Police Carding 032515

EVERYTHING EVERYTHI ING YOU UN NEED EED IN ONE NEW NEWSPAPER WSPAPER TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM TOR OR O RON ONTO T CARI RIIB R BB B BEAN.CO CO C OM • VO V VOLUME OLUME E 4 • ISSU ISSUE UE 3 • W UE WEDNESDAY, ED E DN NE ES SD DAY, MARCH H 25 2 25TH 5TH TH 2 2015 015 01 15

POLICE CARDING Photo: Dewitt Lee

PROTESTORS DEMAND POLICE ACT ON POLICIES THAT WILL CURB POLICE CARDING IN BLACK COMMUNITIES

JORDAN MAXWELL/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

A group of passionate protestors lined the sidewalk and steps of the 31 Division near Jane and Finch to demand police act on a set of policies that will ostensibly curb police carding in black communities.

“We are more focused on the murders in our city that are still unsolved,” said Dewitt Lee, a former mayoral candidate and activist in Toronto.

“We’re trying to work with police and members of the community to bring to justice the lives that were taken and those most affected by it. The fact that youth are being targeted, and that they’re dying as the killers are running free must stop. We have to stand up to the police and tell them that we want justice. This is what the march is all about

as we fight for results.

Lee’s comments come just over a week after the cancellation of a police board meeting on March 2nd wherein they were called out by activists and community interest groups for continuing to procrastinate on new guidelines and policies expected to curb carding amongst minorities, namely those in the black community.

A rally was held at City Hall in Toronto on March 21st against police violence and brutality, which also made international headlines, and a similar gathering at 40 College St. on March 19th.

Protests were planned outside of Toronto Police headquarters a couple of weeks ago and more than two dozen protestors kept up the momentum as many

were outraged that the meeting to address community contacts was cancelled, seemingly last minute, after months of lobbying and hearings.

With Toronto police Chief Bill Blair due to leave his Chief’s chair next month, many have their reservations about the process and why such guidelines are being protected from interest groups who have a huge stake in the outcome.

Audrey Campbell, past president and cochair at the Jamaican Canadian Association, said that she retains hope that the implementation process will go smoothly and added that Bill Blair has no choice but to get this done before he leaves office in April.

Continued On Page 10

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TORONTO CARI CARIBBEAN

Kumarie Persaud ; Grandmother & Business Owner Born and raised in Berbice, Guyana, KumaPersaud or Kamela as she is known in the rie Pe community came to Canada while she was comm still iin high school. When she came here she continued to finish her high school education conti before going back to Guyana to get married. befor Soon after getting married she decided that wanted to come back to Canada to live so she w her husband and brought him she sponsored s here tto start a family together.

After completing high school, she jumped right into the workforce spending jump some time working in various places. She really satisfied working for somewas never n one eelse, because she knew that there was a potential to build something of her own. She poten wanted something more, and so she started wante searching for a small business in the area that searc she ccould tackle and be happier working for herself. herse In 2008 her and her husband became small business owners, opening The Caribbean Oasis Bar and Restaurant in Mississauga. They opened a home away from home sauga specializing in authentic Caribbean cuisine, speci where their customers could come enjoy a wher drink and a hot plate of food at the end of a long day of work.

In a typical day, Kamela divides herself bbetween work and home getting up spendsome time with her grandchildren and taking so ing ccare of her mother-in-law before heading out to open the restaurant at 2pm. She spends

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the rest of the afternoon and evening running the restaurant and the bar always keeping the customers satisfied until they close at 2am.

They are open seven days a week always ready to offer their customers exceptional service.

In the beginning there were many challenges to opening a small business, as it was only her and her husband to run everything with only one other cook helping out. Kamela herself learned to cook through watching her grandmother when she was younger, and her husband taught her the rest.

Together they make a great team and they do their best to face challenges head on. Since their beginning they have hired more staff to help out making everything run more smoothly and take off some of the stress.

When looking toward the future, Kamela looks to the advice of those more experienced than her, gathering knowledge and opinions to make informed decisions. She shares much of her challenges with her sister, who can relate, as she also owns a restaurant of her own. She enjoys what she does working for herself, and is happy to have her husband there by her side every step of the way. `The Caribbean Oasis Restaurant is located at 7125 Goreway Dr, in Mississauga. If you’re ever in the area stop by for a drink!

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

Wednesday, We W edn edn ne essda dayy,, March Mar a ch 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Bright Future ahead for child star Bluez Kumar Jr. Alyssa Mahadeo TC Reporter They say that children light the pathway to the future, and for seven year old Bluez Kumar Jr, his future couldn’t be brighter.

Young and multitalented, Bluez had the honor of participating in the 2015 TalentINC Canada Conference – an event that recognizes outstanding contributions and strides the acting, modeling and talent platforms.

TalentINC selected Bluez to participate in this three day event held from February 20th-22nd and put his talent to the test by asking him to perform monologue acting, partake in runway modeling and finally his talent portion displaying his skill with a tassa drum that impressed judges so much that he was awarded the

1st place prize in Overall Child Talent Under 12. In a contest of over 40 children from the ages 4-12, he is the first child of Caribbean descent to win this award in all the years that TalentINC has held this competition.

Through his Trinidadian heritage, being exposed to music, and surrounded by talent at such a young age has contributed to the love for show business in Bluez. He spends most of his time acting and performing and various events throughout the city. Recently he had the honor of being featured on CityTV News at 5 for a carnival expose, and he was cast and filmed as a Toys R Us kid for their commercials as well as making appearances on popular YouTube channels.

For a seven year old, his life is anything but simple being spotted at many events in the city from the early age of two playing his tassa drum alongside the TalanaBlu Tassa Cru. Every year he graces the stage at Chutney in D Park.

This year keep an eye out for him at MADDERIFIC MONDAY to be held at Wild Water Kingdom.

Between een acting, performances and travelling, Bluez’s busy schedulee doesn’t allow him the luxury off spending time like most children ildren his age.

Bluez doesn’tt mind however, as he enjoys njoys every minute in the spotlight.

His achievements ments at such a young age put him in a position ition of being apart of even greater things in the future ahead.

The TalanaBLU Tassa CRU will be performing at thee 1st annual Toronto onto Caribbean Expo, xpo, be sure to join oin them and Bluez uez for a day filled led with experierienced talent and live entertainainment!

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

6ixside redefining the Toronto fashion scene Alyssa Mahadeo TC Reporter In the last couple of years, Toronto has been in the spotlight for everything that’s new, fresh and exciting. From Drake’s success and Torontonian recognition, to the pride of the Raptor’s fans, the 416 has renewed its appeal and given its citizens a city to be proud of.

6ixside Clothing Co. is a brand new line of unisex T-shirts and apparel taking the Toronto urban fashion scene by storm.

Launched in summer 2014, 6ixside founder Richard Ramsuchit developed an idea for a logo that would best represent the love people have for Toronto culture. As a young business minded entrepreneur, the concept stemmed from the notion of starting up a new brand. They drafted their first template shirt in late August and posted it up on Instagram where they quickly developed a huge following of over 6000 people.

Potential clientele started commenting and displaying interest in the brand helping them to gain the traction they needed to get their business up and running. Their contemporary clean cut look appeals to the new age and modern urban street style, which can be dressed up or down to fit the occasion. These T-shirts are of a high quality

100% cotton polyester blend that is made to last.

Since their launch last year, 6ixside Clothing has made their mark on Toronto rap artists as well as many local YouTubers who wear the brand with pride in their videos. Recently featured in Karl Wolfe’s music video “Toronto Love” 6ixside is a representation of the 416 hoping to bring the love of Toronto culture through fashion. In addition to the T-Shirts 6ixside also features a range of hoodies, crewnecks and snapbacks with various designs and customizations. In order to spread brand awareness they have been setting up pop-up shops around the city where people can come see the merchandise for themselves. Ryerson University recently had the chance to host one of these shops and were granted the opportunity to purchase a 6ixside T-Shirt custom made in their school colors.

Also in the works 6ixside has come together with a local Toronto jewelery designer called @ReverseKarmaOnline to create some artfully handcrafted pieces that can be worn casually or with evening dress.

Moving forward they are in the works of opening up their very own store in Toronto.

They are hoping to develop a women’s clothing line as well as other exciting projects in the works. With summer just around the corner they plan to set up more pop-up shops and attend upcoming events in the city.

For more information about 6ixside Fashion or to purchase their hot new apparel check out their website at www.6ixside.com and follow them on Instagram @6ixside to keep up to date on the latest.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Police executive in dark on nationwide roadblocks: ACP gets 14 days to find answers TRINIDAD -- Acting Commissioner of Police Ann Marie Alleyne-Daly says Monday’s nationwide roadblocks were not sanctioned by the leadership of the T&T Police Service. Speaking at a news conference at the headquarters of the TTPS in Port-of-Spain Monday, Alleyne-Daly also apologised to citizens for the inconvenience caused and said a police investigation was commissioned to determine if the action was linked in any way to the unresolved negotiations for increased salaries for police.

“We apologise for the situation,” she said, adding that acting Assistant Commissioner Vincel Edwards has been given 14 days to get answers on Monday’s action, which caused major disruption in the several areas of operations across the country.

Alleyne-Daly admitted that the police leadership was unaware of plans for Monday’s roadblocks. “Had we known about this we would have taken measures. It went beyond what is normal,” she added.

But despite that, she also said National Security Minister Brigadier Carl Alfonso did not have the authority to tell the officers to “stand down” in the exercises. Alfonso had reportedly posted the directive on social media Monday as thousands responded angrily to the nationwide roadblocks.

Talks between the Police Social Welfare Association and the Chief Personnel Officer have broken down as officers have rejected the offer made by the CPO.

Monday’s roadblocks affected thousands of citizens, including students. Some schools dismissed classes by lunchtime as the teachers and other staff were unable to get to work. Police conducted a similar exercise along the East West Corridor last week but that did not cause the kind of disruption of Monday’s event. On that occasion, the police said they were looking for suspects in a white vehicle who had committed illegal activity in central Trinidad.

Monday, Alleyne-Daly said it was

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normal for the TTPS to have “total policing days,” which involved setting up roadblocks as an anti-crime initiative. She said such actions were normally sanctioned by operational inspectors. But following Monday’s occurrence, Alleyne-Daly said with immediate effect the authority to initiate road check exercises would be taken away from inspectors and “reside only with the divisional commanders and heads of sections and branches.”

Too much disruption In distancing the TTPS from Monday’s action, Alleyne-Daly said it should not have caused so much inconvenience to the travelling public. She said while there would be more “total policing days” in future, it would not be on such a magnitude on a daily basis and would be held in different areas in different divisions. Alleyne-Daly said the executive was aware of the ongoing wage negotiations with the CPO, adding the executive was in support of the collective bargaining process.

She was not prepared to reveal what sanctions could be placed on the officers if the investigation showed the action was in breach of police regulations, noting she did not want to pre-empt the investigation.

Asked about the success of Monday’s initiative, Alleyne-Daly said she was unaware of any arrests during the exercise. She said the exercise, which began at 5 am, involved officers from every division and police would also investigate reports of people in the roadblock at Beetham Gardens being robbed.

Alleyne-Daly said she had communicated with acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, who is abroad, on the matter and he was in support of the action being taken by the executive to prevent a recurrence of such action. She said the police executive also discussed Monday’s incident with Alfonso.

- Trinidad Guardian

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Rice cereal manufacturing facility to eventually employ 200 persons GUYANA -- Guyana’s Head Of State, President Donald Ramotar, on Saturday last, formally launched the $100M Anna Regina Rice Cereal Manufacturing Facility, slated to add value to the rice industry in Guyana.

This Government-invested project, costing some $100 million, is a facility which has the capacity to produce five metric tonnes of breakfast cereal daily. The cereal would be called Morning Glory, and funding for the project has been secured under the Rural Development Fund administered by the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Dr. Suresh Narine, Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), said that construction of this factory is set to directly benefit some 105 persons in its initial phase; and when the factory would have reached its capacity, it would be able to provide employment to more than 200 persons.

Dr. Narine noted that, most importantly, his first order of business would be to express heartfelt gratitude to the Essequibians, especially those from the Anna Regina area, for their support and collaboration in this project. He said: “What we produce must be of a high quality. And this facility that will be built will be the pride of the community.�

Explaining the reason for situating the rice factory in Essequibo, Dr. Narine explained that Essequibians are among the most hospitable people in Guyana, and they

take pride in their land. “For a company of this nature to flourish,� Dr. Narine opined, “the community needs to take pride in everything that they do; and I have found this here (in Essequibo)�.

Dr. Narine noted thus: “In another week or so, we will start advertising our vacancies; and within another four weeks, we will begin training of those persons that would have been selected.�

After the training would have been completed, he said, persons would be presented with a food handler’s certificate, so that by the time the factory is completed, they would be trained and equipped to take up employment.

Dr. Narine noted that in the factory’s first phase of production, about 2000 tonnes of rice would be utilised; “but the factory will be built to be able to expand on production when needed, and it will be able to utilise up to 30,000 tonnes of rice yearly,� he disclosed. “With 400 grammes of rice, we can process and package, and be able to resell that for $600 to $700. That is added value,� he stressed.

An upbeat award-winning and globally recognised Professor Narine told the gathering at the launching of the factory that, with all this new development, “I still have more news for you: today we are

also launching our nutritional bar, also made from rice!�

The Chr took the opportunity to speak with a few residents about this investment that the Government has embarked upon.

Arnold Adams exclaimed: “Of course this is good for the community! And my main reason for saying this is because it is creating jobs for our young people, and we will be able to keep them in Essequibo.�

He said another major spin-off of this factory would be the benefits accruing to rice farmers. “I wrote CXC last year, and now I will apply to this company to see if I can get a job�, 17-year-old Suresh Lall disclosed. He explained that his family would be more appreciative of him staying in Essequibo, and the factory presents him a great opportunity to so do, since the company would be training persons before they commence work.

Anna Regina senior citizen Bill (only name given) declared, “I am happy to see this Government investing; and dem been doing so for many years now.�

Bill noted that Anna Regina was previously all swamp with no development; but, he said, over the years under this Government, “plenty people get big house, and dem children get fancy jobs. I glad that we getting this factory, so we can keep we children here, and not send dem to Georgetown.�

- Guyana Chronicle

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10 Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Protesting for change Jordan Maxwell TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- “It’s a little disheartening to say the least but all you can do is have hope that the police are doing everything in their power to address the issue, because it’s not going to go away,” she said.

“We’ve seen some will to move forward, but last week’s cancellation is just another bump in the road that we’re going to have to deal with.”

The policy would require officers to have a valid public safety reason to stop and question people and would also ensure that people stopped by the police must be informed of their right to refuse to answer questions. The reason for any stop must be recorded, and a copy of record must be given to the person, according to police board reports.

The lack of oversight and previous action has led to lawsuits from several organizations, activists and interest groups against Peel Regional Police and

the police service in Durham, as well as, the Toronto Police.

Campbell said that no matter how much stalling occurs, the community will settle for nothing less than the reforms that are on the table.

“We will settle for nothing less than reforms. We could’ve burnt this city to the ground after Sammy Yatim but we decided to work with the police and we expect the same in return,” she said.

“Change is not always swift, but it is necessary. There’s a culture change that has to take place. I continue to hope that we can come to resolution.”

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ʻWe want McGregor!ʼ Kingston Western residents protest planned transfer of senior cop JAMAICA -- A group of residents Monday staged a protest along Spanish Town Road -- in the vicinity of Tivoli Gardens in the Kingston Western police division -against the pending transfer of senior superintendent of police in charge of the area, Steve McGregor, to St James in western Jamaica.

The placard-bearing residents claimed that Mcgregor, who took over leadership of the division in September 2013 after being transferred from Kingston Central, should be credited for restoring some semblance of peace in the war-torn communities that make up the division.

“We want McGregor! A him set the trend and a bring back the peace inna West Kingston!” one woman shouted, as she and other protesters stood at a blocked section of Spanish Town Road near the popular Coronation market.

“This is the first time in the history of this area that you see residents blocking the road for a police officer. This just goes to show the work that the man has done,” said another resident.

On Thursday, the police high command announced that McGregor would be transferred to St James to strengthen the command resilience in that division amidst

a spate of murders.

But Monday, Member of Parliament for West Kingston Desmond McKenzie, who was also at the scene of the protest, said the decision to transfer the senior cop from Kingston Western was a poor one.

“I think the decision was poorly contemplated, and I don’t think it will be late to change,” McKenzie reasoned.

Monday’s protest caused a frustrating traffic jam for motorists, and police were called to clear the shells of old appliances and other debris that were used to block the road.

- Jamaica Observer

$750,000TT bail for five students on ʻterrorismʼ charges TRINIDAD -- Five students of a Islamic school in Cunupia who were arrested over the weekend for terrorising residents of Munroe Road, have been granted a total of $750,000 bail. Abdul Aleem Mohammed and Zaheer Mohammed, both 18, and their three friends—ages 13, 16 and 17—who cannot be named as they are minors, were each granted $150,000 bail when they appeared before Magistrate Joan O’Connor in the Chaguanas Magistrate’s Court Monday.

However, the teenagers’ relatives could not access bail for them by late Monday afternoon and as such they were remanded to the Golden Grove State Prison and the Youth Training Centre (YTC), Arouca. As part of the conditions of their

bail, O’Connor ordered them to report to police every Saturday and gave them each a 6.30 pm curfew. The five teens were slapped with charges for assault, common assault, possession of an imitation gun, unlawful possession of a walkie talkie and possession of dangerous weapons, knives and a taser.

The teens, who are students of the Darul Uloom Islamic School, Cunupia, were arrested on Sunday when Cunupia police responded to a report. During their brief court appearance Monday, their lawyer Fareed Ali claimed the two teens suffered physical and verbal abuse while in police custody. Ali said the 17-year-old was forced to take a “push-up” position be-

fore he was ‘planassed’ with a cutlass. He claimed the teen collapsed and was kicked several times in the face but still refused to talk to police.

“He was placed in a push up position again for 15 minutes and told to not bend and again he refused to talk. It was then the officer stamped on the back of his head smashing his face against the terrazzo floor, causing him to suffer facial injuries and three broken teeth,” Ali said. O’Connor expressed shock over Ali’s claims but said she could do very little apart from making a note of the allegations. The teens will reappear in court on April 20.

- Trinidad Guardian

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Roadblocks cripple courts TRINIDAD -- Almost all the cases in High and Magistrates’ Courts in Port-of-Spain had to be postponed because of Monday morning’s nationwide police roadblocks. Judges, magistrates, lawyers and even police officers were not immune from the situation as most had not arrived at the courts by the 9 am daily start. The few police officers of the Court and Process Branch who did manage to evade their colleagues actions were seen patrolling the corridors of both courts as they updated members of the public on the situation.

Only two magistrates at the St Vincent Street courthouse had arrived for work by 10 am with both of them spending the rest of the morning adjourning cases. Among those affected was businessman Shaun Sammy, who was due to be sentenced for drunk driving. Sammy, the son of contractor Junior

Sammy, was present in court for Monday’s hearing but the case was adjourned to April 23.

The T&T Guardian understands that despite having police escorts at their disposal, prisoner transport services were also crippled by the action, preventing remand prisoners from being brought to the courts on time. People in police custody who were brought to court for their first court hearings were either returned to the police stations where they were charged or were forced to wait several hours as the handful of administrative staff present at the court processed their paperwork.

The situation was not much different at the civil and criminal courts at the Hall of Justice, Knox Street, Port-of-Spain. Justice Malcolm Holdip was forced to adjourn the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman trial in the

absence of the 12 accused men. The case is expected to resume tomorrow. Several civil judges who live in south Trinidad attempted to mitigate the situation by conducting their scheduled hearings in Port-of-Spain via video conferencing from courtrooms at the San Fernando High Court.

Despite their efforts, they were still forced to adjourn their cases as lawyers were unable to attend either court. The situation is also said to have affected other courts acrosss the East West Corridor. This is the second time in less than a month that the police’s ongoing wage negotiations have crippled the courts. Similar scenes occurred when police, fire and prison officers engaged in a go slow on March 9.

- Trinidad Guardian

Bartica IMC receives $14.7M in assets under the Clean-up my Country programmer-end GUYANA -- Under the Government of Guyana’s Clean-Up My Country Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD) in 2014, the Bartica Interim Management Committee (IMC) has received equipment for the sustenance of the cleanup programme within Bartica and its environs.

Mr. Collin Croal, Permanent Secretary in the MLGRD, last Friday, on behalf of MLGRD Minister, Norman Whittaker, handed over to the Bartica IMC one mini-excavator, one tractor and trailer, and 25 solid waste receptacles. Mr. Croal, in his address, said, “The mini-excavator will be in the custody of the RDC, and it is intended to be used in the confines and space of the NDC and the neighbouring communities”.

Mr. Croal also informed the representatives that “the tractor and trailer will be assigned to the Bartica NDC” and “it is expected to aid in infrastructure support for the NDC”; while “the solid waste receptacles must be utilised to help to address the issue of littering in the community”.

Mr. Croal acknowledged the challenge facing the community in relation to disposing of solid waste after collection, and

assured the representatives that, under the Solid Waste Bill, which is likely to be passed in the next sitting of Parliament; measures would be put in place to address the challenges in Bartica.

The mini-excavator was procured at a cost of G$8.9M, while the tractor was procured at a cost of G$4.4M, and the trailer at a cost of G$1.2M. Mr. Croal emphasised that the equipment handed over should be managed by a Management Committee comprising representatives of the RDC, NDC and MLRGD, and that a workplan should be developed to ensure that the people of Bartica and its environs are the beneficiaries of the equipment.

Mr. Croal informed representatives that a tripartite meeting between MLGRD, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Regional Solid Waste Contractor for Bartica will soon be held to discuss the progress in formulating the environmental plan to be submitted to EPA to gain approval of the operation of the new landfill site.

Under the Regional aspect of the Clean-Up My Country Programme, Bartica, in December 2014, benefited from a massive community programme which gave resi-

dents the opportunity to get rid of bulk waste stored on their premises, as well as a massive clean-up of the Water Front and removal of road side/illegal garbage piles.

Chairman of the IMC, Mr. Ovid Benjamin, welcomed the assets and expressed his gratitude to the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. He also assured the Permanent Secretary that the equipment would be used for their intended purpose.

Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Ramotar also thanked the Government for the mini-excavator, and said the people of Bartica welcome the gesture. He assured the Permanent Secretary that a plan will be designed and implemented to ensure the efficient usage of the asset.

Pic saved as Handover, captioned as: Collin Croal, Permanent Secretary, MLGRD, hands over one mini-excavator, one tractor and trailer, and 25 solid waste receptacles to the Bartica Interim Management Committee - Guyana Chronicle

Trial of ʻKartel jurorʼ started Tuesday JAMAICA -- The trial of the juror accused of trying to bribe his colleagues in the Vybz Kartel murder case is scheduled to begin today in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court following Monday’s delay.

The accused, Livingston Cain, is to be tried on five counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice and one count of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

The Crown is alleging that the 50-year-old football coach offered the jury foreman in the Kartel murder trial $500,000 for a not-guilty verdict. It is also alleged that he told another juror that he would “take care of him” if he returned a not-guilty verdict.

He was reportedly recorded on a cellular phone making the offer to the foreman.

Cain was the only juror to vote not guilty in the conviction of Vybz Kartel (Adidja Palmer), Shaw ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Andre St John, and Kahira Jones. A fifth

man, Shane Williams, was acquitted.

The trial was scheduled to start Monday, but was rescheduled after the defence raised concerns regarding difficulties faced in obtaining certain documents that would strengthen its case.

Livingston’s lawyer, Valerie NeitaRobertson, informed the magistrate that a cellular phone, from which the prosecution had collected some recordings, had disappeared and could not be found.

In light of the absence of the cellphone, which is the original source of the recording, she indicated that she wanted the phone records of the cellular phone and urged the prosecution to assist the defence in getting the phone records as it was in the interest of a fair trial.

Prosecutor Sophia Thomas from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution pointed out that the phone records had no relevance to the recordings.

As a result, Neita-Robertson asked the presiding magistrate, Maxine Ellis, to assist her in getting the phone records from telecommunication company Digicel.

At the same time, the lawyer complained to the court that the registrar at the Supreme Court had not responded to the defence’s request for a list of jurors who had worked during the murder case.

Consequently, the magistrate instructed the investigating officer to make a formal request to the Communication Forensic and Cybercrime Unit to get the phone records from Digicel. She also gave instructions for the DDP to write to the registrar at the Supreme Court to find out if the request had been received and whether or not the registrar was having any difficulties meeting the request.

- Jamaica Observer

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 11

12 Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Trinidadʼs Fadda Moses to appear on BBC1Xtra as formerly released single makes headway in the UK Aba Luke Entertainment The stage is set for what will be an exciting year for Moses. With the name of a true believer and an attitude to defy all odds, the young T&T singer/songwriter is heading to the UK this Tuesday where he’ll appear on BBC1EXTRA- a subsidiary of global news leader, BBC. Not many people can say they’ve done it with a smile- defy the odds of the music industry that is. Moses can, however. He says he smiles because no matter the challenge faced, he’s got his God-given talent and the will to persevere. Perseverance has seen him acquire a platform in the United Kingdom, since the increased rota-

tion of his single, “Sample”- a song that was released in 2013. “It’s taking off over there,” he said happily, explaining that he’ll be hitting several media outlets while in the UK for the week, from March 17th.

“I’ll also perform at London’s Heatwave band’s Hot Wuk Show,” he said.

Amid the excitement he feels with this recent development, the young entertainer who has released several hit singles in the past few years, foresees the release of one single or maybe two, each month for the rest of this year. Today, he releases “Full Moon”, a song he says, will prove to many, just how versatile he is, as an artiste.

“You know many people assume that I’m only capable of singing ‘bubbling’ tunes, but that’s just not true,” he said. The new song, which was written by the artiste, is slower than anything he’s ever released and this one, Moses explained, delivers lyrics that encourage lovers to spend quality time with each other and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a far cry from “Sample” but as Moses put it, “the people need to hear everything that’s inside of me.”

Separately, the artiste is also unleashing his video for the track, “Touch It” today, Monday, as well. He’s also working on the release of the video for another track that was loved and lapped up a few months ago, “Double Time”. He understands that videos provide visual promotion for music and now, with a very strong desire to do things right, he’s ensuring that most, if not all of his songs come complete with a video to provide visual appeal. He warns fans to look out for some of the craziest but exciting releases they’ve heard yet, locally. “This year will be an amazing year for music. I’m assuring that my camp will deliver some very wicked songs, songs with a different sound, an edge, songs they wouldn’t imagine they’d hear from me,” he said.

Already booked for travels to several destinations, Moses says he can’t wait to hit the global circuit. “I have bookings already this year in Canada, the UK, Barbados, Guyana and for the first time, I’ll be visiting St. Vincent this year, “ he said. On his agenda during this first overseas trip

for the year, Moses will make the link with prominent Trinidadian producer, Derrick “Wundah” Cyrus. That collaboration, he hopes will be the deal sealer when it comes to international recognition.

On his songwriting methods, the ever-friendly hit maker said it’s often a challenge to put lyrics to paper at his house, with a family atmosphere that’s almost always bustling with laughter and excitement. He revealed he’s often forced to head out for a drive, become inspired and return to a quiet place where magic almost always happens. “You never know what the big hit song will be. Sometimes the one that you think will be that hit, isn’t, and the one you least expect to be anything, takes on a life of its own.”

Moses can be found on prominent social media platforms, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. He invites all music lovers to sample his offerings via YouTube and of course listen out for more good music on the horizon.

Trini Bwoy heats up Jamaica- Praises the Yardy passion Aba Luke Entertainment Carnival now over in Trinidad and Tobago, the Soca music frenzy that outshined all other music genres during the period, has quieted down a little, giving some attention to new music. Among the new tracks getting some traction is a contribution by young entertainer and producer, Lawless. He says the “And Yuh”- a dancehall inspired track, was released during Carnival in Trinidad but

the focus was placed in marketing it in Jamaica, where he says it has picked up some momentum.

In a statement, the young artiste said he’s making every effort to fulfill his musical mission, and admitting that he has a natural knack for singing dancehall rather than T&T’s soca music, Lawless assured that this by no means means he isn’t a soca music supporter. “It’s not easy for artistes who want to deliver a different sound, other than the soca sound, in Trinidad. I like soca music, but I sing dancehall. It’s pretty simple. It’s just what I’m good at,” he defended.

Lawless whose real name is Shane Howell, has been on the grind.

Even amid T&T’s carnival hype, he continued to work on his dancehall styles.

The new track’s managed to get some pretty good reviews in the weeks follow-

ing Carnival in T&T and for this he’s super happy. “It means a lot when the people here at home approve of your music.

That support is really needed,” he said, telling of the song’s energetic and contagious vibe that’s being lapped up by the ladies, to say the least.

On the Jamaican dancehall circuit, Lawless said he’s used his networking skills to build relationships with fellow Jamaican entertainers like Charly Black, Sheba, Sizzla Kolonji and others and on that side of the Caribbean, he’s been gaining some popularity with the help of several well known party promoters who’ve been exposing him to the streets of Kingston and other urban communities. “I’ve seen first hand, how hard these Jamaican entertainers work to promote themselves and how hard their teams work. It’s really inspiring,” said

Lawless.

Now, with the aim of consistently releasing new dancehall anthems, Lawless is teaming up with producers from Jamaica. Most recently, he worked with Stickley Productions on a single called, “Vybz Tonite.” The track sits firmly on the Beionce Riddim, which also features Jamaica’s Macka Diamond, TOK, QQ and several other acts. “It’s a pleasure to be a voice on a riddim that features these artistes,” said Lawless.

“I’m young in the game so any opportunity to show off what I have to offer, is a great opportunity.”

A video for the new track is currently being finalized. He believes in offering fans a visual understanding of every song’s lyrical make up. “That’s the only way they’ll understand just what I mean with every word I sing,” he said.

VOTING ENDS APRIL 1ST 2015!

14 Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Sometimes it is about You! Simone Smith A Better Tomorrow One of the main focuses of this column is to help individuals to live better lives. This includes life at home, school and work. In today’s hustle and bustle, it is hard to take the time to focus on you. The moment that you start focusing on yourself, people are quick to say, “You are being selfish.� Is it so wrong

to be selfish at times? Is it wrong to focus on you, especially if you feel like you are falling apart? Is it wrong to take advantage of the time that you have left on this earth to better yourself?

One of the first things that needs to be acknowledged is, if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be able to do your job effectively, be a great parent to your children, be a great partner to your spouse or significant other, or be productive in your social world. You see, the trick is that in order to do right by others, you have to do right by yourself. Believe me when I say that I understand that sometimes there seems that there is not enough time in the day. Between children, job and your spouse, where are you supposed to find time to med-

itate, go to the gym or do yoga? It is easier to start by capitalizing on the time that you do have. One recommendation is daily affirmations. These may seem silly to some, but you can create your own space for satisfaction.

These affirmations can be found easily online. One practice that I have, that may help with capitalization of time, is putting on affirmation videos while I am working. When you get to work, grab your coffee, plug in some earphones, find an affirmation channel and get to work. You will be surprised at how well these work. Repetition of positive words is great for opening up the psyche.

These words can embed themselves into your subconscious and work for you when you are not even realizing it.

Another great practice is to use

your lunch time or down time to do something for you. Step away from the computer, the homework or do this while the babies are napping. I know a parent who is focused on investing in her education. Once a week, she will put her children down for a nap and take English lessons for that hour that they are sleeping. She has found time to dedicate to her; she realizes that bettering her English will in the long run benefit her family. She creates her own happiness in two ways: she is learning a new language which will allow her to integrate, and she allows herself some social time. We are able to sit together and talk about life and the struggles it brings.

Understand my friends that this is your life; only you have control over your happiness. Life is good! Make it even better.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 15 We

TORONTO CARIBBEAN TRINIDAD -- Left-handed Kjorn Ottley again could not get to triple figures, but the lefthander rescued the T&T innings to set up an exciting final day’s play today in the last round of the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.

Ottley top scored with 80 to guide T&T to 226 in the second innings with an overall lead of 240. Earlier, the Leeward Islands got to 277 in its first innings, adding 32 valuable runs to the overnight score of 245/9. Earlier in the season against Jamaica, Ottley missed out on his maiden first-class hundred after agonizingly falling for 99.

Like Jason Mohammed (143 not out) on Friday and Steve Liburd (93) on Saturday, Ottley was the only batsman to stand tall for his team. T&T was able to post a respectable total, thanks to Ottley’s partnerships with Mohammed, his brother Yannick and Akeal Hosein after T&T’s top order again failed to make an impact. T&T was reduced to 17/3 after debutant Mark Deyal (two), Imran Khan (four) and Jeremy Solozano (six) all fell cheaply.

Mohammed and Ottley prevented further damage pushing the total to 44/3 at lunch, an overall lead of 58. Right-handed Mohammed showed some confidence on the resumption hitting two fours in one over. He did not last long after that, as he was given out leg before to fast bowler Gavin Tonge to leave the home team in trouble on 67/4.

Ottley was then joined by his younger brother Yannick and the brothers started to look solid against spin bowlers Rahkeem Cornwall and Anthony Martin. Kjorn was the aggressor, hitting a few boundaries as lead got past 100. Yannick, who was happy to push the ball around, then played onto his stumps when he was ten to give Cornwall the wicket.

Wicketkeeper Steven Katwaroo, who did not look very fluent in the first innings, emphatically got off the mark with a slog sweep

for six which also brought up the 100 for T&T. Kjorn continued to bat on, bringing up his 50 with a streaky single in which Katwaroo was almost run out.

Kjorn lived dangerously after getting his half century, picking up two fours through the slip region to move into the 60s. As soon as the Leeward Islands captain Devon Thomas brought Quinton Boatswain into the attack he delivered, disturbing the furniture of Katwaroo for 15.

Kjorn, who held the T&T innings together, gave his wicket away when he played straight to short cover for 80. Akeal Hosein (31) and captain Rayad Emrit (25) both made contributions to help propel T&T’s score to 226 all out.

The Leewards had a devastating start to its second innings as fast bowler Shannon Gabriel trapped Lyndel Richardson leg before without a run on the board. Sherwin Peters also fell for duck as the visitors closed the day on 34/2 with Thomas on nine and Montcin Hodge on 23.

SCOREBOARD T&T 1st inns 291 Leewards 1st inns (o/n 245/9) L Richardson c wkp Katwaroo b Gabriel 6 S Peters c wkp Katwaroo b Richards 13 M Hodge c Hosein b Imran Khan 3 D Thomas c Imran Khan b Richards 29 J Hamilton c wkp Katwaroo b Richards 0 S Liburd b Mohammed 93 R Cornwall*lbw Imran Khan 0 J Louis c Deyal b Imran Khan 9 G Tonge run out 24 Q Boatswain not out 30 A Martin lbw Imran Khan 18 Extras 3nb 14b 17 Total 277 Fall of Wkts: 24, 24, 59, 59, 145, 145, 163, 196, 245, 277

Bowling: S Gabriel 14-2-66-1, A Hosein 12-421-0, M Richards 11-3-34-3, R Emrit 15-3-650, I Khan 29-5-70-4, M Deyal 1-0-1-0, J Mohammed 4-2-6-1 T&T 2nd inns M Deyal c A Martin b J Louis 2 I Khan c R Cornwall b J Louis 4 J Solozano lbw R Cornwall 6 K Ottley c D Thomas b S Peters 80 J Mohammed lbw G Tonge 28 Y Ottley bowled R Cornwall 10 S Katwaroo bowled Q Boatswain 15 A Hosein c D Thomas b R Cornwall 31 R Emrit c and b A Martin 25 M Richards c M Hodge b A Martin 3 S Gabriel not out 4 Extras 2nb 11b 1lb 14 Total 226 Fall of Wkts: 6, 7, 17, 67, 98, 135, 157, 199, 217, 226 Bowling: J Louis 8-1-22-2, G Tonge 8-1-28-1, R Cornwall 24-7-77-3, Q Boatswain 11-3-361, A Martin 14.1-1-47-2, S Peters 5-2-4-1 - Trinidad Guardian

Red Force noses ahead in Couva

16 Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Guptill sends WI packing NEW ZEALAND -- New Zealand’s Martin Guptill re-wrote the record books and the West Indies was at the wrong end of it, as the regional side crashed out of the ICC Cricket World Cup at the quarter-final stage in Wellington, yesterday.

Guptill scored the highest individual score in a World Cup innings, getting an unbeaten 237 to lead New Zealand to an amazing 393 for six off their 50 overs. The West Indies in reply had no answer and folded for 250 off 30.3 overs - losing by 143 runs and they will be returning to the Caribbean.

New Zealand meanwhile will be moving on to the semi-finals, where they host South Africa at Auckland tomorrow evening.

Guptill broke Chris Gayle’s record of 215 on his way to his amazing knock off just 163 balls with 24 fours and 11 sixes.

Gayle, nursing an injured back retaliated for a while when the West Indies batted and slammed eight sixes and two fours in a knock of 61 that came off only 33 balls but it was not enough.

Trent Boult opening the bowling for New Zeland scalped the first four batsmen to kill off any hopes the West Indies harboured of even getting close to their score. The West Indies panicked and did not have a plan to chase the huge score and at the end of the innings they needed another 143 runs with 19.3 overs in the bank.

Earlier, McCullum won the toss and decided to take first strike, knowing fully well that the best part of batting will come during the daytime. He and Guptill started off in a rush and McCullum was snapped up wonderfully well by the lanky Jason Holder for 12. The

celebration was energetic by the West Indians because the Kiwi engine had been stalled.

Samuels then put down Guptill a straightforward low catch at square leg with his score on four. This proved to be a very costly mistake because it did two things, one it made Guptill play straight from that point and also demoralised bowler Jerome Taylor.

Guptill started to feel leather on willow and the sweet sound became contagious as Kane Williamson on the other end joined in.

They added 62 runs for the second wicket to ensure that the home team suffered no hiccups after their leader was gone. All the while they were building towards a fantastic finish. Williamson left for 33 off 35 balls with five fours and all of a sudden the West Indies had gotten rid of the two southern stars on the Kiwi lineup.

They however did not cater for Guptill as he was focussed on a plan and stuck to it.

Rebuilding started again with another architect in the form of Ross Taylor and the dream finish was on the minds of the New Zealanders again.

Taylor who found the fieldsmen on more occasion than he found the gap, stayed with Guptill and contributed 42 runs in a partnership of 143 runs off 22.3 overs. He got his runs off 61 balls with just two fours but his greater value would have been the company he kept Guptill.

The right-handed Guptill with his wife Dora watching on from the stands, brought up his second successive century of this World Cup off 111 balls with 12 hits to the fence. The promoted Corey Anderson came and went quickly for 15 and Guptill found a great ally in Grant Elliot, who looked on fire from ball one. They rattled off 55 runs off 19

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balls in the mayhem towards the end.

Guptill rushed to his first double century in ODIs during this stand off 152 balls with 21 fours and eight sixes. He then motored on past Chris Gayle’s freshly organised highest World Cup score of 215 and towards the end put the icing on the “Cake Tin� by becoming only the second man after Mark Richardson to hit the roof of the venue.

Highest Cricket World Cup Scores • 237x_Martin Guptill, New Zealand vs.

West Indies, Wellington, 2015 • 215_Chris Gayle, West Indies vs. Zimbabwe, Canberra, 2015 • 188x_Gary Kirsten, South Africa vs. United Arab Emirates, Rawalpindi, 1996 • 183_Sourav Ganguly, India vs. Sri Lanka, Taunton, 1999 • 181_Viv Richards, West Indies vs. Sri Lanka, Karachi, 1987 • 178_David Warner, Australia vs. Afghanistan, Perth, 2015 • 175x_Kapil Dev, India vs. Zimbabwe, Tunbridge Wells, 1983 • 175_Virender Sehwag, India vs. Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2011 • 172x_Craig Wishart, Zimbabwe vs. Namibia, Harare, 2003 • 171x_Glenn Turner, New Zealand vs. East Africa, Birmingham, 1975 x-not out Scoreboard West Indies vs New Zealand New Zealand inns M Guptill not out 237

B McCullum c Holder b Taylor 12 K Williamson c Gayle b Russell 33 R Taylor run out 42 C Anderson c Gayle b Russell 15 G Elliott lbw Taylor 27 L Ronchi c Benn b Taylor 9 D Vettori not out 8 Extras: (lb2, w7, nb1) 10 Total: (for 6 wkts) 393 Fall of wkts: 27, 89, 232, 278, 333, 365.

Bowling: J Taylor 7-0-71-3, J Holder 8-0-760, S Benn 10-1-66-0, A Russell 10-0-96-2, D Sammy 8-0-38-0, M Samuels 7-0-44-0.

West Indies inns J Charles b Boult 3 C Gayle b Milne 61 L Simmons c Guptill b Boult 12 M Samuels c Vettori b Boult 27 D Ramdin lbw Boult 0 J Carter b Vettori 32 D Sammy c Ronchi b Anderson 27 A Russell b Southee 20 J Holder c Anderson b Vettori 42 J Taylor c Guptill b Southee 11 S Benn not out 9 Extras: (w6) 6 Total: (all out; 30.3ovs) 250 Fall of wkts: 4, 27, 80, 80, 120, 166, 173, 201, 221, 250.

Bowling: T Southee 8-1-82-2, T Boult 10-344-4, D Vettori 6.3-0-58-2, A Milne 4-0-42-1, C Anderson 2-0-24-1.

Result: New Zealand won by 143 runs.

Man of the match: Martin Guptill.

New Zealand progress to semifinals.

- Trinidad Guardian

20 Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Jerk chicken fried rice Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking Having leftover rice is quite normal in our home as I purposely make extra and store it in the fridge for making quick and tasty fried rice dishes. However when it comes to having ‘extra’ jerk chicken.. let’s just say that we’re true carnivores! With our girls off in college, sometimes I tend to forget and end up cooking the same amounts as if they were still living at home. Thus the extra jerk chicken in this case.

I love one pot dishes, especially ones where all the main components are already cooked.. like the rice and chicken.

You’ll Need: Y Yo ou’ ou’ u ll ll N eeed: eed d: 4 cups cooked rice (I used long grain brown rice) 2 cups diced jerk chicken 2 scallions 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1 cup cabbage (chopped) 1 carrot diced 1/2 large onion diced 1 clove garlic (diced fine) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 cup diced bell pepper 1 cup peas (frozen – thawed) * optional – 1 teaspoon grated ginger Note: To make this dish fully gluten free ensure that the marinade you used in making the jerk chicken was gluten free (pay attention to the soy sauce used) and double check the oyster and soy sauce called for in the ingredient list above. White rice will also

work with this w orkk excellent exc xcel ell lle lentt w ith tth it ith his ddish. ishh.. is It’s important that the rice be kept in the fridge (even if it’s fresh rice you cooked specifically for this fried rice dish) as it will help it maintain a grainy texture when this jerk chicken fried rice is done cooking. Dice the onion, garlic, carrots, bell pepper and scallion. Then strip the jerk chicken off the bones (I used both white and dark meat).. try to keep as much of the marinade that’s cooked onto the chicken pieces as it will really help make this, ‘jerk chicken’ fried rice.

Heat the oil on a medium flame in a deep/wide pan, then add the diced onion, garlic and black pepper (add the grated ginger at this point as well – if using), turn the heat down to low and cook for 2 minutes.

Then raise the heat to medium and add the bell pepper, frozen peas and carrots – cook for 3 minutes.

Add the oyster sauce, sesame oil and soy sauce along with the pieces of chicken and cook for another 2 minutes.

Now go in with the chopped cabbage and chilled rice. Mix well and cook

for about 3-5 minutes or until everything is heated through. Top with the scallions and you’e done. You’ll notice that I didn’t add any salt as both the rice and chicken was already cooked with salt and the soy sauce we added will be enough to perfectly season this fried rice. However, do taste near the end of cooking and adjust accordingly.

Your kitchen will have that wicked aroma of islands as the pieces of jerk chicken combines with the other ingredients to give you one of the best one pot rice dishes you’ve ever had. If you want you can also intensify the ‘jerk’ flavors by adding a teaspoon of you favorite jerk marinade to the mix (when we added the other sauces) and don’t forget you can kick this up even more with the addition of some finely diced “Caribbean sunshine” – scotch bonnet pepper.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 21

Finding center: A reflection on home Most mornings, I wake to the sound of my alarm jingling in the background, sounding the start of a new day. A new day filled with potential and expected movement. Movement of mind. Movement of body. Movement of time.

Inherent within all the movement is change.

Swirling about me, I can feel the sweeping currents of transition. Twisting and stretching my body, I transition from a sleeping state to a waking state. Planting my feet into the soft carpet, I transition from a horizontal shape to one of vertical proportions. Transition after transition, my mind is usually two or three steps ahead of my body unless anchored in a soft degree of awareness. Recent mornings have involved an investigation of what it means to move from center, as I take a seat and sink into my meditation.

Bringing my attention to my breath, feeling it move throughout the landscape of my body, thoughts materialize from the deep void of possibility. What does it mean to move from center? Where is center? What does center feel like? Does center have an isolated location, or does it migrate moment to moment, experience to experience, and day to day? These are the questions buoying about in the sea of my mind.

These questions are of particular interest due to the sequence of events in my life, and their jarring unfoldment and demand for my undivided

attention. For several months now, the place where I lay my head has not been consistent. It would seem, at every turn I am met with the unshakable test of rediscovering Self through the inability to root into a physical location. I’m left to redefine the ultimate of center: home!

Home is often considered a grounding space where we can gather ourselves, reboot, root and rest. However, these past several months have greatly challenged my preconceived idea of what home means to me. More than ever, I have heard the resounding echo of the wisdom traditions and the concept that home is no singular external place, but a space deep within Self. A place we have infinite access to, no matter where we might be physically. We have come to speak of home in the West as the place where the heart is. If there is truth to this metaphor, then I am left to ask one particular question: Can you be so at home within yourself that, no matter where you are, you’re always home? No matter what possessions you have or do not have. No matter which relationships you hold. Regardless of your geographic location, are you at home within your own heart?

Make no mistake, this is a monumental question leading to a deeply challenging practice. Confronting social and cultural ideologies that have been absorbed and internal-

ized since childhood, redefining home in many ways means redefining center. If home is our central point from which we begin engaging the rest of the world, how might our lives be changed if center were no longer a tangible place outside of us? How might we live our lives if center were an intangible place existing within the deepest stretches of Self?

In this very moment of reflection and writing, I cannot help but think of E.E. Cummings’ poem I Carry Your Heart with Me, from which he invokes the grand majesty and mystery of life. A poem gesturing us toward a recognition of the inter-connectivity within all of the cosmos. That his heart carries within its pulse and beat the heart of his beloved, highlights our innate capacity as feeling-based beings to house our lives within the energetic vibrations of our soul. “Soul” being the very spark of life that each of us has been blessed with. A spark that holds within it an awareness of our existence, allowing us the opportunity to create individuated worlds, of both the inner and outer kind. And, it is from our inner worlds that we can begin to redefine what it means to be home. We can begin to sense center as fluid and emergent, rather than isolated and static.

Responding to life’s unexpected twists and turns from the very center of Self, we are reminded of our own resiliency and cre-

ativity. Artists of the most magnificent kind, we are capable of both devastation and generation.

At any time, we can reshape and restructure our lives through the beliefs we hold, the relationships we share, and the moments we choose to embrace rather than resist the inevitable currents of change. Home, after all, is an embodied concept that over time becomes codified, and representative of a place we can turn to in moments of need. Whether it be rest, safety, or the ability to ground, home becomes the center of our world.

From this sensing and questioning, my daily practice involves rooting so firmly into myself that at any moment, no matter where I am or who I’m with, I am home. I am home when walking through the woods. I’m at home when scaling a mountain. I’m at home when out with friends. I’m at home when riding my bike. I’m at home when life throws me a curve ball. At any moment, the question lending itself as a point of engagement for my practice is “Where is my center?” From this question rises the inevitable follow-up: “Am I at home in my Self?” So I ask you, where’s your center today?

- My Yoga Online

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 23

Woman turns to raw foods, heals self from thyroid cancer When Dr. Ruby Lathon, an engineering professional, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, she dreaded the thought of undergoing surgery and taking medications. While such treatments are typically the go-to solution in situations like hers, such drastic measures were something she hoped to avoid. So, whereas many people give in to traditional medical advice without exploring other options, Lathon did otherwise.

“I decided to try an alternative, holistic approach to cure it rather than go through surgery and be on medications all my life,” said Lathon. She explains that she gave herself one year to beat her cancer by completely changing her lifestyle. She eliminated all processed foods and stopped her dairy intake and instead juiced daily, ate only raw foods and always made sure to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.

The results?

Before her one-year time frame to test the effectiveness of this dietary shift was even

up, she says that she was declared as cancerfree.

“I’ve always had a firm belief that the body can heal itself,” she said, crediting her new dietary lifestyle for the turnaround in her health.

These days, Lathon is completely devoted to her healthier lifestyle. Not only is she involved in seminars and workshops that teach about the healing powers of whole, plant-based foods as well as self-healing and spirituality, but she provides others with healthy recipes on her YouTube channel, TheVeggieChest. Just some of the many recipes found there include a raw beet jicama salad with spicy lime dressing, an egg-free quiche and a raw sun-dried tomato hummus.

A raw food diet has healed several others with a variety of health problems Several others like her have discovered the health benefits of a raw food diet. Stacy Stowers had debilitating fibromyalgia that kept her in a state of chronic pain for almost

20 years. When she began a raw foods diet, she was able to get out of bed within 10 days; now, she’s been free of her pain ever since.

Then there’s Amanda Brocket, who struggled with systemic candidiasis. In addition to constantly fighting intense sugar cravings, she was always fatigued, mentally and physically. She decided to detox and consume raw foods. Just two months into maintaining this lifestyle, she says she was symptom-free.

Consuming raw foods can also be an effective breast cancer treatment. When Janette Murray-Wakelin was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and told she only had six months to live, she turned to raw foods and within the same time period that she was told she might die, she was instead given a clean bill of health.

Although some people say that a raw food diet doesn’t provide the body with adequate nutrients, evidence shows otherwise. Not only have many people like Lathon healed themselves in this manner,

but they’ve shown that the myths surrounding the lifestyle can be put to rest.

Putting raw food myths to rest For example, one myth about those who eat raw foods is that they only consume fruits and vegetables, or just enjoy one particular vegetable all day for weeks on end. While they do eat fruits and vegetables, they are no stranger to variety, often incorporating plenty of nuts and seeds in their diet as well.

Furthermore, the notion that such a diet is expensive is also a myth. Many people who enjoy raw foods need only to remind others of the costs of meat and junk foods to demonstrate that an unhealthy diet is truly the kind that costs, impacting the wallet and lost work time, as well as hospital fees that may result from the many health complications that these foods bring about.

- Natural News

Nature, art, and spirituality relieve inflammation and improve health, study shows It’s understood that natural outdoor settings, art and music can inspire awe and in turn, make people feel better. Meditation too, has been proven to improve physical and emotional health. All of this is important, because living in a state of chronic stress can lead to inflammation, the basis of disease.

The exact mechanics of how these emotionally-positive influences affect us was tackled by researchers who studied the link between nature, art and spirituality and health at the University of California, Berkeley. Their findings were published in the journal Emotion.

“Our findings demonstrate that positive emotions are associated with the markers of good health,” said Jennifer Stellar, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto. Stellar was also the lead author of the study conducted while she was at UC Berkeley.

Positive emotions, good health go hand in hand While past research has explored the role of exercise, sleep and diet as it relates to health, positive emotions and their role in health has typically been put on the back burner. However, it’s known that cytokines, or the proteins that signal the immune system to work harder, kick in depending on one’s positivity;

lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been linked to the uplifting emotion.

UC Berkeley psychologist Dacher Keltner, a co-author of the study, adds, “That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests that the things we do to experience these emotions -- a walk in nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art -- has a direct influence upon health and life expectancy.”

So while some may consider such experiences a waste of time or a diversion from production, they directly affect health.

Throw in meditation with those other “timewasters” to round out proven emotional, mental and physical health enhancers.

Cytokines: why they matter Cytokines are a necessary element of our immune responses to infectious threats. But if they remain chronic and out of control, they create autoimmune diseases and depression.

According to Dr. Russell Blaylock, retired neurosurgeon and author of , vaccinations can overly stimulate the immune system, essentially creating a cytokine storm.

This “storm” turns the immune system against its host -- the person who received the vaccination -- creating chronic autoimmune diseases such as asthma or acute adverse events such as Gullain Barre

Syndrome, seizures or paralysis.

But excess chronic cytokines don’t have to be at out-of-control levels to create long-term health issues. They can accrue from unresolved stress as well as from toxic overloads found in the standard American diet.

Study details and findings The UC Berkeley researchers conducted two experiments to measure cytokines from those uninspired by nature, art, or music, comparing their findings to individuals who did not encounter such inspirational feelings or activities during the day. They used 200 young adults in their experiments.

On days when these young adults had awe-inspiring experiences, the researchers took samples of their gum and cheek tissue, known as oral mucosal transudate. It was found that those who experienced more of these positive emotions -- especially awe, wonder and amazement -- had the lowest levels of the cytokine, Interleukin 6, a marker of inflammation.

An earlier study determined that people who were depressed had higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine known as TNF-alpha. This creates a situation in which cytokines block the key hormones and neurotransmitters that control moods, appe-

tite, sleep and memory.

Instead of pharmaceutical “solutions,” turn to nature, music to improve health A few years ago, Stanford University medical research group led by Robert Sapolsky embarked on an attempt to create a vaccine for stress. They were using Sapolsky’s interesting findings on the flight or fight hormones found in baboon blood samples. The samples were taken from baboons in the African wild that had undergone stress in their daily situations by living with tyrannical alpha baboon pack leaders.

While Sapolsky’s baboon research proved to a skeptical mainstream medical system the validity of how chronic stress can cause disease, their vaccine adventure was the wrong approach.

Furthermore, naturally managing stress through music or meditation is quite simply not fully embraced by Big Pharma, and so vaccines that harm the body continue to be produced.

There are proven dietary and lifestyle changes that can reduce chronic stress markers and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines. Such changes include engaging in meditation and indulging in awe- inspiring events that involve nature, art and music.

- Natural News

24 Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Vitamin D deficiency during childhood can lead to atherosclerosis Just as the “cholesterol causes clogged arteries” myth is finally being put to rest, a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals what may be a much more likely cause of modern heart disease: inadequate vitamin D intake.

Researchers from Finland found that adults who had low vitamin D levels during their adolescent and teen years are much more likely to suffer artery hardening and heart disease as adults compared to others who had adequate or optimal vitamin D levels growing up.

Dr. Markus Juonala, a specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology at the University of Turku, studied more than 2,100 Finnish people for his study, evaluating their individual vitamin D levels between ages 3 and 18. He then compared these levels with rates of artery hardening at ages 30 to 45, looking for any correlation between vitamin D levels and heart disease.

After accounting for a variety of outside factors including high blood pressure, smoking status, poor eating habits, lack of exercise and obesity, Dr. Juonala and his colleagues found a direct correlation between low vitamin D levels in childhood and increased risk of heart problems from artery hardening.

“Our results showed an association between low 25-OH vitamin D levels in childhood and increased occurrence of subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood,” stated Dr. Juonala about the findings. “The

association was independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors including serum lipids, blood pressure, smoking, diet, physical activity, obesity indices and socioeconomic status.”

“Earlier studies have shown that vitamin D inhibits vascular calcification,” added Dr. Juonala during a recent interview with Education News’s Michael Shaughnessy about his new study. “It is also a potent immune modulator. Vitamin D may also be a negative endocrine regulator of reninangiotensin system36 [sic].”

Widespread vitamin D deficiency is much more of a threat than measles Childhood vitamin D deficiency has become a global epidemic, especially as increasingly fewer children spend quality time outdoors playing in the natural sunshine. Combined with widespread nutritional deficiencies, quality of life in many areas of the world, including in the U.S., is regressing big time.

A 2012 study published in the journal Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America revealed that vitamin D deficiency is now considered to be the most common nutritional deficiency in the world -- it is estimated that more than 1 billion people globally have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency is also said to be one of the most commonly undiagnosed medical conditions in the world, implicated in a diversity of health conditions such as

bone loss, depression, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Unfortunately, modern medicine is still largely oblivious to the role that vitamin D plays in these conditions.

Optimal vitamin D levels can help prevent infectious diseases like measles Insufficient vitamin D also weakens the immune system, making a person more prone to infectious diseases like measles. Rather than push more vaccines, the mainstream media and health authorities would be much more effective at protecting children if they encouraged them to go outside more, or supplement with vitamin D if that isn’t an option.

Data presented by the International Medical Council on Vaccination show that measles mortality is greatly reduced when children supplement with a combination of vitamin A, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid, like from cod liver oil.

“Vitamin D acts as an immune system modulator, preventing excessive production of inflammatory cytokines and increasing macrophage (a type of white cell) activity,” explains Health Impact News.

“Vitamin D also stimulates the production of potent anti-microbial peptides in other white blood cells and in epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract, protecting the lungs from infection.”

- Natural News

Tonsils, tonsillectomies, and the immune system The tonsils are part of our immune system, the visible part of our lymphatic system.

They provide the first line of defense for pathogens swallowed or inhaled. Specialized cells in the surface of the tonsils capture pathogens allowing B cells and T cells to attack.

Tonsil tissue is similar to other lymphatic tissue, what we call lymph nodes found under the arms and near the groin.

The purpose of tonsils is clear and immediate - they are a vigorous element of our immunological defense. So why do we perform 200,000 to 250,000 tonsillectomies a year in The United States?

Your child has frequent bouts of strep throat? Yank those tonsils! Your child’s tonsils are big? Put that kid under general anesthesia, and cut them out! Once again conventional medicine treats a symptom not a cause. If your child’s tonsils are enlarged or your child presents with frequent strep infections, the question is not whether or not to rip out the tonsils, the question is what is causing the infection?

Back in the days when my family and I still embraced conventional medicine, I believe the first time I questioned a doctor’s recommendation when he wanted to remove my eldest son’s overly large tonsils.

Rather than comply, I put my son on an allergy elimination diet and discovered that he reacted to dairy products. Removing dairy from his diet solved the tonsil problem along with his frequent bronchitis and ear infections.

Years later I faced off with another doctor who insisted on a tonsillectomy for my youngest son after his third case of strep throat that year. I called a friend, my former pediatrician who lived in another state, hoping for her support. She suggested a strep test for my other child, saying he was probably carrying colonized strep with no symptoms and repeatedly re-infecting his brother.

She was right. After treatment there was no more strep and no need to remove a vital part of my son’s immune system.

Rachel faced the same decision.

Her research told her that her son’s most likely outcome after a tonsillectomy was one fewer sore throat or throat infection a year.

She didn’t think such a small improvement warranted the risk of surgery. She took her son to a naturopath. Vitamin D (which is essential for proper immune system function) and vitamin C resolved the problem.

In the 1950s when the United States was still dealing with epidemic outbreaks of polio, researchers discovered that children

who had had their tonsils removed were three times more likely to contract bulbar polio (infecting the bulbar portion of the brain stem), than children who retained their tonsils.

Aside from our medical approach that bases solutions on symptoms rather than causation, ignorance of another kind has driven the lucrative practice of removing tonsils - doctors didn’t really understand their function.

In 2012, researchers discovered the tonsil “...is a ‘factory’ for immune cells” specifically, for T-cells. T-cells are vital for fighting viruses and cancers caused by viruses (like lymphoma or sarcoma) and T-cells play a role in auto-immune diseases.

Excellent nutrition feeds the immune system and will help you and your children avoid the pain of tonsils overwhelmed with infection. If you’re looking for natural remedies for sore throats see the first source below. Also, check out Bullet Proof Your Immune System, and be sure to balance your gut flora. A strong immune system is impossible with an excess of Candida.

The strength of our immune system starts in the gut.

- Natural News

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Make memories, not medical bills. Healthy travel tips Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips Ah the travel bug. So many Canadians are fortunate enough to jet set to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Such was the case for a patient of mine. She packed up her family and put her worries behind her. Unfortunately, her daughter caught a horrible hacking cough on the plane ride down and her husband fell ill with explosive diarrhea that basically required him to reside in the bathroom permanently. Could this have been avoided? Maybe, maybe not. But there are a few naturopathic tips and tricks that can help you travel safely.

Even the strongest stomach can fall victim to traveller’s diarrhea. Foreign zip codes mean foreign bacteria that your body just isn’t used to. One of the best ways to guard against a bacterial infection is to start taking a probiotic, or healthy bacteria before you go. This ensures that your gut has lots of healthy friendly little critters to outnumber the bad bugs. Buy one that doesn’t have to be kept in the fridge for ease of use while travelling. Start about 10 days before you go and continue throughout your stay. Good idea for children as well.

Additionally, antiseptic herbs like oil of oregano and grapefruit seed extract can be taken to kill bad bacteria, viruses and fungi. Add a few drops to a glass of water and chug it down daily to keep your digestive tract clean.

Good old soap and water isn’t always available on the go, so an alcohol based sanitizer is great to keep hands clean.

The recirculated air of the airplane makes it a breeding ground for nasty airborne viruses.

Make a fist and place it on your chest, this is where the individual airflow vent above your seat on the plane should aim. Avoid blowing the stream of air onto your face. The airplane washroom is another hotbed of potential infection. Sanitize hands after leaving the washroom to ensure they are doubly clean.

Having wet wipes on hand can let you sanitize the table trays and arm rests.

You may want to use those same wipes on the remote control, bathroom knobs and telephone in the hotel room.

When travelling to a remote area, where sanitation may be compromised, taking herbs that boost your overall immunity can be a great idea. When I went to Kenya, I took panax ginseng and astragalus. These two herbs increase white blood cell count and activity. This is a great way to ward off infections of many different types.

Travel is wonderful. Getting sick while you are travelling is horrible. Stay healthy with these tips. Make memories, not medical bills.

Dantal care for children Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental Health

The human dentition has two sets of teeth.

The first set are the primary or baby teeth which are followed by the permanent or adult teeth.

There are twenty primary teeth that progressively start to erupt from the front to the back, from the age of six months and should be completed by the age of three years.

The baby’s mouth and teeth should be cleaned. It is best to start even before the teeth arrive by wiping the gums with

wet gauze or wash cloth during bath time.

Wrap the gauze or cloth around the index finger and rub it gently over the gum. After the teeth erupt you can start to use a baby toothbrush, with a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste about the size of a rice grain.

The preservation of the baby teeth, until they are ready to fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth are very important. Not only are they needed for chewing food to ensure good nutrition but they also guide the permanent teeth into their correct position in the arch.

Parents should supervise dental home care for their children until they are old enough to assume that responsibility.

By the age of three, children should be taken to the dental office for their first check up and every six months after their initial visit.

Since the baby teeth play an important role in guiding the permanent teeth into their correct position, then none of these teeth should be lost prematurely, whether as

a result of cavities or knocked out as a result of an accident.

Early detection of cavities will result in the restoration of these teeth and prevent extractions. If however a tooth is lost, the dentist can place a small device in the space to preserve it until the replacement permanent tooth is ready to erupt.

At an early stage the dentist can evaluate the jaws, growth pattern, relationship to one another, size of teeth, spacing and determine if there will be severe jaw deformities or crowding as the permanent teeth erupt. In some of these cases early intervention in treatment will prevent costly surgical procedures in the future. Growth of the jaws is best controlled during the period of active bone growth.

Harmful habits may also deform the arches and are best treated in the early stages.

It is best to partner with your dentist early in your child’s dental care.

Know your numbers Monique Bartlett Fitness If you’re looking to achieve permanent fat loss then you need to know your numbers.

If you don’t know your numbers, you will have little chance of success in reaching your fat loss goal. Just like anything else in life, if you’re not tracking what works and what doesn’t work, it will take much longer for you to succeed. This is especially important in relation to your exercise and fitness progress.

For instance, let’s look at the business world. In business results are measured by money that was made. If a business owner doesn’t know their numbers, they won’t

know if they’ve made any money. We can also use sports as an analogy. Do you think people would enjoy watching their favorite team if they didn’t keep score? Of course not! You need to know the numbers to know who wins and who loses.

The interesting fact is that most people don’t track their exercise routines at all. If you don’t track what you’ve done, how will you know where you’ve been? How do you know if you’re winning or losing the fat loss game? With properly conducted intense resistance training, your fat loss, muscle, strength and endurance is correlated by how much stronger you are getting with each workout.

If you can’t gauge your strength, you’ll have a tough time progressing through the workouts and creating that fat burning furnace inside your body. The speed of your progress is related to a combination of the intensity you’re using and frequency of your exercise. By monitoring your progress, you will be able to adjust your workout if neces-

sary in order to receive the best results.

You will also want to track your body fat percentage. The scale and your body mass index are all measures of weight loss, not fat loss. We don’t want to concentrate on losing weight, we want to concentrate on losing fat. Watching that number drop, is the other key factor in determining our wins or losses in the fat loss.

Recording your progress is key to getting that lean and fit body you desire. If you’re not recording your progress, you’re just hoping you will get results. By recording your progress you will be able to watch the inches melt off and you will also be able to use your results as a motivational tool.

This can inspire you to even greater progress and even inspire others you care about to do the same.

So make sure to keep accurate records of your workouts and your progress.

Just like in any business or in sports, you won’t know if you’re winning if you don’t keep score.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 25

26 Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Pension Division under the Pensions Benefits Act: What spouses need to know Valerie Dye Legal Matters Under the Family Law Act ‘property’ or ‘net family property’ includes all an individual’s property including his or her pension. The significance of this is that at the time of separation or divorce the pension is included for the purposes of equalization or division of property. It does not mean that there can be an automatic transfer of part of one spouse pension to the other spouse. Under the Pensions Benefits Act a spouse’s pension will be divided if the Court orders a division and transfer of a portion to the other spouse or if the parties enter into a domestic contract which provides for division of the pension and the transfer of a portion of that pension to the other party.

Furthermore, case law has shown that the Court will only order a division and transfer of pension to the receiving party (the recipient) if the paying party does not have enough means to make the equalization payment. Let’s assume for instance that spouse A has net family property valued at $300.000 and spouse B has net family property valued at $400,000. Obviously since spouse B has more assets he or she has to

make an equalization payment to spouse A of about $50,000. Spouse B may not have $50,000 in liquid cash but may have a pension valued at $70,000. In that case the Court may order or the parties may agree to have spouse B’s pension divided and a portion of it transferred to spouse A. Pension Value Although a spouse’s pension may have a particular value at a particular time, what needs to be ascertained for the purposes of division and transfer is the family law value of the pension. This family law value is arrived at by determining the date the parties commenced cohabitation or the date they got married and the date of separation. The value of the pension for that period is referred to as the family law value. For instance Spouse B may have a pension value of $70,000 but this value was acquired between 2000 and 2014.

If Spouse B married Spouse A in 2006 and they separated in 2013 then a division and transfer can only be in relation to the value of the pension for that seven year period. This value is termed the ‘family law value’ and spouse A will only be entitled to a portion of that value, not a portion of the $70,000.00.

Who May Apply for a Family Law Value of Pension Once parties are married either spouse may apply for a statement of the family law value of the pension. If parties are not married only the party who owns the pension may apply for a statement of the family law value of the pension.

Minister for Multiculturalism hosts roundtables with Canadians of Iraqi origin TORONTO -- Earlier today, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, hosted roundtables with a number of Iraqi community organizations to discuss Canada’s contributions to the global fight against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and to hear from them about the threat posed by this terrorist group, both here in Canada and in their ancient homeland.

The Minister met with leaders of Canada’s Assyrian community, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, which has been subject to extreme persecution and displacement at the hands of ISIL. Minister Kenney condemned the destruction of ancient Assyrian heritage in cities occupied

by ISIL in Iraq, such as Mosul, and reiterated that the protection of religious freedom around the world is a key pillar of Canada’s

foreign policy.

During a meeting with members of Canada’s Iraqi Kurdish community, participants expressed gratitude for Canada’s military contribution to the advise and assist mission in northern Iraq, and expressed condolences on the loss of Sgt. Andrew Doiron, who died recently in a friendly fire incident in this area.

Minister Kenney welcomed comments about how Canada can further enhance its contribution to the global fight against ISIL, and thanked the community for their contributions to various humanitarian efforts.

The participants also agreed that confronting ISIL is an essential component of keeping Canadians safe at home.

- CIC

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Are you a potential candidate for a Class Action against the 407ETR? Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters The group “Stop the 407 ETR’s Abuse of Power” is looking for potential candidates to bring a Class Action against 407 ETR. This will be the second Class Action the group assisted with against the company that operates the toll highway.

If you have an old bill, that was from a transponder account, for personal use, the group has asked that you contact them at 407abuseofpower@hotmail.ca Please contact the company and get a copy of your original contract for the transponder. This will confirm you qualify. Tell the group a little bit about your situation and your phone number. Someone will get back to you.

While this is exciting news for all those that have waited many years for justice, the group wants people to know that going through the courts takes time. The first Class Action against this company, on behalf of Bankrupts, was launched in 2012 and the Supreme Court of Canada heard a case related to it just this past January, 2015. To date, many are still waiting for that Class Action to be registered.

The group says that while it takes time, it’s time well spent because they believe this action is necessary to protect battles consumers already fought and won in this country.

The group also wants people to know that the decision made by Justice Edwards, November 4th, 2014, 407 ETR v Ira Day, has been sent back by both the company and Mr. Day’s lawyers to Justice Edwards for a revision in that decision. This is why we have yet to see an appeal in that case. Once that decision is revised, they will let you know the implications.

2015 is looking good for all those waiting to see an end to this company’s abuse of power.

Record number of new citizens welcomed in 2014 TORONTO -- Canada welcomed more than 260,000 new citizens this year, thanks to the government’s improvements to the citizenship program as well as recent reforms to the Citizenship Act, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced today. This is more new Canadians than in any year in Canada’s history and more than double the number from last year.

Through recent changes to the Citizenship Act, the government has made strides over the past year to improve the citizenship application process, and applicants are already seeing results.

•

•

A new citizenship decision-making process, which came into force August 1, has streamlined the process from three steps to one. Since implementing the new process, more than 115,000 people have become Canadian citizens – a 90 percent increase from the same time period last year.

Canada’s citizenship application backlog has been reduced by 17 percent

•

since June 2014, and is at its lowest level in almost three years.

The government is on track to eliminate the citizenship application backlog and reduce processing times to less than one year sometime in the next fiscal year.

To have applicant fees more closely reflect the costs associated with processing citizenship applications, citizenship processing fees will increase from $300 to $530 for applicants whose complete applications are received after Jan. 1, 2015. These applicants will benefit from the processing improvements outlined above, and this is in keeping with user-pay principles and a move toward full cost recovery in the citizenship program.

Applications for a grant and resumptions of citizenship to a minor are exempt from this change. The $100 Right of Citizenship fee for successful applicants remains the same. Other fees for services, such as for citizenship proofs, are not changing.

- CIC

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 27

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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

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LAND: 3.5 acres for Land with 3 bedroom house for sale in Anchovy Jamaica. For more info call Fay 905-452-8578.

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30 Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - March 25th 2015 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Dream it and do it now! Friday’s solar eclipse can set you on the path to fulfillment of a personal goal, service, or spiritual longing. It also sets exceptionally fertile conditions for a creative project and calling forth a lover, a helper, or an agent. Saturday, Sunday, and next Wednesday are also optimal for actiontaking.

Put good firepower behind your desire, and watch for the stars to support you with better odds. It’s a rich time to set a new goal for yourself and/or go seeking in a completely new direction. Friday’s solar eclipse offers you a treasure chest to explore. Saturday through Tuesday keeps it in motion.

Wednesday gets it designed, signed, and accomplished.

Consider all options; you never know where a simple idea, question, or conversation can take you. Now through next Wednesday is an auspicious time to sign a contract, launch a new business venture, or undertake a major career move. Extending its benefits package for some time to come, the solar eclipse can also open you up to a new personal-life adventure.

You’ve been yearning for it—be courageous, take the risk. Friday’s solar eclipse announces an exceptionally opportune time to start fresh on the search for love, a more wellrounded education, a new location to visit or call home. Immediate gains are possible. Put it into action Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday onward. You’ll accomplish something worthwhile.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Friday’s solar eclipse sets a fortuitous backdrop for finances and romance. A new adventure can take off like wildfire. There’s no need to try to make it work. If it’s right, you’ll know instantly. Otherwise, there’s plenty more out there for you. On Saturday, fire it up or give way to the moment. Sunday through Tuesday, ease it along. On Wednesday, success, satisfaction, and answers come readily.

Friday’s solar eclipse officially marks the transition into a new level of seeing, doing, and being. You’ll entertain possibilities that didn’t even enter your mind or heart only a short time ago. Yes, it’s good progress; keep going. Saturday pumps up the excitement and/or sets your hot-stuff self on fire. Social, financial, or creative, Sunday onward, it’s working for you very well.

If something or someone has to go in order to make room for fresh and new, so be it.

Friday’s solar eclipse can set you on a great health, work, or personal upswing. Saturday could be a fire-it-up or comes-on-strong day, perhaps unexpectedly so. Indulge yourself or another; you’ll get full worth out of Sunday and Monday. Wednesday puts you in the know.

A new work project or issue is about to overtake you. Friday’s solar eclipse could also ignite something to do with your health. Perhaps you already have a sense of what it is.

This new avenue or angle could be your “it” ticket. Saturday may hit a nerve or strike a chord. Sunday through Tuesday, allow rather than push. Wednesday delivers optimal timing.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Heart and/or inspiration are about to claim you afresh. You can get swept away by a person, place, or thing. Friday’s solar eclipse begins a wellspring create-it chapter. Saturday may be a kickoff day. A spark signals the start of so much more. Sunday onward keeps it rolling along. By Wednesday, you’ll gain good results and/or hit a substantial buildup curve.

Right stride; right niche; keep the faith; keep going. Friday’s solar eclipse can springboard a professional, friendship, or romantic chapter. Yes, by all means, spruce up your résumé, social life, or home life, hire a new agent, talk to a specialist, or seek expert advice. Saturday can thrust a sudden switch.

Right words, right touch; on Wednesday, you have the gift.

You’ll catch a much stronger wind now.

Friday’s fresh-spark solar eclipse enhances your intuitive resourcefulness. Over the next week, you’ll make the fullest use of your assets and conversations. You’ll get more bang for your buck too. Saturday is a scoop-it, gofor-it, or race-ahead day, perhaps unexpectedly so. On Wednesday, you’ll nail or nab it.

Success comes readily.

If your birthday coincides with Friday’s solar eclipse, you can look forward to a notable year of fresh starts and breaking new ground. For all, Friday/Saturday marks the launch of a lively forward-thrust, dive-inwith-both-feet cycle. The stars are on a rapid delivery schedule. It can shape up as early as next Wednesday.

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 3) Deck the halls with boughs of this 4) He’s coming to town 5) ____ to the World 6) O, German for ‘Christmas tree’ 7) Good king 9) In a pear tree 11) Away in a ____ 14) Little ____ Boy 15) Silver ____ 16) We ____ Kings Down 1) Two eyes made out of coal 2) Go tell it on this 5) All the way 7) Dreaming of this colour Christmas 8) Roasting on an open fire 10) ____ Night 12) The First ____ 13) Red-nosed reindeer

June 21 - July 22

October 23 - November 22

February 18 - March 19

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Home equity loans for vehicle financing Jelani Daniel Automotive Corner Home equity loans are a growing trend among vehicle buyers, but are they really the best option for your budget? Rates and stipulations may be different from person to person, but by understanding the basic risks and benefits, you can make a better decision in the long run.

Do low interest rates mean lower payments?

Lower interest rates on a home equity loan can be an attractive feature, but the length of the payments may extend beyond the ten year mark. By looking at both the interest rate and the length of the payback period, you can see if vehicle financing is a more suitable option.

Typically, auto financing has a higher interest rate but the payback period remains under the five year mark, or possibly less if you have a higher initial deposit.

Your house is part of the loan: This simple p statement carries heavy y weight g and is a large factor to consider when aapplyppllypp

ing for a home equity loan. Your property is now part of the loan agreement, bringing both your vehicle and house as items that can be repossessed due to a failure to pay. With an auto finance structure, only your car and credit are affected by a failure to pay.

What are the incentives?

The largest incentive would be deductible payments on your taxes. This may help lower your housing costs in the long run, but be sure that the interest rate will not cost you more than you are saving each year on taxes. Being aware of the interest structure and annual tax rates can help you better understand how much you can save on taxes versus how much you will spend on your loan.

Overall, there are rewards to a home equity loan including the ability to save money on your taxes and pay lower interest rates. Although there are pro’s, it is always valuable to ensure that you understand the impact of the loan on long terms costs and assets that could get repossessed. Even after a car is sold or unusable, you may still be paying for the loan since the payback period is extended beyond a typical auto finance period.

To find out if a home equity loan is right for you, you can research the topic in greater detail or speak with a professional about the options available to you. Being fully informed is the best way to minimize risk and maximize savings. max ximize your savi v ng gs.

Critical illness - Itʼs indiscriminate!

• •

Sherene Cole

CIP, CRM, CAIB, LLQP

Insurance Matters

The future has a way of arriving unannounced – Here is one more thing you can do to prepare for it: purchase critical illness insurance while you are still healthy. If you consider yourself an average person in Canada, your financial situation could change drastically if you suffer a critical illness like cancer, heart attack, stroke, heart bypass surgery and major organ transplants. Take the time now to think about how you would cope.

CRITICAL ILLNESS is indiscriminate and can strike anyone regardless of age, occupation, sex or income level. Below are some facts about critical illnesses that may interest you: DID YOU KNOW? In Canada…

• • • • • • •

1 in 2 will contract heart disease.

1 in 2 heart attack victims are under age 65.

1 in 4 will suffer kidney failure.

1 in 20 runs the risk of having a stroke before age 70.

1 in 500 is the incidence rate of multiple Sclerosis.

40% of heart attacks are caused by stress.

1% increase per year in cancer incidence since 1970.

• • • • • • • • • •

70% of open heart operations are coronary bypasses.

A new case of cancer is being diagnosed every 4 minutes.

500 new cases of paralysis of at least 2 limbs each year.

30% of cancer victims are completely cured.

50% decrease in the death rate from heart attacks and strokes over the past 40 years.

75% of stroke victims survive the initial event.

80% of kidney transplants are successful.

95% of heart attack victims survive the initial attack.

The average length of stay in hospitals for men with heart attacks is 15 days, and for women 23 days.

The financial consequences of a serious illness are often worse than those of death! A ratio of 8 to 1!

1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime; 60% will survive more than 5 years.

70,000 Canadians suffer heart attacks and another 50,000 suffer strokes every year

Critical Illness insurance was designed to provide financial support to solve these problems in a way that disability, life, and medical insurance could not. It pays the insured person while they’re alive, from $10,000 up to a $2,000,000 maximum in a tax-free lump sum. The money is paid on the diagnosis of one of up to 25 critical illnesses, if you survive 30 days or more after diagnosis, depending on the condition. A unique benefit of this coverage is that you can spend the money any way you choose to.

But you must have this coverage in place, BEFORE illness strikes.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 31

32 Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Motivation… Letʼs turn it up! momentum.

Reasons We Lose Motivation - There are three primary reasons we lose motivation.

Colleen Lindberg Business Development Seriously…. Have you ever had those moments where you don’t want to do anything?

Yes, as you probably laugh, who doesn’t, right?

Staying motivated is a struggle. Our drive is constantly assaulted by negative thoughts and anxiety about the future. Everyone faces doubt and depression. What separates the highly successful is the ability to keep moving forward through these times. Easy? Haha… most of the time it’s not.

There is no simple solution for a lack of motivation. I wish there was, trust me there are days in my life where I have to really focus on getting motivated. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and am very passionate about it, still sometimes it is a really big struggle. The key is understanding your thoughts and how they drive your emotions. By learning how to nurture motivating thoughts, neutralize negative ones, and focus on the task at hand, you can pull yourself out of a slump before it gains

• • •

Lack of confidence – If you don’t believe you can succeed, what’s the point in trying?

Lack of focus – If you don’t know what you want, do you really want anything?

Lack of direction – If you don’t know what to do, how can you be motivated to do it?

How to Boost Confidence The first motivation killer is a lack of confidence. Ever feel like you are inadequate?

Can’t do things? Won’t do it like they can?

This creates negative thoughts. Past failures, bad breaks, and personal weaknesses dominate your mind. You become jealous of your competitors and start making excuses for why you can’t succeed. In this state, you tend to make a bad impression, assume the worst about others, and lose self-confidence.

The way to get out of this thought pattern is to focus on gratitude and really realizing that you are great. Setting aside time to focus on everything positive in your life. Make a mental list of your strengths, past successes, and current advantages. Also remember that not everyone was made equal so someone else’s talent is their talents and yours are your own. You are the only one that is great an xyz, that you do

best, really take a look at that in your life and start to really stand behind it. Confidence starts with you, it’s all in the core of who you really are.

Developing Tangible Focus The second motivation killer is a lack of focus. How often do you focus on what you don’t want, rather than on a concrete goal? We normally think in terms of fear. I’m afraid of being poor. I’m afraid no one will respect me. I’m afraid of being alone. The problem with this type of thinking is that fear alone isn’t actionable. Instead of doing something about our fear, it feeds on itself and drains our motivation.

If you’re caught up in fear based thinking, the first step is focusing that energy on a well-defined goal. By defining a goal, you automatically define a set of actions. If you have a fear of poverty, create a plan to increase your income. It could be going back to school, obtaining a higher paying job, or developing a profitable business. The key is moving from an intangible desire to concrete, measurable steps.

Have you ever heard of S.M.A.R.T goals? Of course, Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely goals. Sit down and evaluate the fear, then create a goal around how to get out of the fear and make sure that it is S.M.A.R.T. so that you are getting somewhere and you will be able to achieve it.

Developing Direction The final piece in the motivational puzzle is

direction. If focus means having an ultimate goal, direction is having a day-to-day strategy to achieve it. A lack of direction kills motivation because without an obvious next action we succumb to procrastination. An example of this is a person who wants to have a popular blog, but who spends more time reading posts about blogging than actually writing articles, hmm… maybe I have been the victim of this at one time or another, can you relate?

The key to finding direction is identifying the activities that lead to success. For every goal, there are activities that pay off and those that don’t. Make a list of all your activities and arrange them based on results. Then make an action plan that focuses on the activities that lead to big returns.

You will find that by doing one small thing it will put you back on the direction you are after and makes you feel good about moving forward. All in all, it really is about the small steps, one small thing after another.

It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter periods of low energy, bad luck, and even the occasional failure. If you don’t discipline your mind, these minor speed bumps can turn into mental monsters. By being on guard against the top three motivation killers you can preserve your motivation and propel yourself to success.

Really it’s all in you to choose, make the path and keep working it. You can do it, really you can!

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.