Top Up To Win 121615

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION PULL-OUT! PAGE 26 & 27

EVERYTHING E VERYTHING Y YOU OU N NEED EED IIN NO ONE NE NEWSPAPER TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • ONLIN ONLINE: NE: E: T TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM ORO OR ON NTO TOCA OC CA AR RIIBB BBEA EAN.CO OM • VO V VOLUME OLU LUME E 4 • IISSUE SSU SS UE E2 22 2 • WE WEDNESDAY, EDN DNES ESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH 2015

TOP UP TO WIN! Photo: Phot Ph oto: o: C CHR CHRIS HRIS IS H HAR HARDY/DIGICEL ARDY DY/D Y/DIG IGIC ICEL EL G GRO GROUP ROUP UP

Digicel gives away $4,000 to lucky customer just in time for the Holidays!

ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO HAD ADEO EO//TO TORO RONT NTO O CARIBBEAN CARI CA RIBB BBEA EAN N Like all great phone companies who offer only the best in customer satisfaction, a new and attractive promotion is a great way to get customers all riled up and is definitely something to take advantage of, because it could totally be worth your while!

For college student, Kimanie Johnson winning $4,000 cash was definitely not something he had on his Christmas wish list this holiday season. He participated in a new online promotion presented

by Digicel, where they offered one lucky customer the chance to win $4,000 USD if they sent in their first top up either on-

line or via the top up app. Twenty one year old Kimanie had been a loyal customer for years while he was living in Jamaica.

When he was topping up his balance here in Toronto hoping to give his mother a call back home, he received a notification from Digicel saying that there was a promotion to double the credit of the person you were giving a call. He didn’t think twice about it and thought that it would be a great gesture to his mom.

The promotion ran during the month of October from the 1st to the 31st, where Digicel received hundreds of entries,

before verifying Kimanie as their winner.

This offer was made available to first time Digicel users who send a top up to Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Suriname, Turks & Caicos and Trinidad & Tobago via our Online Top Up service (www.digicelgroup.com or via the Top Up App).

Continued On Page 8

Dr. Weekes

Dentistry for the whole family.

www.drweekes.com General Dentistry | Orthodontics (Braces) | Implants Dentures | Anti-Snoring and Sleep Apnea Appliances 905-458-1055/56 - 9780 Bramalea Medical Dental Building - Bramalea Road, Suite 404, Bramalea, ON L6S 2P1

PAGE 2

feature

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Sara Singh; Broadening horizons for social change Born of Indian and Guyanese parentage, Sarah Singh has spent most of her life residing in Brampton. She is an emerging social entrepreneur and artist. Her roots run deep in cultural history from both sides of the world. Growing up she was taught to embrace the traditions and values celebrated from each side of her family learning the importance of respect and hard work instilled by her parents and her grandparents during her formative years.

Sara completed her Bachelor of Arts, specializing in Political Science at York University and also holds a Master of Arts in International Development Studies from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.

Her impressive educational background doesn’t stop there however as she is currently in her 3rd year working towards a Doctoral degree in Public Policy at Ryerson University.

Sara’s outgoing and creative personality has allowed her many avenues in which to implement her many talents. In 2012 she founded her own nonprofit organization Broadening Horizons, a youth empowerment agency that uses arts-based education to educate and empower youth to address social issues. Being a passionate and driven advocate for social change she has worked closely with various community organizations such as WaterCan, the Canadian Global Campaign for Education, TakingITGlobal and the Camal International Home for

Abused Women and Children in Guyana.

As a woman of color, with a mixed-ethnic background, Sara has faced adversity in a number of different situations.

She has been subjected to bullying, sexist remarks and even comments relating to her culture and appearance. Through these experiences she was inspired to tackle them in a creative and unconventional way. Her artistic talents meshed with her academic pursuits and knowledge inspired her to create pieces of art that depicts negative connotations to raise awareness for the issues faced by the community. Sara’s art is unique, raising awareness to issues such as violence, negativity and anti bullying. She has then taken her art to the community and allowed them to add their own positive changes as a symbol of inspiring and creating change.

She is very passionate about the work that she does within the community, always looking for issues to address and positive changes that can be implemented.

Alongside the work that she does with her own organization, Sara is also a board director at Brampton Caledon Community Living, a non-profit organization that assists people with intellectual disabilities helping them to be included in the community as well as Community Living Ontario the provincial confederation of community living associations.

Sara has faced personal challenges, discovering what inspires her, as well as maintaining a work and life balance. Looking toward the future Sara hopes to continue her work to inspire community change and development through policy reforms, as

well as bringing the community together through the arts. “We all come from diverse communities and cultural backgrounds yet even here in Canada we do not effectively connect to all communities. We operate in silos, with each of the groups operating independently and not thinking our struggles are the same. I hope to bring our communities together, to celebrate our differences but also understand how connected we are.”

Her commitment to tackling social issues and passion for change is what drives her to continuously think outside the box and come up with innovative ways of educating others and impacting change.

Her family has been a major influence in her life as they have helped her to realize the power of her voice, the importance of our history and cultures in defining who we are. They have encouraged her every step of the way and shown her the importance of seva or community service.

Through all of her hard work and dedication Sara’s focus never waivers.

Through constantly educating herself and others, she hopes to continue the growth of her organization and inflict positive changes, sharing the experience of the change making process. Her advice for those looking for their own purpose in life is to, “Take risks and persevere no matter what anyone tells you. Follow your dreams and always keep your head up, never let your crown fall!”

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

community

PAGE 3

Trench Town culture yard – Where legends are born Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter Amongst the many attractive sites to behold deep down in Kingston, Jamaica there lies the Trench Town Culture Yard, a place where lessons are learned, life is conquered and legends are born.

Donnette Dowe, Chief Tour Guide and Director of the Trench Town Culture Yard led us on a tour of the trenches where we experienced life in the first place reggae legend Bob Marley called home. Upon entering the culture yard you can feel the significance and deep cultural history of the grounds in the atmosphere surrounding the place. A tree stands at the entrance of the yard, over a hundred years old, the only witness to the many that once inhabited the grounds and left their mark in the tenement yard.

This authentic and original tour throughout the tenement yard, takes you on a journey of life in the trenches, through the small rooms that many residents inhabited and a glimpse at the lifestyle that those legends born there led before they rose to stardom. The Trench Town Culture Yard is an architectural and cultural museum where

tourists are welcome and encouraged to visit so they can experience what life used to be like, how it has changed, and how it can still be improved.

Originally the area’s government yards, built back in the colonial era was intended to be a part of a desirable community to reside when Bob’s mother moved there in 1965.

Unfortunately the political violence during the 1970s took its toll on Trench Town, and like most of Kingston, gained the reputation as a place that was dangerous and should be avoided due to all of the gang feuds and other political misunderstandings in the area.

Out of the ashes however there rose a new genre of music known throughout the world today as rock steady and reggae.

Trench Town community leader Vincent ‘Tata’ Ford was the man that taught Bob Marley how to play the guitar and co-wrote one of Bob’s most popular songs ‘No Woman No Cry,’ a recollection of life in the yard. Bob Marley earned his nickname the ‘Tuff Gong’ on the community’s football fields after his mother relo-

cated to the capital when he was a small boy and moved into a government-built and owned house at 19 Second Street.

Bob Marley went to Trench Town and found a community rich in music, religion, nationalism and sports. Alongside Bob Marley also came some of the biggest names in the rock steady and reggae hall of fame including; The Wailers, Joe Higgs, Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis, Ernie Ranglin, Dean Fraser and the A b byssinians to name a few, as well as numerous Jam a i c a n notables, from Labour leader and Garveyite St. William Grant to the late Rastafarian elder Mortimer Planno. Famous sports personalities such as cricketer Collie Smith and footballer Carl Brown also hail from Trench Town.

While on the tour you can see Bob’s former residence, the small tenement kitchen where he stayed, that has been preserved and left in its original state as though he were only there yesterday.

According to Bob’s widow Miss Rita Marley, it is said to be the place where Ziggy Marley was conceived.

Bob’s first vehicle sits broken down and rusted in the yards compound,

waiting for him to come back and repair it.

Some of the rooms have been converted into a museum style area where no pictures are allowed, as they contain relics, information, photos, newspaper clippings and other artifacts that are kept encased in glass to preserve their original state and add to the authenticity of the experience.

A statue in Bob’s likeness stands in the center of the yard in his signature one love pose pointing towards the heavens paying tribute to his early years and how much hope he gives the current residents of the yard. Residents of the yard live in a unique state of awareness, with their own brand of knowledge to offer, while children sit on their front steps strumming away at their own guitars learning and honing the craft of their predecessors.

Although Trench Town still remains as one of Kingston’s poorest areas, innovative members of this tight-knit community have been working together to find ways in which to regenerate their area using their Heritage and Cultural status for economic development. The first initiative was the establishment in 1993, of the Trench Town Reading Centre on First Street, a library and resource center with a mission to arm locals with information rather than weapons.

The Trench Town Culture Yard and Heritage Site is a vibrant, proud and creative community, a true cultural landmark that entices visitors to Kingston with it’s unique charm and is definitely a must see for those with a serious interest in the roots of Jamaican culture.

Facts matter: Understanding the revised Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum

There’s been a lot of information and misinformation circulating about the revised HPE curriculum. At the Peel District School Board, we want our families to make an informed choice based on facts. That’s why we created a neutral, fact-based parent guide that outlines: • that the curriculum is not new and has been taught since 1998

• there will be only two to five lessons per year

• our professional staff teach in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner

• the material that will be covered in each grade

• parents will get advance notice of lessons

• parents play a vital role in supporting the curriculum

• teaching of human development and sexual health delayed to spring 2016 To read the full parent guide and learn more, visit www.peelschools.org/HPE The guide is available in the top ten languages spoken by Peel families:

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Run for the rum!

Kevin Yeboah

kevin@carib101.com

TC Reporter

Now, whenever events like Christmas come around, there are a plethora of little games people love to organize for children. A perfect example, when Easter comes around, the Easter Scavenger Hunt, taking up a map and going around the house or neighbourhood for the lost chocolate eggs… Such fond memories of that time, however being a fully grown individual going on any sort of scavenger hunt might look a little questionable…

Thankfully for us grown folk there is the Run for the Rum! For all liquor connoisseurs you can have your fill with a bit of fun to go along with it.

Run for the Rum is an annual event from November 18th to December 2nd where participants go from venue to venue discovering various rum makes and flavours from all over the Caribbean and Americas. Curated by co-founder Dante Concepcion and multi award winning mixologist Brendan Schatti, Run for the Rum takes off with Angostura 1919 (Trinidad & Tobago), Brugal Anejo (Dominican Republic), Chic Choc Spiced (Canada), El Dorado 8 Y.O. (Guyana), Flor De Cana 7 & 12 Y.O. (Nicaragua),

Havana Club 3 & 7 Y.O. (Cuba), Mont Gay Black Barrel (Barbados) and finally the Kraken Black Spiced (Trinidad and Tobago); all eclectic tastes and varieties that travellers can get familiar with.

By visiting any participating venue, patrons can acquire the map to venture off to various parts of the city to try any of the featured rums. Bartavia in Midtown, Parcae in the Entertainment District and the Inglewood Essential in Queen West area just to name a few. In doing so, you’d get a treasure token that would put you and other participants in the grand draw for a trip for two to Nicaragua courtesy of Flor De Cana. Aren’t scavenger hunts fun?

Participants will also get a chance to attend the Rum-Runner’s Grand Revelry & People’s Choice Competition for a night filled with historical context about all the rum featured in the event as well as a chance to meet and greet some of the industry’s most figurative heads in the game. Not to mention some of Toronto’s top bartenders and mixers.

The Choice Award will also give you a chance to vote for which bartender has the best cocktail crafted to perfection with some of your favourite rums. Be sure to take a photo and submit your token page on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag @RunForTheRum to be considered. And also be sure to visit RunForTheRum.com for any further details on participating venues and information regarding the event.

community

PAGE 5

The right start, starts with the right mortgage.

5RELQ 6KLZVDQNDU Home Financing Advisor

Purchasing a new home is an exciting time, and at Scotiabank we can help you get there. With the right mortgage and invaluable advice, you can start your new beginning in your new home. ®

Let me help you: • Find out how much you can afford • Find the right mortgage solution suited for you • Get a Scotiabank Pre-Approved Mortgage ®

1

A Scotiabank Home Financing Advisor can provide the advice you need and help guide you to start your new beginning. Call today for a no obligation consultation.

647 886 1214 robin.shiwsankar@scotiabank.com

® 1

Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.

Subject to Scotiabank’s and its insurer’s lending criteria.

PAGE 8

community

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Digicel gives away $4,000 Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- When he received the call that he had won $4,000 Kimanie was skeptical. It seemed to good to be true! As a full time student attending George Brown University in the midst of

completing his final exams before the holidays Kimanie received a pleasant surprise, “I wasn’t sure what to say when they called me, at first I thought it wasn’t real as I couldn’t recall entering any contest.” After placing a call to Digicel and confirming that the contest was legit Kimanie was so happy to have been chosen as the winner. Kimanie currently lives in Toronto, while attending College.

He plans on saving a portion of his winnings, and using the other portion to book a ticket back home to Jamaica.

“I have always experienced the best customer service with Digicell,” Kimanie claims, “Whenever I go home to Jamaica

they are my preferred phone company to make calls to and from the Caribbean, it’s my only choice for connection in Jamaica.”

As the winner of the Digicel Top Up Promotion, Kimanie was invited to receive his winnings in a pre-planned publicity connection at Raza Mobile located at 1971A Finch Avenue West. He was able to meet with Chris Hardy, Digicel’s Country Manager in Canada, as well as Maria Sanchez, Digicel’s Retail Branding Representative and Lavine, Digicel Brand Ambassador. Kimanie was presented with a huge check symbolic to his winnings, making him the biggest cash prize winner Digicel has ever had in Canada.

Community leader Kwesi Johnson seeks to become next TDSB Trustee in Scarborough-Rough River Emily Singh

emily@carib101.com

TC Reporter Some people are natural born leaders. Charismatic and determined, they seek to evoke change and create a positive difference in their community. For Kwesi Johnson, being an active leader in the Scarborough community is something that came second nature to him. As someone who is always thinking towards the future, Johnson is running for Toronto District School Board trustee in Ward 21, Scarborough-Rouge River. The by-election will be taking place on January 25, 2016 where without a doubt the community that Johnson has dedicated himself to will come together and make the right choice.

On Saturday the community gathered inside Burrows Hall Community Center to lend their support as Johnson officially launched his campaign. The turnout was nothing short of amazing and the energy was electric, especially when former politician Dr. Alvin Curling took to the stage. As a former Member of Provincial Parliament for twenty years, Curling is no stranger to the hard work and dedication needed to be an effective leader. Without hesitation, Curling has thrown his unwavering support behind Johnson as he embarks on his journey to further creating change in the Scarborough-

Rough River community.

But who exactly is Kwesi Johnson?

Born in Guyana and raised in Jamaica, Johnson immigrated to Canada with his family in 1995. Johnson resided in the Malvern community for years, where it became evident to him that something needed to be done to curb the violence and help the young people of this struggling community. As an active member of the community, he stepped up to the plate and served as a basketball and soccer coach. Aside from being so heavily involved in the community, Johnson pursued an educational path that has allowed him to touch the lives of those around him. Johnson graduated from Centennial College, Ryerson University and the University of Toronto where he received his Masters degree.

I caught up with Johnson after the launch to find out more about what motivated him to run for TDSB trustee.

“I think that right now there is such a great opportunity in terms of all the shifts that is happening in the TDSB and what is happening in terms of the government and the education portfolio in particular, “says Johnson “ It’s a great opportunity for someone who knows the community and believes in the community and has the ability to connect community, community services and the education system together in ward 21. It is something I have thought about for a long time and I am pleased I have the opportunity to do it right now.”

In speaking with Johnson it was evident that not only was he proud to be representing the Scarborough community, he has also managed to stay close to his Caribbean roots.

“The Guyanese South Asian community is falling far behind in terms of young people feeling welcomed and safe in the school system. It was disheartening for me to see that, because as a proud Guyanese any individual who is falling behind and not being able to achieve their full potential is disheartening,” says Johnson. It was remarkable to see that Johnson was still able to refer to Guyana as home as he reminisced on a family trip he took there a few years ago.

The campaign launch was nothing short of a success as supporters took turns speaking about Johnson and the tremendous work he has done thus far in the community.

However, it was Johnson’s speech that made it clear that he will in fact be our next TDSB trustee in the ward 21, Scarborough-Rough River.

In his moving speech, Johnson acknowledges the Indigenous communities and our great ancestors for their sacrifices and contributions towards the future. In addiction to those individuals he is also grateful towards his friends and family who have been supportive throughout all his endeavors thus far.

On January 25, 2016 those living within the postal code boundaries of M1B, M1X, M1V and M1S can all vote for Kwesi Johnson as the next TDSB trustee. Advance polling will also be taking place on January 16, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on January 17, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We would like to thank Kwesi for all that he has done for the community and wish him nothing but success along his journey to become the next TDSB school trustee in ward 21.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

community

PAGE 9

Buns of Steel - Under armor quality that endures Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter

Andre Rose, fitness model and entrepreneur, recently launched his own line of luxury underwear called Buns of Steel, undergarments made from a luxurious material that are comfortable and give you longer lasting wear, while also being stylishly chic!

Made from a unique blend of bamboo cotton and spandex jersey, this underwear is made to contour to the body and also prevent wear and tear to your pants. For thirteen years Andre Rose worked hard toward his fitness-modeling career. He spent days in the gym working out, chiseling and sculpting his body for the perfect physique, as well as participating in bodybuilding competitions.

In 2011 he moved to Canada from Jamaica. While working on his fitness-modeling career, he was also working for a mattress company doing quality control. Andre was no stranger to what luxury should feel

like. He had always aspired to start his own business and after some serious thought and consideration he decided to take the plunge and make his dream a reality.

As a fitness-model, he had found that his regular undergarments were no longer accommodating his newly sculpted body. He found through building muscle, his thighs were now bigger, and it was causing chafing with the boxer shorts that he normally wore, causing his undergarments to shift uncomfortably and caused serious wear and tear in his jeans. Andre realized he needed to come up with his own solution to the problem.

After doing some research on quality, materials and fabrics that were currently being utilized in the market he came across bamboo cotton. Impressed by it’s luxurious softness and smooth feel as well as its flowing and gentle drape. Pricing it out compared to other luxury materials on the market like silk and cashmere, it was reasonably valued, and also eco friendly.

“I began this company with the aim to create a brand of clothing that was bold, comfortable and sexy.

We all want to look good. Some of us want clothes that are as comfortable to wear as they are to the eye.

We saw there was a market for those who want to accent a certain form that they are proud to show off, at the gym, or in private with their mates.

We all want to look our very best, and this is natural. At Andre Rose, we offer “Under Armour” for a generation of men who are not hesitant to exude a more exuberant sense of masculinity.”

Bamboo cotton is manufactured through the processes of harvesting and extracting the leaves as well as in inner piths from the hard outer trunk and crushing it. The crushed bamboo cellulose is soaked in controlled temperature solution of sodium hydroxide for one to three hours to form alkali cellulose. Finally, the bamboo alkali cellulose is pressed to remove any excess sodium hydroxide and then pummeled by another grinder and left to dry for twenty four hours.

Bamboo textiles are cloth, yarn, and clothing made out of bamboo fibers. While historically used only for structural elements, such as bustles and the ribs of corsets, in recent years a range of technologies have been developed allowing bamboo fiber to be used in a wide range of textile and fashion applications and with a fast growth in popularity.

Modern bamboo clothing is cloth-

ing made from either 100% bamboo yarn or a blend of bamboo and cotton yarn. B.O.S underwear fabric is a mix of 95% Bamboo and 5% Spandex Jersey to give a nice form fitting look.

“If it doesn’t feel nice, you obviously won’t want to wear it,” explains Andre. Buns of Steel Underwear is manufactured here in Canada and made to order in a selection of different styles and vibrant colors.

Andre is currently working on a women’s line up of products that are custom made to her specifications, offering a new wave of comfort for everyone. This has always been a dream for Andre and now he is working hard on making it a reality, offering an elite brand of underwear, that looks great even all on its own. Next year he hopes to have is brand of underwear available in at least fifteen stores in the GTA, someday owning his own store.

His current product lineup is available to view in his online catalogue at www.andrerose.ca, or you can reach him at 647-858-4415 and send him an email at jamdownandre@hotmail.com if you would like more info or to place an order. Buns of Steel Underwear QUALITY ENDURES AND NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE!

community

PAGE 10

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, y, December 16,, 2015

Helping Dominica rebuild through Dominica relief Christmas soiree Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter

With the impending holiday season just around the corner, everyone is doing their part to give back to the community, especially the citizens of the Dominica Diaspora here in Toronto.

Since the destruction left in the wake of Tropical Storm Erika that hit the island of Dominica this past August, there have been many fundraising efforts set up throughout the community to aid rebuilding the infrastructure on the island. The Dominica-Toronto Relief committee held it’s final fundraiser for 2015 on Saturday December 5th, hosting a Red and Green Independence Christmas Soiree.

Bishop Alice Douglas of Dominica, official spiritual advisor for the event opened the evening with a prayer.

She touched on the desolation that swept through Dominica on Thursday August 28, 2015 when Tropical Storm Erika caused unprecedented devastation island-wide in Dominica. The storm left

thirty-one people dead and thirty-five still missing. Dominica’s prime minister has pleaded for more international aid to help rebuild the tiny Caribbean country after Tropical Storm Erika tore across the island, devastating villages, wrecking bridges and leaving a reconstruction bill worth half the country’s annual GDP. About ten inches of rain fell in a few hours, turning rivers on this mountainous island into torrents and hillsides into deadly mudslides. The capital Roseau was engulfed by water and the island’s main airport is still out of action and will cost over $15 million to repair.

The evening was filled with entertainment that included the incomparable eight year old Little Edward, R&B Singer Nailah Tee, Pastor Shirley Simpson, Gospel Artists TT Turner, Michelle Lake & family and Fitz Aransaevia. Jamaican Opera singer Robert Owen and Dominican songstress Hermina George caroled beautiful Christmas music and Cheyenne Shililngford and Kerry-Anne Write entertained the crowd with an uplifting Afro Creole dance.

Season’s greetings were welcomed from Senator Toabias Enverga Jr. and his beautiful wife and attending on behalf of the Consular Corps was Consul General for St. Lucia, Mr. Michael Willius.

Frances Delsol, The Common-

wealth of Dominica’s Trade and Investment Commissioner in Canada, brought greetings from the Government of Dominica and informed attendees that Dominica was rebounding nicely. Although they were doing well, she indicated that the fundraising efforts would continue and provided an update on the efforts in Toronto to date. She indicated that the GoFundMe Campaign online had raised over $76K, while over $20K had been collected from fundraising concerts and about $10K had been contributed in private donations to the Bank of Montreal.

Also three 40’ containers valued at over $150K had been shipped out to Dominica with food, clothing, medical supplies, building materials and toiletries.

Most of the island’s infrastructure has been damaged and that has inflicted severe economic and social repercussions on its people. The government declared a nationwide disaster status and the damage to infrastructure alone has been estimated at US $226M. The damage that the island suffered from flooding has been as bad, if not worse than the damage inflicted by wind from far more powerful hurricanes. The Prime Minister of Dominica has indicated that Tropical Storm Erika put the island back twenty years.

The evening ended with a medley of local Dominica Christmas renditions such as ‘Chantez Noel’, and

‘Dominik Pas Ni Nieges’ by the Dominica Christmas Chorale led by Lucy Hamlet.

The Dominica-Toronto Relief committee hopes to organize one or two more events in 2016 to continue the fundraising to efforts and aid with the infrastructure build on the island. Dominica has been resilient in re-building the country and there is still a great demand for building materials. The country and it’s citizens are grateful to help from their counterparts abroad providing food, clothing and medical equipment while they were in dire need.

The public is urged to help Dominica rebuild, 100% of all proceeds from the Diaspora Relief Concert will go directly to disaster relief in the Commonwealth of Dominica. The CDOA also has ongoing appeals for cash donations through a GoFundMe campaign (http://gofundme.com/da-erikarelieffund), which has been sanctioned by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and to the organization’s Emergency Fund at the Bank of Montreal (Transit #2924, Account #8330-256).

The CDOA also accepts nonperishable donations at various locations around Toronto. Contact domincaassociation@sympatico.ca to find out the location nearest to you, or visit the organizations website at www.domincaassociation.ca

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

news

PAGE 13

Magistrate begs youth to stay away from crime JAMAICA -- Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey, who is unhappy with the increase in the number of murders and wounding cases committed by youths currently before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court, on Monday urged youth between the ages of 18 and 25 years to desist from committing crimes and find something constructive to do.

“What are 18-25-year-olds doing before the court with such charges.

You cannot find something to do? Please, I am begging a break. I want to come to court and relax. When is not murder is wounding. My generation is dying out and the young people are killing themselves. It is frightening,” Pusey said.

The magistrate made her comment whilst granting bail to 18-year-old

Kidani Reid who is charged with wounding with intent.

Allegations are that the complainant was walking along Shooters Hill, St Andrew, when Reid allegedly pounced upon him with a machete and inflicted several wounds all over his body. The complainant was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was treated and sent home.

The court heard that other people implicated in the matter are still at large.

The court also heard that the complainant in the matter is not a saint and that he currently has matters before the court also. “Why them don’t just put the two in a cell and let them stare down each other,” Pusey suggested.

- Jamaica Observer

Thieves draining millions from National Irrigation Commission JAMAICA -- Thieves have been targeting the operations of the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) and have caused the company millions in losses according to officials of the State-run agency.

“We have incidents of theft of water, probably equally significant is we’ve had issues with vandalism of our equipment, pumps and some of our water metres,” Milton Henry, director of engineering and technical services, told reporters and editors at this week’s He noted that last year there were 20 cases of theft of the agency’s metres and approximately four cases of vandalism.

“This year, up to recently we’ve had one incident where some of the cable was stolen from one of the pumps we were looking to rehabilitate,” the engineer said. The cable, he added, cost the company in excess of $400,000.

But the NIC is not deterred by this, and is determined to charge perpetrators when caught, Henry explained.

Director of Corporate Services Paola Arscott said it was difficult trying to police miles of canal. At the same time, the NIC’s systems operators have to be cautious as a lot of the areas are very lonely.

“We do have a security team that goes out, but you can understand if somebody backs up a truck and puts a pump down and pulls off, unless you catch them right out it’s very difficult, and we have many miles of canal which is really open, some of it in very isolated areas. So where we can lay hands on perpetrators we use a combination of first serving them with a notice that outlines what is the estimated cost of the water that they have taken, and if that fails, then we will always have the route through the courts to recover,” she said.

In relation to vandalism, Henry noted that an investigation has to be conducted and then reports made to the po-

lice, who take the matter further.

He admitted that because of the isolation of the commission’s infrastructure it has experienced breaches because of the agency’s inability to monitor facilities at all times, hence the installation of cameras on sites.

“We are putting in electronic systems because we’ve identified some priority stations... with the camera the security company can report to you when there is a breach,“ Henry said.

Managing Director Mark Richards added that the agency is working to develop and nurture a relationship with the constabulary’s Praedial Larceny Unit to help decrease theft. He said that last month, one of the NIC’s pumps was vandalised in Clarendon. “The shaft was cut for no apparent reason,” he explained.

“We went in with the police and that sent a message... we haven’t heard any further impact from there.”

According to the NIC officials, water loss is not solely because of theft but as a result of the infrastructure the entity has inherited.

“We have an open canal system, and in an open canal system, the water runs along the canal, some evaporates, some goes into cracks, some is stolen,” Richards explained.

“Realistically, you can only get up to 75 per cent, maximum in an open channel. In a closed conduit you can get up to 100 per cent, and we are at about 95 [per cent] theoretically. We are at 70 right now, and I don’t think theft is one of the major reasons why we are at 70,” he continued.

He alluded to the fact that the use of old systems, like that at the Rio Cobre, which is 120 years old, has caused major losses due to the archaic infrastructure, which, he said, would have been appropriate for a plantationtype agricultural sector.

- Jamaica Observer

Don't forget to visit our All Female Canadian Business Directory at www.businessclasswomensdirectory. com For more information email Paula at: coffeeandcheesecake@hotmail.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

news

Operation Dragnet helps reduce serious crimes by 7% GUYANA -- AT the end of November 2015 the Guyana Police Force (GPF) recorded a 9% increase in serious crimes compared to the same period in 2014. However, following the launch of ‘Operation Dragnet’ on December 01, 2015, along with intelligence-led policing and improved cooperation from the public, this has been decreased to 7% as at December 11, 2015.

According to a GPF press release, among the serious crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

A total of 133 murders were recorded at the end of November 2015, in comparison to 130 murders at the end of November 2014 — an increase of 2%.

At the end of November 2015, robbery under arms overall had increased by 4%, in comparison to the same period in 2014. The statistics indicate an increase of 6% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, while the figures are almost similar in relation to the number of armed robberies wherein instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

The statistics have revealed that there has been an increase of 26% in the number of reports of rape, with 300 reports at the end of November this year, compared to 238 for the same period last year.

Break and enter and larceny and burglary have shown an overall increase of 11%.

As at the end of November this year, a total of 103 illegal firearms had been recovered by the police. Those

comprised 1 sub-machine gun, 56 pistols, 28 revolvers, 11 shotguns, 6 rifles and 1 pen-gun. A total of 81 illegal firearms were recovered as at this time last year.

The Police Force is continuing its efforts to prevent crime through the police-community partnership programme, along with social crime prevention interventions in the policing divisions, with special emphasis on empowering youths, such as the Impact Albouystown Project and youth clubs. Meaningful support in this regard is being given by members of the religious community attached to the Cops and Faith Community Network.

Senior officers of the Police Force’s Executive Leadership Team and Divisional Commanders also held a number of community outreach meetings where issues and concerns raised by members of the public were addressed.

During November 2015, there was a total of seven interventions supported by the religious community in the Cops and Faith Community Network, which treats with juvenile first offenders for minor crimes as a preemptive intervention to their going to the New Opportunity Corps.

From the launch of the Cops and Faith Community Network in September 2013 to the period November 30, 2015, there has been a total of 245 such interventions. In all cases, the youths were counselled by the religious leaders; and following the involvement of parents/guardians and the victims where necessary, the majority of youths were warned and sent away.

In relation to the Family Liaison for victims of serious crimes and domestic violence project, which is

also under the Cops and Faith Community Network, during November 2015, there were fifteen (15) interventions by members of the religious community in response to attempted suicides and cases of serious crimes, including rape, armed robbery and murder, where the affected persons, victims and relatives accordingly, were counselled.

In relation to traffic, 112 road fatalities from 95 accidents have been recorded at the end of November 2015, in comparison to 130 fatalities from 121 accidents for the same period in 2014, a decrease of 21%. There have also been decreases in the serious and minor categories of road accidents, and a 4% increase in damage accidents. Pedestrians has been the main category of road users affected so far in road fatalities, with 40 such persons having lost their lives at the end of November 2015. In addition, 11 pedal cyclists, 28 persons in motor vehicles, 15 motor cyclists, 14 drivers, 3 pillion riders and 1 person being towed on a bicycle also lost their lives.

Speeding has been the major contributory factor to fatal accidents, having been the cause of 43 of the 95 fatal accidents unto November 2015.

Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 50,715 cases for this year being made against errant motorists at the end of November 2015. Of this total, 21,576 cases were for speeding, 2,206 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 1,156 for using cell phone while driving, and 2,046 for failing to wear seat belt.

Up to Sunday, December 13, 2015, a total of 4 more persons have lost their lives from 4 fatal accidents.

- Guyana Chronicle

PPP claims scrutineers thrown out of GECOM offices GUYANA -- Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally has expressed grave doubts about the veracity of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) allegations that its scrutineers have been ejected from some GECOM registration offices and were forced to work in the compound of those offices.During that party’s weekly press conference Monday, General Secretary Clement Rohee disclosed thus: “PPP scrutineers have been ejected from some registration offices and put to work in the compound of the offices. In other cases, the gates are locked and the scrutineers are not afforded anywhere to work. This was the case at Belle West, West Bank Demerara and at Charity, Pomeroon.”

However, Dr. Surujbally countered: “I have not heard of that, but I would like to doubt it.”

These revelations, being uncovered as the claims and objections

period for Local Government Elections continues, have sparked in the PPP camp concerns that there are consistent rumours on the ground that fake birth certificates are in circulation, a matter which the party is on the lookout for, since should any such document fall into the hands of the PPP, it will be made available to the police.

“We are concerned that if Nomination Day is to be somewhere around mid-January 2016 — that is approximately one month from now — this may very well jeopardise the printing, delivery and distribution of the ballot papers for the elections to take place in a smooth and timely fashion,” said the Party’s General Secretary.

These are matters which the GECOM Chairman disclosed are of interest, given that he is unaware of them; as such it will be investigated, Rohee said.

Rohee also said that questions

have arisen about the status of the Old Orders versus the New Orders, and whether the Older Orders should be rejected to give effect to the New Orders establishing the new municipalities. He said GECOM is yet to resolve a number of outstanding matters with respect to voting by the disciplined forces at the Local Government Elections. Accordingly, there are a number of laws that will have to be amended if problems are to be avoided before March 18, 2016.

The handling of the votes by the disciplined services in the May 2015 elections gave rise to several highly suspicious occurrences, Rohee charged, and amendments would need to be made to several sections of the principal act to avoid recurrence of a similar nature at the upcoming Local Government Elections.

- Guyana Chronicle

PAGE 15

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

news

PAGE 17

Woman found in barrel identified TRINIDAD -- The decomposing body found stuffed inside a plastic barrel last Thursday was identified Monday as that of missing security guard Carol Gopaul.

Speaking with the media at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, Monday, Gopaul ‘s husband, Saheed, said he blamed relatives in the woman ‘s death.

“I went by Ian Alleyne on Thursday and when I come home them was lighting candle for wake and saying it good she dead. I report she was missing and them saying she dead. They never liked her for

me and was always cussing her,” Gopaul said.

The distraught man, who cried uncontrollably during the interview, said he wanted justice for his wife, who was beaten, stabbed, according to the autopsy.

According to the reports, St Joseph Police found Gopaul ‘s body stuffed in a blue barrel around 4.30 pm when they responded to a report from a resident of a stench in the area. The barrel with Gopaul ‘s body was placed at the side of the road next to others used by residents to dispose

of garbage.

In an unrelated matter, the uncle of Chaitram Tokai, 45, who was killed Sunday afternoon outside his home, said he believed the killing of his nephew was linked to the disappearance of another relative two years ago.

According Francois Baptiste, who also spoke outside the FSC, Tokai, a father of two, was constantly threatened in recent times and had made several reports to police.

Baptiste said Tokai was a good

person who “was like salt”. He said, however, that he believed he would get justice as he got assurances from Crime Watch host Ian Alleyne that the murder would be solved soon.

According to police reports, Tokai was crossing the road to go home around 2.45 pm when a gunman approached and shot. The gunman escaped in a silver Nissan Tiida.

Homicide Bureau officers are investigating both killings.

- Trinidad Guardian

Fire destroys Samarooʼs TRINIDAD -- Members of the Carnival fraternity involved in the art of costume making could be severely affected as they prepare for next year’s presentations following a fire which destroyed a warehouse belonging to Samaroo’s Group of Companies at Boundary Road, San Juan.

The blaze, which was said to have started just after 3 am Monday, destroyed stock valued at more than $10 million.

Among the supplies that went up in flames were feathers, beads, spandex, stockings and fabrics which were recently brought into the country and housed at the company’s newest premises which they moved into on May 1.

Managing director Steve Samaroo Monday described the fire as “a blow to the Carnival industry.”

Concerned how the loss would impact their loyal customers, Samaroo assured that they would not be increasing the prices of available stock.

However, he did express fears that

competitive suppliers would use this tragedy to profit as they in-turn might increase their prices.

Explaining that the early-morning fire had begun at Joseph Nahous and Company Limited warehouse, situated next door to them, Samaroo said despite the efforts of fire officers to prevent it from spreading, his warehouse was razed.

Seeking to assure the 20 affected employees that they would not be out of a job for Christmas, Samaroo said the other branches at San Fernando and MovieTowne would continue to operate as normal as they still “had stock at other warehouses.”

Although the San Juan warehouse was completely destroyed, Samaroo stressed that the retail business which was set up at the front of the building remained intact but they would be closed for the remainder of the week while they seek to clean up and do general house-keeping.

Upset over the impact on the local and regional industries, Samaroo said while

“It would be difficult to replenish stock due to the short Carnival season,” the company was expecting goods shortly “which were on the water.”

Citing the difficulty in obtaining foreign exchange to purchase supplies initially, Samaroo said he doesn’t expect this problem would be resolved quickly, which would make it harder now to purchase additional supplies on short notice.

However, he said he was now forced to locate a suitable warehouse to store the expected goods which should arrive in the country shortly.

Meanwhile, owner of Joseph Nahous and Company Limited warehouse where the fire initially began, businessman Michael Nahous said he was first alerted by a watchman around 3.30 am that there had been an explosion at the facility following an electricity outage.

While Nahous operations were affected, at least five other companies who were renting from him suffered a blow.

They include US Appliances, Compasses Garments, Just For Hair, Norman Industries and Freezy Beverages.

Estimating losses between $30 and $40 million, Nahous said 15 employees were affected.

Operating at that location for the past 20 years, Nahous said he was in a similar position as Samaroo as he too, had stock at the port for which he urgently needed to find a warehouse to store the items.

Up to 2 pm Monday, fire officers who responded to the initial call about the fire, had yet to returned to their respective stations.

Officials at the scene were unable to confirm the cause but revealed that appliances from the Wrightson Road Headquarters, Tunapuna and San Juan Fire Stations had responded and were assisted by the Water and Sewerage Authority who provided trucks with water to supplement fire-fighting efforts.

- Trinidad Guardian

Chamber president: Cut high imports TRINIDAD -- President of the Penal/Debe Chamber of Commerce Shiva Roopnarine has appealed for Government intervention to reduce the high level of imports into the country.

In brief remarks at the group’s Christmas Dinner and Awards on Friday, Roopnarine added that the Penal/Debe region needs “more factory shelves, more industrial estates.”

“The 20 year road to diversifying our country must start now. We are a creative, innovative and imaginative people and

maybe in this present climate we might be given a chance to grow,” he said.

In the keynote address at the function, Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, said “despite the current economic situation the Government will continue to provide exemptions for a range of businesses as this will ensure that businesses continue to thrive easily and become competitive as far as foreign input is concerned.”

She said for many years there had been talk about diversifying the T&T economy and it is now time to put that talk into

action.

“Looking at the downturn in the economy as business people now is a time for business introspection. It is a time to look at your businesses to see if there are better and smarter ways to operate.

“Generally, you should consider simplifying your business operations and reducing your expenses so that you can operate more profitably,” Gopee-Scoon said.

She assured that Government will continue to listen, collaborate and work with the business community in developing sec-

tors for diversification and providing incentives and opportunities for business growth and development.

Also speaking at the event was Karlene Roach, deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry.

She said: “At this critical time, where the price of oil is hovering below US$40 per barrel and commodity markets across the globe have taken a hit, entrepreneurship is especially important to our country’s survival and growth.”

- Trinidad Guardian

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

feature featur re

PAGE P AGE 19

ASA Meats & West Indian Groceries – Serving Freshness & Quality to the Community If you are looking for guaranteed freshness and quality products imported straight from the West Indies, ASA Meats and West Indian Groceries has everything you need and more!

Located in Brampton at 10086 Hurontario Street, ASA offers a selection of everything you need to whip up the most memorable West Indian style feast this holiday season.

Established in 1991, originally located on the corner of Weston Road and Finch Avenue in Toronto, owner Abdool Samad Ali and his wife Fazilette Ali opened a West Indian grocery store and butcher shop in the GTA. They were highly successful and well known within the community for over ten years before acquiring another location, this time in Brampton in the year 2000. Eventually having both locations was becoming too much to manage and so they decided to sell the one down in Toronto, making the decision to invest their time into establishing and upholding the location in Brampton.

Hailing from Berbice, Guyana Abdool’s father was a butcher and farmer back home and so he had been exposed to the lifestyle at an early age. His father dabbled a little in everything, selling meats at his butcher shop and also harvesting and taking produce down to the city to sell. Abdool immigrated to Canada in 1983 and a few years later he had established his own West Indian business here in the GTA. Since their inception in 1991, ASA Meats and West Indian Grocery has worked hard to deliver a unique and quality-driven shopping experience for the West Indian Consumer, as well as those customers from the community seeking out products from the islands. Their vision is to bring only the freshest and quality products to their store, striving for excellence and upholding the highest standard for the services they offer.

The store consists of three units and a total of 5,000 sq. ft. strategically laid out so that the entire area is taken into consideration and taken advantage of utilizing and maximizing the space. The majority of the store carries many of their grocery and produce items and products reuniting West Indian customers with all of the products that they grew up with from back home. In the back they have a full service butcher and towards the entrance is the bakery and kitchen area where all of the baked goodies are on display waiting for you to take them home.

At ASA Meats they take their job very seriously when it comes to offering their customers quality cuts of meat. To them it’s not just a statement, but also a cornerstone of their reputation and they take pride in delivering the finest meats and fish imported from the Caribbean as well as locally raised. All of their meats are 100% Halal Certified and whatever the occasion ASA Meats has you covered. Their selection of meats include: all cuts of lean beef, ground beef, salted beef, cow foot, beef liver and lyte, oxtail, ducks both drake and hen, whole chickens hens and roosters, egg bags, lamb from New Zealand and Ontario, goat, sheep, seasonal turkey and venison, as well as seasonal qurbani orders. Currently available in store is smoked turkey, as well as pepperpot meats for the holiday season.

Alongside their selection of premium meats they also offer a variety of seafood including: bangamary, butterfish, red snapper, grey snapper, gilbaka and gilbaka eggs, hassa, frozen Caribbean crabs, a collection of shrimp, trout, tilapia, grouper, kingfish, catfish, conch and flying fish from Barbados, frozen buck crab and seasonal live crabs.

When you ask for a cut of meat at

ASA Meats, they deliver the very best, going the extra mile to ensure that your meat is properly cleaned and cut to your specifications. They have been in the business for over twenty five years and so they understand the needs of their customer to ensure they receive great quality service for whatever amenity they provide. The area around the meat shop is clean and tidy and their staff is fast, experienced and professional so that you leave with exactly what you need to start cooking up a storm!

Down at ASA Meats and West Indian Grocery there isn’t anything that you can’t find. In 2005 they implemented a bakery, complementary to their full service kitchen. The ability to serve freshly baked bread and pastries are a daily passion. Their bakery runs five days a week with items baked fresh daily. Even on days when they aren’t scheduled to bake, if they have run out of stock they are committed to delivering more products on high demand. Their breads and pastries are a labour of love, derived from timeless West Indian inspired traditions. They use only the freshest ingredients to create their delectable, delicious freshly baked masterpieces.

Their selection of bread includes white and whole wheat plait bread, loaf bread, as well as sliced bread, tennis rolls, butterflaps, coco-bread, Trinidadian Hops Bread, Jamaican Hard-Dough bread, Bajan sweet bread and banana bread. In addition to their fresh baked breads they have crumbly and delicious pastries such as cheese rolls, pinetarts, chinese cake, salara, coconut rolls, rock buns, kurma, cheese rolls, currants roll, cassava pone, homemade mixed fudge and peanut fudge, sugar cakes, homemade chicken patties and beef patties, as well as seasonal sponge cake and black cake avail-

able for the holidays.

In their kitchen they prepare hot, fresh meals daily allowing for complete control when it comes to guaranteeing the highest standard of quality and freshness. They care about what their customers eat and so they take the time and effort to create dishes that aren’t only delicious but good for you as well! They offer fresh roti, doubles, curry, bake and saltfish as well as their own home made pepper sauce in store, hot, fresh and ready to go!

ASA Meats and West Indian Groceries is definitely a one-stop-shop for all of your grocery needs, with premium cuts of meat, a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and grocery items, there isn’t anything you won’t be able to find. Their freshly baked pastries and delicacies will have you headed back for more, especially when you can get it all conveniently in one location. Their staff works hard to cater to their customers every need, and if there is something that you can’t find, just ask, someone is sure to help. ASA Meats and West Indian Groceries is open seven days a week, from 9 am till late evening to accommodate customers heading to the store on their way home from work. Learn more about what they have in store on their website at www.asameats.ca or give them a call at 905-846-6199 if you are searching for something in particular or to find out how late they’re open.

Head on over to ASA Meats and West Indian Groceries today to enjoy a high quality and fulfilling grocery experience that won’t disappoint!

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS

Merry Christmas HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS AND WE JUST MAY HAVE THE HOME FOR YOU. LOOK OUT FOR THE WIHCON DIASPORA TOUR COMING TO YOUR CITY SOON.

visit wihcon.com/cominghome or call toll free Toll Free: 1(855) 852-3746 USA / Canada; 0 (808) 234 - 5409 UK. Email: sales@wihcon.com.

Head Office: 7-9 Harbour Street. Kingston.

entertainment

PAGE 22

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Buju Banton loved and missed, 7 years later Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment Today marks 7 years since reggae and dancehall hit maker, Mark Myrie AKA Buju Banton was arrested in the United States.

He remains incarcerated and is expected to serve out a 10 year sentence in a US Fed-

eral prison, until the year 2019. Despite the struggle faced by the Caribbean entertainer in the past seven years, fans on the outside, across the Caribbean and internationally have maintained their support for him, hash tagging photos and comments online with the sentiment #freebuju.

Today, many in Trinidad and Tobago remember Buju’s last appearance on local shores. It was here that the “Optimistic Soul” crooner performed last. He had shared the stage with Beres Hammond and others at HomeGrown Entertainment’s I Am Legend concert in 2009. Promoter, Glenroy Watsona friend of the artiste says he will not host the concert until Buju’s freedom comes. On a lo-

cal frequency today, a message was recorded from fans of the artiste aimed at delivering words of love and support to him. The message will be delivered to Buju.

Buju Banton’s music has uplifted, encouraged and shone a light on issues faced by many. Amid the criminal accusation and subsequent verdict handed down to the artiste is the United States, fans across the world have maintained their support, choosing not to believe that the man who has sung such powerful and positive renditions, could ever be involved in such offences.

On 22 February 2011, Myrie was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of

cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense and using communication wires to facilitate a drugtrafficking offence. He was found not guilty on the charge of attempted possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine. Four months later, he was sentenced to ten years and one month behind bars for the cocaine trafficking conviction. His sentencing on the firearms conviction was scheduled for 30 October 2012, but was postponed on his lawyer’s request for an investigation of possible juror misconduct. On May 14th 2015 federal prosecutors agreed to drop the firearms charges.

- EtceteraBuzz

Machel, Sean Paul, Major Lazer drop One Wine Video - Showing global vibes!

Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment Machel Montano’s mission remains very clear. Seems like he won’t stop until he makes it known that Trinidad and Tobago can stand up alongside every other nation, when it comes to producing music the world wants to hear. The Taipan of Soca as he’s

known is undoubtedly moving closer to satisfying this goal. In his latest effort, in collaboration of course with some very heavy musical forces, Montano unleashes a video for One Wine- collaboratively done with Jamaica’s Sean Paul and high profile music outfit, Major Lazer, revealing that soca and dancehall combined make for uncontainable vibes and fun.

Already the video has been reviewed by The FADER magazine- a reputed magazine in the US, known for breaking out the next big artistes and groups. Montano graced the magazine for the first time in 2007. A lot has changed since that time, including his decision to go solo on stage, part-

ing ways with former band members, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Kernal Roberts and even the HD dancers who formed part of his stage act. Today, Montano delivers performances laced with collaboratively done songs, oftentime welcoming the artistes he’s done tracks alongside, on stage with him.

The video for One Wine was shot during NottingHill Carnival and shows the high energy entertainment that’s delivered by the soca music maker and Jamaica’s golden boy, Sean Paul, when they team up. Paul was included on Montano’s Machel Monday 2015 lineup, however many said his stage show just didn’t stand up to the expectations often had by people who listen to his record-

ed music. Nevertheless, many will agree that the One Wine video definitely oozes vibes and leaves you with a tingling desire to get turnt up!

In his FADER interview, Montano said, “‘One Wine’ is a very special track to me. It represents a union of two sounds from the Caribbean, soca and dancehall, genres that have been evolving, expanding and blending even more in recent years. With the success of this song and others like Major Lazer’s ‘Lean On’ and Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry,’ it’s clear that the world continues to embrace and celebrate the current Caribbean music culture, which is a dream come true.”

- EtceteraBuzz

sports

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 23

Warne wants Lara to save Windies AUSTRALIA -- Legendary Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne believes an intervention from Brian Lara is warranted in order to save West Indies’ troubled tour Down Under from becoming a full blown crisis.

Speaking after witnessing the Windies innings and 212-run defeat inside three days in the opening Test in Hobart, Warne said Lara could play a role in reviving team morale.

“Lara is in the country. They need to get him involved, spend some time with the team in Melbourne,” said

Warne, who snared 708 wickets from 145 Tests.

Lara is the highest run-getter for West Indies in Tests with 11 953 runs in 131 matches, and remains the world-record holder for the highest scores in Tests and first class cricket. He is currently in Australia after featuring in a Festival of Cricket Twenty20 match in Western Australia last week.

Warne, one of Lara’s main nemeses during his playing days, said it was important West Indies bounced back as world cricket needed a strong Caribbean

side. “I think world cricket needs the West Indies to be strong. What they bring to the table is so exciting,” said Warne.

“They play with emotion, passion and flair. The Windies are passionate people and they will be hurting from that loss.”

Lara is on record as supporting the decision to appoint Jason Holder as West Indies captain, pointing out that the youthful Holder is a player for the future and was an investment. He has also called on the WICB to get rid of some of the senior players and start rebuilding a Test team under Holder’s leadership.

Lara, who was at the World Cup in Australia earlier this year when Holder unsuccessfully led the team, has also indicated his interest in leading the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) which has been under fire within recent weeks. West Indies were hammered in Hobart, dismissed twice for 223 and 148, in response to Australia’s massive first innings score of 583 for four declared.

They face Australia in the second Test in Melbourne starting Boxing Day. - Trinidad Guardian

"Shipping to the Caribbean"

Laparkan Provides a Wide Range of Superior Services

O T G N I P P I H S DAD,

I N I R T , A N A Y GU A C I A M A J , BARBADOIBSBEAN ISLANDS & OTHER C

AR

SERVING THE CARIBB CARIBBEAN CARIB BBEAN EAN COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS UÊ UÊ UÊ UÊ Ê UÊ

ÀÊEÊ"Vi> Ê- «« } £xÊ ÕÌiÃÊ iÞÊ/À> ÃviÀ -iVÕÀiÊ*>V >} }ÊEÊ À>Ì } - «« }Ê vÊ >ÀÀi Ã]Ê ÝiÃ]Ê Ì> iÀÃÊ 6i V iÃÊEÊ iÀV > Ê >À} «ÌÞÊ >ÀÀi ÃÊ> `Ê ÝiÃÊ Û> >L iÊv ÀÊ-> i

UÊ UÊ UÊ UÊ UÊ Ê

* ÊEÊ iÀV > Ê Ê> `Ê

ÀÊÌ Ê ÀÊ-iÀÛ Vi ,iÌÕÀ }Ê,ià `i Ìà * V Õ«ÃÊEÊ i ÛiÀ iÃ

ÕÀ iÀÊ-iÀÛ ViÊÌ Ê ÕÞ> >ÊÊ v ÀÊ- > Ê*>V >}iÃ

$ON T TAKE CHANCES WITH YOUR CARGO #ALL THE NAME YOU CAN TRUST SPEAK WITH A LIVE AGENT NOW #A -ONDAY TO 3ATURDAY AM TO PM s 3UNDAY AM TO PM s (OLIDAYS AM TO PM -

{£È°Ó Ó°{ÎÇäÊUÊÜÜÜ° >«>À > °V

PAGE 24

sports

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Angry Warriors TRINIDAD -- Recently elected president of the T&T Football Association (TTFA) David John-Williams has come in for some blows from angry members of the Soca Warriors, who have described him as insensitive.

The players have threatened to withhold their services for the upcoming 2016 Copa America Qualifier against Haiti in Panama City, Panama in January until they are paid monies owed to them for the Gold Cup; an International Friendly with Nicaragua and World Cup Qualifiers against Guatemala and the USA. In response to that decision, John-Williams said players received salaries from their clubs while all costs incurred when representing the national team, such as flight, accommodation, meals and sundry expenses were being met by the T&TFA. The statements have infuriated the players who feel that John-Williams was out of place.

The players, who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation, also took offence to calls by John-Williams for a policy document on players entitlement to match fees, which he described as a serious oversight. The em-

*6 Beers

battled president expressed concerns, saying “It appears that match fees are not a function of experience, number of appearances at national level, time on the field or category of staff.”

One member explained that the players all want to be paid the same fees. “When we are on the field and a player is in the area with a clear shot at goal, no-one studies if he has been on the field for five or 10 minutes, neither do we wonder about his experience or how many caps he has. All we care about is scoring the goal for our country.”

They are also questioning the necessity for a board of directors meeting to address the issue of the payments.

The meeting will be held tomorrow at the TTFA’s office. TTFA officials say the board will determine how much match fees will be paid to each individual.

The players have said that the new president knew what he was getting into when he campaigned for the position of president. “We know the Association has money because we were asked to fill the stadium the day before the Guatemala encounter for us to be paid and that is what happened.

*6 Beers

W e want to be paid before the expenses are taken care of because these fees can be covered when the TTFA gets funding from corporate T&T,” said one senior member. He added: “The new president came into office promising to get investors so now is the time to do so.”

They are sending a warning that although the players want to represent their country, they are taking a stance at the Haiti match, but they explained that if the matter is not resolved soon, they will look at other means.

- Trinidad Guardian

MALES & FEMALES WE NEED

Are you a healthy, non-smoking,

MALE OR FEMALE 18 AND OVER? • Free of daily medications?

If so, you may be eligible for our upcoming clinical research studies: • We conduct weekdays as well as weekend studies.

• Compensation may range from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the length of the study.

CALL: 416-747-5246 Toll Free: 1-866-747-5246 Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun: 10am-6pm

4000 Weston Road, Toronto | www.biopharmaservices.com

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled down for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, when, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they

came, and he whistled, and His dimples how merry! His shouted, and called them by cheeks were like roses, his name; nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, “Now, DASHER! now, DANC- and the beard of his chin was as ER! now, PRANCER and VIX- white as the snow; EN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN! To the The stump of a pipe he held tight top of the porch! To the top of in his teeth, and the smoke it enthe wall! Now dash away! Dash circled his head like a wreath; away! Dash away all!”

He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook, when As dry leaves that before the he laughed like a bowlful of jelly. wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to He was chubby and plump, a the sky, so up to the house-top right jolly old elf, and I laughed the coursers they flew, with the when I saw him, in spite of mysleigh full of toys, and St. Nich- self; A wink of his eye and a olas too. twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, the prancing and He spoke not a word, but went pawing of each little hoof. As I straight to his work, and filled drew in my hand, and was turn- all the stockings; then turned ing around, down the chimney with a jerk, and laying his finger St. Nicholas came with a bound. aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his He sprang to his sleigh, to his clothes were all tarnished with team gave a whistle, and away ashes and soot; A bundle of they all flew like the down of a toys he had flung on his back, thistle. But I heard him exclaim, and he looked like a peddler just ere he drove out of sight, HAPopening his pack.

PY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND His eyes -- how they twinkled! TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

PAGE 28

food

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Caribbean Christmas bread pudding ffor fo or best bestt rresults). be essults l s). ).

Chris De La Rosa chris@carib101.com

Caribbean Cooking There’s all the food, the merriment with family and friends and of-course the variety of adult beverages, but nothing SCREAMS Christmas in the Caribbean louder than a thick slice of black fruit/rum cake. I remember mom having her dried fruits soaked in a lethal combination of rum, sherry and cask wine, for months (even a full year at times) and as a family we’d all have a hand in making this Christmas staple. Let’s be clear.. this is NOT black cake, but it’s an excellent substitute for if you want something a little different this holiday season or if you forgot to soak your fruits in advanced (as required

You’ll Need: 1 large bread (cubed – remove crust) 3/4 cup sugar 5 eggs 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg pinch salt 2 cups milk (or heavy cream) 1/2 cup dried cherries 1/2 cup dried pineapple 1/2 cup dates 1/2 cup dried papaya 3/4 cup raisins 3/4 cup cashews 1/2 cup pecans 1.5 tablespoon vanilla 1.5 tablespoon mixed essence (optional) * sherry / cognac 1/2 cup each for soaking the dried fruits – dark rum is the best substitute. * flour/butter for preparing the baking pan

T Th hee fi firs st th thin ng wee nneed eeed to eed to ddo o iiss to ssoak oakk th oa he The rst thing the dried fruits in the alcohol for a couple hours or best case scenario – over night. Try to chop the dates, pineapple and papaya into small pieces. You can also add or substitute with any of your fav dried fruits.

In a large bowl whisk the eggs and sugar until you can no longer feel the grit of the sugar, then add the milk, spices, pinch of salt, vanilla and mixed essence. BTW, you’ll need to cube the bread (remove crusts) and spread it onto a baking sheet to air-dry over night (single layer).

Fold in the bread, then go in with the marinated dried fruits (include the alcohol) and add the chopped nuts.

Allow the mixture to soak for about an hour, so the bread absorbs most of the lovely custard we created. The longer you air dry the bread, the more of the custard it will absorb. Remember to stir it every 15 minutes or so.

Preheat your oven to 350 F and butter/flour dust your baking tray (I used a loaf pan) and pour in the bread pudding mixture.

Tap-down to ensure it’s somewhat packed in

th the he pa pann and an nd pl pplace lac acee it iin n a hot water bath (see the video below). Basically you’ll place the baking pan with the uncooked bread pudding into a larger (oven proof) pan and pour in hot water (about 1/3 the way up). Then place this into the lower rack in the oven for about 50 minutes.

Please allow the bread pudding to cool completely (I actually chilled mine in the fridge) before removing from the pan and slicing though. You can store any remaining pieces in the fridge for up to about 5 days.

Just as important as helping prepare the Christmas cakes, mom had us busy painting, varnishing and generally scrubbing down every inch of the house. The scent of oil paint and varnish (add NEW curtains) is now one of those scents which takes me back to the Caribbean – Christmas time!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

travel

PAGE 29

Itʼs not a vacation until you are prepared Micca Vanvield

micca@carib101.com

Travel Specialist I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in my field of business for a very long time.

The beauty about what I do is that my days are never the same. Like many others, I get the opportunity to interact with the most amazing people on a daily basis and because of that I will always do what I do. Sometimes those interactions aren’t the most positive as they may contain situations where I could have helped. I have an obligation to make sure that my clients have full disclosure. Including the not so pretty part of the vacation where you talk about what could happen. It’s a part of the dream that needs to be addressed because of the level of stress that would be

lifted if you ever have to face an unfortunate situation after you’ve booked a vacation or while you’re on your trip.

In 2008, I took a vacation with my children. My youngest was eight months old and I was really excited about my trip. My motto is “if you can’t afford the protection you can’t afford the trip”. I live by this with every trip that I take so I made sure we were properly prepared for the unexpected before taking off. He ended up getting sick while we were on vacation and thank goodness I was prepared. The objective of this article is not to sell any particular protection, but to educate you on its importance. Travel protection in its entirety comes in many forms.

If you take a look at every type of protection that’s available it could be overwhelming.

The key is to trust an expert to ensure that you are assessing your exact need prior to taking off.

The following are areas to consider when it comes to travel as to why you may need protection: 1. Emergency Medical - do you currently

have medical coverage for the destination you are visiting? What will a visit to the doctor or a stay in the hospital cost you out of pocket?

2. Emergency Dental - in the event that you had a terrible accident where you needed dental care, do you currently have coverage to seek emergency dental care out of the country?

3. Emergency Evacuation - how would you get home if you were in a destination and for whatever reason you had to evacuate?

4. Trip Cancellation - can you currently get your money back if you have a situation arise and you can no longer take your trip?

5. Baggage loss/ delay - do you have a plan in place to replace the items you are traveling with even if they were missing just for a few hours?

These are just a few points to consider when it comes to travel protection. I can never forget the feeling I had when I travelled with

my family and my son got sick. When the nurse told me that his oxygen level was low and he needed to be taken to a hospital right away, my stress level elevated immediately.

I was in a foreign country and unfamiliar with the medical standards. I had a second thought to call my insurance company and they took care of all the arrangements. From making sure that I had a ride to get to the nearest hospital, taking a description of my son’s condition over the phone, contacting the hospital to prepare them for my son’s arrival and reassuring me that my costs would be covered. This was definitely a relief because as a parent my only concern was that my child was being attended to, not how much it would cost me to get prompt and accurate care.

Trip protection should always be considered when you are budgeting for your vacation. You should always make sure that you are prepared for the unexpected, even if it’s from the time of booking up to the day you return home. At a minimal cost of sometimes cents per day, the peace of mind and reduced stress that you will gain is more than worth it.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

body & soul

PAGE 31

Yoga - What style are you?

Melissa Goodman

melissa@carib101.com

Yoga Specialist With many different styles of yoga it can sometimes be overwhelming when deciding on what class or style to take. The trick is finding a style that resonates with you. If you have tried yoga before and didn’t like the class, try a different style or teacher. I believe yoga is accessible and beneficial to everyone regardless of age, race, religion, flexibility and physical limitations.

Below is a list of some of the more popular styles of yoga. This list is not inclusive but will help as a guide. There are several other styles of yoga that do not require

you to roll out a yoga mat such as pranayama (breath techniques), meditation and mantra (repetition of a word or phrase).

series, there are six series in total, each one offering a deeper practice to transform both body and mind.

Hatha: “ha” meaning sun and “tha” meaning moon. Hatha yoga looks at balancing the masculine energy of the sun with the feminine energy of the moon. Asana (postures) are sequenced to help open the energy of the body and unite opposites, strength and flexibility.

Mysore: this is named after the city in India where Pattabhi Jois taught. This style of yoga is done as a self-paced practice, while a teacher is present the class is not lead. I have found this style to be a very safe practice as the teacher will help guide each individual student. Students range from beginners to advanced and practice within the same space.

Yin: this style of yoga looks at balancing the yin and yang. Yang places more emphasis on the muscles. Yin yoga targets the connective tissue, ligaments, bones and joints. This style of yoga is soft but challenging as asana (postures) are held anywhere from one to twenty minutes.

Ashtanga: synchronizes the breath with a series of progressively challenging postures.

This process builds inner heat which helps to detoxify the body. Starting with the primary

Vinyasa: often describes a wide range of yoga styles. It is a flow based practice which uses the breath to link asana together.

Power: this is a vigorous style of vinyasa generally focusing on the physical aspect only and sometime describes as “a great workout”.

Restorative: props are used to help support the body as asana are held for longer periods

of time to help bring the body into a place of relaxation. Restorative practices are performed seated or laying on the mat, if standing poses are incorporated they are more therapeutic in nature.

Hot: hot yoga is not a style but rather describes the room. In this space a wide range of styles are practiced.

Bikram: practiced in a heated room. This style follows twenty six postures and two breathing techniques.

Moksha: practiced in a heated room. The classes follow a basic structure that is fundamental to Moksha Yoga. Once students are comfortable with the Moksha structure they can continue to deepen their practice with three levels in total.

Of course the best way to know what is right for you is to try as many styles as possible and see how you feel.

BUY IT, WRAP IT, GIVE IT! GIFT SETS, CHRISTMAS WRAP, DECORATIONS, HOME FASHIONS, CANDLES, TOYS, WINTER BOOTS, SLIPPERS, COSMETIC MIRRORS, BAKE WEAR, CANDY, SCARVES, STOCKING STUFFERS

DEFINITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION

NOV 17DEC 20 LAST 4 DAYS!!!

ADDITIONAL

% OFF 50Re maining L

ALL Re Inventory!

MON, TUES,WED: 11- 6 THURS & FRI: 11 - 8 SAT & SUN: 10 - 4

GET ON OUR EMAIL LIST

MRBSFAMOUSSALE.COM

1590 1590 MATHESON MATHESON BLVD BLVD (UNIT (UNIT 16) 16) 905-629-1500 905-629-1500

PAGE 34

health news

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

8 steps to make homemade Coconut Oil and 40 reasons why you need it in your pantry A major component of coconut oil is lauric acid, which has anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, thus making coconut oil with many beneficial effects on overall health. Below listed a collection of coconut oil uses which have been proven by researches: 1.Reduce psoriasis and eczema 2.Get rid of dandruff 3.Relieve the symptoms of flus and colds 4.Stop bladder infections 5.Treat chronic fatigue 6.Cure toothaches 7.Reduce peptic ulcers 8.Help with benign prostaic hyperplasia 9.To treat epilepsy 10.Clear up genital herpes 11.Treat AIDs 12.Reduce the risk of getting heart disease 13.Lower cholesterol levels 14.Control blood pressure 15.Prevent damage from free radicals 16.Boost immune system 17.Treat candida 18.Treat several infections 19.Improve IBS 20.Promote weight loss 21.Speed up metabolism 22.Boost energy 23.Cure sunburn 24.Heal wounds 25.Remove dead skin cells 26.Prevent wrinkles 27.Reduce inflammation 28.Condition hair 29.Make bones stronger

30.Treat gallbladder disease 31.Cure stomach ulcers 32.cancers, including breast and colon cancer 33.Promote liver health 34.Cure earache 35.Treat throat infection 36.Treat kidney stones 37.Prevent stretch marks 38.Remove makeup 39.Use as a deodorant 40.Prevent Alzheimer’s

the outer shell of the coconuts as you can, and then cut the coconut in half, drain the coconut milk into the jar.

You can achieve the benefits from coconut in its different forms, the recommended daily dose are: 3 ½ tablespoons coconut oil or half a coconut or 2 ¾ cups dried coconut or 300ml coconut milk.

4. Pour the mixture into the blender, place the lid on the blender and plug it in. Keep the blender on “chop” setting for 1 minute and then “blend” setting for 3 minutes. Then the contents will become as a smooth.

8 Steps to Make Homemade Coconut Oil By Yourself

5. Place the three layers of cheesecloth over the bowl, on on top of the other, and pour the coconut from the blender onto the cheesecloth.

Things you have to prepare • 3 Mature coconuts(makes about 1/2 cup solid oil) • A blender • A jar with lid • A container with lid • A spoon • A knife • A chisel • 3 layers of cheeseclote • A bowl Instructions 1. Use the knife to shave off as much of

2. Scoop out the coconut meat and place into the bowl.

3. According to how many coconut meat you have, add 50% more water to the bowl than the coconut meat. Means if you have 2 parts of coconut meat, add 3 parts of water.

6. Pour the coconut milk into the jar, screw the lid tightly on the jar and leave the coconut milk to ferment.

7. Put the coconut milk into warm place for 6-8 hours and then chill the jar in the refrigerator for 3 hours to get the solid oil.

8. Scoop out the oil and save it in the container with a lid. Keep it in the fridge and use as desired.

- Natural News

Scientists develop way to ʻunboilʼ an egg Don’t look for a kitchen product that will recover hard boiled eggs and allow you to change your mind to make an omelet or fry eggs sunny-side up instead. The boys in the lab just had to dramatically demonstrate their newly created device that untangles proteins in boiled egg whites that reduces it to a liquid with proteins intact.

So it’s impractical for kitchen use. Besides, it didn’t deal with the yokes, only the whites. Before attempting to explain why they’re doing this, let’s discuss the demonstration. “Yes, we have invented a way to unboil a hen egg,” said Gregory Weiss, University of California Irvine (UCI) professor of chemistry and molecular biology and biochemistry.

Weiss explains, “In our paper, we describe a device for pulling apart tangled proteins and allowing them to refold. We start with egg whites boiled for 20 minutes at 90 degrees Celsius and return a key protein in the egg to working order. It’s not so much that we’re interested in processing the eggs; that’s just demonstrating how powerful this process is.”

The demonstration began by applying an artificially produced urea substance, also known as carbamide, which replicates the urea that creates ammonia waste eliminated in urine by the body’s metabolism of breaking down of proteins. Carbamide is used to enhance protein in animal feed and as fertilizer.

The urea or carbamide is applied

to the boiled egg white and begins rapidly liquifying the solid material. That’s the first half of the process; at the molecular level, protein bits are still balled up into unusable masses, and to complete the process of restoring a clear protein known as lysozyme, a vortex fluid device is employed to restore the useless balled up or “folded” proteins to normal usable proteins.

Professor Colin Raston’s laboratory at South Australia’s Flinders University developed this high powered vortex device that causes shear stress to those tiny pieces with thin microfluidic films. This forces the tangled proteins back into normalcy.

Well - what’s the point of all this?

For immediate practical laboratory purposes, Weiss half-jokingly claimed, “The real problem is there are lots of cases of gummy proteins that you spend way too much time scraping off your test tubes, and you want some means of recovering that material.”

And this newly developed process speeds up a process that could take days and instead does it in minutes. A process equivalent to dialysis on the molecular level takes four days while this process is completed in minutes. Aside from cleaning test tubes and other lab equipment for recovering useful proteins, this method has more practical applications for efficiently speeding up industrial and research protein production.

Pharmaceutical companies currently create cancer antibodies in expensive

hamster ovary cells that take time to develop and do not often unfold the proteins, rendering those useless. This new method could easily replace that process and save time and money to create the proteins needed for cancer research, for example.

The ability to quickly and cheaply re-form common proteins from yeast or E. coli bacteria could potentially streamline protein manufacturing for other uses in the food industry. Industrial cheese makers, farmers and others who use recombinant proteins could also achieve more bang for their buck.

The researchers’ joint USA and Australian effort consider this a breakthrough after a long struggle to efficiently produce or recycle valuable molecular proteins with a wide range of applications. Too often they “misfold” into structurally incorrect shapes when they are formed, rendering them structurally useless.

But one does wonder if all the application examples mentioned contribute to healing cancer with natural substances or creating foods naturally. It seems to go the way of biotechnology and orthodox oncology research. Though scientifically entertaining and fulfilling for researchers, is it really good for us?

Of course UCI has filed for a patent on the work, and its Office of Technology Alliances is working with interested commercial partners.

- Natural News

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health news

PAGE 35

Using spices to heal disease: Indian doctor devotes career to using therapeutic power of ancient medicine In many parts of the world, including India, spices are considered sacred and used both as a food and for medicine. Due to their effectiveness, this ideology has now spread into Western medicine. Written by Bharat B. Aggarwal, Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices to Boost Health and Beat Disease, details the story of an Indian doctor who has dedicated his career to making scientific breakthroughs involving the use of spices to treat chronic diseases.

The following is a snippet from his book: Spices have been in my life—in my diet, in my medicine cabinet, and in my thinking— since I was a youth growing up in Punjab in northern India. And now—as Professor of the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center—spices are the subject of many experiments in my laboratory, where my colleagues and I are discovering the molecular and biochemical secrets behind the therapeutic power of these ancient medicines, and conducting human studies to put those secrets to use in the battle against cancer.

When I was growing up in India, spices were the main medicines my family used for everyday healing, in keeping with the tradition of Ayurveda, India’s system of natural healing, which employs spices, herbs, and healthful lifestyle to prevent and treat disease.

My twin interests in unraveling the biochemical secrets of cancer’s lethal intrusion and researching the healing power of spices led me in 1989 to Houston and the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

There, during the 1990s, 1 discovered that curcumin is active against cancer.

One experiment after another led to a greater understanding of its potential. Yes, it is capable of attacking breast cancer. . . colon cancer. . . and pancreatic cancer. And now the positive results of this research are being tested in clinical studies with cancer patients.

At first, my experiments on “traditional folk medicine” didn’t get much attention at the highly conventional M.D. Anderson. When I first mentioned to an oncologist that a compound in an ordinary Indian spice

had anti-cancer properties that I’d never seen in any other substance, I was politely shooed out of his office.

A few months later, however, I attended a conference in India with John Mendelsohn, MD, president of M.D. Anderson and one of the most influential oncologists in the United States. While there, he attended my presentation on the healing potential of curcumin and then talked to me afterward. “I had no idea that the science behind your results was so solid,” he said. We talked more on the long flight home. By the time we returned to Houston, he had decided he wanted to launch human studies on curcumin and cancer.

Today, dozens of human studies on curcumin have been completed, and many more are underway. Research shows that curcumin may help treat a range of health problems, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, prostate problems, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and, of course, various cancers, including colorectal, breast, pancreatic, bladder, oral, cervical, and stomach.

Discovering the tremendous heal-

ing capacity of turmeric and curcumin got me hooked on investigating spices in my laboratory. We moved on to experiments with many other spices and their compounds: the garcinol in kokum, the zerumbone in ginger, the ursolic acid in oregano, the quercetin in onions, the capsaicin in red chile, the ellagitannins in pomegranate, to name a few. And one by one, we found, yes, spices and their compounds are powerful healers.

Back in 1995, when I started investigating turmeric, there were less than 50 published scientific studies on the healing potential of spices. Today, there are thousands. Worldwide, researchers have linked culinary spices to the prevention and treatment of more than 150 health problems.

Spices, they have found, contain compounds that fight oxidation and inflammation, the two processes underlying most chronic diseases. And studies that analyze dietary patterns and disease—so-called population or epidemiological studies— have linked high spice intake to low rates of chronic disease.

- Natural News

Study: Sniffing Rosemary can increase memory by 75% People have long believed that the herb has positive effects on the mind and body, but no one has put it’s efficacy to the test until now.

Rosemary is a woody herb with needle-like leaves. Its scent is unmistakable and it can be found in many herb gardens. Many studies over rosemary essential oil found that the oil increased the chances of remembering future tasks by 60 – 75%, when compared to people who weren’t exposed to the oil.

It’s also one of the most powerful herbs and essential oils on the planet. Rosemary oil enhances memory as its aroma contains terpenes, a primary component of essential oils. This enables the components

of rosemary to enter the bloodstream then it travels to the brain and act on memory systems.

There are many different ways to start boosting memory with rosemary. Place three to four drops of rosemary essential oil on a tissue and enjoy as the smell wafts through the air. For a longer lasting aroma, add 10 drops of rosemary oil to 2 cups of boiled water, or purchase one of the many aromatherapy diffusion products on the market.

Some Other Uses & Benefits Of Rosemary Essential Oil

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Reducing anxiety, elevating mood Calming effects Pain relief Headache relief Rosemary infused oil removebad dandruff of hair loss Protects against DNA damage Arthritis treatment, anti-inflammatory Sooth the stomach and relieve pain from indigestion, menstrual cramps Skin tonic Hair tonic Digestion soother Immune booster Improving circulation

• • •

Detoxifying the liver Cancer prevention Good for Pregnant women

Side Effects Ingestion of large quantities of rosemary may result in stomach and intestinal irritation, and kidney damage. Allergic contact dermatitis has been associated with the plant, but rosemary is not generally considered to be a human skin sensitizer.

- Natural News

PAGE 36

health & you

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

4 simple ways to optimize turmericʼs bioavailability Turmeric has been used for ages to cure many of our ailments. From treating an upset stomach, microbial infections, or skin issues to fighting inflammation, chronic pain, and cancer. Its active compound, curcumin, is what gives Indian food its typical bright yellow color and provides a wide range of very powerful health benefits.

But unfortunately curcumin isn’t absorbed well by our body. And when it does, our liver actively tries to get rid of it.

So although you may be adding turmeric to your daily diet, chances are not much of it end up in your system to do its magic.

Luckily there are a few tricks to improve the availability and absorption and get turmeric’s full powers.

Black Pepper This is maybe something you’ve heard before and the most known way to increase curcumin’s bioavailability. Even the slightest pinch can increase absorption with a whopping 2,000%. So when cooking with turmeric, make sure you don’t forget to add fresh ground black pepper.

Healthy Fats Turmeric is fat-soluble and best absorbed in combination with fat. When turmeric is combined or eaten with a healthy fat – such as coconut butter, coconut oil, olive oil, ghee or avocados- more curcumin makes it past the stomach and intestines to enter the bloodstream and cells. It can directly enter the lymph system and bypass the liver by doing so. It is also best to use the fresh root, for its

added natural protective oils.

Quercetin Quercetin is a plant flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and green tea. It prevents an enzyme to break down and deactivate curcumin. . If the fruit or vegetable is dark red, blue, or purple, it will contain more of the flavonoid.

Warmth Some studies suggest that warmth improves the solubility of curcumin. However heating it for too long will destroy curcumin as well.

So if using turmeric in stir-fries or sautés, heat coconut oil on high heat, add turmeric and reduce heat afterwards.

- Natural News

Health hosting Dr. Lydia Thurton

drlydia@carib101.com

Health Tips Serving food to a diverse crowd is tricky.

There is a significant trend towards food consciousness. People are aware of what they consume and the health impact on their body. More and more people are eating with intention. Purposely avoiding food additives and processed foods in favor of healthy whole foods.

The goal is to host a holiday party where you serve delicious, wholesome food.

Leave guests feeling nourished and energized. Here are my top tips on how to serve a meal that will leave guests wanting more, but not reaching for a bottle of antacids.

Food allergies and sensitivities are commonplace. Ask guests to RSVP with their dietary needs to guide your meal prep.

While not every dish has to appeal to everyone, consider having options for guests that are avoiding common allergens like dairy, wheat and nuts.

Avoid boxed hors d’oeuvres and desserts. I’m a fan of knowing exactly what ingredients are in your food. Make less variety, but better quality. If baking isn’t your thing, support your local bakery. Choose a bakery that uses whole ingredients. Try a gluten free or dairy free option.

Go heavy on the vegetables, light on the starch. Make one dish of rice or potatoes and a few dishes of quinoa, greens, carrots, brussel sprouts or beans.

A component of alcoholic beverages, called a congener, causes hangovers.

Dark liquors contain more congeners. Whisky is the worst. Serve clear spirits. The LCBO website has great mocktails, zero alcohol, drink ideas the designated driver can enjoy. Keep pitchers of water on hand.

Digestive enzymes help break down your food in your intestine. Buy a bottle from your health food store to keep on hand. Let people know that if they think they will be eating more than they normally would, you can supply with enzymes to help them digest. Nothing better than eating with no regrets.

What to do when you have no time to workout Monique Bartlett

monique@carib101.com

Fitness The holidays are approaching and you want to workout but you don’t have a lot of time.

So what can you do in order to burn some extra calories without taking up a lot of your time? Holiday music is being played more and more each day but turn on your favourite music and start dancing. Turn on your radio or the music on your smartphone and dance like you’ve never danced before! Dance in

the kitchen, in your bedroom or even in your living room. Not only will you burn calories but you’ll also feel great! Pull out your old dance moves, you can Vogue like Madonna or Moonwalk like Michael Jackson.

If you take public transit get off a block or two before your regular stop and walk the rest of the way. You might not have time to take long walks so this is one way to get in a little bit of extra walking every day. If you drive to work, try parking as far away from the door as possible. Then once you get to your office take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you walk up the stairs try taking them two at a time. Be careful to watch your step and make sure that your feet are well planted on each step.

Something else you can try that doesn’t have to take a lot of time but makes you feel great is yoga. Yoga is one of the best ways of losing weight and toning your body.

One of the benefits of yoga is that you use practically every muscle and joint of your body. It strengthens your muscles as well as help to increase your posture. It also calms your mind if you’re stressed.

If you have a partner it’s a great idea for you to workout together. You can support each other and push each other to do your best. It will also make it easier to motivate each other and keep each other on the right track. You can do a quick body weight workout with each other or you can jump rope for a great cardio workout.

No matter what you choose to do, know that doing something is better than nothing. You don’t need to do a full hour workout. Even just a fifteen minute workout once or twice a day is more than enough to keep you fit and healthy. Every little bit counts and you really won’t notice those few extra steps that you take each day.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health & you

Beating the holiday blues - A guide for all Michelle Smith

michelle@carib101.com

Health Care The holidays should be the most wonderful time of the year, but sometimes Christmas can be the time of year that people experience a high incidence of depression. Hospitals and police forces report high incidences of suicide and attempted suicide. Psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals report a significant increase in patients complaining about depression. For some people, they become depressed at Christmas and even angry because of the excessive commercialization of Christmas, with the focus on gifts and the emphasis on “perfect” social activities. Others get depressed because Christmas appears to be a trigger to engage in excessive self-reflection and rumination about the inadequacies of life (and a “victim” mentality) in comparison with other people who seem to have more and do more. Still others become anxious at Christmas because of the pressure (both commercial and self-induced) to spend a lot of money on gifts and incur increasing debt. Other people report that they dread Christmas because of the expectations for social gatherings with family, friends and acquaintances that they’d rather not spend time with. And finally, many people feel very lonely at Christmas, because they

have suffered the loss of loved ones or their jobs. So what should you do, if you’re among those who get depressed at Christmas?

Mental illness or as I like to call it challenges with mental wellness can leave both adults and young people feeling even further adrift. Meanwhile, you can’t always tell by looking at a person. Keep in mind that adults and young people are suffering in our own communities. Like some adults, youths struggle with sadness in the holiday season.

Maybe their parents have recently divorced, maybe they have lost a parent or grandparent or someone close to them and maybe they are a victim of a bully or cyberbully. Remember youths are not good at communicating Parents/Guardians/ Community workers be mindful of this: use this time to open the lines of communication especially with individuals.

For those of you prone to holiday blues please avoid Facebook or social media stalking. Don’t use your Holiday to start searching for people you know (especially former friends/spouses/boyfriends/girlfriends) maybe in a former life or grade. I am sure all these people are having wonderful lives, but we never know what really goes on behind those pictures. Our youths may not be mature enough to quite understand that yet but adults remember you are. So if Social media is your source of sadness take a break until after the holidays.

Quick Tip: Social media monitoring and phone calls Can be signs of distress. Learn to be aware of hidden words and messages that scream help. Silently check their Social Media status updates, this can be a silent cry for help.

Please note that my position as your advocate/Nurse is not to treat or diagnose you but to help you navigate to the right resources.

As your advocate I suggest the following: If the depression is serious, seek help from a professional/Advocate. Always remember to set personal boundaries regarding the money spent on gifts and the number of social events.

Be present and enjoy each moment as best you can. Figure out what basics are going to help you get through the holidays and make them a priority. Take action and do interesting and fun things. If you are religious, take part in church activities that focus on the bigger meaning of Christmas. Avoid family conflict.

Learn to grieve if you are mourning a loved one. It’s a good time to talk about your feelings or reach out to support groups, make a connection with someone in your community that can act as a support system for you. It’s not uncommon to feel angry at the person for leaving you alone or feeling guilty if you do enjoy yourself during the holidays.

All feelings are a sign that you’re human and reflect where you are in your healing process. There’s no one right way to feel.

The Christmas season has become a difficult time for many people in our society. For those of us who don’t have difficulties at this time of year, it’s an opportunity to reach out to those who become depressed. For those who are depressed, it’s an opportunity to take action, to think, feel and act in ways that breaks free from the past.

PAGE 37

life

PAGE 38

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

TFSA contribution limit rolls back to $5,500 next year Fazaad Bacchus

fazaad@carib101.com

Finance Specialist The TFSA (tax free savings program) which allows investors to save money and not pay taxes on its growth has just had a major shift in its contributions. The TFSA is a program which started in 2009 and allowed investors to invest as much as $5,000 as a maximum contribution for that year and continuing until 2012.

Then contribution limits changed in 2013 and 2014 to $5,500 and for this year, 2015 the contribution limit is $10,000. The contribution limit for 2016 will change back

to $5,500.

If you have never invested any money into a TFSA then you have an available contribution room, meaning that you can invest as much as $41,000. If you have not made any deposit for 2015 as yet there is no need for panic as the contribution room will also be carried forward.

As a Financial Advisor, this quickly brings me to my next topic of, why should I invest in a TFSA. A more complex question would be, should I save in TFSA or use a RRSP; however this question cannot be answered unless you sit with a financial advisor and calculate your tax savings.

As for the TFSA, it is a program in conjunction with Canada Revenue Agency tax regulations, for individuals who are age 18 years and older. It encourages savings and investment and while the contributions are not tax deductible from your income, the earnings, whether it be capital gains, dividends or investment income is also free of tax even, if you were to close off the entire

account.

The typical TFSA consists of either cash or mutual funds at a bank or financial institution, however they can be much more, as they can be extended to certain approved securities and certain shares of small business corporations. A more complicated TFSA may even include foreign holdings; however this may attract foreign tax. An important point to note is that a TFSA can be issued by any bank, credit union, trust company or insurance company. Therefore you are not limited to whom you may choose to invest with.

It is important to understand the reason that you are investing in a TFSA. For some, it’s simply extra cash meant for investing and for some it’s part of their overall retirement planning. The latter is extremely important, as this requires intervention by a qualified financial advisor to guide you along the way. This requires a preparation of a retirement forecast and retirement planning from a whole person concept.

You should focus on things like where do you intend to live during your retirement years. Perhaps your plan is to return to the Caribbean or West Indies where, based on foreign exchange rates, cost of living could be cheaper. Albeit you may have to contend with other lifestyle choices that you may not like, but it may just have to do.

An advisor should help you decide on the type of TFSA and the expected value of your investment in years to come. Certainly individuals who do not want to play with their money should sit with his or her financial advisor and develop a proper plan.

It is important to calculate your risk tolerance so that your investment choice doesn’t keep you up at night.

And finally if you have maxed out your TFSA contribution limits there are certainly other tax efficient ways in which to save and invest. You could consider a RESP or using certain life insurance policies which are tax exempt. Speak with a financial advisor today for a better tomorrow.

Staging Your Home Ron Barlay

ron@carib101.com

Real Estate In today’s highly competitive housing market, home staging has become an important tool in helping to sell homes and condominiums effectively. It focuses on improving your property and transforming it into an attractive product for sale. Even beautifully decorated homes need to be turned into merchandised products that enhance the home’s best features. The goal of staging is to sell your home quickly and for the highest return, by appealing to a greater number of prospective buyers.

Preparing to Sell Selling your biggest investment can be a very rewarding experience. When your home is properly prepared, you will have a big advantage over your competition, in terms of time on the market (less disruption

to family life) and selling price (more money in your pocket).

In today’s market, most buyers are looking for a bright, spotlessly clean, sunny home that they can move right into. Just do your best to follow the plan set out by our stager and you will be leaps and bounds ahead of the pack. A home in good repair will win the bid over the competition every time. Homeowners who take the suggestions to heart and dig in, are the ones who reap the greatest rewards.

Staging Benefits You only have one chance to impress potential buyers. Buyers’ first impressions are formed as soon as they step inside your home. Staging highlights the full potential of your property by incorporating design techniques to create a lasting first impression. You want to give homeowners a reason to buy your home.

Staging prepares your home to attract the widest market, while making it appealing to the greatest number of prospective buyers. Staging creates excitement and interest from the beginning, and sets your home apart from the competition. Properties that have been staged will have a distinct marketing advantage over non-staged homes.

Staging your home can maximize the selling

price and minimize the number of days on the market. Staged homes provide beautiful photos. Consumers are savvy and most of them start their search on the Internet. Photos give them their first impression.

Your stager provides an objective third party perception and will convey to homeowners tactfully and respectfully all the important issues that need to be addressed in order to prepare your property for sale How the Initial Staging Consultation Works A member of our staging team will call and book an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. The staging consultation generally takes 1.5-2 hours. For best results, it is preferable to do your staging consultation during daylight hours because good visibility is important for spotting all potential concerns.

Upon arrival, your stager will ask you to turn on all of the lights in your home. They will suggest you gather up a pen and notepad while they do an initial walkthrough of the whole home by themselves. It is important for your stager to view the home alone initially, with no distractions. This will be their first impression in which the most helpful observations will be revealed. They

will be looking for factors such as small repairs, condition of windows, caulking, tile, grout, paint, baseboards and lighting, to name a few. Also, they will be considering more flattering ways to set up the rooms and what items to edit and declutter.

Next, you and your stager will walk through the whole home together where the will reveal their observations and recommendations of what to remove, clean and repair. Your stager may suggest rearranging a room on the spot, when physically possible.

This is ideal because it gets the ball rolling and demonstrates the value of changing the layout. The notes you write at this time will be handy for remembering the suggestions to be completed after your stager leaves.

At the end of your appointment, your stager will ask if you have any further questions that were not addressed during the walk-through. If you think of something after they leave, don’t worry; they will be available by telephone, text or email.

Ultimately, we have never had a client say that the preparation was not worthwhile. On the contrary, aside from getting maximum value for their home because it showed better, it also made packing for their move easier.

Reflections of my first year in office Kathy McDonald kathy@carib101.com

Student Education December 1st marks one year since I was sworn into office. It seems like just yesterday I was pounding the pavement with my two year old in the stroller. As cliché as this might sound; times really flies. The journey

has been quite edifying and exhilarating to say the least. There is nothing like discovering a job that satisfies your passion, getting up every day to do it and feeling that you were born for it. When ashes cole dwag sleep in it; (When ashes are cold a dog/ person will sleep in it). Yes, I did make the best of my situation. It was baptism by fire. Within the first year just about every federation participated in sanctions of some kind; I witnessed several parent strikes which made issues like bussing and boundary changes seem mundane and worked ardently to understand the nuances of my role.

The first order of business was visiting all my schools and introducing myself to the administration and staff. There were

Trustee orientation training, Trustee information sessions, symposiums and on the job training. Several social events started popping up in my calendar daily. I remember the words of a wise seasoned Trustee that reminded me that “I will eventually need to be selective in the events I attend or I will burn out”. My second son kept saying “Where are you going again mom?” So juggle I did, with the support of my husband and the proverbial village.

Before I knew it, it was Black History Month and as a storyteller I went to most of my schools and did my best to share the Caribbean/ African culture to the students of the Peel District School Board (PDSB) in wards 3 and 4. By March 1st I

was hoarse. There were Open Houses, talk of labor unrest and more meetings. April did not provide the reprieve that I thought it would. With Education week (really weeks as it spans two weeks), Sikh Heritage Month and more labor unrest I was busy. Keep in mind that my day to day activities are not slowing down either. These included, answering emails and phone calls from anxious parents, committee meetings, discipline hearings, extremely long Board meetings as the number of delegations are increasing as the hype over the revised Health and Physical Education Curriculum reached its peak.

- Continued On Page 37

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Property division and Common Law spouses - The principle of unjust enrichment Valerie Dye

valerie@carib101.com

Legal Matters In Canada couples who are going through a divorce divide their assets through the process of equalization. This is a process whereby both parties calculate their net family property by determining the value of property owned at the date of separation (valuation date) less debts and liabilities and excluding property owned before marriage (note that the matrimonial home is not excluded even if owned before marriage). The party who has the higher net family property pays half of the difference to the other party. The aim of equalization is to place both parties on equal footing so that they each leave the marriage with equal value in terms of assets.

Common Law spouses do not benefit from equalization. Unless a common law spouse has legal ownership to a property there is no automatic claim to that property.

For instance, if property is owned jointly by a common law couple then obviously both of them are entitled to that property. On the other hand, if property is owned only by one common law spouse the spouse who does not have legal ownership to that property is not automatically entitled to a share in it unless he or she can prove a tangible contribution toward the acquisition of that property.

This may seem unfair to common law couples who have lived together for years and who may have contributed to the joint family venture which resulted in an enrichment of the couple. It is for this reason that the courts have allowed common law couples to rely on the principle of unjust enrichment in order to benefit from a share

in family property. One spouse may claim that the other spouse will become unjustly enriched if that other spouse is allowed to be the sole beneficiary of property acquired during the union.

To prove unjust enrichment the claimant must prove that the defendant has become unjustly enriched, that the claimant has suffered some detriment and that there is no justifiable reason for the enrichment. In the case of Kerr v Baranow (2011) 1 SCR 269, the Supreme Court of Canada stated that the claimant ‘must show that he or she has given a tangible benefit to the defendant that the defendant received and retained’. The claimant must also have suffered some form of deprivation. This case also highlights the fact that the provision of domestic services may be seen as unjust enrichment, since a common law spouse has no duty to perform domestic services for the other. Such services are seen as a tangible benefit being conferred upon the family and may also be seen as a deprivation suffered by the spouse who performs those duties often without compensation.

The 2015 Ontario Superior Court Case of Gibson v Mead provides an example of domestic services being seen as an enrichment to one of the spouses. In that case the common law wife was a stay at home mother while the Respondent obtained higher education and improved his employment income.

The court determined that the elements of an unjust enrichment existed and that the wife was entitled to a share of the assets on the basis of her contribution.

In determining whether a common law spouse is becoming unjustly enriched the court needs to carry out an analytical exercise to determine the nature, value and reasons for the contributions made by the other spouse. Thus, while common law spouses are not automatically entitled to a share in assets to which they have no legal title, they are not left without any recourse.

First year in office Continued From Page 36 -- May arrived the dreaded OSSTF strike was here. EFTO’s work to rule followed shortly after that. It seemed like the job sanctions kept coming and before long the only people that were not participating in jobs sanctions were the principals and the vice-principals. Summer, the dog days of summer, while void of committee meetings, was busy with keeping four children engaged and active. When we returned to school in September the labor situation was dire. It was long, the Province and the Federations were trying to get a deal and locally we were trying to do the same.

We weathered the storm, repaired most relationships and unified, forged ahead working for the betterment of students. At the PDBS within minutes of OPSEU ratifying their deal the hallways started to sparkle.

Upon reflecting on 2014 the highs; for example, listening to the valedictory speech at the Adult Education Graduation and the lows:

for example, holding a terrified mother’s hand as we are filing a missing child report with the police I am filled with a renewed sense of propose. Throughout the year there were; assemblies, awards ceremonies, ribbon cutting as I opened a new school and new businesses; honoring various milestones in the life of school communities; celebrating student successes and employees milestones and my favorite, graduations. Graduations whether its elementary or secondary are always filled with such hope and optimism that one can’t help but be filled with the infectious sense of confidence.

The PDSB 2015 organizational meeting did not produce any changes in our leadership but many other Boards saw major changes. Despite all that we endured as School Boards I am sure that I can speak for most of my colleagues when I say that student success is at the forefront of all we do.

Funny how time flies when you’re having fun. Walk Good; Belle Marche!!!!

life

PAGE 39

PAGE 40

life

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

A call for Transportation Minister, Steven Del Duca to intervene in 407ETRʼs billing nightmare Tammy Flores

tammy@carib101.com

407ETR Matters The group “Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power” has been calling for the Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, to intervene and hold 407 ETR accountable for not following consumer protection legislation. While the Ministry of Transportation has responded to my letter, December 9th, 2015, they didn’t address whether or not the Minister has any intentions of intervening.

In an email sent to the Ministry of Transportation dated December 2nd, 2015 I requested the Minister of Transportation to intervene and pointed out how the company was refusing to comply with the Supreme Court of Canada’s November 13th, 2015 decision. The company is demanding that people be discharged from their Bankruptcy claim before they will release them from Plate Denial and they do not view people in a consumer proposal as qualifying under the court’s decision.

Also, pointed out in the December 2nd, 2015 letter to the Ministry, was whether or not former Minister of Transportation, Jim Bradley, intentionally lied to the public or simply didn’t know what he was saying in a Toronto Star article dated December 1st, 2009.

As pointed out in my last article, the Toronto Star article dated December 1st, 2009 quoted former Minister of Transportation, Jim Bradley, as saying, “Ontario motorists who use Highway 407 and forget to pay their bills can legally be hounded for fifteen years if they don’t pay up.” Quoted directly after the Minister was 407 ETR who chimed in, also saying it “has the permission to pursue motorists for unpaid balanc-

es and add annual interest of 26.82 per cent for up to fifteen years.”

In a very brief response on behalf of the current Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, Peter Verok, Regional Director for the Ministry of Transportation says, “The Concession and Ground Lease Agreement requires 407 ETR to comply with all laws and regulations …

We understand that 407 ETR is complying with the two decisions.”, referring to 407 ETR’s case against Ira Day, whereby Justice Edwards ruled that 407 ETR had only two years from the time they place someone in Plate Denial to enforce collections and the Supreme Court’s ruling that says 407 ETR has to comply with the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. Hopefully the Ministry of Transportation doesn’t think that just because 407 ETR says that they are complying with the court’s decision, that it must be so. After all, they have been ignoring consumer protection laws and regulations for many years.

407 ETR is still in the driver’s seat with respects to Plate Denial. The Ministry of Transportation will not release anyone from Plate Denial unless the company says so. The Ministry of Transportation should really be in the driver’s seat and intervene because of the company’s breach of consumer protection legislation. Surely, there is enough evidence in the courts now to support the Ministry of Transportation to intervene and make the company comply with consumer protection legislation.

Deferring to the lower court’s decision in 2005, where the judge said that the Ministry of Transportation had to deny a person’s plate if the company says so, just makes the Ministry of Transportation look like it’s doing the bidding of a private corporation with no interest in the public’s concerns. The Plate Denial provision was not meant as a tool to keep people in debtor’s prison until they pay whatever usury amounts of money the company tries to extort from people.

We encourage you to reach out to the Minister and request him to intervene so we can rid ourselves of 407 ETR’s billing nightmares once and for all.

The millenial car race Jelani Daniel

jelani@carib101.com

Automotive Corner It seems that Millennials (aged 18-34) are becoming the focus of car companies but for reasons regarding shifting wants and needs, not sales alone, but how responsive have they been to the efforts of the automobile industry?

DELAYED GRATIFICATION: The typical millennial is either entering school, graduating, or working full time. With numerous outlets available for research including social media and online papers, it gives them leverage to scope out better deals before entering a dealership; they are fully informed. Such research allows future buyers to leverage stronger insight before purchasing as well as harnessing the ability to compare prices with other dealerships to maximize the value of their expense.

With the influx of millennials living with empty nesters, there are both pros and cons for the population including the ability to save for a luxury vehicle. Although a vehicle is of high importance, housing is a competitive force that also allows buyers to gain a return on their initial investment, whereas vehicles depreciate with time. With both expenses at the top of the list and threatening one another, frugality and luxury are in direct conflict with one another.

Overall, millennials face heavy expens-

es but have the ability to save for longer periods and research more in depth, giving them more purchasing power to decide on which vehicle to buy. This in turn threatens the bottom line for dealerships that rely on regular purchases instead of drawn-out and incentive ridden and pricematched purchases.

BATTLE OF THE BRANDS: Luxury and economy vehicles are more accessible to the general population, especially with low lease rates and perks for buyers. Car manufacturers including Mercedes and BMW are making cars and hybrid models more affordable, giving millennials an opportunity to shine.

Although shiny and praised luxury vehicles are coveted, many millennials are opting for used cars since they are trusted and reliable, come at a lower cost, may not be as elegant but are safe and depreciate like any other car model.

Overall, digital and traditional branding are the life line of persuasion for young drivers. Branding can showcase the value of a luxury brand car (status, prestige, sense of accomplishment, etc.) or the benefit of an economy car (better fuel economy, more money to store in savings, a triedtested-true name, etc.).

Although both luxury and economy are obtainable, marketing and the art of branding may be the final influencer for a millennial buyer.

THE PERKS OF PATIENCE: Waiting to buy a car, finding the best deal, or sorting out which vehicle will give you the largest return on your investment is the wisest choice.

Since there are so many tools for research available, it is a luxury in and of itself for millennials to fully invest in finding the best investment with clearer knowledge and reliable sources.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

insight

PAGE 41

Toilet Training; A parents worst nightmare. Part 2 Simone Smith simone@carib101.com

A Better Tomorrow It is the holiday season and many of us are gearing up for holiday shopping, busy parking lots and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. It is a season of holiday cheer, friends, family and poopy diapers. Poopy diapers? Yes, poopy diapers. Many parents are about to take on a challenge that could mean large quantities of rum and egg nog. What task am I speaking about?

It is the difficult task that many parents want to avoid; toilet training. In our last section, we were able to introduce toilet training into our miniseries on Pervasive Developmental Disorders. I thought it might be a great time to introduce this topic because during the holiday season, there is a little more time to actually slow down. In this section of the miniseries, I will be presenting statistics and readiness signs that parents should be aware of Toilet training takes time and patience and this is one of the reasons why it can become such a difficult task.

According to Erin Oak Kids (2015), the average child is daytime bowel trained at 36 months; the average child is both bowel and bladder trained by 24 -48 months. Some children may not be nighttime bowel trained until they are between 5five and seven years of age. These statistics are meant to provide a general idea of when a parent should look into toilet training, but in no means are these ages set in stone. Parents have to realize that

all children are different and just because one of your children had an easy toilet training experience, this does not mean that it will be the same for your other children. Oddly, the earlier a child starts toilet training, the longer it actually takes.

There are readiness signs that parents need to be aware of; these signs fall into two categories: physical readiness and developmental readiness. Physical readiness signs can include: regular and somewhat predictable bowel movements, your child is able to pull their own clothes on and off, your child can stay dry for two hour stretches throughout the day and your child does not have a history of constipation, urinary tract infection, diarrhea or any other bowel illnesses (Erin Oak Kids, 2015). Developmental readiness signs include: your child telling you that he or she has urinated or had a bowel movement, they are able to sit for three to five minutes with a preferred activity, they begin to imitate using the bathroom, and they have developed an understanding of what the potty is and what it is used for (Erin Oak Kids, 2015). If you as a parent are able to provide an understanding of toileting to your child, it can make it easier for them. This can be as simple as saying to your child, “Pee goes in the toilet. Poo goes in the toilet.� Parents can then watch to see how receptive their child is to this information. As parents you need to be sensitive to your children during this experience. Watch for behavior that can include pulling off diapers, or even touching themselves; these could all be signs that your child is ready to start this process.

One thing that must be avoided is forcing your child to toilet train when they are not ready. This can be traumatic for everyone involved and make this process seemingly harder. Signs that your

child is not ready includes: they do not seem to notice when they have wet or soiled their clothing, there is not a recognizable bowel movement pattern, they pee more than every few hours and they show no interest in using the potty. If you are noticing these behaviors, do not precede in toilet training your child. The goal is to set your child up for success; if they are not ready, they will not be successful and then you are all back at square one.

As parents, you have to be aware of how ready you are to take on this task. Please understand, even though I have suggested that this is a good time to start, you have to know if you are ready. Signs that you are not ready to start include: you have negative feelings towards diaper changes, accidents or other issues around toileting, you are feeling pressure from family and friends about your child’s readiness or you are motivated to toilet train because of another stressor.

This is a delicate experience and must be handled with care.

I always want to share the way that any situation can be experienced from different perspectives. Parents, I sympathize with you and encourage you that you are not alone. In part three, we will go through strategies that will help develop the readiness to toilet train.

Be of good cheer, everything will work out, I promise.

PAGE 42

astrology

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

ARIES

TAURUS

Thursday takes you over the hump in some positive and well-timed way. As of Friday’s new moon, you’ll gain a much better sense of where it’s going and how to play it. On Saturday, you’ll have it well under control.

Monday could get you going earlier than usual. Over the coming week, the stars are a good mix of productive and creative.

Thursday/Friday puts you on an upswing.

Mars/Uranus can bring release or relief.

They help you to clear a hurdle, get something fixed or upgraded, or make a breakthrough with someone or something. Added expense is quite possible too, but you’re likely to feel that the money is well spent.

Saturday through next Thursday, the dots connect for you very well.

GEMINI

CANCER

Thursday is a great let-off-some-steam day.

A change of plans, an impulse purchase, a social event, or a chance meeting could produce the high point of your week. Friday’s new moon can start a big push, but through the next week the stars are playing it smooth.

Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday are your best days to get at it and enjoy it, too.

Past Thursday’s extra financial or family pressure, more workable or viable solutions are easily found. The weekend is great for sorting it out. Sun/Jupiter can get you going early Monday. The start of the week piles it up, but as each day progresses, so do you. Aim for creative solutions; go with what’s most natural and readily available. Wednesday/Thursday brings peace and ease.

LEO

VIRGO

Friday’s new moon sets up the next two weeks for a full-swing countdown. Make good use of your weekend and get to work on that to-do list. Monday/Tuesday is the peak of the week. Bargain, smooth-talk, sell it up, or spread the love and good cheer. You’ll enjoy better-than-average sway. Wednesday/ Thursday is good for romance, volunteering, or coasting.

When you see an opening or opportunity, take it, especially Thursday/Friday. In-themoment offers the best you can get. Saturday/Sunday, it’s working for you very well.

Monday/Tuesday thrusts you into something fresh. These days are fast-paced and full to the brim, but you’ll maintain a good grip.

By Wednesday/Thursday, life is smoothing out and easing up on you.

March 20 - April 19

May 20 - June 21

July 22 - August 22

April 19 - May 20

June 21 - July 22

August 22 - September 22

LIBRA

SCORPIO

A busy workweek ends on an upbeat note.

Something unexpected can be an instant hit.

The stars could be gifting, but on the other hand, Thursday’s Mars/Uranus may surprise you with something caustic or costly. Don’t rely on secondhand information, and when up against it or them, err on the side of caution rather than trust. Next Monday/Tuesday works like a charm for you.

Thursday/Friday could produce a big splash, splurge, or onslaught. Something or someone may take you by storm. Venus in Scorpio beautifully aligned with Neptune is terrific for romance, creative showcasing, or volunteering. This transit also sparks your generosity and compassion, and the spiritual side of life. Tender stars continue to claim your heart through next Thursday. Monday/ Tuesday, you’re a busy one!

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

Friday’s new moon in Sagittarius has you good to go and will keep you so through the next week or two. Saturday is your best day to stay on top of it. Sunday through Tuesday is for putting yourself on the move and for making the most of the here and now. Your people skills and timing are right on the money.

Freshly into take-charge, get-on-with-it Capricorn, Mercury will keep you going full blast through month’s end. Peaking Thursday, Mars/Uranus also hits full-throttle action regarding spending, emotions, and selfcontrol. Social or romantic, there’s magic!

You own the weekend. Sun/Jupiter keeps it on escalate or increase through Monday.

Tuesday/Wednesday simply evaporates. It’s all good.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

The cash-it-in new moon on Friday replenishes and revitalizes you. On duty, at rest, or at play, Saturday/Sunday keeps you well submerged. Monday/Tuesday, the Aquarius moon has you fully present for action and doing it up right. You’re on a roll with plans, talks, and activities. Your people skills, timing, creativity, and intuition serve you very well.

Feeling overwhelmed or under added pressure to finish off your to-do list? Look to Friday’s new moon to set you onto a productive spin. Saturday/Sunday is good for getting yourself better organized. Monday/ Tuesday can be especially busy, but smooth and lucrative. Tuesday/Wednesday, you’re a smooth operator. The Pisces moon keeps you at the top of your game.

September 22 - October 23

November 22 - December 21

January 19 - February 18

October 23 - November 22

December 21 - January 19

February 18 - March 19

Across 2) ‘M’ in MP or MLA 3) How members are chosen 6) Upper chamber 7) Proposed law 10) Group of ministers 11) ____ Period 15) Conservative nickname 17) Provincial leader 18) Current national official opposition Down 1) House of ____ 4) City where government meets 5) National capital 8) Environmental party 9) Prime _____ 12) Person in charge of House 13) Current PM 14) Trudeau, Chretien, Martin 16) Area an official represents

FORWANTED SALE HELP

FOR SALE COMMUNITY EVENTS

BARBER: For Stylesz Unisex Hair Salon and Barber Shop 416-281-8000 or 647-2812447

FOR SALE WANTED

FOR SALE WORSHIP

BETHLEHEM ALIVE: A journey to reveal the Christmas Story. November 28, 2015. At Prince of Peace R.C. Church 265 Alton Towers 5 pm- 8 pm Admission: food for the food bank

KITCHEN HELP Now hiring Chinese Chef and West India Cook for busy Mississauga Restaurant/ Bar. Please contact Caribbean Sunset

905-564-7800 SALES: Now hiring full/part time sales reps. MUST be experienced and self motivated. Great income potential. Serious inquiries only please. Please contact Avi 647-722-6298 SEEKING A JOB: A Part time Registered PSW, looking for a part time job. call 647 466 1661.

TOY DRIVE: Please donate a NEW toy in support and appreciation for Caribbean single-mothers at CWS Toy-Gifting Social on Dec 19 & 20. Scarborough and North York locations. Contact cwsociety@outlook.com or 416-671-7219 CHRISTMAS GRAND MARKET: Last minute Christmas Shopping. Dec 23 & Dec 24th From 12pm to 12am Location; JCA: 995 Arrow Rd. Toronto 416.746.5772 x 249

FOR SALE WORSHIP WORSHIP: Worship with us at Solid Rock Miracle Center 689 Warden Ave at 11am .

Sunday school at 10.05am. 416-293-1839 WEST INDIAN CONGREGATION Emmanuel. Mission Church of the Nazarene.

Service at 1.30 p.m.1875 Sheppard Ave. West, Toronto, ON, M3L 1Y6 For info call Rev. Jerold Boodhoo 416-303-7163

LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FREE!

Send your information to info@torontocaribbean.com or call 647-722-6298

SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211 RECOVERY THURSDAYS: You CAN recover from your hurts, habits and hangups! Rosewood Church of the Nazarene, 657 Milner Ave, Scarborough, ON. M1B 2K4. Free. Light dinner at 6:30pm. Meeting 7pm-9pm Pastor Arnie 416-459-1462

Put a STOP to your DEBT problems today!

Know your options Get the professional and honest advice you deserve

All consultations are FREE Evening and weekend appointments available Brief & Associates Inc. Trustee in Bankruptcy Call Savi Persaud at (416) 634-2036

Administrator of Consumer Proposals 3845 Bathurst Street, Suite 402, Toronto, ON M3H 3N2

Tel: (416) 665-3000

PAGE 48

self help

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 16, 2015

End 2015 strong! Part 2

Proven keys to fulfilling goals and living an extraordinary life Keisha Johnson

keisha@carib101.com

Professional Development In this issue we continue with Part Two of our series on tried and proven keys that successful people have adopted to produce extraordinary results in their business and personal lives. The keys contained in these articles are not exhaustive by any means. What we can promise though is that when applied they could boost your serotonin and dopamine levels. How so? Because you would have made progress towards fulfilling your ideals. And progress or achievement will bump up your happiness producing hormones, which elevates your happiness quotient (HQ). For if you are not happy with yourself, it often matters little that the world celebrates you.

Gather a Master Mind After a twenty year project of researching and interviewing more than 500 of North America’s most accomplished men, Napolean Hill in his seminal work,

Think and Grow Rich identified the Master Mind as a common denominator among successful people.

The Master Mind is simply the, “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony between two or more people for the attainment of a definite purpose.”

The power that comes from combining these ingredients to create a cooperative alliance, led the Holy Scriptures to suggest that if people are united [in knowledge and effort for a definitive purpose] nothing shall be unattainable to them.

Referencing the architectural feat of the construction of the Tower of Babel around 2242 B.C., Genesis records, “If they have begun to do this as one people all having the same language, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.”

Unity among people with coordinated knowledge and effort around a definitive purpose shatters impossibilities.

As you prepare to make 2016 a pivotal year of achievement in your personal journey, consider who it may be necessary to glean from, align and / or collaborate with to fulfill your ideal(s).

Create your own Master Mind. Judiciously select some like-minded, knowledgeable, resourceful people, who have

the integrity, passion and time to align with you and commit to your success.

Why? The power of the cooperative alliance of the Master Mind will stretch, encourage and empower you to achieve results. It will propel you much farther along in fulfilling your goals than if you go it alone.

“When a group of individual brains are coordinated and function in harmony, the increased energy created through that alliance becomes available to every individual brain in the group,” Napolean Hill also observed.

Having a Master Mind is a winwin. For as you collaborate, you will inspire them and they will inspire you.

Isn’t that why we convene committees and boards and strategic teams; to bring the best minds together to create mastermind strategies for stellar results?

The Master Mind will also distinguish you with excellence.

In a recent episode of Oprah’s Master Class TV show, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson revealed that when he switched careers from wrestling to acting he found that a supportive network was key to realizing his ideal of being a ‘better asset’ in the industry.

“I appreciate all the people

….who took the time, who took the effort, who took me in, because I had to educate myself and I had to be a student of the game,” he shared, then recommends: “Know your business, become a student of the game and surround yourself with brilliant people, and go to work.”

If you haven’t already, let’s pause and make a list of the key influencers who are or have been where you desire to go. If they are deceased, learn from their life’s work, wherever it is recorded - in books, movies, journals, interviews, YouTube etc. Create set times to glean from them.

If they are living, reach out and make a connection. It matters not that they don’t know you - as yet. If you don’t have direct access, remember Microsoft has scientifically proved that there is only 6.6 degrees of separation between you and someone you know who knows them. Get a contact, be bold and connect. I am going to do the same.

In the next issue we will wrap up with two more keys ubiquitous throughout generations for fulfilling goals and living an extraordinary life. I hope these articles are helping in greasing the wheels to mobilize you towards establishing your goals for fulfilling your vision in 2016 so that you can end that year strong! I’d like to hear from you as we journey together.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 2015

A gift under the tree for her.

A heart filled with joy for us.

It’s amazing how much you receive when you send money.

This holiday, send money to loved ones around the world in minutes*.

877-716-6940 moneygram.ca *Subject to agent operating hours and compliance with regulatory requirements. MoneyGram, the Globe and MoneyGram Bringing You Closer are TM/MD of MoneyGram. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. © 2015 MoneyGram.

1015-81923TC