Trinidad Crime & Violence

CARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & MORE ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN ONLINE TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM COM • TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE: 647 647-722-6298 722 6298 • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 8 • WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4TH 2014

TRINIDAD CRIME & VIOLENCE Violence and a heavy crime rate dampen Trinidad and Tobagoʼs reputation EMILY SINGH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

A stunning country boasted by pristine beaches and warm hospitality shattered, torn and destroyed by violence and crime.

The realization that Trinidad was in serious danger came after the horrific murder of prominent attorney, senator, lecturer and journalist Dana Seetahal. Her sudden assassination on May 3rd mere minutes before midnight shook the country with grief as the life of a well respected and loved individual was lost.

The incident is described as well orchestrated and certainly not a case of Ms. Seetahal being “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Shortly after leaving the Ma Pau Casino and just minutes from her home a van pulled up beside the vehicle she was travelling in and a series of gunshots were fired just in front of the Woodbrook Youth Facility. The assassination occurred just two days before Ms. Seetahal was scheduled to appear in court to lead the prosecution team through a high profile case.

Within Trinidad and Tobago’s

law community, Ms. Seetahal was without a doubt the best of the best.

The legacy she has left behind will forever linger in the hearts of many Trinidadians who looked up her as a role model and independent voice. Ms.Seetahal had an extensive educational background that included studies at Hugh Wooding Law School, University of the West Indies, Florida State University and the University of Minnesota. For eight years shortly after passing her Bar exam she practiced as a state prosecutor in the magistrates court and high court.

Continued On Page 12

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Allison Harvey aka The Networking Diva, Entrepreneur, Publicist, Philanthropist Allison Harvey is the founder and owner of The Networking Diva Group, an organization focused on creating platforms, from small to large events, online interactions and print….. where start-up enterprises have the opportunity to connect, with the focus on building visibility and credibility whilst growing their businesses. A seasoned sales, promotion and marketing professional, Allison is constantly honing her skills, with her natural gift of creating long lasting connections and strategic alliances, thereby building a foundation for success.

This dynamo hasn’t stop there, when she saw a need for it, Allison founded the grassroots initiative, 10,000 Toys For Haiti.

After the devastation of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti she was moved to action on behalf of the orphaned children in Haiti numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Christmas is a time when all children have great expectations of receiving a gift on Christmas Day and Haitian children are no different, having provided toys, school supplies and clothing for thousands of children in the past several years and the goal for this year alone is to provide

for 2,000 children at Christmas.

Allison is passionate about this initiative and hopes to one day be able to provide 10,000 children with new toys along with school supplies and new t.shirts. She believes that one person can make a difference and the ultimate goal is to build a home to empower young women after they leave the benefits of the orphanage, to assist them in obtaining diplomas/certificates in fields where they will be able to obtain employment or start their own business without having to resort to living on the streets of Port Au Prince. Her vision is to create opportunities because once given an opportunity it can change your life.

Recently adding Editor to her list of accomplishments, the publication, WO+MAN Mind Your Business was born. Without missing a step the event WOMAN ON FIRE GALA has been introduced, celebrating women entrepreneurs in the community, this highly successful event will be blazing a trail through Canada in the next 12 months connecting and bringing women together as they flex their entrepreneurial muscles. The Future looks Radiant for this Woman On Fire!

Dancers rock the stage at WiCan Dance Competition

By Shaun Keso Julie Rambali, founder of WiCanadian held her 2nd annual WiCan Dance Competition Sunday, June 1, 2014 where dancers throughout the Toronto region competed for the top spot in various genres of dance. With two segments of WiCanadian Models showcasing fashion designs by La Penderie De Reve and nine different dance categories of dance, the entire show was jam packed with fierce walks and showstopping dance moves.

Divinity Dance School made a clean sweep as they took the top spot in four different categories consisting of; Best Hip-Hop/Pop Solo Dance, Best Soca Group Dance, Best Bollywood/Chutney Group Dance and Best Bollywood/Chutney Solo Dance.

The real crowd pleasers were two

competitors that not only had a cute appeal, but a mean dance step. Anisa and Aleesa of Junior Footsteps Dance School took home the titles of Best Junior Dance, Best Costume, and of

course the People’s Choice Award. The little dance stars not only captured the crowd but became an audience sensation.

Best Dancehall Group Dance was

awarded to the astonishing Sapna Academy of Dance, Best Soca Duo Dance was given to the sensational Lenique and Angel of Trini Flavas, Best Soca Solo Dance was granted to the rhythmic Kiante of Dance Caribe and Humming Bird Dancers, and lastly Best Bollywood/ Chutney Duo Dance was awarded to the filmy Marissa and Amrit of Daizy Danzers.

Aside from the contestants rocking the stage, the two judges Ms. Toya Robinson and Kay-Ann Ward graced the stage as they performed both Dancehall and Soca infused dances.

From stage-shaking dance moves, free giveaways, to a host with unstoppable jokes, the show was not only a great display of West Indian heritage, but an astonishing showcase of our talented West Indian youth.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Evil spirit forces Guyanese family out of Castries home, but haunting continues ST. LUCIA -- Apparitions of a black male figure, scratching and tapping sounds, a croaking frog, doors opening and closing, whispers and knocking, all sound like scenes from a Hollywood horror movie, but this scenario is happening in St. Lucia.

About three weeks ago, a Guyanese family was forced to flee their unfinished three-bedroom house in Bisee, Castries by what they describe as an “evil spirit”, which has not only possessed their 16-year-old son but has no intentions of leaving until all members of the family are killed.

In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today (May 29), 36-year-old Paullet Adolphus said religious leaders have told the family that the evil entity was “planted” at the residence by someone or some persons.

Adolphus, who now lives in Massade, Gros Islet, said she did not know much about spirits, but based on past and current experiences in St. Lucia, she is now a strong believer.

Signs of evil showed itself not long after the family – Adolphus and her boyfriend and two children (now ages 16 and 13) – bought a piece of land in the hills of the Castries community two years.

Adolphus said a large eel-like creature was discovered while they were digging to create a septic tank (pit) on their new property. Eels are not amphibians – they’re a type of fish – but can survive out of water for some time. According to various sources, when migrating, eels will cover long distances over land if they have to and conditions are suitably wet.

However, Adolphus said when the creature was discovered the land was “dry and cracked” and there are no wetlands nearby.

She said her husband poured gasoline on the “eel”, burning the creature’s “legs”. Later that evening, she claimed her boyfriend complained about feeling a burning sensation on his legs and the family joked that it was because of what he did to the eel.

But when the family moved into the house, strange things begun to occur. She gave an account of a series of events she believes were caused by the evil entity.

“Well the first thing that was very strange: my son woke up the morning, the middle of the night actually, and he said ‘He’s coming and get me, he coming, he coming’ and he (my son) start crying so we ran to his rescue, and actually his neck was going around so we grab on his neck and we tried to stabilise it, so he said ‘mommy he want to break my neck’. I say ‘who want to break your neck? There have nothing in there to break your neck, what happen to you?’ He said ‘the jumbie, the jumbie’ (evil spirit) so my boyfriend hold him and just as he hold him the thing tried to possess him too.”

She continued: “The morning I

woke up and we tell him, ‘Well, we have to go to church’, so while going down, before I go downstairs, I feel something tap my ears so I said ‘that’s funny, nobody in the house (upstairs), who tap my ears?’ So I was looking around to see if anybody was just joking, and they had nobody there. I went downstairs and I tell them ‘well let’s go because something just tapped my ears.

“Eventually we heard a frog in a very funny sound, so I tell them ‘a frog in the toilet’ so they laughing and say how frog reached in the toilet, but we just joke about it and leave it like that. Eventually it wasn’t so, it was more than that. And why? Because the frog eventually became a miserable something; the house, you start hearing the roof, things hitting and pelting on the roof, the doors locking and open, the doors knocking.

In the night somebody would come and do that? I don’t think so.”

She said the haunting continued even outside the house. “The materials under the house — because the house still building – everything moving as if people packing stuff as if people moving things around to do work,” she noted.

The longer they lived at the house, the more intense the haunting became. “The TV burn, the computer burn, the iron burn, the printer burn. Everything in the house.

You want something you can’t find it. You see a lot of frogs in the yard, eggs in the yard.

Now it gets worst. Day after day things happening in the house,” she said.

More frightening is that all members of the family have seen the apparitions of a man, believed to be the demon, in the Bisee house. The man was seen watching TV as well.

“Well I see a man sit down, my son complain he see a man, my daughter complain a man lying down beside her bedside.

There is a lot of funny stuff.

“My boyfriend complained that he saw the man walking around in the house earlier but then later the man tried to get into his body, but then when he run he saw the little man jump through the window of the house. But then we had to move, we had to move because there was something nasty. I don’t want to disclose it because actually the spirit came to the house to kill us. Yes I saw the man moving around the house.”

Adolphus was asked to give a description of the apparition. “Well you just seeing the shadow of a man, the image of a man directly, but it is just dark,” she noted.

The Guyanese national who has been living in St. Lucia for the past seven years, said she had the house blessed. She pointed out that on one occasion, after a pastor blessed the house, he told her the entity would get angry. His words came to pass.

She said shortly after the pastor left the entity began attacking members of the family, hitting them about their body at various times. Continued On Page 3

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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4 Wednesday, June 4, 2013

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Oldest surviving indentured worker who turned 110 on Indian Arrival Day, Friday, passes away TRINIDAD -- Soogaree, who came to Trinidad from India in 1908 when she was just four years old, was pronounced dead at 4.10 pm Saturday at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where she was warded for three days prior to her passing.

Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Regional Health Authority Kumar Boodram confirmed her demise. He said he was in the ward when she “ took her last breath”.

On her birthday on Friday, Soogaree was visited by a few family members including her daughter Anandai Ramlagan.

Genealogist Shamshu Deen, who has known Soogaree for over 25 years told Sunday Newsday he went to the hospital to see her yesterday but was not allowed in the ward as the doctors were trying to resuscitate her.

“I knew her for so long, I thought she would live forever. I used to boast about

her and hold her up as an example. Now she is no longer there,” he said sadly.

Deen said he met Soogaree’s greatgrand-daughter at the hospital yesterday who told him that she had grandchildren. He said that means that Soogaree has great, great, great grandchildren.

“That is exceptional, as a researcher I have never met someone with great, great, great grandchildren, it’s a first for me,” he said. Deen said Soogaree never knew her exact date of birth so decided to celebrate her birthday on Indian Arrival Day. Soogaree who is believed to be the oldest living person in Trinidad and Tobago, if not the Caribbean, was admitted to the Mt Hope hospital on Thursday. She was receiving oxygen and drips at the hospital and was being treated for fluid in her lungs.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalised. (Newsday)

Ontarians deserve a government that makes sense MISSISSAUGA Fayaz Karim, On-- F tario NDP Candidate Mississauga East in M – Cooksville says Ontario’s families Ont are tired of waste, mismanagement and mism scandal and are ready scand for a government that stands up for hard working families wo and respects people’s tax dollars. “ T h e Liberals are promising the moon and the stars to escape their scandals.

But they failed to keep just a handful of promises they made in the last budget and cannot be trusted to keep 70 new ones,” said Karim.

“With Andrea Horwath and the Ontario NDP on June 12, Ontarians have a chance to vote for leadership that makes sense.”

After consultation with small business owners, minimum wage earners and constituents in Mississauga, New Democrats have put forward a concrete plan that rewards job creators and creates jobs. Our practical proposal will raise the minimum wage to $12 by 2016 and lower taxes on small businesses.

“Families are being squeezed harder than ever. Household bills are constantly rising and paycheques are not keeping up,” said Karim. “We have taken the time to listen to people earning the minimum wage, as well as small business owners to find a practical solution.”

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Rastafest broadcasting live on CIUT 89.5 from Downsview Park

On Saturday, August 23, Canada’s largest Rastafari festival, the annual arts and kulcha festival, Rastafest™ will be staged on the grounds of Toronto’s Downsview Park – an event dedicated to strengthening community resiliency by contributing to the collective, cultural enrichment of the diversity of the African-Caribbean-Canadian community.

Since its inception in 1993 the festival continues to flourish within the city as over 10,000 people attended the event in 2013. A steady increase in supporters is expected at Downsview Park this year for the showcase of family fun activities and performers related to the Rastafari kulcha worldwide. The festival will be broadcasted live on CIUT 89.5 FM from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm and stream live on www.flexradio.net.

Hosted by King David, Elaine Thompson of CMR Diversity FM 101.3 and Puggy Simeon from CHRY 105.5 FM, Rastafest™ features performances by top international performers such as the globally acclaimed Cornel Campbell aka Don Gorgon who is known for his trademark falsetto and perennial favourites such as “Queen of The Minstrels” and “Stars”; General Trees, one of the most popular Jamaican dancehall deejays of the 1980s with his best-remembered song, “Mini Bus” and “Gone A Negril”; Jamaica’s top female dub poet Cherry Natural; the legendary Jay Douglas, who with over 40 years of showmanship developed a widerange repertoire of American blues, West Indian rhythms, and fancy footwork and veteran songstress Nana McLean.

Performances and appearances will also be done by Jah Cutta (from Montreal) Jahsmin Daley, Junior Whisper, Elle Tremor, Tanny Meadows, Emanuel Eye, Wizard, Trinity Drummers, and Iyah Yant Drummers. Backing bands are Mountain Edge and Lion Heart. DJs are Morning Ride/King Turbo from CIUT 89.5 FM, Boxer Joe and

Stur Gav. Rastafest™ targets cultural awareness about Rastafari and its roots in the city’s multicultural communities. Its mandate is to use the festival and the arts as a vehicle to help attendants recognize Rastafari’s contribution to the growth and positive image of the multicultural society in Canada and throughout the world. There will be a wide range of activities and interests to engage the local and international visitors which involve children, youth and family activities

by Parks Canada, Oware games, Nyah Binghi drumming, arts/craft market place, ital food demonstration, film and video screening, a writers’ corner featuring professional writers and the popular live international concert.

Rastafest™ will be launched on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at City Hall from 12 noon to 2:00 pm. The celebration continues at SEVEN 44 Restaurant & Lounge, 744 Mount Pleasant Road featuring Jay Douglas and the All Stars band. Show time: 10:00 pm. Music by DJ Boxer Joe. Admission: $15.00.

TweenFest – the children and youth component of Rastafest™ will be staged on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at York Woods Public library from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Free admission.

Admission to Rastafest™: Advance - $7:00. Door - $10.00. VIP: $20.00.

TEXT the word “Rastafest” to win two allinclusive tickets to Jamaica in recognition of the 34th anniversary celebration of Masani Productions in Canada. Visit www.rastafest. com, www.masaniproductions.com, www. upfrontt.com for more information about the various events and performances.

Upfront Theatre Foundation is a non-profit organization serving children and youth within the Jane and Finch community and surrounding areas.

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Helping Hands Walk set to take place on June 22nd TORONTO -- The fourth annual Helping Hands Walk for Education will take place on Sunday, June 22, at the Balmy Beach Club in Toronto, featuring an island-style lunch, live entertainment and gifts provided by freezie-maker, Kisko.

This year’s goal is to raise the $70,000 USD needed to revitalize the muchdeserved Park Mountain Basic School in Jamaica, which is in desperate need of an intervention. Currently, the school structure consists of three small bedrooms, a kitchenette and one small bathroom holds, and houses 62 students and three teachers.

There is no electricity.

All proceeds from the Walk will be donated to HHJF’s charitable partner, Food for the Poor, to build a new school, which will provide the teachers and students with a proper facility conducive to teaching and learning. Healthy early childhood development will directly and immediately benefit the students, and surrounding community of Park Mountain, which has a population of just over 2000 residents.

Registration is still open for walkers to join in at www.helpinghandsjamaica. com. HHJF founder, former Davis Cup champion and current Rogers Cup Tournament Director, Karl Hale, encourages everyone to get involved and raise funds. “Once we saw the condition of the school, it was

easy to decide where the funds should be directed. It’s easy to lend your support - every effort and every amount counts, and each small step makes a big difference.

Participants are now furiously tap-ping family and friends to win the 3-nightt stay at the ultra-exclusive Spa Retreat Hotell o in Jamaica, awarded to the participant who raises the most money. .

“We are excited about the progresss p we have made and the literacy rate jump from 33% to 80% in our partnerr schools over the years,” sayss Hale. “The improved toolss n and environment that we can provide have a lasting ef-fect on the communities off Jamaica, and hopefully thee island as a whole.”

G ABOUT HELPING HANDS JAMAICA: Thee mission of Helping Hands Ja-maica Foundation is to improvee the lives of the next generation off Jamaicans by improving literacy and build-ing schools, through investing in infrastruc-ture, resource materials and expertise. Sincee n 2006, Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation has raised a total of $775,232 to supportt schools, hospitals, and local communitiess all over Jamaica. Over 4,000 children’s’’ lives have been touched through the gen-erosity of their donors and supporters. Visitt www.helpinghandsjamaica.com for moree information.

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Junior Carnival: New location, even bigger vibes!

Emily Singh TC Reporter TORONTO -- Get ready! The time is almost here for our kids to put on their mas costumes and glitter up for Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Junior Carnival Parade!

This years Junior Carnival more commonly referred to as Kiddie Carnival is taking on a new location and route but the celebration will be even bigger than last year!

This is just one part of a three-week celebration of the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival that we all know and love. Similar to the Grand Parade, which is held in Downtown Toronto, the Junior Carnival is for the kids!

This year the parade for the children will be taking place on July 19th in the Malvern community located in Scarborough.

For the past two years the parade and Family Day events were held at Downsview Park

where thousands of kids got together to celebrate diversity and unity and express their love for their Caribbean culture.

The kids will begin their parade route at Malvern Park and make their way down McLevin Avenue to Sewells Road then southwest onto Neilson Road. The parade will conclude at Neilson Park where the real celebrations begin! Families and friends will get a chance to enjoy games, rides, concerts and of course food as they celebrate together as one.

Children are our future hence why it is important to get them involved with the Caribbean Carnival at a young age. The Junior Carnival gets them excited to showcase the artistic talents of the Caribbean through song, dance, craft and cuisine! Toronto is the most multicultural city in this world so its only natural that it was ranked as the largest multicultural festival in North America.

Parade participants this year will be as little as just 6 months old! If this is your first time coming or if this is a yearly family tradition this is something you don’t want to miss! Expect the celebration to be bigger and better this year as crowds by the thousands turn out with their children to take part in Kiddie Carnival. Bring your coolers, chairs, sunscreen and of course children to enjoy this Caribbean cultural explosion!

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Aunty Bʼs puppet shows in Toronto - Giving out Caribbean flavour Ebony Narpatty TC Columnist When we think of Caribbean based puppet shows and entertainment, we think of Khalilah Brooks. She has created the character and stories about Aunty B and is the face and voice of B-AM Children’s Entertainment which started in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and came to Toronto in 2011. B-AM is an entertainment and musical theatre company that caters to children aged 0-12 years. B-AM is also a touring company travelling to: schools, daycares, libraries, community centres, birthday parties and much more. Aunty B is a vibrant and exuberant character sharing her true life experiences with her audience through her theatrical stage performances. Aunty B is never alone. Her funky and funny puppet friends are always by her side creating a safe, funny and groovy atmosphere.

In the live theatre story telling production called, “The Little Yellow School Bus,” Aunty B aka little B is faced with being bullied by a school mate named Melissa. Here is a part of the story… Melissa said, “You can’t sing, why are you signing up for the school talent show?

I’ll be at the back laughing at you!” Aunty B

addresses the basic challenges children face everyday at school. She provides viewers with a tool to use when confronted with issues that are difficult to deal with. Aunty B uses the methods of: standing up straight, stick your heart out, stay groovy, and take the risk! Aunty B endorses – Take the risk to be kind, take the risk and love someone more, take the risk to love yourself. Aunty B also promotes young people to stay “Groovy” meaning “Happy and cool.”

Khalilah Brooks is a Nova Scotian of African heritage and would like to share how her roots and work relate to the Caribbean by stating, “Black Nova Scotians are people of African American descent whose ancestors fled colonial America as slaves of freemen, settled in Nova Scotia, Canada during the 18th and 19th centuries. The majority of Black Nova Scotians are of Caribbean ancestry. Khalilah’s ancestry is from a Jamaican tribe called “The Muroon tribe” a tribe of strength and freedom.

Her passion for the performing arts came from singing in the church choir as a young girl.”

Singing was a very natural thing from her family as it was the means of communication for her ancestry to plot a plan to escape slavery.

Khalilah has always had the gift of entertaining through her most difficult times in her life. It is the sound and rhythm of music that has given her the strength to push forward in her life, career and expressing her thoughts.

If you would like to know more about Aunty B, Khalilah Brooks recently published her first children’s book based on the live production, which she wrote and produced called

“Feels Good to be Kind.” You can purchase this book on June 3rd 2014 from the auntyb.ca website or call to place an order at 647-884-7546. For future bookings for an Aunty B presentation or for further information about her, p l e a s e visit Aunty B and B-AM Children’s entertainment at w w w. a u n t y b . ca or Facebook Aunty B or follow her on twitter @Aunty_B. Watch the Youtube video on “Safety with the Red Cross and Aunty B” to promote a healthy learning environment for kids.

Aunty B would like to remind us to stay groovy in our everyday lives and is hoping we can show interest in her along with our children in the near future. “Your dreams come true, through you!” Aunty B Productions.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

St. Lucian home - haunted Continued From Page 3 -- She was advised by a pastor and a relative to move out of the house.

“My boyfriend’s sister – he is a twin – called and she said, ‘ya’ll move out from that house right now because I am seeing ya’ll coming out one by one in a coffin.

I said ‘how you see we in a coffin’ and she said ‘I dream that and I know that’.”

The horror stories have also scared the construction workers who were completing the house. She said they have not returned to work over concerns for their safety.

The family eventually moved to Massade, Gros Islet three weeks ago – the same place they lived for about five years prior to moving to Bisee.

But all is not well. The evil spirit is still terrorising the family – through their son.

“The biggest problem right now is my son. Right now he complaining that he seeing this man and this man tell him that there is no God so he must not talk about God because he is going to kill him, and this thing asked him to kill us all in the house because it’s a family the thing come to kill.

And he didn’t get to do it so my son have to do it, and my son did possess himself into doing it, and when my son could not have done it to us, he tried do it to himself. He cut up his entire left arm,” she explained.

The family came under attack from the evil as recent as two nights ago. “And the hurtful part of it is, night before the last, we had one fight with him. That’s how my lip, you can see it there,” Adolphus said, pointing to the scar on her lip.

“We had to hold him (my son) down and he was so strong , he ripped through. He told us that ‘the man said if I can’t kill us (the family), he is going to kill me’. I say you can’t kill yourself because nothing is stronger than God, don’t worry. He said ‘mommy this thing want to kill me, it want to kill me, it coming’. I had to call a friend. I tell her ‘come and help me, come and help me with Neil, I can’t hold Neil, Neil is so strong, Neil fighting too much!” she exclaimed.

“She come and she start praying for him. However we went to the Trumpet of the Nation (church in Rodney Bay) and the prophet told us, the prophet said it is a very serious situation, ‘Ya’ll cannot go back to that house, sell it because ya’ll is going to find ya’ll selves in problems’, so we ask him ‘well why?’. He said the people bury the stuff on the house. And what he can do is to clean the place but he cannot take it away because they’re going to put it back at the place so that’s the biggest problem we have right now,” said the distraught mother.

She said the entity continues to haunt the family. She told SNO that the spirit plays in her hair and face.

“Because I feel things tap my face, I feel the finger on my face, yes I feel it. I sitting on the chair and I put my hands around the chair, and when my hands were around the chair, I could have felt something playing with my hands, and I took my hands and hit it to the wall and I felt nothing else.

“My daughter was inside here alone and she complained that something tapping she face and playing around the hair, and eventually she heard something scratching on the wall like it want to come over into she,” Adolphus said.

She now realises moving did not solve the problem. “So actually what happened there, maybe it was in him (my son) from there (Bisee) and it followed us because we moved … remember it come to

kill us, that’s one of the reasons I was being sucked down to bones.

“We have a lot of problems eh because I am hearing things (in the Massade home). We would hear certain music. At the middle of the night everybody is sleeping and the place is very quiet, you would hear sounds, you would hear things moving, you would hear people …One middle of the night I heard somebody knocking but then you know me being fast I come checking around to see maybe somebody outside, maybe somebody around, but there had nobody.

“You hearing things, pots moving, this moving, nobody not there. You can’t hear pots, people cooking at that hour and nobody not around?”

Adolphus is clueless as to why anyone would want to harm her family. She believes jealousy is the root of the problem.

“Yes, we had pastors come and pray but according to what we understand, my boyfriend job is much higher than mine so they need the breadwinner to die first. Actually all of us supposed to die, so actually since I am that small, it was actually sucking me down and I never knew. I used to feel sick but when I go to the doctor I found no complaint. I had a lot of weight and I start losing the weight, losing the weight, losing the weight until I become the person I am now: very small. But I never knew, I just take it for granted all the time until that happened.”

She said she has heard many stories as to why evil has been set to destroy her family. “But then we heard another story from another friend, but then you don’t always believe things you hear all the time.

The problem is they consider that he’s a Guyanese, how he come and get a land and build a house before them, that shouldn’t happen, so maybe it has something to do with that,” she explained.

Adolphus also heard that the problem may be stemmed from a possible family dispute over the land that was sold to her.

She said if that is the case, her family should not have been harmed because they innocently bought the land.

Adolphus currently lives alone with her children in Massade. Her boyfriend is currently overseas and does not want to return to St. Lucia long-term. The stressed out woman said she is contemplating moving back to Guyana where she also has a home and where she was a thriving hairdresser.

“It is stressing for me a lot eh. It bring me down to nothing, it pull me down by losing all my weight. It pulls me down because I can’t focus, I can’t think properly.

I am not me again and I need to be me,” she said.

While she is contemplating selling the house, which has cost the family over $300,000 to build (including the purchase of the land), her biggest concern is the fate of her son, who she strongly believes is possessed by the demon. She said he is scheduled to sit CXC exams soon and this will affect his focus.

Officials at the teenager’s school are also aware of the problems facing the family.

According to the mother, she received a letter from the school recently, indicating that her son told a teacher the entity tempted him to jump off a balcony, hurt students and kill himself. The school advised the parent to seek mental checkup for her son.

“I went to the school day before yesterday and I had no complaints that he would misbehave, but sometimes he has been rude,

and like if they ask him ‘Neil what happen to you, you’ve been such a nice boy all the time what happen, what happen’ and he said ‘miss I don’t know, I don’t know’, but eventually he told the teacher that the spirit is telling him to jump from the top of the balcony, go into the class and beat the kids up in the class and kill himself,” she said.

She said she is only complying with the school’s request out of respect for the school and the Ministry of Education. However, she declared that no one in her family suffers or suffered from mental problems, and her son’s problem is definitely due to demon possession.

The mother also revealed that her son – while he was being prayed for by a church sister – told them that he felt someone standing behind him. The church sister also revealed that she too saw the apparition standing behind the teenager.

When asked if she has ever considered exorcism, Adolphus said: “No because we don’t know anything about the exorcising and these people, but what we did we went to the church and they prayed for us and the pastor said the thing is in my son, the spirit is in him.”

St. Lucia News Online visited the haunted house in Bisee for a photo shoot, but was warned by Adolphus that she is not interested in venturing inside the house. She said persons who have been inside the house complained of sleeplessness, irritation, feeling cold, among other “destructive” events.

She said her boyfriend also warned her not to visit the house again.

With that caution, the SNO reporter and Adolphus stayed outside and walked around the yard. Building materials – wood, cement, blocks, stones, and sand – were strewn about the yard, signs that the workmen may have left in a hurry. One of the steps to the house is unfinished.

While taking photos, the SNO reporter was told: “Be careful where you standing there, that’s where the row of eggs were found.”

The reporter moved from the spot promptly.

While taking more photos, Adolphus then asked for quiet: “Did you hear that?”

At that moment, the SNO reporter heard “shuffling” sounds coming from the master bedroom Adolphus shared with her husband. Looking from below, inside the house was dark and there were no visible signs that anyone was inside the house.

The shuffling stopped. However, a few minutes later the SNO reporter heard “tapping” sounds coming from the same room. Adolphus also admitted hearing it too.

The sounds were intermittent. Adolphus disclosed that it was in that room she felt a lot of the tapping sensations on her face, neck and hands.

Despite the ordeal, Adolphus is a sad and broken woman. “It burns me you know,” she said as we walked around the yard. “I would take some pride and I won’t cry.

She said she and her family have made a lot of sacrifices, including taking a loan and money from personal savings to build the house, only to lose it due to demonic activity, suspected to have been “planted” by an unknown enemy.

“It is very funny, and I don’t understand exactly why us. We are not the problem. I don’t have any enemies you know.

I don’t trouble people. I am more friendly, into people, than be destructive to people, so I don’t know why,” she said. (St. Lucia News Online)

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 11

12 Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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Dominicaʼs Michele Henderson wins CARICOM song competition DOMINICA -- Dominican, jazz, fusion singer Michele Henderson is the winner of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) song competition, and her winning entry “Celebrating CARICOM” is now the regional body’s official anthem. Henderson beat out 57 semi-finalists and ten finalists to emerge winner in the competition which was announced last year.

She says she screamed in disbelief when she first heard the news, and she is “happy and proud” for the accomplishment.

“I want to thank CARICOM for the honour. I want to thank my husband (Roland Delsol Jr.) from the bottom of my heart for believing I could do it and for producing the song; Earlson Mathew for his arrangement; Michael Ferrol for his drumming skills and the St. Alphonsus Choir for their choral input.”

According to the competition rules, the song should reflect a strong Caribbean cultural identity, have versatility and lend itself to be played by various instruments, have a strong Caribbean cultural flavour and rhythm and inspire a sense of regional pride and unity.

Irwin Laroque, General Secretary of CARICOM (a Dominican himself) shares

that the regional panel of judges considered her composition “an excellent reflection of the culture, identity and aspiration of the Caribbean Community engendering regional unity and pride and a fitting tribute to the 40th anniversary of CARICOM.” The win is rather timely as next year will mark 20 years since Henderson burst on the music scene with her winning composition “My Pride”- a song she penned for the 1995 DOMFESTA (Dominica Festival of Arts) song competition. Much like that song, “Celebrating CARICOM” is a rallying cry for unity.

Henderson states that while keeping the rules of the competition in mind, her main goal was to create a song that would cause a groundswell and impact Caribbean people in a genuine way.

“In addition to its use at official functions, it’s my hope that “Celebrating CARICOM” will cause people from member islands to come together and build on our strengths. Regular rotation on local radio and a corresponding video on TV would go even further to encourage persons from all over the region to see that we really are more similar than we are different,” she says.

Henderson hails from Grand Bay, a

community often times referred to as the cultural capital of Dominica and sings in English, French and French Creole. No stranger to the Regional stage, she has performed at the CBU Song competition in Barbados, Trinidad’s Jazz Artists on the Green, St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Carifesta in St. Kitts and Trinidad, St. Bart’s Music Festival, Spice Jazz in Grenada, the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica and numerous concert events in the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. The seasoned flutist has six albums to her credit including her most recent Home (Chez Moi). She also successfully writes for competitors across a range of genres from pop to cadencelypso to calypso.

The powerful vocalist has been honoured by the government of Dominica for her contribution to culture and the development of the French Language; and as of 2004 appointed Goodwill ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean island.

Dominica’s Minister of Culture Hon. Justina Charles and parliamentary representative for the Grand Bay community shared the government’s pride at her most recent achievement.

“I want to as Minister of Culture extend congratulations to Michele for

emerging winner of the CARICOM song competition and as parliamentary representative of her community I must say that I am extremely elated about her win. Michele has been doing wonderfully well nationally, regionally, internationally. I think that her mother, her sisters and her family must be very proud of her and we in the Grand Bay constituency and Dominica by extension are very proud that such a prestigious honour has been earned by one of our own.

Her example confirms to us her potential. We wish her all the best in her future creative pursuits.”

The results were first announced to CARICOM Heads of Government at the twenty-fifth Inter-Session Meeting held in March 2014 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Henderson’s first official performance of “Celebrating CARICOM, the official CARICOM song will be at the opening ceremony for the thirty-fifth Regional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government to be held Tuesday 1st July, 2014.

There she will also be presented with her winning cheque of US$10,000.00.

Travel advisories issued for the twin Islands Emily Singh TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- Prior to her tragic death Ms. Seetahal was in the process of working towards drafting a legislation to shorten the length of hearings within the lower court. As a renowned leader she led a workshop, which was geared at guilty individuals to plea accordingly in exchange for shorter sentences in order to relieve the court.

The news of her death spread like wildfire through Twitter and Facebook with Trinidadians and West Indians worldwide outraged at the horrific events taking place

in their home. This year alone there have already been 181 murders, many of which do not make it to the media’s eye to get reported. The murder of Ms. Seetahal has acted as a wake up call to the nation to acknowledge that there is a problem and something needs to be done now.

Gun violence, gang violence and domestic violence are to blame for the uproar and despair in what was once a top vacation destination. The US State Department put out a warning that reads as follows: “In Tobago, violent crime is high, including attacks on expatriate residents and tourists in their residences, many of which involve the use of machetes…There have been reports of home invasions in the Mt. Irvine/Buccoo Bay, and Bacolet areas, and robberies occurring at the waterfalls and on isolated beaches in Tobago where visitors are not in a group.

If you rent a villa or private home, the Embassy urges you to ensure adequate, 24- hour security measures are in place.”

Another warning from the British

Foreign & Commonwealth Office states: “You should be aware that there are high levels of violent crime, especially shootings and kidnappings. British nationals have been victims of violent attacks, particularly in Tobago where law enforcement is weak.”

Cases of violence and a heavy crime rate dampen Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation as being home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The tourism industry is destined to suffer greatly as a result of the increased crime. However, even more vital is the fate of the residents who call this county home. Imagine, putting your children to sleep every night to the sound of gunshots or wondering if they will be safe walking to school. This is something that no parent should have to go through. Residents have to be on alert in their own homeland as they live day to day. It is the unfortunate reality of the country right now and something needs to be done.

Now being referred to as the crime capital of the Caribbean, many are left ask-

ing themselves what is the root cause of all this violence. The real problem in Trinidad is the issue surrounding drugs and narcotics.

It is a domino effect if you think about it, the increase in drug trade activities creates tension amongst gangs which in turn leads to outburst of violent acts.

With such tragic stories it is vital that we try to take a lesson from in it in hopes that we can use it to create change elsewhere. This should act as a wake up call for the Trinidad government as well as community members to take action to combat this rapidly growing problem. As well, other Caribbean nations such as Guyana where the crime rate is growing at an alarming rate should take notice and take action to prevent the situation from becoming identical to that of Trinidad. Our deepest sympathies go out the residents of Trinidad and Tobago who have lost loved ones and our prayers will be going out to the entire country as they work towards improving this beautiful land.

14 Wednesday, June 4, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Moses cries out to young women- “Respect yourselves despite the sexual lyrics of songs” Aba Luke Entertainment On the heels of the release of his brand new single, ‘Touch It’, written and sung with the ladies in mind, Devon Moses, known best as Fadda Moses is a bit bothered by news that eight teenage girls of a secondary school in South, Trinidad are said to be pregnant.

The artiste who continues to show a high level of consistency, earning favor among fans locally and abroad, says this just shouldn’t be; and understanding of the fact that his lyrics often call on the females to obey instructions of gyrating and dancing, he says women need not be distasteful with their behaviour. “I don’t think a woman has to wear the shortest pants to look attractive or to be sexy. A woman doesn’t have to split to the ground or show off her body to dance and enjoy herself at a party,” he said, adding that it all comes down to respecting oneself.

Moses’ recent release, which was

produced by Millbeatz Entertainment, David Millien, has caught on across the urban radio market. It was almost an instant success.

He says he’s thankful for the interest taken by many, to the music he’s been releasing since announcing his decision almost two years ago, to be managed by Damien Nesbit.

Damien meanwhile says there’s a lot in the making for Moses, and interest is growing not just locally, but overseas. “An African production team is eager to get some work done with him and he also has some big collaborations coming with some reputed Jamaican artistes,” said Nesbit.

But amid all of this, Moses remains disheartened by much of what is happening in Trinidad and Tobago. He says parents must step up to the plate and act their respective roles. As a father himself, the young entertainer holds that particular role near to his heart. He says he tries to accommodate every school tour he’s invited to annually, just to deliver words of encouragement to the students. “It’s a good forum, not just for me to promote my music, but for me and other artistes to touch the hearts of the youths. I take that responsibility very seriously,” he said.

With a steady head when it comes to his career, Moses is moving apace to make the required impression. He’s been using digital tools to promote himself, hav-

ing used online music portal, Sound Cloud to release ‘Touch It’ first, earlier this month.

The song was subsequently sent to radio stations and has since been receiving pretty good rotation across the board. Separately, there are plans to release yet another single in the weeks ahead and the artiste has also been working on getting his soca music for 2015, organized so that his releases will be delivered to the public, earlier. “I want to make sure the music is out there earlier this coming season. I’d also like to do some when it comes to production with, Kerwin Du Bois and Nebula 868,” he revealed.

Moses is making good of his God given talent. His unique style and ability to write his own music, makes him truly one of a kind in Trinidad and Tobago.

He says he will continue to give music lovers that feel good musical vibe, adding that he hopes women will see his style and others of similar quality for just what it is, feel good music.

“Ladies, hold up your heads.

Don’t allow lyrics of songs to dictate how you behave,” he said. (EtceteraBuzz.com)

16 Wednesday, June 4, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Cop dressed as a female to catch serial rapist JAMAICA -- Detective Corporal Clayton Brown and District Constable Winsome Maye of the Manchester police now hold the title of top cops in the parish.

The two were awarded during the Annual General Meeting of the Mandeville Police Civic Committee at the Mandeville Parish Church Hall, recently.

A Jamaica National Building Societysponsored trophy went to the top male officer and the trophy for the top female officer was sponsored by the Cotton Tree Citizens’ Association.

Superintendent for the Manchester Police Division Marlon Nesbeth described Brown, who is assigned to the Mandeville Police Station, as a fearless crime fighter.

“One of the highlights of him being selected was (Brown) telling the story of how he outsmarted some notorious guys who were serial rapists…over a year ago. They created havoc on the female populace in Manchester.

He dressed himself like a female and lured the perpetrators and was able to apprehend them.

This matter is presently before the Manchester Circuit court,” he said.

Nesbeth said that District Constable Maye of the Kendal Police Station is noted for her customer service virtues and community involvement in the Kendal police area.

“It was something which I expected because I worked towards the achievement. For some time now I have seen myself as the top cop,” Brown told the Jamaica Observer.

He said he has been serving in the Jamaica Constabulary Force for

10 years and has aspirations of one day holding g the position of commissioner of police.

Brown, who is a sub-officer in chargee of the Manchester Street Crime Unit, said thatt policing is his first love and he will be further-ing his education soon.

In July, Maye will mark her fifth yearr as a district constable.

“I feel good knowing that after so o many years I have achieved something from m my work and that persons I work with see thee potential in me. (I will) continue to do the work k in a professional manner; to serve, protect and d reassure, as the motto says,” Maye said.

Third-term chairman of the Mandev-ille Police Civic Committee Osbourne Jamess Lawrence said that his organisation has been n working with the police for over 30 years.

For this year, he said, 15 police of-ficers from police stations in Manchester weree nominated for the award based on their exem-plary work.

The candidates reportedly wentt through an interview and the particular quali-ties of Brown and Maye impressed the adjudi-cators.

Lawrence believes that the annuall award is one way of helping to build moralee among police personnel.

He said that the committee is also o instrumental in raising funds for mainly thee Mandeville Police Station and to assist in wayss such as procuring water drums, a photocopy y machine, stove, and refrigerator for use by on-duty policemen and women, air conditionerss for some sections of the station, and tyress for police service vehicles. (Jamaica Ob-server)

Abducted Berbice ʻwater-babyʼ found GUYANA -- The nine-day-old baby who was abducted in the vicinity of the Rose Hall Market in Berbice two Saturdays ago was yesterday morning found and returned to his parents.According to reports, the baby was given back to his parents at the Whim Police Station, Corentyne where police were taking statements.

A close relative who was at the station told this publication that the child is quite alright and the mother has positively identified him.

The baby was reportedly kidnapped by a woman who goes by the name of Bibi Khan, and is said to be based in Nickerie, Suriname.

On May 29, police had arrested Bibi Khan, a former sales representative of MultiTechnology Vision (MTV Channel 14/65) in connection with the kidnapping of the child, and his parents were taken to the CID Headquarters in the city from Berbice to confirm whether she was the suspect.

However, the parents did not finger Khan of Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara, who was arrested by the police late Wednesday night, along with another person.

According to the baby’s mother, Sandra McLean, called ‘Pinky’, 22, of Number 60 Village, Corentyne, the kidnapper had met her at the hospital where she was admitted to await delivery and cultivated her friendship, expressing an interest in the newborn and giving her $5,000, for the child on each of two separate occasions.

On Saturday May 24, nine days after the boy’s birth, the family was hosting a cel-

ebration, and the kidnapper turned up and offered to sponsor part of the festivities.

The mother, together with the baby and the woman, made their way to Rose Hall Market, Corentyne, Berbice, where the kidnapper sent the mother to purchase fish before disappearing with the infant.

The parents who live at Number 60 Village, Corentyne, were left in a frantic state, worrying about the infant’s whereabouts.

His father Ravikant Vistonauth and his mother ‘Pinky’ were distraught.

According to Pinky’s aunt, Radhika DeBarros, a woman named Bibi from the Surinamese border town of Nickerie befriended her niece while she was in hospital awaiting delivery.

“Since then, she has been around to see the baby rather often,” De Barros said, adding, “The woman was nice; I can’t even tell you how this happen.”

On the day of the kidnapping, DeBarros said Pinky had gone to the market in the company of the kidnapper and had asked the woman to keep the child while she went to get something.

“In two minutes, the woman disappeared,” De Barros related, emotionally.

Up to press time, this publication could not get information on where the baby was found and if the kidnapper was caught but more details will be given in a subsequent publication. (Guyana Chronicle)

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Narine leaks runs but KKR takes thriller

BANGALORE -- Sunil Narine’s Kolkata Knight Riders won their second Indian Premier League title when they beat Kings XI Punjab by three wickets in a thrilling, high-scoring final yesterday.

Chasing 200 for victory at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, KKR reached their target with three balls to spare when tail-ender Piyush Chawla sliced a delivery from seamer Parvinder Awana over point for four, triggering mass celebrations.

The triumph added to their success in 2012 when they captured their first ever title by beating Chenna Super Kings in the final.

KKR were lifted by 94 from Manish Pandey who counted seven fours and half-dozen sixes off 50 deliveries while Yusuf Pathan cracked four sixes in a breezy 36 from 22 balls.

However, KKR started the last over needing five runs for victory, with Narine on strike. He was held scoreless from the first ball before scrambling a single off the second ball to give Chawla the strike.

“I just wanted to make contact and give it to Piyush,” said Narine afterwards.

The T&T off-spinner had earlier come in for some rough treatment as Kings XI recovered from a weak start to make 199 for four from their 20 overs, after being sent in.

He bowled Australian George Bailey behind his back for one with his first ball of the game in the sixth over of the innings, that cost just two runs.

Narine was immediately pulled from the innings and when he was recalled in the 14th over, he leaked runs. His next three overs cost

44 runs as he finished with one for 46 from his four overs.

Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha slammed an unbeaten 115 from 54 balls, counting ten fours and eight sixes, while Manan Vohra chipped in with 67 from 52 balls.

The pair shared a stand of 129 for the third wicket that gave the innings momentum.

Narine controversially opted to remain in India for the IPL final instead of returning to the Caribbean for an ongoing training camp in preparation for a three-Test series against New Zealand which starts next Sunday.

He was subsequently ruled ineligible for selection.

(CMC)

20 Wednesday, June 4, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Diabetic friendly ginger mango muffins II’d I’ ’d in iinclude ncl clud ude de iitt hhere erre fo for tth for those hhos oosse ooff yyou oouu w who ho hhave ho ave ave av not had the pleasure of flying with LIAT.

Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking If you travel within the Caribbean, most likely you’ve found yourself on the regional airline LIAT and I’m sure you’ve been reading my delicious offerings in their inflight magazine ZiNG. A gorgeous magazine which is very solid in regional content. In the latest issue I shared this recipe for a diabetic friendly dessert (or snack) so I thought

You’ll Need: 1 cup almond flour 2/3 cup coconut flour 2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup sliced mango 2 tsp. fresh ginger root, grated 1 tablespoon orange zest, grated 2 eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup Splenda (granulated — measures cup for cup) 1 tablespoon molasses

tablespoon 2 ta ables blesspoon bl pooonn ppistachio istach is taach chiio o nnuts, utts cchopped hopp pped d ((opoopptional) baking spray Place the mango (try to get ripe mangoes) and grated ginger in a blender and puree until smooth. Then pour into a bowl with the orange zest, eggs, sour cream, butter, molasses and vanilla. Give it a quick mix.

In another bowl, place all the other ingredients (except the chopped pistachios) and give it a good mix. Then add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and combine well to form a semi dry batter. If it’s overly dry you can add a little water.

Please preheat your oven to 375 F and grease your muffin tray with some non stick spray or do as I did and use cupcake cups. Now spoon out the batter into the

ccups, cu ups top top wi to with ith h ssome ome om me of of the hee cchopped hhoopp pped ed ppistaistaais chios (you may need to press then in a bit) and when the oven come up to temperature, place on the middle rack. Bake for 16-18 minutes.. you’ll get a lovely golden brown edges.

Place to cool on a wire rack and enjoy!

These ginger mango muffins are delicious, very filling and as I mentioned, can be considered diabetic friendly… but be sure to keep an eye on the actual ingredient list to ensure they meet with your dietary needs or regulations.

TORONTO O O OC CARIBBEAN

Hip pain relief through yoga Geeta Maraj Yoga As we age, hip and pelvic exercises are very beneficial to both men and women. As early as the age of 50, weakness and aches of the hips can begin to develop, especially when getting out of bed, rising from a seated position, or sitting for a prolonged period of time.

Muscles and tendons of the hips, lumbar and sacral areas, become worn and overused with time. The cartilage of the hip joints become brittle and damaged. Along with general wear and tear of the hips and lower back, lack of mobility and exercise also contribute to the body becoming more susceptible to injuries or fractures.

Yoga postures are very beneficial when it comes to stretching out the hip area, to make the joints more flexible. Best

of all, yoga postures for hip pain can be performed in a variety of places based on your mobility and flexibility. These exercises can be done whether lying on a yoga mat on the floor or for those with poor mobility - lying on a firm bed. Some stretches for the hips and lower back can even be done while sitting upright in a chair. Standing exercises are also beneficial in strengthening the hips and lower back.

Prior to commencing these stretches, it is important to understand the necessity of proper breathing techniques. Always exhale a full out breath before beginning an exercise, ensuring that your abdominal muscles contract tightly as your chest collapses. Then as you begin to inhale, ensure that your chest rises as your abdominal muscles extend. This will not only confirm that you are breathing correctly during your

routine, but that you have allowed your lungs to be cleared of all stale air before beginning your exercise.

It is important to remember to breathe during the exercise and not hold your breath.

Holding of the breath, unless specified, can result in cramps while trying to practice an exercise that is supposed to bring greater help to the aches and pains of the body.

Hip exercise for building strength of the muscles: Begin to strengthen your hips and lower back by first of all strengthening the muscles of your lower extremities. One simple routine is to learn to weight bear on a single leg at a time.

You can stand upright, holding onto the back of a sturdy chair or your kitchen sink or the wall.

Breathe in and try to put all your weight onto one leg, making sure that you keep the knee straight but not locked. Hold the position for as long as it is comfortable and continue to breathe even breaths (in breath and out breath must be to the same length of time). Then shift your weight over onto the opposite leg and hold for the same length of time. Repeat up to three times as a beginner and increase as your muscles become stronger.

Exercise to build strength in the lower back: Whether lying in bed, on your yoga mat, seated upright in a chair, or standing, try to squeeze your abdominal muscles and buttocks as tightly as you can, hold for a short period of time and then relax. You breathe in to begin the exercise, hold your breath as you squeezing your abdominal/buttock muscles tightly, and exhale as you relax your muscles.

This can be practiced many times during the day for a routine of 10 to 20 contractions and increasing with time.

Wednesday, y, June 4,, 2014 21 Exercises to work the mobility of the hip area: 1) Lying on your back on your yoga mat (or on a firm bed) stretch out your legs, keeping them together. Bend your right knee and bring the right foot on the inside of the left leg from the position of your left ankle. Slowly try to move your right foot along the inside of your left leg, all the way up toward the inner thigh. Remember to breathe in as you begin the exercise and continue to breathe during the routine. To come out of this exercise, simply slide your foot back down your thigh all the way to your right ankle, and then stretch out the leg. Repeat with the opposite leg in the same format.

2) With your legs outstretched and lying on your back, bend the right knee to bring the right foot close to your right buttock, leaving the left leg outstretched. Keep your right foot close to your bum, and then lower your right knee toward the right as best you can. Hold for 1 to 10 seconds and return your knee in an upright position. Then try to take the knee in the opposite direction, as if you are trying to cross your knee over the left leg, pointing it to the left. Hold for 1 to 10 seconds, then bring your knee back into the original centre position. Now pull your knee up towards your chest, and using your arms to hug around your knee, hold for 1 to 10 seconds - or more as is comfortable for you. Repeat the same routine with the other leg.

3) To stretch your body out from the previous series of exercises, or to improve blood circulation to the legs, simply stretch out both legs while lying on your back. As you breathe in, push out your right heel as best as you can - as if you are trying to point with your heel outward. This exercise stretches out the entire leg. Hold the posture while continuing to breathe for a few seconds. Relax the right leg by flopping it onto the mat so as to loosen the muscles. Repeat the same routine with the left leg. Then keeping both legs together, point both heels outward from the lying position to stretch out the legs. Relax the legs by bringing the feet back to the original position.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

6 Unique Veggies to Add to Your Garden If you’re thinking about what vegetables to plant to liven up your garden this year, it may be best to skip the predictable choices.

This doesn’t mean that tomatoes and carrots aren’t great veggies; it’s just that they aren’t the most unique choices available. While you’re out shopping for your usual garden additions, here are some vegetables that you should definitely take a second look at.

They’re not your usual fare, but these plants are very special and can make any garden stand out!

Romanesco Vegetables don’t get much more unique or beautiful than the Romanesco, an Italian plant closely related to Broccoli and Cauliflower.When you plant one of these unique veggies, what literally grows out of the ground is something akin to a psychedelic experience. These spiraling wonders are so fascinating to look at you may prefer staring at them instead of actually eating them.The Romanesco is typically in season from late summer to early fall. But, be sure to invest in pest control. It would be a shame to see these beautiful vegetables spoiled by pesky rodents.

Bok Choy This is the Chinese’s version of cabbage and

it’s far more attractive than the more common Pekinese’s or Napa Cabbage.The Bok Choy may be a popular feature in stir fry dishes, but it’s also very good for you. The veggie is loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C. It’s recommended that you grow this vegetable in early spring.

Malaysian Dark Red Eggplant This may be the most beautiful type of eggplant you will ever grow in your garden.

While the color purple is hardly unique in an eggplant, there’s something about the Malaysian Dark Red. Should you need a pop of color that will awe the neighbors, this delicious variety of eggplant will certainly stand out in a sea of green. Best grown from late spring into summer, this plant can be hard to come by in the United States or anywhere outside of its native Malaysia. However, it is definitely worth the effort to get if possible.

Arugula You’ve got to love a vegetable that’s also known as the Salad Rocket. Arugula is a healthy early summer plant that is great for those gardeners trying to be mindful of their health. It’s low in calories and is one of the best sources of vitamin K found in nature.

Arugula is not only a great salad vegetable, but it also makes a good pesto sauce.

Kohlrabi When you look at a Kohlrabi, you may scratch your head at first. It looks like a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. The fact that its name in German translates to “cabbage turnip” only drives home the visual confusion. Nevertheless, the Kohlrabi has a lot of potential. It is a cool-weather plant, so you can opt to grow it for weeks ahead of the last average frost of spring or you can plant it in late summer (provided that temperatures don’t exceed 75 degrees) for a winter harvest.

Mizuna A fast-growing plant known for leaves with a slight mustard flavor, this Japanese vegetable is great addition to salads or stir fries. It’s resistant to many diseases, but may bolt in hot weather. It’s recommended that one plant the Mizuna as early as July for the best possible harvest outcome. No matter which unique veggies you choose to add to your garden, odds are they’ll be the star attractions and a great conversation starter. Hopefully, this will encourage you to think more outside the box in terms of what delightful and unique plants you can add to your garden. Be bold with your veggies and you won’t regret it.

(NaturalNews)

Seven Steps to Fast, Cheap and Healthy Grocery Shopping There’s a place right in your neighborhood that puts terror into the hearts of men and women… it’s the supermarket. Some believe they will empty their wallets as soon as they enter the automatic doors. Others are so overwhelmed by the abundance of fresh, organic and local veggies, fancy cheeses, exotic spices and sauces and delectable desserts that they don’t know where to begin.

And there are those who don’t know a bok choy from a beet and are too intimidated,so they just stay home and order pizza.

Fear not because there’s hope and help. As a health coach, I have designed these seven steps to guide you through the grocery shopping experience quickly, simply and without spending a lot of dough (pun intended.)

For Fast and Efficient… #1 – Go during off hours One of the reasons that grocery shopping (in NYC especially) is so daunting are the crowds: aisles filled with double strollers, confused newbies, chatting yoga buddies etc. An easy way to avoid them is to go late or early in the day. I like to do my week’s shopping around 9:30 or 10 pm. Dinner has been served and leftovers put away which means I usually have a very accurate assessment of what I need and what’s already in my fridge and pantry (see step #2 below.) At that time there’s usually just a handful of us in the entire store, the vibe is mellow and I can find what I need and be out the door in under 30 minutes. For those early birds, 8am is also a very quiet time. By all means skip

3:15 (moms running errands after picking up kids from school) and or 6 ish (for the after -work crowd.) #2 Make a list For me there’s nothing worse than realizing I need serrano chiles when I’m already in the bean aisle. If you’re planning on making Chicken Enchiladas Verde then write all the ingredients on your shopping list. If it’s a new recipe and you are unfamiliar with the ingredient, google a photo of it and save it to your phone (or print it out.) Before heading out survey your fridge and pantry, check with family members and run the list of staple items in your head (toilet paper, yogurt, eggs, bananas…) If you know the layout of your store (and you should) write the list in order of the sections you hit first (produce, dairy, canned and packaged, frozen…) As you pass other aisles, look up at the markers and ask yourself what you may have forgotten (rice and pasta? Cereal and oatmeal?)

Follow this advice and you should be home unpacking your goods in no time.

For Cheap… #3 Stick to the list Unless it’s something you actually need and forgot to put on the list, then try to resist.

When I review my receipt, I often find that the most expensive items are the ones that I don’t need: fancy teas, desserts, specialty oils, baked kale chips, prepared dinners etc. #4 Buy store brand or bulk when possible Why pay for packing and advertising when

the products are identical? Enough said. #5 Sign up for emails Each week my supermarket notifies me of what’s on sale. This way I can stock up on stuff I use often, or make a last-minute swap: if mangos are .39/lb, then I’ll use them in my smoothies instead of strawberries that week.

For Healthy… #6 Shop the Perimeter All supermarkets are designed the same: produce, dairy, fresh meats are on the outer edges of the store and the center aisles are stocked with canned foods and packaged items. Buying the majority of your food on the perimeter means you are cooking with whole foods and avoiding a lot of fat, sugar and salt. The exception is whole grains, spices, oils and other necessary ingredients to tasty cooking. #7 Avoid the Dirty Dozen Each year, the Environmental Working Group ranks supermarket produce by its pesticide load. The top offenders become the Dirty Dozen, the fruits and vegetables you should consider buying in their organic form. The clean fifteen are fruits and veggies you can safely buy non organic.

Rest assured, each trip should get a little easier. And local health coaches are usually available to give supermarket tours if you need more assistance.

News)

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Fruits, veggies and vitamin E combine to slash risk of stroke and premature death Nutrition researchers have written volumes over the past decade to clearly demonstrate how foods eaten in their natural and unprocessed states, combined with healthy lifestyle choices, can significantly cut the risk of virtually all chronic diseases that lead millions of unsuspecting people to early deaths.

Epigenetic studies have shown that our genetic structure is not static and set in stone from birth, but, rather, is positively or negatively influenced by the quality of each calorie we consume, our lifestyle choices and our environment. It comes as no surprise to most health conscious individuals that the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables and certain vitamins can have a profound effect on a person’s risk for having a stroke or a decreased lifespan.

Researchers conducting a metaanalysis of 20 studies over the past 19 years have published the results of their findings in the American Heart Association journal Stroke. These findings

show that by increasing one’s fruit and vegetable intake, one can dramatically lower his incidence of vascular diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and stroke. The scientists noted that while the occurrence of strokes has declined over the past 40 years in higher income countries due to an increased emphasis on eating more fruits and vegetables, the mortality rates from strokes continue to rise in lower income parts of the world where fresh produce is costly and not readily available.

Fruits and vegetables improve critical metabolic parameters to lower stroke risk Members of the study team found a 32% decrease in stroke risk for every 200 g of fruits (approximately three to four half-cup servings) and an 11% decrease in stroke risk

for every 200 g of vegetables (roughly five servings) consumed daily. Lead study author Dr. Yan Qu noted that “improving diet and lifestyle [are] critical for heart and stroke risk reduction in the general population. In particular, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is highly recommended because it meets micronutrient and macronutrient and fiber requirements without adding substantially to overall energy requirements.” Specifically the meta-analysis concluded that eating fruits and vegetables lowers blood pressure and systemic body inflammation as well as yields improvements to microvascular function, body mass index, cholesterol ratios and oxidative stress.

In an independent study, researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center looked to find a natural agent that not only helped treat the damaging effects of a stroke after it had occurred, but could actually help lower the risk of a catastrophic vascular event. Lead investigator Dr. Cameron Rink and his team focused on a specific vita-

min E isomer or tocotrienol, which has been associated with a lowered risk of functional decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Tocotrienols are known to block cholesterol production in the liver and beneficially alter healthy cholesterol ratios.

Using an animal model for their study, the scientists determined that after ten weeks of vitamin E tocotrienol supplementation, the natural compound stimulated arteriogenesis, an increase in the diameter of existing arteries in response to oxygen demand.

This process can prevent brain damage, as it effectively offers a secondary or collateral blood supply. Rink concluded “we think that tocotrienol helps improve the function of collaterals, which would offer someone better protection from an initial or secondary stroke.” This research provides yet another compelling reason to include seven to nine combined daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to lower the risk of stroke and a host of chronic diseases. (NaturalNews)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Nice weather is here, shop smart for sunscreen Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips While there is a lot of press about breast, colon and prostate cancers, it is actually skin cancer that is the most common. While lighter skin tones are more susceptible to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation people of all ethnicities and races need to be mindful.

Skin cancers often go undetected in people of color, especially those with darker pigmentation, and are therefore more deadly.

We all need sunscreen if we are going to be spending extended time in direct sunlight.

Sun protection factor, otherwise known as SPF is labeled on every bottle of sunscreen. The idea is that an SPF of 15 would allow you to stay in the sun, without

getting burned, 15 times longer than you would with no sunscreen applied.

The sun’s ultraviolet rays are called UVA and UVB. UVB will cause burns, UVA does not, but can still trigger cancerous changes in the skin. A good sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB. An SPF 15 blocks 93% of the sun’s rays, while an SPF of 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s rays and an SPF of 50 blocks 98% of the sun’s rays. As you can see there is not a large difference in terms of protection, despite the actual SPF numbers getting significantly higher. There are no sunscreens that block 100% of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

In fact, Health Canada is considering banning sunscreens that claim an SPF over 50 because they lead people to believe they are safe in the sun for a long period of time, when they are not.

Sunscreen ingredients have been very controversial in the last few years.

The two factors to consider are the physical effects of chemical ingredients and how much of the chemical absorbed through the

skin when it is applied topically. Oxybenzone is an ingredient commonly found in drug store brands. It is readily absorbed through the skin and has been shown to be a hormone disruptor. It is also found in baby sunscreens. Do not assume a child sunscreen is free of harmful chemicals. Avoid products with this ingredient.

Retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, is added to some sunscreens to reduce the signs of aging skin. It has been shown to actually increase the susceptibility of the skin to sunburns, which in turn can lead to cancerous changes. Avoid sunscreens with this unnecessary ingredient.

My favorite sunscreens have titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Both are very safe ingredients that provide broad spectrum protection. Avobenzone is another ingredient that does a great job of blocking UVA and is not absorbed into the skin. Safe sunscreens are becoming widely available as consumers become more savvy shoppers and read ingredients. Remember, your skin is your largest organ, what you put on your skin can be absorbed. Shop smart!

Fat fighting exercises Monique Bartlett Fitness Obesity is considered one of the leading causes of death in North America. Many people become overweight due to over indulgence in high fat foods especially fast foods and also high calorie meals and sugars. Many people fry their foods and also frequent fast food restaurants on a regular basis.

Fast food restaurants are the major culprits when it comes to high calorie diets. We are

so pressed for time and do not have time to cook and eat healthy meals or even exercise.

So how can you fight fat and develop a lean body? One key is to exercise.

Excess body fat is gained when the body accumulates more fat than it burns. So exercise helps a great deal. One of the easiest exercises is walking. People must develop the habit of walking especially if they need to go short distances. Instead of taking the elevator take the stairs. Instead of parking close to the door of the shopping mall park farther away. Running is also another way of cutting down on excess fat. You do not need to join a gym, to start simple excises even at home will work. Get some free weights, an exercise band, a workout DVD and start form there. Discipline is required in order to get this done. This means that you have to develop a program or routine and stick

with it. This is where we lose many people because most people do not have or make enough time to devote to weight loss.

In order to develop discipline, you may need an accountability partner. This may involve joining a weight loss group or program where there are others who are also trying to achieve a similar goal. If you have money to spare, then hiring a personal trainer or health and wellness coach is one of the best investments you can ever make. That is because they will be well versed with all the strategies and education needed to help you lose weight. They will also keep you on your toes and ensure that you achieve your goal.

So get off that couch, stop watching TV and decide to make yourself a priority.

Your health is your wealth and without it you have nothing.

Dentures Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental Health

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

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

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

considerations specific to each individual.

Dentures vary in terms of material, construction and cost. Complete dentures have restored happiness, comfort and confidence to many who have lost all of their teeth. However the retention and stability is greatly reduced compared to partial dentures. Complete dentures can be enhanced by implants if all the conditions are met. Nevertheless most complete denture wearers adapt very well.

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

It is often necessary to do slight, painless, needle free preparations to teeth adjacent to the spaces to ease the insertion and removal of the dentures, and also to provide a com-

fortable biting surface. These preparations are done by the dentist.

When any type of denture is placed in the mouth, painful pressure spots may develop as the dentures settle. Adjustments should be done as soon as possible; ideally the following day.

Denture care is important. Always seat your dentures with finger placement.

Do not bite into them. Over time excessive pressure often results in broken clasps and other damage. Don’t sleep with your dentures. Take them out and place them in water to which you may add cleansing tablets. The rest period allows the soft tissue to recover from the pressure of the dentures that can cause inflammation, bad breath and gum disease.

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

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Life insurance Stephen Mohammed Finance Life insurance is an often overlooked, but integral part of one’s financial life, especially if your family depends on your income.

Life insurance in most cases is designed to replace the income of a spouse or parent so that the dependants may continue living a certain quality of life without experiencing financial hardship. The loss of a loved one is enough to deal with. It is important to give this financial decision the time and attention that it deserves, before an unfortunate happenstance might occur.

Term life insurance is life insurance which provides a coverage at a level cost for a period of time (Term). Typically, Term Insurance is used for income replacement. It is the least expensive way to purchase life insurance coverage over a period of time versus permanent life insurance such as Whole Life or Universal Life insurance.

Initially, Term Life insurance is cheaper and more affordable than Permanent life insurance. However, when the term expires, you will have to pay higher premiums and go through the eligibility process all over again.

Depending on your age and which term you selected, ten, twenty or thirty year you may not need to apply for coverage again.

Permanent Life insurance premiums are much higher than Term Life insurance premiums. Permanent Life insurance will remain in force until death, regardless of what age that might be, as long as your premiums are up to date. Permanent Life insurance can be classified in three general categories: Term-to-100, whole life, and universal life insurance.

Term-to-100 has a term of one hundred years and the premiums never increase.

The policy is paid up at age one hundred and the premiums cease at that point, however the coverage continues past age one hundred.

Whole Life insurance is a life insurance policy that remains in force for the insured’s whole life as long as the premiums are paid up to date. It also accrues a cash value or savings. There are two types of Whole Life insurance policies, Participating and Non-Participating.

Universal Life insurance is a type of Permanent life insurance where the excess of premium payments above the current cost of insurance is credited to the cash value of the policy. Interest is credited to the cash value portion of the policy and the cost of insurance is debited, as well as any other policy charges and fees which are applied. Another type of Universal Life insurance is Variable Universal Life insurance that builds a cash value and the cash value can be invested.

Speak to your financial advisor about what policy best suits your financial needs.

Ask your agent to discuss the different types of life insurance products and select the one that is most appropriate to properly protect you and your family.

Minister Alexander highlights success of Canadian citizenship program SCARBOROUGH -- Today, at a citizenship ceremony in Scarborough, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, announced that Canada welcomed the 100,000th new citizen of 2014 last week. The number of new citizens sworn in to date in 2014 is more than double the number of new citizens admitted by this time last year.

The 100,000 new citizens, who came to Canada from more than 200 countries, were welcomed at more than 1,080 citizenship ceremonies held across the country. The citizenship ceremony is the last step before becoming a Canadian citizen and embracing the rights and respon-

sibilities that come with citizenship. This success demonstrates that changes and improvements are already doing more to help people realize their dream of becoming Canadian.

The government’s proposed changes in Bill C-24, the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, will further reduce wait times by streamlining the decision-making process for citizenship. It is expected that those changes will bring the average processing time for citizenship applications down to under one year and that the current backlog will be reduced by more than 80 percent by 2015-2016. (CIC)

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

407 ETRʼs Argument to Supreme Court is Disrespectful cession Agreement or the 407 Act. NO SUCH CLAUSE EXISTS!

Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters I have to say, my blood has not boiled over, EVER, so much as it has reading 407 ETR’s submissions to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Have they no dignity? This is a waste of taxpayers’ money, for this highly esteemed court, to be even called upon to entertain this company’s stretch of imagination. 407 ETR has to be one of the most arrogant companies I have ever encountered, in my life. How disrespectful this company is to the people they are supposed to serve with their “product”. This company is putting themselves in the shoes of the Province, talking as if they have the authority to speak for the Province. Who gave them that authority?! What law gave them that authority?! THERE IS NO SUCH LAW!!!!

According to the Concessions Agreement between the Province and 407 ETR, it is clearly written in Sections 1.17,2.11 and 3.1 that 407 ETR is to adhere to ALL laws and regulations in force when operating the Highway. The Concession Agreement defines those laws as the laws of Canada and Ontario.

THIS IS IN PLAIN LANGUAGE! If the Legislature intended to provide 407 ETR with an exemption from any Canadian or Ontario law, it would have explicitly stated so in the Con-

407 ETR IS NOT A REGULATORY BODY! It’s a company that provides a service to its customers and profits to its shareholders. If you don’t pay your 407 bill, it is not a Provincial Offense. Please refer to the article on how it is they have this unique ability to deny a person’s plate http://407etr-abuseofpower. com/index.php/407-etr-fees-interest-are-notfines%e2%80%8f/ Just because 407 ETR has the unique ability to compel the Ministry of Transportation to deny your plate for non-payment, it doesn’t mean that they are without scrutiny for how they apply for that unique privilege.

This is something that is missing and needs to be addressed. This privilege ought to be taken away from them because of their arrogance.

Very minimally, this privilege of theirs needs more regulations to avoid the type of predatory behavior this company is notorious for!

The 407 Act and the Regulations as they stand now, contain a dispute and appeal process to an arbitrator which can provide relief to contest the liability for paying tolls and additional charges on any of the following exclusive grounds: (a) the toll was paid in full; (b) the amount of the toll was incorrect; (c) the vehicle, the numbered plate or the toll device registered to the person was lost or stolen at the time the toll was incurred; or (d) the person is not the person responsible for the payment of the toll under subsection 13(1).

Besides the fact that Arbitrators need more ju-

risdiction… more relief measures in place… because of this company’s blatant disrespect for the Ontario public, the Province hasn’t even been able to ensure that Arbitrators are available to handle the narrow grievances listed above. The Lieutenant Governor’s office appoints Arbitrators each and every year, however, the public has not been successful in using them. This company has blatantly ignored this provision in the Act and has pushed people, blindly, through their self-serving, internal dispute process that is NOT FAIR and does not recognize the 4 narrow points listed above. ATROCIOUS BEHAVIOR! Now the 407 ETR is trying to hide behind legislation designed for the Province if it had a problem with jurisdiction?! Let me be the first to emphatically say that if the Province thought that their jurisdiction was being questioned or compromised, it would have made itself party to this application. THE PROVINCE DID NOT! So how can the 407 ETR actually have the nerve to speak as if it is standing in the shoes of the Province?! DISGUSTING! I am so fed up with this company’s arrogance!

On behalf of the thousands of victims to this company’s predatory behavior I make an appeal, through this article, to the Supreme Court of Canada to please, put this company in its place! We are tired of their abuse of process, winsome words and disrespect. The 407 ETR themselves in #53 of their submission said “The Ontario Legislature has the undoubted power to set the terms for issuing vehicle registration permits”. We agree and want the Province to do just that. The fact that the Province has remained silent in this matter says more than many words. 407 ETR IS OUT OF LINE!

I donʼt need travel insurance Olivia Boodram Travel “It sounds like a good idea, but I don’t need it” often said when considering emergency health protection for their travel. After explaining the ample benefits and assurance that the investment can provide, some will even reply with a casual, “I have traveled many times without purchasing it, and nothing has ever happened to me.”

I am sure many, if not all of us, may have begrudgingly thought this way ourselves as we set aside money for our car, home or life insurance. But we do these things anyway out of common sense, at least until our crystal ball comes back from the cleaners, since the truth is none of us truly know when or under what circumstances we will need protection – potentially a wealth-saving safety net.

If only there was a way to capture the

number of people who opted not to get insurance and then returned from their trips with no illness or accident encounters. This would be difficult to tally, because returning from your trip unscathed, generally is not reportable. At least I have never had anyone call me to say – “Olivia, I have just returned from my trip, and it’s a good thing I didn’t buy any insurance, because nothing happened to me.” But if we could capture those numbers, I’m sure it would be around the 80% mark, which is pretty good odds, that you will travel and return unharmed. Working with those rough chances, could be I am only speaking to 20% of you.

So, which one of us, represents the one in five?

Your guess is as good as mine.

Let me give you some examples of excuses I have heard over the years, as to why some people feel they do not need travel insurance.

• I am very good at knowing when I am going to be sick, and I am feeling really healthy right now • I am used to driving on those roads, because I grew up in this country (destination) • Before I go on a trip I see my doctor and he said that I am in great shape • Insurance is just a way to get my money. Insurance companies are all crooks • I go to church, and God has always protected

me and my family • The premiums are very expensive. I will take my chances rather than pay that amount • My neighbour was hospitalized while away and is still paying for the bills. But this won’t happen to me, because I’m young & healthy.

• I had a heart attack 4 years ago, and the Doctor put me on medication for my high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood thinner and diabetes, and I am stable. Have been for years.

• I’ll take insurance for my husband, because he is a sick man. But I am good, I don’t need insurance.

• If I get sick or injured while I’m away, I will call you and get the insurance then.

These are just a few examples of things I have heard. I want to emphasize, that if you have any questions or concerns relating to your own travel plans, please do not hesitate to call or email me at oliviab@yourtravelinsurance. ca or visit my website at www.yourtravelinsurance.ca and I will respond to each of your questions.

Take the time, do your research, find the best price, coverage and protection to suit your individual travel plans. But please, please DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT EMERGENCY HEALTH TRAVEL PROTECTION.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 27

FOR SALE FOR SALE

FOR SALE FOR SALE

FORWANTED SALE HELP

FOR SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS

FREEHOLD LAND: Harriman Park Point Fortin Trinidad. 27 Main Road - 6450 square feet. 18 Hillcrest Road - 9935 square feet. Serious bids to lamsaleslam@gmail. com or call 1-868-347-6191

WAITRESS WANTED: Waitress/Bartender needed for Drupaties Restaurant and Bar on Ebenezer in Brampton. 416-419-7858

FREE EVENT: 3 nights of intense praise and worship. Starting on the 13th-15th June at 7pm nightly with Minister Campbell and Emily Oriji from Massachsetts at 420 Eddystone Ave, Toronto, ON.

RESTAURANT FOR SALE: Well established West Indian restaurant. Over 1800sq ft. Comes with all equipement. For info call 416-419-7858 for more details.

COOK NEEDED: Looking for Chineese and West Indian Cook for busy restaurant.

Preferably with some experience or willing to train. Full time hours available. Call 647895-6905

FOR SALE SERVICES

LAND IN TOBAGO: On Riseland Road, 10,500 square feet near the Airport, Royal Bank Plaza, Store Bay Beach and Mount Irvine Golf Course. Contact 647-467-3171

FOR SALE PERSONALS RELATIONSHIP WANTED: West Indian gentleman, 50+ lonely in house, very caring and kind hearted, who would like a female companion 30+ who is friendly, sincere and serious for a true relationship. Please call 416-565-3847

FOR GREETINGS SALE BIRTHDAY

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: Glass dining set with 6 chairs, couches, Indian and Chinese screens, electronics, light fixtures, Chinese carved coffee table, rugs, docking station and more. 416-752-3635 HOUSE FOR SALE: 3 Bedroom house in Willowdeen St Catherin off Old Harbor Road, fully grilled, move in condition, fruit trees. Call 416-749-0148

FOR RENT SALE FOR ROOM FOR RENT: Student Preferable.

Victoria Park and Main/Danfort. Call 416938-3753. Message 416-686-5502 WORSHIP SPACE: Space available for Worship. Available from 2pm Location Warden and St Clair. Call 416-938-3753.

Message 416-686-5502 ESTHETICS ROOM: In the Oakwood ave and St Clair area contact Gurline 647345-1752

FOR SALE OPPORTUNITIES DISTRIBUTORS WANTED: Looking for self motivated individuals to help promote some natural health products. 416-721-9945

FOR SALE WANTED WORK FROM HOME: I am looking for a part time job that I can do from home. NO MLM please, I’m looking for paid work Sunil 647-988-3002 KEYBOARD PLAYER: Keyboard player needed for church at Warden and St. Clair.

Call 416-938-3753 Message 416-686-5502

FOR SALE WORSHIP

FORWANTED SALE HELP 2002 HONDA ACCORD COUPE: Model SE, sun roof, spoiler and heated seats. In great condition, includes new winter tires, black on black interior. Certified and Emission tested, asking $4500. 416-705-9907 METAL SHELVES: 3 metal shelve cases for cargo van. 1 in excellent condition, 2 in good condition. $500 for all 3. 647-3094606

EXPERIENCED MECHANICS: $20$25/hr Based On experience Brakes - Tuneups - AC - Electrical Maintenance - Repairs Call 647-778-4805 WAITRESS/BARTENDER: Part time position available. Must be able to provide excellent customer service and have the ability to multi-task. Competitive wage .

Island Style Restaurant and Bar - Angela 416.722.6528 or 905.794.5861

SEND YOUR BIRTHDAY GREETINGS! CALL 647-722-6298

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - June 4th 2014 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

The stars now move you to the next platform. For the next few weeks, Venus in Taurus gives you more to work with and helps you make better use of time and talents, too.

Devote the weekend to self-care and home care, and cozy up for some quality bonding, too. The week ahead is productive for building bridges and creative development.

Through June 23, Venus in Taurus enhances what Mother Nature gave you. Still, you’re wise to help her along. Upgrades to your physical appearance as well as social and professional profiles are time, money, and effort well spent. Through next Friday, Mercury helps you to convey and communicate with great feeling. Instant rapport, that duckto-water feeling—yes, that’s the ticket!

Mercury says goodbye to your sign on Thursday, but he’ll return for a visit from mid June to mid July. Mercury’s temporary stay in Cancer turns attention to your comfort zones, to nesting, securing, and procuring. For the next few weeks, Venus in Taurus urges you to seek more “off-line” time. Feel, rather than think, your way along.

Mercury is only a temporary visitor to Cancer, so as they say, make hay while the sun shines. This Mercury transit offers you a fresh boost of physical energy, confidence, and inspiration. Now to next Friday is an optimal time to jump into something new and see what it might do for you. Take a risk, rely on instincts, start a conversation.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Narrow your focus to what’s most profitable or appealing. Aim for quality over quantity.

Venus in Taurus helps you to gain better control where you’ll appreciate it the most. This transit also puts you in a more favourable light with the powers that be. Monday/Tuesday dishes up your best take-charge, strutyour-stuff, and make-it-happen days.

It could be the writing on the wall that now grows more obvious, or perhaps it’s a newfound sense of confidence with history to support it. Either way, Venus and Mercury give you a better sense of where the future is heading. Through Tuesday, it could be out of sight, but it isn’t out of mind. Tuesday/ Wednesday, you’re on the go again.

Things could get more luscious in the sex department thanks to Venus, newly in Taurus. Financial prospects are enhanced by this Venus transit too. Aim to make the most of it through next Friday. Plant seeds now and get the foundation laid while the stars are on a good move-along. Starting a week from Friday, Mercury retrograde can sidetrack or derail you.

You’ll get full value out of your conversations, entertainment choices, and social activities this weekend. In fact, the stars are at optimum for the whole week ahead, so reach out, pitch it, create it, upgrade it, or go exploring. Monday/Tuesday, put on a good show, aim for attention. Results can be satisfying. Wednesday/Thursday, put added focus on the details and your health.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Venus in Taurus now loans you better organization and stick-to-it power. Your workday and workout should prove more productive, too. Still, know that there is only a short window of opportunity, so make good on it while you can. Friday/Saturday, cozy up to one you love. Monday/Tuesday, you’re at the top of your game. These are your best days to shine—showcase yourself.

Over the next couple of weeks, Venus in Taurus boosts your creativity and love-life prospects. You should feel a greater sense of wellbeing regarding your kids, too. The weekend can be a time of good sharing and bonding.

The week ahead could be easy rolling, especially Wednesday/Thursday. Make full use of your create-it time.

The pace now slows down, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Having more time to recoup or feel your way along is likely to come as a relief. Even if you have to work this weekend, it should be easy to take. Monday and Tuesday are your best days to show up or hook up.

Both Venus in Taurus and Mercury in Cancer enhance your ability to establish good rapport with others, to create, convey, and communicate with great feeling. You don’t have to say much to get your message across; the eyes say it all. Friday/Saturday, romance is sweet, family togetherness too.

Monday through Thursday, apply yourself and prosper.

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

Answers available on www.TorontoCaribbean.com

March 20 - April 19

Across 2) Group of cats [CLOWDER] 5) Baby cat [KITTEN] 6) Where cats were worshipped [EGYPT] 8) Sound of contentment [PURR] 9) Short or no tail [MANX] 12) Like human twins [SIAMESE] 14) Any cat with distinctive fur pattern [TABBY] 17) Can have five or six toes [PAWS] 18) Favourite herb [CATNIP]

Down 1) Cat adjective (from Latin) [FELINE] 3) Cats’ bathroom [LITTERBOX] 4) Famous Internet cat [GRUMPY] 7) Used to clean themselves [TONGUE] 10) Warning sound [HISS] 11) Fancy ____ [FEAST] 13) Usual prey [MOUSE] 15) Unlucky colour? [BLACK] 16) Three-coloured cat [CALICO]

June 21 - July 22

October 23 - November 22

February 18 - March 19

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

5 things you CANʼT live without in business the live event because trust is built the fastest with handshakes and conversations, not ads

Tina Dietz Business Development Four generations worth of business ups and downs have given me a wealth of what works and what doesn’t work in building a successful business. Being a therapist taught me that the best business idea in the world is worthless without the right habits and mindset to bring that gorgeous idea into reality.

Here’s my 5 lightning in a bottle, must have, can’t live without, prioritize NOW items that you’ve just got to cultivate to have a successful business.

1. Take time every morning before you begin work for a “checkup from the neck up.”

Giving yourself just 10 minutes to review what you accomplished the day before, what you’re grateful for, and the top items you’re working on today will give you flow and focus to your day.

2. Expect to spend a minimum of 25% of your business time in marketing activities, more if you’re just getting started. You can have the best product or give the best massage around, but it won’t make any difference if no one can find you! If you have to choose between having conversations or doing online or direct mail marketing, choose

3. Develop a “teflon coating.” People always have opinions and they always will. Find the contribution in people’s feedback, (sometimes you have to look reeeeealy hard, but it’s there) and at the same time stand true to yourself. Remember that what people say is rarely, if ever, personal–even if it really seems like it is.

4. Keep good client files–and USE THEM. Taking the time to remember your clients’ preferences such as a particular lotion or their favorite music goes a long way towards building both referral and repeat clients.

Send them a thank you card after their first appointment. Send them a birthday card with a coupon. Ask them how little Jeffy or Julia is doing in hockey or dance class, etc.

Your client files can be used for personal details just as much as keeping track of how their bodies are doing.

5. Keep your creativity fresh and limber.

Stretch your mind as well as your body.

Check out a new class or a video of some kind on a weekly or at least monthly basis on a topic that interests you whether it’s massage related or not. Keep your creative juices flowing with fresh ideas for your business and your clients, and it will come through in your work and keep you rejuvenated!

So, what are you already doing that’s working and where do you want to develop? Got ideas? Want ideas? Then comment for goodness sake!

What Is Long-Term Care Insurance?

Sherene Cole

CIP, CRM, CAIB, LLQP

Insurance Matters

Long-term care insurance provides financial assistance should you become unable to care for yourself because of a chronic illness, disability, cognitive impairment or other age-related condition that prevents you from managing a number of daily living activities without assistance. It can cover stays in nursing homes and chronic care facilities or the services of a caregiver in your own home.

Aging Population Did you know that your chances of living to 100 years are better than ever? While living a long and fruitful life is a great gift, a research conducted by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) shows that Canadians are not adequately preparing themselves financially for their future long-term care needs.

This May Surprise You Many Canadians mistakenly believe that fulltime care in a long-term care facility will be fully paid by government health care programs. The truth is that government health care programs may cover only a small part of the costs for a nursing home or other specialized residential care facility, or perhaps none at all depending on the circumstances. This means that individuals (or their families) will have to pay for a significant portion of the cost associ-

ated with a long-term care situation.

Yet, most Canadians haven’t contemplated the need for long-term care in their retirement planning. According to a Leger Marketing survey conducted on behalf of the CLHIA, three quarters of Canadians admit they have no financial plan to pay for long-term care if they needed it..

Planning Ahead Is Not Only For the Aged It is difficult to imagine when we are healthy and independent that at some point in our lives our health status could change and we could require specialized, ongoing care from someone else.

Often, when we think of the need for long-term care, we think of the elderly and the need for care in a nursing home. Let’s not forget there can be circumstances in a younger person’s life when long-term care could be required.

An unexpected debilitating illness or an accident could result in the need for around-theclock care for people of all ages Tips: 1. You may want to consider including longterm care insurance in your estate planning with the intention of helping you stay in your own home for as long as possible.

2. Ask about the length of time you must pay premiums and whether they are waived or discontinued when you make a claim and are receiving benefits.

3. Some plans provide extra benefits or options you can purchase such as: - The option to ‘pool’ coverage which can be shared between you and your partner - Waiver of your premium benefits (so you no longer have to make premium payments once you are collecting benefits)

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 31

32 Wednesday, June 4, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Employee engagement in your vision and bottom line, how important is it?

Colleen Lindberg Business Development Employees are the front line to our business.

They are usually the first person our clients and customers meet when they walk into our office and stores or are the first one they speak with when they call into our offices. If our employees are not engaged in our vision or the bottom line of our company, this can be a real hindrance factor on the experience of the customer.

Let me give you an example “I heard about your product through a friend of mine, who passed along your company contact information, including your website. I took the time to go onto your website, search around, dabble a bit and then decided that I wanted to speak to someone to get my questions answered. I called the phone number that was provided on your website. Sally answers the phone in a monotone voice, a little mumbled and says “Thank you for calling xxx consulting services, how may I direct your call?” I let her know that I was on your website and wanted

to speak to someone about my questions. Sally asks me, “What department would you like to speak to?” I tell her I am not sure, one that will answer my questions. She sighs and gets a bit frustrated on the phone, seeing that I am annoying her, I just tell her to transfer me to the customer service department, she says you are speaking to customer service department, how can I help you?” Now, I am frustrated at this point, as my time is being wasted and after I ask my questions to Sally she says to me “Oh I am not the person you need to speak to, you need to speak to sales”. So after all this experience, I am a frustrated customer, feeling underappreciated. I feel like I just wasted my time and my sense of things is “What is this company doing? “ Now this whole scenario could have changed if the conversation with Sally had been different. A few key things to note about Sally. She wasn’t happy from the first minute she answered the phone. Sally hasn’t been feeling appreciated in her role, she feels like all she does is answer the phones and her job is meaningless. She doesn’t align with the vision of the company, nor has anyone asked her about her opinion. You might be thinking, well Sally is only the Receptionist/Customer Service rep and she doesn’t make those kind of decisions.

You are right, however you just read about a scenario where Sally is the first point of contact for the customers, she is the one that will dictate the customer’s first experience. If she was cheerful, helpful and motivated to do her job, the customer that called in would have felt

appreciated and valued, instead of frustrated and confused now not wanting to engage in the services of the company because of the experience with Sally.

As business owners and leaders of organizations, we need to recognize that every person in our organization and every seat on the bus plays a pivotal role in the function of the company. All of the pieces are necessary to make it turn. So the real question is how do we include all of employees on a more consistent basis so that they feel valued and in turn your customers and clients are also feeling valued.

Here are three tips: 1) Ask your employees for their opinions when the company is making decisions and emphasize that every role and every person brings a voice that contributes to the company. When you are holding meetings to discuss changes and or new avenues of the business, consider having a meeting with all the team and brainstorming with them about these new thoughts or ideas for change. This will allow your team to feel a part of something bigger than just their role.

2) Host more consistent team building events.

Whether it be a movie night, bowling, a spa day or game night, or a specialized workshop/ training session, group workshops, or family barbeques where everyone can bring their kids and spouses. This will allow relationships to be solidified at different levels and the feeling of being a part of something bigger will be en-

hanced. It will also make our employees feel more valued as the company is going out of their way to enhance team building.

3) Lastly, consider having weekly mini meetings with departments ie: customer service, sales, manufacturing etc. to address key issues of the week, thoughts people have about changing things around, addressing customer issues and all around talking about everyone’s thoughts. This will allow the manager to engage his team on a more consistent level. It will also allow the team to discuss customer (department issues) issues as a whole and be able to address them on a more consistent basis. It will continue to solidify the team’s relationships for a more effective team synergy and understanding.

You may already have a great corporation that has growth and a solid vision and who knows you may have been around in the industry for 20 years already, I still ask you the question “Are your employees feeling valued and engaged?” “Do they know what the vision of the company is and do they feel like they are a part of it?” If you don’t know the answer to these questions or your answer is no, you might want to consider making some changes. As I said in the beginning, our employees affect our customers, the more appreciated our employees feel the more our customers will feel appreciated.