President of Guyana Calls For Fight Against Poverty 052312

President of Guyana Calls for Fight against Poverty in Visit to OAS GUYANA (BW) -- The President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, today called on governments to do more to “reduce poverty and inequality,” because they pose “the greatest threat to democracy and security” in the region, and “can only be addressed through hemispheric cooperation,” during an address to the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS).

In a protocolary session of the council at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, President Ramotar said, “for Guyana, no priority is greater than to combat poverty, extreme poverty, inequality and social exclusion through policies that promote economic growth, access to education, health care and housing in order to better achieve sustainable development with social justice.”

The Guyanese President noted, “the critical importance of development to democracy as well as to multidimensional security compels the OAS to maintain and strengthen the role it plays in sustainable development.” He went on to warn that there can’t be debate on democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean “outside the context of our intolerable levels of poverty, when 57 million people, or 11 percent of our population, live on less than one dollar a day and 23 percent, exist daily on less than two dollars.”

President Ramotar called on countries of the region to “resolve that poverty eradication be the historic task of our generation,” and noted that “democracy cannot be safeguarded without reducing poverty; neither can poverty be effectively combated without addressing inequality.”

On the harsh effects of environmental change on the region, the Guyanese leader said the international scientific community agrees that “less developed countries and communities

President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, calls on governments to do more to reduce poverty and inequality. in the region are already suffering from the impact of climate change.” According to a World Bank report that he cited, the countries of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) will lose 4 billion dollars in the tourism sector and 5 billion dollars for direct damages from natural disasters, floods and storms caused by climate change.

ber of CARICOM and hosts the Secretariat.”

Arrighi went on to welcome the presence of the Guyanese President, saying “it is a particular honor that you have chosen to visit the OAS just a few months after being elected on December 3, 2011.” “This confirms the important priority that Guyana places on hemispheric relations,” he added.

The OAS Secretary for Legal Affairs, Jean Michel Arrighi, welcomed President Ramotar on behalf of Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, and Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin. The Secretary Arrighi noted that “Guyana’s commitment to regional integration is shown in many ways,” among them, he said, the fact the country “is a founding mem-

Meanwhile, the Chair of the Council and Permanent Representative of Honduras to the OAS, Leonidas Rosa Bautista, noted the “long and solid political career” of President Ramotar inside and outside his country, and outlined “the strong relationship between the OAS and the people and government of Guyana.”

PAGE 2 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Trinidad PM hospitalised

Warner said Persad-Bissessar’s family have been informed. He said further bulletins will be given to the nation as reports of the PMs condition was made available.

TRINIDAD (TG) -- Hours before Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s scheduled return home she was hospitalised in Barbados for “a battery of tests.” Acting Prime Minister Jack Warner said that during a hastily arranged news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair yesterday.

“Ladies and gentlemen, fellow citizens, I have just been advised that the Prime Minister has been admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados,” Warner said.

Warner said he spoke with the PM prior to her admission and she assured me that she will rally through. Warner said he contacted Barbados Freundel Stuart “who has assured me that he would do everything possible to ensure her comfort and care.”

Warner s aid he wanted to join the rest of the nation to wish Persad-Bissessar a speedy recovery. An Opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley last night said he wished Persad-Bissessar a “speedy recovery” and hoped that her illness was “nothing too serious.”

Persad-Bissessar was hospitalised for two days at St Clair Medical Centre in Port-ofSpain in October last year. She later told reporters she was a diabetic and suffers with high blood pressure. She said she was supposed to have regular medical check ups but had not had one for a while.

Persad-Bissessar was one day away from her scheduled return to Port-of-Spain after a seven day official trip to Belize, the United States and Barbados.

Persad-Bissessar celebrated her 60th birthday last month.

Precious metals worth potentially $20billion found in Haiti The Haitian government’s annual budget is US$1 billion, more than half provided by foreign assistance. The largest single source of foreign investment, US$2 billion, came from Haitians working abroad last year.

Michelle, a Guyanese beauty who resides here in Toronto is an executive

Locally produced mining wealth could pay for roads, schools, clean water and sewage systems for the nation’s ten million people, most of whom live on as little as US$1.25 a day.

legal assistant who enjoys networking and making new friends. Michelle can be seen in many local Mas Camp launches, brochures and many other local modeling and runway events.

In her spare time, Michelle likes to catch a movie, endulge in the Caribbean lifestyle and of course her biggest love is spending time with her son. She aspires to one day be a famous runway model.

You could be our next editions “TC Girl”! To enter, send your photo and a brief description to info@carib101.com

HAITI (C360) -- Disaster-ravaged Haiti may finally have found the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow – and it has been there all along, buried right beneath the beleaguered people’s feet.

A treasure trove of gold, silver and copper is hidden in the country’s hills, and the discovery may turn out to be as good as gold at relieving centuries of poverty-related ills.

Exploratory drilling conducted in the past year has found precious metals worth potentially US$20 billion deep below the ridges in the country’s northeastern mountains. A mining company is now drilling around the clock to determine how to extract them.

Workers are poised to start mining the other side of this seam in neighbouring Dominican Republic later this year in one of the world’s largest gold deposits: 23 million ounces worth about US$40billion.

“If the mining companies are honest and if Haiti has a good government, then here is a way for this country to move forward,” said Bureau of Mines Director Dieuseul Anglade.

In a parking lot outside Anglade’s office, more than 100 families have been living in tents since the earthquake. “The gold in the mountains belongs to the people of Haiti,” he said, “and they need it.”

Until now, few Haitians have known about this buried treasure. Mining camps are unmarked, and the work is being done miles up dirt roads near remote villages, on the opposite side of the country from the capital.

But U.S. and Canadian investors have spent more than US$30 million in recent years on everything from exploratory drilling to camps for workers, new roads, offices and laboratory studies of samples.

Actual mining could be under way in five years.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 3

Red Stripe to grow own raw materials in Jamaica Brewer moves to replace up to 70 per cent of imports JAMAICA (JO) -- Red Stripe plans to grow raw materials locally, with an aim to replace 70 per cent of imported inputs by 2020.

“We are looking at establishing commercial agreements with farmers, using a blend of two to three large farmers with 800 to 1,000 acres along with several small farmers, to grow cassava and sorghum to brew our beer,” said Red Stripe Head of Corporate Relations Marguerite Cremin about the initiative, called ‘Project Grow’.

It is a move replicating parent company Diageo’s investments in supply chain rationalisation for its breweries in Africa. This came as the beer market tightened, forcing brew masters to reshape future competition by turning to edible food crops such as cassava, sorghum and maize as cheap and reliable sources of raw materials compared to imported barley.

Cremin, while still working the numbers in relation to the level of investment, said the project is a win-win situation for the company, domestic farmers and the economy, pointing out that many Jamaicans will become involved in producing raw materials for the local brewery.

“It will enable us to significantly reduce the cost of our raw materials while giving us greater control of this most critical in-

put,” she said, adding that valuable foreign exchange will be saved and much needed employment created for Jamaicans. “Most importantly,” she said, “the project will sustain the agricultural sector in the country from which we draw strength and grow our business.”

Diageo launched a similar project in Ethiopa recently.The project will develop a scalable contract farming model that connects smallholder farmers with large, dependable, commercial markets in a mutually sustainable and rewarding manner, says Nick Blazquez, Diageo president of African breweries. “it is in line with our commitment to generate shared value with the economies and communities in which we operate,” he said.

Piggy backing on Diageo’s success in Africa, where such projects are said to have the potential of supplying as much as 70 per cent of raw materials, Cremin said the Jamaica initiative will be on a phased basis.

“We are looking to replace 15 to 20 per cent of our raw materials by 2014 and 70 per cent by 2020,” she stated, noting that 7,000 acres of the crop will be required to cover that 20 per cent of raw materials and, “if you do the maths, we will need to develop 35,000 acres in order to produce 100 per cent of our raw material needs.”

Replicating the African model, in respect of the choice of crop to be used, Cremin said, “We are looking to use cassava and Sorghum, which are very suited for brewing our quality Red Stripe beer. We expect to utilise different varieties and strains of the crop; so we will cultivate the top five producing seeds from the 15 known,” she said, noting that that they are targeting the red, yellow and white coloured seeds.

In the Ethiopian project, Diageo’s Meta Abo Brewery signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the country’s major organisations, bringing together the diverse expertise of these parties. The initiative “is a direct result of Diageo’s continued efforts to invest in and explore new ways to secure sustained holistic growth through partnership and collective action,” he said.

Cremin said that while the Jamaican brewer will be learning from the experience of its counterparts in Africa, it “will bring all the relevant local farming associations into the mix to ensure the use of local expertise and the success of the project.”

In this regard she said the objectives of the local initiative are consistent with those of the parent company as expressed by Diageo’s Blazquez, who has pointed out that “local sourcing is a well established inclusive model that benefits the end-to-end supply chain.”

Guyana to get US$50M debt write-off from Russia and I can also say in specific terms that a very important issue for Guyana about writing off debts, which previously was done in the bulk and not many people may be know but we have written debt of Guyana to former Soviet Union which was US$16M and we finalize these process, so it means that debt to Guyana to our country which is more than GUY$3B was written off in 2007, so the rest of it about US$50M, we hope will be written this year and certain specific proposal are done at bilateral level and we are finalizing this process” Smirnov said.

GUYANA (WM) -- Guyana is set to get a US$50M debt write-off from the former Soviet Union, Russia before the end of 2012, Russian ambassador in Georgetown Nikolay Smirnov announced on Thursday.

Smirnov while addressing a Guyana manufacturing and Services Association Luncheon made the announcement and pointed out that US16M of Guyana’s debt was written off back in 2007.

“I would also say that recently we finalized

Russia will also be lobbying for further debt write-off for developing countries at the upcoming G-8 Summit, where Russia will propose its ideas and highlight that it has written off in excess of GUY$3T to developing countries. Between 2005-2011.

The Russian diplomat said his country views with satisfaction the efforts of Guyana and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries efforts to tackle trans-national criminal activities.

“There is a positive trend in the region in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking,

organized crime including within the context of the framework of CARICOM and other regional organizations, in this regard I would like to make a special notice that recently in February, 2012 we signed with Guyana bilateral agreement in fight against illegal drugs ” he noted.

The diplomat added that,: ” Russia is ready to provide to the respective law enforcement agencies in Guyana and the framework of caricom, technical and training support in this regard.”

He also lauded Guyana’s global fight on climate change which according to the diplomat has given not only this country, but small Island states a prominent place in the global climate change fight. ” Guyana in particular has made the concerns of small countries heard on the issue of climate change and pioneering its partnership with Norway….” Smirnov said.

The Russian diplomat also outlined his country’s plans to work with Guyana in other areas of cooperation including ICT, agriculture and energy.

PAGE 4 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Archiving Machel - Mom collects from Too Young To Soca diaper to Torro Torro costume

TRINIDAD (TG) -- The first time Machel Montano’s name was ever in a newspaper, his mother Elizabeth Montano kept the article, as most mothers would. Thirty years later, she has collected everything Machel Montano. “I have everything,” she says with pride. “I kept it all because I knew from the beginning that he was going somewhere.

The mere idea that he was so bright, and that he always knew what he wanted.” Archiving 30 years of photos, newspaper articles, video footage and costume is more than being a proud mother or even a manager for Montano. “I look at it as important for our culture.

You cannot have all this information and not pass it on and not share with the younger generation. “My husband and I were not trained in artiste management, but we were well-read. We would read about people like Michael Jackson as well as entertainment

museums. We learned about archiving and documentation and how important this stuff is. We did our first scrap book in 1982 and now we have over 300 volumes. Then we got a server, where we keep all our live footage and video and all the scrap books, we send them to be scanned and then they are uploaded.” It is Montano’s dream to put all that she collected to good use. “I look at the importance of documenting history and leaving something behind so that people can learn from. From very early people have studied Machel and they always come here for stuff, and I know exactly where to find it. I’ve learned the importance from my reading and seeing the Smithsonian and the Bob Marley museum and I said to myself, but we have all these things from very early. “From Machel’s first bed, his books, his report cards.

Every little item is important.”

Montano knows the contribution her son has made to the culture of Trinidad and Tobago but she also recognises the contribution of others. “I don’t want it focused only on Machel but also those who inspired him and those he has worked with along his journey—Kitchener, Sparrow, Rose as well as the younger ones.” When asked to imagine if she were given a building to house all that she has collected, Montano says with excitement: “I would fill it up. We have all his cos-

tumes from the Too Young to Soca diaper, the Torro Torro costume all the way up to Mr Fete. It would not be a museum but a research centre that is state-of-the-art, very interactive and educational, so that young people and tourists could come and see the journey of soca as an industry. I’ve always dreamed of having it and Machel could come and speak to visitors. People could do research, access articles, photos, videos and more and hopefully and this will inspire other artistes to start collecting and contribute to the centre.” Over the years, many have approached Montano for information. “There are a lot of people who are doing their thesis and are writing on Machel or soca and they come to me. They analyse how Machel exports his talent and the culture of T&T. People come from abroad to research him and this is why I believe we need this research centre.” She is firm about this not only being about Machel but the industry as a whole.

“We could use Machel as a spring board to set it up, as I already have so much information but it should embody the entire calypso and soca industry. I do not how many other artistes have done this and whether the older ones can catch up but for the younger ones, we can start to teach them the importance or archiving and documenting their history and travels. “The public can be invited and everybody can identify with something. We’ve been a part of three decades of music. In the 80s, he started in calypso. Soca started around the time of his birth. When it developed he was part of the whole evolution of soca and you can see it in the things we have collected.”

Montano adds: “If you have history you must share history. My only disappointment, and this is coming from the heart, is we do

not recognise the contribution from some of our great people. I don’t want to boast and say my son is a great person but he has contributed and devoted 30 of his 37 years to the development of our culture and he has done so well. And he has done many, many positive things and many firsts. He has influenced many young people who didn’t want to hear anything about calypso or soca. He has shown them that you can make a sustainable living out of this.” She adds: “We have been known as a country not to document ourselves and our achievements and our culture and I think it is paramount. We now have a department that is dedicated to archiving everything. I would just like it to come to life.”

Anthony Edwards is the resident videographer and archivist for Team HD. “We’ve got over eight terabytes of information. Music, pictures, film, media clippings. We have a physical server with all the data, providing anyone in the team with access to what has been collected over the years, from anywhere in the world. And we are now exploring a cloud-based solution to act as one of our redundancies. We have physical copies, the digital copies and a system in place with further digital copies in a remote location in case of fire, flood and theft.” Edwards have been working with Team HD for almost a decade but consistently in this post for two years. “This is not just Team HD’s archives, it’s the country’s archives and it’s amazing to be a part of building the story that will be left behind.” In her heart, she has always seen herself as a teacher and is passionate about sharing ideas. “This is a pet project of mine.

It’s my dream to do something like this. The things are there. I have it all. There are stories to be told and I have ideas to bring it alive. So everyone can see the journey of soca.”

$150m to complete Lara stadium TRINIDAD (TG) -- Taxpayers will have to fork out an additional $150 million to complete the already overbudget Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, south Trinidad. The facility, which was scheduled to be opened for the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean, has so far cost more than $900 million, and remains incomplete. Speaking during a tour of the Oropouche East constituency last Friday, Housing and the Environment Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said the estimate has been finalised and will soon come up for government approval. Moonilal said the People’s Partnership administration refuses to leave the controversial project, which is being managed by the Urban Development Corporation (Udecott), incomplete.

The ministry has completed the verification of bills for the project, which is one of the final stepping stones to recommence construction on the site. Moonilal said there were several structural and civil engineering problems associated with the stadium that needed to be attended to and which would

account for a major share of the projected cost. “We have no interest in having the Brian Lara Stadium, like the Biche High School, not having opened for ten years.

But I am informed that we are looking at $150 million to complete it,” Moonilal said.

He said the Government hoped to have the Chancery Lane Hospital Complex in San Fernando in operation by year’s end. Thus far, contractors have been able to complete at least eight floors out of the 18 planned.

He added that 99 per cent of the National Academy for Performing Arts South Campus in San Fernando had been completed and it was almost ready for handover to the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism. On the tour on Friday, Moonilal visited several areas in his constituency, including Cuchawan Trace, Debe Trace, Temple Road and Mohess Road, which are undergoing road repairs and drainage works. He said rehabilitation projects in his constituency were estimated at $110 million.

Soundtrack shelved? No word on JA 50 song JAMAICA (JO) -- A song proposed to be the official soundtrack for Jamaica’s 50th anniversary celebrations has seemingly fallen out of favour.

nicated anything to me or to any of the artistes dem to say that the song is not the song no more.”

Late last year, the Jamaica 50 Commission approached music producer Mikey Bennett to compose a theme song for the country’s Golden Jubilee in August.

However, when contacted, chairman of the Jamaica 50 Commission Robert Bryan, said there was no official arrangement or agreement making Find The Flag the official song for celebrations in August.

Bennett accepted and came up with Find The Flag which featured 15 artistes. However, he is at a loss to what has come of the song which was submitted during the previous Jamaica Labour Party administration.

“I didn’t see anything about it when I came in.

We didn’t see any contract, nothing,” Bryan said. “When I spoke to Mikey [Bennett] he told me he wrote the song and produced it, but that was just about it.”

“It was launched as the official song, but I have heard the new minister announcing a new song,” Bennett told the Jamaica Observer.

“But nobody has said anything to me, and I can’t even go back to the artistes dem and say ‘bwoy, listen, there is a new song’.”

As far as a new song is concerned, Bryan stated, “We have a campaign song that is in keeping with the marketing theme of Jamaica 50, which is A Nation On A Mission. And that song will be used to drive the marketing campaign and deliver the marketing campaign message.”

Beres Hammond, Freddie McGregor, Tarrus Riley, Konshens, Capleton, Admiral Bailey, Ken Boothe and Marcia Griffiths are some of the artistes on Find The Flag.

He added: “A couple of people have done songs in celebration of Jamaica 50, and we have embraced quite a few of them by issuing proclamations that these songs are in. We are still in the process of selecting one of those.”

According to Bennett, “Nobody has commu-

Carib upgrades with new fermenting tanks TRINIDAD (TG) -- Carib Brewery Ltd will be embarking on one of its largest projects today—moving three fermenting tanks, each 24feet in height, from the port of Port-of-Spain to its Champs Fleurs brewery. This huge project which will take place between the hours of 6 am to 2 pm might involve temporary disconnection of electricity and landline telephones.

In an interview at Carib Brewery Ltd, Champs Fleurs on Friday, the company’s brewing operations manager, Ian Forbes, said while transporting the 74-foot long tanks riding 24 feet high, the utility lines would have to be either lifted or removed as the tanks are much higher than the lines.

“This is a very intricate and long process, which would include a convoy of 30 vehicles with police out-riders, Telecommunications Services of T&T, T&T Electricity Commission, Flow Trinidad, Alliance, 360 Communications and Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure the smooth running of the operation,” he said.

“It involves taking receipt of the tanks from the port, moving it to the brewery with minimal inconvenience to the T&T public.” Forbes said the tanks are expected to arrive at the brew-

ery between 2 pm to 3 pm, once the weather permits. The convoy will travel via Wrightson Road onto the Beetham Highway and then to the Priority Bus Route (PBR) to the brewery where a 300 tonne crane with a boom extension of 200 feet would be waiting to carefully lift each tank over the wall from the bus route onto the compound, where it would be installed.

Forbes said these tanks were very critical to the improvement of its operation, as Carib is seeking to upgrade and modernise its plant to become more efficient and competitive. He explained the tanks which cost about $3 million each and are used for beer production were specially constructed in Germany and were shipped to Belgium then to Trinidad.

He said the purchase and installation of these tanks are the culmination of a six-month planning process and phase two of the company’s $50 million expansion and modernisation project. The tanks, he said, are a great benefit to the company. “They are all stainless steel and cleanable, meet the criteria of international specifications, pre-tested and would assist in greater quality control.”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 5

PAGE 6 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Fishermen want guns for protection TRINIDAD (TG) -- Vice-president of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Fisherfolk Kishore Boodram has called for increased security measures for fishermen, even suggesting that some be issued licensed firearms. In an interview yesterday, Boodram said escalating attacks on fishermen have left many of his colleagues in fear of going out to sea to perform the only job they knew.

His strong suggestions came in light of last Thursday’s shooting at the St Margaret’s Village slipway in Claxton Bay, which claimed the life of 28-year-old Gary Dipnarine.

Mickey Ramdass, Dipnarine’s 45-year-old uncle, also an active fisherman of the area,

was also shot in the attack and underwent surgery to remove several bullets from his upper body. He is reported to be in a stable condition at hospital.

Dipnarine, a barber and part-time fisherman, died on arrival at the San Fernando General Hospital after he sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his chest. Reports stated that around 5.30 pm, Dipnarine and five relatives were offloading their catch from a fishing expedition, when a lone gunman emerged from the nearby mangroves and opened fire on the group. Ryan George, 29, who was also hurt, continues to battle for his life at the Intensive

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Care Unit of the hospital. Police are yet to make an arrest as they have not established a motive for the shooting. Boodram declined to comment on the shooting, saying it may have been caused by a personal grievance between one of the victims and the suspect rather than just an attack on fishermen. He said he knows Ramdass as an honest fisherman and that his relatives were mostly involved in sports. Over the past months, three Felicity and central Trinidad fishermen were beaten and shot to death, and their boats and engines stolen. Currently, four men are before the court charged with their murders.

Also in April, a Moruga fisherman was severely beaten and his engine stolen by alleged pirates. Boodram yesterday called on the authorities to place some urgency and attention on the plight of the Claxton Bay fishermen. “It’s a serious issue because it’s not just one life that has been lost but many fishermen’s families are now facing the world without their loved ones. “They are risking their lives every day to provide fish to feed this nation and supply the country’s export needs. Something needs to be done to protect these servants.” He said Trini-

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Despite upgrades to several fishing depots along the coastline, Boodram said Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath needed to move faster and provide more security.

He called on the Coast Guard and police to conduct frequent checks on the fishing areas, while maintaining tighter security at the depots. He also said a greater rapport between Venezuelan and local national security services was needed to stem the tide of robberies on the high seas. He added: “Fishermen should have some extra power. Selected fishermen should have some firearm to help protect themselves. “With some of the things that are happening now, it is very sad. “The families around here are very concerned when their loved ones are going out to fish just to put food on their table. Something has to be done,” he said.

Devant to reckless drivers: Your days are numbered

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dad and Tobago was the only country in the world where fishermen are being neglected.

Boodram said fish was an important commodity to the country and was a part of any healthy diet. He said Government always complained about the high food import bill but that could be reduced if fishermen got protection and security to ply their trade.

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TRINIDAD (TG) -- “Reckless drivers, your days are numbered.” This was the stern warning sent out yesterday by Transport Minister Devant Maharaj. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Public Transport Service Corporation’s (PTSC) Drive Training Simulator Academy (DTSA), at the compound of the Vehicle Management Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (VMCOTT), Beetham Gardens. Maharaj said it had only been about eight days since he pleaded with drivers to be more cautious on the road.

The minister was referring to Sunday’s tragic accident in Trincity. The accident claimed the lives of four young people after the car in which they were occupants crossed the median on the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway, Trincity, and crashed into the Prado carrying Appeal Court judge Wendell Kangaloo, who remained warded in critical condition at the Mt Hope Medical Sciences Complex.

Kangaloo, who was acting CJ at the time, was on his way to the Arima Race Club, Santa Rosa. Maharaj said several initiatives were being considered in an effort to help curb the recent spike in road fatalities. “One

of the proposals before the drafting committee is that bar owners who sell alcohol indiscriminately to persons who drive should be held accountable,” he said. Maharaj said it was not fair that so many people were losing their lives on the road owing to dangerous driving because of drivers who are “loaded with liquor bullets.” There are also proposals to have a drivers’ education course introduced into the secondary school curriculum.

“In fact the ministry, only a couple of hours ago, wrote a letter to the Ministry of Education where we are appealing to the Minister of Education to consider introducing, in the high schools, a driver’s education course,” he said.

Maharaj felt that would help with road fatalities, as more young people were driving high-powered vehicles. He also hoped that would become a general requirement for everyone applying for a driver’s licence. “We hope if this is accepted before the Motor Vehicles Act comes to the Parliament at the end of the year that it would be able to marry that proposal, if it is accepted by the Ministry of Education, to the general application of a licence.” Maharaj outlined some more preventative measures that his ministry would be taking to help keep the roads safe, such as security barriers, radar guns and security bays to make sure drivers obey the speed limit. The DTSA is a first step towards securing roads as the simulator can help prepare drivers for the dangers they may face on the road, he said. PTSC bus drivers came in for high praise from the minister as he described them as some of the safest drivers.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 7

Sammy says WI pleased despite five-wicket loss in First Test

ditions that were again cold and blustery.

Fidel Edwards sent the second ball of the day way down the leg side for four byes but quickly rediscovered his line and with Roach produced a spell of sustained hostility. Trott edged the first ball he faced from Roach just short of slips, then played an almost identical shot to the next delivery and was caught for 13 by West Indies captain Darren Sammy. Edwards repeatedly had Pietersen in trouble and the batsman may have relaxed when he was replaced by Gabriel at the Nursery End. Pietersen swatted a four from the third delivery of Gabriel’s first over but he was out next ball, caught behind, also for 13. His wicket was greeted with a primal roar of delight by the watching former West Indies captain Viv Richards and at 57-4 England were wobbling but Cook and Bell scored quickly, bringing up the 100 from 154 balls.

TRINIDAD (TG) -- A stand of 132 between Alastair Cook and Ian Bell steered England to a five-wicket win over West Indies in the First Test at Lord’s yesterday.

Cook’s 79, with 10 fours from 127 balls, and Ian Bell’s unbeaten 63 from 103 balls with 10 fours clinched an ultimately comfortable victory on day five. Kemar Roach took 3-60, Darren Sammy 1-25 and Shannon Gabriel 1-26, leaving England briefly in trouble early in the morning session but Cook and Bell’s partnership gave the home side a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

“Whenever you’re chasing a score in Test cricket there’s always a bit of pressure on your shoulders,” England captain Andrew Strauss said. “That’s why I thought it was an outstanding performance from Cook and Bell to get us over the line. I think they played in a really professional and classy manner.”

West Indies captain Sammy was also satisfied, however, feeling his side had exceeded expectations. “We were quite pleased,” he said. “We were told there were no fifth day tickets printed and we took the game to the fifth day. We continued to show that never-say-die attitude. When nobody gave us a chance we kept coming back.” Play began with Lord’s less than half-full. Tickets were on sale to the general public but only from the North Gate, meaning long queues had formed outside the ground— the crowd at the close was estimated at 7,000. England resumed on 10-2 in con-

With the bowlers running out of steam, Cook and Bell’s partnership was an unbroken 74 at lunch, leaving England in control. “Once the ball got older it became easier to play,” Sammy reflected, and Strauss agreed. “We always had quite a lot of faith that the wicket was going to stay very flat and pretty slow,” Strauss said. “It was always a case of negotiating the new ball and then things should be a bit more simple.”

West Indies weren’t helped when Gabriel suffered back spasms and Roach hurt his ankle. Both had to leave the field for treatment in the afternoon session and a game that had threatened a pulsating conclusion became a procession, as England coasted home. The 100 partnership came off 148 balls and Bell reached his 50 from the 84th delivery he faced. With two runs needed Cook fell to Sammy, caught at gully by Kirk Edwards. Sammy’s desire not to gift England the win was further demonstrated when he then referred an lbw shout against Jonny Bairstow, but the review was unsuccessful and Bell hit the winning runs when he smashed Marlon Samuels for four through midwicket. The Second Test starts at Trent Bridge on Friday with both Roach and Gabriel expected to be fit.

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PAGE 10 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Pot: Coconut Drops

with no feel (gritty) of sugar left back. Now add the egg, vanilla and bitters to the mixture and give it a good whisk.

Chris De La Rosa Contributor Ingredients 3 cups all purpose flour 1/4 stick butter (about 2 oz or 4 tablespoons) 1 large egg 3 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon Angostura Bitters 1/2 cup raisins 1 cup shredded coconut about 1/2 cup water For the glaze 2 tablespoon sugar 1/4 cup water * This is very similar to Jamaican “Rock Buns” .

Start by creaming the butter and sugar in a bowl. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to make this easier. You an use a wooden spoon or electric mixer. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy sort of texture

In a large bowl, put the flour, cinnamon and baking powder and gave it good whisk to make sure everything is blended well. Then pour in the creamed butter mixture to create a dough. This will be a bit tough to work, add the water as necessary. I’m not sure how this would work in an electric mixer, but manually it takes a bit of muscle if using the wooden spoon. The final step of preparing the dough is to fold in the shredded coconut and raisins.

With your oven at 350 degrees, grease a cookie sheet, or line with parchment paper.

Now spoon on the batter onto the cookie sheet (heaping tablespoon full) and bake for about 25-30 minutes. It will start to go golden. I did two batches of 12.

After about 25 minutes remove it from the oven and brush on the simple glaze. Basically it’s sugar dissolved in warm water and brushed onto the tops of the coconut drops.

You can also sprinkle on some sugar on top of each, to add that extra touch. Place back in the oven for 2-3 minutes.

These coconut drops are great with your morning tea or coffee.

More recipes online - caribbeanpot.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 11

Antioxidants and Free Radicals

protect our body from Free Radical Damage.

Trish Browning Contributor Lately there has been a lot of talk about antioxidants and free radical damage, but what does this mean? Why are we starting to pay more attention? Is it that we are starting to get more health conscious or advertising works and the food manufacturers have our ears?

Whatever your reasons for taking note maybe I did not understand why suddenly these words are showing up everywhere. I decided to do some research and learn more about what an Antioxidant is and why it is important to

Antioxidants are molecules that can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals we still need to supplement our diet.

Free Radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can form when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants. Simple things such as smog fill the air that we breathe and can cause free radical damage.

Certain food products boast that they are health sources of Antioxidant etc but I do not know how much benefit we really get from them or even if the amount that is present really have any kind of impact on our system.

Finding a natural source is always the best way to go or finding a natural supplement that is not heavily process is recommended. Here are a few fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidant properties.

Berries such as raspberries, blueberries and strawberries offer an abundance of antioxidant.

Broccoli definitely takes the gold medal for most nutritious vegetable. This cruciferous vegetable contains more vitamin C than an orange and has more calcium than a glass of milk. In addition to minerals and vitamins, broccoli is filled with disease-fighting chemi-

Winning at the weight loss game the road. Where do you want to be after three months? Once you get there, what will you do next? Don’t wish or hope. Set a SMART Goal.

Monique Bartlett Contributor

Specific, Measurable, Action Oriented, Realistic, Timed.

S.M.A.R.T. GOALS

Everyone always wants to know how to win at the weight loss game. I hate to disappoint you but there is no magic. The secret is: IT STARTS WITH YOU!

SPECIFIC: Typically most people say, “I want to lose weight”. This goal is too general.

It needs to be defined into specific behavioural changes.

Most people are unaware or deny the need to change. If you aren’t willing to change your habits, you won’t change. It’s up to you to weigh the pros & cons. You need to decide if you want to win at losing weight.

Example 1) I will eliminate 150 calories a day from my diet for one month.

2) I will work out for 45 minutes 3-4 days a week for the next month.

3) I will pack a healthier lunch instead of eating fast food one day a week for the next month.

Preparation is key. How do you want to begin your journey? Some people read books on different workout techniques, others watch videos and others hire a personal trainer to help them through the process. Whichever way you decide to begin your weight loss journey, the point is to just begin! There are so many diet and exercise programs. Don’t worry about how you’re going to reach your goal, just take action.

Become conscious and aware. Start with the 21-day rule. It takes 21 days to form a new habit. Do not get off course before your 21 days are over. A great trick is to list all of the food and beverages you consume and all the exercise you do in one day. If you put it in your mouth, write it down! You’ll be amazed at exactly how much you eat and drink once you write it down.

Set yourself a goal. Make sure you have a plan. The best way to start is with a shortterm 90-day plan. What are your immediate needs? Do you need to increase your cardio, start lifting weights, and watch your calories?

Stay focused on the immediate end goal. Set your long-term goal for 90 days or more down

MEASURABLE: Keep records of your eating habits. This allows you to assess your progress, document your journey and increase motivation.

ACTION ORIENTED: The goals mentioned state the action needed to reach your goal.

REALISTIC: If the goal is not realistic, it sets you up for failure!

Long-term goals are achieved by successfully reaching numerous short-term goals.

TIMED: Set up specific time frames and goals.

Short-term goals are stepping-stones to longterm goals. Start small; focus on changes that can be sustained. Don’t feel you must make all changes at once; ease into them slowly.

Be accountable to yourself and write a list of what you will do. The key is consistency!

4-6 hours per week – find the time. If you know nothing about nutrition, start with the Canada Food Guide. Learn what correct por-

cals called phytonutrients.

Garlic is used around the world as a delicious flavoring agent for any dish. The health benefits of garlic have been well touted for centuries, and raw garlic has been used as a natural antibiotic to kill off some strains of harmful bacteria. Garlic is also useful for decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol, removing heavy metals from the body, preventing cancer and acting as an antifungal and antiviral agent.

Tomatoes are by far the richest source of a powerful anticancer agent called lycopene.

In fact, research has shown lycopene to be an even more powerful disease fighter than vitamin E and beta-carotene. Lycopene needs fat for optimal absorption to occur. Therefore, putting the healthy fat olive oil in your spaghetti sauce is an excellent trick to increase your lycopene levels.

tion sizes are. It will teach you the types of foods to eat and how much of each you should be eating every day. Have a small amount of carbs prior to working out to give you energy.

Have proteins within 30 minutes and a meal within 2 hours after working out to help increase your lean muscle mass and aid in muscle repair.

caloric intake of less than 1,200 calories per day. This will put you into starvation mode and cause your body to hold on to fat and lead to deprivation. Create a caloric deficit of 500 calories per day through diet and exercise. Have a realistic weight loss goal of 1-2 pounds per week. Rapid weight loss comes from water loss and always has.

It’s important to DEVELOP GOOD EATING HABITS.

Start your program by weighing in. Weigh ins will establish a baseline. Do not weight yourself every day. This will only defeat you in the end. Always remember that muscle weighs more than fat. By weight training you will lose fat and inches but “can” gain weight. Extreme exercise will lead to fatigue, injury and being overwhelmed. Do not punish yourself if you aren’t achieving your goals as quickly as you would like. You are doing this for long-term gain.

Eat a variety of foods. Watch trans/saturated fats. Include anti-oxidants. Watch sugar & salt. Avoid excessive alcohol. Drinks equal a large amount of calories. Eat when you’re hungry, not when the clock says “it’s time.”

Eat more frequent smaller meals; 5-6 times a day is ideal. Eat slowly – don’t shovel food down your throat. Don’t read or watch TV while eating. If you do, it will cause you to eat more. Drink water! Just say “no” to the big breadbasket. An appetizer soup before your meal, takes the edge off. Always have some salad. PERIOD. Think fibre. Split the entrée – it’s big enough! Don’t forget, if you bite it – you write it!

Focus on portion sizes. Focus on menu choices. Develop new habits. Do not maintain a

You might ask yourself, can I do this? The answer is, if you enjoy your workout program, if you make it fit into your schedule and your lifestyle, then yes, you can! Just remember to track your progress and be accountable to yourself. If you can maintain the habit of eating right and exercising for 21 days you will have won the weight loss game.

PAGE 12 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Enough cannot be said of a beautiful smile Dr. Matthew S Weekes

BSC DDS MTh DMin

Contributor

Enough cannot be said of a beautiful smile.

It is an expression of one’s wellbeing. The owner of this blessed gift derives self-esteem, confidence, calmness and comfort. A beautiful set of pearly well-aligned natural looking teeth is the craving of the young and old.

Although a beautiful smile is very important and is often the driving force to visit the dentist, your teeth have other important functions ranging from supporting the jaws, preserving the bone in the jaws, aiding in

digestion, speech, balancing the forces between the cheek and the tongue and helping to maintain the shape of the face and the mouth.

Your dentist and staff can help to give you the smile of your dreams and help you to maintain it for a lifetime but the best results require you be a willing motivated active partner. Be nice to your teeth and they will be nice to you. Pamper them and they will smile back at you.

Dental treatment should start early in life.

Children should be introduced to the dental team by the age of 3. Cavities and oral diseases can be detected and treated before unpleasant and painful symptoms develop.

Steps can be taken to stop harmful oral habits such as finger sucking and tongue thrusting.

Breathing problems resulting from a narrowing of the airway passage commonly due to swollen tonsils or adenoids can be identified

and treated.

While cavities are the common cause of tooth loss for children, for adults it is mainly periodontal disease or gum disease. If left untreated the result is often the loss of most or all of the teeth.

Your home care kit should contain a soft toothbrush, dental floss, toothpaste and oral rinses.

A hard toothbrush should never be used in your mouth. It wears away the enamel of your teeth exposing the softer dentin causing sensitivity.

To provide you with the best possible advice and treatment we would be happy to address your concerns by booking an appointment at our Brampton office. You would have the benefit of my experience, dedication, motivation, and a considerate friendly team that qualities. Talk to him about:

Dear Suzie,

nority. Please help me decide what to do.

I am white and my husband is Indian. Last night my son, aged 13, wanted to talk to me.

He had wanted to talk for some time, but was afraid. He told me that the kids at school and in the neighborhood were calling him Paki, or “here comes the smell,” or terrorist.

Once he started to talk tears welled up in his eyes. He was deeply upset about these racist comments and didn’t understand why people could be so cruel. I was devastated. He is a very handsome young man. He has beautiful olive skin, dark eyes and hair. He is kind and giving. I wanted to know who these kids were who were being so racist. I wanted to deal with them. I wanted to call the school.

He pleaded with me not to do that. He told me he had worked out how he was going to deal with the situation. I am heartbroken that my wonderful son is being victimized like this. He talks about himself as being a mi-

~ A loving mom Dear Loving Mom, I am truly sorry that your son is being treated in such a malicious, ignorant way by kids of his age. My blood boils when anyone is discriminated against. My first reaction is to take pro-active action against the offending children and to take on the school for allowing racism to happen. Then, I take a deep breath and think about it rationally. First, your son is clearly a wise young man. This is what he has done. Instead of reacting in a violent, or hostile manner he has been thinking about how he should deal with the situation himself. He has talked to you, because he trusts you and knows you will guide him well. I advise you to remind your son that he is a valuable young man with wonderful

1. Self-esteem Tell him what his good and positive qualities are and teach him how to recognize them himself and to understand how valuable he is to you, his friends and his community.

Explain that the people/kids who truly like him and want to hang out with him, do so because of who he is, not for what he has.

Help him to understand that there is not one person in the world who is liked by everyone and that is fine. Everyone has the right not to like you, or anyone else. For example some people love to eat spinach, others hate it. That is the way the world works.

2. Tell him that nobody can make anyone change their bad behavior, rudeness or ignorance. People are the way they are. Some improve with age and education, others do not. Explain that the only person who can change their conduct, or thought process is themselves.

3. Explain to him that he is his own person with his own special and unique qualities.

He is a young man with his own wants, needs and goals in life. He has the right to surround himself with quality people of his own choosing and not to want to be friends with people because they are cool, or popular at school. Remind him that throughout his life there will always be people who will try to demean or to put him down. Explain that these people do this, because of their own insecurities.

4. Remind him that no one is perfect, not him, you, the pastor, the Queen. Talk to him about how all of us would all like to change at least one thing about ourselves; but that he must learn to accept, appreciate and value himself as he is with all his good and bad points. Life is about improving.. Trying to do better; to achieve greater heights and that continues for life.

puts your interest first. Call 905-458-1055.

5. When talking to him about the kids who have made the racist comments remind his that if they don’t like him that is fine and why would he want such people to like him. Tell him that he is his own person who makes his own choices in life and that is who he wants to hang around with. Kids who don’t like him should be told to go away. Advise him that he should feel some degree of sorrow for those kids who know no better than to demean others; to discriminate against other human beings, in order to enhance their own image in front of others. Explain to him that others who listen to and follow these racists are weak and inconsequential themselves that the only thing they are capable of is putting others down, because they have little, if any, good in themselves. They are followers, not leaders, like your son. Give your son the confidence to say to these losers “If you like me – hang around and have fun; if you don’t, that’s your choice so, get lost. I have better things to do than listen to your nonsense.”

When you have this discussion with your son, choose a quiet, comfortable place where you will not have interruptions from others. Listen to him. Don’t cut him off in the midst of what he is saying whether, or not you agree with him. He has chosen to talk to you. Listen to everything he says. Validate his concerns. Be kind to him. Don’t inadvertently put him down, because you think he is talking rubbish. Everything he says is important. It will help you understand his thought process and assist you in being able to guide his thought process. At the end of your discussion you should always end with positive thoughts to help him feel good about himself. Then do something fun, such as going out for, or ordering in a pizza; making cookies together. It should be a something good that you do together.

Your son appears to be a great young man with a lot of potential. You have obviously done a good job so far. Keep it up.

Your Horoscope - May 2012 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): Managing your hours and days, organizing your interactions, creating supportive assistance allows you time for what’s most important now - intelligent acquisition of new knowledge. This knowledge will become your future tool for success and provide you with the ability to master your goals. Don’t forget service to self and others. That’s the foundation.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21-May 21): You must begin to concentrate on your creative self identity. You also need some celebrations, more social interaction, leisure,entertainment, and a party .

The fun in your life hasn’t seen the light of day in many years now it’s forgotten you exist. Fun and play actually assist in bringing our talents forth. Talents are Soul gifts. What are yours again?

Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): The New Moon provides new thought processes concerning home, dwellings, and what brings nurturance to you. There has been confusion of late about these issues. You seek community yet it is unmanifested. You seek a new state of spiritual cohesion yet the field isn’t prepared yet.

Ask at New Moon time for the next step in your identification.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21-July 20): You seek news of everything from everywhere. From neighbors, previous classmates, the mediaall having to do with community. One short tip. Don’t gossip. Just exchange information and retreat from the temptation to speak ill of others. You will gather and organize all information received and create a world order in your mind. Take in some historical landmarks.

Leo Horoscope (July 21-Aug. 22): Notice that your personal values are very prominent and are making decisions that will affect your future. It’s important to be aware of this. Perhaps you can review what your values are and evaluate if they are concurrent with your needs. Are they well thought out? Do they still serve you?

Our values either serve our self esteem or lessen it. Which is which for you?

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Everything becomes new, if you yield to this. From your appearance to intelligence to your role in the world which means your social identity. It is important that our actions reflect who we are internally. If this is not so, then others experience us with cognitive dissonance. See

that a union occurs between inner and outer selves for the sake of synthesis.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your life is rather hidden these day and we continue to search for you but you’re nowhere to be found. A deep psychological change has caught you unawares. Important insights occur.

Dreams are your guides. Therapy for some is good. For others the best medicine is serving those in need. An extraordinary housecleaning is in order, too.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): What groups in the world do you admire?

What organizations have the values you hope to have? What church, team, club, league or fraternity calls to you? What community (town, village, intentional) speaks your language? Investigate this. It’s your future. You’re not to be a loner anymore.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): Something true to your deepest ambitions may just come calling at your door.

Most times only elephants sail into our living rooms and roost there much to our dismay. But things are shifting a bit and a communication quite desirous may knock gently. Watch and wait and listen. And write.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): You distinguish the truth about yourself as separate from other people’s truths (about you). This is quite important but know that as others won’t recognize this truth you’ll have to all by yourself. A regeneration is occurring about who you are, why, how, where, and possibly when. Move that is. Seek assistance from others. Then be on the move.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): There may be an examination of past and present wounds. They will harbor within till , unable to hold them any longer, you seek others who will listen compassionately. As you feel yourself and realities dissolving, new and better forms of self and resources emerge.

Sensitivity is good. It’s information.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Energy for things new, uncluttered, organized, categorized, detailed, and thus in harmony occur to you in leaps and bounds because it’s time for expansion on every level of your life. You have a fine eye for inner detail. This leads to artistic endeavors. Capture them, bring them into form for beauty becomes you.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 13

PAGE 14 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The Five Most Expensive Words nations. You wash with special anti-septic soap, you visit a doctor, you take anti-biotic medicine as prevention. You do whatever you have to make sure the plague does not take hold in your body.

Gerry Robert Contributor Can’t , Blame, Passive, Conformity, Quit There are certain words, which should be deleted from the vocabulary of each person interested in success. The person who wishes to win in a big way should never utter these words.

The goal of every achievement-orientated person is to avoid these words like the plague.

How do you act around a plague? You stay clear from the area. You will avoid people who have just come from a plague-stricken area for fear that the plague will infect you.

If you are somehow exposed to a plague you take a million precautions to avoid contami-

Oh that we take such precautions when it comes to our success! If only you made a similar effort to avoid the 5 Most Expensive Words which cost millions every year.

These five words used on the tongue, or practiced in anyway in one’s behavior is the surest way to sales mediocrity at best, poverty at worst.

Can’t Sales Manager: “I want you to increase your sales by at least 26% over the next 12 months. What’s your response?”

Sales Person: “It “can’t” be done!”

Very little in life “can’t” be done! Remember something I wrote about in my first book: THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS IN LIFE THERE IS ONLY A SHORTAGE OF IDEAS.

If you honestly believe that your current results is the best you can expect, then, you are probably right. Why is it though, that a relatively newcomer can occupy a desk right next to yours, sell exactly the same product or service as you and break all the office sales records? Why do some people earn $22,000 in sales and someone just a few desks away earns $222,000? Much of it has to do with whether or not they accept the weak-minded philosophy of “Can’t.”

I come from poverty. I was raised in Ottawa, Canada, in a family that lived mainly on welfare. We lived in “the projects,” and my parents had many problems. My father had a drinking problem, and my life growing up was really tough. I am the last person who you would think would write a book teaching people how to change their thinking and how to live their dreams. That’s how I know there are no problems in life; there is only a shortage of ideas!

The remainder of the five most expensive

words can be read at blog.blackcardmarketinggroup.com Gerry Robert is the international bestselling author of The Millionaire Mindset. Over 3 Million people have attended his live seminars. Gerry will be speaking at The New Way To Sell Seminar on June 9, 2012. As a reader of the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, you’re entitled to two $299.00 tickets for FREE. This is a limited time offer, while quantities last! Please visit our website at http://tinyurl. com/caribbeannewstix to register for FREE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 - TORONTO CARIBBEAN - PAGE 15

Superintendent of Bankruptcy’s Intervention Moore vs. 407 ETR Judgement Reserved Tammy Flores Contributor In the Moore vs. 407 ETR case, that took place last fall, Justice Francis Newbould ruled that a motor vehicle license is not an asset belonging to a debtor or anyone else.

It is a privilege granted by a government authority and is not affected by bankruptcy. We have been using this ruling to tell MTO that they are in the driver’s seat when it comes to the Plate Denial process as we were told that whoever owns the plate owns the 407 ETR charges. Therefore, if the plate doesn’t belong to us as Justice Newbould asserted, it was our opinion that MTO was in the driver’s seat when it came to the Plate Denial provision. MTO has been stubborn in recognizing this point.

This decision in the lower courts forced the Superintendent of Bankruptcy to intervene to protect the National interest in the Bankruptcy Insolvency Act. True to the 407 ETR’s arrogance, not only was the Superintendent’s

Office not notified about the decision, by the time the Superintendent of Bankruptcy’s Office found out about the decision at 9 AM on a Friday morning, they had their motion to intervene filed by 11 AM and by 4:30 PM the same day, lawyers for the 407 ETR struck a deal with Moore, for an undisclosed amount of money and gave him his “privilege” of licensing his vehicle back.

On May 16th, 2012, three Appeal Judges heard the 407 ETR’s submissions to squash the Superintendent of Bankruptcy’s motion to intervene in the Moore vs. 407 ETR’s decision. The Superintendent’s Office brought out that there is confusion in the lower courts.

This is a tactic the 407 ETR uses all the time.

The 407 ETR counts on the confusion so that they can continue to swindle people. It is our hope this is about to change and that the Appeal Judges will rule in favor to allow the Superintendent of Bankruptcy to intervene.

People claim Bankruptcy for a number of reasons. The BIA is balanced because it also provides for abuses of this provision. To put things in a very simple light, when a person claims Bankruptcy, creditors can file to have the person’s assets distributed among them.

The 407 ETR is so arrogant that, not only do they NOT file to make a claim against

the person claiming Bankruptcy, but also they completely ignore this Federal provision because they know they can still extort the money out of people because MTO will not recognize that the person no longer has a debt to the 407 ETR. We brought letters into MTO as proof that the debt no longer existed and MTO ignored that and kept the people in “Plate Denial”.

In some cases, the 407 ETR has forced people, that would not other wise have ever claimed Bankruptcy, into their financial problem to begin with because they suppress invoices and then charge high interest and fees without even demonstrating that a toll charge occurred. The MTO believe that they can absolve themselves of any responsibil-

ity because of a Provincial Agreement. We hope that will change very soon too. MTO is accountable because they are the ones denying the plate. We should all be concerned with this.

There is more to this story than meets the eye. The 407 ETR likes to say that they can’t stop people from driving on their highway as a reason for them to be able to have this power they abuse. We have been saying that if the 407 ETR can’t bill their customers correctly, fairly and honestly then they can put up manned tollbooths so these issues no longer exist. We hope more people join us in our continued fight against these injustices.

EVERY FRIDAY!

EVERY SATURDAY!