely unregulated.

Martin Wagner and his colleague, Jorg Oehlmann, from the Goethe University Frankfurt, in conjunction with a team of researchers from the German Federal Institute of Hydrology, learned this after conducting tests on 18 different bottled water products to look for the presence of EDCs. Using an advanced combination of bioassay work and high-resolution mass spectrometry, the team identified some 24,520 different chemicals present in the tested water.

But of major concern, and the apparent underpinning of the study’s findings, was DEHF, a plasticizer chemical that is used to make plastic bottles more flexible. According to reports, DEHF was clearly identified in the tested water as the most consistent and obvious culprit causing anti-estrogenic activity. Despite trace amounts of more than 24,000 other potentially damaging chemicals, DEHF stood out as the only possible EDC capable of inducing this particular observed activity, a highly concerning observation.

The study’s published abstract explains that 13 of the 18 bottled water products tested exhibited “significant” anti-estrogenic activity, while 16 of the 18 samples were found to inhibit the body’s androgen receptors by an astounding 90 percent. Additionally, the other 24,520 chemical traces besides DEHF were also identified as exhibiting antagonistic activity, which means that they, too, are detrimental to the body’s hormonal system.

Many thousands of endocrinedisrupting chemicals used in plastic production prove material unsafe But DEHF is apparently not alone in causing significant damage to the endocrine system, as the team was unable to identify this chemical as being specifically anti-androgenic. What this suggests is that there is some other chemical, or chemical combination, being leeched into bottled water that is interfering with the body’s chemical signaling system, which is, of course, responsible for hormone production and use within the body.

“We confirmed the identity and biological activity of DEHF and additional isomers of dioctyl fumarate and maleate using authentic standards,” report the researchers. “Since DEHF is anti-estrogenic but not anti-androgenic we conclude that additional, yet unidentified EDCs must contribute to the antagonistic effect of bottled water.”

So while these specific findings concerning DEHF are groundbreaking, the overall conclusion to be drawn from this research is that far more study is needed to determine the types of chemicals that are being leeched from plastic into our food and water, not to mention the extent of this leeching. And since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the rest of the three-letter government agencies will surely never get around to conducting this important research, independent science will simply have to take up the charge.

“This work is a ‘tour de force’ in identification of endocrine disruptors in packaged materials,” says Bruce Blumberg from the University of California, Irvine, as quoted by Chemistry World. This type of analysis, he adds, “will be very important for our future understanding of what chemicals we are routinely exposed to and which of these pose hazards of being endocrine disruptors.” (NaturalNews)

Scientific American discredits itself by insisting that consumers be kept in the dark about GMOs What the public doesn’t know won’t hurt them. At least, that’s the thinking behind the Scientific American’s recent editorial, “Labels for GMO Food Are a Bad Idea.” It argues, “Instead of providing people with useful information, mandatory GMO labels would only intensify the misconception that so-called Frankenfoods endanger people’s health.”

For the Scientific American, this would only increase consumer costs, declaring that “such labels have limited people’s options” in Europe, where it concedes that companies dropped GM ingredients after consumers avoided them, bemoaning that “today it is virtually impossible to find GMOs in European supermarkets.”

Public health lawyer Michele Simon, one of several critics who spoke out against the “unscientific” editorial, noted the “familiar ring” to positions used by GM seed corporations when opposing Prop 37, which would have mandated labeling in California.

“It reads like the biotech industry handed Scientific American its talking

points,” Simon told the NY Daily News.

Stacy Malkan, former director of the Yes on 37 campaign, zeroed in on the claim that labeling GMO ingredients would increase the costs for families by $400 per year, noting that it was based on a study favored by biotech and later debunked by a University of California at Davis study. Nevertheless, the Scientific American spreads worries that proper labeling requirements would force the more than 70% of foods produced with GM ingredients off the shelves, and as a result, “we would all have to pay a premium on non-GMO foods.”

Astoundingly, the Scientific American reassures the public by pronouncing that the FDA has tested ‘all the GMO varieties on the market’ and subsequently found them to be free of allergenic and toxic effects, a contention that Stacy Malkan called “sloppy and unscientific.”

“Saying the FDA has tested all the GMOs on the market is patently false.

Each individual company is responsible for testing its own products, and they then decide if they want to voluntarily report it

to FDA. But they aren’t required to test or report,” Malkan said.

Ironically, Scientific American itself warned in 2009, “Unfortunately, it is impossible to verify that genetically modified crops perform as advertised. That is because agritech companies have given themselves veto power over the work of independent researchers.”

The magazine’s editors even noted at the time how the likes of Monsanto, Syngenta and Pioneer Hi-Bred have even threatened litigation for using their GM seeds in unauthorized studies, essentially chilling independent researchers, making industry-sponsored research oftentimes the only available information on a product’s efficacy and safety.

Independent studies that have been conducted on genetically modified foods - rather than by obviously selfinterested biotech firms - have indicated numerous health risks, including sterility, low birth weight, undersized organs, unusual growth in intestinal cell walls and more. The Institute for Responsible Technology identified 65 key concerns

over GM foods based upon the research.

In just one illustrative example, Russian scientist Irina Ermakova found that more than half of the offspring from rats fed GM soy died within three weeks in a peer reviewed study. While the ultimate effects on humans remains unstudied, there is obviously a need for further research and clear labeling to indicate which foods contain genetically modified ingredients.

Scientific American concludes by arguing: “Such debates are about so much more than slapping ostensibly simple labels on our food to satisfy a segment of American consumers. Ultimately, we are deciding whether we will continue to develop an immensely beneficial technology or shun it based on unfounded fears.”

Yet many countries have instituted moratoriums on GM crops or ordered to allow time for long term studies to be conducted. It is only on account of the powerful biotech and pharmaceutical lobbies that this has not been considered - and likely will not be considered - in the United States. (NaturalNews)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Creaking, aching joints got you down? Treat Arthritis naturally Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips Osteoarthritis is an all too common cause of sore, stiff, deeply achy joints. From years of wear and tear the protective cartilage in the joint can become worn down leaving the bone susceptible to repetitive damage. It is estimated that 25% of all office visits to family doctors is attributable to osteoarthritis.

This type of arthritis is not due to body-wide inflammation and tends to exist in the joints that do the most work – knee, hips, spine, and fingers.

In terms of natural remedies, North Americans spend the most money on osteoarthritis supplements. Due to this fact, there are many products on the market all claiming to rid you of your aches and pains. Many of these have not been evaluated for quality control, so choose reputable brands or get the advice of your naturopathic doctor.

Natural approaches to reducing joint pain and restoring function are focused on rebuilding the joint matrix. Your cartilage and joint spaces contain a gel like fluid that acts as a shock absorber. As we age this fluid volume decreases leaving our joint surfaces much more likely to come in contact, causing pain and degeneration.

One of the most commonly widelyknown supplements is glucosamine. This supplement helps maintain the gel like structure of the cartilage and is well researched as being effective. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and chondroitin are commonly found in supplements alongside glucosamine. There is conflicting evidence about the use of chondroitin. The body may not be able to absorb it, so your best bet is choosing glucosamine, with MSM alone.

A new product on the market is Natrual Eggshell Membrane (NEM). When you crack and egg, there is a thin inner membrane that contains many of the ingredients our joint matrix, and cartilage do. I like this supplement because it works fast. Results will be experienced in seven to ten days, if it is the right product for you. Glucosamine can take months to work, so my patients have been pleased with NEM. Also, you usually only need one 500mg capsule per day.

There are two herbs that should be considered if you are looking to treat your osteoarthritis naturally. Boswellia serrata, a type of frankincense and Harpagophytum procumbens, commonly known as Devil’s Claw. These herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect and an ability to restore joint function.

If you are finding that you have to pop Advil to get through your day it is advisable to seek some form of physical therapy.

My favorites are chiropractic, acupuncture and osteopathy. If your body is misaligned it can place undue stress on your joints causing further damage and destruction. It is important to correct these postural issues with adjustments from either a chiropractor or osteopath. Acupuncture can help speed healing of the joint and release pain killing molecules.

Lastly, osteoarthritis is severely worsened by being overweight. If you are struggling to shed some extra pounds it advisable to speak to your naturopathic doctor about strategies to assist in weight loss.

Keeping active, while being mindful of your pain tolerance is important as well. When it comes to joint mobility, if you don’t use it, you lose it.

Dentures Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental

Implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth, follow by bridges. However lack of ideal conditions and cost may prevent this type of treatment. Dentures can restore esthetics and function in most situations.

Complete dentures are used to restore all missing teeth. Partial dentures are used when there are some remaining natural teeth left.

The retention and stability of dentures is dependent on the shape, size of the ridges and arches and amount on underlying bone present. Each case is unique with con-

siderations specific to each individual.

Dentures vary in terms of material, construction and cost. Complete dentures have restored happiness, comfort and confidence to many who lost all their teeth.

However the retention and stability is greatly reduced compared to partial dentures. Complete dentures can be enhanced by implants if all the conditions are met. Nevertheless most complete denture wearers adapt very well.

Partial dentures, unlike complete dentures which are mostly acrylic, can have an acrylic framework for short term use, as in the case of placement immediately after extractions. Wire clasps can be added for better retention. Cast partial dentures with cast clasps and extensions of the metal called rest, provide excellent retention and stability.

It is often necessary to do slight painless, needle free preparations to teeth adjacent to the spaces for ease of insertion and removal of the denture, and also to provide a comfortable biting surface. These prepara-

tions are done by a dentist When any type of denture is placed in the mouth, as it settles, painful pressure spots may develop. Adjustments should be done as soon as possible; ideally the following day.

Denture care is important. Always seat your denture with finger placement. Do not bite into them, for over time the excess pressure often results in broken clasps and other damage. Don’t sleep with your dentures in the mouth. Take them out and place them in water to which you may add cleansing tablets. The rest period allows the soft tissue to recover from the pressure of the dentures that can cause inflammation, bad breath and gum disease.

Periodically check the fit of your dentures. At your recall visits express to the dentist any concerns you have. A minor adjustment may be necessary which can be done at the same visit or an appointment made to correct the problem.

Itʼs time to improve your health Monique Bartlett Fitness Are you happy with your current body weight? Do you spend too much time and energy thinking about food and how to lose weight?

You’ve probably tried all kinds of diets maybe you lost weight initially but then

gained it all back. Almost 70% of the population are overweight or obese. The best thing you could do for yourself would be to reach your ideal weight and improve your health.

You need to find a plan that you can actually follow and stick with for the rest of your life. You can’t be so restrictive that you get frustrated and quit. You need to do something that will allow and encourage you to make gradual sustainable changes.

Take the time to shop for and prepare your own meals made with real food.

Don’t dine out every night of the week. Try oatmeal and fruit for breakfast. Bring your lunch to work but if you do dine out order a salad with some kind of protein like chicken.

Use small amounts of balsamic vinaigrette instead of high calorie creamy dressing.

Small changes make a big difference.

Instead of candy, chips or chocolate have a sliced apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter. Drink lots of water and don’t drink pop. Do moderate exercise at least 3 days a week. Don’t over exert yourself; you’ll just end up quitting because you think exercising is too difficult.

Eat healthy real food, don’t drink your calories, exercise regularly and get some good sleep. Why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose but a few pounds.

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Condominiums, builderʼs mortgage & mutual funds Stephen Mohammed Finance Real Estate - Condominiums are great for anyone looking for maintenance free home ownership. If mowing your lawn or shoveling snow isn’t your thing, then a condo is a perfect option for you. A condo is a good choice for a buyer who doesn’t want the responsibility of maintenance and repairs but has access to amenities such as a gym, swimming pool and entertainment room (party room).

There is however a cost associated with that type of lifestyle called a maintenance fee. This includes snow removal and lawn care, building maintenance and use of common elements as described in the condominium corporations declaration and description. Some condos may have pet restrictions, be sure to ask as this may affect your decision to purchase that particular condo. Another factor to consider is that the maintenance fee will increase your total debt service (TDS) ratio which will impact the amount of the purchase price that you may qualify for. Consult your Realtor if you require clarification on what your maintenance fee includes.

Mortgage - As more restrictions are being imposed on the mortgage industry, more and more Canadians are finding it challenging to qualify for a mortgage. If you are considering purchasing a new home,

another mortgage option to consider is a Builder’s Mortgage. This process involves the builder offering financing on the property usually for a three year term with no bank approval required. A fee is associated with the cost of borrowing the funds as the builder is facilitating the loan.

At the end of the term you may seek financing through traditional lender channels or request another Builder’s Mortgage in which case new fee will be charged and a new term will be agreed upon. This is not to be confused with a Builder’s Mortgage Company where a builder directs traffic or business to a financial partner for financing of properties in a particular subdivision. You should take the mortgage contract proposed by the builder to your lawyer for review to assure yourself that the contract is indeed in your best interest and all conditions and clauses included are what you have agreed to.

Finance - Investing can sometimes be nerve wracking. There is no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to investing.

However you can minimize risk with Mutual Funds. The concept of Mutual Funds is an investment vehicle that is comprised of a pool of funds collected from various investors for the purpose of investing in stocks, bonds, money markets, real estate and similar assets.

Mutual Funds allow individuals to start investing with as little as twenty five dollars per month so you don’t need to be wealthy to start investing or planning for your retirement. Diversifying your portfolio is key to success with any investment. Speak to an advisor or agent to assess your risk tolerance and get the process started.

Language remains key to success in Canada When it comes to determining the degree of success a newcomer will enjoy in Canada, nothing trumps language. The ability to communicate effectively in at least one of Canada’s official languages is essential in understanding Canadian culture, in getting to know your neighbours, and in becoming an active and engaged citizen—not to mention how important it is when looking for a job in Canada.

Nearly all jobs in Canada require substantially more than basic fluency in English or French. In addition to fluency in English or French, most trades and professions also require a strong command of all work-related language, including the cultural knowledge to understand common phrases and expressions, some of which may be unique to Canada.

Language is just so fundamentally important to make it in Canada, especially for newcomers looking to pursue a career in the field for which they’ve been trained or to access post-secondary education. This is why Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) funds a large network of service providers who offer language training for free.

The Government of Canada, in cooperation with provincial governments, school boards, community colleges and immigrant-serving organizations, offers free language training across the country to adult permanent residents. In most provinces, the name of the program is LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada). In French, the program is known as CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada).

To help newcomers integrate into the labour market, many immigrant-serving organizations also offer programs or training in job-search skills, networking, internships, mentorships or work placements.

CIC has also developed online tools to help newcomers find employment.

Located on the Foreign Credentials Referral Office website, the Workbook Tool (www. credentials.gc.ca) helps newcomers create an action plan to obtain employment.

In addition, the Working in Canada Tool (WorkinginCanada.gc.ca) helps newcomers better understand labour market and occupational requirements by province. (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Petition on 407ETR issues Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters The group “Stop the 407ETR’s Abuse of Power” has refocused and started a new petition/campaign. http://tinyurl. com/407change The group wants the 407 Act changed so it is transparent & complies with other important public policies currently being ignored.

This company doesn’t deserve any special treatment.

Re: Independent Arbritrators “The Fixer” Jack Lakey is very special to the group because he has done fantastic work exposing this issue. In 2010 Jack wrote an article that hit the nail on the head

with respects to 407ETR issues.

Neither MTO nor 407ETR are transparent in informing you of this right to independent arbitration & the independent arbitrators are not easily accessible.

According to Jodie Parmar, Section 19 of 407 Act creates the legal obligation for 407ETR to pay fees & expenses of appointed dispute arbitrators.

When someone has a billing issue, they are pushed through 407ETR’s internal 3 tiered process. Which we all know gets you nowhere. The amounts are undocumented and 407 will not provide proof of charges i.e. they will not provide photographic evidence of tolls. When the public realizes they have been hoodwinked & finds out about these independent arbitrators they are told they missed their 30 day window of opportunity to exercise their right to independent arbitration. Also, that they have exhausted all avenues so CASE CLOSED! Nobody in the group or anyone is known to have been successful in #1 accessing the independent arbitrators and #2 successfully appealing.

Section 9 of the Regulation requires 407 ETR to advise the Registrar at any time if a person ought not to have received a notice under s. 16 of the Act due to error, payment, or 407 ETR’s failure to comply with the Act and Regulation. At the same time, the owner must withdraw the s. 22 notice and request that the Registrar “not take the actions he or she would otherwise be required to take under subsection 22(4). The problem is MTO interprets this to mean that unless 407ETR withdraws, they will still act on Plate Denials.

In layman terms, the group says this is wrong for MTO to keep people in plate denial when 407ETR has issued a plate denial notice in error.

Jodie Parmar questioned rightfully back in June of 2012 : why does LGICappointed dispute arbitrator need permission of 407ETR ? Both Jodie Parmar and the group claims MTO has mismanaged the 407Act & CGLA. The group would love you to support them in changing the 407Act by signing & sharing the petition.

Immigration scammers prey on peopleʼs hopes No one knows for sure how often it happens, but even once is too often: would-be immigrants eager to fulfil their dream of a new life in Canada pay someone a small fortune in exchange for a “guarantee” that their application will be approved by Canada.

However, no one can guarantee that anyone will be admitted to Canada. Canada’s immigration system is based on fairness. It is also true that no one can guarantee that your case will be processed faster. Every application receives the same consideration. Potential immigrants to Canada should stay away from anyone who says anything different.

The Government of Canada has a zero tolerance approach to immigration fraud, and is working domestically and internationally to protect would-be immigrants from phony consultants who extract large fees in exchange for false promises–and in the process, possibly ruining the person’s chances of ever getting into Canada.

Crooked consultants take advantage of individuals eager to come to this country and pose a serious threat to the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is committed to seeing that all levels of government and law enforcement work together to ensure that those who commit this kind of fraud are punished.

On the international front, Canada led an advertising campaign, with several other like-minded countries, to warn potential immigrants about fraudulent consultants.

The Government of Canada, with the support of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States–members of the Five Country Conference–launched an overseas advertising campaign last year.

In June 2011, CIC designated a new regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada.

It is anticipated that the Immigra-

tion Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) will not only help ensure public confidence in the integrity of the immigration program, but also that immigration consultants provide their services in a professional and ethical manner.

Even with a new regulator in place, with immigration consultants, as with anything else, it is “buyer beware.” To start with, potential immigrants should understand that there is no requirement to have a consultant or anyone else represent them during the process.

To apply for a visa or Canadian citizenship, you are not obliged to hire an immigration representative–which includes immigration consultants, lawyers, Quebec notaries and paralegals regulated by a law society–but if you do, choose carefully.

Always check to see if the person is authorized and if they are not, go to someone else.

(CIC)

Immigration Wizard working its magic The immigration application process for newcomers can sometimes be complex.

However, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is committed to making it more user friendly. That’s why we are happy to present an online resource added to the CIC website. Using the interactive Come to Canada Wizard, prospective immigrants and visitors alike can find out in a matter of minutes if they are likely candidates to come to Canada. The Wizard also matches individuals with the immigration or temporary residence option that best suits their specific

circumstances.

The Wizard (cic.gc.ca/cometocanada2) guides users through a series of questions while automatically narrowing down the options based on the users’ responses.

Once users have finished answering the questions, the Wizard’s results page will lead them to the appropriate application and forms, and guide them through the next steps in the process, including instructions on how to complete the forms and which additional information they may need to provide.

It’s a major service improvement.

The Wizard will make it easier for potential immigrants and visitors to navigate the application process, and it should also reduce applicants’ reliance on immigration consultants. As an added benefit, the Wizard should also help to reduce the number of calls to the CIC Call Centre.

The Department cautions that while the Wizard will help potential newcomers navigate the process, it is for information purposes only and does not replace the formal immigration applications that must be submitted. (CIC)

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The “Red Hot” Supertones The Supertones Band, led by Avinash Singh, also includes Princess Anisa, Omesh Kemraj, and King Raj. SupT, as they are affectionately called, has been tantalizing fans with scintillating performances... giving them a taste of bigger things to come. They are the 1st Chutney Band to ever play off-Broadway, breaking the barriers for West Indian music. For a musical journey with the Supertones Band, check out their album, “Red Hot Supertones!!” released in 2010… featuring the hit single, “Tek Sunita”, as well as collaborations with the legendary Calypso Rose, Hitman, Adrian Dutchin and more. Their latest album is truly an International CD, titled “The Supertones Band... On De Road.” This album was 1st released in Spain in October 2011, and is now also available in Guyana, Suriname, and the US. In the past few years, they thrilled audiences around the world including: - 2009 West Indian Music Awards, where they won: Best Performing Stage Band (SupT), Best Recorded Band (SupT), Best Crossover Band (SupT) •

May 2009: London, England

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Tampa Bay Carnival 2009 with Sean Paul, Alison Hinds, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Leon Coldero.

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Hartford West Indian Carnival with Frankie Paul.

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“West Indian Dreamz” off-Broadway, November 7-8, 2009, 1st of its Kind, as well as the 2nd West Indian offBroadway show, “Lethal Triumph” where they not only starred in the play, but did most of the music and vocals featured (Soundtrack Available.)

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Phaghwa Parade 2009, Queens, NY with Mayor Bloomburg.

Caribana 2009 where they performed with the Top West Indian Bands: 3Veni, Dil-E-Nadaan, Karma

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Labor Day Weekend 2009, NY with Adrian Dutchin at Guyana Folk Festival

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Guyana Day 2009 at York College, Queens, NY

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November 2009, February 2010, July 2010 Guyana Tours.

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November 2010: GMRC Racing Cup Kick-Off in Guyana with Shurwayne Winchester.

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April 2010: Holland Tour - 3 shows! Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Den Haag.

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March 2011: Suriname Tour - 7 shows!

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July 2011: Milan Festivals in Holland.

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Caribbean Splash 2012 - Orlando, FL with Destra, Maxi Priest, The Wailers, and dozens of other top reggae, soca, and chutney artists!

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October 2011: Lloret De Mar (Barcelona), Spain for 3 shows!

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Chutney Brass 2012 - Orlando, FL

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Carifest 2012 - Minneapolis, MN

.... and many more! Other cities included Kitchener, Winnipeg, Montreal, Minneapolis, Queens, Bronx, Houston, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Port St Lucie, Tampa, Hartford, Boston, Baltimore, Jersey City, and Newark.

You can find many of their latest songs on iTunes, but if you want to hear all the tunes of the Supertones Band, check out www.

YouTube.com/SupTBeti For more information, visit www.

SupTBand.com and join them on Facebook to keep up with the latest event updates, pictures, videos and more! Don’t forget to download the Official Supertones Band App available on iPhones and Androids... it has all the latest from the band.

Freddie McGregor “Di Captain” Internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer, Freddie McGregor, has been moving people with his conscious lyrics for over 40 years. Equally at home in lovers rock or roots & culture, this unstoppable wonder boasts many hits like Push Come to Shove, Africa Here I Come, Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely, I Was Born A Winner, Guantanamera, his signature Big Ship and Lock Dem’ Down and Bangarang, both chart topping #1 hits from hislatest album - Comin’ in Tough.

Influenced by the sounds of Stevie Wonder, the legendary Bob Marley, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Bob Andy and many others, Freddie finessed his talent with early tracks like Why Did You Do It and Do Good and Good Will Follow You. In the mid-sixties he teamed up with Ernest “Fitzroy” Wilson to form the duo Freddie and Fitzroy while he continued to develop his craft. In 1975, Freddie’s musical and lyrical content changed with a strong slant towards lyrics of social consciousness with tunes like Mark of the Beast, I Am A Rasta and reggae classic Bobby Babylon. In 1977 Freddie released his long awaited album Mr. McGregor, which contained reggae mainstays such as Zion Chant, Rastaman Chant and Walls of Jericho. This album marked a major milestone in his stellar career and in 1981 his

tune Big Ship became one of reggae’s biggest hits, earning him a permanent place in reggae music history.

In 1989, Freddie launched his own record label, Big Ship, featuring Jamaica Classics Volume One as the first major release. Part of this compilation included popular tunes like Little Roy’s Prophecy and Derrick Harriot’s The Loser. Today, Big Ship is the largest and most recognized reggae label in Japan handling its own production, manufacturing, distribution and promotions. To date, Big Ship has produced several reggae artists including General Degree, Cutty Ranks, Mikey Spice, Benjy Myaz and Freddie’s daughter Yeshemabeth.

His album entitled Anything For You featuring the songs Uncle Sam, I See It In You and Anything for You, was nominated for a Grammy.

Recently Freddie produced the historic Super Stars Extravaganza DVD, highlighting rare concert footage from the 1989 Denbigh Show Ground (May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica). The DVD features live performances by the great Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Cocoa Tea, Barrington Levy, Frankie Paul, Carlene Davis and the legendary Tamlins.

Over the years, Freddie has consistently “given back” to the community in many ways. He produces his own concert entitled RockSteady Meets Reggae, which promotes

unity within the reggae fraternity. He also donates to charities throughout the world and manages his own US and England based children’s organizations; Big Ship Foundation Inc. and the Freddie McGregor Children’s Fund, both of which provides services and funding to renovate schools.

Freddie McGregor continues to please reggae fans and music lovers throughout the world headlining international concerts and venues including Poland’s Blue Note, Japan’s Jumping Splash, Reggae Sunsplash (Clapham Common), the Cartegena Festival (Colombia), Midem (France), the Jamaican Expo (performing for Nelson Mandela and Prince Charles), the London Hammersmith Apollo - performing with John Holt and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Annual Caribbean Tourism Week (NYC) and many others. On August 8, 2003, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson, honored Freddie with the prestigious Jamaican Order of Distinction in recognition of his contribution to Jamaica’s music and culture. His popular tune, Lovers Rock, was featured in the critically acclaimed HBO exclusive Disappearing Acts and Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater saluted Freddie with the honor of being an Apollo Living Legend.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Instagram your business A Social Media phenomenon that has taken the world by storm

Julie Rambali Business Development Over the past two and a half years, Instagram has become a community where you can capture and share the world’s moments simply and beautifully. This social media phenomenon has taken the world by storm in such a short period of time with over 150 million active users, 16 billion photos shared in total, 1.2 billion likes, and 55 million photos shared every day. Instagram is still fairly new so if you’re wondering what in

the world is Instagram then keep reading and enjoy.

Instagram is an online photo sharing, now video sharing, and social networking service that enables its users to take pictures and videos, apply cool digital filters to them, and share them on a variety of social networking services like Facebook and Twitter as well. It’s a fun and quirky way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. Take a photo with your mobile phone, and then choose a filter to transform the photo into a memory to keep around forever. The best part is the application is free of charge to download and start using immediately on your Smartphone. You can also use it on your computer but it’s more conveniently used by mobile users.

It was always assumed that taking interesting photos required a big bulky camera and a couple of tutorials of Photo-

shop but as the quality of mobile cameras increased, they decided to challenge that assumption and created Instagram to solve 3 simple problems: 1) Mobile photos always come out mediocre so Instagram’s awesome looking filters transform your photos and make them look professional. 2) Sharing on multiple platforms can be a pain so Instagram takes the photo just once, then gives you the option to share it on multiple social media networks like Facebook and Twitter.

3) Most uploading experiences are clumsy and can take forever but Instagram has optimized the experience to be fast and efficient.

So how can Instagram assist in marketing your business if it seems to be more of a personal life experience? Simple.

Personalize your business for your potential customers. Social media allows businesses to get closer to their potential customers by breaking down office building barriers. Take

advantage of this vast social media networking service and start sharing photos of your products/services and even add a few photos in there of your personal life experiences to further humanize your business and not make it seem like you’re constantly marketing and advertising your business. There’s no need to put all of your personal life out there but just enough to show a personal side of your business in order to connect with your potential customers.

Instagram was built to allow you to experience moments in your lives through pictures as they happen. Imagine a world more connected through photos. If you’re finding it a challenge to keep up with all the social media networking services out there, hire social media agents who work from home and can easily assist you or do it yourself and stay updated with the beauty of technology. – Instagram

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Your Horoscope - September 25th 2013 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): Thursday’s full moon makes it real. Once it’s brought back to life, expect to hit full force and perhaps even an exceptional race ahead. Taking action on Friday is well timed. Libra month lifts the focus off work and adds a boost to your social life and to creative endeavour.

The middle of next week keeps good flow going strong.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21-May 21): No matter how it shapes up or what the price, you’ll make faster strides from here. As of Friday, Pluto pumps up your courage and determination, and helps you to extract from the best of options and possibilities. As of Sunday, the Libra sun puts an added emphasis on working it out, and on cooperative, teamwork, or partnership matters. Tuesday/ Wednesday seals the deal.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): Can you live up to the expectation? Can they?

Thursday’s full moon thrusts the inner and outer dialogue over new ground faster than anticipated.

There’s the ideal and then there’s the doable. If you want to create the best leeway or leverage, aim for a conciliatory, cooperative, or complementary approach as your best starting point. Next week, get on it.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21-July 20): Thursday’s full moon puts an exceptional personal, educational, or professional opportunity in your path. Strike while the iron is hot. Do all you can to gain exposure; promote, demonstrate, perform; prove yourself and your heart. You are wise to explore the full range of options. Look, listen, and do not discount a thing, but do go with the obvious racehorse.

Leo Horoscope (July 21Aug. 22): Couldn’t figure it out or find it in the past ?

You’ll be able to put your hands on it now. Thursday’s full moon can reveal what you missed seeing previously, or introduce a new possibility. Following this, you’ll hit a more lucrative and pleasing track. Friday is a great day for a launch or a first tryout. And as of Sunday, you’ll be on your way to forging better inroads.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): Don’t look back, throw the dice instead. Now is an exceptionally rich time for a fresh page or an altogether new script. You’ll witness the strong tides of destiny as a more active and obvious force pushes you along in a positive direction. Things can have a serendipitous way of working out to your benefit.

As of Friday, Pluto lends you more sway and swagger.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): By necessity or choice, you’ll hit it full force Thursday/Friday. Mercury in Libra can switch it from one extreme to another. Stay alert. An impulse or instinct could open a lucrative door or deliver a good score. The sun’s trek into Libra on Sunday sets up a productive week ahead. Tuesday/Wednesday, scout around, get around, make contact, get connected, communicate, and negotiate.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Thursday’s full moon sets up great opportunity, but you’ll have to race to it even though you aren’t completely certain or you don’t feel fully equipped. On the other hand, something could be exposed that requires a fix, an adjustment, or necessitates that you pick or favour one over the other. Quick, new, and straightforward works or solves it best.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): Have you recently felt at a loss, unfocused, or loose-ended?

Thursday/Friday flicks a major switch and gives you more to go on.

Once in action, you’ll stay well stoked.

You’ll gain plenty to show for it, too. As of Sunday, like-mindedness and social and financial opportunity increase. Mid next week is ideal for introductions, meet-ups, marketing, plan-making, contracts, and negotiations.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): Thursday/Friday, it’s likely to hit you suddenly and strongly. Emotions can get the better of you.

Watch for an eruption, something jarring, or a positive catalyst to get you going. An added safety watch at home or on the job is advised. Next week is opportune, so put ambition to work. Sign on, sign up, dive in.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): End of the week is the perfect time to get the dialogue going in a new direction. You’ll make faster, more substantial progress from here. As of Sunday’s autumn equinox, you’ll find more viable picks, options, and opportunity. You’ll also move onto a career and social upswing. Tuesday/Wednesday get it written or put it out there.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): The aftermath of Thursday’s full moon can put you on a push or pull with someone or something.

True satisfaction, resolution, or accord may be difficult to come by, but still, you can make positive strides from your end.

Friday’s action-taking can produce good results. Saturday to Tuesday is productive.

You’ll sort it out very well.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Success strategies to use at networking events that work!

Jim Pagiamtzis Business Development We all strive to achieve personal and professional goals, from New Year’s Resolution to business. I want to share a system that you can use to achieve

these goals. There are steps to complete to achieve your goals, from using blueprints when building a home to making arrangements for your summer vacation. Below is a three step process to enhance your networking strategy by attending events and creating success.

Strategy Even before you go to the event, you should have a clear goal as to what you want to accomplish. Do you have an event you are promoting or a service

you want to share? This is important to understand and implement.

You will meet people with their own defined motives, you should too. The ability to actively listen and have a meaningful conversation is very important. Having a strategy to follow will make it easier to navigate and speak to the right people Body Language One important fact to remember is that people read body language. Even if you are not having a great day, put your

best smile forward. From your handshake to facial expressions, networkers will notice your body language.

Story Having a simple and effective explanation of what you do will create a great conversation. Being focused and present when networking is extremely important in obtaining successful results.

Get comfortable in sharing the success strategy and create the opportunity to grow long-term business relationships.

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Workplace anxiety and women: Why businesses need to take notice and act A social and health problem that must be carfully addressed

Tina Dietz Business Development Anxiety is a natural feeling experienced by most people, and it gives rise to an adrenaline rush that propels increased vigilance in times of potential danger. But since we’re not ‘usually’ fighting off saber toothed tigers these days, persistent anxiety is a wellknown social and health problem that must be carefully addressed to prevent its escalation into other problems, like depression, social anxiety or panic attacks.

A work environment has a great deal of factors that contribute heavily to

one’s anxiety, which includes the anxiety of hardworking women, businesses owners, and even entry-level female employees.

Having a harsh or abusive boss can also be a sure cause of anxiety; while it has also been observed that anxiety is quite prevalent amongst new and expectant mothers. This could be due to changes in hormones or the added pressures due to adding a whole new identity to your psyche (think maybe that has an impact, hmmmm?).

Anxiety is often misunderstood, and it definitely has its adverse effect on women in high-stress working conditionswhether it is an office setting or an entrepreneurial one. An anxious person experiencing a substantial amount of stress becomes unfocused and more prone to workplace accidents. This will greatly affect both the individual and company negatively, so the effects of anxiety can be devastating to a corporation if not addressed as a serious issue by human resources. It also needs to be

addressed compassionately.

Of the total number of women in the work place, research from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America revealed that 72% with daily stress and anxiety have it interfere with their normal lives on a moderate level. The ADAA had also found that 40% of women working in high stress environments, like busy law firms or manufacturing companies, have persistent stress or high anxiety in their daily lives. Statistics also reveal that 30% of women have reverted to medical means to reduce the effect of anxiety, so they can improve their overall work performance, which causes more stress in and of itself. So yes, at LEAST 30% of the US workforce right now is medicated. Let that sink in for a minute.

Of the total number of women in the work place, 28% have had episodes of panic attacks due to skyrocketing stress levels. When the causes and symptoms of anxiety are not addressed, reduced or eliminated

entirely, they will continuously result in such panic episodes and even more troublesome scenarios. Simply from a cost/benefit perspective the effects of anxiety are far worse and more expensive in the long run than the cost of putting measures in place to reduce the problem; therefore, businesses should definitely consider investing resources in more measures to address and reduce the presence of anxiety in their employees.

But let’s not leave it solely to the corporations, HR, the government, etc. to solve the issues, shall we? That’s more giving power away for women. There is no better investment than you. Nothing pays off more, nothing gives you more back than you being true to your essence and creating and living the life of your dreams. Take action, be proactive, and seek out those resources and solutions that are going to support an emotionally and physically healthy lifestyle.

CANADA: 1-800-565-2632