We Are One 021016

WIN A VACATION FOR 2 TO JAMAICA! #TOCaribNews Selfie Contest - Check Page 22 For Details

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE NEWSPAPER TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 26 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY10TH 2016

BACK IN BLACK WE ARE ONE Toronto Black Film Festival Announces their 2016 Cinematic Experiences

ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN One might argue that the world would look Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Trinidad & Month, the TBFF is proud to host another better if everything was in black and white. Tobago, Nigeria, the UK and the United year in celebration of diversity within the The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) States of America. black communities with a collection of is back in town, celebrating itsPHOTO: fourth year, The TBFF was founded by the Fa- powerful films, exciting panels and special ROBERT SMALL/LEGACY ENTERPRISES www.thelegacyposter.com just in time to mark the annual festivities of bienne Colas Foundation and is dedicated events throughout the week. “TBFF showBlack History Month. Presented this year to commemorating the very best in cin- cases the most outstanding and amazing

by Global News in collaboration with TD ematic work focusing on the familiarities black films while creating a space to debate Bank this brilliant and highly anticipated of black people from a diversity of com- major cultural, social and socio-economic festival runs from February 10 –14th fea- munities. Their mission is to provide an issues,” said Fabienne Colas, President and turing the best that black cinema has to of- equal chance for filmmakers from all eth- Founder of the TBFF. “Festival goers will ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN nic backgrounds to share their own unique have the chance to see actors and directors fer. year thethat line-up on the everyday realities faced from here andinabroad sharing their pasBorn outThis of a tradition startedincludes twenty perspective to name a few. communities education, employment, eight world withbegan fortyinfour of the blackiscommunities.

There’s something there for everytwo years ago,premieres, First Fridays To- by peopleFirst Fridays a communityThe ac- sions. self-employment, entrepreneurship, health fironto lms toinbe screened offersTheir their main podium to new 1994 and itemerging is one offrom overtwenty thirty TBFF tivity club. venture is tovoices help one!” and wellness, the arts and other events that First Fridays that occur on the fithe rst Friday aidcinema organizations in their mission to toorgaof collaborating countries, including Belgium, Baha- in and encourages audiences see would spark an interest Continued On Pageto5 of every month throughout North America the nize, buildthrough and improve awareness, gether. mas, Canada, Cameroon, Cuba, Dominican world the lensupon of diversity. in cities like Montreal, Chicago, Los Ange- networking and information sharing for Continued On Page 8 Republic, France, Germany, Haiti, Nigeria, Coinciding with Black History les, Washington D.C. and New York, just youth, adults, minority and mainstream

First Friday’s launches inspiring projects for Black History Month

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, February 10, 2016

Stacy-Ann Pollydore; Lights, Camera, and Positive Actions Actress, producer and filmmaker Stacy-Ann Pollydore (formerly Stacy-Ann Buchanan) was born and raised in Clarendon, on the beautiful island of Jamaica by her father and her grandparents. Growing up she was taught that “A little please and thanks goes a long way.”

She attended high school in Jamaica and at the age of eleven enrolled at Garvey Maceo Comprehensive High. She was there for four years and was one year shy of graduation before she moved to Toronto. Stacy finished high school at Oakwood Collegiate Institute and then went on to pursue a Theatre Arts degree at George Brown College. Emerged in the world of theatre and acting Stacy discovered her passion and zest for life and so she delved further into the world of cinematography completing a Film and TV degree at Humber College.

Stacy-Ann is a professionally trained theater and film actress, producer and director, who has hosted many theatre productions, commercials and is accredited with many other works in the film industry. Stacy’s kind and humble personality is a compliment to her fierce and determined attitude towards life. She is an enigmatic entrepreneur within the entertainment industry, who has spent years dedicated to meticulously developing her own brand, known formally as Stacy-Ann Buchanan Productions.

Stacy has a unique way of adding her own personal flair to each of her projects, a glamorous force to be reckoned with and has the ability to motivate and inspire those around her.

Stacy’s potential is limitless. In 2009 Stacy produced and hosted her very first talk show with ThatChannel and went on to work as a hostess/interviewer for Urban Review, reporting on events that were happening within the city. In September 2010, she was presented with the opportunity to land her first leading

role in a short film called Trespassing, to which she received much praise on her performance.

In 2012 she earned the title of Producer when she created and executed her first event, The Mystic Effect; a show that personifies music, poetry, dance, fashion and film. The tremendous amount of success received from the show prompted her to start her own production company in 2013. On March 8, 2014 she was presented with the Entrepreneur Award at the International Women Achievement Awards.

Stacy prides herself on being an aspiring humanitarian and part of the proceeds from every The Mystic Effect show went towards a charity foundation she established in 2014, named the Stacy-Ann Buchanan Bursary. The Bursary is a monetary gift that is given to a student entering his/her first year of College and pursuing Arts related studies or courses and is available through the Jamaican Canadian Association.

Stacy says that her work is always exciting, waking up everyday to a new challenge fuels her passion to make her creative vision come true. “I’ve made my Passion my Paycheck,” she shares, presenting an idea that many women are encouraged to emulate. There is always something there to inspire and Stacy surrounds herself with a circle of friends that are all very strong and positive people. “Because I consider myself an artist, I get inspired easily. In fact, inspiration is one of the keys to my success. My role models are my parents and my mentor Marcia Brown.

My parents taught me that it cost nothing to have a dream and that success is not only based on your work ethic, but by practicing gratitude and treating people with respect! Marcia constantly gives me tips on how to maneuver the entertainment industry based on her experience.”

On her journey through life, she has learned a lesson or two in patience. Her

past failures have taught her that things don’t happen on her time, but on God’s time, “God gave me a Vision, I wrote it down, and magically saw it come into fruition.”

Her first film the award-winning documentary entitled, The Blind Stigma premiered on February 7, 2015 and has since won the Art with Impact award. The film discusses mental health within the Black community by chronicling and testifying the stories of five individuals (including herself) on their trials and triumphs with mental health. The Blind Stigma powerfully removes the veil of shame that clouds the topic of mental illness in the Black community, challenges that misconception and gives a voice to Black Canadians living with mental illness and leaves the audience more informed and empowered. The film will be celebrating its one-year anniversary on February 20th at Innis Town Hall in Toronto.

Stacy-Ann’s impact, work ethic and achievements in the community led her to being selected as one of 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada 2015 and as a Young Fem Leader. Her message to other women aspiring to reach greatness is that, “You are a Queen. Marinate your life with Faith. Trust God to turn your Mess into a Message, your Test into a Testimony, your Trial into Triumph and your Pain into Power.”

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

community

PAGE 3

PHOTO: JORDAN MAXWELL/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Kuumba Festival Jordan Maxwell

jordan@carib101.com

TC Reporter Stacey Dash might not think there’s a need for Black History Month, but in Toronto the Kuumba Festival proved there is no time like the present, despite the FOX TV analyst’s aversion.

“The reason that Black History Month is important is because of the urgency of the moment we’re in right now,” Desmond Cole, activist and journalist, told Toronto Caribbean News in an interview at the Harbourfront Centre.

“People want to challenge the framing of how black people are being talked about. We also need to have these discussions to change the way we are talking about ourselves.”

The central theme, Black Like We, was a prominent topic of discussion during the event as black dignitaries conversed about race, black issues and world politics through spoken word, music, comedy, film and panels.

Cole, a champion for black rights activism and a journalist for the Toronto Star and CANADALAND weekly radio show, led one of the panel discussions and beat back criticism against those, like Dash, who feel that Black History Month is counterproductive.

Featured at the Harbourfront Centre from February 5th to 7th, the Kuumba Festival explored what it means to be black in the 21st century. It was one of the first major events to kick off Black History Month in Toronto.

The featured panel discussion included Cole, Shadya Yasin, a spoken word artist, Sabrina Gopaul, a key organizer at jane-finch.com community newspaper and Randall Adjei, a community activist recently named Torontonian of the Year by CBC’s Metro Morning.

Moderated by Cole, the panel addressed key issues such as carding, black identity, polic-

ing and many more.

The panellists have been active in the fight against carding over the last couple years and all have used this platform to raise concerns about the way black people are treated - not only in Toronto, but in Canada at large.

“We have real violence that we are dealing with through the police. This is not something we just imagined, that is revolutionary or something that came out of rebellion,” Cole said. “This is real violence taking place right now. We have to resist that which is coming from the police and I am not scared of saying that.

“We have the right to survive.” The sentiment set the tone for discussions that took place throughout the weekend whether it was music, comedy, poetry and spoken word or dance.

Spoken word performances from Jalal Nuriddin, Malik Al Nasir, Just Jamaal, Ian Keteku, Yusara Khogali and Waleed Abdulhamid addressed our current state of affairs.

Women in hip-hop were also celebrated: Michie Mee, Adria Kain, pHoenix

Pagliacci and DJ Mel Boogie to name a few.

There were also live painting sessions put on by talented black artists.

The Kuumba Festival also featured great comedic acts from Keesha Brownie, Zabrina Chewannes, Coko and Dapheny, and Amani, who lightened the mood with laughter.

Overall, the event served as an appetizer to the start of Black History Month and its importance to the culture today.

Many, like FOX TV personality Stacey Dash, have spoken against it, but the Kuumba Festival proved to be a boon for black issues and discussion in Toronto.

“This month is an opportunity,” Cole said. “We should be having these kind of discussions every day. Nobody told our ancestors what they were doing was right when fought against racism and slavery.

They just had to believe in themselves and what they were doing what was right. The same thing applies today.”

“We might as well follow our hearts and listen to our community, just as they did.”

NO CREDIT CHECKS

INSTANT APPROVAL

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

MPP Patrick Brown celebrates the legacy of Black Canadian Leaders Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown, is following in the footsteps of great leaders before him, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Black Canadians, in light of Black History month events that will be happening throughout the GTA during the month of February.

On Tuesday, February 2nd, he invited members of Canadian government to mingle alongside some of the most influential leaders working to implement change in the Caribbean Community.

Patrick was elected as Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario on May 9th, last year. His platform of Party renewal promised to grow the Party to over 100,000 members from every corner of the province representing the multicultural diversity of the citizens in Ontario. By building a bigger Party, firmly rooted in every community in Ontario he hopes to reconnect the PC Party with the people of the province before the next provincial election.

In reshaping the Party, this will present the opportunity to restructure and give members of the province a stronger voice to get their priorities in line, growing, training and nurturing a powerful provincewide network of candidates, riding associations, volunteers and activists ready to run and win in 107 ridings for when the next election is called.

Patrick Brown hosted his inaugural Black History Month Reception at the PC Caucus Boardroom at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Queens Park. The evening invited dignitaries working within the Black Community to converse and meet Brown in an open and casual forum, praising them for their hard work and dedication, while also inviting them to collaborate with him by working together in the future. Patrick has worked hard to build partnerships with people, groups, corporations, governments and organizations – both at home and abroad – establishing connections that allow him to better serve his constituents and to rebuild Ontario as Premier.

The reception commenced with a singing of the Canadian and Black National Anthems by soprano singer Deniece Williams and was hosted by Canadian journalist,

author and professional boxer, Spider Jones.

Honored guests included, Jamaican Consul General Lloyd Wilks, Dominica’s Trade and Investment Commissioner Frances Delsol, Councilor Michael Thompson, Marcia Brown of Trust 15, Nikki Clarke President of the Ontario Black History Society and Almas Jiwani President of UN Women Canada.

A few of the speakers for the evening included Dean Turner, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, City Councilor Michael Thompson, Ted Arnott MPP, Wellington-Halton Hills and Alex Adebajo, who all came out to show their support for Patrick and the movements he is working on within Canadian Government. “Even if he wasn’t a politician and just a regular member of the community he would in fact still be doing the same thing,” praised Thompson. For years Patrick has been dedicated to working with not only the Black community, but also all communities in the GTA and from his political position with the PC Party he now has the chance to rally those individuals to stand beside him and create the diverse future of Canadian Government.

“I thought it was important for us to have this Black History Month reception for many reasons, the first one is to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of the Black Community in Canada,” Brown explained as he took the podium for the evening. He wanted to host the reception in the Legislative Assembly Room because he wants the community to know that it is their home as much as it is his.

The Caucus boardroom is where they spend most of the time debating issues affecting the community and looking around the room there are portraits of all members of the Caucus, but none of them are Black Canadians. “I recognize that this community has some of the smartest and skillful, hardworking capable people in Canada and today is very much about celebrating the past and looking toward the future,” commends Brown. “My hope for the future is that we can work together. I would be disappointed if I arrived on a day when I might be premier and I do not have Black MPP and Cabinet Ministers. I want to see the community excel in every political party and the reality is that Governments change.”

Brown’s empowering vision of the future is an all-encompassing hope that the diversity of our community will be reflected in the seats of Parliament. “I want to assure the community that whether it’s an Alvin Curling or a Lincoln Alexander that you have the platform to succeed and that there is a platform here at Queens Park that is eager to embrace the most talented and smart individuals from the community.”

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.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

community

PAGE 7

Young Leaders receive prestigious Lincoln M. Alexander Award journeys thus far. This is what they had to say:

Emily Singh

emily@carib101.com

TC Reporter The month of February is a time to reflect back on the accomplishments, triumphs and successes of African Americans as we celebrate black history month. One individual who has left a permanent mark in political history is the late Lincoln MacCauley Alexander. Born in 1922, Alexander went on to become a Second World War Veteran with the Canadian Air Force, member of the Order of Ontario, member of the Queen’s privy Council, the Federal Minister of Labor and the Chancellor of the University of Guelph. However, Alexander made history when he became the first black Member of Parliament and the first visible minority appointed as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Although Alexander passed away in 2012 at the age of ninety, his legacy still lives on through the Lincoln M. Alexander award.

This prestigious award honours young people between the ages of 16-25 that have demonstrated their work towards ending racial discrimination while promoting positive social change within their community.

This year, three exceptional young leaders have received this tremendous honour for their outstanding dedication and commitment. The recipients are Darian Baskatawang, Najma Malaq and Shailene Panylo. Baskatawang of Whitesand First Nation received the honour for work towards improving the quality of life for the Aboriginal Youth in Ontario. Malaq of Mississauga also received the award for promoting the beautiful culture of Africa in her community while also creating a more inclusive school environment. Last but certainly not least, Shailene Panylo of Oshawa was awarded for her efforts in encouraging, embracing and promotion acceptance of diverse cultures.

I had the opportunity to speak to each of these amazing trailblazers about their

Q: How did the work that you do contribute to you winning the Lincoln M. Alexander Award?

Darian Baskatawang: Many things helped contribute to my receiving the Lincoln M. Alexander Award. Since being appointed to the Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities, I’ve taken the lead on many projects and portfolios for the Council, reaching out and working with the Feathers of Hope Report and working group, the Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy and the list goes on. I also volunteer regularly at the Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre at Queen’s University, where I co-founded the Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program two years ago while in grade twelve. The work never stops to help people at-risk of not achieving their full potential.

Najma Malaq: What made me win was constantly advocating for the black community in both my former high school, Lincoln M Alexander Secondary School and the local feeder schools through activities and presentations.

The main honorable work that I have done was my educational performance of Nelson Mandela and also my PowerPoint presentations on famous African Canadian.

Shailene Panylo: My work with my local community was the main reason I was honoured with the award. I grew up a member of the Caribbean Cultural Centre, and currently mentor younger members and volunteer at the events. I was a dancer and steel panist for years. I was a STAR (Students Together Against Racism) counselor and a SAFE (Student Ally for Equity) member throughout my high school career. I started a tutoring and mentoring program at my school to benefit younger students and a Black History Month poster project called ROOTS (Rising Over Our Texture Stereotypes) to emphasize the diversity of hair textures within Maxwell Heights Secondary School (my old high school). I worked as an ambassador for the Durham Black Educator’s Network and organized two full day conferences; one for high school students and one for grade school

students. I’ve accumulated over 500 hours of community service in a variety of causes and wrote spoken word poems that challenged the education system. One actually progressed as far as the Ministry of Education. I was crowned Miss Fiesta 2014 for my efforts at encouraging and advocating for the celebration of multiculturalism in Oshawa, and represented the Folk Arts Council at a variety of events. The majority of my work focuses on encouraging and embracing diversity within the Durham Region, and enriching the lives of Black youth.

Q: What does it mean to you to receive this prestigious award?

Darian Baskatawang: Receiving the award gives me a platform to which I can raise my voice and ensure my voice is heard when critiquing issues.

Najma Malaq: To me, winning means that the work and effort that you have put into a task paid off and was notable to those around you. To win is to go above and beyond the expectations and catch the eyes of those you thought weren’t looking.

Shailene Panylo: Winning the award means so much to me. He was an incredible role model, and the work he did and all he accomplished acts as encouragement to do more.

The greatest people in our history are often the ones whose actions and words alone can empower generations later; for me, that was Mr. Alexander. I learned about him growing up and aspired to do things that would help people in their everyday lives just as he did.

Q: What motivated you to make a change?

Darian Baskatawang: Long ago, when I was a child growing up on the reserve being raised by my Ojibway Great-Grandmother, she made me promise many things. That I will graduate high school; take care of my sisters and do not smoke or become an alcoholic like the generations before me. These promises shaped who I am, and my love for her helped me identify that these problems do not only address me - they’re not unique, but rather a part of a bigger issue that plagues entire Aboriginal

populations. Upon this realization I decided that taking care of my sisters involves significant “upstream” policy work, so too they can achieve their full potential.

Najma Malaq: What motivated me to make a change was where I come from, the community of Malton, where often a negative light is shone upon and the people who are not from the community have misconceptions about. I was tired of people either not knowing where Malton is or making a face when I tell them I’m from Malton. I try to change Malton’s perspective of its self as more than just a “black and dangerous area”, so that the public can change their perspectives also.

Shailene Panylo: My motivation was definitely fuelled by my personal experiences. I grew up in Oshawa in not-so-diverse or accepting schools and was bullied for a long time by students and a few teachers. Fortunately I come from a large family and could advocate and stand up for myself, but regardless, no child should have to endure such harassment. When you are a victim you see only one side and it wasn’t until I became a STAR counselor and a SAFE member that I started questioning and seeing the internalized issues and societal influences behind every word and action we as people present. If you want real change you cannot only confront the words and actions but must address the root causes. I learned so much about feminism and the need for equality between the sexes, internalized racism, misogyny and cultural differences that contribute to why people are the way they are.

Through it all, the motivation remained the same; how can I make the community better so that no other little girl or boy has to grow up enduring what I did, or worse? Our community has the potential to be so powerful and dynamic because of its multiculturalism; let’s ensure it is channeled correctly to bring out the best it has to offer!

The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper would like to congratulate all three of these outstanding leaders for the continued work that they do to fight racial discrimination and promote acceptance and cultural diversity.

Carrying on the Afro-Caribbean Legacy - Jamaican National Building Society launches their 3rd Annual Black History Month Essay Contest!

Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter Encouraging youth development and stimulating the mind of students is the secret behind unlocking their true potential. Challenging them to capitalize on their abilities to speak up and find their own voice starts a chain reaction that can only impact their lives for the better.

Jamaica National Building Society’s Canada Representative office is proud to announce their third annual Black History Month essay contest. They are excited to open this year’s completion not only to those students in high school from grades 9-10, but also to middle school students in grades 6-8 located within the Greater Toronto Area. By

opening the contest to more students, they hope to encourage young people to be more vocal with their opinions, and give them the opportunity to make their own positive impact within the community.

The young people of the community do not get enough credit for the ideas they have about promoting and implementing constructive change. By utilizing the platform of this essay contest, the opportunity to connect these students with the right people in the community will broaden their horizons, boost their self confidence and encourage them to make the right choices pertaining to their futures.

The rules for the contest are as follows: Students in Grades 9-12 are to submit a 600 word essay on the topic, “Describe how Corporations in Canada should interact with the Afro-Caribbean community? How do you think Jamaica National (JNBS) could have an even greater impact on shaping the Black Community?”

Students in Grades 6-8 are to submit a 300-400 word essay on the topic, “Describe a person of color that has impacted your life and inspired you to be a better person.”

The essays will be evaluated in three areas: The insightfulness of the essay. The essay is well structured and articulated. How well this essay addresses the topic.

Judges will be looking for how well students have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the essay topic and presented it in a unique and perceptive perspective.

All entries to the Jamaica National Black History Month Essay Contest are to be sent via email to info@jnbs.ca no later than Friday February 29, 2015 at 11:59 pm. The top four essay winners in the two student groups will be notified and invited with their parents and principal to attend a special awards ceremony to receive their prizes.

All essays must include the entrant’s: First and last name, name & address of school they are attending, e-mail address, grade level, contact number and name of school principal.

All students in Grades 6-12 from any school in the GTA are encouraged to participate. Participants under the age of 16 must have their parents email info@jnbs.ca for an “Entrant ID#.”

The prizes for the contest include:

Prizes: Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 Category • 1st Prize - Laptop and $1,000 essay published in local newspaper • 2nd Prize - iPad Mini and $200 Gift Card • 3rd Prize - JN Prize Pack and $100 Gift Card • 4th Prize – JN Prize Pack Prizes: Grades 6, 7, 8 Category • 1st Prize - iPad Mini and $250 Gift Card essay published in local newspaper • 2nd Prize – Android Tablet and $150 Gift Card • 3rd Prize - JN Prize Pack and $100 Gift Card • 4th Prize – JN Prize Pack An opportunity like this isn’t one to pass up!

Parents are encouraged to support their children’s entrance to the contest and share with them the opportunity to contribute back to their Afro-Caribbean Legacy in celebration of Black History Month. Don’t wait, start writing today! Jamaica National wishes all contestants the very best of luck and thank the community for their continued support each year.

PAGE 8

community

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

We are one people Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- In light of Black History Month this February, First Fridays hosted a Black History Edition at the newly established FUSE Restaurant in Toronto.

The event was organized by Warren Salmon and made possible with the support of many community sponsors. Inside FUSE Restaurant guests were invited to come out and socialize with some of Toronto’s best in the business, giving them the opportunity to network and exchange ideas, to discover what movements are talking place in the community.

To begin the night, the floor was open for one minute to anyone who wanted a few moments to present their business, organization or project to everyone in the room, allowing for everyone to get a sample of who they were, what they are about and most importantly how to connect with them throughout the evening. The presentation of events was informative and engaging, peaking the interest of the many entrepreneurs in the room. The theme of the night focused on Black History and allowed for communications amongst the organizations to connect the right people within the Afro-Caribbean community and anyone else looking to establish a working relationship with them.

Throughout the night guests were privileged to hear from Liberal MP Ahmed Hussen for York South – Weston, Jerrold

Johnson of Jamaica National Building Society, Toronto Black Film Festival Founder Fabienne Colas with the 2016 Festival Lineup, Robert Small – Artist of the African History Month Legacy Poster, Segun Akinanya - Co-Founder of Currant: 6Social - Where Ideas Collide, Amani Lewin & Andrea Cross - TDSB African History Month Committee, Black Diamonds Ball - Featuring Andra Day, Hasson Pereira - Founder and CEO, Charles Genard & Delroy Mendes of Sans Souci Marketing Alliance and George Fynn - Lord, Why Do I keep Choosing the Wrong Man Play.

Each presentation held insightful information for individuals looking to get more involved or participate in community events. Each presenter brought with them a passion for their respective projects, proud of the work they had accomplished and excited with anticipation of work to be done in the weeks leading up to their events. Every person in the room was inspired by the dedication demonstrated by the individuals who presented, whether it was to reveal their artwork, to tell a story about Black Legacy or to voice their very strong and valid opinions about history, starting conversations and upholding promises made to future generations.

Every initiative sought the common goal of bringing people in the community closer together, creating jobs and stimulating growth in the economy. Since First Fridays is a monthly event, people are encouraged to come out on the initial Friday of every month especially to fuel the necessity of empowering the community.

A Special Presentation of the Jackie Robinson Fortitude Award was bestowed upon CFL Hall of Fame Quarter Back Damon Allen by Dewitt Lee III, Chairman of

the Toronto Community Advisory Board & First Fridays for his outstanding achievements throughout his athletic career. Every month the Jackie Robinson Fortitude Award is presented to a leader in the community who has endured adversity and displayed courage on their way to success. “Jackie Robinson was one of my heroes,” shares Allen. “When I did some research on his life and learned about what he represented, I started to emulate his values and implement them in my own life.” Growing up Allen had all the respect for his parents and took to heart morals they instilled in him growing up. “I’ve always been attracted to people who are intelligent and people who have courage, always attracted to people who show toughness so when I looked at my life, I saw myself in Jackie Robinson, what he represents and how he endured and fought for the rights we are allowed to have today.”

The First Fridays organization has created an opportunity for those people in the community who care about building, developing and sustaining the legacy left behind by our ancestors. They have continuously aided in the advancement of nurturing powerful ideas, allowing people the freedom to discuss issues, solve problems and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Many projects work closely with the development of youth and encouraging them to think for themselves and in turn make the right decisions for their futures.

First Fridays takes place on the first Friday of every month and presents the amazing opportunity to network, make connections, acquire that much needed exposure and add to your own legacy to make an impact in the world today. For more information on upcoming events and projects taking place this month visit www.firstfridays.ca.

Historica Canada presents an evening celebrating Black Women Emily Singh

emily@carib101.com

TC Reporter Black history month is a time to look back into Canada’s diverse past and honour the individuals who courageously took a stand against racism. On Thursday, the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon inside the Toronto Reference Library came alive as Historica Canada hosted “An Evening Celebrating Black Women In Canada.” This interactive evening featured song, dance and storytelling that celebrated the beauty, strength and vibrancy of black women.

Historica Canada also released a new Heritage Minute that details the journey of Viola Desmond and her fight for equality.

“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free... so other people would be also free.”

These are the words of Rosa Parks, an American civil rights activist who made

history when she refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white passenger. However, nine years prior to this historical event, Canada’s very own Viola Desmond took a stand against racism. In 1946, Desmond was sent to jail and fined after she was arrested for sitting in the whites only section of the movie theatre.

Actress Kandyse McClure, best known for her work in Battlestar Galactica and Hemlock Grove, played the role of Viola Desmond in the Heritage Minute clip.

“I got the opportunity to play this historical figure, Viola Desmond, who is known as “Canada’s Rosa Parks.” The story was poignant to me, especially growing up in apartheid South Africa, having that experience in a very blatant kind of way also experiencing it in Canada in a very different way. I never heard of Viola Desmond, that surprised me. Every one knows about Rosa Parks and the part she plays in the civil rights movement in America, Why don’t we know about Viola Desmond? Maybe there is something about the same way racism manifests itself in Canada in a quiet and polite way,” says McClure.

As guests enjoyed cocktails they were also given the opportunity to speak with various storytellers. Each person brought

something unique to the table but all of them had a similar purpose: to educate, inspire and advocate.

“Black history month highlights the contributions of people of colour here in Canada. I find it a time for us to look back and be inspired and go forward,” says Garnett Manning, former Brampton city councilor.

Following cocktails, guests were ushered into the theatre for the speakers to take the stage. The lineup of speakers included Jully Black who is Canada’s Queen of R&B, Cameron Bailey who is the artistic director of TIFF and Trey Anthony who is both star and executive producer of Da Kink in my Hair, along with many others.

However, before the speakers took to the stage, guests were greeted with a traditional African drumming performance. Immediately everyone was on their feet as the beauty of African culture came alive.

It is important to remember and reflect back on Canada’s history and the contributions made by African Americans not only during the month of February but year round.

To view Viola Desmond’s Heritage Minute visit www.historicacanada.ca.

community

PAGE 10

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Awareness Day sheds light on the high risk of HIV infection in Canadaʼs African, Caribbean and Black Communities on February 7th 2015 Kevin Yeboah

kevin@carib101.com

TC Reporter

Canada’s second African, Caribbean and Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day is set to be underway this week, in hopes to raise awareness on the reality, risks and outcome of HIV in our community. Which is the highest amongst other groups in Canada. The Canadian Census taken in 2006 revealed there were over 780,000 Black Canadians that accounted for 2.5% of the nation’s populous. It was estimated that by 2008, a total of about 65,000 Canadians were infected with the HIV virus. 9,250 of those infected were, you guessed it,

African Canadians. A hulking 14% of those infected coming from our own backyard. Not only is this a stark demographic, but it begs the issue of why.

Why is it that nearly 14% of HIV victims are from the African, Caribbean and Black communities? The biggest issue for being a sucker to anything is not knowing, not knowing anything past the social or cultural implications of issues like sex and protection are the issue.

Men may not be akin to getting tested in our community because of what that may mean to some people; church goers, family members and likewise for women. Yet women are always held to a higher and stricter standard when this should very well not be the case. HIV can be found in many different types of bodily fluids like blood, vaginal discharge, semen and breast milk. Considering all the many ways it can be passed on, how simple would it be to cut oneself cooking and accidentally give it to

a loved one at home or to be breastfeeding your child, unknowing that you’re a carrier? A conversation needs to be had in our homes, churches, mosques, temples among friends, strangers and family. In doing so, strengthening the cohesion among the African, Caribbean and Black communities and more over being within the know. The youth of these communities are at risk as well, exploring sexual acts, as well as sex at a young age is often stigmatizing and even more so embarrassing to admit to family if a problem should arise. Being understanding, informative and passionate about protection and abstinence needs to always be first and formally elaborated to the children. Not agreeing to things like sexual education or blocking the access to contraceptives in the school system is a parent taking full responsibility of the child’s sexual wellbeing. As good as that may be, neglecting any information that will have been thoroughly taught in school is ir-

responsible parenting to the child.

There is standard testing, where one simply takes a blood sample and submits it to the public health laboratory. Results come in about two weeks.

Anonymous testing is done as well, where no names or records are submitted or filed, but you will still know your results. These are done all over our province by contacting The Aids Network, Halton Health Department or even by calling the Aids and Sexual Health Info Line toll free at 1-800-6682437. It makes the world of difference by just being educated, the one thing that isn’t taking precedent in the African, Caribbean and Black community when it comes to such a troubling issue.

For further information please visit www.BlackHIVDay.ca for details such as statistics within the African, Caribbean and Black communities as well as how many resources are available to the public as a whole.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

community

Financial support for aspiring Firefighters being provided by the Brampton Fire and Emergency Services Miguel Mabilangan miguel@carib101.com

TC Reporter The Brampton Fire and Emergency Services are offering financial support for a student looking to pursue a career in the fire services through the George Hitchcock Bursary. Each year, a selected student will receive this financial aid that will go towards the payments of post-secondary tuition fees.

The bursary is currently accepting applications. In order to be considered eligible to receive the bursary, applicants

must either be a Canadian citizen living in Brampton or able to work in Canada, as well as in pursuance of a diploma in a fire-related program. The application period will close on March 31, 2016 or after receiving the first thirty applications, depending on which will come first. Applicants will be narrowed through interviews with short-listed candidates and one of the applicants will be chosen to receive the bursary of $1,000 directly paid towards course enrolment. Forms are available online at www.brampton.ca, and are to be submitted to firelife@brampton.ca.

The bursary was first set up by the Brampton Fire and Emergency Services in 2014 with the purpose of financially helping young people that are basing their education around their aspirations on having firefighting careers. They received over $31,000 from public donations that created the seed money needed in order to set up the endowment fund. The scholarship amount being

disbursed to students has a varying amount each year.

The fund is named after the late George Hitchcock in order to honor and recognize his tenure and dedication when working for the Brampton Fire Services. George served with the Brampton Fire Services for thirty three years and was a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Fire/Life Safety Education Division.

Fire Chief Michael Clark describes the fund as a way to “honor George and the valuable contribution he made to Brampton Fire. His passion for the fire services and student mentorship will continue to live on fueling the dreams of many young people and promoting fire services as a career of choice.”

To those interested, more information can be found at www.brampton.ca, or by emailing firelife@brampton.ca.

African Canadian Achievement Award recipients for 2016 Kevin Yeboah

kevin@carib101.com

TC Reporter In the wake of February’s upcoming Black History month, the committee of African Canadian Achievement Awards of Excellence (or ACAAE) has chosen thirteen deserving individuals of such esteem. From humble beginnings in 1985, the ACAAE has utterly changed the face of Black recognition by awarding individuals of a progressive and exemplary nature; celebrating and paying tribute to over 350 African Canadians over their thirty one years on the board. From the renowned likes of musician Oscar Peterson, Argonauts former head coach Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons, Olympic sprinter Donovan Bailey, award-winning actress and founder of the Reel World Film Festival, Tonya Lee Williams; the list goes on.

This year, the committee has recognized thirteen recipients in Arts and Entertainment, acquired by John Alleyne (a former soloist with the National Ballet of Canada as well as being a choreographer), Excellence in Business, acquired by Isaac Sanya Olowafe Sr. who has been investing, selling and brokering at HomeLife Superstars, later venturing off creating his own real estate investment company called Dream Maker Realty, then finally settling into transforming the investment company into a brokerage firm.

The Excellence of Community Service was received by Ned Blair, community volunteer and advocate and Vice-president of the National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC). Ned is also the co-founder of the Alliance of GuyaneseCanadian Organizations as well as the former President of the Organization of Black Tradesmen & Women of Ontario (OBTTO) for about a decade.

The Excellence in Education award was granted to Thando Hyman-Aman, educator and community advocate who was

the very first Principal of Canada’s first Africentric alternative school program and is currently the Principal of Alexander Stirling Public School in Malvern. A co-founder of the African Canadian Legal Clinic, HymanAman is a Board Member of TVO Ontario.

Excellence in Law was presented to Sandy Thomas who is in council with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) in Toronto, where she’s practiced criminal law as well as constitutional law since 1994. Currently the Federal Crown representative on the Ontario Justice Education Network committee while specializing in Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, Excise Act, Customs Act and Criminal Code prosecutions.

Excellence in Media was presented to Marci Ien, a name many have probably come across on CTV News’ national morning program. A graduate and acting professor at Ryerson’s Radio & Television Program, she also had the honour of having an award co-named after her by the RTA School of Media, an award that celebrates students from under represented and marginalized communities who show potential in any RTA program.

The Excellence in Medicine was awarded to Dr. Richard Dodd, a Naturopathic doctor since 1993 in private practice. For over twenty years, Dr. Dodd has operated The Natural Path Integrated Health Care Centre in Mississauga. He served as Vice Chair on the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) in 1999 and on the Board of Directors from 1994-1999. He also served as Chair of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) from 1999-2001, and it’s Board from 1994-2001.

He was also awarded Naturopathic Doctor of the year by the OAND in 2013.

The Excellence in Parenting was awarded to Felicia London a single mother, former Ontario Housing resident who is currently a supervisor at Health Canada. Successful in raising her three daughters that work in teaching, social work and Justice of the Peace, all university graduates.

Excellence in Religion recipient was Imam Michael Adbur Rashid Taylor.

Taylor was appointed as Ontario Regional Chaplain with Correctional Service Canada in December 2013 and is Director of Islamic Chaplaincy Services Canada. Imam Taylor

served as an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2011 until the commission presented its report to the Government of Canada in 2015. He is the current Secretary of the Canadian Council of Imams and held the position of Coordinator of the Muslim Studies Program at Emmanuel College of the University of Toronto.

Excellence in Science was presented to Dr. Rosemary G. Moodie, a neonatologist for twenty five years and clinical teacher at Sick Children Hospital, she also assisted in teaching the Department of Pediatrics at UofT. Excellence in Sports was awarded to Angela James, a hockey Hall of Fame Inductee. Angela was a member of the women’s gold medal world championship team in 1990, 1992, 1994 and 1997. Currently, she is the Seneca Senior Sport Co-Coordinator of sports and recreation leagues at the school.

The Youth Achievement Award, won by Jonathan P. Wong, specializing in the highly esteemed Pediatric Medicine Residency Program at the Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto. Not only is he a health major but a competitive swimmer holding gold at the Ontario Provincials as well as Jamaica’s senior and national team record holder. He represented Jamaica at the Central American Games, Pan-Am games and also at the Fina World Championships Manchester.

Lastly, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Arnold A. Auguste who is Publisher and Executive Editor of Share newspaper, Canada’s oldest and largest, Black publication. Auguste, a passionate community advocate, started Share in his apartment in April 1978 and turned it into the oldest and most influential Black/Caribbean publication in Canada.

Two awards have yet to be given out and will be decided later. The Excellence in Politics and The Founders awards; no one has been given these honours, so the excitement bubbles over. There will be a formal ACAA gala to honour these recipients held at the Jane Mallett Theatre in the St. Lawrence Centre for Arts at 7pm, by 27 Front Street East. For further information contact Michael Van Cooten, founder, chair and CEO, at 905-668-8868; or email the ACAA at acaa@bellnet.ca or visit their website at www.africancanadianachievementawards. com.

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

jamaica news

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Cops insist JLP rally shooting not politically motivated JAMAICA -- The St James police have insisted that Sunday night’s shooting incident at a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) rally in Sam Sharpe Square, which left two people dead and six others nursing injuries, was not politically motivated.

“Let me state categorically that the murders/shootings that took place in Sam Sharp Square last (Sunday) night were not politically motivated. The shooting resulted from a dispute among persons who were in attendance at the meeting,” declared Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Winchroy Budhoo, who heads the the Area One police division, as he argued that the over 150 members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, augmented by the 25 members of the Jamaica Defence Force, were enough to provide security for the mass rally.

His stance was supported by the St James Police divisional commander, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Steve Mcgregor.

“We just don’t want the wrong message to reach out to the St James people. St James does not have a history of party-onparty violence. We don’t want it to go out like that because it wasn’t that that played out last (Sunday) night,” SSP McGregor stressed.

The cops, who called an emergency press briefing at the Area One headquarters Monday, said that the incident was a result of a feud between the Sparta Gang and the Rebel Gangs, both based in the Flanker community in the parish.

The incident triggered mayem among the thousands who were in attendance at the mass rally. Party supporters scampered for cover as gunshots rang out while JLP leader Andrew Holness was on the floor. The security detail quickly surrounded Holness and ushered him and wife, Juliet, off stage. The shooting brought the well-attended rally to an abrupt end.

“This incident originated from within the meeting and then transpired outwards.

We are satisfied that what took place out there had the involvement of gunmen who were at the meeting. And they played out their act there out of a dispute that originated long before the shots were fired,” SSP McGregor argued.

“And we know people who were there and we will be sending out to them to come to us to assist us in dealing with this matter, and we are satisfied that we can bring some closure to what took place in a quick time,” he added.

He said that 15 9mm spent shells were recovered from the scene and that hands of the deceased men will be swabbed to determine if they were involved in the shooting.

In the meantime, ACP Budhoo, who noted that one of the gangsters was wearing a mask when he was killed, appealed to individuals to cease disguising their identities when they attend political meetings.

- Jamaica Observer

Jamaicaʼs crime stats among highest worldwide, despite reduction JAMAICA -- Although all the categories of serious and violent crimes have been on a decline locally, Jamaica still records some of the highest crime stats worldwide.

Minister of National Security Peter Bunting made the revelation while speaking recently at the launch of the Next GENDERation toolkit — an initiative led by the World Bank to support efforts to stem Jamaica’s epidemic of violent crimes.

Bunting said that despite efforts to curb these numbers, the Caribbean and Central America continue to top the charts in violent crimes, adding that the problem isn’t only one of law enforcement.

“Violent crime is largely a youthbased phenomenon in terms of the perpetrators and in terms of the victims. If I were to look at one of the primary indicators of gender-based violence, which is rape, and I were to go back five years, we have seen rapes in year to date January at about a third of what they were five years ago,” Bunting said.

“So we’ve seen a 60-odd-percent decline in that regard. It has not happened purely by accident’ it has happened by aggressive enforcement work by agencies like CISOCA, OCA, CDA, OCR, and through a lot of the social intervention programmes that have been running by a wide range of agencies across the society.

“But, [though] all the categories of serious and violent crimes have been on a decline — a long-term trend — the challenge is we started from such a high level that even when we have cut it in half, it still leaves us with the highest categories worldwide.

“Our region unfortunately, the Caribbean and Central America, is the region with the highest level of violent crimes in the world.

It is really a development imperative not just for Jamaica, but for the entire region.”

The national security minister said one contributing factor that needs to be addressed in the “most urgent and profound way” is the impact of ‘fatherlessness’ on our children.

Bunting, who was quoting statistics he said he received from Dr Michael Coombs, founder of the National Association of the Family, said that based on research done in the United States, United Kingdom and the Caribbean, fatherless children may be the reason for the crime epidemic.

“It indicates that fatherless boys, for example, that’s 50 per cent of our boys in Jamaica, are 11 times more likely to display violent behaviour, nine times more likely to run away from home and become victims or perpetrators of crime, twice as likely to drop out of school, nine times more likely to become gang members, and six times more likely to end up in prison,” he said.

Added Bunting: “Fatherless girls are more than twice as likely to experience teenage pregnancies and nine times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse.”

Subsequently, he said making this one adjustment and getting fathers involved in the lives of their children could significantly create a shift in the existing social paradigm, leading to a phenomenal change.

Additionally, Bunting said he has recognised the influence that gender dynamics has on violence, and his ministry has engaged a gender specialist in phase three of their Citizens Security and Justice Programme to ensure gender sensitivity and equity in all its intervention activities.

“We want to ensure that we have a better understanding of how the risk of violence affects young men and young women differently and to implement that in our various outreach programmes,” he said.

Bunting maintained that he, along with the Ministry of National Security, is commited to working with its partners — the world bank, other international and multilateral partners, private sector and civil society — to change the negative social norms that have so deeply scarred many of our young men and young women.

- Jamaica Observer

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

guyana news

DEA office long overdue- Private Sector GUYANA -- The opening of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Guyana is long overdue, say members of the Private Sector. The DEA office is slated for opening Wednesday.

“What I can say is that it is a long overdue exercise,” Norman McLean, chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) said Monday. McLean said he was invited to the opening and he plans to attend.

Similar sentiments were expressed

by Honorary Secretary of the PSC, Ramesh Dookhoo. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he was pleased that the obstacles which prevented the setting up of the DEA had been cleared and the office can now open.

He said it is an achievement that all businesses in Guyana need to celebrate. “I think it is long overdue…it is admirable that we now have a DEA office albeit after a long time.”

“Legitimate businesses in Guyana should celebrate and welcome the opening of the DEA office here,” he added.

Dookhoo is hopeful that with collaboration with the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit

(CANU) much progress would be made to tackle the narco-trade.

Like Dookhoo, Captain Gerry Gouveia told Guyana Chronicle that the country’s security agencies would “be greatly helped by the presence of the DEA”.

“It is long overdue and I think having the office here is great both from the Private Sector stand point and personally,” he remarked.

Additionally, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Clinton Williams highlighted the fact that Guyana has been known, locally, regionally and internationally as a transit point for the narco-trade.

“The recent discovery of drugs in all forms coming from Guyana has created this image; so with the establishment of the DEA office here it is hoped that this image created would be somewhat minimized if not mitigated.”

He said too that the opening of a DEA office here is welcomed.

Similarly, former head of the Presidential Secretariat under the People’s

Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Dr. Roger Luncheon told Guyana Chronicle that the establishment of the DEA office here while long overdue will “cement the support of the international community for the efforts being made domestically by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and law enforcement agencies involved in fighting against narco-trafficking”.

He described the opening of the DEA office as “a long overdue gesture sought by the law enforcement authorities in Guyana.”

The DEA office was set up here to assist the authorities in fighting the drug trade.

In 2014, former US Ambassador Brent Hardt said the DEA would be bringing equipment and personnel to Guyana to ensure the office is adequately furnished.

The APNU-AFC coalition government has said that with the establishment of the DEA office here would enhance the fight against the narco-trade.

- Guyana Chronicle

ʻA blatant lieʼ Nagamootoo slams Ali for “inventing” FDI figures GUYANA -- Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Monday slammed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for what he described as deceptive politics even as that party sought to blame on the government for the slowing down of the economy. Nagamootoo in an invited comment to members of the media outside of the Parliament chambers said that the downward spiral of Guyana’s economy started under the PPP Government’s, which was voted out of office last year May. Nagamootoo’s remarks were directed at claims by PPP/C front bencher, Irfaan Ali, who made the accusation during the opening day of the 2016 budget debate.

“When you listen to Ali opening debate thee de th deba bate te ssaying ayin ay ingg th that at tthe he eeconomy cono co nomy my iiss in a

slide and is weakening, he is scooting figures that have been invented by him. He is saying that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has fallen from US$363M in 2011 to US$125M in 2015. That is blatantly untruthful. Because when I checked in 2011 the FDI was US$165M. So where did he get US$363 from? Nagamootoo, who is also Leader of the Government’s business in Parliament queried.

He reminded that the APNU+AFC Government took over office in the middle of 2015 and could not be held accountable for a slide that started in 2011. He said the administration will continue to work towards “creating jobs for the people of this country.”

Economic A report rep epor ortt by the the E cono co nomi micc Co Comm-

mission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in March 2014 had said that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Guyana shrunk sharply from a total of US$294 million in 2012 to US$214 million in 2013. The Commission had said the most important development took place in the mining and oil and gas exploration sectors, mentioning the US$249 million Guyana Goldfields investment in the Aurora Gold Mine and Repsol and Tullow Oil plan to explore the Kanuku block. The report had also made mentioned the collapse of the PPP’s Government’s plan at the time to build an ethanol plant.

- Guyana Chronicle

Rupununi schools pursue alternate sources of water GUYANA -- While World Wetlands Day was celebrated globally on February 2, dry weather conditions in the Rupununi , a designated wetland, has resulted in the administration of several schools scouring the landscape for sources of water.Over the past three days, overcast conditions have developed over the region, with light rainfall in some villages south and north of Lethem.

However, dry conditions are expected to continue to affect the communities in the region over an indefinite period.

Monday, reports out of St Ignatius indicated that the students who are resident in the dormitory at the secondary school in the community have been sourcing water in recent days from the Moco Moco creek. This is mainly for bathing and washing. The students who reside there are mainly from the South and Deep South Rupununi. St Ignatius resident Tekwitta Barrito reported Monday that a well was being dug near the school compound to enhance the school’s water supply.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Carl Parker said that the regional administration is on call to assist schools and by extension communities in need of potable water.

Parker, who is presently on the Coastland, said that so far one school, the Kumu Primary School , has made requests to the regional authorities for assistance with water and filled-water tanks have been dispatched pe-

riodically to supplement the supplies there.

At the moment the water in the Kumu Creek is low and the Kumu Falls is not flowing as usual, signs of the effects of the El Nino phenomenon.

Across at Annai , students have been fetching water from waterholes in and around the villages near Annai Central. The Annai Secondary School and households there have depended on the water-network within the community for water. However, in recent weeks, those pipes have been empty.

The school’s administration almost closed the school’s doors two weeks ago as a result of the lack of drinking water. However, the authorities were able to source water from a well in the area to remedy the situation.

The current El Nino dry weather conditions have gravely impacted the region. Ironically, last Tuesday, World Wetlands Day was celebrated globally under the theme, “Wetlands for our future, sustainable livelihoods.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in Guyana, the Rupununi Wetland plays an important role in the lives of thousands of indigenous people. The Wetland feeds rivers and waterways which are a source of drinking water and a main transportation route for the people living in the area. Also, the vegetation found in the Rupununi Wetlands is used by indig-

enous people for craft, traditional medicine, houses and food.

The region has been hard hit by the dry weather conditions and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs over the weekend said that a number of measures are being put in place to address the situation to bring relief to the region. These include a public awareness campaign on water conservation and health related issues is currently in action, frequent reports from Regional Councillors, Community Health Workers and Village Toshaos are being received at Lethem regarding the situation in the Villages while differently-abled and senior citizens are being carefully monitored and are the subject of frequent reports.

In addition, the Regional Health authorities are on high alert for possible health challenges which could arise while the Agriculture Extension Officers are also on high alert as the effects of the extreme dry conditions continue to affect the Region’s food production.

The ministry said that village leaders have put measures in place to prevent the poisoning of creeks, streams and rivers for the harvesting of fish and while villages are cleaning and increasing the depth of hand dug wells, bathing in creeks is now prohibited.

- Guyana Chronicle

PAGE 13

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

trinidad news

PAGE 15

Full show for spectators in Woodbrook TRINIDAD -- Soca star Machel Montano was the frontrunner in the Road March race at Adam Smith Square, up to press time.

During Monday’s Parade of Bands at the Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain, judging point, Montano’s Waiting On The Stage was clearly the most popular song.

There were more people on the pavement than in the stands along the venue.

When one of the music trucks

of Carnival band Dream Team’s presentation Magic Carpet Ride was near the stage, Montano’s song was played so loudly, however, that an announcer asked the music truck to lower the music because the judges and the people needed to hear the information on the band.

For Adam Smith Square on a Monday, action began early at 10.30 am with Legacy’s Life is... which was followed by Ronnie and Caro’s Tears Of... then a lull around 11.45 am and a steady flow of large, medium and small bands

into the afternoon period.

Under a hot sun the revellers danced with abandon as if maximising their time onstage in one of the shortest Carnival seasons in years as if to extract every ounce of enjoyment.

There were Island People Mas now rebranded as IP Mas with its 2016 presentation Pantheon: Summon the Guardians; Yuma’s Indulge In The Sweet Life; D Krewe’s Loving The Mas; Roam The Mas band’s Kings, Queens and Vagabonds; Showtime Trinidad’s Dance

Warrior Dance; Veni Friends’ Devils and Angels: To Hell and Back; Frenz N Dem’s We Like It So; Shhhh Entertainment & Indulgence’s Satisfy Your Every Indulgence; Just Wee & Friends Celebrating Wee Own; The Belmont Jewels’ Conquest De La Chiquita; Starlift Steel Orchestra’s Through The Years; and The Original Jab Jabs.

Last year, Montano captured the Road March title with Like A Boss; and if he wins this year it will be his eighth title.

- Trinidad Guardian

Canadian visitor killed in hit-and-run accident TRINIDAD -- Relatives of Canadian visitor Leon Williams who was struck and killed by a car yesterday morning were left feeling even more distraught after they learnt that the driver never stopped.

Leon Williams, 70, was returning to his relatives’ home after participating in J’Ouvert celebrations in San Fernando when he was killed while crossing the Naparima Mayaro Road in Mon Repos, San Fernando.

The accident took place around 10.20 am in front of the Mon Repos Housing Development Corporation apartment buildings and within sight of

the police station.

Trying to hold back the tears, his brother Curtis Williams who operates Biggie’s Mini Mart said Williams stopped by his shop to chat with him and he gave Williams two packs of nuts.

Curtis said his brother left and was crossing the road when the car came speeding towards him.

“The car was coming up with speed. Like he (Williams) went forward then backwards (when he see the car coming). I hear a bang and I look and I did not see my brother.” Curtis said when he came out of the shop he saw his brother lying on the road with blood

flowing from his head. He was already dead.

On impact both of Williams’ sneakers flew off his feet and he landed facedown. His body was removed by undertakers to the mortuary at the San Fernando General Hospital where an autopsy is expected to be performed.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was a brownish coloured Nissan Laurel, but up to late yesterday police had not found the car or the driver.

Other relatives who arrived shortly after could not believe what had happened.

“This is impossible,” a relative

cried. His niece, Rachel CodringtonIndar, said her uncle had been living abroad for more than 20 years and would usually come home every year to spend Christmas and Carnival with them. She said he planned to go to Port-of-Spain today to watch mas.

“He has been here since before Christmas and he would usually go back around May. Carnival is his season.

Them people evil boy. They hit him and drive off,” she cried.

Williams has a son and two grandchildren. Corporal Langley is investigating.

- Trinidad Guardian

Revellers hurt in JʼOuvert fracas TRINIDAD -- A heavy presence of police officers on foot and in vehicles throughout Port-of-Spain did not prevent violence in the city, as a group of non-paying masqueraders threw bottles at J’Ouvert revellers in a band, injuring several people.

The incident took place at around 6.20 am when Cocoa Devils’ J’Ouvert band made their way along Pole Carew Street, Woodbrook.

A group of five men who were not registered to play with the band attempted to storm the band.

The band’s security staff was alerted and confronted the men, pushing them out of the roped area, eyewitnesses said.

In retaliation, the men started

throwing bottles wildly toward the startled crowd, who quickly dispersed in an attempt to get away from the violence.

While some people were hit with the bottles, others were injured from broken glass and were taken to the St James hospital for treatment.

The incident comes two years after former Port-of-Spain Mayor Louis Lee Sing pleaded with the Government to ban glass bottles from the capital city during Carnival celebrations.

In 2015 a man was killed after being stabbed with a broken glass bottle during an argument with two other men over his girlfriend.

The incident happened despite thorough police searches at City Gate and in downtown Port-of-Spain.

Police set up search exercises at the Uriah Butler Highway and Lady Young Road, Morvant, leaving hundreds of motorists and would be J’Ouvert masqueraders and spectators in traffic gridlocks.

The police presence was also heavy on the city streets, with officers highly visible, both on foot and in vehicles.

While violence spoiled the festivities for some masqueraders uptown, Downtown Carnival, which also had a large contingent of police officers, was event free.

Port-of-Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee with Minister of Arts, Culture and Community Development Nyan Gadsby-Dolly at his side read the dec-

laration to officially begin the national festival.

Competing masqueraders at the downtown judging point covered politics, elections, recession and former Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran in their J’Ouvert portrayals.

Herbert Pierre, who won last year, retained his crown as King of J’Ouvert, 2016, in Port-of-Spain with his portrayal “Captain Gary Griffith didn’t make it with the third force.”

Helen Fullard was crowned the J’Ouvert Queen with her portrayal “Queen Kamla get a real cut arse in Tobago.”

- Trinidad Guardian

“Canada was built by citizen immigrants, people who come here permanently with their families to become Canadians.”

- Hon. John McCallum, MP Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Become a Regulated Immigration Consultant Full-time | Part-time | Online Contact a program adviser at 1.844.628.5784 or apply online today. www.ashtoncollege.ca Ashton College

we build careers

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

ffeature eature

PAGE 17

Gibbos West Indian Grocery & Take-Out Bringing the Caribbean Straight to Your Doorstep!

Gary Gibbs came to Toronto twenty years ago from Jamaica where he was into farming, growing natural and organic root vegetables. When he arrived here in Canada, he found himself craving products from back home and so one day he went into a local grocery store that claimed to market to the West Indian community. When he asked for the products he desired he found that although they were marketing to the Caribbean community, they had no idea what products he was asking for. Gary was disappointed that they were promoting the sale of West Indian products yet they had no knowledge of the groceries that he inquired about.

He quickly realized that many stores he visited that sold groceries from the Caribbean had very little familiarity of the needs of the West Indian Community. While they might have carried some products, they didn’t carry them all and there were people who sought to purchase these items especially if they were preparing a good old fashion home cooked meal.

Gary found that it difficult to work for an employer here in Canada. He found it challenging to work with people, as he felt they weren’t able to see you for what you were really worth. Back home in Jamaica, he had been an avid farmer and he was also in retail running a clothing store. He made the decision to combine both of his skill sets to open his own West Indian grocery store and

cater to all the needs of the community. His hope was to create a unique establishment where the Caribbean diaspora could come and get everything they needed, without the hassle. As a citizen of the islands Gary’s knowledge would be useful for consumers who came to inquire about certain products, especially those who travelled there on vacation and came searching for something they had only had the chance to sample while in the islands.

Located at 1872 Kennedy Road in Scarborough, Gibbos is a one stop shop for all of your island favourites including food, groceries, spices, canned goods, roasted breadfruit, freshly cut calaloo and much more. They carry a variety of diverse and organic products that are healthier for the local consumer because they are allowed the appropriate amount of time to grow and mature before harvesting. Many vegetables take around nine months when they are grown in the Caribbean and the atmosphere is an environment where they are able to thrive.

At Gibbos they strive to cater only the freshest products from the Caribbean and organize many shipments of the essential goods the community requires. Every week two to four shipments come from the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Grenada and various parts of South America. Gary explains that it is a lot more cost effective to

import products from the Caribbean and it is more economical when selling them back to consumers in Canada.

Gary says that there are many challenges involved in running your own business and he feels that a lot of it stems down to the funding that he isn’t receiving due to personal credit. Gary justifies that his small business shouldn’t be affected, but instead treated as a separate entity. Having more money to invest in the business, he would like to work on making the place look a lot more upscale through renovations increasing the possibility of drawing in more clientele.

In addition to the West Indian Grocery, Gibbos has a take-out counter where they serve hot and ready meals, prepared while you shop! Their menu caters many Caribbean classics including: Ackee and Saltfish, Calaloo and Saltfish, Curry Chicken, Stew Chicken, Fry Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Oxtail, Stew Beef, Stew Peas, Cow Foot and Kingfish, amongst anything you find yourself craving from the West Indies. Gibbos offers catering for all occasions and they are equipped with convenient Jamaica National Money Transfer and Digicel top up for those who wish to send money or minutes to loved ones back home.

In the future they hope to further expand their business selling lotteries, bus tokens and other conveniences of everyday shoppers to make their experience at Gibbos

the best it can be. Gary enjoys running the joint operation of having a grocery and takeout restaurant in one because of the accessibility to his customers. Many people within the area walk to the store from their homes and they shouldn’t have to make multiple stops to get all of the things they need.

At Gibbos they try to stay competitive with their prices and their friendly staff is always close at hand to help with anything you might need. They understand the needs of their customers and recognize that all they want is a reliable place where they can purchase their Caribbean products while receiving great customer service. Gibbos is very thankful for the support of the community and at the end of every summer they host a community BBQ and invite the public to come out and enjoy some tasty BBQ, great music, family fun and relaxing vibes.

Gibbos is open seven days a week bringing all of the flavors of the Caribbean right to your door, with flavorful spices and West Indian delicacies and that are made fresh daily to satisfy your taste buds! Head on down to Gibbos today and let them provide you with a shopping experience to remember!

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

entertainment

PAGE 20

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Voice wins Soca Monarch in T&T, but why all the online protest?

Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment The International Soca Monarch competition, held on Friday night in Trinidad, has received its fair share of condemnation with many taking to social media to firstly congratulate the chosen winner, Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis, who most, if not all soca lovers agree, deserved to cop the top spot. The second and third placements are however being frowned upon by some. The question on the tongues of many, “why wasn’t Ricardo Drue and Teddyson John among the top three in winners row?”

The competition got off to a lacklustre start at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on show night, many openly voicing their disdain over new rules announced by the competition’s organisers at the beginning of the carnival season and even up to the day prior to the show. Social media was the ranting hub for many Trinbagonians and Caribbean people generally, who were taken aback

by the ISM’s mandate that no video, audio or photo footage could be posted to social media or any other media, from within the venue, unless it was being done by an ISM accredited person or institution. That led to heated debates online. Nonetheless, the competition got underway in Port-of-Spain and by all reports, by 11:30pm, the gates saw an influx of patrons, some having bought their tickets at a steal of a deal price, others having been afforded the luxury of a freebie. Social media all the while, was kept updated of the happenings at the stadium, after all, as was announced weeks prior, there would be no live broadcast of the 2016 International Soca Monarch competition.

On stage, artistes worked their butts off- delivering what they felt were their best performances. One fell down, two brought trap drum sets on stage, one brought trees and endless bush, another brought Veteran calypsonian, King David Rudder to seal his second place position and one gave the ISM crowd some of the best props seen on the night. In the end however, Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis, who made the crowd sing to the top of their lungs, stole the show. He had looked the part of a winner and even as he walked off the stage, many had called it, his crown!

The second place has gone to newbie to the Soca spotlight, Akeem ‘Preedy’ Chance. His song, ‘Veteran’ has been en-

Amber Rose, Blac Chyna roll into Trinidad Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment Lashed creator, Blac Chyna and Wiz Khalifa’s baby momma and author of “How To Be A Bad Bi#ch”, Amber Rose strolled through customs at the Piarco International Airport last night, set for what’s been dubbed, the only post carnival pump worth attending in T&T. The friends have already been spotted getting comfy on the island, posting pics and video to Instagram and getting ready for tomorrow’s day of epicness on the road in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad where the entire country and tourists who’ve touched down,

will parade the streets in tantalizing bikinis decorated with beads and feathers, for all to see.

Rose hosted the event in Trinidad last year and was invited back to T&T in 2016. The invitation was also extended to Blac Chyna and what’s expected to unfold can only be described as “explosive”. Last year, Rose’s trip to Trinidad was highlighted by international media and again, in 2016, upon Rose and Chyna’s arrival in T&T, entertainment media outlets, Mirror.co.uk and Dailymail.co.uk have begun spewing deets on the trip that has only just begun. A Daily Mail headline reads, “Time to party!

Amber Rose and Blac Chyna keep it simple in black as they arrive in Trinidad for Carnival.” On Mirror.uk, the headline hints of some drama within the story- “Chyna and Amber Rose put recent drama behind them to party at Trinidad Carnival.”

- EBuzzTT

joyed all season long by the young and mature alike, however for some, his first runner up position has come as quite a surprise. The third place is a tied result with veteran soca hit maker, Blaxx and the lone female finalist, Patrice Roberts sharing the rewards. Online, the rant continues among die hard soca and carnival lovers, many of whom took in the delayed broadcast of the competition earlier tonight (Saturday February 6th), via CNC3 television in Trinidad.

For Ricardo Drue, the remarks uttered by those who believe he deserved a second or third placement in the competition, are humbling. He however told EBUZZTT, this is not his last hoorah! “Anyone who’s taken part in competition knows you win some and you lose some. It doesn’t mean

you didn’t do your best. We gave it all we had and we’re happy with our efforts,” said the young entertainer who sang ‘BET’ for the judges. His team has worked arduously at establishing him as a strong contender on the soca circuit. “This doesn’t change anything. We just have to come better and work harder next time,” he remarked, in the end, wishing his supporters and all of T&T, a safe and enjoyable carnival.

On the social media pages of the third placed contenders, Patrice Roberts and Blaxx, gracious thanks were extended to members of their teams and congratulations to the first and second placed contestants.

- EBuzzTT

Bunji Garlinʼs Road Ready Hit, Touch De Stage, Not Registered Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment Beyond tonight, all sights will be set on the Road March title. News today that one of the songs many would have been rooting for, Bunji Garlin’s “Touch De Stage”, is not registered for the coveted Road March title.

Bunji told EBUZZTT that he never released the song with the intention of competing in the Road March race. “I just did the song.

I just did it and left it to its own devices. I never did it with the intention to have it as a Road March contender. I haven’t even registered the song,” said the artiste.

On EBUZZTT’s online Road March poll, Bunji’s “Touch De Stage”, which we posted without the understanding that he had not registered to compete in the race, has stood firmly to the top of the pack, throughout. His song was followed by Machel Montano’s “Waiting on De Stage” and Kees’ “People” in third position. “The reason I did “Touch De Stage” is because the people said they wanted an authentic Power Soca song. If I was competing in Soca Monarch I could’ve gone with the song as well, but I didn’t do the song to compete or any-

thing,” said Garlin.

Bunji and his wife, Fay-Ann Lyons meanwhile, will host their annual Children’s Show at the Arima Velodrome tomorrow from 2pm -6pm. Entry, for the first time ever, will be FREE. Bunji told EBUZZTT it was only fitting to accommodate the people that have supported the event annually, having assessed the situation unfolding in T&T with the cancellation of many popular events.

“We understand that the recession mashing up everybody. We’ve been observing the events- the cancellations and one of the most important factors in culture on the whole, is the younger generation, and it is important for them to always have that. I mean, we hardly have the school tours anymore and we hardly have the facilities for the kids to partake in the culture and we are faced with the challenge of some songs that can be deemed inappropriate for kids of a certain age. With all that happening, we couldn’t take away the children’s show from them too, especially on the basis that people may not be able to afford it,” explained the artiste.

Bunji said he’s been speaking with his comrades in the entertainment industry and some have even reached out to him, without being approached, to be a part of the event. “I’ve put the notification out there that any of the artistes can come through and be a part of it for the kids. It’s like an open mic almost,” he said, adding, “the most important thing is to ensure that the kids enjoy themselves.”

- EBuzzTT

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

sports

PAGE 21

Captain Hetmyer admits WI got ʻcomplacentʼ TRINIDAD -- Chemar Holder was bowling in Basseterre in St Kitts and Nevis less than three weeks ago when West Indies Under-19 were playing a bilateral series in Bangladesh, just before the World Cup warm-ups. West Indies lost all three youth ODIs against a second-string Bangladesh side, but Holder finished with a five-for while playing for Combined Campuses and Colleges in Nagico Super50, West Indies’ domestic 50-over tournament, in only his fourth List-A match.

About ten days later, Holder got a call that one of the Under-19 players, Obed McCoy, was injured in Bangladesh and that he had been picked as the replacement. Needless to say, Holder was not expecting it.

“It was a big news. I was happy but shocked,” Holder said with a laugh after West Indies got through to the semifinal with a five-wicket win against Pakistan. Holder flew in, got two practice sessions and made his debut straightaway. He grabbed everyone’s attention by cranking up some good pace along with their lead pacer Alzarri Joseph. Holder stuck to a strangling line outside off, got the ball to move off the pitch and picked up two wickets in his first three overs.

“Well, yes it is different conditions compared to the ones back home,” Holder said. “The pitch is a bit faster at

home. So I had to bowl at fuller length.”

Not many people knew where Holder had come from. Just 17 years old, he had not been picked for any of the three West Indies Under-19 camps in 2015 and had only played for Barbados Under-19s until then. He had not really set the Under-19 regional tournament on fire, with three wickets from four matches, but was soon picked for the Nagico Super50.

“Well, really and truly it was a good feeling because I played against international players,” Holder said about his five-wicket haul. “And taking five is a big thing. So coming here now, I am not getting complacent. The wickets may not be as good, so I just keep it simple.”

West Indies captain Shimron Hetmyer could hardly stop smiling after the quarter-final win, and sung praises of Holder, who joined the team only a few days back.

“The boys have coped with the wickets and conditions very quickly,” he said. “Even Holder bowled very well today. Just leading from the front with the ball with him and we have Alzarri Joseph also, so he was very good. Very good day for us.”

Holder and Joseph provided their team with a dream start by reducing Pakistan to 57 for 5 before Umair Masood led their recovery with a centu-

ry and put on 164 runs in 28.1 overs with Salman Fayyaz. Hetmyer admitted that the team became a little “complacent” after taking the early wickets.

“Possibly I think we got a little bit too relaxed after taking the first five wickets of the game,” he said. “We got complacent and possibly we could have just kept grinding them and possibly it would’ve been a lower score for us to chase.”

Even though the pitch was not flat like it usually is in Fatullah, Hetmyer said West Indies were always confident of chasing down the target. Opener Gidron Pope looked to slog from the first ball he faced and even though he did not succeed in his first four attempts, the openers soon set the tone with an important stand of 45 in 6.2 overs. Pope fell for an 18-ball 25 and Imlach top-scored with a more composed 54.

“I think that probably wasn’t the plan (how Pope started),” Hetmyer said with a smile. “That’s how he plays his natural game and for a couple of balls he played, he should have given himself a chance. After he got accustomed to the pitch and how the bowler was bowling and he got on top of them and kept banging them as hard as he could.

“We thought we gave them a score of possibly about 190 and they scored 227. We still thought we could get this score because it wasn’t that much of

a big score. And just have a bat and get a few good partnerships. That’s what we did today, got good opening partnerships and with me and the keeper (Imlach) as well.

“For the game today, how I came on to bat, I was just trying to play my natural game. The way I play back home in the Caribbean and how I play my cricket right through. I think it helped me today because I came out in a positive mindset and to play my shots, hit the balls in the air, I played my shots and I guess it came off for me.”

Hetmyer also agreed that many people may not have expected his team to come this far in the tournament after having a poor run of form in the buildup to the tournament. But their fortunes turned once the World Cup started. Including the warm-ups, West Indies have now lost only one of the six matches they have played so far.

“I think probably coming into the tournament a lot of people thought that because we lost the three games against Bangladesh all here, we wouldn’t really get this far. I think the guys got accustomed to the conditions and adapted as fast as they could, very fast I should say. We have just been playing our normal cricket as we play in the Caribbean and that’s what we have to continue from now on and play our normal cricket.”

- Trinidad Guardian

PAGE 22

sports

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Hetmyer, Imlach see Windies into semi-finals BANGLADESH -- Captain Shimron Hetmyer struck a half-century in a timely return to form while opener Tevin Imlach chipped in with another, as West Indies Under-19s reached the final four of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup with a convincing five-wicket over Pakistan Under-19s Monday.

Playing in the last quarter-final at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, the Young Windies successfully chased down 228 with ten overs to spare, to set up a meeting with hosts Bangladesh on Thursday. They were carried by Imlach who top-scored with 54 and Hetmyer, who turned the page on a run of indifferent form with 52.

Shamar Springer chimed in with 37, Jyd Goolie got an unbeaten 26 while Gidron Pope, 25, and Keemo Paul, 24 not out, played key roles as well. The Caribbean side cruised at 122 for one in the 20th over but lost three wickets for 25 runs to slump to 147 for four in the 28th over.

However, any hopes of a late Pakistan comeback were dashed as Goolie anchored two successive stands to see his side home. He first added 43 for the fifth wicket with Springer before putting on 39 in an unbroken sixth wicket partnership with Paul.

“This is a wonderful result for us. It feels good to be through to the semi-finals,” Hetmyer said afterward.

“We just stuck to our plans and executed what we had worked on at practice.

It was probably a good toss to lose because our bowlers did very well to take those early wickets.”

Opting to bat first, Pakistan slid to 57 for five at the end of the 21st over before recovering to reach a competitive 227

for seven off 50 overs. They were helped by a brilliant 113 from wicketkeeper Umair Masood who added 164 runs for the sixth wicket with Salman Fayyaz who finished on 58 not out.

Fast bowler Chemar Holder, playing in his first game of the tournament after being called up last week as an injury replacement, snapped up two for 26 in a quick spell. He removed captain Zeeshan Malik for three in the fourth over, top-edging a pull at a short ball for Ryan John to take an easy catch running in from square leg.

New batsman Shadab Khan followed for one in Holder’s next over, caught at slip by Hetmyer and when impressive fast bowler Alzarri Joseph trapped Mohammad Umar lbw with a yorker for eight, Pakistan were sinking at 21 for three in the ninth over.

Saif Badar (10) and Hasan Mohsin (19) fell to catches at the wicket soon after but Masood and Fayyaz then rescued the innings with a splendid partnership. Masood faced 115 balls and counted 15 fours and two sixes while Fayyaz hammered three fours and a six in a 79-ball innings.

The partnership ended off the first ball of the final over when Masood was caught at the wicket, trying to scoop a full toss from seamer John over the keeper’s head.

In reply, West Indies got two solid stands up front to take firm control of the encounter. Imlach put on 45 off 38 deliveries for the first wicket with Pope whose 25 needed just 18 balls and included two fours and two sixes. When Pope slapped an innocuous delivery from

left-arm spinner Ahmad Shafiq to Mohsin at point, Hetmyer joined Imlach to post a further 77 for the second wicket.

The left-handed Hetmyer, with just 23 runs from his previous four innings, faced 42 deliveries and counted eight fours and a six while Imlach carved our five fours off 76 balls. Three balls after reaching his half-century, Hetmyer as deceived in flight by leg-spinner Shadab Khan and stumped, triggering a slide which saw Keacy Carty (7) and Imlach both perish via the run out route.

Springer then helped rally the innings with his run-a-ball knock containing three fours and two sixes in partnership with Goolie that took the Young Windies to within sight of victory. Springer’s demise—holing out at cover off seamer Sameen Gul—saw Goolie settle down with Paul to steer West Indies to a comfortable win.

All told, Goolie faced 32 balls and counted two fours while Paul reeled off a cameo, striking four fours and a six in a 16ball knock.

SCOREBOARD Pakistan vs West Indies PAKISTAN UNDER-19s Zeeshan Malik c John b Holder*3 Mohammad Umar lbw b Joseph*8 Shadab Khan c Hetmyer b Holder*1 Saif Badar c wkp Imlach b Springer*10 Hasan Mohsin c wkp Imlach b Paul*19 Umair Masood c wkp Imlach b John*113 Salman Fayyaz not out*58 Hasan Khan not out*1 Extras (b4, lb1, w9)*14 TOTAL (6 wkts, 50 overs)*227 Did not bat: Hayatullah, Sameen Gul, Ah-

mad Shafiq Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-14, 3-21, 4-40, 5-57, 6-221.

Bowling: Joseph 10-0-28-1 (w4), Holder 7-2-26-2 (w2), Springer 7-1-43-1 (w1), John 10-1-38-1, Paul 10-1-53-1 (w1), Pope 4-020-0 (w1), Goolie 2-0-14-0.

WEST INDIES UNDER-19s G Pope c Hasan Mohsin b Ahmad Shafiq*25 T Imlach run out*54 S Hetmyer st Umair Masood b Shadab Khan*52 K Carty run out 7 S Springer c Shadab Khan b Sameen Gul *37 J Goolie not out*26 K Paul not out*24 Extras (b1, lb1, w2)*4 TOTAL (5 wkts, 40 overs)* 229 Did not bat: M Frew, R John, A Joseph, C Holder.

Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-122, 3-138, 4-147, 5-190.

Bowling: Sameen Gul 5-0-32-1, Hasan Mohsin 2-0-18-0 (w1), Hayatullah 5-0-37-0, Ahmad Shafiq 7-0-35-1 (w1), Shadab Khan 10-1-54-1, Hasan Khan 9-0-38-2, Salman Fayyaz 2-0-13-0.

Result: West Indies U19s won by five wickets.

Series: West Indies U19s advance to semifinals.

Man-of-the-Match: Umair Masood.

Toss: Pakistan.

Umpires: T Robinson, C Shamshuddin; TV – R Palliyaguruge.

- Trinidad Guardian

food

PAGE 26

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

The ultimate Jerk Chicken dip Chris De La Rosa chris@carib101.com

Caribbean Cooking Though we don’t have a traditional ‘dip’ culture when it comes to food, that’s quickly changing as we start experimenting with local ingredients, flavors and influenced by cuisines from distant shores. With the Super Bowl just days away, this Jerk Chicken Dip is one of the most requested recipes since I announced I’ll be doing a Super Bowl Series.

You’ll Need: 4 chicken thighs (skin and bone)

1 cup jerk marinad marinade de 1/2 cup beer (optional) 1/4 red bell pepper 1/4 orange bell pepper 2 scallions 1 block plain cream cheese 3/4 cup diced pineapple 3/4 cup jerk bbq sauce 2 heaping tablespoon sour cream 3/4 cup grated cheddar Note: Remember to reserve some of the ingredients for topping the dip before placing in the oven. I did not add any salt to this dish as I find that both the jerk marinade and BBQ sauce will have enough. but you can certainly adjust to your own taste. The cheeses will also have a sodium element. If you want this extra spicy you can add a bit of your fav peppersauce (hot sauce) or finely diced Caribbean Sunshine – Scotch Bonnet pepper.

I used chicken thighs with both the skin and bones on, but you can use a couple

llarge lar la arge rge ch chi chicken hick icken ken br brea breasts. east stss. I llike ike ke ik keep keeping epiing ing the skin on as it protects the chicken from over-drying in the oven. In a bowl, place the chicken thighs, beer and jerk marinade (use store bought – your fav) and allow to marinate for a couple hours (in the fridge). Then place on a baking tray line with parchment or tin foil in a preheated 400F oven for 25-30 mins depending on the thickness of your chicken thighs.

As the oven jerk chicken cools so we can safely remove (and discard the bones, skin and any visible fat) so we can shred it, we can go ahead and chop the peppers, scallions and pineapple. I used canned pineapple which I drained.

In a large bowl place the room temperature (soft) cream cheese and sour cream and whisk. Then go in with the other ingredients (except the cheddar) and fold. Be sure to leave back about 1 to 2 table spoon of the jerk BBQ sauce, peppers, scallion and shredded chicken to place on top. I had homemade jerk BBQ sauce but it’s cool to use the stuff

from fr om tthe he store to save time. Preheat your he oven to 300F. Place into an oven-proof dish and top with the reserved ingredients and grated cheddar (or your fav cheese) . In my case I used a pie dish as I was too lazy to go downstairs to get my ‘dip’ dish.

Your oven should be at temperature now, place on the middle rack for about 25 mins and get ready to enjoy one of the BEST dips you’ll ever make/serve/enjoy! know you’re probably wondering if you can make this in advance. Yes, prepare it all and leave in the fridge for a couple days and bake-off when you’re ready.. you may need to give it an extra 5 mins in the oven if making it from the fridge. This is best served warm, but still maintains it’s taste and textures if cool.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

travel

PAGE 27

Detoxify the mind, body and soul while on vacation Micca Vanvield

micca@carib101.com

Travel Specialist Especially in North America, we have become so used to certain types of vacations.

We have travelled the Caribbean and Mexico in search of the best All Inclusive hotels, been on many Caribbean cruises and have even traveled North America in an effort of exploration. Nowadays, it seems like travelers have gotten comfortable and are looking for more.

A lot more travelers are looking for a heightened experience with the trips they are taking. Travelers have realized that there

is an importance in stepping away from their regular routine and spoiling themselves with a vacation. However, they have started to journey outside of the norm and look inward while on these vacations.

The choices are endless. From meditation retreats that offer a variety of treatments to promote simplicity, to yoga and health resorts which can allow you to connect inwardly as well as offer yourself an opportunity to unplug using unconventional healing practices. You have the ability to go off the beaten path or even combine luxury with personal wellness.

Have you ever thought about a therapeutic journey to India? Wellness travel is all about finding balance in one’s life; achieving, and maintaining maximum health and a sense of well-being. The science of Ayurveda and Yoga were inspired and developed by the great masters in Indian and have now become popular in North American culture. Spa treatments, Yoga, Ayurveda and naturopathy have always enticed tourists to

India. There are countless health spas, relaxation and meditation centers throughout India that offer therapeutic healing of the body, mind and soul. These centers provide comfortable and luxurious accommodations and can include an authentic local experience.

Visiting Mexico and experiencing true Mayan practices and culture is another great way to cleanse the mind, body and soul. The Mayan ceremony is a significant element of the Mayan culture and its identity.

It is a practice of religion and spirituality, a sacred activity through which human beings yearn to have closer contact and communication with the Supreme Being, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. They are carried out with very specific goals, whether it is an offering of thanks, to ask for better health, more success at work or wisdom and guidance in difficult times of life. They could also be performed to saturate your life’s positive energy and to cleanse negative energies.

The final location that this article will discuss is to discover overall wellness is

Sinai, Egypt. Being one of the most important places for European travelers to visit as a health destination. With its hot, dry climate and numerous natural hot springs that are simply just waiting to be discovered, Sinai offers travelers a therapeutic as well as spiritual experience with its direct connection to stories of the Bible like Moses Mountain.

The waters here have been said to have the ability to heal skin diseases and wounds, especially those of diabetics. It is also known to be used for more general use to relieve stress and help people to relax.

Regardless of your destination of choice, your possibilities are endless when it comes to unplugging and getting rejuvenated. Travelers definitely have an abundance of choices when it comes to entering a world of overall wellness while you are on vacation. Whatever your choice you have a number of possibilities to cleanse your mind, body, and soul.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

body & soul

PAGE 29

Your eight limbs of Yoga Melissa Goodman

melissa@carib101.com

Yoga Specialist I hear it often, students expressing their desire to deepen their yoga practice. But what does this actually mean, what are they longing to experience? For some a deeper practice is believed to be in the physical body, a new challenge or advance asana. For some what they seek is harder to find in a general studio setting as what they seek is something deeper than the physical.

In the West we often start our yoga journey with asana, the physical practice of postures. We use the postures to wake up the

body, we become aware of how our bodies move and we use the mind to understand and analyze our body. In starting with asana our practice may not feel complete as we lack the beginning, we lack the roots of the yoga practice.

The practice of waking up both body and mind is described by Patanjali as Ashtanga yoga, the eight limbs. These limbs are placed as stepping stones to help us unfold and deepen our practice while restoring balance. If we begin to jump ahead we may bypass important developmental aspects critical to our growth.

The first limb is Yamas. These address external restraints and ethical principles. It addresses your relationship with the world, people, animals, objects, elements and of course your own inner state. There are five yamas: Ahimsa - nonviolence. This includes actions, thoughts and words, Satya – honesty, Asteya - not stealing, Brahmacharya - conscious in the use of energy, includ-

ing sexual energy - being in cosmic self and Aparigraha - indifference to possessions, not being greedy.

The second limb is Niyamas, internal restraints and personal principles. There are five niyamas: Saucha - purity and cleanliness. This includes physical cleanliness, purity of food and purity of thought/speech, Santosha - contentment with yourself and your life - appreciation and gratitude, Tapas - simplification of life, avoiding clutter, Svadhyaya - self-study and scriptural study - study the yogic text and Ishwara-Pranidhana - devotion and dedication of the Spiritual path.

The third limb is probably the most familiar limb in the West. Asana- posture used to cultivate physical and psychological steadiness.

The fourth limb is Pranayama.

Regulation of the breath through observation. Pranayama also purifies the nadis, our energetic flow that ties into our health.

The fifth limb is Pratyahara. This limb is a withdrawal of the senses as awareness interiorizes.

The sixth limb is Dharana, concentration. It is being aware of yourself, an object and the relationship between the two allowing the awareness to become a singular focus.

The seventh limb is Dhyana, meditation. As concentration deepens to the point when the subject (self) and object dissolve we move into a place of meditation.

The eighth limb is Samadhi, absorption. This is the state when meditation becomes so deep there is a pure awareness that there is no separation, all is one.

All eight limbs are interdependent.

The same way an illness effects our overall health, a lack of study in one of the limbs will hinder the steps to self-realization. To deepen our practice all we have to do is follow the stepping stones, allowing us to travel lightly on the yoga path.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health news

PAGE 31

Cancer survivors are turning to a raw, organic vegan lifestyle to live cancer-free Using statistical software about eight years ago, the CDC estimated the number of people in the United States that were living with cancer. The CDC calls people living with cancer “cancer survivors” rather than “cancer victims,” and for the 30 years leading up to 2001, the number of cancer survivors in the US increased nearly seven million, but how? We, as Americans, are consuming MORE toxic food, more toxic water and putting more dangerous chemicals on our skin.

Let’s take a look.

As of 2007, more than 64 percent of people were still alive five years after their diagnosis of cancer, however, six out of 10 of those survivors were senior citizens. This is where it gets tricky. Because the US population is aging, the statistics are misleading if viewed in the wrong light, and that’s exactly how the CDC wants you to view the numbers. It’s a trick to get you believing in chemotherapy as a viable option for hope of cancer survival. In fact, the number of cancer survivors in the US increased from three million in 1971 to a whopping 10 million in 2001. Breast cancer for females lead the

“charge” followed closely by prostate and colorectal cancers for the most commonly diagnosed. In case you didn’t know, genetically modified foods hit the fields without safety testing as early as the mid-1980s. Is this just a coincidence with the 300 percent increase of cancer cases?

Chemo kills everything BUT the cancer?

If you are over 65 years old, then you’ve probably experienced multiple surgeries to remove organs, tissue, limbs and even parts of your brain. Chemotherapy and radiation could be keeping you alive, but in what condition? What quality of life do people have who are suffering but “surviving” long term cancer attacks? And if you do survive for five years from your first cancer diagnosis, the CDC publishes you as a statistic, so other people will be encouraged to take toxic chemotherapy, that averages helping only 2.3 percent of people to actually survive. And therein lies the rub.

Invasive surgery, risky chemotherapy and cell damaging radiation all drastically lower immunity, which is how you’re sup-

posed to fight cancer. Allopathic approaches to fighting cancer are oxymoronic! MDs and oncologists seek to make your body more acidic with chemical pharmaceuticals and then put you under the knife, which in itself can easily spread cancer to other parts of the body. The CDC writes the script, and some quack doctor of the “cancer-fightingindustry” reads it to you after your “test results” come back from the lab. They offer you ways to survive for five years, instead of ways to terminate your cancer.

Back in 2004, a groundbreaking 14year study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology called “The Contribution of Cytotoxic Chemotherapy to 5-year Survival in Adult Malignancies.” Of the 150,000 people with cancer that were studied, only three thousand survived based on help from chemotherapy. A measly 2.3 percent success rate for chemo. Did you know one of the major side effects of chemotherapy is cancer? What are the statistics for people who die from chemotherapy? Yet still, the CDC refers to chemotherapy as a “contribution” to cancer survival. Chemotherapy was only

1.8 percent effective on colon cancer and 5.4 percent effective on rectal cancer. Plus, the 2.3 percent of people that do make the CDC cancer survival statistic can still have cancer, as far as we know, because the CDC stops tracking at that point. Did they all “terminate” shortly after the publication of the findings?

Terminate cancer with raw, organic food Let’s look at the bright side now - the raw, organic, life-loving side. One super-powerful approach to beating cancer is choosing a raw vegan diet that alkalizes the body and fills it with nutrients so it can heal itself. Start juicing raw organic vegetables. Fast for 24 hours once a month and cleanse the blood. Make giant organic salads and green smoothies often. Exercise and get plenty of sunshine and fresh air. Don’t eat anything GMO, ever.

Live healthy and be a true survivor, not some lousy statistic.

- Natural News

Science reveals sugar is as addictive as major illegal drugs What if you discovered that a food you were consuming had the same effects on your body as a highly illegal drug and could lead to addiction, cravings, bingeing, chronic degeneration, and even death? In depth studies show that consuming sugar has the same effects on the body as taking heroin and cocaine.

Heroin is a white crystalline substance derived from morphine. Sugar, is a white crystalline substance most often refined from genetically modified sugar cane.

Both are highly addictive, brain altering, and quickly alter and bind to u-opioid and beta endorphin receptors which produce the infamous “euphoric” effect. An overdose or

continued consumption of heroine could be fatal. Likewise, continuous consumption of sugar contributes to the leading causes of American deaths including heart disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes, and inflammatory disorders.

Sugar addiction is a real phenomenon affecting an increasing number of Americans. In an interview with CBS News 60 Minutes Dr. Robert Lewis (a Californiabased endocrinologist) stated what numerous studies confirm “sugar is as addictive as cocaine.”

Sugar produces the same “high,” dependence, cravings, and withdrawal symp-

toms as illegal drugs What causes the high for a heroin addict is the molecules in heroin that find their fit in the beta-endorphin receptors. Sugar produces a similar high by causing the body to produce more beta endorphins. This neurotransmitter gets rid of feelings of hopelessness, depression, isolation, and low self-esteem until the effect wears off and the “low” returns causing another craving for sugar.

Several studies along with the Neuroscience Behavioral Review confirm that consumption of sugar also leads to neurochemical changes of dopamine in the brain that mimic those produced by drugs like heroin and cocaine. These dopamine surges

cause behavioral changes, bingeing, sugar dependence, decreased activity of the receptors that lead to satiety, withdrawal symptoms, and over time cause low dopamine.

And so continues the cycle of craving sugar, consuming sugar, and using sugar to fill the “feel-good” void.

Although the sugar industry would like to deny it, refined sugar is a chemical and it’s packed into processed foods to hook consumers. Getting the sugar out of your life, like any addiction, may be easier said than done. If illegal drugs - Natural News

PAGE 32

health & you

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Water wellness: What should you be drinking?

Dr. Lydia Thurton

drlydia@carib101.com

Health Tips The crisis of lead contaminated water in Flynt, Michigan raises awareness of one of our most valuable resources. While Torontonians are fortunate to enjoy a plentiful and clean water supply, I often get questions about what water is best. From alkalinized to reverse osmosis, let’s discuss your best drinking water options and how to know if you are drinking enough.

How much water should you drink? Frankly, I don’t know. The six to eight glasses of water recommended is not supported by scientific research. I generally advise that you need enough water to have light, pale coloured, not stinky urine. Signs of chronic dehydration include, constipation, urinary tract infections, heart burn, headaches and

feeling like your skin has lost its lustre and elasticity.

Growing up in a household that valued juice and soda over water, staying hydrated has always been an effort for me.

When I do think to drink I guzzle, I don’t sip. Drinking carbonated water and infusing it with berries or cucumber helps. Herbal teas, juicing organic vegetables and coconut water also count and can make the drinking experience more interesting than just plain old H2O. At least once a month I get questioned about alkalized water. The word alkaline is referring to how acidic the water is.

People generally have a sense that acidic is bad, and that the opposite, alkaline must be good. In my opinion, alkalinized water is of no value. Your body maintains its acid base balance without much help. It doesn’t need special water to do this. Your stomach contains acid. When you mix an acid with something alkaline, you just create more water.

While I agree that our modern diet creates a strain on our acid base balance, eating fruits and vegetables is the way to combat this, not expensive water.

Aquafina brand water, a Pepsi company, admitted last week that it’s water is sourced from public supply. In other words,

Aquafina water is glorified tap water. Not exactly worth paying a premium for. I suspect Dasani is the same.

The “cleanest” water, the type with the least amount of particulate matter, minerals and contaminants are distilled and reverse osmosis (RO) water. I have had patients concerned that because this water does not contain minerals, it will leach calcium and magnesium from their bones. Not true.

Water is not a major source of minerals, our food is. If you are looking for water that has chlorine and fluoride removed distilled or RO water is the way to go.

Distilled and RO water also eliminate another troubling substance. In 2014, tests of Southwestern Ontario water revealed drug particles were present. High blood pressure medications, antidepressants, diabetes drugs and birth control pills have all been detected in our water supply. Current filtration methods used for tap water are unable to remove the drug metabolites and there are no regulations that require routine testing.

Carbon filters, like Brita, are the best at removing harmful herbicides and pesticides from water, as well as chlorine by products found in tap water. These filters are also affordable and portable. Cheers!

Whatʼs your workout motivation?

Monique Bartlett

monique@carib101.com

Fitness What’s your workout motivation? Do you have an event coming up that you want to look great for? Is your back fat hanging out?

Is your belly hanging over the top of your jeans? Are you looking for a new romantic partner? Do you need more energy? Are you tired of putting everyone else first before yourself? Why don’t you start by undressing yourself and staring at yourself in front of your mirror. If you don’t like what you see, then you have all the more reason to work

out. Turn to your side and get a very good view of your side profile. This is an excellent way of checking whether you have a tummy that is starting to bulge or has bulged already.

If you start now, you can take control before things get out of hand. If you’ve really set your mind to it, you can lose a couple of inches in a just a few weeks. Weighing yourself on your bathroom scales is a good idea but personally I would recommend taking your body measurements. There may be some weeks when you weigh yourself on the scale and the scale isn’t moving in the right direction or just isn’t moving at all. You have to remember that as you are losing fat you should also be building muscle. So the scale may not move but you are still moving in the right direction. By taking your body measurements you will actually begin to see the inches you are losing and the real progress that you are making. This will help keep you motivated and on track.

Most of us tend to put on weight

particularly in the mid section. You may think you need to do hundreds of sit ups but the reality is if you have a strong core you will strengthen your stomach muscles. That means you don’t have to lie on your back to get the results that you desire. You can reduce the size of your midsection by increasing your cardio as well as doing twisting movements and stationary exercises such as the plank. It’s also important to have good posture. Tighten your stomach muscles as you sit with your shoulders back. By sitting straighter, you will look and feel slimmer.

Whatever your motivation, know that by doing this for you it will only benefit those around you as well. You’ll look better, feel better, have more energy and those around you will be inspired by you. Know that you can succeed when you set your mind to it. There may be times when you struggle but know that every little bit of energy that you expend in your effort to lose weight is worth it.

Top 4 Healthiest Sweeteners Health advocates have been beating the drum for some time now that regular sugar consumption is one of the worst things you can do for health. Although this has been proven to be true, not everyone wants to go through life never having another sweet food or beverage again.

The good news is, there are healthier sweeteners that can satisfy a bit of a sweet tooth without the damage of devilish sweeteners like white sugar, aspartame, and high fructose corn syrup. These are 5 of the healthier sweeteners to consider to replace the nasty stuff.

Stevia All-natural stevia is a zero calorie plant based sweetener with no known side effects. Consumed for over 200 years in South America, the stevia leaves are naturally sweet and up to 40 times more sweet than table sugar, without the negative side effects.

The pure extract of stevia leaves contains steviol glycosides that give it its

sweetness, and at least one study has determined that it can help block inflammation, tumours, and harmful pathogens.

Avoid chemically modified versions like Truvia and PureVia, and look for liquids instead of white powders.

Coconut Sugar Coconut sugar, also called coconut sap sugar, is a sugar derived from the sap of coconut tree flowers. Coconut sugar is mostly comprised of sucrose, which gives it a sweet, caramel-like flavor. Unlike refined white sugar, coconut sugar is minimally processed, and few if any chemicals are added to it, so most of its minerals are still intact.

Coconut sugar is low on the glycemic index, rich in amino acids, a good source of trace minerals, and includes 12 of the essential B-vitamins.

Manuka Honey Manuka honey is the premium form of honey, and is an excellent sweetener with the

added bonus of being a powerful antibiotic.

One has to be careful with indiscriminately choosing honey, as most versions are pasteurized and/or mixed with high fructose corn syrup, which effectively eliminates those brands as being a healthy sugar alternative.

Lucuma The lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) is a subtropical fruit native to Peru, Chile and Ecuador.

Lucuma is not well known outside South America but is gaining popularity with its low glycemic index and its mildly sweet taste, often compared to caramel or butterscotch.

Lucuma is rich in 14 trace minerals, high in fibre, and has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory by the natives of Peru.

- Natural News

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health & you

PAGE 35

Will eating more eggs raise your Cholesterol?

Michelle Smith

michelle@carib101.com

Health Care It’s February, which means it is heart month, I wanted to clear up the concerns regarding the BIG C, Cholesterol. There has been a lot of confusion regarding whether to eat whole eggs or not.

As a health care advocate, I keep my clients on a care plan. Some of the first questions asked include: Are you at risk of High Cholesterol due to family history? Do you have high cholesterol? Are you on medication for high cholesterol or have you been put on cholesterol medication, either Lipitor or Atorvastatin as a precaution due to having secondary risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure?

Let the truth be told that Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fat, or healthy fat, known to help protect your heart. They are essential for good health, but our bodies don’t naturally produce them, which is why we have to get them from foods such as salmon, certain types of oils and nuts and omega-3 eggs. But what is cholesterol used for? People often think that all cholesterol is bad for you. But cholesterol plays an important role in keeping your body healthy. It is used to build cell walls and to produce vitamin D, digestive juices and many hormones. Your body simply cannot function properly without a certain amount of choles-

terol. Surprise!

The majority of your blood cholesterol is naturally produced by your liver and the remaining is absorbed into your body from foods that contain dietary cholesterol. So what does that mean for you if it’s produced in your liver? If your liver is fatty it means it will produce more fat which will be absorbed into your bloodstream. Overweight people are at greater risk.

Dietary cholesterol is one of the most misunderstood types of cholesterol. Some people limit eggs and other foods that contain dietary cholesterol because they are concerned about increasing their blood cholesterol levels.

But major studies have shown that dietary cholesterol has very little effect on blood cholesterol in healthy adults.

The key here is to understand there are actually several different types of cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream and most of them are produced by your liver. Understanding the different types of cholesterol and the role they play in your body will help you make the right decisions about managing your cholesterol levels.

likely to have high triglyceride levels. The connection between triglycerides and heart disease is not clear but people with high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes often have elevated triglyceride levels.

Some steps that you can take to change your health care outcomes include: Losing weight. If you’re overweight, losing five to ten pounds can help lower your triglycerides.

Cut back on calories. Remember that extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. Reducing your calories will reduce triglycerides. Avoid sugary and refined foods. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and foods made with white flour can increase triglycerides. Try to cut out soda first. Limit the cholesterol in your diet. Aim for no more than 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol a day or less than 200 mg if you have heart disease. Avoid the most concentrated sources of cholesterol, including meats high in saturated fat, egg yolks and whole milk products.

It’s more important to maintain a healthy body weight and waist circumference, be physically active, smoke-free and choose foods low in saturated fat.

Good and Bad Cholesterol: The terms “good” and “bad” cholesterol refers to the cholesterol found in your blood. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream attached to certain proteins.

This combination of cholesterol and protein is called a lipoprotein.

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat found in the blood. They are produced in the body – your liver changes excess calories from fat, carbohydrates and proteins into triglycerides. People who are very overweight eat a lot of fatty and sugary foods and

Choose healthier fats: Trade saturated fats found in meats for healthier monounsaturated fats found in plants, such as olive, peanut and canola oils. Substitute fish high in omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel and salmon for red meat.

drinks, consume too much alcohol and are more

Eliminate trans-fat: Trans-fat can be found in fried foods and commercial baked products, such as cookies, crackers and snack cakes. But don’t rely on packages that label their foods as free of trans-fat.

Limit how much alcohol you drink: Alcohol is high in calories and sugar and has a particu-

larly potent effect on triglycerides. Even small amounts of alcohol can raise triglyceride levels.

But mostly remember alcohol affects the way your liver performs.

DID YOU KNOW? That eggs are one of the few foods considered to be a complete protein, because they contain all nine essential amino acids. Amino acids are considered the “building blocks for the body” because they help form protein.

In addition to giving you energy, your body uses the protein found in eggs to: build and repair body tissue and cells, grow strong hair and nails, build and maintain healthy muscles, help fight infections and help keep your body fluids in balance.

To maintain a healthy, balanced diet, Canada’s Food Guide recommends eating one to three servings of meat and meat alternatives every day, depending on age and gender. This includes a variety of protein sources, such as meat, poultry, fish, beans and eggs.

The response to egg consumption varies between individuals. People with genetic disorders like familial hypercholesterolemia or a gene type called ApoE4 may want to minimize or avoid eggs. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder. This defect makes the body unable to remove low density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol from the blood.

What’s the Bottom Line? Eggs are high in cholesterol, but eating eggs does not have adverse effects on cholesterol in the blood for the majority of people. So get cracking and enjoy your eggs. Continue to have routine visits with your physician and if in doubt consult your health care advocate. Remember you are the most important part of your health care team.

life

PAGE 36

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

How to find the right real estate agent Ron Barlay

ron@carib101.com

Real Estate For twenty five years, I have been selling and buying real estate. Throughout my career, I have always depended on referrals.

My experience has transferred into extensive knowledge of the real estate market. It has also meant I understand what great service is. I try my utmost to provide excellent service to all my clients. Whether they are buying a modest townhome or selling their lakeside mansion, everyone deserves good service. I love being a real estate agent and my passion for the business hasn’t waned.

This drive provides me with fuel as I strive to assist all my clients. Being a good real estate agent is about providing great service.

I often get referred to my clients’ family or friends. And when I am meeting with potential clients for the first time, I tell them that

finding the best agent is about finding someone who listens to them thoroughly, understands the market extensively and conducts themselves ethically and honestly.

If you are considering hiring an agent to help you buy or sell a home, do your research.

Considering you will be making one of the most important financial decisions of your life, it is imperative you do your homework before making the final choice about an agent.

Ask your friends and family if they can recommend an agent. Agents are successful when they make customer satisfaction their top priority. Agents get referred when they go above and beyond their customers’ expectations.

Of course, search the Web. Jazzy Websites are not assurances that those agents are of great quality, but they will give you a feel and a sense about them. Check out their listings. See if they have experience in your neighborhood. Consider how big or small their team is; do they have support that will lend to quicker and better service. Look at their customer testimonials. Do these referrals seem realistic and are they singing suitable praises.

Finding the right person to work

with you to buy or sell Real Estate can take some time. And while it is very important to do your homework, it is also very important that you have good “chemistry” with your agent. You need to be able to communicate with your agent. You need to feel comfortable with your agent. You need to “feel” yourself. After all, buying or selling real estate can be stressful; your perfect agent takes some of that stress away.

Here are a few telltale signs that your real estate agent isn’t working hard for you.

They keep you waiting: Hard-working real estate agents do what it takes to respond promptly to their clients. No good agent is ever without their cell phone or other mobile device, so there’s no excuse for being left hanging. Even if they are unable to give you a firm answer immediately, your real estate agent should at least touch base with you and let you know that they are working on it.

They are unprofessional: There are plenty of real estate agents out there, so there’s no need to put up with unprofessional behaviour. Does your agent show up when they say they will, or do they cancel on you at the last minute? Have you ever been stood up by your real estate agent? How organized

are they? These things all reflect their level of professionalism. You shouldn’t have to compromise on this at all.

They don’t listen: A huge part of a real estate agent’s job is to listen closely to their clients. Your agent should completely understand your needs and they should use that information to make your home buying or selling experience as smooth and easy as possible. If you tell your agent you’re looking for three-bedroom homes, for example, and they shows you two-bedroom homes, something is amiss.

They are sketchy: Your real estate agent shouldn’t cut corners or engage in other types of sketchy behaviour. If your agent’s tactics make you uncomfortable, then they are not really working hard for you. They are just doing the bare minimum to earn their commission, and that’s unfair. Be especially wary of outrageous claims. Do they make good on them? If they let you down again and again, they are not the real estate agent for you.

The minute you meet your real estate agent for the first time, you should be filled with confidence in their abilities. In other words, they should make a great first impression.

My retirement plan; For many Canadians this is a dilemma Fazaad Bacchus

fazaad@carib101.com

Finance Specialist Let’s go back a few years; our community typically believed that our retirement plan was in our children. Make a good few and one of them was bound to take care of us.

Times changed and so did values. Economic times added its toll, children moved to different cities or countries and so retirement planning was now left with a totally new twist.

If you haven’t saved for your retirement then you are hopeful for a handout from the Government and the occasional gift from your children or relatives. Life was not meant to end this way. What should have

been the golden years are now cast with doubt. When we were younger, we were told specifically that life has three distinct segments; the learning years which is from zero to twenty; the earning years which is from twenty to sixty five and then your golden years sixty five to ninety. The last period for many has changed. The segments unfortunately run in this fashion: the learning years; the earning years and the yearning years.

Many people who have migrated to this country anticipate a pension income from the Government, but only those who worked for the Government have an entitlement, anything else is based on the ability to fund it and the way ahead doesn’t look too good. Canada Pension plans need to be funded, so does Guaranteed Income Supplement and Old Age Assistance.

So why aren’t many more saving by way of RRSP? For many it’s a bad experience and for some it’s no experience. A RRSP is an abbreviation for a Registered Retirement Savings Plan; the operative word is that it’s a Retirement plan. Before you start

to invest in any thing of the sort, you need to: Build a retirement plan: this will include things like your chosen retirement date, your lifestyle needs at that time, your health and anticipated medical expenses, the size of your family, additional support from family or Government and your expected life span.

Determine what your savings goal will be: you should be saving for tomorrow even if you can’t live for today. Sound silly doesn’t it? Well it’s the truth, even if things are difficult today, it’s better to make a small sacrifice now and allow that nest egg to build so that you could at least have a reasonable retirement.

Choose the right investments: this is about the most difficult part of your retirement planning. Many persons don’t invest anymore especially if they have lost money over the years, the recent downturn of 2008 didn’t help in any way. This step should be done with a qualified financial advisor as you should choose the best possible investments along with your given risk tolerance.

Depending on your age, an advisor may rec-

ommend portfolios which are best suited for you. Younger clients can tolerate more risk and older clients should be more focused on preservation.

Staying the course: often when things don’t go as planned, the natural tendency is to give up and just hope for the best.

This is a sure prescription for disaster, a client needs to address their situation and make corrective actions to reach their goals. In real life, if the boat is drifting to the rocks, you have to make adjustment to the sails, so it is with financial planning; it needs constant and yearly review.

Finally, the 2016 RRSP season is upon us. You may contribute an amount to reduce your 2015 taxes payable based on your contribution room. And by the way, don’t be told by unqualified advisors that the taxes you save now must be paid back at retirement, that’s not how it works. If you would like a sample retirement work sheet, to plan your retirement just drop me a line and I will send you one, so that you can retire in comfort.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Testamentary Freedom - What are the limits?

Valerie Dye

valerie@carib101.com

Legal Matters Testamentary Freedom refers to the principle that a testator is free to make a will and leave his property to whomsoever he desires.

This, of course, is provided that the testator is of sound mind. The principle of testamentary freedom is part of the legal tradition of most common law countries. This means that if it is one’s desire to bequeath his entire estate to charity after he dies he is free to do so. Since the principle is such an important one courts will not easily interfere with the wishes expressed by a testator in his will.

Notwithstanding this basic and entrenched principle, there are, in Ontario, various limits to testamentary freedom and the court will sometimes step in to vary the provisions of a will in the interest of fairness and justice.

One instance in which this happens is where a person who has been a dependant of the testator was left nothing in the will. Section 58 of the Succession Law Reform Act states: Where a deceased, whether testate or intestate, has not made adequate provision for the proper support of his dependants or any of them, the court, on application, may order that such provision as it considers adequate be made out of the estate of the deceased for the proper support of the dependants or any of them.

In Tataryn and Tataryn Estates 91994) 2S.C.R the Supreme Court of Cana-

da highlighted that moral considerations are important is determining whether or not to interfere with testamentary freedom. In that case the testator had left everything for one of his sons while his wife was only allowed to live in the home until her death and another son was left nothing. The court heard the application for dependant support and awarded the wife title to the matrimonial home and divided the residue of the estate between the two sons.

Testamentary freedom is also curtailed by the provisions of the Family Law Act of Ontario. Under the Family Law Act, when spouses divorce, the spouse who has a greater net family property pays half of the difference to the other spouse so that each party leaves the marriage on equal footing.

This process called ‘equalization’ may also be used upon death of one spouse whether that spouse leaves a will or dies intestate.

The process of equalization curtails testamentary freedom in that it takes priority over any other gift made in the will to anyone else except for gifts made in the will as part of a contract. Equalization also takes priority over gifts to which anyone else may be entitled under intestacy.

One may argue that the wishes of the testator should not be interfered with, especially since the principle of testamentary freedom is a fundamental one. However, the principle of testamentary freedom is not an absolute principle. If courts were not allowed to curtail such freedom, mainly on the basis of moral considerations, then one spouse may be able to bequeath his entire estate to someone else and leave the surviving spouse with nothing and with no recourse. Ontario law seeks to prevent this by allowing the surviving spouse to obtain equalization and division of property in the same manner in which it takes place during a divorce.

Car insurance claims: What you need to know is a claim on file impacting the price of the driver’s insurance, even if no charges have been made.

Jelani Daniel

jelani@carib101.com

Automotive Corner What is a car insurance claim?

A car insurance claim is a request to an insurance company to compensate for damages following an accident. Even if there is little to no damage, it puts a formal record on an incident that has occurred to your vehicle involving another driver or pedestrian.

What if the accident is not my fault?

Regardless of fault, a claim will be made regarding both parties to clearly represent the incident. Court proceedings, tickets or further agreements will be carried out after the claim is made.

The process after a claim is filed: After a claim is filed, an adjuster will be assigned (in most cases) to handle the situation, look at your involvement and potentially collect a summary or ‘statement’ of what happened. The adjuster then looks at the issues surrounding the accident to tell you what you may be entitled to.

Another factor that is taken into consideration is the fault of the driver, which can impact coverage as well as increase your insurance rates. Regardless of fault, there

Repercussions from your claim: Insurance claims may stay on your file even if you are not found legally at fault; the insurance company will determine your fault separately. If you are over 25% at fault, there may be higher charges for the next insurance renewal period since you pose a higher risk to the company.

If the fault placed seems unfair, the adjuster that spoke with you will be able to rehash everything and see if the claim is legitimate, especially after a dismissal of a charge within the court. Being represented fairly is part of your right as a paying client of an insurance company.

How long does your claim stay on file?

Traffic tickets themselves may last up to three years on your driving record while collisions can remain on your insurance for up to six years. Depending on the severity of the accident, the percentage of fault and the post-accident care, your rate will be affected for that time. The rates will increase at the point of renewal, giving you a heftier fee to pay to offset the amount of money the insurance company has invested in the accident.

Overall, car accidents may be forgiven for a short period of time but will affect your driving record for a long time into the future. By using public transit when possible and watching out for other drivers on the road, you can keep a clean driving record and lower rates in the long run.

life

PAGE 37

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

insight

PAGE 39

Abuse! The unspoken issue within the community Simone Smith simone@carib101.com

A Better Tomorrow Abuse! This one word has remained misunderstood by many. Why? Well, everyone’s thoughts about what constitutes abusive behaviour are different. Diana Matheson (2005) took some time to put together a play therapy workshop that explored the concept of abuse and how it can affect people differently. It is estimated that one in every ten Canadian women in a relationship is abused by her partner (Matheson, 2005). Ninety nine percent of the abuse that is reported to the authorities is directed at women and children. Now, this does not mean that men do not deal with abuse; there is abuse that occurs in homosexual relationships as well.

These numbers are not as well documented, so I will not focus on those statistics in this article. If you want to really put this into perspective, when looking at numbers that have been reported from British Columbia, more women are abused by their partners than

are injured by muggings, car accidents and rapes. This is a scary thought. To think, there are some women who are currently living in fear; not knowing when they might do something that may trigger their partner into an abusive rage.

Relationship abuse involves one individual using intimidation tactics with the intent of exerting power over another individual. The common intimidation tactics include threats or use of physical force (Matheson, 2005). Abuse can take on many forms: Emotional, economic, sexual or physical.

The most unfortunate issue surrounding abuse is the fact that many times children are witness to this. Witnessing abuse is defined as being within the visual range of violence or hearing violence and experiencing the effects of the aftermath (Matheson, 2005). Many times the children are not only witnesses of abuse, but victims as well. As might be expected, there are some predictable consequences to having these experiences. Children are forced to find ways to cope with what they have seen, heard and experienced. It is no wonder that these children will experience serious behavioral consequences.

These consequences include: Anxious Behavior such as: Nightmares, hyperactivity, fear and distrust of others and their environment, sleep problems, approval-

seeking behavior, and sense of responsibility for protecting mothers and siblings and poor concentration. Acting-out Behavior including: Low frustration tolerance, poor impulse control and poor problem solving abilities.

Depressive Behaviors including: Low selfesteem, helplessness and withdrawal from peers and environment. Lifestyle Change Behaviors including: Post traumatic stress disorder symptoms (Physiological Ailments: Headaches, stomach aches, digestive problems, school performance fluctuations), running away, suicidal thoughts and alcohol or drug abuse.

Now, these behaviors can vary depending on the longevity of the abuse and if the child has support systems set up in their lives. There are some tell tale signs that one can use when identifying children who have witnessed abuse. Children learn that power and dominance are effective ways of getting what they want. This is most often seen with young boys, but it can be seen with young girls as well. In a classroom, this can be seen as aggressive behavior towards classmates and peers. Tied into this aggressive behavior is the frequent emotional outburst. Children have a hard time learning how to deal with their emotions; they learn to deny their own feelings, which can lead to depression (Matheson, 2005). Many times these children lose out on their childhood; they may appear pseudo-mature because they are in a

higher position then their mother. These children often keep to themselves and are great at keeping secrets; they have developed a sense of shame that can only be understood by someone who has go through that same experience. It is difficult for them to focus in the classroom and teachers may notice that this student frequently has incomplete homework or a total disinterest in work that is being done in class. It is a good time to remind readers that when anyone is dealing with emotional upheaval, the analytical and logical part of the brain stops working.

So what should a person do if they notice these behaviors in a child? One thing to do is to get an understanding about what is happening in the home; this might be difficult, but if the child is provided with a safe environment to disclose information, it is great start. The child needs to understand what abuse is and why it is wrong. They are most likely confused about what they are experiencing and need clarity as to what is going on. Another helpful strategy is to normalize the child’s experience; help them realize that they are not the only one’s going through this. It is normal for a child to feel like they are the only ones going through this situation. Abuse is an unfortunate but real scenario that occurs in our community; it is time that we become aware of what it is and how to deal with it.

FORWANTED SALE HELP

FOR SALE PERSONALS

KITCHEN HELP

SEEKING FEMALE: East Indian male age 41. 5 ft.9in dark hair brown eye slim to medium built is seeking a Guyanese or Trinidadian female 18 -60 years old 5ft 2in or up medium built busty For a relationship Sunil 416-422-2935

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

905-564-7800

FOR SALE WANTED

FOR SALE WORSHIP

FOR RENT SALE FOR BARBER: Barber wanted for Styles Unisex Hair Salon and Barber Shop. Call 416-2818000. Cell 647-281-2447

CHAGUANAS: Private Compound, public Traffic. You can call 221 -1646 745 7562 for viewing. $36,800 Mth TT$ 1-647- 349 -6633

FOR SALE WORSHIP

KITCHEN HELP Hiring for part-time kitchen help.

Previous roti shop experience preferred.

Please call Lynn’s Buccoo Reef

905-452-7333

JAMAICA: Montego Bay, Jamaica Christian home by the sea available for long or short term rent. $150 per week. Contact 647-267-6949 SALON CHAIR: Salon Chair and Aesthetic room for rent in Mississauga call Lorna 905-782-2177

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 42

astrology

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

ARIES

TAURUS

You’ll get good and perhaps even great value out of this one. Setting the future into play, Friday’s Venus/Pluto begins a new ninemonth build-it-better and/or build-more cycle. Social, romantic, or on your own, Saturday/Sunday delivers the goods. Let the weekend unfold or fire it up yourself. Newmoon Monday through Wednesday is particularly smooth, productive, and lucrative.

Set a goal, aim for a high bar; you’ll cover substantial ground and make great gains, especially Friday/Saturday and Tuesday/Wednesday.

Sign a contract, say “I do”, spend, get what you want and deserve. Venus/Pluto and Venus/ Jupiter can bring reward, recognition, results, an event to attend, or an opportunity to meet with someone of significance. A presentation, an exhibition, or an interview should net a favourable response.

GEMINI

CANCER

Friday/Saturday the stars aim to get it settled, finalized, or finished. Feel confident signing a mortgage or making a major purchase or commitment. You’ll learn where you stand with another and they with you. While Saturday is your best day to communicate or connect, it isn’t your only window. Sunday/ Monday also lights a good spark. Tuesday/ Wednesday keeps it flowing easily and well.

Now through Sunday is especially productive for a work-it-out, talk-it-out, or think tank. Connect with friends, hire an agent, bargain-hunt, seek advice, ask more questions, bring yourself/it up to speed. Regarding the money chase or matters of the heart, Tuesday/Wednesday is also optimal, perhaps even luck-generating. Stay open-minded and openhearted. Give a lot and you’ll get plenty in return.

LEO

VIRGO

Thanks to Friday’s Venus/Pluto working through a completion program, you should feel that the workweek has come to a successful wrap-up and that you’re sorting out what’s necessary. Saturday/Sunday is great for socializing and/or checking out the local action. Sun, Venus, Uranus, and Monday’s new moon set you on a fresh-page quick start. Tuesday/Wednesday, you can be easily swayed, impressed, or romanced.

A sense of accomplishment or relief (perhaps both) finishes off your workweek. You deserve a reward! Enjoy an evening out or buy yourself a treat. Saturday/Sunday, socialize or try something new on for size.

You’ll find no lack of interesting conversation and topics. Tuesday/Wednesday, your imagination, attention, or heart can be easily swept away; your budget or practicality can disappear too.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Friday can put the finishing touch on something important; it could be something actual and material, a state of mind, or a state of heart. A special event or occasion keeps the weekend busy and upbeat. Along with Tuesday’s Venus/Jupiter, the Lunar New Year’s new moon can boost your creativity, social life, love life, and career prospects.

What’s simple or easiest is also best.

Straightforward is the way to play it on Friday. Saturday through Monday, it goes “pop”. Don’t you just love it when it comes so easily and works out so well? A profitable week lies ahead. A new project, goal, and/ or lifestyle change is favoured by Monday’s new moon. Venus/Jupiter benefits money and love-life prospects.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

Thursday/Friday, you’ll nail it down well.

Saturday/Sunday is ideal for a fresh infusion. Mercury/Jupiter keeps the fun and the good ideas going strong. You’re sure to get great mileage out of recreations and conversations. A social or romantic spark is quick to light. The Lunar New Year’s new moon could see you hit a faster upswing and/or get you out of the gate unexpectedly.

By the end of the week, you’ll have made a great touchdown. Rustle up something social, aim for fresh air, or wait for the moment to deliver; the weekend’s entertainment stays on a ready dial-up. The earlier the better on Monday, but there’s no need to sweat or strain. Venus/Jupiter makes for a smooth sail through Wednesday.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Friday’s Venus/Pluto and Saturday’s Mercury/Jupiter are both confidence and security boosters. They should simplify decisionmaking and give you a sense that you’re moving in the right direction. Planned or not, an upbeat, on-the-go, and entertaining weekend lies ahead. A fresh spark signals the start of a whole lot more. Tuesday/Wednesday keeps it rolling well.

Friday is an ideal day to sign it, seal it, or deliver it. Make it business, pleasure, or mix the two together: the weekend delivers the goods and then some. As well, Saturday through Monday can spark a new perspective, love interest, or creative track. Tuesday/ Wednesday, the Pisces moon loans you the Midas touch.

March 20 - April 19

May 20 - June 21

July 22 - August 22

September 22 - October 23

November 22 - December 21

January 19 - February 18

April 19 - May 20

June 21 - July 22

August 22 - September 22

October 23 - November 22

December 21 - January 19

February 18 - March 19

Across 1) Calvin and ____ 6) Hates Mondays, loves lasagna 7) Peppermint ____ 8) For ____ or For Worse 10) Peanuts creator Charles 11) Get ____ 14) Charlie Brown’s beagle 15) Set in an office Down 1) ____ the Horrible 2) ____ Bailey 3) “Ack!” 4) Family ____ 5) Garfield’s canine friend 7) ____ Before Swine 9) Yanks the football away 11) Created by Gary Larson 12) Torn between Betty and Veronica 13) Bloom ____

PAGE 44

self help

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

ʻLimelight Apprehensiaʼ - Do you have it?

Keisha Johnson

explicit. But as his silence lingered, I offered my rehearsed punch line, “I equip and empower others to thrive.” His silence still unabated, I continued, “That’s what I am passionate about and that’s the contribution I believe I was put on earth to make.”

keisha@carib101.com

Professional Development Are you a legend in your own eyes? Of course not, you may say. I recall tales of my husband enduring much ribbing from his siblings about this when he was a popular and decorated university athlete.

I think the intention was to keep him anchored amidst all the media attention and privileges his athletic prowess attracted and promised.

In a moment of reflection recently I came face-to-face with the same question but from the vantage point of how to avoid being one.

I had enlisted the help of a very accomplished colleague to review a strategic plan for growing our brand. Without even looking at my executive summary, he began probing: “In the scheme of your vision, who are you?

Is that a rhetorical question? I volleyed.

In my mind I thought the answer was

‘That’s your doing,’ he commented.

Now here’s the deal, I admit that I have a mild case of limelight apprehensia (LLA) Yes - I just coined that phrase. My comfort zone is behind the scenes where in the hierarchy of significance, my contribution takes pre-eminence over persona. For me it is never about being visibly ‘large and in-charge’ but rather letting my work recommend me. I’ve upheld that mantra subconsciously since high school until this conversation turned it on its head.

As a starting point in this strategy session, my colleague was not interested to know the services and departments of my company. Of greater relevance was ‘what sets us apart among similar organizations’. In other words, what value and prominence do you represent in the minds of your stakeholders; especially before they engage with you? What is your credibility? In a nutshell, who are you, what’s your image?

That initial question redirected my focus from an elaborate tactical plan

back to a strategic elevation for really moving the brand forward.

There could be no further downplaying that as the founder and face of the company I am intricately intertwined with the brand. That as a new outfit, the credibility of the organization comes from my personal track record. That the two at this point are inextricably linked. And that in fact the company represents me instead of me finding my identity within the company.

As we traversed the bridge of ‘discovery into awareness’ I was tempted to argue my usual defense against appearing narcissistic but instead humbled myself to this process of learning.

We proceeded with a look at the vision and dissected who I need to become to fulfill it. To answer that question we looked at some prevailing assumptions and constraints that could impact the realization and success of the business.

Then we listed my competencies, scored each from 1-10 with 10 being strongest and refined that list to a top five that we then prioritized for strengthening. Having thus clarified the value I bring to the brand and the priority areas for strengthening, I could then revisit the tactical plan for integrated implementation to systematically advance the vision.

All this from a simple question of who are you?

It is rudimentary that our being is clearly different from our doing. As my grandaunt would quip, ‘school children in England know that’. One defines who you are as opposed to what you do.

Yet for so many of us we default to defining ourselves primarily by our activities and associations - I am a heath practitioner, I am a friend/mother/wife of/ student at/ I am this nationality… etc.

Not that anything is wrong with those descriptions. They provide context about us but as to giving insight into who you are, what makes you unique and defines your real significance, they are inadequate.

In that brief coaching session, my friend helped me to break a mental barrier, embrace a new paradigm and accept responsibility for defining with clarity how to not only strengthen credibility but to efficiently cast a long-term vision for building a legacy by defining my ‘being’.

So who am I? The poetic version: I am a spark igniting others to blaze a trail in their passion. The utilitarian version: I am a dream facilitator. Hello and who are you?

What do you want?

Sheena Blake

sheena@carib101.com

Personal Development “What do you want?” My elders asked me in a room full of women. “I just want to be happy”, I said, and, believing that that was a satisfactory and reasonable response, I stopped speaking, hoping that they would move on to someone else…

Blink, blink…”What do you

want?” they asked me again. This time I listed the things that I KNEW I didn’t want. I didn’t want a job that the employer was self righteous; I didn’t want a partner that was selfish and I didn’t want to miss out on my children’s lives because of working too much. … “Answer our question,” they prodded once more, but by this moment, my mind was flooding with all of my failures in parenting, partnership, career and life that I could no longer hold back my tears.

Isn’t it amazing how a simple question, “what do you want”, can open up the flood gates of our minds?

I’m so very grateful for my elders’ grace and patience because, after letting

out years of tears, I realized that all of this time, I had been standing in my own way!

I had been believing that everything and everyone else was to blame for my lack of success. My thoughts had been on a repeat track called fear, worry, guilt and shame… all in all, I really didn’t know what I wanted. All I knew was what I didn’t want-but of course-it was exactly what I had.

The process of getting clear about what I WANTED became and continues to become more and more easy everyday.

I have learned that “standing in my own way” manifests from self loathing feelings that I carried for many years. I had to make the choice about what I wanted.

Are you in your own way? When is the last time you asked yourself what it

is you really want? When is the last time you took responsibility for your life and all that is in it?

There is a supreme freedom in taking control of your thoughts, feelings and the things that they manifest. The cliché is often true; being positive can change your world. Seeing a situation from a different angle can make all the difference.

But, changing thoughts and seeing different angles takes practice. It’s something to work on every day and as my dad always says, “good, better, best. You must never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.”

Get out of your way; the world needs you.

FEB

10

Founded by

OPENING FILM

THINA SOBABILI

Presented by

(THE TWO OF US)

7:30 PM

$25 FEB

11 9 PM

FEB

13

WORKSHOPS - MASTER CLASSES & MOVIE-TALKS

TBFF BLACK MARKET

Presented by

FEB

Carlton Cinema - 20 Carlton Street, Toronto Sponsored by

• MOVIE-TALK WITH TREY ANTHONY

She saw herself, beautiful, brown and black Film screening + Panel discussion • FEB. 13 - 11:30AM

$10

• MAKING SHORT FILMS: HOW AND WHY?

Presented by

How to write, finance and distribute your short films Free admission

FEB. 13 - 1PM

FEB

14

• UP & CLOSE WITH CLEMENT VIRGO

Screening of one episode of THE BOOK OF NEGROES Followed by Discussion + Q&A • FEB. 14 - 11:30AM

Special thanks to

$10

Presented by

$10

44 FILMS FROM 20 COUNTRIES!

Tickets: TorontoBlackFilm.com

By Ernest Nkosi South Africa

Isabel Bader Theatre - 93 Charles St W, Toronto MOVIE-TALK: 50 YEARS LATER!

THE BLACK PANTHERS:

VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION

By Stanley Nelson Film + Discussion

Carlton Cinema - 20 Carlton Street, Toronto TRIBUTE TO:

13

ALFRE WOODARD

9 PM

+ Film KNUCKLEHEAD by Ben Bowman + Q&A with: Alfre Woodard, Ben Bowman

$20 FEB

14

Presented by

Presented by

#TBFF16 CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD & Gbenga Akinnagbe

Jackman Hall (AGO)

CLOSING FILM

BREATHE UMPHEFUMLO

9 PM

By Mark Dornford-May South Africa, Germany, United Kingdom

$15

Carlton Cinema - 20 Carlton Street, Toronto

Presented by