Western Union Champs 031115

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Photo: Jordan Maxwell

CHAMPS

WESTERN UNION

JORDAN MAXWELL/TORONTO CARIBBEAN For Sharon Samuels, a return to Jamaica was a top priority that she’d been putting off for months, due to financial and other constraints, but that is no longer the case.

Samuels was named the winner for a grand draw during a Western Union appreciation night and recognition ceremony for CHAMPS, an inter-secondary school championship for boys and girls to compete against each other in track and field.

“It’s good to be going back home, yes,” she said. “I was putting it off, putting it off, worried about (all the little things) but now I don’t have to worry about airfare, so I’ll be able to do a lot more for

family.

As a native of Jamaica who still has family living on the island, giving back to her community, and family, is very important for her and winning the free trip will allow her to help her family and community even more. Samuels’ mother is among the most important to her and someone she takes care of when she heads back home.

Western Union held their first ever appreciation night for Champs at the Carlu in College Park at Yonge and College downtown; more than 100 people participated in the event and paid tribute to the athletes that efforts of fellow Jamaicans

who help to make it possible.

Many people send money back home to Jamaica through Western Union to help their families with school supplies, clothes, presents for major holidays and other household needs.

The event featured entertainment from Jay Martin, a popular Jamaican-Canadian comedian and live band reggae music to keep the good vibes rolling.

Overall it was an important night for members of the community as future CHAMPS will be born through the continued investment of Jamaican-Canadians living in Canada, and abroad.

2 Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN ARIBBEAN

Muriel Sutherland celebrates 100 years When you’ve lived to see your 100th birthday, that itself is one of your life’s greatest achievements. Born on March 5th in the year 1915, Muriel Sutherland was raised in March Town in the province of Parish Hanover, Jamaica. She was an only child to her mother, but she had three other siblings from her father. Muriel lived a simple life working on the farm, harvesting bananas and sugarcane is where she made her livelihood.

From a young age, Muriel worked hard and spent her time immersed in doing things that she loved. She never married, preferring instead to embrace her independence as a single woman. Muriel had 5 children 3 boys and 2 girls, and her family has only grown exponentially through her 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

There were many people that helped her along the way and she enjoyed what she did, living off the land through cultivation. Muriel lived in Jamaica until 1975 when she came to Canada at 60 years of age. Life here was different but she made do, working for herself sewing and baking as a small business.

Muriel credits her long life to hard work and exercise. When she was able to, she would regularly take long walks, making laps up and down the neighborhood,

and even doing the occasional push-ups!

Muriel is resilient, and doesn’t let anything get her down, still able to recall events of the past, and remembering things that happen day to day. She stays sharp with regular visits from family and doesn’t let anything get past her telling folks exactly how things are, and how she expects things to be done.

Muriel currently stays in a local nursing home where she is the only black person there. Those that know her say she is a pleasant woman, very kind always with an ear to listen. This past weekend her close friends and family held a birthday party for her to celebrate this special year. The only things that she suffers from are poor circulation in her legs and arthritis in her fingers as well as cataracts in her eyes and glaucoma.

The only medication she takes are the ones to regulate her blood pressure. Regardless of that, she remains strong in her mind and spirit and there is no reason that she can’t live to see 50 years more. The key to a long life is to be happy, stress free enjoying every minute of it. We wish her a wonderful year ahead as well as many more to come.

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

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Life’s brighter under the sun

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Winning it big with Digicel Emily Singh TC Reporter The 2015 tax season is in full swing and Caribbean communication giant, Digicel wants to multiply your tax refund! Sheron James-Russell of Newmarket received $1000 USD just by topping up from Toronto with Digicel to Jamaica. Russell was in disbelief when she received the call from Digicel saying that she was the big winner!

The excitement continued when Russell’s fiancé in Jamaica told her that he also got that magic call saying that he won $250 USD. Russell humbly states that with her winnings she plans to put it towards her wedding, which will be taking place on July 11th 2015.

Digicel top ups made from Canada, The United States and the United Kingdom are all eligible to win

the $1000 prize. The higher amount you top up the greater chance you have of winning! Top ups of $10-$14.99 gets you one chance, $15-$24.99 gets you 5 chances, $25-$34.99 gets you 10 chances and anything over $35 gives you the best chance at 20. Digicel’s easy online top up process makes sending the gift of communication a breeze with your loved ones overseas.

The Digicel Group currently has 33 markets across the Caribbean as well as the Asia Pacific and Central America. After 13 years Digicel is still able to maintain reliable and affordable networks and service. In addition to connecting people through the world of communication they also contribute greatly to the community. Various Digicel Foundations have been set up in countries like Jamaica and Trinidad that aim to offer educational, social and cultural developmental programs.

Join Sheron James-Russell as another big winner of the $1000 prize by sending a top up to your loved ones overseas. With a new winner everyday, who knows it may be you tomorrow!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

3

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The Brampton Courtyard Marriott cordially invites you!

Alyssa Mahadeo TC Reporter Planning a wedding? Looking for a venue to host an event or require a meeting space close to home and possibly a place to stay for the night?

Look no further, the Courtyard Marriott Brampton invites you to host your next big upcoming event in their newly renovated 6,500 sq ft meeting space. Conveniently located in central Brampton, and less than 15 minutes from the airport, this hotel is the place to stay with beautiful spacious, and fully furnished rooms, that will make you and your guests feel right at home.

Dream weddings don’t just happen, they are planned. Brides and Grooms were invited to come out and experience a sampling of what they can expect on their big day. They were offered the chance to see the space and envision what their big day could be all dressed up with the help of Courtyard Marriott and all of the features that they have to offer. From their Romeo

and Juliet balcony to separate entrances and lots of space to ensure that their guests would have a comfortable stay, and everything can be customized to fit your needs.

Courtyard by Marriott Brampton offers 7 meeting rooms as well as their Windsor Room, which can accommodate up to 500 guests and can also be partitioned off into three separate areas. They are able to suggest refreshing event menus, specific and appropriate to your event including special ethnic catering to your satisfaction.

New features to help make your event memorable include, AV and video conferencing, mood lighting, as well as room décor and suggested entertainment. They offer complimentary high speed Internet in every room and parking is available for your convenience.

Whether its now or a year from now don’t wait to start looking for that ideal venue able to check everything off your wish list. Drop by and see what they can do for you. The Courtyard Marriott Brampton is located at 90 Biscayne Cres, Brampton, ON. For more information visit their website at http://www.marriott.com/ to discover how they can make yours a day to remember.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

5

6 Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Woman tells of being lost at sea: I survived on ice and water TRINIDAD -- Surviving only on ice and water for three days, the 11 Trinidadians and two Jamaicans who were lost at sea never lost hope though choppy waters threatened to capsize their boat. With her skin tanned from the scorching sun, Marabella mother Christina Maharaj said they held hands and prayed to be rescued. She said God answered their prayers when a Venezuelan fishing crew found them around 4 pm on March 1, almost 48 hours after they went missing.

“There is still a father above. We had faith and we never gave up,” Maharaj said yesterday outside her Bayshore Avenue home. Recalling her experience, she said the group was near their destination in Tobago on February 27 when they ran out of gas and drifted into Venezuelan waters. “As we kept on drifting, we mashed up the ply in the boat and started to oar. We built a sail with our jerseys and burned fires, but still no response. We saw a barge and tried to reach it, and then saw a tug. They saw us waving and paddling, but they never came to us.

“We started to drift on Friday into Saturday around 2 am. There was gas coming for us, but they could not find us at the location we gave. I did not panic because I am accustomed to the sea, but everybody in the boat was frightened and we started to hold hands and prayed. We real prayed and we drifted for three days. “We did not have any food on the boat, we only had ice and water. I sucked ice, drank water and vomited.

Boat captain Rasheed Mohammed said the treatment in Venezuela was excel-

on land, we could not get names, the correct amount of people or a decent location of where boat shut down. Search patterns commenced based on the information we got and we had to calculate our search based on where and when they last were,” Jean Baptiste said. He said anyone planning to go on sea should be properly equipped.

The crew 1. Trevor Cook 2. Kerwin Cook 3. Darron King 4. Winston King 5. John alexander 6. Anson Jacob 7. Errol Tassie 8. Leroy Gordon 9. Keston Narine 10. Boaw Mohammed 11. Hendy Scott 12. Christina Maharaj 13. Sheniece Garcia

lent as authorities there made sure they were fed, had showers and a place to sleep. He said there was even a football match with the Venezuelans, which the foreigners won.

However, he said he has to retrieve the boat, which is still in Carapano, as fishing was how he fed his three children.

Coast Guard: Conflicting reports threw us off Despite the group’s criticism of the coast

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guard’s response, communication officer Lt Cmdr Kirk Jean-Baptiste said efforts were made to find the missing crew, but conflicting information given by their families threw off the search. Jean-Baptiste said the first report was made 14 hours after they went missing and it stated that eight people were aboard the pirogue and did not reach their destination. Four hours later, another report stated that 10 people were aboard.

“When we spoke to the relatives

The disappearance On February 2, the crew mostly from San Fernando, left the Marabella waterfront on the pirogue Davi Ann PFZ 94 at 4.30 pm for a lime in Tobago. A few miles from shore, the pirogue ran out of gas and drifted into Venezuelan waters. They were later rescued and taken to an island off the mainland. It was only Sunday the crew returned to Trinidad through arrangements by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Venezuelan Embassy.

- Trinidad Guardian

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Jamaica highly vulnerable to climate change JAMAICA -- TECHNICAL officer in the government’s Climate Change Division, Dr Orville Grey, says that Jamaica and other small island developing states are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. “If we look at Jamaica and where we’re located, hurricanes make us extremely vulnerable, and because of that, adaptation is an important aspect of our negotiations in dealing with climate change,� Grey told the Jamaica Observer at its weekly Monday Exchange with editors and reporters.

But the adaptation process is hampered by the fact that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports do not provide enough information to direct efforts by the governmental agencies to adapt to the changes. “When we look in the IPCC reports they do not readily highlight the problems we have in the Caribbean,� he said.

Moreover, Grey said the impacts of climate change in the region will significantly affect some of the Caribbean’s major sectors. “If you look at what is happening with sea surface temperatures, you’ll see that we are losing our corals through the warming of the oceans [coral bleaching]. With the projections, we’re looking at almost total loss of our corals. For us in the Caribbean our reefs are important, not from the perspective of tourism, but from the perspective of livelihoods when you consider fisheries,� he said.

“Most of the fish we love to eat are in and around the coral reef. The projections, as they are now, indicate more than 50 per cent loss of our coral reefs in our region.

Imagine the impact on GDP, as our reefs are a big driver to economy -- not just fishing, but tourism,� Grey added.

With the potential loss of livelihoods, Grey said the impact could further increase Jamaica’s poverty index as people will be “losing more�. “Fishermen are going out and not being able to catch enough fish to earn an

income to sustain themselves and their families. Look at the farming communities. Last year we had one of the worst droughts we’ve had in decades. The impact to the farming community was significant, and in November 18,000 farmers were affected. There are a significant number of persons employed in that sector that are being affected by the changes,� he said, reiterating that the increases in temperature will mean an increase in the intensity of storms heading Jamaica’s way.

Nevertheless, the technical offi-

cer said adapting is difficult as the budget they’re given doesn’t have a clear demarcation to dealing with these events substantially. “With the future we’re looking at, Jamaica is not a country that contributed significantly to the problem, but it is going to be one of those that’s going to be adversely affected. It means, therefore, we have to secure assistance to cope from anywhere we can and go into international organisations that have funding available to help us do the work. We’re not begging, but trying to secure a future for Jamaica,� Grey reasoned.

He said increasing Jamaica’s resilience has to be a focus now, even though doing so has become even more difficult with the vast majority of the country’s infrastructure on its coast and 60 per cent of the population are living within three to five kilometres of the coastline. “There is farming on the coastline, tourism, two main international airports, ports, and refineries, which all stand to be impacted by significant sea level rise. Jamaica will not be building sea walls, because we can’t afford it. We have to find other ways to deal with adapting to the impact of climate change and try to build resilience in all sectors, by building tree-lined cities, homes to manage weather, and homes that are cooler, because the temperature increase is getting worse,� Grey said, noting that a sensitisation campaign is being undertaken to make Jamaicans more aware of the issue.

- Jamaica Observer

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10 Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Former MP Africo Selman feared for herself and family – had she voted against Opposition motion GUYANA -- In a startling revelation to the nation during an interview over the last weekend on the radio programme ‘Hard Talk’, Africo Selman, who served as an Opposition Member of Parliament from 2006, first representing the People’s National Congress (PNC) and then with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), expressed the fear she felt for her physical safety and that of her family while being a sitting Parliamentarian for the Opposition had she failed to vote along the party line.Responding to a question from the host on whether her decision to resign from the party was as a result of her being offered a diplomatic posting, she said, “No, I would like to refute that… there was also talk that I was one of the persons offered some $50M. I had no clue of how much money was offered but I would not have accepted because of my safety and the safety of my family and I would not have jeopardised anyone’s safety in the interest of money.”

Leader of the Alliance For Change Khemraj Ramjattan, after submitting the No-Confidence motion to the National Assembly last year, had publicly accused other Opposition members of being in collusion with the Government who, he claimed, had paid three Opposition members millions of dollars to vote against the motion.

Questioned what she meant by her safety, Selman explained, “That No-Confidence motion, persons throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, supporters of the AFC and the APNU they wanted that, and I don’t know how many irrational persons they are, and how they would react. And if someone had dared to go against that motion you would be creating a risk for yourself.”

28-YEAR REIGN OF PNC This revelation by a sitting Member of Parliament is reminiscent of the fear ordinary Guyanese felt during the 28-year reign of the PNC. That era as is being revealed in the

Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry saw persons, especially politicians, with opposing views being intimidated and killed.

Selman also described the APNU partnership as a farce as it is dominated by a few PNC leaders whom she described as undemocratic and abusive. She further named Desmond Trotman from the Working People’s Alliance as one of the persons who has suffered because of the undemocratic behaviour and the leadership of ignoring the abuses meted out to the young people in the party, naming Renita Williams and herself as victims.

Selman said that her resignation resulted from a personal decision she made in December 2014 when it was written. She assured that she had no offer from the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and is mulling her political future as she will be perusing the manifesto of the party before determining her next move.

- Guyana Chronicle

Goldsource preparing to start mining near Mahdia by year-end GUYANA -- Canadian mining company, Goldsource Mines Inc., earlier this week announced that it has commenced preparatory construction activities for mining at its Eagle Mountain Gold Project near Mahdia, Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni) and was working towards initial staged production by the end of this year.The Eagle Mountain project has an existing resource of 188,000 ounces, indicated, and 792,000, inferred, gold ounces, with strong potential for expansion, the company disclosed.

The local community of Mahdia is to be its primary source for skilled workers.

The officials have said that with gold price as low as $1,100 per ounce, the project is expected to remain quite profitable with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 49%.

The project is also projected to remain quite profitable with an IRR of 30%, even with an increase in operating costs of more than 30%.

Yannis Tsitos, President and Director of Goldsource Mines Inc. stated: “The commencement of construction activities

at Eagle Mountain is a huge milestone for the company and we are very excited at the prospect of Goldsource becoming a low cost gold producer in 2015.”

He disclosed that this stage of the project is regarded as Phase I and has been fully financed.

He said: “The mine area is fully permitted for operations and mine site preparation and processing plant construction has begun.”

T he Phase I development consists of a 1,000 tonnes per day open pit gravity plant for an eight year mine life with estimated pre-production capital costs of US$5.9 million and expected cash operating costs of US$480 per ounce of gold.

N. Eric Fier, Chief Operating Officer stated, “Our development plan for Phase I has started. We are excited about getting boots on the ground for construction as we expect to execute this work on time and on budget. With success of Phase I, we will look at several opportunities to optimise the mine for the benefit of our shareholders. Fu-

ture expansions are intended to be paid for through operating cash flow.”

The company disclosed that it had purchased a 100 tonnes per hour processing plant from Sepro Mineral Systems Corp., Langley, Vancouver, British Columbia and construction of the said processing plant is currently being done and will be completed by the third quarter of the year ending September 2015.

Procurement of longer lead mining equipment is currently ongoing.

Rehabilitation of the existing 10 kilometre road between Mahdia Town and Eagle Mountain Gold is currently underway.

So also are camp facility rehabilitation and upgrades and recruitment of key operations personnel.

Site preparation of the plant and initial mining area is scheduled for completion by the second quarter of this year, leading to production by the end of the fourth quarter.

- Guyana Chronicle

A grave shame - Thieves break into tombs at May Pen Cemetery JAMAICA -- Criminals Monday carried out a shameless act of depravity when they attempted to steal the caskets from two tombs at May Pen Cemetery in Kingston.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Linval Phoenix, who is assigned to the Denham Town Police Station that is a stone’s throw from the cemetery, said that about 7:00 am criminals went to the facility, broke open two tombs and were in the process of removing the caskets but were stopped in their tracks by alert residents.

“The men, we learnt, had reached as far as taking out one of the caskets and had opened it when residents saw what was happening and raised an alarm,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The senior lawman said that he was not sure why the caskets were being removed, but said that he would not dismiss suggestions from residents that they were

meant for the underground multimillion-dollar used caskets trade.

Residents, meanwhile, have expressed disgust at the incident.

“All now mi still in shock. Ah walk mi ah walk on the road early in the morning and when mi look over the cemetery mi see ah man a break away the graves and all draw out one of the caskets from the structure,” one resident related.

The residents said that what was particularly disturbing was that the act was being carried out in broad daylight.

Meanwhile, a distraught Gregory Goldson, whose grandmother is buried in one of the affected tombs, said that the incident has left him both shocked and angry.

“I am really angry about what has happened. How can you have a cemetery, which is one of the largest in the Caribbean, being run in such a way without any form of

security?” Goldson asked.

Superintendent at the cemetery John Crawford agreed with the sentiments raised by the concerned family members.

“At the cemetery, there are only seven persons here, -- myself and six other individuals who are gravediggers. There is no form of security at the facility and we at the cemetery have neither the manpower nor the resources to address this situation,” Crawford told the Observer.

He said that he has made several complaints to the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation about the state of the cemetery and the need for adequate resources to improve working conditions there, but his calls have fallen on deaf ears.

- Jamaica Observer

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

ʻBlueʼ Flu attacks Trinidad security forces: CPO under fire again TRINIDAD -- Hundreds of officers under the branch of National Security Monday made good on threats and stayed away from duty.

Officers from the Fire, Prisons and Police Services called in “sick” from Sunday night, in a show of force over their dissatisfaction with salary negotiations under CPO Stephanie Lewis. The officers went ahead with the sickout action, which was nicknamed the “Blue Flu,” although it is against the law for members of the protective service to “strike” under the Industrial Relations Act. Things could get worse today after the Police and Social Welfare body said it was no longer prepared to talk with her after she refused to budge from her previous offer. From early Monday, it was the fire-fighters who showed they meant business on their threat to stay away when their action affected operation at the Piarco International Airport.

Two officers and one fire-fighter reported for duty there. This had the potential to shut down operations at the airport, since flights would have had to be diverted to Barbados if there was no mandatory fire response team on the ground in case of emergency. In the end though, the fire-fighters who showed up were able to call on members of the engineering department, administration and some colleagues who were on an aerodrome course at the station as backup.

Supplementary staff from the Auxiliary Fire United were also called out to man various other fire stations across the country.

In a phone interview Monday, president of the Fire Service Association Leo Ramkissoon said approximately 220 fire-fighters stayed away from work Monday. “Literally hundreds stayed away and it would not be less than 10 fire fighters and officers per shift. So altogether its around 220 fire fighters that stayed away,” he said.

“It is a major concern, officers have stayed away and I fear what the next 36 hours are going to look like.” Ramkissoon also condemned the decision to use officers who were on the training course in Piarco as back-up.

“They are using the officers from the course and they are not trained to operate the vehicles and equipment,” he said, adding the station would not have been operational if an emergency had occurred at the airport.

He said no officers showed up at the Savonetta Fire Station for duty and fire personnel who were visiting from Tobago for a fire prevention course were used to man the vehicles. “They have no training to operate the Hazmat vehicles and on top of that they were not provided with any meals at all,” he said.

Arrival and departures at the Piarco International Airport were not affected by the firefighters’ sickout, the airport’s duty manager Abidh Emamalie told the T&T Guardian.

“There has been no changes to schedule and I can’t comment on what they are doing,” he said. An Airport Authority security member confirmed that if there was a full shutdown at the fire station flights would have had to be rerouted to Barbados or Grenada.

Rest and reflection President of the Police and Social Welfare body Insp Anand Ramesar said between 50 and 90 per cent of his members stayed away from duty Monday. “I have done my enquiries and there is evidence that the officers stayed home to rest and reflect. As the leader of the association, I call upon my membership to stay within the parameters of the law,” Ramesar said. T&T Guardian checks revealed only three officers showed up for duty at one stations in western Trinidad, while five officers did not report at the Piarco Police Station.

Ramesar said there will be a general council meeting today to “evaluate the salary

negotiations and move forward.” “The membership is adamant that they will reflect until the CPO moves to a reasonable offer as it relates to salary negotiations,” he said, adding Monday’s high percentage of absenteeism was at a critical level and could continue today. “I remain worrisome and committed to meet with stakeholders to avoid this situation. I am calling upon them to intervene,” he said.

Slow down at prisons President of the Prisons Officers Association Ceron Richards also confirmed that hundreds of officers failed to report for duty at the nation’s prisons. Noting that many of them took legitimate sick leave, he said this situation would likely increase today. “A significant amount of officers did not report for duty this morning. At Maximum Security Prison over 100 officers and Port-of-Spain, Remand and the Youth Training Facility.

“It has amounted to a drastic slow down and (the service) came to a grinding halt. This includes court, visits, all operations have been slowed down drastically.” Richards said issues such as the lack of implementation of health and safety concerns have been compounded by the slow negotiation process.

TTPS: No unusual absenteeism recorded Despite claims by the Police Social and Welfare Association that a planned sick-out by its members was successful, the Police Service Monday claimed there was minimal absenteeism. In a media release, head of the TTPS corporate communication Ellen Lewis said there was no “unusual absenteeism recorded” amongst officers attached to the various police stations. She said there was one major disruption at the Roxborough Police Station, but the overnight shift remained on duty to make up for the absenteeism.

“There had been a concern that as a result of protracted salary negotiations for members of the protective services, including police officers, that this situation may have negatively impacted the normal turnout of officers for duty today, however, this has not been the case; and in this regard, the TTPS wishes to thank the Police Social and Welfare Association and its officers for remaining committed and true to the oath to protect and serve notwithstanding the unresolved salary issues,” Lewis said.

Today the officers plan to continue their protest action and have called for a meeting with the Prime Minister. A media release from the Ministry of National Security Monday also said contingency plans were put in place to mitigate against the impact of the absence of fire-fighters who took sick-out action.

“Non-operational personnel, who are all trained in fire-fighting, were assigned to manage stations throughout the country to ensure service to the nation is not adversely affected. The situation is being closely monitored and all efforts are directed to the provision of full fire and life safety coverage to the general public.” The release said deputy Fire Chief Roosevelt Bruce is encouraging members to “let good sense prevail for the greater good of the nation” as wage negotiations continue.

What Industrial Relations Act says Under the Industrial Relations Act, if any member of the executive of the association organises and/or approves sick-out and/or protest action, that member could be jailed for 12 months. Chapter 88:01 Section 68 of the same Act states that should a police officer participate in any sick-out action, that officer is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $1,000 and to imprisonment for six months.

- Trinidad Guardian

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 11

12 Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Visiting Saudis hold project talks with Tobago House of Assembly TRINIDAD -- A Saudi Arabian team which leaves T&T today after exploring local business potential has visited Tobago and will be dealing further with Tobago House of Assembly (THA) chief secretary Orville London on matters of interest to them there.

London said the group had indicated projects of interest to them in Tobago and both sides will have further contact on this.

Group spokesman Shazaad Mohammed, vice president of the T&T Saudi Arabia Chamber of Commerce (TTSACC) which brought the team to T&T, said Monday the group is particularly interested in beach front hotel investment in both Trinidad and Tobago. Mohammed said it was incorrectly stated in last Sunday’s Guardian that the group visited the Chaguaramas Convention Centre since they did not go there.

He said they went to the Chaguaramas Golf Course and other places in T&T, “but not the Convention Centre,” Mohammed said.

He said the group wasn’t interested in the Convention Centre, but in beach front hotel development and other matters.

The team, which spotted T&T on the Trade Ministry’s “InvesT&T” Internet link, said they partnered with the ministry on the visit. He said they selected T&T out of countries in the region due to its stability and since it was an oil producing state like Saudi Arabia.

They are interested in forging ties on higher education, the petrochemical sector and government sectors. They were brought to T&T by the newly-formed group TTSACC, headed

by T&T national Umar Khan and Mohammed, who is based in Canada and Saudi Arabia, but has T&T roots, he said.

He said he also carries the title Ambassador for Peace. Mohammed said the group was on a “friendly cultural and tourism exploration visit” to get a feel of things here and the business potential. Head of the team was General Kheder Alzahrani, who is special adviser with the ministry of interior affairs, as well as special adviser with the ministry of Foreign Affairs for the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a member of the Caribbean Dawah Association.

He said they met the Housing Minis-

ter (Roodal Moonilal), Legal Affairs (Prakash Ramadhar), Science and Technology (Fazal Karim) and met acting Foreign Affairs Ministers (Bhoe Tewarie), the Public Utilities (Nizam Baksh) and Works Minster (Suruj Rambachan) Monday. They also met the head of UWI Prof Dr Clement Sankat and held discussions on possible collaboration there and at the UTT. Mohammed said the most important issues in any future venture was the establishment of direct air links between T&T and Saudi Arabia since there are none and strengthening diplomatic links since they said the T&T mission which handles Saudi Arabia is in Uganda.

Mohammed said there has been no commitment from Government on any ventures at this time, but another delegation will visit T&T next month.

From what the group had seen, and on what it might be particularly interested in, Khan said the group is indeed interested in various aspects but a brief will have to be done on their visit and translated from English to Arabic and examined in Saudia Arabia before they

can say exactly what they’re eyeing. The team went to Tobago last Saturday to examine the island’s tourism potential and visited various sites including the reefs with glass bottomed boats.

Mohammed said they felt the island needed more tourism infrastructure including airport development and air links to Saudia Arabia. But they agreed Tobago is a good tourism destination. They will be contacting London again after obtaining an initial phone call with him. London said Monday: “I’ve spoken to their T&T officer Mr Khan who contacted me and we’ve exchanged information. They’ve shown interest in particular projects for Tobago. I was trying to get to Trinidad for a meeting with them Monday (Monday) but couldn’t.”

London said the group had given details of and identified what they were interested in Tobago and he had also given them additional information but nothing had been decided yet.

- Trinidad Guardian

Smith says murders still average more than 3 per day JAMAICA -- Opposition spokesman on national security, Derrick Smith, says that despite assurances from the government, murders are still averaging more than three per day.

Smith told the Jamaica Observer Monday that the latest available statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) show that there have been 207 murders between the start of 2015 and Saturday, March 7.

“When you compare this to the 176 murders recorded during the same period of 2014, it shows that there is an 18 per cent spike in murders, despite the assurances being given by the minister of national security,” he said.

Smith added that he was also concerned that in a number of the murders, children, especially young girls, and women were the victims, and in some cases even the elderly, and it appears to be even more brutal than in the past.

“This raises the issues of what are the motives behind these murders, and whether the perpetrators are trying to send a message to families of the victims, the police or the society on a whole,” Smith added.

He pointed out that he had noted in a response to national security minister Peter Bunting’s “song and dance” about the reduction of murder figures at the turn of the year, that while gang related murders had declined, murders attributed o criminals but not designated as gang-related by the police, had spiked and the minister has given no explanation.

“The minister must address this issue now, if we are to get some understanding as to the approach being taken by criminals to circumvent the Anti-Gang Act, and whether this is part of their tactics to confuse the police, while terrorising the public and creating panic in the society,” Smith said.

He noted the significant increase in murders in North St Andrew (over 330 per cent); St Thomas (250 per cent); Manchester (over 200 per cent); St Mary (over 150 per cent); and that the volatile St Catherine North, which the minister had blamed as primarily responsible for the January spike, had increased by almost 80 per cent.

Smith and Bunting clashed over recent crime figures, as the Standing Finance

Committee (SFC) of the House of Representatives probed the security ministry’s 2015/16 estimates last Wednesday.

Bunting suggested that the spike in murders, which started in January, had ended and things were getting back to normal.

“Thankfully, in February, things were back into hand and we ended the month actually below the corresponding months of the previous year and, so far in March, we are also below,” the minister told the SFC. But, Smith responded that the country was still averaging three murders per day, and the situation has now reached the stage where the US State Department has issued an advisory.

A recent travel advisory issued by the US State Department said that: “The US Embassy in Kingston reminds US citizens visiting and residing in Jamaica of the need for caution and awareness of personal security on the island. According to statistics prepared by Jamaican law enforcement au-

thorities, crime levels have increased across the country in the early months of 2015, with homicides up 18 per cent and robberies up 10 per cent over the previous year’s rates.

“The US Embassy has advised members of its community to review personal security plans; to remain aware of local events that may attract unpredictable crowds; and to monitor local media for news that might be relevant to safety issues. American citizens are encouraged similarly to maintain high vigilance levels, take appropriate steps to enhance personal security and follow instructions of local authorities”.

The State Department also “strongly recommend “that U.S. citizens, traveling to or residing in Jamaica, enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the US embassy or nearest US consulate to contact them in an emergency.

- Jamaica Observer

14 Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO O CARIBBEAN

Jamaican model takes on Donald Trump JAMAICA -- The lawsuit brought by Jamaican model Alexia Palmer against American business tycoon Donald Trump and other principals at Trump Model Management agency has taken a new twist.

The Sunday Observer has learned that the Trump Model Management has filed a motion to dismiss its initial response to a suit brought in October by Palmer.

This was confirmed by the New York law firm representing Palmer. They, however, declined to give any further comment on the matter.

Pulse, the Jamaican modelling agency which discovered Palmer and still represents her, also declined to comment.

“Pulse cannot comment at this time as the matter is in court. Also, there are confidentiality issues,” said Cooper in a statement to our queries.

Palmer, who has appeared in a number of fashion glossies including Vogue and Teen Vogue and has lead campaigns for Chanel and Iman cosmetics, filed the suit against Trump’s agency alleging that she was stiffed out of more that US$200,000 in salaries.

Palmer claims that Trump’s company lied to the federal government by documenting on her work visa application that her annual salary would be US$75,000.

However, it is being reported that between

del 2011 and 2013, all the 5-foot 10-inch model received from the agency was US$3,880 afent ter they deducted their standard 20 per cent fee and other miscellaneous expenses. mThese ‘fees’ are said to be grooming costs which included walking lessons,, a ply visit to the dermatologist, a constant supply of make-up as well as limousine rides. mp In their initial response, the Trump ucorganisation noted that the expense deduc00 tions are standard and that the US$75,000 figure was more of an estimate rather than an actual contractual obligation.

Trump Model Management was founded in 1999.

She was discovered by Pulse ass a ean teenager in 2010 through their Caribbean Model Search. She would go on to place in the top three of the fashion model section of ettthe search, which was won by Hanna Lettman. ng Palmer created history becoming the first Jamaican model to appear in the fashion bible Vogue, without being signed to an international agency.

Test shots of her wearing her Duere noon Technical High School uniform were submitted by Pulse and became the basis of her selection for her first Vogue shoot. ver - Jamaica Observer

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 15

Pollard takes break from T&T cricket TRINIDAD -- West Indies all rounder Kieron Pollard has decided to take an indefinite break from first class cricket.

T&T Cricket Board chairman of selectors Alec Burns said: “He (Pollard) said the stress and strain of the four-day cricket was taking a toll on his body.”

Burns was not sure when Pollard will make himself available again for selection. “Well it is up to him, when he is ready he will return.”

A source close to the team told the T&T Guardian that Pollard sent an email to the CEO of the T&T Cricket Board and the team selectors informing them of the situation.

This announcement came shortly after Pollard took 5/36 yesterday for T&T in a 175-run loss against the Windward Islands in the West In-

dies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League at the National Cricket Centre in Couva.

Pollard’s appearance against the Windward Islands was his first match for T&T since the Nagico Super50 tournament in January, hosted

by T&T. He returned to the T&T line up against the Windwards after recovering from a leg injury. Queen’s Park fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and Clarke Road batsman Mark Deyal have been included in the T&T squad to face Guyana in the next round of the WICB four-day competition.

Gabriel replaces Daniel St Clair, who is suffering with a kidney infection and Deyal comes in for Akeal Hosein, who has had a disappointing season.

- Trinidad Guardian

16 Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Red Force limps to big defeat TRINIDAD -- The Windward Islands Volcanoes romped to a crushing 175-run win over T&T Red Force Monday, as Mervin Matthew destroyed the local team’s batting on the final day of the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League encounter at the National Cricket Centre in Couva. It was T&T’s fifth defeat of the season and they remained fifth in the six-team standings.

After the Volcanoes were dismissed for 249 in the second innings earlier in the day, T&T folded for 125, chasing an improbable 301 for victory.

Medium pacer Matthew ended with impressive figures of 13-5-19-5, taking the first five T&T wickets before T&T could post 50.

His victims were Jeremy Solozano (one), Imran Khan (one), Kjorn Ottley (21), Jason Mohammed (four) and Kieron Pollard (three). At this stage T&T was reduced to 45/5.

After Akeal Hosein was trapped leg before to Delorn Johnson for two, wicketkeeper Steven Katwaroo and Yannic Cariah fought back for the home team, adding 46 for the seventh wicket.

However, the job was too much for

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the pair as they fell in back-to-back overs to leave T&T on 96/8. Katwaroo was bowled by man-of-the-match Kenroy Peters for 19, while Cariah was adjudged leg before to Shane Shillingford for a top score of 38.

Cariah faced 108 balls and struck four fours, in 159 minutes at the crease.

Johnson finished off the match when he bowled captain Rayad Emrit for seven. Daniel St Clair failed to take the field as he is still suffering from a kidney infection.

Earlier, Pollard produced his best bowling spell for T&T, grabbing 5/36 in 12 overs to dismiss the Windward Islands for 249 after resuming the day on 199/5. The top batsmen for Windward Islands were Romel Currency and Dalton Polius, who scored 66 not out and 42 respectively.

Currency was unbeaten on 53 overnight.

With the victory, the Windwards moved to 98 points, just two behind Barbados, with Guyana Jaguars out front on 123 points.

Scoreboard

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T&T vs WINDWARDS Windwards 1st inns 350 T&T 1st inns 299 Windwards 2nd inns (o/n 199/5) Devon Smith b K Pollard 20 T Theophile lbw R Emrit 4 M Bascombe c S Katwaroo b K Pollard 42 C Emmanuel c S Katwaroo b K Pollard 9 D Polius b Y Cariah 42 R Currency not out 66 Dennis Smith run out (J Solozano) 33 S Shillingford c M Richards b I Khan 1 M Matthew c I Khan b K Pollard 1 D Johnson c I Khan b K Pollard 20 K Peters c K Ottley b I Khan 0 Extras 1b 7lb 2w 1nb 11 Total 249 Fall of Wkts: 8, 67, 82, 85, 159, 222, 224, 226, 247, 249 Bowling: M Richards 9-2-33-0, A Hosein 144-28-0, R Emrit 7-0-36-1, I Khan 20.1-1-822, K Pollard 12-2-36-5, Y Cariah 10-0-21-1, J Mohammed 1-0-5-0

T&T 2nd inns J Solozano lbw M Matthew 1 I Khan c Dennis Smith b M Matthew 1 K Ottley lbw M Matthew 21 Y Cariah lbw S Shillingford 38 J Mohammed lbw M Matthew 4 K Pollard lbw M Matthew 3 A Hosein lbw D Johnson 2 S Katwaroo b K Peters 19 R Emrit b D Johnson 7 M Richards not out 21 D St Clair absent 0 Extras 6b 1lb 1w 8 Total all out 125 Fall of Wkts: 1, 10, 29, 37, 45, 50, 96, 96, 125, 125 Bowling: D Johnson 13-2-41-2, M Matthew 13-5-19-5, K Peters 9-2-24-1, C Emmanuel 2-0-9-0, S Shillingford 10-2-25-1 Result: Windwards won by 175 runs - Trinidad Guardian

20 Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Papaya pineapple marmalade recipe Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking With the natural abundance of fruits we have in the Caribbean I’m surprised we didn’t have a wider jam and jellies culture, when I was a kid on the islands. To be honest, the only jam mom would make was guava, sour cherry and Pommecythere (ambarella).

However with all the artisan -like initiatives lately, we’re seeing more and more creative

uuse us se off oour urr ffruits. ruuit its. its s. W We’ve e’vee ccome e’ ome to om to rrealize eaali lizze ze tthat hat hat ha fruits when we can we can sstill till ti ll enjoy ttropical ropica ro call fr frui uits ts w henn it he it’s ’ out of season. If you’re from the Caribbean you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say we eat ‘seasonally’… take sorrel for example. We only drink sorrel at Christmas time.

Why? In this recipe we’ll take two of the most common topical fruits and make what I believe is the perfect marriage of flavors and texture.

You’ll Need: 2 cups diced ripe pineapple 2 cups diced ripe papaya 3-4 cups sugar (taste and add all 4 if necessary) 1 tablespoon lemon zest (in thin strips) 1 /3 cup lemon juice

1 ta ttablespoon bblles espo poon oonn ggrated rraated teed gi gginger ing nger er pinch pinc pi nchh sa salt lt tablespoon honey Note: Peel and cube the pineapple and papaya and set aside. Then using a pairing knife, cut off some of the rind off the lemons and slice them thinly (Chiffonade). You’ll also need to squeeze the lemons as we’ll need this citrus kick in the marmalade.

Place a wide pan on a medium flame and add all the ingredients and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer (leave the pan uncovered) and have it go for about 30 minutes. The goal is to make everything tender, to the point where it starts to break apart.

will It w illl go tthick il hicck hi hick k aand nd ssticky ticc (that’s what we want) certainly control the w ant) an andd yo youu can ce texture. If you want it more runny, you can cook it for a bit less time and if you want it thick, using the back of your spoon, mash down on the pieces of fruit. If you’re an exact cook time type of person, you want to achieve 224º degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.

Pour into a sterilized glass jar, store and enjoy.

This is a great way to put such wonderful tropical fruits to use. Remember this is not diabetic friendly and overall very sweet.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

There is no way to peace, peace is the way It is generally understood that meditation is a way of attaining peace, and many believe this peace will only come after many years of intense, dedicated practice. As a meditation instructor, I find most people come to meditation believing this to be true. It is quite natural for those starting on this path to feel as though meditation will give them something that will somehow fix or cleanup the messiness of their lives, and through much effort they will no longer experience their pain, anger, depression, anxiety, confusion, or cravings. As naive as this sounds, many of us have this subtle hope that our meditation practice will lead to some ultimate comfort, security, and satisfaction.

Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is as Suzuki Roshi used to say, “Not always so.”

“There is no way to peace” is the first line of a quote I once read by Thich Nhat Hahn, the second line reading, “Peace is the way.” I find this saying very profound, and only recently, have I started truly appreciating and understanding its message.

The first line explains how we are not going to find a way to peace; the way to it is unattainable. Not because it doesn’t exist,

but rather because it must be something we bring to each moment of our lives. Peace is gentleness, compassion, and wisdom in action, right smack in the middle of ordinary, everyday living. Peace literally is the way!

Meditation is not a means to gain peace, but rather a way to practice bringing peace to whatever is occurring in that moment. I am not saying meditation does not bring about tranquility and inner calm, but naturally the feelings from deeper meditative states dissipate like an early morning fog on a sunny day. The warm fuzzy feelings come and go; nothing can ever be static in an ever-changing universe. If we believe peace is only a feeling we must attain and maintain, it will always be waxing and waning, but as we mature on our meditative path we find peace to be what we choose to bring to every moment – pleasant or unpleasant.

Understanding peace in this way allows our meditation practice to become the training ground where we are able to bring peace to ourselves, all of ourselves.

By sitting with our monkey minds, difficult emotions, body pains, and storylines, without judgments or labels, we are actually

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bringing peace to our entire being. Naturally, this begins flowing into each moment of everyday life, such as doing the dishes, being stuck in a traffic jam, working, eating, going to the bathroom, etc. Instead of waiting for peace, our life becomes our expression of peace moment-by-moment. We eventually realize peace doesn’t necessarily mean feeling good, but rather is our approach to all the circumstances we experience in our lives.

Maybe the Zen masters weren’t crazy when they claimed: practice IS enlightenment, or peace IS the way!

- My Yoga Online

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 21

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 23

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Biologist explains how marijuana causes tumor cells to commit suicide The therapeutic potential of cannabis appears limitless, extending far beyond just relieving nausea or pain in the terminally ill. Christina Sanchez, a molecular biologist from Compultense University in Madrid, Spain, has been studying the molecular activity of cannabinoids for more than 10 years, and during this time she and her colleagues have learned that tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, induces tumor cell “suicide” while leaving healthy cells alone.

This amazing discovery was somewhat unexpected, as Sanchez and her team had initially been studying brain cancer cells for the purpose of better understanding how they function. But in the process, they observed that, when exposed to THC, tumoral cells not only ceased to multiply and proliferate but also destroyed themselves, both in lab tests and animal trials. Sanchez first reported on this back in 1998, publishing a paper on the anti-cancer effects of THC in the European biochemistry journal FEBS Letters.

“In the early 1960s, Raphael Mechoulam from the Hebrew University in Israel categorized the main compound in marijuana producing the psychoactive effects that we all know,” explained Sanchez during an interview with Cannabis Planet.

“After the discovery of this compound that is called THC, it was pretty obvious that this compound had to be acting on the cells, on our organism, through a molecular mechanism.”

Human body designed to utilize cannabis compounds, research finds Later research in the 1980s revealed that the human body contains two specific targets for THC: an endogenous framework that processes THC and other cannabinoids, known as the endocannabinoid system, and various cannabinoid receptors throughout the body that utilize them. Together, these two natural systems allow the body to benefit from the cannabinoids found in cannabis, some of which aren’t found anywhere else in nature.

“The endocannabinoids, together

with the receptors and the enzymes that synthesize, that produce, the endocannabinoids and that degrade the endocannabinoids, are what we call the endocannabinoid system,” added Sanchez. “And we now know that the endocannabinoid system regulates a lot of biological functions: appetite, food intake, motor behavior, reproduction, and many, many other functions. And that’s why the plant has such a wide therapeutic potential.”

“Phoenix Tears” cannabis oil is already curing people of cancer When inhaled or consumed, cannabis cannabinoids are incorporated into the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, binding to cannabinoid receptors in the same way as endogenous cannabinoids. The effects of this in terms of cancer, as demonstrated in animal models of both breast and brain cancers, is that tumor cells are thrust into a state of apoptosis, meaning they self-destruct.

“Cells can die in different ways, and after cannabinoid treatment, they were dying in the clean way -- they were commit-

ting suicide,” revealed Sanchez. One of the advantages of cannabinoids... is that they target, specifically, the tumor cells. They don’t have any toxic effect on normal, nontumoral cells. And this is an advantage with respect to standard chemotherapy, which targets basically everything.”

What Sanchez is describing here sounds a lot like what Canadian researcher and innovator Rick Simpson has been doing with his “Phoenix Tears” cannabis oil, which has reportedly cured many people of cancer over the years without harming them like chemotherapy and radiation do.

You can learn more about Phoenix Tears here: PhoenixTears.ca.

“I cannot understand why in the U.S. cannabis is under Schedule I, because it is pretty obvious, not only from our work, but from the work of many other researchers, that the plant has very wide therapeutic potential,” emphasized Sanchez.

- Natural News

Castor oil: Great For Thickening And Regrowing Hair, Eyelashes And Eyebrows Castor oil is often overlooked for its benefits for the skin and hair because of its extremely thick and sticky consistency. However, if you’re looking for a cheap, natural remedy for several common skin and hair complaints, then castor oil is definitely worth your time.

Castor oil contains fatty acid triglycerides (more than 90 percent of them belong to ricinoleic acid). This compound makes castor oil one of the best healing products that are among natural oils. It has been scientifically proven that ricinoleic acid has the ability to prevent and eliminate many viruses, bacteria, molds, and yeasts.

It has been used since ancient times in people who have had problems with constipation first orally. But, since it is modern times, castor oil is mostly applied on troublesome areas on the body and it is taken orally

only in rare cases. Castor oil is not expensive and it is highly effective.

This oil comes from the plant Ricinus Communis and t originated in India.

Scientists recognized this plant as one of the most beneficial plants when it comes to human health, but it is also one of the most dangerous plants in the world because of its strong toxic properties. Because of the extraction process, castor oil is not dangerous.

The Many Castor Oil Benefits and Uses

• • •

• •

Castor oil has a long list of useful properties.

• •

Helps the intestinal system with dysentery and inflammatory bowels.

Menstrual Disorders. Castor oil is known to relax the muscles involved in menstrual cramps.

•

Athlete’s Foot Ringworm Regrows and thickens hair. Castor oil is loaded with omega 9 fatty acids, which nourish the follicles and hair. Castor oil is able to penetrate into the pores and follicles that produce hair. Just massage a couple of drops of castor oil into your hair.

Skin Problems Improves Lymphatic Flow. According to Dr David Williams, “No drug exists that has the ability to improve lymphatic flow; however, the job can easily be handled through the topical application of Castor oil.”

Anti – Castor oil consists of ricinoleic acid, which has anti – inflammatory properties. It is used for reducing swelling and inflammation of tissues and

• •

• • • • •

joints.

Yeast Infections. Ricinoleic acid found in castor oil is able inhibit the growth of bacteria, virus and yeast’.

Dandruff and Hair. Due to germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties, castor oil is an effective treatment for dandruff and helps protect the scalp from microbial and fungal infections.

Due to its anti – inflammatory properties, castor oil promotes regular bowel movement.

Gastrointestinal Problems Due to the ricinoleic acid in castor oil, many skin problems can be treated with it.

Migraines Sunburn - Natural News

24 Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Mustard, cayenne pepper and green tea boost your metabolism for weight loss Eggs have been shown to particularly help with fat burning.

Metabolism refers to the physical and chemical processes that synthesis energy.

These chemical reactions take place within the cells with help from enzymes and hormones. This process converts food and oxygen to the energy needed to run the body. Increasing the metabolism increases energy and enables weight loss. Everyone’s metabolism is different and this is largely determined by genetics. Your metabolism is also influenced by your age, and it slows down by 5% each decade after age 40. Even so, there are lifestyle and dietary choices that increase metabolism for everyone.

What is exercise metabolism?

Exercise metabolism is the regulation of metabolic processes during exercise.

The rate depends on the energy available to the skeletal muscles.

The muscles store ATP (adenosine triphosphates) and burn it when the muscle is in use. The body provides the correct amount of ATP that each muscle needs. When you exercise, you increase the need for ATP by the muscles, which in turn creates more conversion of food to ATP for the muscles to use. This is why the best way to increase metabolism and lose weight is by adding exercise, especially weight training, to your daily regime.

Add spices to life: cayenne, black pepper and mustard A study in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, found that red pepper (cayenne) added to high carbohydrate meals increased both resting and active metabolic rates for 30 minutes after eating. Some suggest that half a teaspoon of cinnamon boosts metabolism as well. Other spices that increase metabolism include ginger, black pepper, and mustard seed. A spoonful of mustard boosts metabolism by 25% for a few hours.

Black pepper interferes with adipogenesis, the body’s ability to make new fat cells.

Protein food burns calories All foods are fat burning in reality, because as soon as you begin the process of digestion, your metabolism increases, especially during the first hour after eating. However, some foods require more energy to digest. Protein requires as much as 25% more energy, so adding high protein snacks and foods to your diet can help boost your metabolic rate. Each 100 calories of protein takes 30 calories to digest.

Green tea increases metabolism A similar function has been claimed for green tea. The active ingredient is an antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which acts in the same manner as cayenne pepper. Three or four cups of green tea are needed to get the recommended amount of EGCG, 270-300 mg a day. Adding caffeine to EGCG has also shown to improve metabolism and encourage weight loss. The recommended doses are 270 mg of EGCG and 150 mg of caffeine.

- Natural News

Stevia is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent The native Indian tribe in Paraguay calls stevia “Kaa he-he” which means “sweet herb”. The This local herb is believed to have been used for centuries by locals as a sweetener and for medicinal treatments.

Stevia has been shown to not only contain a great flavor but also be a natural anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agent.

The Japanese were the first to purify stevia extract in the 1970s and have since used stevia in many of their fermented foods. Stevia is now cultivated in several countries including the United States, China, Brazil and Mexico. It may be purchased in liquid, powder or tablet form and is found in both food and dental hygiene products.

Health benefits of stevia Stevia contains zero calories and is up to 300 times sweeter than sucrose which makes stevia an excellent sugar substitute.

This “miraculous Paraguay herb” may be called such because of its therapeutic properties in controlling diet related diseases such as type-2 diabetes, cancer prevention, weight control and overall human health.

Scientists have identified general health benefits in individuals that consume products derived from stevia. Perhaps the best sweetener on the market, stevia does not appear to have the negative health

risks associated with consumption as do other sugar alternatives.

While researchers are still working towards identifying how the body utilizes all components contained in stevia, that which is understood clearly benefits human health.

Stevia effectively breaks down sugar and fat Some research has found that stevia acts as an anti-hyperglycemic agent or high blood sugar antagonist, because of its ability to lower glucose levels by up to 35% in healthy individuals and approximately 18% in patients with type-2 diabetes .

A 2010 study examined the effects of stevia to other sweetener products.

Healthy individuals who consumed stevia had significantly lowered postprandial glucose levels compared to those who consumed sucrose. In other words, the body appeared to stabilize blood sugar much more efficiently than traditional table sugar following food intake. Lower insulin levels were also measured in individuals who consumed stevia compared to those who ate aspartame and sucrose.

A 2015 report, yet to be published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, provides greater support that stevia products reduce insulin resistance not only by enhancing insulin secretion but also by improving both glucose metabolism and the

breakdown of fat and bile acid which aids in weight control.

The wave like effect of repeating spikes in blood glucose followed by a dramatic drop leads to insulin resistance causing diabetes. Stevia may therefore be an excellent sugar alternative for individuals with metabolic conditions such as diabetes, hyperglycemia or those with energy imbalances and problems controlling weight.

Anti-inflammatory & anti-cancer agent Some studies have found that the phagocytic function of cells, referred to as cellular eating because a cell will completely engulf and process particles, aids the immune system in protecting the body from potential threats when stevia is consumed.

Two water-soluble compounds contained in stevia, chlorphylls and xanthophylls, have also been named as the reason why stevia exhibits anti-inflammation and cancer protective properties.

Chlorophylls and xanthophylls have been concluded to not only protect the body from the effects of carcinogens linked to numerous health concerns and disorders, but these components have actually been shown to limit tumor promoting cell growth.

- Natural News

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Five reasons you arenʼt losing weight Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips I help a lot of people lose weight. In doing this, I see common mistakes that people make, sabotaging their best weight loss efforts. Weeks of restricted food intake and double duty at the gym are undone by silly, easily corrected mistakes.

1. Starving yourself all day until you are so hungry, you are ready to eat your left arm.

This is common for career driven people, or homemakers who frequently busy themselves with any variety of tasks all day, neglecting to eat for hours. Then when they come up for air, they are so hungry that they need to reach for something NOW. Usually the only available food is carbohydrate-rich,

sugary, or salty quick convenience food.

Rarely is it a piece of steamed fish with spinach on the side. All efforts to eat healthy are thrown away as you scarf down something from the drive-thru and it could have been so easily prevented if you had only had a snack to tide you over.

2. Eating a starch with every meal. Bagels or toast for breakfast, sandwiches with French fries for lunch, rice or pasta for dinner, it appears as though a meal isn’t complete without a starch. Wrong. You can eat a great meal and have the main ingredients be protein and vegetable. This does wonders to keep your blood sugar low and steady, the key to keeping the extra pounds at bay. Eat starches in moderation and avoid having them with every meal.

3. Eating food that won’t keep you full. Food that lacks protein, healthy fats and fiber leaves your tummy growling not long after eating it. A great example is yogurt. Eating greek yogurt which is higher in fat and protein will sustain you much longer than the zero calorie, synthetic sweetener based yo-

gurt. Even though the calories are higher in the greek yogurt, over the long term it will keep you full and prevent you from snacking when you shouldn’t be hungry anyways.

4. Eating emotionally. We’ve all done it. Had a hard day, felt bored, or just otherwise restless and have reached for something savory or sugary. Once in a while, we need the comfort of a good tasty meal but on a daily basis we need more effective tools to manage stress. Using food as a means of managing emotions leads to overeating and bad food decisions. Be honest with yourself. Do you eat to make yourself feel better? Manage your emotions with exercise and counseling and self-care – not ice cream and beer.

5. Eating like a child. Parents of young children and teens often end up eating like their children. Kids and teens can eat chicken strips and pizza and Kraft dinner and not gain weight. Adults cannot. Trying to a please your kids with fast food will prevent you from eating well. Lead by example

Orthodontics: A changing approach to treatment Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental Health

From the early days of orthodontic treatment the main focus has been on teeth and bony tissue, their relationship to one another in the upper and lower jaws. Increasing the shift in treatment planning has been directed more towards the soft tissue and less towards the hard tissue which include crooked teeth, large overjets, underbites, narrow arches.

This shift is driven by the demand for the best facial esthetics possible and certainly

the facial soft tissue is of paramount importa nce.

Among the soft tissues that affect facial esthetics are the cheeks, nose, lips and chin. A facial profile is the outline of the face as viewed from the side. The position of the lips in relation to a line drawn between the mid horizontal projection of the nose and the most forward prominence of the chin determines the profile. The three main profiles are straight, convex (protruded lips), concave (retruded lips). Profile has been given high consideration, at least from an orthodontic standpoint, as a determinant of facial esthetics. A straight profile has been considered the best, but this too is changing as beauty is seen in all profiles. Lips may be full, thin, loose, tight. Cheeks may be firm, muscular or flabby. Those seeking orthodontic treatment should be a part of the conversation relating to treatment goals. Their expectations

should be discussed. Questions asked and limitations pointed out by the dentist.

The tongue plays a significant role in the successful outcome of a case. It is a powerful muscle. Sometimes its size is too big for the space it occupies and pushes forward and sideways against the inner surfaces of teeth causing spacing and rotations. This is a negative factor which is best treated early. This problem should be addressed in the early stages of treatment planning.

Most people will be happy with a treatment result that displays a well-balanced, symmetrical face, with excellent alignment of teeth and comfortable biting relationships. However beauty is subjective.

What is a thing of beauty to most individuals may be distasteful to some individuals.

Therefore it is important to discuss the likes and dislikes of your facial anatomy before treatment starts.

The secret to fat loss Monique Bartlett Fitness Everyone wants to lose weight overnight, even though they didn’t gain the weight overnight. Unfortunately there is no magic pill or potion to weight loss. It takes hard work and dedication. There is a secret that I’ve found though. A combination of high intensity cardio and high intensity strength training in one workout can lead to amazing results. It’s the fastest way to burn fat, build muscle, strength and endurance all at once.

High intensity cardio and strength training must be performed correctly. It’s a good idea to start this training in a group or

with a personal trainer so they can monitor your form and progress. The good news is because it is high intensity 20 -30 minutes two or three times a week will show great results. You will get stronger, leaner and become a fat burning machine as your metabolism increases and you burn more calories at rest.

The more you do this type of exercise the easier the exercises will become over time. You will be able to do more sets and reps in the same amount of time. Large muscle exercises such as squats and lunges are great for burning fat and building a strong shapely body. You can do these exercises without weight or you can add weights to increase the intensity. You can also slow the movement down pausing at the bottom of the movement and the top. You can continue to do this to the point of exhaustion.

It may seem as if performing the exercise slower won’t be as difficult but if you do this right your heart will be racing, you’ll be breathing harder, your legs will feel

like jello and you’ll work up a great sweat.

As you build up your strength your body will become more efficient and your endurance will increase. You will feel stronger, lighter and will like the changes you start to see in your clothes and in the mirror.

High intensity cardio and strength training are a secret weapon to weight loss.

Do it right and you’ll get amazing results.

Do it wrong and you can end up injured and worse off than when you started. You can’t rush your results and you have to make sure that you give your body sufficient time to rest and let your muscles repair themselves from all the hard work you will be doing.

Always check with your doctor first to make sure this type of workout is right for you. Make sure a qualified individual is teaching you proper form and technique.

Above all, make sure that you make exercise fun and not consider it a chore. The more you do it, the better you will be at it and the better results you will receive. So what’s holding you back? Get started today!

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Providing for dependants after death Valerie Dye Legal Matters To a large extent a testator has testamentary freedom to leave his assets for whomever he or she wishes to leave them for. There are instances where because someone has not been made a beneficiary under a testator’s will this can create hardship especially where that person was being taken care of by the testator prior to his or her death.

Even in cases where a will was not made and the individual dies intestate the beneficiaries under the laws of intestacy may not include some persons who have been dependants of the deceased. This can happen in instances of common law union where the common law spouse is not a spouse for the purposes of intestacy. Therefore if the deceased has not made a will and dies leaving a common law partner it is very likely that the common law partner may not benefit under his estate.

Another scenario that may occur is that of step children who were being taken care of by the deceased prior to his death but who cannot benefit from his estate along with his children.

Section V of The Succession Law Reform Act ensures that persons who were being supported by a deceased prior to his death and who would otherwise not benefit from his estate can apply to the court for provision. The Act states specifically that :” where a deceased whether testate or intestate has not made adequate provisions for his dependants or any of them, the court on ap-

plication may order that such provision as it considers adequate be made out of the estate of the deceased for the proper support of the dependants or any of them’.

Many claims under section 58 of the Succession Law Reform Act are brought by common law spouses who were dependants of the deceased. In the case of Stevens vs Fisher, Ms. Stevens had been the common-law wife of the deceased for 11 years.

He left nothing for her in his will and she made an application to the Superior Court of Ontario to be paid the proceeds of his insurance policy which was valued at $84,000.

Although the deceased’s daughter had been named the beneficiary of the insurance policy the Court found that Ms. Stevens had indeed been a dependant of the deceased and that the deceased failed to leave her adequate provision. The Court ordered that $75,000 out of the insurance policy should be paid to Ms. Stevens and that the remaining $9,000 should be paid to his daughter. This case shows that in the appropriate circumstances the court can override testamentary freedom to ensure that dependants obtain adequate provision from the estate of a deceased.

To benefit under this provision one must first qualify as either a spouse, parent, child or sibling of the deceased. Spouse for the purpose of this Act includes common law spouse with whom the deceased had cohabited for not less than three years and child includes grandchild or any other child that the deceased had treated as a child of the family. The deceased must have been supporting these persons or was legally obligated to supporting these persons prior to his or her death.

Finally it is important to note that an application for support from the estate of a deceased must be brought before the Court within six months after an estate trustee has been appointed to administer the estate.

PM Harper and Bill Gates renew call to advance global maternal, newborn and child health priority OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Bill Gates in Ottawa to discuss how to further leverage the strong leadership that Canada has demonstrated in promoting maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) in order to ensure that it remains a global development priority and a prominent feature of the global post-2015 development agenda. They were joined by Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, as well as global health leaders representing Canadian and international organizations that are committed to advancing significant progress and achieving results on MNCH. While tremendous progress has been made to save the lives of the world’s most vulnerable citizens – women and children – much work remains to be done. To this end, the Prime Minister and Mr. Gates together renewed the call for focused global political leadership and sustained financial commitments to ensure that MNCH remains a central development priority as the world moves beyond 2015.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to support immunization as a key pillar of Canada’s MNCH strategy by announcing new investments toward improving access to vaccines for mothers and children. These investments are aimed at eradicating polio and eliminating tetanus, as well as providing support to 20 implementation research teams, made up of African and Canadian researchers, who will contribute to improving maternal and child health in Africa.

During a moderated discussion, the Prime Minister and Mr. Gates discussed the unprecedented global progress that has taken place since the establishment of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals in 2000. Fifteen years later, the world stands on the verge of ending the preventable deaths of mothers and children under five within a generation, in large part due to the leadership and commitment of international partners such as the Government of Canada and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

- CIC

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Canada Welcomes Long-Term Multiple-Entry Visas for Canadian Travellers to China TORONTO -- Canada`s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today welcomed China’s new long-term, multiple-entry visas for Canadians.

The new multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 10 years, will ease travel, reduce costs and cut down on delays and time spent preparing for trips to China. This will directly benefit Canadian business people, who regularly travel between the two countries to boost exports, as well as tourists and Cana-

dians visiting family, enhancing people-topeople ties.

Effective today, Canadians may submit their requests for the new multipleentry visa to Chinese consulates and authorities.

China is a priority market under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan, the government’s blueprint for creating jobs and prosperity through exports, as well as Canada’s second-largest trading partner, with two-way merchandise trade reaching almost $78 billion in 2014.

- CIC

Where is Consumersʼ Independent Arbitration Process with 407 ETR? Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters According to Jodie Parmar, former Vice President, Corporate Development, Privatization Secretariat/Ontario that successfully led the $3.107 billion privatization of Highway 407, Section 19 of 407 Act creates the legal obligation for 407ETR to pay fees and expenses of LGIC (Lieutenant Governor in Council) appointed dispute arbitrators. These arbitrators are supposed to be completely independent of 407ETR and are supposed to be able to handle our disputes, have the authority to advertise their services and charge back the costs to 407ETR. So the question is, after 15 years, what has happened to this process?

Every year there are three Orders in Council appointing independent arbitrators, but nobody has ever accessed them since 2009. Who pays for these appointments?

Why hasn’t anyone accessed them since 2009?

I contacted the LGIC appointed arbitrators for 2013 and 2014 Louie L Resnick, Bruce Ranton Robinson and Jonathan H Flanders directly and they never responded.

New ones should be appointed March or April of this year. When I contacted ADR Institute they were very evasive and defended the process as being transparent and would not answer follow up questions. I questioned why ADR Institute needed permission from 407 ETR to speak to me, if it was an independent process. That’s because they sent my emails to the company. Mary Anne Harnick, M.A, LL.B, from ADR Institute said, “We believe the process is independent, is not biased and is in accordance with law.

Accordingly, we disagree. Given our disagreement we wanted the 407 Ombudsman to be transparently aware of your allegations and opinions.”

I’m sorry, but if it walks like a

duck, quacks like a duck… it’s a duck. This “independent” process is not a transparent process. Neither 407 ETR nor the Ministry of Transportation informs you of your right to dispute through this provision. Basically, the Province has allowed the company to set up a three tiered bias, internal dispute process and turns a blind eye to the fact that no one has been able to access the legislated process.

Basically, the 2005 court decision the Province hides behind says the burden of proof is with the consumer, when the company makes a claim. That was an error in judgment that should have been appealed but wasn’t. Essentially, the company can claim whatever they want and never have to justify anything. It’s an impossible situation for a consumer to defend because the company holds all the information that can prove your innocence. Even if you were successful in accessing an independent process, how can you defend yourself when the company holds all the information and doesn’t have to give you anything?

It took me until the year 2011 to wrestle out of the company invoices that proved all tolls were paid on an account from the year 2000 that the company sent me a bill for in 2005, even though I already had a transponder account for at least 3 years, using the same plate. Sound confusing? Yes it is and guess what? I am still in Plate Denial because I missed a 30 day window?

Years later, after pushing through the 407 ETR’s bias, internal, three tiered process, four times, I discovered this independent process and demanded to go through it. I was told by 407 ETR that I only had a thirty day window to act on it and I missed it. Really?! 407 ETR can take five years to send you a bill, take eleven years to send you the invoices that make up the amount they are claiming against you and send you zero evidence that a toll actually occurred and I am supposed to somehow be able to defend a thirty day window I have to dispute charges?

This is outrageous! I don’t understand why more people aren’t complaining about this unjust practice. We have to change the 407 Act so it conforms to consumer protection legislation.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 27

FOR SALE FOR SALE

FOR SALE FOR SALE

LAND: Great Inescapable Commercial Potential. Land Ownership Opportunity ,New Highway Intersection South Trinidad .

Freehold 13,000 sqft , road front on overpass Price $475,000 CAD or $ 2.4 M TT . for info 647 349 6633 , Dianne 1868 680 5874 , wingurri@yahoo.com

LAND: Highway Exposure LAND Trinidad Inescapable Commercial in Industrial Booming Area. Prime Central Trinidad Lands 3 parcels Straddled Couva , Freeport and Preysal. Freehold available 7 , 10 and 47 acres parcels. Priced $ 3.5 Million TT / acre / $ 662,000 CAD/ acre.

Contact 647 477 8542 , 647 349 6633 , wingurri@yahoo.com

DRIVER: Driver wanted located in Ajax.

Starting at $15.00 hourly. Call Robin at 647-998-7076

LAND: Land for Sale in Guyana. 3 house lots at Blankenburg West Dememara. Each lot measuring 50 feet x 75 feet. Price negotiable. Call Zafar 416-619-4441

CHINESE WEST INDIAN COOK: CHINESE West Indian Cook Wanted for busy Caribbean establishment in Mississauga.

Please contact 905-564-7800

FORWANTED SALE HELP

FOR SALE LOOKING FOR

DETAILER: Detailer wanted for busy detailing shop in Mississauga. No experiences necessary, must be hard working and reliable. Contact Johnny 416-997-0279

CARETAKER POSITION: Looking for a Live In Caretaker position. Preferable in the Brampton area. Call 905-791-8084

LAND: Land for Sale in Guyana (Near Parika) One extra large house lot facing highway. Price Negotiable Call Robert 905820-5386 LAND: Land for sale, South Trinidad with Highway frontage (New Southern Highway Extension,) MINS from San Fernando 2 3/4 Lots. Fully approved Excellent for Business, investment $325,000.00 (CAD) or $1.625million TTD. CONTACT: sian@ sgurri.com or 1-868-468-7672

FORWANTED SALE HELP

FOR SALE SERVICES

WEST INDIAN COOK: West Indian Cook Wanted for busy Caribbean establishment in Mississauga. Please contact 905-564-7800

LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FREE! Send your information to info@torontocaribbean.com or call 647-722-6298

FOR SALE WORSHIP

30 Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - March 11th 2015 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Thursday’s learning curve is a productive one. Through Sunday, it’s an unfolding process. Monday/Tuesday, Mars trine Jupiter puts you/life on the take-flight trajectory.

These are enrich-it or submerge-yourself days. Mars is on a short fuse and is easily triggered on Wednesday. Watch for a sudden snap or brilliant flash. When you’re hot, you’re hot. Pacing yourself is near impossible. Don’t channel Kanye.

Looking to take it in a new direction or make that big turnaround? Thursday’s full moon can turn the potential into reality. Through next week’s start, you’ll find better-than-average opportunity to achieve, attain, repair, and heal. Today’s action-taking and efforts plant an especially potent seed for long-term gain and security. Monday/Tuesday stokes the fire. By Wednesday, it’ll strike full force.

Through next Wednesday, it’s one thing after another in rapid succession. Be it health, home, family, or professional matters, Thursday’s exposing full moon gifts you with the opportunity to work through it. Friday through Sunday, you’ll hit a quick bounceback and uptake. A new social, romantic, or money prospect could fire up. Monday begins a full-scale go-get week. Wednesday is a spontaneous-combustion day.

If it hasn’t happened yet, it will soon enough: a new reality is about to overtake you. Thursday’s full moon can reveal or expose, open your heart or mind, or send you on a spiritual quest. A vacation escape is also well timed. Monday/Tuesday is optimal for getting a move on. Wednesday is an abruptcutoff, hot-button, jump-start, or beyondyour-control day. Stay alert.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Even if Thursday’s full moon shorts you or piles on more than you feel is reasonable, it’s only a temporary setback. You’ll continue to gain advantage from Jupiter in Leo and the host of planets in Aries. Monday through Wednesday, Mars dials it up hot and fast.

These are major springboard, jump-on-it, and leap-of-faith days.

The ball is in your court on Thursday. The empowering Virgo full moon helps you make a significant impact, take an official step, and/or nail it down where it does you the most good. Through mid next week, the stars put you on a speed track re: finances, creativity, and intimate-relationship matters.

Right out of the starting gate, Wednesday can hit you with something unexpected and perhaps jarring.

Less is more on Thursday. Read between the lines, and allow for things to work themselves out. Of course, when it comes to health or well-being, you can’t go wrong to pump up safety measures or the goodfor-you stuff. The Libra moon brings you/ it to life through the weekend. Monday and Tuesday are great go-for-it days. Wednesday’s unexpected can hit you hard.

So far, so good, even if you don’t get as much out of it or as far as you expect. What you’ve gained or accomplished as of Thursday’s full moon appears to be solid. The weekend can keep you out of sight, but as of Monday, you’ll reclaim your dynamo status.

It’s hit-the-ground-running time. Wednesday’s a speed track.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Thursday’s full moon can give you a better rate, score you a bargain, or turn a minus into a plus. Even if it calls for more effort or investment, there’s an opportunity to make a significant improvement. At the start of the week, you’re hot to trot and at your performance best. Monday through Thursday is optimal. Go the distance, risk it; take your best shot.

An unexpected hole in your day or a schedule change could be a blessing on Thursday.

There’s an opportunity to correct, improve, or fill in something more. Friday through Sunday calls for more compromise. Monday/Tuesday, a fresh start can be exceptionally lucrative. Wednesday begins with a disruption or a sudden snap. It’s a pushcomes-to-shove day.

You could be in for more than you bargained for on Thursday. Even so, it should work out just fine. The mixed-bag trend continues through next week. It’s better-than-average go-getting and unexpected sidetracks all wrapped up into one. Monday/Tuesday, take your best shot. Wednesday is a hot-button, hot-pursuit, sudden-flash, or sudden-slam day.

Better solutions, greater insight, or unexpected healing is the gift of Thursday’s full moon. Through the weekend, you’ll get a chance to top it up and/or spend quality time with someone special. Monday/Tuesday is exceptionally opportune. On Wednesday, stay sharp and act fast. It’s a sudden-breakthrough, cutoff, or speed-up day.

March 20 - April 19

July 22 - August 22

November 22 - December 21

April 19 - May 20

August 22 - September 22

December 21 - January 19

May 20 - June 21

September 22 - October 23

January 19 - February 18

Across 2) Between double and king 5) Stuffed animal 8) Rest your head 11) Added for warmth 14) Sleepwear 18) Bad dream Down 1) Sleeping ____ 3) Keep sunlight out 4) Afternoon snooze 6) Often requires a cover 7) Storied sleeper Van Winkle 9) Forty ____ 10) Cozy footwear 12) Furniture at bed’s end 13) Pocket coil or memory foam 15) Wake-up sound 16) Sawing logs 17) Fitted or flat

June 21 - July 22

October 23 - November 22

February 18 - March 19

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Preparing your car for spring Jelani Daniel Automotive Corner After this winter, most cars and car drivers will be tired, worn out, and waiting for spring to arrive. With the arrival of spring comes the arrival of car checks that should be in place to ensure your commutes and family drives in the summer are safe.

Below is a list you can keep as a reference list and check back on each year. Just as preparing your car for the summer and winter is important, preparing your car for spring, is important too.

Spring Car Checklist: Belts/Hoses: Since the winter has extremely cold weather, it may lead to issues with either hoses or belts because of their material; they can harden, contract, and expand. Having hoses and belts inspected can ensure that they do not malfunction during the summer time.

Some type of belts and hoses include: • Heater hoses • Accessory belts • Coolant hoses All three need to be intact and in healthy condition to keep your car running smoothly. metal, Brakes: Road salt erodes many types of me meta tall,

leaving your brakes worn out or rusted. Brakes are very durable, but having them inspected for damage or erosion during the spring can ensure they are clean and safe for your summer road trips.

Oil Change: The 3,000 to 4,000 kilometer mark is the usual point at which an oil change should be scheduled (or every 2-3 months).

After the winter season ends, refreshing your car with clean oil and a new filter is a great way to lubricate and clean your engine for the upcoming summer months.

Your Wipers And Windshield: Winter road debris and parking during sub-zero weather can lead to icy wiper blades and windshield scrapes and dents. Passing trucks on the highway can sometimes chuck debris, leading to small dents or scratches on your windshield, which can grow. Addressing both issues early on can keep your windshield crack free and ensure you have good visibility during rainy patterns in the spring.

Paint: The body of your car contains paint that can erode, get scratched, or become dented because of road salt pellets. By having regular car washes and inspecting the car during the spring, you can do personal detailing for your paint at a low cost, or hire a professional detailer for larger marks and rust.

Tip: Rust can sometimes be removed by the use of a soft-bristle toothbrush, some water, and some toothpaste. Blend to make a paste and gently rinse with water.

Overall, your car is a valuable asset, but your safety y is ppriceless. Check yyour car each season to ensure safe travels for months to come!

Hiring uninsured contractors is risky business Sherene Cole

CIP, CRM, CAIB, LLQP

Insurance Matters

How do you protect yourself as a homeowner or small business owner to ensure that your renovation project gets off the ground? Part of this process hinges on the people who will actually do the work - the contractors and subcontractors you hire.

An informed customer will have fewer disappointments, so find out as much as you can about the contractor you are considering in advance.

1. Obtain appropriate license numbers and a written proposal: This should outline what work you agreed on to be done and the timeframe in which that work is to be completed.

2. Ask for and check for references: Do as much homework as possible before you make the decision to hire.

3. Hire an insured contractor or sub-contractor to complete the job. Make sure there is commercial liability and property damage insurance in place.

4. Inform your insurance broker or agent before starting any major renovation project: Your coverage may need to be amended during the course of the construction.

Uninsured contractors may have no way of repaying you for any property damage he or she causes, putting the risk squarely on your shoulders. Your property insurance policy does not usually cover damages or losses that occur as a result of the actions of your uninsured contractor.

If you knowingly hired an un-licensed contractor and an injury occurs during the performance of the contract, then your insurance company has the right not to pay the claim, leaving you exposed to the medical or personal injury bills.

If the insurance company wins a judgment against you, any assets you receive in the future (even an inheritance or money from your business) can have a lien placed against it. All judgments are made a part of your credit history and remain there until they are paid.

Take the time to check with the insurance company named in a certificate of insurance, to verify that the contractor’s policy is still effective and will be throughout the duration of your project.

The bottom line is that failing to do your homework, will have negative financial consequences if something goes wrong during a project. If the contractor is uninsured or has uninsured employees, don’t even consider hiring them.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

What do you do when...

Colleen Lindberg Business Development You get that feeling that in the back of your throat… the little tickle and you know… I am about to get sick. Yes… the monster that inhibits all momentum in an entrepreneur’s business. Have you ever felt this way?? I know you have, as

there is no way that you can be human and not have gotten sick. Well folks, this week it happened to me… couch ridden, head throbbing and no focus… meanwhile all of the things on my to do list lay dormant… do you really think I have time to get sick??

So what is the real message of all of this… Maybe it is that I’ve been pushing myself too hard. Long nights, little sleep, a lot of stress.. no that can’t be it as that describes entrepreneurship… right???

So the real question then becomes what do you do when you get sick? As solopreneurs we are the only option in our businesses. We don’t have

assistants to answer our calls while we nap. We don’t have a sales department that is out there generating revenue. We don’t have an accounts receivables department sending out invoices and asking for money… seriously what do you do? Well…. Over a lot of battles and still pushing through the only right answer… the only real answer is to honor the time off and rest. Yes… I said it. Is it hard, absolutely…do you still think about work and all the stuff you still have to do., of course but really, sickness is our bodies way of telling us it’s done and needs a break.

Think about this, how productive are you really when you are sick?

Most of the time I can’t think straight and all I want to do is sleep, so if I push through that it’s really getting me nowhere quick and I have realized that more now than ever. I am the one that pushes even when it’s time to rest… can you relate?

The moral of the story really is… honor yourself, take the time you need to rejuvenate and relax… of course not everyday but really when you get sick it’s a sign that you need rest. Breathe and sleep… it will be the best medicine for focus in four days.. trust me I know…

Phewf I feel better already!

WITH A UNION AT WORK, IMMIGRANT WORKERS GET PAID MORE.

$330

MORE

EVERY TWO WEEKS*

Those extra dollars support families and get spent at local businesses, where they sustain jobs, and support community services.

www.canadianlabour.ca

*Based on 2013 labour data from Statistics Canada.

Better paycheques for immigrant workers in and around Toronto put over $44 MILLION every week into the local economy.

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