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EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE NEWSPAPER TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM M • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 25 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28TH 2015

TBFF Toronto Black Film Festival set to begin February 10th JORDAN MAXWELL/TORONTO CARIBBEAN Legendary actor Bill Cobbs and a film produced by Spike Lee headline the Toronto Black Film Festival, which begins February 10th in Toronto.

Cobbs, famous for his movie roles in Trading Places, The Bodyguard, and Ghosts of Mississippi and his TV roles on shows like the Sopranos, will be receiving the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in a formal presentation on Feb. 14th at Jackman Hall, inside the AGO. Fabienne Colas, founder and president of the Toronto Black Film Festival, said that having the legendary actor being honoured is a boom for the festival and the black community as well, given his extensive resume.

“Having Bill Cobbs here, getting the award and also being a part of the Q&A (for his role in UNA VIDA: A Fable of Music and the Mind), is big for us and we’re really excited about it. He’s a legend in black film and has done a lot to support the international film community for black people,” said Colas in an interview

with Toronto Caribbean News.

Colas made the comments after the official launch and press conference at the Carlton Cinema on Jan. 20th as about a hundred people came out to support the launch and event, which is sponsored by Global News.

Continued On Page 11

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Alanna Zelau: A Woman Transformed Alanna Zelau has over come many obstacles in her life. From raising two children as a single mom, to removing herself from a mentally abusive relationship and dealing with the ignorance of those that doubted her abilities as a woman. Throughout the years she has grown into a woman who has newly discovered herself, and has understood that the struggles of life can only make you stronger.

Born in London, ON and raised in Quebec, Alanna was already married at the young age of 18. She was a stay at home mom taking care of her two children uninspired to do anything, because she wasn’t sure of what she was capable of. Being married so young she didn’t know who she was, or what she wanted to accomplish. Her husband was more than generous with his negative comments and she quickly learned that it was better to hold her tongue than to share her opinions.

After her daughter started school, she decided to venture out into the workforce and found herself on the board of directors for The Valley Shelter, which was an English Speaking Women’s Shelter in Huntingdon, QC. The Board sponsored a local paper where she started dabbling in the design and selling aspect of print. She soon realized that she had a knack for it and had the opportunity to work for another paper designing the classified ads. Designing wasn’t what it is today, and it was a lot of literal cut and paste using templates from other papers. You had to be able to look at it from an artistic point of view and see the potential of what it could be.

When her family moved to Ontario, Alanna had a job interview lined up at The Mississauga News. Around the same time her father was diagnosed with ALS and he was very sick. Unfortunately, having to help her mother take care of her father she never made it to the interview.

After years of being mentally abused and put down by her first husband, she decided that enough was enough. She left him and decided to tackle the world all on her own. She was a single mother accustomed to being dependent, and now she had to learn to make it on her own. It was a scary thought, and she was faced with new challenges ahead. Her brother asked her to take over her mother’s position with his company as she had to resign to take care of Alanna’s father. As a woman they didn’t think that she would be capable to do the job, because she wouldn’t be able to understand all the technical terms involved in selling rubber products. She ended up proving them wrong, learning how to voice her opinions and stand up for herself.

These days she still keeps herself busy working full time as a parts and service coordinator for a US machine tool manufacturer. She enjoys what she does and appreciates that they recognize her abilities.

In her spare time she edits for the Toronto Caribbean newspaper. She says that keeping busy with work and spending time with her grandchildren keeps her young. “You don’t think about your life you just do it.”

She shares. Alanna says that she is a firm believer that if you can learn from it you can move forward.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

imPRESSive Print Solutions Open for Business Alyssa Mahadeo TC Reporter Newly renovated and rapidly expanding imPRESSive Print Solutions, also known as Indi Scene, is pleased to announce the opening of their convenient new location in Mississauga.

Owner and founder Ryan Bemaul, started off his small business as a hobby in design. While working full time as a computer engineer, he took on small jobs designing flyers for upcoming events at his Mandir.

With the high demand for his work and referrals he received, it led to their growth and expansion into their new location in Mississauga. Their new setup will increase in house capabilities, and allow for print jobs to be produced at a bigger capacity. imPRESSive Print Solutions offers affordable print solu-

tions for any budget without the compromise of quality. They specialize in large format and digital printing as well as many personal and business printing needs. For five years they have been in full operation, and they pride themselves on the quality of work they produce. With every job they strive to deliver an exceptional experience for all of their clients needs.

They have made their mark in the community through their wide range of charity work. Through sponsorships of various events they promote their initiative by providing services to aid charities, and give back to show appreciation for the support they have been given by the community.

They have become a recognized brand within the West Indian community, as many of their clientele are West Indian owned businesses throughout the GTA. Business has only been growing from here, as they now serve a cast clientele of corporate clients across North America and the Caribbean.

They are now located at 6355 Kennedy Rd in Mississauga, major intersections Courtney Park Drive and Kennedy Rd. To contact their office and inquire about your printing needs visit their website at impressiveprint.ca.

Childrenʼs Mashramani competition energises Anna Regina GUYANA-- A celebratory ambience descended on the town of Anna Regina, and joy and happiness was all pervasive as children of nursery, primary and secondary schools hotly competed in the dance and masquerade category of the Department of Education Children’s Competition last Thursday at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground.

The competition reportedly opened on Tuesday with dramatic poetry and calypso contests, and continued on Thursday with individual and group dances and masquerade.

In the nursery school group dance, Riverstown won the first place with “Six Races celebrating as One People”, while Cotton Field took the second place with its dance, “Guyanese line up”. Lima Nursery won the third place with the dance.

“Celebrate our worship.”

In the 5 to 7 group, Sparta Primary School won the first place with its group dance, “Proudly Celebrating as One People”; Mainstay Lake came in second, followed by Queenstown Primary with “Together We Stand”.

In the 8 to 10 group dance, Main-

stay Lake Primary took the first place with it dazzling performance, while the second place went to CV Nunes Primary with “Unity in Our Culture”. The third place went to 8th of May Primary students for their energetic group dance.

Primary and secondary school students also hotly competed in individual dances and masquerade. The winners in the various categories would represent Region Two in the national competition in Georgetown in February.

In this year’s competition, Mainstay Lake children have performed excellently in calypso and group dances. They have won top places in several categories already. Several schools from the Pomeroon have also presented excellent performances at the three-day children’s competition.

The competition has set Region Two on fire for Mash celebrations, and proceedings would conclude on Monday, January 26th, with costume and physical displays.

- Guyana Chronicle

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Residents stage roadblock in St Elizabeth JAMAICA -The Burnt Savannah to Mountainside main road, which links Santa Cruz to the south-coast resort of Treasure Beach, was blocked late Monday as residents protested the state of the thoroughfare.

The St Elizabeth police confirmed late Monday that the protest started about midday with people using boulders and other debris to block the roads.

It has forced travellers from Santa Cruz to Treasure Beach, or vice versa, and points in between to use alternate routes through Black River, Malvern and Junction.

A police spokesman told the Jamaica Observer that help was needed, possibly from the National Works Agency to clear the blockages.

Eyewitness reports late Sunday said many students were among a “pile up” of stranded travellers being forced to walk miles to get home.

This is the latest of several major protests regarding the badly damaged five-

mile stretch of roadway between Lacovia and Mountainside. Rain-scoured surfaces, potholes and broken drains have made driving a nightmarish experience.

Member of parliament for southwest St Elizabeth, Hugh Buchanan told the Observer late last year that he has been making repeated representations to have the stretch of main road repaired.

A major water project, which made road renovation unfeasible for sometime was completed last year.

In mid-December Works and Transport minister Dr Omar Davies said while he will “look at the situation”, lack of funds and expenditure constraints imposed under the programme directed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) posed major hurdles.

Davies was responding then to complaints from speakers at a function in Treasure Beach.

- Jamaica Observer

Preliminary List of Electors to be released early February GUYANA-- THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is moving apace with its preparations for the upcoming General and Regional Elections on May 11.And its Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) is expected to be made public early in February – just a few days away.

This was confirmed by GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Richard François, who added that the Claims and Objections period, following the end of the seventh cycle of continuous registration will commence afterwards.

“It will happen right away,” he told the Guyana Chronicle in a telephone interview Sunday.

The seventh cycle of continuous registration started on November 30, 2014 ended on December 31, 2014. The period allowed persons the opportunity to register for the first time, conduct transfers and make changes to their registration details.

The numbers released to the Guyana Chronicle indicated that new registrations number 6,003 persons, while there were also 1,163 changes and corrections to existing registration information and 1,248 transfers due to issues related to change of addresses, etc.

Prior to the publication of the PLE

the GECOM Secretariat was engaged in conducting a thorough fingerprint cross-matching exercise as it analyzes the fingerprints of registrants on both the existing National Register of Registrants as well as applicants for new registration and new databases to eliminate any/guard against multiple registrations.

According to Francois, the fingerprint cross-matching exercise, which extended to existing persons listed on the NRR, is part of a number of “crucial administrative” efforts that are necessary for the publication of the Preliminary List of Electors.

Once the PLE is made public, all persons who will be eligible to vote at the upcoming elections are urged to check the extracts of the document that will be displayed in their respective communities of residence to ensure that their details are accurate and to apply for registration/change/ corrections/transfers during the Claims and Objections exercise as might be necessary.

At the end of the Claims and Objections period, an Official List of Electors is expected to be produced, which will be used for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

- Guyana Chronicle

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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6 Wednesday, January 28, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN ARIBBEAN

Trinidad PCA director stands firm on statement TRINIDAD -- Director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West said he is prepared to defend a witness statement he made in a defamation matter brought by the Attorney General Anand Ramlogan against Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley.

“I stand by my witness statement and I am ready to defend it under oath,” he said in a brief statement Monday.

He said he hoped that did not affect or distract from the work he was doing at the PCA. West has not denied the contents of a witness statement published in the Sunday Express in a defamation lawsuit involving Section 34 applicants Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh.

The reports claim the AG attempted to influence West to withdraw the statement in exchange for the appointment as PCA head.

Ramlogan, noting that the matter is still before the court, has since denied the allegation that he asked West, during a telephone conversation on October 31, 2014 or any time after that, to withdraw his witness statement.

The swirling controversy has drawn the ire of individuals and groups, including the Congress of the

People, calling for Ramlogan to step down and for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to remove him while and independent investigation takes place to determine whether a criminal offence had been committed.

Former attorney general Ramesh Maharaj has called a news conference for 11 am Tuesday to speak on this issue as well as the statement made by the AG that he obtained a default judgment against Rowley, and House Speaker Wade Mark’s statement which said he got notice from the High Court in respect of the matter which collapsed before it was to be debated on the ground that the matter was subjudice.

Maharaj said all of those issues have serious consequences for the enjoyment of democracy, the rule of law, the integrity of government, the accountability of government, the enjoyment of fundamental rights and the principles of good governance in our country.

West’s statement I, David V.W. West , am a witness to a matter between Anand Ramlogan and Dr Keith Rowley CV 2012-02948. On 27th June 2014 I submitted a signed witness statement to my attorneys on said matter.

My witness statement has since been in the possession of my attorneys and was subsequently filed on 22nd December 2014. The content of this statement is a matter of public record.

During this time frame any individual with interest in this particular matter would have been privy to the list of witnesses and would have known that I am a witness in this matter. I stand by my witness statement and I am ready to defend it under oath.

- Trinidad Guardian

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Kaci places fifth in Miss Universe FLORIDA -- Kaci Fennell Monday night placed fifth in the 63rd staging of the Miss Universe pageant which was won by Miss Colombia Paulina Vega.

Miss USA Nia Sanchez was named first runner-up in the pageant that Jamaicans watched with high anticipation that Fennell would have won.

Jamaicans erupted with joy when the 22-year-old Fennell was named in the top 15 in the early stages of the pageant held at Florida International University Arena in Doral, Miami.

The celebrations grew louder when she was the first contestant placed in the top 10, followed by the contestants from Agrentina, Ukraine, The Philippines, Colombia, Spain, The Netherlands, Venezuela, Australia, and USA. When Fennell appeared in the evening dress competition she was described as “immaculate� by one of the pageant’s hosts.

Later, when she was named in the top five, along with the contestants from USA, The Netherlands, Ukraine, and Colombia, Jamaicans cheered even louder.

In the interview section, when each of the top five contestants was asked

the following question submitted by viewers on Facebook: ‘What is the greatest contribution of your country to the entire world?’ Fennell pointed to reggae superstar Bob Marley and track legend Usain Bolt. Her answer elicited loud and sustained applause from her Jamaican supporters in the audience.

However, their hope turned to despair when Fennell was announced as the fourth runner-up.

Throughout her year-long reign, Miss Universe will wear a new crown designed by pageant sponsor DIC. “The new crown was designed to blend the Czech roots of DIC with the beautiful skyline of New York City, home of the Miss Universe Organisation and its titleholders,� the pageant website states. “Craftsmen spent over 3,000 hours to create this beautiful and timeless crown with a very unique infrastructure inspired by design elements of various royal crowns throughout history. The crown symbolises and expresses the beauty, stability, confidence and power of women around the world,� the website adds.

- Jamaica Observer

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Abdullah: Trinidad & Tobago is heading for recession TRINIDAD -- Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) political leader David Abdullah says low oil prices, plans by energy companies to cut staff and outstanding bills by Government are all indictors that T&T is headed for a recession. At a news conference in San Fernando Sunday, Abdullah said because of the country’s heavy dependence on petroleum sales it is very unlikely there will be any economic growth for T&T over the next 12 months.

He explained that a recession occurs when there is negative growth over three or four successive quarters. He said this could lead to mass retrenchment in the public and private sectors, exacerbating gang violence and other social problems.

“The energy sector contributes about 40 per cent of GDP, 90 per cent of foreign exchange earnings and 35 per cent of government revenue. Once your energy sec-

tor loses 30 per cent of its revenue, then the economy will be affected and we will go into a recession, no doubt about that,” Abdulah said. He said critical adjustments are necessary during a recession and it would be ordinary citizens, who cannot afford luxurious lives, who will suffer the most.

He pointed out plans by bpTT to cut staff and considerations by Petrotrin to dismiss temporary and casual workers. The MSJ leader said Government was struggling to settle its $200 million debt with the University of the West Indies owed through the Government Assistance for Tuition Expense (GATE) programme.

“The problem is that a recession can hit Trinidad and Tobago but it will hit different people differently. For us, our concern is how this will affect the ordinary man and woman. In the past what happened was that the burden of adjustment fell on the

backs of ordinary people.

“Workers lost their jobs, people had their pays cut, we lost COLA, people lost their homes, people could barely find enough money to put food on the table the next morning, people had to buy grapes.

Mothers migrated to work abroad to send food and money for their children back home who were being supervised by grandparents.

Those young people then got totally disillusioned with the system, they had no support, no family, no community and many of them ended up in violence and gangs.

“In other words, the social problems of Monday can be traced back to the way in which the burden of adjustment fell in the collapse of the oil boom of the 70s which affected workers and poor people in this country. We have never recovered from that up to now,” Abdulah said.

- Trinidad Guardian

Golding tables ganja amendments in Senate JAMAICA -- Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding, tabled the landmark Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill which contains proposed changes to laws affecting the use of ganja, in the Senate on Friday.

Golding had announced on Wednesday at a post Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House that the Bill would be tabled Friday, following Monday’s approval of the proposed amendments by Cabinet. The amendments are expected to be supported by the Opposition.

The Bill has proposed the following amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act, which was enacted in 1948 and last amended in 1987, and the debate is planned for next Friday, January 30: Possession of two ounces or less of ganja to be a non-arrestable, ticketable infraction attracting a fixed monetary penalty, which shall be payable outside the court system and which does not give rise to a criminal record;

Failure to pay the monetary penalty is to be a minor offence, punishable in the Petty Sessions Court by an order for community service; Where the person found in possession of ganja in a small quantity is a minor, or an adult who appears to be dependent on ganja, the person to be referred to the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) by the police officer issuing the ticket; Prohibition of the smoking of ganja in public places, subject to specified exceptions; A scheme of licences, permits and other authorisations, to enable the establishment of a lawful, regulated industry for ganja for medical, therapeutic and scientific purposes and the establishment of a Cannabis Licensing Authority.

The Bill also seeks to effect reform of the monetary penalties applicable under the Act.

Golding said Wednesday that there will be discussions with the Ministry of Finance and Planning for portions of the revenues generated by the licensing of industry to go into a dedicated fund to be used to provide financial support for a public education programme.

The funds will also be used for drug-abuse support; funding scientific research into the medical and other specific uses of ganja; as well as for providing additional support for the implementation of a new regulatory regime.

He said that, despite the proposals, Jamaica remains committed to the fight against transnational drug trafficking and organised crime.

“Save for the specific reforms that we have announced, the criminal sanctions for illicit activities involving ganja remain as currently set out in the Dangerous Drugs Act,” he said then.

- Jamaica Observer

Farmers to get marketing information centre JAMAICA -- Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) President Senator Norman Grant says that the society has acquired the services of a team of software engineers from the Mona School of Business and Management to assist in developing a marketing information centre for farmers.

He said that the centre will include a 20-seat call centre to administer the software platform, and will provide marketing information, as well as facilities for buying and selling between commodity traders and farmers.

“Farmers will be able to access the system by phone, voice or text, or by another communications device connected to the internet, that they wish to use,” Senator Grant told last Thursday’s opening session of the society’s inaugural production and food security summit at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.

He said that the summit, which attracted a number of representatives from the farming sector, including the Rural Agricultural Development, the 4-H Clubs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and sector

bodies, as well as the United States and the European Union, would seek to develop strategies to increase domestic agriculture production by an average of 10 per cent per annum over the next five years.

Grant said that the emerging biodiversity sector would play a significant role in achieving this target, noting that Jamaica has one of the richest biodiversity in the world, with over 3,000 plant species many of which, he said, were considered to be highly nutritious as well as having valuable, inherent medicinal properties.

He said that the country needed to look to emerging opportunities, for example in the development of hemp and bamboo and its derivatives.

“We cannot forget the development of the logistics hub, and what it means for our farmers; every person who needs food in that sector can be supplied by our own farms. Let us consider how we can develop strategies to be ready for these emerging opportunities,” Senator Grant said.

Minister of state for agriculture and Fisheries, Luther Buchanan, who was the

main speaker at the opening of the one-day summit, said that the ministry wants to significantly increase the production of onions as part of efforts to reduce the country’s import bill.

He said data has shown that the country produces 12 tonnes of onion per hectare, which is way below the global average of 17 tonnes per hectare.

“Currently, we import, 9, 000 tonnes of onion annually, costing US$3.6 million. We are now working to reverse this trend. As part of our onion development plan, we are aiming to reduce importation by 50 per cent by 2017,” Buchanan said.

He pointed out that there are some 300 farmers involved in onion production, with 72 hectares of land established, including 40 hectares in the agro-parks. As part of the development programme, the ministry intends to have 450 farmers involved in onion production in 2015/2016 and expects to have that number increased to 600 farmers by 2016/2017.

- Jamaica Observer

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 11

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Toronto Black Film Festival Jordan Maxwell TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- In its third year here in Toronto, having been held in Montreal before that, Colas is optimistic that the turnout will be better this go-around with bigger names on the card and a lineup with

some interesting stories and thought-provoking topics.

“We didn’t have the best turnout over the last two years. It’s been a building process here because it’s still relatively new.

In Montreal, the festival was international and ran for 10 years and it was quite successful so we’re trying to bring that passion and energy over here,” said Colas, referencing famed actors such as Danny Glover, Harry Belafonte and others for making Montreal a success.

And with more than 38 films from 18 countries around the world, Colas is optimistic that people will come out to support

the films, celebrate diversity and recognize the talented individuals behind these projects.

The festival is five days in total and goes from February 10th to 15th. Most of the films will be shown at Carlton Cinema, which is just east of Yonge while others will be featured at the Isabel Bader Theatre and Alliance Francaise, a French cultural centre on Spadina Rd. To close the festival, there will be a Blaxploitation Party at The Revival and tickets are $30. The night will be a 70s-themed party where the history of Black American film in the 70’s will be highlighted.

The film festival is part of a series of events lined up for Black History Month, a time to remember, honour and celebrate black culture and history.

“It’s important for black people, for black culture and it brings up necessary discussions. Whenever you support something like this, you’re celebrating diversity and the more you know about something, your history, the more people can have a voice,” said Colas.

“People need to know about these stories.” To see more and get schedules, check the website: http://torontoblackfilm. com/

12 Wednesday, January 28, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Clay Jʼouvert merges the old with the new - Keeps tradition alive Aba Luke Entertainment Ole time mas in Trinidad and Tobago is getting a facelift. The transformation began in 2014 and the evolution continues this year. A J’ouvert experience dubbed CLAY J’ouvert is responsible for the effort to synergize the

old with the new, bringing what once was, to the fore again, in a beautiful way.

CLAY J’ouvert is really a traditional mud mas band based in the Woodbrook area. This year, the team who brought the concept to life last year, is looking toward creating a more memorable experience this year. The CLAY experience boasts what has been coined ‘the finest mud from a secret location along the East coast of Trinidad.’ Together with mud, patrons of this traditional J’ouvert band bask in the colourful delight of abir- most often used during the Hindu Phagwa celebrations. “Our aim is to deliver to patrons, a totally immersive J’ouvert experience by finding the perfect balance be-

tween an ole time vibe and a progressive edge,” said representative of the band, Justin Gosine. He said the band enjoyed a pretty successful debut in 2014 and in 2015, in a bid to up the anti, CLAY is offering a limited traditional section costume- a J’ouvert favourite, ‘Nighties and Wigs.’

“We encourage creativity from our masqueraders and welcome all do-it-yourself ole mas costumes,” said Gosine, in the same breath emphasizing the team’s goal of maintaining the traditional elements of a Trinidad and Tobago J’ouvert experience.

The band launches on Saturday January 24th at La Habana along Ariapita Avenue. A spectacle of colour and muddy

madness is expected to be shown off, delivering to the Avenue’s supporters, a little taste of the CLAY experience in the lead up to T&T’s J’ouvert.

Organisers lament that many of the true traditions of T&T’s carnival have been sidelined for pretty, modern replacements.

Gosine said this is their way of bringing the youths to a time of purity, when Carnival and J’ouvert in particular delivered a message through creativity.

CLAY J’ouvert can be found online on Facebook at Clay.jouvert, Youtube at ClayJouvert, Instagram @clayjouvert and on Twitter at the same ClayJouvert.

- Et-Cet-Era Buzz

Destraʼs Lucy comes to life, in perfect time Aba Luke Entertainment Lucy is no longer a figment of our imaginations. Lucy has been brought to life by soca’s leading lady of bacchanal, Destra Garcia.

Garcia’s alter ego was pictorialized by Eldon Pernel in an animated show of creativity that’s certainly unlike the norm.

The song has been on the tip of ev-

ery soca lovers’ tongue for weeks, many conjuring their own image of what Lucy must look like, no doubt. Today however, Destra dropped the bomb, delivering to her die hard fans, a video that speaks volumes and in fact reveals the true likeness of Garcia’s alter ego, a sexy well endowed woman who has every bit of the Queen of Bacchanal’s appeal.

The release of the video is perfectly timed. Garcia will perform the song in the semi final round of the groovy Soca Monarch on Sunday at the Queen’s Park Savannah. She’s also in planning mode for her House of Bakanal concert event, carded for February 11th at the O2 Park in Chaguaramas.

Over the years, fans of the artiste have rooted for her strongly at competitions,

however she has never secured any of the major competition titles, though many agree that she is well deserving. Whether this will be Destra’s year, is yet to be seen. Garcia performs a MIMOSA – a trendy all-inclusive event at Valsayn North on Carnival Sunday.

There, she is likely to show off every ounce of her bacchanal antics, much like she does on each and every stage that she mounts.

- Et-Cet-Era Buzz

14 Wednesday, January 28, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Achieving value for sporting facilities TRINIDAD -- According to the National Sport Policy (2002), “Because of the known health, social and economic benefits which can be derived from participating in sport, it can be deemed as important as any other activity or field of endeavour to the total development of the individual and the society. Regular involvement in sport and physical activity are fundamental to good health and wellness at all stages of life. Sport provides an important environment for the education and socialization of all citizens as well as valuable opportunities for personal enjoyment, social contacts and integration.” .

Therefore, the availability of quality sporting facilities is critical for sport to contribute to the well-being of individuals, communities and the sporting community.

In recent years there has been the construction of football and athletics stadia, multi-sport indoor facilities, upgrades of recreational grounds, the renovation of pavilions, the installation of floodlights, the provision of recreational items such as swings, slides etc and the creation of paved walking and jogging pathways. In 2015, the national cycling centre, aquatic centre and tennis centre are to be added to the list of available facilities.

However, some of these facilities have become eyesores and are blatant examples of wastage of taxpayers’ monies. The Brian Lara Stadium is already nine (9) years late to its projected opening!! A third ICC World Cup (2007, 2011 and 2015) will be staged and the facility is still not yet ready!! Walker Park is in a dilapidated state.

It is common to see many sporting and recreational facilities unused whether day and or night by the general public. The challenge is getting the general public to use the facilities frequently and in great numbers. How

can this be achieved? There may not be a one size fit all answer. For instance, urban lifestyles may be different from rural areas and as such the approach taken would have to be different.

Sport New Zealand has established a national Sporting Facilities Framework to get the best value from its sporting facilities. In England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have partnered with Sport England identifying five (5) areas toward creating a sporting habit for life as part of its youth sport strategy. These include: competitive sport in schools; improving links between schools and community sports clubs; working with the sport’s governing bodies focusing on youth; investing in facilities and working with communities and the voluntary sector.

In T&T, lessons can be learnt from

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the approaches undertaken in England and New Zealand. Firstly, there must be a strategic plan with an efficiently functioning management system. Such a system would include all the major stakeholders’ such as the Ministry of Sport, SPORTT, Ministries of Local Government, Community Development, Gender and Youth and Education; National Sporting Associations and community representatives. This integrative framework should provide critical information about various communities based on age, gender, religion, persons with physical disabilities, number of schools and usage of facilities and type of existing sporting activities.

Secondly, it has to be sociologically understood that the provision of sporting facilities will not automatically result in their use.

And in some instances if the facilities are used

it may not be for the intended purpose. This was the case during the NAR regime (198691) when basketball courts were laid in several communities. In central Trinidad many of the courts were used to play windball cricket or small goal. In other words it is important to have discussions with the communities. Not only is it important to listen to the voice of the people but it also empowers them in making decisions that will affect them.

Thirdly, the information would allow for effective planning and implementation. For instance, differentiating between new and existing users of sporting facilities is important.

The key is to expand the amount of new users. Furthermore, the various factors (religious, gender, age, disabilities etc) that influence directly or indirectly participation in physical activities will have to be determined.

Such an understanding will allow for developing new strategies from time to time to keep people actively involved. As such fun and enjoyment has to be an integral part of the marketing strategy of the various measures.

Fourthly, from a monitoring perspective it is important that baseline data is updated with new data over time so as to measure trends such as dropout rates and when these take place. Furthermore, the data collected will help in assessing desired outcomes as well as determining the steps to be taken to improve all programmes.

Every effort should be made to ensure that the sporting facilities that are available are put to effective use to justify the economic and social expenditure.

A strategic approach offers greater possibilities of measured success than the hope that people will naturally use the sporting facilities if they are made available.

- Trinidad Guardian

16 Wednesday, January 28, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Russell fireworks helps WI end losing streak SOUTH AFRICA -- Andre Russell struck a sensational unbeaten half-century as West Indies ended their nine-year wait for a One-Day International victory over South Africa by clinching a nervy one-wicket win, with nine balls to spare in the fourth game of the fivematch series Sunday.

The right-hander belted an exciting 64 from 40 deliveries and was one of three batsmen with half-centuries, with vice-captain Marlon Samuels getting a top score of 68 and Darren Sammy, 51, knocks which helped West Indies overhaul their target of 263 at St George’s Park.

West Indies had not beaten South Africa in an ODI since November, 2006 during the Champions Trophy in India, and had gone 16 matches—15 of these defeats—without a single win.

The triumph also broke the Caribbean side’s miserable losing slump which had seen them fall behind 3-0 in the series, following defeats in Durban, Johannesburg and East London, and gave Jason Holder his first win as captain.

Russell’s heroics which saw him strike five fours and five sixes, managed to outshine David Miller’s superb unbeaten 130—his maiden ODI hundred—which lifted the Proteas to 262 for eight after they had been sent in.

South Africa were 76 for four in the 15th over at one stage but rallied through Miller’s innings which comprised 11 fours and three sixes and came from 130 deliveries.

He put on 90 for the fifth wicket with JP Duminy who carved out 43 from 68 balls and added a further 63 for the seventh wicket with tail-ender Wayne Parnell who scored 12.

Captain and seamer Jason Holder bowled well to finish with four for 51 while left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell picked up two for 35, after accounting for both openers cheaply.

Cottrell had Rilee Roussouw (4) brilliantly caught low down by Sammy at first slip in the third over at 18 for one and then had Morne van Wyk (18) well taken in front of first slip by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin at 32 for three in the seventh over.

In between, Holder prised out the dangerous Faf du Plessis for four to a brilliant one-handed catch by Ramdin.

Miller and captain AB de Villiers (19) steadied the innings with a stand of 44, before de Villiers got an inside edge through to Ramdin off Russell in the seamer’s third over.

The left-handed Miller then controlled the innings, reaching his half-century off 75 balls with a cover-driven boundary off Cottrell in the 32nd over, before edging the next ball to the third man boundary.

Miller required a further 47 balls to reach three figures with a couple off Holder to long on and then whacked a four and a six— the first maximum of the innings in the 48th over—as South Africa picked up the scoring.

The Proteas gathered 18 runs off the penultimate over bowled by Russell but Holder sent down a brilliant last over which cost just three runs and earned West Indies two wickets, as the tourists finished well.

West Indies then had their run chase set back early when Dwayne Smith was bowled without scoring off the third ball of the innings from seamer Morne Morkel Chris Gayle followed for ten at the start of the seventh over with the Windies limping along, driving the first ball of off-spinner Duminy’s spell to Farhaan Behardien at cover.

Leon Johnson (18), Ramdin (3) and Jonathan Carter (5) then perished in quick succession, leaving the Windies perilously placed at 73 for five in the 21st over.

Samuels and Sammy came together to post 93 for the sixth wicket, a stand which put the Caribbean side on course for recovery.

Samuels had his leg stump disturbed by seamer Berhardien at 189 for seven in the 40th over but Russell assumed responsibility for the innings, picking off sixes at will down the stretch as wickets fell around him.

The match was still in the balance when Carlos Brathwaite was run out for 11 off the first ball of the 48th, with the Windies 239 for nine and still 24 runs away from victory.

Russell eased the pressure with two consecutive sixes in the same over off left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso and with West Indies needing seven to win at the start of the penultimate over, the Jamaican smashed pacer Kyle Abbott to the point boundary and then cleared the ropes at long on two balls later, to seal an emphatic win. (CMC) scoreboard SOUTH AFRICA M van Wyk c wkp Ramdin b Cottrell 18 R Rossouw c Sammy b Cottrell 4 F du Plessis c wkp Ramdin b Holder 4 AB de Villiers c wkp Ramdin b Russell 19 D Miller not out 130 JP Duminy c & b Sammy 43 F Behardien b Holder 12 W Parnell b Holder 12 A Phangiso c Johnson b Holder 0 K Abbott not out 1 Extras (lb2, w17) 19 TOTAL (8 wkts, 50 overs) 262 Did not bat: M Morkel Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Rossouw, 2.2 overs), 2-32 (du Plessis, 6), 3-32 (van Wyk, 6.2), 4-76 (de Villiers, 14.4), 5-166 (Duminy, 36.4), 6-196 (Behardien, 42.1), 7-259 (Parnell, 49.2), 8-259 (Phangiso, 49.3) Bowling: Cottrell 6-0-39-2 (w3), Holder 10-153-4 (w2), Russell 10-1-60-1, Sammy 10-146-1 (w1), Brathwaite 10-1-39-0 (w3), Samuels 3-0-19-0, Gayle 1-0-4-0.

WEST INDIES D Smith b Morkel 0 C Gayle c Behardien b Duminy 10 L Johnson run out 18 M Samuels b Behardien 68 D Ramdin lbw b Behardien 3 J Carter run out 5 D Sammy c de Villiers b Parnell 51 A Russell not out 64 J Holder c Miller b Duminy 13 C Brathwaite run out 11 S Cottrell not out 1 Extras (b4, lb3, w14, nb1) 22 TOTAL (9 wkts, 48.3 overs) 266 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Smith, 0.3 overs), 2-12 (Gayle, 6.1), 3-41 (Johnson, 13.5), 4-48 (Ramdin, 15.5), 5-73 (Carter, 20.5), 6-166 (Sammy, 36.1), 7-189 (Samuels, 39.2), 8-218 (Holder, 43), 9-239 (Brathwaite, 47.1) Bowling: Morkel 9-1-58-1 (w7, nb1), Abbott 9.3-1-62-0 (w1), Duminy 6-0-29-2 (w1), Phangiso 10-1-41-0 (w2), Parnell 10-0-48-1 (w2), Behardien 4-0-21-2 (w1).

Result: West Indies won by one wicket.

Series: South Africa lead five-match series 3-1.

Man-of-the-Match: Andre Russell.

Toss: West Indies.

Umpires: S Davis, S George; TV – S Ravi - Trinidad Guardian

TORONTO CARIB CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 17

CaribbeanPot.com Wins Gourmand World Cookbook Award With First Cookbook CaribbeanPot.com, headed by Chris De La Rosa, is pleased to announce that their first off-line cookbook, The Vibrant Caribbean Pot: 100 Traditional and Fusion Recipes Vol.2, has won a Gourmand World Cookbook award for 2014 in the category of Best Foreign – International Cuisine Book in English Canada. De La Rosa shares this award with editor Izabela Szydlo.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, founded by, Edouard Cointreau, celebrates global cookbook and wine book publishing from over 144 countries. This award is sometimes referred to as the “Oscars of food awards”.

The Vibrant Caribbean Pot: 100 Traditional and Fusion Recipes Vol.2, will compete against winners in the same category, from other countries, for The Best in the World. The results will be announced on Tuesday June 9, 2015 at the annual awards event in Yantai, China.

In this glossy full-colour cookbook, De La Rosa, spans a cross-section of mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine.

There are many keys to De La Rosa’s

success; stunning photographs, simplified recipes and his charming and conversational tone.

“I am thrilled to represent Caribbean cuisine in a platform that is so prestigious. This is an especially proud moment as it represents a win over thousands of amazing entries,” says Mr. De La Rosa.

CaribbeanPot.com is the international hub of all things Caribbean cuisine online. Although it started humbly as a way to document family recipes (for his daughters), De La Rosa connects with over one millions fans monthly through YouTube and voracious fans on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. De La Rosa is currently working on his next cookbook, (part of a series of cookbooks), and on the development of complimentary CaribbeanPot.com products.

For more information on CaribbeanPot. com please contact: Karen Nicole Smith at karen@caribbeanpot.com or by 1.347.379.1969

20 Wednesday, January 28, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Orange brown sugar glazed plantain aal always lwa ways ys cconsisted onsi on sist isted ed ooff bo bboiled boil oil iled d rripe ip pe pl pplantains plan lan anttaaaiiin ant ns to to stewed meats, Callaloo, g along go alo ong n with th the st stew e ed m eaatss Call C alllalloo Macaroni Pie, Stewed Beans, Sweet Potato and other tasty treats mom would prepare.

Very simple, but what a joy to eat. The English, Spanish, French and Dutch Caribbean all have their unique take on preparing Plantains (green and ripe) and I’m sure this orange brown sugar glazed plantain recipe will surely join in among other classics.

Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking I’ve been fortunate to travel up and down the Caribbean island chain over the years and one of the things I find astonishing, are the many uses we have for plantains.

Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, Sunday lunch (most important family meal)

You’ll Need: 2 ripe plantains pinch salt 1/2 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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teaspoon 11/3 1/ /3 te teas aspo as poonn ccinnamon inna in nam mon mon mo tablespoons 2 ta tabl b es espo poon onss bu butterr Note: The more black (and ugly looking) the plantains are, the better they are for use.

This is an amazing dessert and can also be used as a topping for your favorite ice cream. Fried ripe plantains are great to serve as a side to spicy dishes (like jerk and curry) as the natural sweetness helps to balance the heat elements.

Peel and slice the plantains into 1/4 inch pieces. I did oval shape, but if you wish you can certainly do lone pieces.

Place the slices of plantain in a container and add all the ingredients, except the butter.

Stir marinate for about 15-20 S St tiirr aand ndd aallow lllow ow iitt tto om arii ar minutes temperature. m min inute nutess at rroom o m te oo temp m er Heat the butter on a medium/low flame in a wide pan and add the pieces of marinated plantains. Keep the marinade. Fry on both sides until you have a golden color and slightly crisp edges.

After you have the desired golden color, go in with the leftover marinade and bring to a boil. The plantains are fully cooked, so all you have to do is allow the glaze or sauce to thicken up to a consistency you like.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 21

Breath for strees With the holiday hustle and bustle, shopping, parties and the over indulgence of food and cocktails, the holiday season can be an overwhelming and a stressful time for many of us.

This is the prime time to come face to face with the obstacles of stress and a perfect opportunity to bring your yoga practice into your life. Finding time to create a little bit of me time in stillness, along with breath, can keep you in a tranquil state of being. Mind silence can do wonders for us during the busiest season of our calendar, so here is a breath technique you can take with you anytime and anywhere when you feel you need to take a few moments out of your day to reconnect and recharge your mind and body.

Here’s how to do it:

Sit comfortably with an upright spine. Scan your body of any tension and notice where you hang on to your tension and then allow yourself to release it. Find stillness within.

Once you center yourself in this moment...

1. Allow yourself to take a deep breath in through your nose for a count of four.

2. Hold your breath for seven counts as if you were holding your breath underwater and stay calm while retaining your breath inwards.

3. Slowly and completely exhale all the air out through the mouth for a count of eight.

Allow any hint of tension in your shoulders, chest, face or where ever you hold on to tension in your physical body to release, to dis-

Looking for ways to save for your retirement? With an RRSP you can make contributions and watch interest grow tax-free. Together we can discuss how you can save on taxes with an RRSP today. Let’s talk about Money for Life.

Abdool Gafoor* Advisor Tel: 416-824-7036 abdool.gafoor@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/abdool.gafoor 10 Webb Street Bradford, ON L3Z 0P9 *Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2014.

Life’s brighter under the sun

solve away, leaving you free of any tension, bringing balance back into your state of being.

Repeat 8 to 10 more times and allow any resistance you are hanging onto to dissipate and to release. Just let it go.

Enjoy this calming, cleansing breath and allow it to calm and cool your mind and help you gain a sense of clarity and control during this frazzle dazzle time of the year.

Let this challenging time be a time of learning to stay calm within sensation and to be non-reactive when lifes’ expectancies become overwhelming. Challenge yourself to be here in the now enjoying the presence of family, friends and gatherings.

As we close another chapter in our life, let this moment of stillness be a moment

of reflection on what your life journey has brought you so far. Appreciating and learning from your past experiences and as we turn the page, inviting in new intentions for opportunity and new beginnings.

Let’s celebrate and enjoy this season of peace, love and generosity and cultivate it so that it overflows gracefully and effortlessly as it should in 2015.

Yogini Linda Summers is a Canadian girl, a mamma to two beautiful children, Namaste Yoga Studio owner and a yogini in every aspect of her being. Linda loves living the life of a yogini on and off the mat and she teaches with the intention that each individual leaves class feeling strong and vibrant so they too can live each day to the fullest.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 23

Nutritional education can help breast cancer patients prevent recurrences It’s been said that knowledge is power. For many breast cancer patients in Brazil, such words ring true, as researchers discovered that providing them with nutritional information may play a role in preventing a recurrence of the disease. In Brazil, where the five-year survival rate is only 58.4 percent, the finding is considered an especially important way of raising health awareness and, ultimately, helping to keep the cancer at bay.

To conduct the study, over the course of one year, researchers from the Federal University of Santa Catarina provided an intervention group with ongoing nutritional education which included phone calls from the researchers, who provided healthy recommendations. This group also received a monthly bulletin about nutrition and was asked to record their food consumption on a calendar. A control group, which did not receive the nutritional education, was also included.

On the other hand, the control group was intentionally not provided with these opportunities, and the differences between the two groups make the case that proper nutrition and prevention of breast cancer recurrence may be

linked.

Essential: healthy weight, less red and processed meat It was found that the intervention group ate 50 percent less red and processed meat than the control group, and instead, more fruits and vegetables. The control group also doubled their body weight compared to their healthier-eating fruit and veggie counterparts. Both red meat consumption and weight gain (which is typically associated with eating a great deal of red and processed meats in the first place) have been shown to play a role in having detrimental health effects, especially pertaining to cancers.

Consumption of red and processed meats have been strongly associated with thwarting cancer patients’ ability to heal during treatment, while making healthier dietary choices may lessen its effects and even diminish the onset of a recurrence. In fact, in one study that examined over 35,000 women over an eight-year period, it was found that those who ate two or more ounces of meat daily were 56 percent more likely to de-

velop breast cancer than those who did not.

Concerning the relationship between being overweight and developing cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, the odds are not in favor of those with extra pounds. The Institute notes, “Compared with people of normal weight, those who are overweight or obese are at greater risk for many diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and certain cancers.” It’s explained that, although factors such as race and ethnicity can create variations in this association, what happens is that, when one is overweight or obese, their fat tissues produce excess amounts of estrogen.

High levels of estrogen have been said to lead to a “more rapid growth of estrogen-responsive breast tumors.”

Considering statistics, nutritional education is key to helping reduce breast cancer recurrences Of the Brazil study, lead author Cecilia C. Schiavon, MsC, said that it “provides evidence that women undergoing breast cancer treatment might

benefit from immediate, individualized and detailed nutrition monitoring.”(1) Titled, “Nutrition Education Intervention for Women With Breast Cancer: Effect on Nutritional Factors and Oxidative Stress,” the study was published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. It states that its objective was “To assess the effect of a nutrition education intervention on nutritional factors and oxidative stress during treatment of breast cancer.” The study concludes that such education is “clinically relevant” and maintains that dietary improvements which are supported by ongoing interventions are beneficial for those hoping to prevent a breast cancer recurrence.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that, just in 2014 alone, over 230,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the United States. In Canada, breast cancer is considered the most common cancer of Canadian women and is the second leading cause of death among that country’s gender.(5,6) - Natural News

Top 5 psychological obstacles to weight loss, according to people in the trenches What’s the number one most difficult obstacle to losing weight? The hardest part - the real kicker is sticking to your plan, right?

It’s the patience, perseverance and selfdiscipline. It’s the wanting and the commitment to losing weight and becoming as healthy as you know you can be. For most people, losing the proper amount of weight will take weeks, months or even years.

What will keep you going?

The AHA Weight Loss Coaching group has discovered that when we address one or more of five psychological obstacles - all other obstacles can be brought into alignment.

If we fail to address the following issues where applicable, then losing weight may remain forever out of reach.

What prevents that all-systems-go desire and discipline to get fit and healthy?

AHA Weight Loss Group members have shared the following:

1. Fear of being thin Some group members have reported that as they begin to lose weight, they become afraid. What will happen? How will people react to me? Do I want all the attention?

This is a common experience. To resolve it, we need to acknowledge and express the fear. Then, we must adapt. If being fit and slender is scary for you, then you need to develop the skills to manage situations as they arise. This can only be done by addressing the fear.

2. Emotional bondage to friends and family Interestingly, some of us feel bonded to our heavy weight because of ties to family and friends. One group member summed it up this way: In my life, every time I have lost weight, my mother distances herself from me.

When I am overweight like her, she accepts me.

She’s obviously not comfortable with me when I am healthy, due to her own issues. But my conflict is that if I lose weight, I lose my relationship with my mother.

This is powerful. Relationships often

have to be reset when one person changes. This must be done with thoughtfulness and care.

3. Self-sabotage There an infinite ways we can sabotage ourselves.

If you’ve had a hard time losing weight due to lack of discipline, then self-sabotage is surely in the mix.

Self-sabotage occurs when you do the opposite of what makes you happy and healthy.

It may be the universal human weakness, as millions of people are unhappy and unhealthy, even though they have other options.

The hardest part of about self-sabotage is recognizing it. Watch this free and enlightening video to learn what how self-sabotage works and how to end it.

4. “Ah, Screw It!” Big one here. Nearly every member of the AHA group has this tendency. We say screw it to our health and fitness. It’s like we have an inner rebel that just wants to defy expectations and break the rules.

When we give ourselves a structured plan, the Rebel can only take so much before launching a massive inner protest.

This inner Rebel is powerful and must be reckoned with. Interestingly, most people are only vulnerable to the Rebel at certain points during the day.

5. Anticipated failure Futility. A sense of despair and futility can be a powerful self-fulfilling prophecy. Those with this issue report that even as they set their weight loss goals, they “know” it is all pointless. They have failed time and time again.

Why would this time be any different?

Because this time they are dealing with their inner futility. They are confronting it, learning about it and developing skills and support to move beyond it.

- Natural News

24 Wednesday, January 28, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Oxygenate your cells to avoid disease-causing inflammation - hereʼs how In order for your body to produce the energy that you need to live, your cells must continually take in oxygen, a process that is largely dependent upon proper nutrient intake. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to poor oxygenation, which in turn can cause cell death, inflammation and other health problems.

It is thus important to eat the right things for optimal cellular respiration, nourishing your circulatory system as well as the rest of your body so you can maintain a healthy and long life. Here’s some tips on what to incorporate into your diet to help you improve the way your body oxygenates itself: 1) Iron. One of the main functions of dietary iron is to help your body produce hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that binds to the oxygen molecules you breathe in from the air and releases them into your tissues. A lack of iron can lead to a condition known as anemia in which not enough oxygen is being transferred and incorporated into cells.

Symptoms of anemia include chronic headaches, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness and frequent infections. Red meat, and especially red organ meat, is an excellent source of heme iron (iron from animal sources), while vegetables, including dark leafy greens, green beans, lima beans, peas, cauliflower, bean sprouts and artichokes are excellent sources of non-heme iron.

2) Copper. Some sources of iron can be harmful, though, depleting necessary copper reserves that are also needed to transfer oxygen to cells. Copper and iron appear to work handin-hand to produce healthy hemoglobin, and copper also aids in the production of collagen

and elastin, two proteins that compose the cell walls of your blood vessels and keeps them strong.

Too much iron in the diet can deplete copper or even replace it, leading to accelerated aging and tissue destruction. So be sure to consume foods that are naturally rich in copper -- these include crabmeat, mussels and oysters in the meat department, and almonds, cashews, dark leafy greens, beans and potatoes in the plant-based department.

3) Vitamin C. If you want to gain the most benefits from your iron intake, vitamin C is another necessary nutrient. Vitamin C makes non-heme (vegetable-based) iron more bioavailable and also helps your body absorb more iron from the foods you eat. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that helps synthesize collagen, catecholamine and carnitine.

4) Calcium. Though its supposed benefits are often overblown in the media (which typically ignores the fact that it must be consumed alongside vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium and other co-factors in order to be beneficial), calcium plays an important role in transporting oxygen to cells. Calcium helps regulate how much blood passes through your blood vessels, guiding the flow of oxygen to cells. “[Calcium] can dilate blood vessels around tissues that need more oxygen at any given time to provide more oxygen-rich blood flow, or constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to tissues that need less oxygen,” wrote Louise Tremblay for SFGate.

sulfur enables the transport of oxygen across cell membranes, which as previously mentioned is critical for cellular regeneration.

Without this important nutrient, which is no longer present in high amounts in soils because of factory farming, life would cease to be.

“Sulfur has demonstrated its ability to detoxify heavy metals in conjunction with the transport of oxygen across the cell membrane, thus allowing regeneration,” said Patrick McGean, director of the Cellular Matrix Study.

“Sulfur is also the key player as a precursor for the utilization of amino acids, the body’s building blocks. Of all of the amino acids, some 70 percent are sulfur-based.”

6) Anti-inflammatory oxygen therapy. Exercise is a great way to get the blood flowing and the oxygen transporting. But if deficiencies exist, or your body simply isn’t collecting and using enough oxygen, it may be necessary to supplement this with anti-inflammatory oxygen therapy. Breathing from an oxygen concentrator while running on a treadmill or spinning, for instance, it may be possible to greatly increase the amount of oxygen in your body.

“The higher oxygen level in the lungs creates a greater head of pressure to drive oxygen into the pulmonary capillaries.,” explains Dr. Mark Sircus, Ac., OMD, DM (P), on his website. “The exercise moves the circulation faster, ensuring a greater oxygen carriage. Initially, the oxygen pressure in the veins rises, as more oxygen is getting through to the venous side, but it is this oxygen that allows the capillaries to repair the transfer mechanism.”

- Natural News

5) Organic sulfur. Arguably one of the most important trace minerals in existence, organic

Clear out congestion with these herbal remedies When confronted with specific allergens or cold and flu viruses, the body may produce excess histamine and mucus. This inflammation can cause congestion in the sinuses, backing up the cavities with phlegm which causes pressure in the head. The excess phlegm can even trigger a bronchial spasm, producing a cough and subsequent irritation. In any case, it’s important not to suppress these bodily responses. Instead, one should work with these responses, enhancing their healing nature. By using demulcent and expectorant herbs, one can increase the effectiveness of these bodily responses, using mucus as an advantage while clearing out congestion.

Reducing inflammation First, the body may be in a state of systemic inflammation that can cause mucus to back up and further infect the sinus cavities. If the inflammation in the sinus cavities and mucous membranes is not reduced, the infection can get worse and congest the sinuses.

To free the airways and relax the tissues, natural anti-inflammatory herbs can be used to work with the body’s natural inflammatory response to infection. I have used this herbal recipe to bring down inflammation in the tissues, to prevent the infection from deepening. Ingest 1 tablespoon of each: schisandra berry powder, turmeric root powder, burdock root powder and nettle leaf powder. Boost the absorption of these herbs using 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water. Drink plenty of water to help thin the mucus. A few foods to avoid at this time would include dairy products, red meat and refined sugars, since these promote inflammation. A few foods to increase would be garlic, onions and peppers.

Natural histamine relief - licorice root Secondly, assess whether the body needs the assistance of an anti-histamine herb like licorice root. Bring a pint of water to a boil. Place a tablespoon of licorice root, peppermint leaf and eucalyptus leaf in the pan as the water is brought to a steady simmer. Let the herbs infuse for at least 30 minutes. Do not cook the herbs in the water.

Elderberries, Echinacea and raw honey can be added to the teas to boost their antibacterial and antiviral powers. It’s also important to assist the healing process by juicing plenty of citrus fruits or consuming amalaki berry powder in water. The uptake of vitamin C speeds up the immune system response.

If the infection has made its way to the lungs...

If a cough is present, a cayenne tincture can be applied under the tongue (less than a drop) or in a cup of warm water at a rate of one drop per 6 ounces. Schisandra berry is also excellent for the lungs. Use caution when working with the lung herb Lobelia. Start with a quarter teaspoon of this herb when infusing. This herb can free the airways, but in large amounts, it can induce vomiting.

Utilizing expectorant herbs To expel mucus, use expectorant herbs in your healing formula. Anise, horehound, mullein, licorice, elecampane, wild cherry and peppermint all help the body remove mucus efficiently. These herbs can be combined in a tea.

One teaspoon of each herb will suffice. Many of these herbs also help soothe the digestive system and aid the nervous system for greater

quality sleep. This is an important, universal quality of many herbs: They help the body remove toxins during the onset of illness while helping the nervous system recuperate, further strengthening the body’s defense mechanisms.

Demulcent herbs for soothing the mucous membranes Equally important is assisting the mucous membranes during the healing process. Demulcent herbs create a soothing effect in the body, softening the mucous membranes and reducing irritation. Again, these herbs assist the digestive system and the nervous system, ultimately boosting the immune system. Marshmallow root, mullein and slippery elm bark tea are highly effective in the healing process. Just bring a pint of water to a boil and then set to low heat to create a steady simmer. Add the herbs and let infuse for 30 minutes.

Herbal apothecary at home provides ultimate self-sufficiency health insurance Using different combinations of these herbal formulas increases their effectiveness. Teas can be consumed three or more times a day as needed. The more proactive you are, the easier it will be to clear out congestion and heal from any sickness. Combining the herbs mentioned above is not dangerous. From experience, they all work quite well with the body in synergistic harmony. Having the abovementioned herbs, roots, barks and berries on hand in a home apothecary provides ultimate health insurance during any kind of sickness or unexpected allergy.

- Natural News

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Toxic trouble - Healthy hormone tips Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips Let’s talk hormones. These little chemical messengers float through our systems directing all sorts of bodily processes. We would literally fall apart without hormones of various types telling our cells what to do. Unfortunately there is a class of toxic chemicals, ever present in our household items that are disrupting hormonal functions with far reaching consequences. From cancer to fertility problems these chemicals mimic our body’s naturally produced hormones and wreak havoc on our systems. Here are the top chemicals to avoid.

You know that shiny coating present on shopping receipts? That is in part a

toxic chemical called BPA. Also present in the lining of canned goods and in plastics it is tricky to avoid BPA. From obesity to cancer this is one chemical definitely on the naughty list. To avoid it, only take receipts you need and eat fresh not canned or bottled food. Avoid plastics with the recycling number 7. The number on the bottom of recyclable plastics will tell you what type of plastic it is. Certain numbers should be avoided to lessen exposure to dangerous toxins.

All of our cells have their own internal biological clock that dictates their life cycle. What if I told you that there’s a chemical that speeds up the death process of a male’s sperm cells. Yes, that’s right. Phthalates are chemicals found in plastics that actually cause a man’s sperm cells to end their life cycle more quickly. Avoid recycling #3 plastics, check for PVC on the labels of plastic wrap and children’s toys. Children have little bodies and exposure to chemicals is even more meaningful to their developing physiology. PVC and BPA free toys are a must!

Would you like a side of kidney or

thyroid disease with that tasty dish? If not, time to toss the old non-stick pans. PFC chemicals persist in the environment for many many years and can cause serious diseases if allowed to accumulate. Avoid things that are water repellant including clothing and cookware to banish PFC from your household. Uses my favorite, a cast iron pan instead.

Another testicle targeted chemical are glycol ethers. Lowering sperm counts and stunting growth, these chemicals are found in cosmetics, brake fluid and paint solvents. Choose paints that are glycol ether free if possible.

Chemicals have been come ubiquitous in our environment. There is little we can do to eliminate our exposure all together.

Sulfur and antioxidant containing fruits and vegetables, ensuring your have proper bowel movements, sweating with physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight are all ways to prevent the storage forms of these chemicals from burdening our bodies.

Weight loss strategies Monique Bartlett Fitness Weight affects a person in many ways, this could be the overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression and health risks. There are however, a lot of positive changes once you have achieved your weight loss goal.

The first thing you need to do is see your doctor who can recommend the best weight loss regimen for you. This will usually be done after a full physical examination, which will lead to the proper weight loss

technique for you. To lose weight effectively you need to re-evaluate what to eat, how to eat, your behavior and activity level.

You need to consider your mindset, exercise, and dietary intake. Begin by learning a new food plan that you can easily customize to your liking. Incorporate an exercise plan that allows at least thirty minutes a day of activities like brisk walking, running, swimming, yoga, pilates, squash, tennis or dancing.

You also need to set realistic goals.

The ability to focus and have the proper mindset enables you to lose those extra pounds. With discipline and a proper mindset, it will be easier to reach your weight loss goal.

Listen to your body. Everyone’s metabolism reacts differently to different weight loss programs. Start with one program and if you find that you reach a plateau

try substituting one program for another.

Choose an exercise program that is suitable for your present physical state, as you may not be able to exercise as vigorously as someone else. Once you increase your stamina and strength you will be able to increase or change your exercise program. If walking is all that you can do to start, just walk at a vigorous pace. Muscle burns more calories than fat so it’s also best to put on a little muscle so you can look good and feel good too.

Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps your body hydrated and keeps you fuller longer. Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, it’s important to stay hydrated.

Discipline and consistency are the keys to weight loss success. Watching what you eat, exercise, and being consistent will lead to positive results.

The effects of smoking on your health Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental Health

The dentist has the opportunity to observe and evaluate the detrimental oral effects of smoking in the initial stages. colouration of the teeth, tongue, gums and cheeks. If oral hygiene is poor bad breath will be pronounced.

If one starts smoking in their teens and becomes a habitual smoker into their adult years serious health problems can develop which is often life threating. Some use the excuse that they smoke to relieve or reduce stress, however when smokers quit completely stress is usually reduced.

Smoking can cause breathing problems, lower your resistance to cold and influenza and lack of appetite.

The addictive quality to tobacco is a major concern, and smoking this substance has been implicated as a major risk factor in heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, hypertension and cancer of the mouth, larynx and lung according to Wikipedia. Chewing tobacco increases the risk of leukoplakia which may lead to cancer as reported by the American Cancer Society.

Tobacco contains several carcinogens. These are components that can cause mutations that lead to cancer. Mutations are a result of the damage or change of a DNA gene so as to alter the genetic message carried by the gene. The mutated gene can also cross over to the offspring.

Tobacco has been reported to cause miscarriages among pregnant smokers and premature birth. Pregnant women should be aware of these life threatening changes

and abstain from tobacco use. Also studies show that habitual smoking can increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction and a very high chance of developing lung cancer. Nicotine which is highly addictive has been blamed for physical and psychological dependency.

The dentist can play a significant role in prevention and encouragement to quit at any age. However since teens are unlikely to listen to counselling from their parents because of peer pressure, the dentist can focus on the worsening appearance of the mouth.

Many times when teeth are straightened the youngsters get excited by their new smile and self confidence increases. They now get many compliments from their friends and relatives. Their new appearance can become a motivating factor to keep them away from cigarettes. Also we can point out to them that smoking will negate the effects of teeth whitening. We encourage them to practice good oral hygiene and abstain from tobacco in order to maintain excellent health.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Bank of Canada reduces itʼs overnight lending rate Stephen Mohammed Finance On Wednesday January 21st, 2015, the Bank of Canada(BoC) announced that the overnight lending rate will be cut by 0.25%.

This announcement shocked the industry as many economists had predicted a rate increase sometime this year. Since September of 2010 the overnight lending rate has been steady at 1% and most of the financial industry was anticipating a rate increase due to the positive performances in the financial markets. The rate cut could result in lower interest rates for variable rate mortgages, lines of credit and other loans that are impacted by the fluctuation of the prime rate, but only if banks and other financial institutions lower their rates. Fixed-rate mortgages are also likely to see a slight decline, as they follow bond yields, which will move lower in response to the rate cut.

Economists were expecting banks

to reduce rates in response to the Bank of Canada’s cut to its trend setting interest rate to 0.75% from 1%. This suggests that low interest rates may be with us a while longer. As of Thursday morning, none of the banks had lowered their prime rates. Normally the financial institutions follow the Bank of Canada when the overnight lending rate changes. This time there’s reluctance to make any changes. The banks aren’t eager to reduce our borrowing costs, rather they are looking to maximize their profits ratter than pass the savings to the consumer.

However, if you’re purchasing a new home, renewing a mortgage, refinancing or obtaining a line of credit you may soon see a benefit when the banks decide to reduce their rates. One reason the central bank has made it clear it wants rates to fall is because it is worried about the economy. It sees the ripple effect of falling oil prices. Another reason is that the rate cut has already affected the price of Government of Canada bonds. The yield on these bonds determines long term mortgages rates, including 5 year fixed terms. If you’re not a fan of a variable rate mortgage another option if your mortgage comes due over the next few months is to take advantage of lower, long-term rates and lock in.

407ETR appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters 407 ETR’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada was heard January 15th, 2015. For the last four years, we have been told by the Province of Ontario’s, Ministry of Transportation’s office that they have no discretion over 407 ETR’s Plate Denial requests.

We have been told that because of a lower court’s ruling in 2006, 407 ETR has unfettered judgment in what they can charge people for tolls, fees and interest. The Province of Ontario has absolutely no discretion over how or when 407 ETR applies their collection remedy, Plate Denial. Nor does the Province have any authority over this private

company’s business practices.

Fast forward to the Province of Ontario’s submission to the Supreme Court of Canada heard January 15th, 2015 and we have a completely different story. In section 49 of the Province of Ontario’s submissions they say, “It must be remembered that toll charges ultimately serve the public interest by helping to defray the cost of highway construction and maintenance. Provincial legislation can legitimately make the nonpayment of past tolls an impediment to obtaining a new or renewed permit for a vehicle that could be used to access the province’s toll highways and incur further toll charges”.

Say it isn’t so. Not only is the Province of Ontario throwing consumers under the bus, but they are in the driver’s seat.

Contrary to what the Province of Ontario has been telling us all these years, they now are saying that it is within their policy objectives to make sure tolls are paid to the private company, 407 ETR. - Continued On Page 27

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Is sub-prime lending right for you? getting lower interest rate loans in the future.

Jelani Daniel Automotive Corner Sub-prime lending can be summed up as a loan for those with extremely poor credit, as well as those who may have serious debt.

A large portion of sub-prime auto loan borrowers struggle with the ability to pay back a loan and lack any assets for future collection.

Finally, the borrower may be bankrupt or in the process of collections, making them an ideal candidate.

When leasing a car, there are a series of low interest rate options available, but sub-prime is associated with a higher interest rate since the failure to pay back a loan is a risk for the lender. A higher interest rate ensures less liability in the long run.

Benefits of sub-prime: The benefits of the sub-prime loan include the ability to obtain a vehicle when you would otherwise be unable to. It gives someone who has had a bad credit score a second chance to redeem themselves, and if they pay for their loan on time, they can improve their credit score. This gives them the chance of

Downsides of sub-prime: Sub-prime does have a murky reputation since the interest is usually quite high. Overall, the main downside is the interest rate when a payment is missed, which may cause the borrower heavier future debt.

Overall, the loan structure gives applicants a second chance to redeem themselves and obtain a vehicle. On the other hand, it does not dig to the root of the debt issue; the high interest rate is a useful scare tactic to keep the applicant on the right path.

How to minimize payments: As with any lease or car purchase, having an initial lump sum to put down limits the amount you have to pay back in the future.

Being sure to make a down payment can lessen the load and the liability for both the leasee and the lender.

Obtain and utilize your credit score: A credit score gives you an exact picture of where you stand, giving you the ability to find out what you need to do to raise it.

By bringing it directly to the lender, you can work out an agreement to find suitable lending options, and such documentation may also lessen your overall payments.

Sub-prime financing can be a great option for those left with little to no options, so feel free to research the topic in greater detail to see if it is right for you.

407ETR appeal Continued From Page 26 -- Reading through all the submissions by intervening Provinces, I couldn’t help but recognize that they all are missing the point. There has been NO OFFENSE COMMITTED!!!

As explained in earlier articles, 407 ETR’s unique ability to deny a person’s plate has to do with a provision given to them to enforce collection of tolls. 407 ETR is NOT an enforcement agency nor are their fees and interest, fines. They engage in strictly consumer transactions that should be subject to consumer protection laws. It is a stretch for any of the Provinces’ and/or the company to claim an offense occurred when the Province of Ontario has no way to verify whether or not a lawful toll occurs. No evidence of tolls is provided by the company and there is no fair process to dispute tolls, fees and interest claimed. The Province has zero documentation to validate actual tolls. I would say it is up to the business operating the toll highway to worry about the relationship it has with its customers, not the Province because this toll highway doesn’t belong to the Province, it belongs to the company. The company should have to take a consumer to court to prove their claims of toll evasion if they want to have the full power to deny a person’s plate indefinitely. There should be a judgment by a judge, not the Province of Ontario taking the 407’s word over their citizens as it currently stands now.

When I was shopping for an outfit to wear to the Supreme Court of Canada hearing yesterday, there was this necklace with an owl on it that caught my eye so I bought it thinking owls represent wisdom and what better way to represent what I was hoping for. I was hoping for a wise ruling

that would fix the 407 ETR issues with consumers once and for all. What I didn’t know was that the owl is the Supreme Court of Canada’s symbol. A security guard pointed that out to me and proceeded to share with me coloring books and pamphlets that show the owl as the Court’s symbol. Coincidence?

Maybe, but it helped me come out of there confident that the issue is in the best hands as they could possibly be.

I learned there are very talented lawyers out there and 407 ETR’s lawyer is an excellent orator. He spoke very well but I think Justice Michael J. Moldaver rattled him. I was just bursting at the seams when he called the company out onto the carpet for “causing a $34,000.00 debt” by doing nothing for six years and then complaining to the justices “poor me”. The Honourable Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella called what they were doing “lying in wait”. They even question if the problem was in their business model and in essence questioned if they were running the operation correctly.

I wanted to give them a standing ovation, but knew that wouldn’t go over very well. I have to admit it was hard to restrain myself because they summed up the whole problem consumers have had to face with this company in those few words.

All the other justices, including The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada made comments that were comforting in that they understand the issue. I am hopeful that they will come back with a fix of some sort for consumers. Will it be exactly what we need to move forward remains to be seen, but I think we are on the right track.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 27

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30 Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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Your Horoscope - January 28th 2015 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Some things and people never change; some things and people do. As is typical of Mercury retrograde, you can expect serendipitous re-meets and repeats with a few surprises tossed into the mix over the next few weeks.

Don’t expect things to flat-line. Do expect one thing after another. Fresh insights, inspirations, and creative solutions are the gift of the transit.

While Mercury is retrograde, you may not have a lot of control over outside factors.

Aim to instigate effective change from the inside out. Don’t dwell on the “can’t” list.

Peruse the “can-do” column, and there’s sure to be an option you can work with. Circumstances have a life of their own. The timing isn’t always within your comfort zone, but so be it.

A trip, a getaway, a cut-out period, or a trial run can be ideal while Mercury travels retrograde. Revisits, temporary studies, a project, a sideline, or an add-on can also be well timed. Do you write, perform, agent, or advocate for others? The next few weeks can ignite a lucrative and creative spurt. While things don’t always go according to plan or preference, an unexpected portal can open.

A review of finances is in order. Is there a purchase that you can put off? What’s your contingency plan? When Mercury is retrograde, it’s never a good idea to buy big-ticket items or count on a promise before delivery.

The retrograde could pull the plug on a financial stream or derail a relationship. Unforeseen expenses or complications are all too common.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You’ll see folks and situations in a different light, now that Mercury retrograde is in full swing. Vice versa is also true. Not so game or hot for it now? The switch can go suddenly off or on, perhaps to an extreme. Positive or negative, watch for a strange twist of fate or a surprise sidetrack to claim your time and attention.

Interruptions, inconveniences, and time and money wasters are to be expected for the next three weeks. Your daily schedule or the machine called your body can go out of whack while Mercury in Aquarius tours retrograde. Bringing safeguards to the forefront is an excellent idea; still, the unexpected can one-up you. When caught off guard, take it one step at a time.

A change of mind or heart is to be expected while Mercury in Aquarius tours retrograde.

Something out of the blue could rev you up or take the wind out of your sails. When in a quandary, sit back, observe, and let circumstances play out. A creative spurt, a trip, or a short adventure dishes up the best the cycle has to offer.

Whether through memories or an actual revisit, a throwback to the past is typical of Mercury retrograde. Of course, when the cycle happens in Aquarius, very little is typical, ordinary, or the same. Upheaval, uprooting, or the unexpected can occur regarding home, family, or real estate. Stay on guard for electrical, mechanical, or Internet problems. Health could throw you for a loop too.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

A delay, a sidetrack, or a backtrack is likely now that Mercury has turned retrograde.

Still, you can put the cycle to good use when you aim for quick and temporary solutions, projects, measures, et cetera. Along with Venus into Pisces, it’s a time to pull back on social involvement in order to regroup, heal, submerge in a creative project, or simply be here now.

You aren’t likely to be in the mood for more of the same while Mercury tours retrograde.

As well, you can find yourself distracted or short on patience. Never a dull moment; expect the next couple of weeks to busy you with one thing after another. There’s more guesswork, up-in-the-air, or trial and error to get through.

Happening this time in your sign, Mercury retrograde can provide an opportune second chance or a fresh wind. A complete start-over or make-over is within possibility too. If the start of the cycle has brought you to “almost but not quite there yet”, you’ll simply have to chalk one up. More time, sorting-out, or setup is necessary.

Personally, creatively, and healthwise, you have more going on than meets the eye.

While Mercury tours retrograde, having quality time to yourself is ideal. A vacation can be too. Get off the hamster wheel every chance you get. Venus in Pisces, starting Tuesday, revitalizes you. It also boosts your ability to attract attention, favour, and romance.

March 20 - April 19

July 22 - August 22

November 22 - December 21

April 19 - May 20

August 22 - September 22

December 21 - January 19

May 20 - June 21

September 22 - October 23

January 19 - February 18

June 21 - July 22

October 23 - November 22

February 18 - March 19

Across 2) Between double and king 5) Stuffed animal 8) Rest your head 11) Added for warmth 14) Sleepwear 18) Bad dream

Down 1) Sleeping ____ 3) Keep sunlight out 4) Afternoon snooze 6) Often requires a cover 7) Storied sleeper Van Winkle 9) Forty ____ 10) Cozy footwear 12) Furniture at bed’s end 13) Pocket coil or memory foam 15) Wake-up sound 16) Sawing logs 17) Fitted or flat

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Life Insurance: More reasons to get it he makes his money.

Sherene Cole

CIP, CRM, CAIB, LLQP

Insurance Matters

Life Insurance is like a parachute in an airplane; if you don’t have it when you need it, you will never need it again. To have it when you need it, you have to buy it when you don’t.

The question is often asked: “Why is it that men in particular, seem to have a rather negative attitude towards the purchase of life insurance?”

These are men who consistently express the love and care they have for their loved ones. Since life insurance is seen as a language of love, something we do for someone else, it is concerning at times that there is still a great divide when it comes to the perception some men have, when compared to that of women, on this delicate subject. If you were to ask a wise woman her opinion as to why so many men still do not see this as an absolute must when planning for their family’s future, instead of going on the attack, she may respond with some thought provoking statements of her own, that would probably sound like this: 1. Men should recognize by now that the only thing they can buy on the installment plan, on which his wife won’t have to finish the payments after he dies, is life insurance.

2. Life insurance offers a man the only way where he can make his will before

3. You don’t buy life insurance because you are going to die, but because those you love are going to live.

4. You are your family’s trustee. The question is - are you a good trustee?

The truth is, death comes every day to someone, and some day to everyone.

People don’t just line up to die at the right time. There is no specific expiry date on our life expectancy that was coded in our DNA at birth. But one thing is certain, cherished memories of our good intentions will not pay the bills when we die. We must have a plan in place for the continued support of the loved ones we leave behind. Or it could even be something you love, like a charity.

There is a popular phrase that reads: “Life insurance is like fun - the older you get, the more it costs - and the harder it is to get.” Did you know that for every six months that you wait to lock into the current rates for a life insurance policy, the more it will cost you when you do apply? Yes, rates for your current age changes six months before your next birthday. So don’t delay, apply for your coverage today.

In closing, “Plan for life as though you will live forever. Plan for death as though it will come tomorrow.”

And make sure you have an up to date Will. ...because the last thing the world will remember you by, is the condition in which you leave your family.

If you have questions and comments about this article or would like to see another subject matter covered in future, please refer to my contact details on page 5 of the editorial section.

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Timelines? Why are they important?

Colleen Lindberg Business Development Over the last few weeks I have discovered the importance of timelines. Yes this one little task that could take hours, maybe even days to make, but wow, the impact it can have in your life and business.

I have been asked to partner up in a new venture and it requires building all the processes from scratch, from web presence, to hiring employees, to ordering samples, building a showroom, setting up the business structure, software, along with a whole other variety of tasks and at first glance this is so overwhelm-

ing. However once you are able to jot down all the key elements that need to get done, creating a time line and breaking each task down into measurables makes following and executing so much easier and it allows us to stay on track towards our goals and completion. I don’t know about you, but some days I feel like I’ve lost so much time, I look at the clock and go “It’s 5:00pm already, where did the day go” and that happens often in my life. Now with this new timeline method that I have created for breaking down tasks, I am able to stay focused, get what I need to get done that day and then not stress out about the rest. It actually has made my life more accountable and smoother, which is definitely something that I want to do!

Have you ever thought to yourself I have this to do, and that to do, oh and don’t forget this, and that, the phone rings and “I will get that to you… “and the list goes on and on and on. What if

you were to take a look at a project, let’s use updating your website for example and you created a timeline for it. Maybe it would look like this….

Monday: Review website and write down what pages you want to update, take away from or add Tuesday: Break down the pages and write content for page one Wednesday: Write content for page two Thursday: Pick images for page one and two and write content for page three Friday: Delete Page four and five Saturday: Write the added content for page six and seven and upload it….

I could go on breaking this task down.

Of course each task is different for ev-

eryone, but imagine if you could just wake up in the morning, pull out your timelines, execute what you need to do that day and then be done with your day, or be available now for more things?

How productive will you feel? How free will your brain be from remembering everything. This exercise will even help you to “battle” chaos as you have thought about a lot of the key aspects that take time. Also keep in mind that it’s an active timeline, so you can adjust and change it as necessary.

Is making a timeline easy, not really as it takes time to do it but in the long run, it will save you time, headaches and money. Being more productive will in the end bring more money to our bottom line and in business isn’t this the goal? I have some timeline templates, so if you want one, please feel free to contact me and I can send one off to you. Let’s go out and get it together!