MSJ Withdraws From People's Partnership 062012

MSJ withdraws from People’s Partnership TRINIDAD (TG) -- Weeks after celebrating its second year in office, the People’s Partnership suffered a blow yesterday with the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) announcing its decision to leave the coalition government. At yesterday’s news conference held at the headquarters of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), Paramount Building, Circular Road, San Fernando, MSJ leader David Abdulah, accompanied by his party’s activists council, made the announcement.

He also announced his decision to quit as a government senator. Abdulah, who remained solemn-faced as he read from a six-page statement, said: “The national executive and activists council of the Movement for Social Justice have decided that our party will remove itself from the People’s Partnership coalition of political parties. “As a consequence of this, the MSJ will not be in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Abdulah said Labour Minister Errol McLeod was advised that the council was considering leaving the partnership. He said, however, the decision to pull out of the partnership was taken after a meeting with the national executive on Saturday and the activists council yesterday morning. He said the decision was not taken “lightly or easily.”

Abdulah said he sent Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the other coalition members an e-mail yesterday, informing them of his party’s position. He said while the party still adhered to the principles of the Fyzabad Accord for equity, respect and good governance, it could no longer adhere to the provisions of the accord which formed the political union of the United National Congress (UNC) the Congress of the Peo-

MSJ leader David Abdulah, accompanied by his party’s activists council, made the announcement of withdrawal ple (COP) the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) and the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC.) “We believe that the time has come for the MSJ to paddle its own canoe,” Abdulah said.

“We recognise that to do this, to build a mass party that is non-ethnic and which does not depend on the largesse of either the State or powerful financiers is not an easy task.”

He said the party was prepared to meet with Persad-Bissessar, if requested, in her capacity as UNC leader.

The MSJ Leader said: “I do not know if the decision we have taken is up for review or reconsideration...It is a decision we have taken and we are prepared to go forward with that.” Abdulah said he could not speak for the COP which has also raised concerns. “It is for the COP in terms of its own internal debates and discussions and assessments to make a decision on what is best for the country,” he said.

Continued On Page 4

PAGE 2 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Melanie, 27, is a talented individual who is very much involved in

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Fatherhood...a role, not a title - Rikki Jai expresses love to his sons

TRINIDAD (TG) -- Chutney soca singer Rikki Jai says the most important lesson from the teachings of his father has been his ability to be disciplined in his approach to everything in his life. This, he says, has led to his success throughout his life. The 2011 Chutney Soca Monarch is the father of two sons. He says his children, eight and six, are already learning that discipline is very important to him. As Father’s Day rolls in this weekend, Jai, whose given name is Samraj Jaimungal, says his boys, Aashish and Vaashish, are very different in many ways. “One is very shy and the other is not. One is very expressive of his feelings and the other a lot less. “One is very artistic with drawings and other artistic things and the other loves to sing. “But they both love to dance,” he said.

Rikki Jai became a father for the first time at 38. He was already 14 years into his career and said he simply continued with his work, taking it all in stride. “I never have and will never see my kids as a hindrance to my life or career. In fact, my children give me the inspiration to keep going and to accomplish more in my career,” he said.

“At the age of four, my son played the keyboard for his graduation from pre-school and at five, my first son wrote a song for me to sing—these are my proudest moments thus far, as a father,” he boasted.

Proud to be dad Admitting that he cherishes the time he gets to spend with his boys, whether it be doing homework or fun activities, Jai says he is happy that he is able to provide them with that assurance that he is always there for them. Asked what he felt was the most important role of a father, he said: “Being on the job, staying on the job and loving the job.” With constant touring, one would imagine his career would pose a challenge to his parental obligations. But he said he works hard at balancing his career and the time he spends with his boys and his family.

“When they were smaller, it wasn’t really a challenge but now as they are getting bigger, it’s getting tough to leave them for long periods,” he explained. He says his sons are both very attached to him and the sadness in their voices and faces hurts him deeply when he leaves them to go on tour.

Not a title, but a role Highlighting that fatherhood is a role and not a title, Rikki Jai called on the fathers of T&T to cherish the role, saying that they would reap what they sow. “Man up and accept your responsibilities with pride and love the children, because they deserve that and so much more if we, as parents want them to be the best that they can be,” he said. “Be the provider, the comforter, the listener, the teacher—the everything to your kids.”

Partnership falling apart, says PNM TRINIDAD (TG) -- The People’s Partnership coalition Government is falling apart.

That was the opinion of the Opposition PNM yesterday, following the MSJ’s move out of the Partnership.PNM leader Keith Rowley and deputy leader Marlene McDonald did not answer calls yesterday.

Rowley is on leave from the Parliament until June 25, it was announced in Parliament last week. PNM officials said he was in California, USA. PNM MP Colm Imbert, however, said: “The partnership is falling apart and this was on the cards for a long time. “The COP threatened to pull out the other day so obviously things were not going too well for them,” he said.

“Obviously this MSJ development wasn’t unexpected as there are a lot of disgruntled people out there. People expected the sun,

moon and the stars and they are disappointed. But some of the expectations were unrealistic also.” PNM general secretary Ashton Forde said: “This collapse was inevitable because this was a government conceived on broken promises and they will die by broken promises.“The people must note that one of the partners is dissatisfied, then how you expect them to treat the rest of the population?” he said.“They went in there as one cohesive unit and they had all kinds of agreement, hugging up one another and for two years later—not even mid-term—and they fall out.“I believe they broke up long ago and today is just the nail in the coffin but the country must stand up and take note because it’s a serious development when a coalition starts to fall apart before mid term.”

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 3

Math teacher who saw boy being abused by stepdad adopts him and his brother classes at Holy Childhood High School alongside his eldest son, 20-year-old Rashaine. Although Foster had adopted Rashaine at two years old, the bond he shares with his son is stronger than the one shared between some parents and their biological children.

“His stepfather was actually ill-treating him one day and I was actually coming from school and I saw this man kicking this little boy out and I said give me that football, because of the way he was rolling, and then he said take him and some bad word and gwaan. I took him and adopted him through the courts,” Foster told the Jamaica Observer.

JAMAICA (JO) -- He has been considered a fool for foregoing a life of luxury to reside in Hannah Town, West Kingston, and become a single parent to two children with whom he has no biological connections, but mathematician Jeffrey Foster is a very proud father today.

Yesterday saw Foster teaching Saturday

Foster went on to adopt Rashaine’s younger brother, Ravon — now 15 — a few years after, and when their mother died eight years ago, he became the only parent they could turn to for any sort of support and guidance.

To everyone in Hannah Town, Rashaine is “teacha”, the exemplary youngster who will be going into his fourth year on a govern-

ment scholarship at Mico Teachers’ College in September. Like his father, who teaches at Campion College, Rashaine wants to be a specialist Mathematics teacher, but his first passion is to become a recording artiste.

“After God and my family, you have music and then you have Maths. Maybe it is because of my father, I don’t know, but it has been ingrained in me to the point where I don’t like any other subjects, I can do them, but I don’t really like them,” he said Rashaine obtained a grade two in CXC Mathematics while in the seventh grade, and despite his disinterest in other subjects, secured six distinctions and two credits in CXC while attending Campion College where he never received below 80 per cent in any of his classes. He also received several Boy of the Year trophies while attending St Aloysius Primary School, where he was also recognised as having the best academic performance for the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) for the year he graduated.

Continued On Page 5

Ghany: Abdulah stretched, time had finally come Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) and David Abdulah is the general secretary so the OWTU was facing a possible split if Adbulah did not take a position.

“Abdulah’s credibility was also stretched out on the one hand by his position as a senator and he calling on MSJ members to resign from State boards while he retained his senatorial position. So it seemed that his time had finally come…it was inevitable,” Ghany said.

TRINIDAD (TG) -- David Abdulah’s resignation as a Government senator and the withdrawal of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) from the People’s Partnership Government has signalled a division within the labour movement. Abdulah’s credibility was also stretched to the point where he had no choice but to make a decision.

Political scientist Dr Hamid Ghany said yesterday while there were some labour bodies which sided with the MSJ others were not in support of the party’s policies.

“For instance president of the Public Services Association (PSA) Watson Duke has publicly called on the Government to institute the property tax, while in 2009, Abdulah was carted off by police as he protested against the proposed property tax outside the Red House.

“So clearly some labour leaders are not in support of the MSJ’s policies while other would certainly want to make a detachment from the party,” Ghany said. Abdulah’s resignation, he added, signalled that the “time had finally come,” for the former senator.

“Ancel Roget is the president general of the

On whether this was a clear signal of a weakening of the People’s Partnership Ghany said it was difficult to tell. “It’s early days still. We haven’t heard from much of the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers, Trade Union (ATSGWTU). James Lambert, president general of National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) has also made statements and expressed views which are different to that of Abdulah’s. “So there is definitely a weakening of the labour movement.”

Ragoonath: No impact on the Government Political analyst Dr Bishnu Ragoonath is predicting that Abdulah’s resignation would have no impact on the Government. Saying he was not surprised by Abdulah’s decision Ragoonath added, “the Government will go on as usual. It means absolutely nothing.”

He said the resignation “simply meant” that Abdulah and the MSJ had decided to go their own way. “This will have absolutely no impact on the country and it also does not mean there are cracks within the People’s Partnership.”

Dumas: I’m not surprised Former head of the public service Reginald Dumas said he was expecting Abdulah to quit the Government. “I’m not at all surprised. This was what I expected because

Mr Abdulah has been making his position clear for sometime,” Dumas said yesterday.

With the resignation, he added, pressure would be placed on the Congress of the People (COP) and the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) to publicly state their respective positions. “Since the MSJ said it pulled out based on principle because it had given the Government until May 24 to deal with certain issues which were declared in the manifesto, and this was not done, then this leaves the two major parties to declare their position,” Dumas said.

But this is not a sign of the Government’s collapse. In fact, he added, the Government would continue to function. “The Government is not going to fall because of this and it will have no effect in terms of the Government’s ability to govern. Mr Errol McLeod was elected on a UNC ticket,” Dumas added.

However, Abdulah’s resignation would have a “political and psychological effect” on the general population. Dumas said people would be looking at the COP and TOP and wondering if, and when, they will withdraw from the coalition. “There is now a wait-and-see attitude as there is an obvious loss of faith by the People’s Partnership Government because this has said the coalition Government has not lived up to its expectations.”

“NJAC (National Joint Action Committee) is not a major force. The pressure is now on the COP and TOP as people would want to know Mr Ramadhar’s and Mr Ashworth’s positions and they have to declare their hand.”

PAGE 4 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Airport contract haze might discourage overseas financing -Greenidge GUYANA (SN) -- Guyana cannot ignore the serious sanction from the World Bank on the China Communications Construction Company, the parent company of the firm contracted to execute expansion works on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Timehri (CJIA), Timehri according to Shadow Minister of Finance Carl Greenidge.

“The government was seeking at one stage from the World Bank money to supplement financing [the] Amaila Falls Hydro Project.

Obviously it will be a handicap and it will discourage other entities like the IDB [InterAmerican Development Bank]. You want to avoid the impression that you [awarded] a contract without the necessary due diligence,” Greenidge said in a comment to this newspaper.

At the moment, the IDB is yet to pronounce on the Amaila project and its support is critical since it represents a necessary component in the financing.

Greenidge said that the World Bank debarment of CCCC must be taken into account when considering its subsidiary China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the airport expansion or any other project.

He said that the matter may have to do with competence of a company to execute an assignment and hence might have had to resort to corrupt measures in order to go forward with a particular project. He emphasised that any sanction from an institution with the standing of the World Bank must be taken seriously, while adding that a company

would have to show exceptional credentials to change negative perceptions.

Cabinet has approved a US$138M design and construction contract with CHEC for the CJIA. The project includes an extension of the runway to a total of 10,800 feet to accommodate large transatlantic aircraft, along with construction of a new terminal building, acquisition of eight boarding bridges, and installation of other state-of-the-art equipment.

The World Bank website lists CCCC as ineligible to participate in any project funded by it. Cross debarment means that the company would not be able to work on projects funded by a number of international financial institutions.

The website said that CCCC is the successor to China Road and Bridge Corporation and said it is barred from participating in World Bank and other entities’ projects from January 12, 2009 to January 12, 2017. “Pursuant to Section 9.05 of the Sanctions Procedures, the ineligibility of China Road and Bridge Corp. applies to China Communications Construction Company Limited as the successor or assign of China Road and Bridge Corp., in respect of contracts under a World Bank Group-financed or -executed project related to roads and bridges and extends to any firm directly or indirectly controlled by China Communications Construction Company Limited in respect of such contracts,” it said.

“The period of ineligibility may be reduced

by up to three years if, after five years from the date of ineligibility, the Sanctions Board determines that China Communications Construction Company Limited has put in place an effective corporate compliance programme acceptable to the World Bank and has implemented this programme in a manner satisfactory to the World Bank,” it added.

Two Saturdays ago, Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman and officials of the Alliance For Change met with officials of CCCC, including Vice President Zhou Gao. He said that there must be an independent investigation by either a Special Select Committee or the Economic Services Committee. “…we are more concerned about how serious is this matter,” said Trotman of the events that would have led to the Chinese

company being debarred and cross-debarred.

“There has to be some investigation on our part separate and apart from what they are doing.”

He added that the insistence on an independent investigation should not be interpreted as anti-China or anti-investment. He pointed out that both the company and the Government of Guyana have a responsibility – to the shareholders, in company’s case, and to the people of Guyana, in the government’s case.

In a statement to this newspaper, CHEC said it is not involved in and has never been involved in any activity that has attracted any sanctions by the World Bank. It said that CHEC itself has never been under any investigation by the World Bank.

Abdulah quits as govt senator Continued From Page 1 -- “The leader of the COP has stated categorically that the COP has concerns, but it is for the COP to address how best they see those concerns, to tackle and dealt with, not for us.”

The MSJ, he said, recognised that “we have a responsibility to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago as we were an integral part of the partnership that cam-

paigned in 2010 and asked you to vote for the partnership to be your government.

“We do not regret that decision,” he said. “It was the right thing to do at that time... “As it is the right thing for us to now withdraw from the partnership.” He also said he does not feel alienated in the Government.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 5

A true father

Continued From Page 3 -- Rashaine feels he has always been able to succeed because of his father’s love and support. In deference to his father’s advice, Rashaine has spent the last three years pursuing his degree while using his spare time to work on his music.

“I realised I had a passion for music since I was a baby, because my cousin had a onestring guitar and me and him used to write tune together,” said Rashaine, who recalls that his ‘stage name’ at the age of four was ‘Baby Genius’.

Since this year’s summer break, Rashaine has already recorded two singles and realised a long-held dream to create his own studio. Though modest, the studio — which he built in a section of his room about a month ago — is a source of pride and joy for the youth; but moreso, is hearing his own raspy voice belting out the conscious lyrics he had penned through the surround sound system in his sparsely furnished room.

“I spent a considerable amount on my studio. I didn’t ask daddy for one cent. I saved all my money from teaching Saturday classes,” he said. “My plan right now is to get my song on the radio, because I think it has a message that Jamaica needs to hear.”

Rashaine currently teaches seventh and eight graders Mathematics at Holy Childhood High on Saturdays, with the aim of getting them ready to do CXC Mathematics by the third form. He feels he has a contribution to make in helping others to love Mathematics as much as his father has helped him.

“I love Mathematics bad, and I feel you have a lot of people who fear it, so I kinda want to leave my mark out there, by getting those who fear Maths to love it,” he said.

But while Rashaine is very “bookish”, as his father puts it, his brother Ravon is more into electronics and installations. As a student at Holy Trinity High School, he gets to focus more on developing his skills to pursue his dreams of becoming a mechanic. It helps too that his father has arranged for him to visit and work alongside one of his friends who owns a garage on Saturdays, so that he can strengthen his skills in the area.

“He is so excited about it, so when he comes home on a Saturday and I would joke and say, ‘so how many cars you pull down today?’ He would say, ‘I pull down plenty’,” Rashaine explained.

Foster said it is important that parents realise that children are different and so it is always a good thing to allow them to pursue their own dreams. He himself had chosen not to have any biological children because he had wanted to be a priest, before he decided to go into teaching instead.

“Most of the times, those who can do things with their hands surpass the ‘booky booky’ type, if you know what I mean, in terms of making money and things like that,” he said.

To ensure that his children are balanced, Foster gives them free rein to pursue their interests, and ensured that they interacted a lot with the women and other youths from his church during their formative years. Despite the fact that he does pastoral work as a Catholic and his life surrounds the teachings of the Christian church, he has been able to co-exist peaceably with Rashaine, a Rastafarian who loves the party scene. Both agree that religion should not be used to divide.

Another thing they both agree on, is the fact that material possession does not guarantee happiness. They have to interface with poverty daily, but feel a deep sense of commitment to being the voice of change for their inner-city community.

“I have spent more than 40 years in that area, so I had gone through the ‘80s when I had taught at St Anne’s High School and had gone through the most recent incursion,” said Foster. “Just in January, we were walking down the street, a group of us, and we came under gunfire. I don’t think they were actually firing at me, they were just firing and we had to run.”

For Rashaine, the focus is not to live uptown or to own material possessions, although attending a secondary school with children of some of Jamaica’s most affluent parents made him well aware of the possibilities of living in a community where he wouldn’t have to hear gunshots or deal with random searches by the police.

“Something that my father let me know, is to always be satisfied with what you have.

I might not have a Range Rover, or a pool, or a lavish lifestyle, but my life is good,” he said. “I am a simple person, just plain and straight. I don’t run down car, I don’t run down clothes or none of them things there. I am not a materialistic person. If I see something and I like it, I don’t even ask daddy, I just save and buy it.”

Although he is a highly regarded Mathematics teacher, Foster spends every free time he has doing pastoral duties for his church.

This includes going to the Kingston Public Hospital to offer counselling services to the sick. He is also a justice of the peace and has also taken on the role of providing financial and other support to residents who seek him out for help.

“I always say that everybody cannot run and leave the communities, because they need persons there to help those persons who are undergoing a lot of stress,” said the father.

PAGE 6 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Yoga can alleviate headaches

spirit. Once we understand how complex this system is, then we can slowly sense the silent language of the body as it begins to harbour stress.

Geeta Maraj Contributor Tension and migraine headaches can be avoided or diminished through breathing techniques known as ‘pranayama’ in yoga. Pranayama is a Sanskrit word consisting of ‘prana’ which means ‘breath’ and ‘yama’ which translates to ‘length or expansion’. Therefore, pranayama refers to the extension and control of the breath. This form of yogic breathing has existed for thousands of years and today many look to this very aged practice for direction in their health choices. In fact, it is now commonplace for physicians to advise patients to seek a yoga routine, especially, when it is necessary to destress as a means to improving one’s health.

When the body is stressed, it reveals this through various forms of tension headaches.

Rarely do we focus on the initial hints of the body as it begins to harbour stress. Only when we feel totally incapacitated by this discomfort, do we seek to find a remedy. Prevention is better than cure however and through a basic yoga routine, tension and migraine headaches can become easily avoidable.

First we need to be aware of the intricate and fragile balance of the body, the mind and the

Once the mind is disturbed, the breath gets affected, and when we breathe incorrectly, our body is harmed. When worry, nervousness and apprehension are controlled, the chances of tension and vascular headaches are decreased.

Through the practice of daily breathing exercises, pent up tension and anxiety can be released from the body, providing for a calmer, more relaxed system.

In order to understand how the breath works in yoga, one must first of all understand the importance of a balanced breath. A balanced breath refers to the length of time one inhales.

This must be the same as the length of time one exhales. So for instance, if you inhale to the count of three seconds, then you must exhale for three seconds. The slower you make your breath, the calmer your body and mind becomes. Hence, one pranayama routine focuses on extending the length of time one inhales an in-breath to the count of 30 seconds. This therefore means, that in order to balance the breath, one must similarly exhale for 30 seconds. This would ensure that there is only one complete breath taken per minute. In so doing, the mind instantly becomes relaxed and more focused, leaving the body feeling calmer and healthier.

To practice pranayama correctly, one must

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first of all learn to breathe correctly. Hardly are we aware that we rarely breathe properly.

Given today’s life style, we tend to shallow breathe, permitting very little oxygen entering our lungs. Similarly, we ‘half exhale’ our outbreath, allowing much stale air to be left stagnant at the bottom of our lungs. Given the poor air quality we are already exposed to, combined with poor breathing habits, we gradually build stress in our body which often is reflected as tension and migraine headaches.

of the body when it is starting to build stress comes with time and practice. To being, sufferers of headaches must first of all allocate a few minutes each day to work on developing proper breathing habits. Begin by practicing to balance your breath and control the length of the breath. Start with a 3 seconds duration of balanced breath. With time this can be increased to 4 seconds, and gradually keep increasing the length of time aiming to accomplish a 30 seconds duration.

Proper breathing practice begins with first of all understanding the physical movement of the body upon each breath. When we inhale our chest should rise and our abdomen should extend. Similarly, upon exhaling, our abdomen should contract and our chest should fall. First we need to pay attention to this rhythm of our body when we breathe. Once this is achieved, we can begin counting our in-breath, and exhaling to the same count.

While there can be a misconception that attaining complicated postures in yoga is an example of a beneficial yoga routine, it is actually the breath which is the most important in all yoga practices.

When practicing the preceding form of breathing, it is best to begin by lying on the ground or on your bed. This supine position allows the mind to trigger the body into a state of rest.

To control the breath, and be aware of the signs

Control of the breath assists in giving one the necessary tool to not become engrossed with the general trivialities of life, but understanding the greater good of all experience. Apart from alleviating headaches and migraines, pranayama can also help to reduce blood pressure and calm the heart. Through yoga, we can learn to cope with the general stressors of daily life, not allowing them to affect the mind and the body personally. In so doing, we can literally ‘breathe our issues away’.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 7

Respect, reality and Ramdin - West Indies are much better at ODI’s! tially, but Tests last for five days, not just for five hours! That West Indies managed 426, having been 280-8 overnight, should have been personal embarrassment to England’s bowlers - Finn, Onions, Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann. By end of West Indies first innings, they looked ready to be rotated themselves. What has happened to Swann’s bowling? That garbage that Onions, Finn and especially Swann and Bresnan served up last Sunday was as much fodder as West Indies had become, and produced, in the first two Tests. I like Onions’ bowling style, but if he and Finn are England’s 2nd tier, then Anderson and Broad must be put in golden, not cotton, wool!

Right! Interests are massive for this OneDay Series, with the acknowledged fact that, with the re-advent of Christopher Henry Gayle to West Indies team sheet, all three matches are, more or less, already sold out.

That should surprise no-one. Gayle is a master crowd puller and obvious pleaser! Only 33, in September next – somehow he seems to have been in international cricket much longer than his debut back in 2000 – Gayle has already played 91 Tests, aggregate 6,373 runs, average 41.65. How West Indies could have used him for batsmanship, maturity and leadership, in especially Tests Nos 1 and 2!

More particularly, before these ODI’s v England started, Gayle had 8,087 runs from 228 ODI’s, average 39.06. Bowling, Gayle has been productive too, 156 wickets in ODI’s, economy rate a handy 4.03.

Gayle brings maturity What Gayle must bring immediately, this ODI series, along with obvious runs, is that afore-mentioned maturity that this team needs desperately. All West Indies’ batsmen should learn as much from him as they can, and as they also tried to do in the Tests, from Shiv Chanderpaul, that other “Father Figure!” Incidentally, Test No 3, England v West Indies, gave unexpected surprises and pleasures, answering important questions for both teams. Given the terrible weather, neither team could have won, but West Indies brought back pride to its cricket, even ahead when the game ended in the predicted draw! England now has definite thoughts on its modus operandi for Tests to come against South Africa. They must hope, pray even, dearly, that neither Stuart Broad nor James Anderson gets injured in the interim. Steve Finn and Graeme Onions bowled well, ini-

Viv inspired Ramdin’s century Denesh Ramdin’s second Test 100, only in 45 Tests, was obviously due to him heeding Sir Vivian Richards’ well deserved rollicking. Before Test No 3, Ramdin averaged a paltry 22.28 per innings! Knowing “Uncle Smokie” to be a very impatient man, I am not surprised that, at Trent Bridge, Sir Viv “had a few quiet words about Ramdin’s batsmanship.” Those words were obviously pertinent indeed! The wicket-keeper-batsman may have taken umbrage at that “conversation”, his upheld paper sign, “Yea Viv, talk nah!”, when he was at 100 no, showing how severely puffed he may have been! I really have no problem with Ramdin’s gesture at all, if, as he suggests, he was just “caught up in the moment”. Obviously, he did spoil his moment of achievement, but that could happen to anyone. Though I will dispute that respect that Ramdin and his captain, Darren Sammy, suggest that their team has for “former greats”, I would suggest that most critics have never played professional sport, so know very little of severe representative stress and adrenaline rushes. Professional sport is not for babies! I remember former West Indies cricketer, Joe Soloman, chairman of Guyana’s selectors, 1974-5, suggesting on Joseph “Reds” Perriera’s radio program, (I heard it myself), that “Colin Croft does not even deserve to be called for trials for Guyana, much less to be selected to play for Guyana, and possibly play for West Indies!” The rest of that story is history! I also remember, in 1977 after getting 8-29 in only my second Test v Pakistan, selected at insistencies of West Indies captain Clive Lloyd and West Indies Chairman of Selectors, Michael “Joey” Carew, that the language I used to Soloman’s greeting at Timehri Airport could never have been printed anywhere!

Anyway, calypsonians in Trinidad & Tobago would even now be penning compositions for Carnival 2013, probably to include Ramdin’s and Sir Viv’s tete-a-tete. Whatever Sir Viv said, it changed Ramdin’s attitude to his game. Success, so work done! Tino Best’s batting was a revelation too. He proved that he could bat properly, as boasted to all, but also showed that England’s much vaunted “rotation policy”, and belief that they are so superior, would have to be severely tweaked again, for England’s own good!

Test cricket is taking Narine to school Sunil Narine’s Test debut was a damp squib, courtesy of excellent footwork from Kevin Peitersen and, for me, England’s most accomplished “in-trouble” batsman, always the man for any crisis; Ian Bell; a player who always produces runs for England when chips are down! Narine also found out that, unlike T-20’s, batsmen in Test cricket would not try to slog his every delivery out of the ground. In the longer form, he would have to do much more than just high flight and slow turn. In Tests, increased speed of delivery is important, along with those named characteristics. Aggressive openers Lendyl Simmons, who missed the Test series with a broken hand, and Johnson Charles, big-hitting Kieron Pollard, effervescent all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, always athletic and talented all-rounders Dwayne Smith and Andre Russell, augment the remaining players already in England. So, much might not have been given to Gayle recently by West Indies Cricket Board, but all concerned, from fans at Rose Bowl, Kia Oval, and Headingley, to cricket lovers world-wide, would certainly hope that Gayle lives up to expectations and delivers fully. His massive frame could take on such pressures!

Favourites or not?

West Indies is certainly a better balanced one-day team than for Tests. Sammy always merits his place here, even if Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, even Kieron Pollard, were also in the team, as each could bowl and bat, as situations demand, and field well too, a genuinely team of good all-rounders. Tino

Best, Ravi Rampaul, who is also better in ODI’s than Tests, and supposedly a fully recuperated Fidel Edwards, front West Indies’s fast bowling efforts. Watch out for Russell, who could play Tests regularly, had it not been for previously heavily-discussed captaincy appointment of Darren Sammy. Later this year, ICC World T-20 Championship occurs in Sri Lanka. While there would be only one T-20 featuring England and West Indies this tour, at Trent Bridge, expect both teams to use these 50-over games to try to fine-tune their selections for that Lankan competition.

Anything goes this ODI series! England’s premier bowlers Anderson and Broad are in England’s ODI squad. One, even both, might still be rested again this series. No Kevin Pieterson means Ravi Bopara and Eoin Morgan re-emerge, Morgan having cooled his heels in the recent IPL. Also, look out for England’s captain, Alastair Cook’s batting!

West Indies would be trying to confirm that they are better at ODI’s and T-20’s, than Tests. With that recent tremendously exciting ODI series against Australia; 2-2 and a tie; and T-20 series also drawn, 1-1; along with Coach Ottis Gibson’s re-confirmation, West Indies would feel that they are ready!

Enjoy!

PAGE 10 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Pot: Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Plantains

Mix together the cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg, salt and brown sugar until it’s completely blended.

Chris De La Rosa Contributor Ingredients 3 medium ripe plantains 2 tablespoon golden brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon pinch grated nutmeg pinch salt 3 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing) Notes: Be sure to use really ripe plantains (ones that have gone discolored) Trim off the ends of the ripe plantains and discard. Then cut in half length-wise and peel off the skin. You will now have two pieces of peeled plantain… slice off (lengthwise) a piece about 1/4 inch. Now use this sliced surface to sit on your cutting board to make slicing the rest of the plantain easier.

Slice 1/4 inch pieces and set aside.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (makes clean-up easier) and brush it with the melted to coat the surface. Now place the slices of ripe plantain on top, brush with the butter and sprinkle (generously) the spice mixture we just made, evenly on each piece of plantain.

Place in the middle rack of a preheated 400 F oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. After 30 minutes check to see how it’s doing.. if you find that it’s golden and a nice caramel coat has formed, you may want to remove it from the oven early. I say this because I know that no 2 ovens are the same when it comes to controlled temperatures.

The lovely scent of cinnamon and nutmeg should be present in your kitchen and you’ll be tempted to eat a slice or two as soon as it comes out of the oven… be careful as it will be very hot.

More recipes online - caribbeanpot.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 11

Understanding food and headaches Childhood obesity touch. Sinus headaches are often precipitated by sinus infections.

Trish Browning Contributor Headaches and understanding what causes them and the foods that can help alleviate them.

For those of you who don’t suffer headaches consider yourselves very lucky. Headaches can be extremely debilitating, causing missed days at work and even costly trips to the emergency room. Depending on the type of headache, the pain can range from mild to incredibly severe and can come with a whole host of additional symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, vertigo and even delirium.

We don’t actually know what causes migraines, but there are different theories. One theory attributes headaches to irregular constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain.

So, we may not know for sure what causes them, but this we definitely know: most people who suffer chronic headaches have “triggers.”

A trigger is anything that precedes the onset of a headache. Although there are common ones, people have reported just about everything as a trigger.

Food sensitivities are delayed immune reactions caused by the ingestion of certain foods.

Hormone imbalances are associated with headaches. One study showed that migraines were more severe during the phase of the menstrual cycle when estrogen is dominant, and that women with relatively higher levels of progesterone fared better.

When we are stressed, we tense the muscles in our head and neck. This muscle tension can then lead to tension headaches.

Knowing the type of headache you’re suffering from can help you in deciding what form of treatment will work for you. There are basically four types of headaches: Tension, migraine, cluster and sinus.

The majority of headaches are tension headaches. Tension headaches are usually associated with stress. These headaches tend to be mild and felt on both sides of the head. Some people describe it as having a “tight band” around their head.

Migraines are usually felt as throbbing pain on one side of the head. Sensitivity to light and sound may accompany a migraine headache.

Cluster headaches come in patterns — hence the name. These headaches attack repeatedly for certain periods of time (weeks or even months) and then disappear. The pain is intense and usually felt on one side of the head and or around the eyes.

Sinus headaches are characterized by dull throbbing pain felt around the eyes, forehead, or cheeks. The face may be tender to

You probably won’t get rid of your headaches overnight, but if you make certain changes in your lifestyle, over time you may see a decrease in the frequency and severity of your headaches.

Certain types of foods and supplements incorporated into your daily regime may help to decrease the frequency and severity of your headaches.

An ingredient in chili peppers called capsaicin inhibits substance P, a neuropeptide that triggers pain. If you’re brave, you can try chili pepper spray. You can buy one from a local supplement store.

Eat foods with anti-inflammatory properties.

Many researchers believe that inflammation is related to the onset of migraines. Food such as beets, ginger, broccoli, fish, avocado and legumes or you can try a Betalain Supplement Magnesium is important for blood vessel relaxation and circulation. According to one estimate, a whopping 68% of Americans are magnesium deficient. Oral supplementation with magnesium has been shown to reduce the frequency and duration of migraines.

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound found in our cells. Low CoQ10 blood levels have been found in individuals who suffer migraines.

Foods that worsen headaches usually contain “tyrosine” which becomes tyramine in our body. This is a vaso-active amino acid, which cause blood vessels dilation in our head.

Foods that should be avoided Dairy products in general, especially fermented (blue cheese) and hard cheeses, the stronger the cheese, more likely it increases pain.

Chocolate, black coffee, and artificial sweeteners, for example aspartame.

Foods that use flavor enhancer liberally.

MSG will stimulate our taste buds to enhance flavors.

Canned foods that contain preservatives.

Some people are unable to tolerate gluten, so white-colored flours should be avoided to reduce migraines. Other cereals containing gluten are oats, rye and barley.

There are also people who get headaches after eating nuts.

Too much liquor or alcohol-based beverages can cause intense pain that is stronger than a typical hangover.

Avoid too much sugar.

Too much salt causes water retention and induces headache.

Not having enough water can thicken the blood and cause discomfort.

You can contact me at 647-309-4606 if you are interested in finding a Betalain Supplement.

Monique Bartlett Contributor Did you know that 1 in 3 school age children today are either overweight or obese in Canada?

School age children today will be the first generation expected to have a lower quality of life and lower life expectancy than their parents. Unfortunately, today obesity has surpassed malnutrition on a global scale.

Parents need to understand that obesity is a health issue, not a cosmetic issue! Obesity causes a number of known health factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke amongst many others.

What are the causes of Childhood Obesity?

Overweight and obesity result from an imbalance between calories in versus calories out. Today there are increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Increased portion sizes, poor availability of nutritional food choices in schools, video games, the internet, cell phones and the lack of parents letting their children play outside are partly to blame for children’s sedentary lives. It’s really difficult to know whether the current obesity epidemic is primarily the result of high levels of physical inactivity or high dietary intake of junk foods. Yet, obesity in children is much easier to prevent than to treat.

Physical activity Obviously, inactivity is a major concern when dealing with children and obesity. On

average, most children in Canada spend almost 35 hours a week in front of a TV or computer screen. It’s hard to believe that children spend more time on computers or watching TV than they do in school! Studies show that there is a direct correlation between the time spent in front of a TV or computer screen and the weight of the child.

Meaning that the less time in front of a TV or computer screen and the more physical activity, the less a child will weigh. The average goal for a child should be 90 minutes of daily physical activity. It could even be broken down into several 15-minute sessions at a time. Limit TV and computer time to 2 hours per day.

Nutrition should start from day one The majority of children do not eat the recommended daily minimum of 4-6 servings of fruits & vegetables per day. The majority of total calories consumed by 4 –18 year olds come mostly from foods high in sugar, fat, and salt. Unfortunately, too many children don’t eat breakfast every day. This can lead to a lack of attention in school, slowing of the metabolism, irritability and many other issues.

Breastfeeding a newborn can begin obesity prevention very early. Some research studies have concluded that newborns that are breastfed for the first six months of life are less likely to become obese than babies who consume commercial formula products.

Children’s eating habits have changed over the same period obesity has increased. Children’s eating habits and their physical activity are both important. Parents, the family and community environment are critically important in the solution. If you are unsure of how and what is recommend to ensure the best possible eating habits of your child, I would recommend getting a copy of the Canada’s Food Guide.

Early treatment is key for deformed jaws and crooked teeth Dr. Matthew S Weekes

BSC DDS MTh DMin

Contributor

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

These children often have narrow jaws, reduced airway space, difficulty breathing as a result of airway obstructions, such as enlarged tonsils. Snoring may be a symptom.

The jaw joints may also be affected in cases of deep overbites or under bites causing headaches, neck pain, dizziness, earaches, or clicking in the jaws. Speech problems can also develop.

Many of these children may have low selfesteem, since they are often self-conscious about the unsightly appearance of their teeth; and may endure teasing at school.

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

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

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

By booking an appointment at our Brampton office you will have the benefit of my experience, dedication, motivation and a considerate and friendly team that puts your interest first. CALL: (905) 458-1055

PAGE 12 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Is Social Media just a fad for business growth?

JG Francoeur Contributor Are you spending hours upon hours on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media hoping and praying that it will help your business grow?

Let me be bold! In many ways business owners who rely solely on social media to improve their business are fooling themselves and may very well perish because of this decision.

Many so called ‘experts’ are claiming that social media changes everything! No it doesn’t.

It’s just one piece of the marketing puzzle.

Social media is not magic. Joining Facebook, Twitter and/or LinkedIn will not revolutionize your company or your marketing. If you’re boring in real life, you will be boring in social media.

To be successful in business, you still must identify your audience, get them to notice you, create value for them, sell them and keep them happy. None of this has changed.

Social media is just one tool. There are many marketing tools and in order to be successful in business, you must use the ones that are applicable to your business.

To move your company into social media and effectively take advantage of this tool, you

must focus on using social media to generate leads. Social media contacts are part of our marketing reach.

One of the biggest challenges for small business owners who try to ‘do it all’ is they fail to connect social media leads and generate them into sales. They end up spending hours upon hours using social media to talk to people. I have even heard a so called expert say that you need to spend at least 5 hours a day on social media. This is not true at all!

Myself and my business partner Gerry Robert and our company Black Card Marketing Group travel around the world three to four times a year teaching business owners how to grow their business, how to double their sales and triple their profits. There are strategies that allow you to spend less than one hour a

day on social media, even one hour a week in some cases.

I have spent a lot of time covering this exact topic on a global web presentation. To view this special 60 minute web presentation for FREE just visit http://blog.blackcardmarketinggroup.com/ As a small business owner, the odds are that you will make money when you’re in front of prospects. So the question is how to use social media to get in front of prospects? The web presentation covers this in detail! Go to http:// blog.blackcardmarketinggroup.com/ JG Francoeur, Author MESSY Manager 11.75 Ways To 2x Your Sales + 3x Your Profits - Visit http://www.messymanager.com for a FREE copy of the book

What do you do if you are injured in a car accident?

Raj Napal Contributor Ontario has an insurance accident regime called SABS Bill 198. If you, as a pedestrian, driver or passenger, are injured in a motor vehicle accident you should make sure you do the following things after the accident: Make sure either the police are called so that there is a proper police accident report of the accident If the police are not called the law says you and the other driver must report the accident within 24 hours at your nearest police collision centre. If you cannot do it because you are seriously injured the police and ambulance will be at the scene so there should be a police accident report. If not it is important you get a friend or family member to report the accident to the collision centre if you cannot do so yourself because of the seriousness of your injuries.

Always make sure you or any of your passen-

gers make a note of the plate number, model of vehicle and the insurance on the vehicle and name/address details of the other driver and the owner of the vehicle if the driver is not the owner. This information will be important in connection with the potential negligence you may have against the other driver in the event that the other driver is at fault. I will explain the law in connection with your potential additional claim against the driver/ owner of the vehicle that was at fault in another article Make sure you see your family physician or go to the hospital emergency department to obtain treatment as soon as possible (at least within 48 hours) to help you with your injuries If your injury is so serious that you cannot return to work and you need physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment to help you with your injuries or you need help at home to help you cope with your activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, cooking, doing housework or looking after your children then there is a lot of claims you can make to your own insurance company to help you get money for these things. The benefits you can get are called No fault accident benefits which you will be entitled to even if you at fault in causing the accident which I will summarize below.

Remember that you must bring your claim for accident benefits promptly and at least within 30 days. Get the legal advice you need quickly from a lawyer not from the Insurance adjuster, it is in their interest to give you bad advice to save their company money by not paying you the benefits you need.

Below I will list some of the benefits that you can get to help you deal with money you need while you are unable to go back to work because of your injuries, to help you at home and to help heal your injuries:

Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) up to a maximum of $400 per week and the amount is 70% of your pre-accident gross weekly income. (note for those of you who are high income earners you may wish to increase your IRB entitlement to a weekly maximum of $800.00 or $1,000.00 by taking out that option when you take out or renew your policy) but to get that benefit or any of the benefits that I have listed below you need to complete an Accident Benefit Application Form and it is best you consult a lawyer/paralegal to do this for you.

Medical benefits namely the cost of physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, gym memberships and/or other treatments. Note there is an option that you can select when you obtain or renew your auto insurance policy which will give you much higher medical benefits. Talk to your broker about this.

Housekeeping to help you hire someone to help you with housekeeping like cleaning your house/apartment, cooking, washing dishes removing garbage doing the laundry etc but there is a restriction on the amount you can claim and the period of your claim.

Attendant Care Benefits particularly in a situation where your injury is so serious that prevents you coping with self hygiene such as bathing dressing getting in and out of bed, grooming yourself etc.

Education benefits if you cannot go back to school or college.

Caregiver benefits if you elect for this benefit because you cannot look after your young children or babies.

Non earner benefits but these benefits are only allowable if your injury has badly affected your ability to do your activities of daily living.

If you very seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident with multiple fracture injuries, loss of limb, head injuries and other extremely serious injuries you may be able to get substantially enhanced benefits for a long time for these catastrophic injuries. The settlement of such a file will also be substantial. If you or a family member contacts me I will be able to outline what I can do for you in relation to helping you with these very serious injuries.

Always remember that insurance companies make billions of dollars through the auto insurance premiums you pay every year. However, when you represent yourself and bring a claim against them they will try to pay you as little as possible and will be keen to close your file quickly. The policy of most insurance companies is to get your premiums and maximize their profits by paying you very little by saying your injury is very minor when it is not or by denying your claims for irrational reasons to save their company money.

Do not trust them, they are there to save their company money and they will not think of your best interests in getting you the help you need.

Retaining a skilled professional who knows the law will not only get you the benefits that you need but that professional may be able to get you a cash lump sum settlement by exposing the insurance company to the many benefits that you may be entitled to.

Our law firm will only get paid a percentage of your cash lump sum settlement, usually 25%, so you do not have to pay us any money up front.

Raj Napal - Barrister and Solicitor C/o NLC Lawyers Office: 905-452-0348 Emergency: 416-917-3255

Your Horoscope - June 20th 2012 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): Do you feel like something is about to overtake you? What’s coming down the pike is more significant and life-altering than you can guess. While you wait to see more of what fate has in store, keep plugging away at the known quantity. Keep the lines of communication alive.

Through next week, take it one step at a time.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21May 21): Thursday and Friday you’re in your element; shine on. Tuesday’s new moon provides a bonus second chance.

Wednesday could start with frustration or reluctance, but by day’s end you should find it has worked itself out. As the month advances, your resourcefulness and options increase. Even though it comes and goes fast, a new income source boosts your material and psychological security.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23June 20): By the time Sunday rolls around, you should feel like you’ve gained a second wind. Tuesday’s new moon brings a rethink regarding finances and emotional investments; review or rework plans.

Simplify, prioritize. Less is more. Wednesday’s start may initially require an extra push, but once you are out of the gate, you should find it all falls into place on its own Cancer Horoscope (June 21July 20): Progressively, you are gaining a better sense of what’s possible. If you don’t notice the energy shift, you will soon enough. While you wait for the light to change, stay alert. Tend to loose ends, and do what you can as you can. Tuesday’s new moon sharpens your intuition and your reaction time. The summer solstice kicks your motivation up a big notch.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): A question mark, stumbling block, or hold-up will soon be surpassed. In its place, a major paving stone will be set. Watch for plans, ambitions, and confirmation to gain a more definitive outline. Tuesday’s new moon and Wednesday’s summer solstice will light a major new fuse.

An important priority or added dimension will soon dictate your next play.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23Nov. 21): A reconnection or reconciliation with your past is an important key to your future. As of mid next week, you should be able to wrap up legal matters, contracts, negotiations, and important loose ends in short order. Once the decks are cleared, you’ll gain a better sense of the direction forward. You are at a seeding stage of so much more to come.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): The more time moves on, the more time heals.

A natural progression is occurring for you now. Allow yourself to observe, and you’ll understand more of the why and wherefore. What is more important, though, is how you step it forward from here. The new moon and summer solstice asks you to reframe how you conceptualize what material or emotional security means to you.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): If you couldn’t figure it out before, you will now. As your knowledge, experience, or involvement grows, the blank will be filled in. You’ll soon see what needs to be subtracted and what needs to be added. Past mid next week, less force or push is needed. Better solutions and more viable options are just around the corner.

Leo Horoscope (July 21-Aug. 22): Whether it is obvious to you or not yet, you have uncorked something. As Jupiter builds with Neptune, allow it time to breathe. For now, follow the natural flow. The building currents will provide your best clues and answers. Tuesday’s new moon and Wednesday’s solstice energize your creative juices. A new financial or relationship prospect can spark.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): Success holds new meaning now. Tuesday’s new moon and Wednesday’s solstice bode well for all new undertakings, especially those that allow heart, mind, body, and soul to feel unified.

A new job, creative project, health initiative, or relationship could prove very satisfying. A well-timed conversation or negotiation takes you over an important threshold.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): After all you’ve been through, it’s amazing that you can still be here now. Through the beginning of July, a batch of planetary influences supports a major turnaround where you need and want it the most.

While the healing, correction, and clean-up chapter continues, the next chapter is already on a test drive. Potentials will prove themselves soon enough.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Tuesday’s new moon and Wednesday’s summer solstice assign your seat for the next ride. It may already be planned, or circumstances set the pace; either way, home and family matters are on a forward thrust through mid July.

Destiny could come calling for a particular family member. Travel, relocate, or put out the welcome mat.

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Can Highway 407 ease our congestion woes?

Tammy Flores Contributor What a week! We went from Mayor Hazel McCallion having a meeting with Premier McGuinty that caught all the media outlets off guard to Premier McGuinty threatening an election. The Premier says the NDP is turning their backs on an agreement to pass the budget and the NDP says they will stick to their promise to pass the budget, but a few things in the budget needs to be addressed.

At stake for the NDP was, among a few other things, the privatizing of the Public Sector.

If you recall in my last article, Premier McGuinty announced that he was awarding the build/design and maintenance/operations of the extension of Highway 407 to the 407 ETR consortiums. I am sure there’s that and a list of other deals such as privatizing Service Ontario that appears to not sit well with the NDP. They maintain privatizing the public sector erodes Provincial oversight, while Premier McGuinty says the budget must pass to keep Ontario’s economy a float.

At the beginning of the week, Mayor Hazel McCallion met with Premier McGuinty to talk tough on raising taxes to fund a needed $40 billion dollar investment in infrastruc-

ture projects. Most of the commentary surrounding this announcement focused on Public Transit. While I believe there is some much needed improvements in Public Transit, Public Transit is not the only solution to our traffic congestion woes. Highway 407 was built to relieve traffic congestion and there is enough anecdotal evidence that would suggest it’s not being used to its fullest potential. Think about it. You have a Private entity whose model is to raise tolls to lower traffic volumes on a vital piece of infrastructure that was planned for over 50 years, to relieve the forecasted traffic congestion we are now experiencing.

April 19th, 1997-The Toronto Star’s, Jim Kenzie writes, “Open Up Highway 407 and let drivers try it for free. If commuters fall in love with the toll way, it’ll cut traffic elsewhere”...

June 12th, 1997-The Toronto Star’s Bob Mitchell writes “Toll Road Finally Open” and quoted excited commuters.

June 14th, 1997-The Toronto Star’s Jim Kenzie writes, “Highway 407 is worth it-for free True value will be seen in how 401 congestion is relieved” September 28th, 1997-The Toronto Star received a letter from Wayne Debly of Maple where he did some math and the 407 toll figures were 4 times higher than in the U.S. and that’s when the tolls were about $.10/KM

Most noticeable was this article in the Toronto Star of October 15th, 1997; the day people were charged to use the toll highway.

It was a retreat back to the 401. Minister Al Palladini, who drove the toll way during the morning rush hour with his successor, Tony Clement is quoted as saying, “There’s no question traffic was very light, but once motorists get tired of getting stuck in bumperto-bumper traffic on Highway 401 and other routes, they’ll be back.” This was when we were only paying about $.10/KM. The minute they started to charge a toll on the 407, the increase in traffic on the 401 and other vital routes was duly visible. This is something we cannot ignore given the increase in the amount of Vehicle Registrations and Vehicle Kilometers Traveled that took place in the GTA since 1997.

The Province has a responsibility to act on

one of 3 triggers in the Concessions Agreement with the 407 ETR that would bring in at least $1 billion dollars to the public purse and some much needed relief for drivers. If you think the Province should act on this, please join the group “Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power” and lend your voice to the growing throngs of people speaking out.

We want to know the social/economic impact driving on this highway has had on you.

Please write to Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power, 75 Bayly Street, PO Box 14524, Ajax, Ontario, L1S 7K7 or email us at 407AbuseofPower@hotmail.ca You can also find us at www.407etr-abuseofpower.com If you would like to keep up to date with what’s happening on a daily basis, please join our Facebook group “Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power” or you can follow us on Twitter @407AbuseofPower

EVERY FRIDAY!

EVERY SATURDAY!