CARIBBEAN C ARIBBEAN NEWS, EVENTS, EVE ENTS, HEALTH, HEALTH,, LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE & MORE ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN ONLINE TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM CO OM • TO O AD A ADVERTISE: DV VE ER RT TIS ISE E:: 6 647-722-6298 47 4 7-7 -722-6298 6298 • VOLUME E 3 • IISSUE SSUE S SS S SUE UE 1 UE 18 8 • WEDN WEDNESDAY, NE ES SD DA AY Y,, O OCTOBER CT C T TO OB O BER E 22ND 2014
EMPOWERING Photo: Mark Legendre/MK Photography
Inspiring Lives, Empower Communities - Trailblazing women that inspire a different future
ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN On Wednesday October 15th, 2014 the United Achievers Community Services presented its third annual Professional Women’s Forum at the Rose Theatre in Brampton. The Women’s Forum is a benefit fundraiser that addresses the needs of the community, and looks for opportunities to make a positive difference and works to improve the lives of girls and women in Ontario. This years’ theme was Inspiring Lives, Empower Communities. The evening began with a networking gala where guests had the chance to meet the speakers and also interact with the event sponsors, who offered help and advice for those that wanted it. Rachel-Lea Rickards and Randy Persaud, hosted the event and their quick
wit and humor made it a pleasure to watch. The featured speakers at this year’s forum included Mitzie Hunter MPP and Associate Minister of Finance, Rathika Sitasabaiesan MP for Scarborough-Rouge River, and Ohenewa Akuffo, who is a renowned Olympian and world medalist. Each woman took to the stage to give heartwarming speeches about their own personal struggles as women, how they overcame challenges and also how they hope to impact the lives of women around them helping them to be inspired by their stories and make a better future for themselves. Each woman spoke of the trials and tribulations of life and how they realized at a young age they wanted to grow up to be women who made a difference.
Another one of the key points that each speaker brought to light was the challenges that young women of color face in this new world. Rathika Sitasabaiesan explained, “As a young woman, I don’t have a lot of experience,” “And as a young woman of color, I hope that the values that uplift the community can lift the floor so everyone stands on the same platform.” After the speakers presented, cocktails were enjoyed in the lobby, and entertainment for the night was provided by Sasha Farquharson also known as “Sasha Blessed,” who uses her gift of dance to portray the moods and messages of God. For more information about UACS and its programs and services visit www.unitedachievers.org.
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TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Life is a Journey - Unlock your True Potential with Colleen Blake-Miller With decades of experience as a licensed psychotherapist and nationally renowned speaker, Colleen Blake-Miller has supported men and women from all walks of life to achieve health, wellness and promote their personal growth. Currently residing in Toronto, Colleen attained her Master’s Degree in Psychology and committed herself to helping others. Goal-oriented and purpose-driven, Colleen holds to the philosophy that “life is a journey.” Instinctively, she pursues her own journey as an outlet for restoration and wholeness. Through her sessions and workshops she hopes to help people uncover the emotional and psychological obstacles that hinder their forward progression and obstructs their achievement of success. Colleen is passionate about encouraging people and wants to help people realize their dreams. She didn’t plan to take up public speaking, but it was something that stemmed naturally out of her private work, and passion for counseling. Through this she realized she would able to touch more than one life at a time. Working with people and encouraging them to realize their dreams
provides them with a spiritual healing process that allows them to chase their dreams. The themes of workshops, conferences, and seminars change from time to time, but the goal is always the same and Colleen enjoys helping people with getting in touch with themselves. As a result of her sophisticated understanding of women’s issues and her desire to see every woman whole, Colleen founded the Woman of Worth Conference, which she has hosted for the past four years. From this platform, Colleen empowers women to not only discover their purpose in life, but to also thrive in their unique callings. On October 24th-25th, she will be host to the 5th Anniversary Woman of Worth Conference kNOw Fear which will shed some light on how fear affects the human condition, and help those who attend to unite and learn different strategies to empower themselves against it. The Woman of Worth conference is a declaration to all women that attend that they are people of worth and that they have the freedom to choose what they will and will not do. The workshop will take place at the Crosspoint CRC in Brampton.
Colleen Blake-Miller continues to grow as a multidisciplinary leader, teacher, counselor and speaker, and anticipates the release of her first book this fall. Outside of work and ministry, Colleen spends her time singing, going to the gym, salsa dancing and watching movies with her beloved husband, Leroy, and their three sons. Written By Alyssa Mahadeo
. I want to protect my family Life insurance • Personal health insurance • TFSAs* I can help with your goals. Let’s talk about Money for Life. Abdool Gafoor* Advisor Tel: 416-412-0401 ext 2304 Cell: 416-824-7036 abdool.gafoor@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/abdool.gafoor 1300-2075 Kennedy Road Scarborough, ON M1T 3V3 *Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2014.
Life’s brighter under the sun
TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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Caribana Arts Group - Redefining what people know about them Jordan Maxwell TC Reporter For the last several years, the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival has been anything but a cause for celebration for the Caribbean Arts Group. After losing control of the annual Caribbean festival in 2006, the organization has been trying to seize back control from the city and return the “cultural importance and heritage” the event is sorely lacking, said Knia Singh, chair of the Caribana Arts Group. The Arts Group held a community town hall meeting at the York Civic Centre on Saturday to field ideas, concerns and questions from interested stakeholders while highlighting plans to bring the event back
where it all started – and to its original, and proper name: Caribana. “We’re trying to redefine what people know about us. We have to bring back the cultural importance and heritage. We have a new board and structure in place and everyone has been co-operative,” Singh said in an interview with Toronto Caribbean News. “This is about bringing the cultural importance and heritage back to the event because quite frankly as is, the festival been very disappointing over the last few years.” Caribana was created in 1967 by the Caribbean Cultural Committee, the original namesake of the Caribana Arts Group (CAG) before they later changed its name in 2005. With less than $50,000 and extreme co-operation and synergy on a grassroots level, the first event was held and continued to enjoy success over the next 45 years. The event celebrated Caribbean culture, music, art, poetry and dance and was highly successful in the initial years, and by 2009, the festival was earning more than $400 million into Toronto’s economy, according to a Ryerson study. Later, mismanagement and debt
plagued the organization as a failed audit stopped them from obtaining a city grant and the Festival Management Committee (FMC), a city-run organization, snatched control and signed Scotiabank on as a sponsor. They were also engaged in a trademark lawsuit with the FMC and Scotiabank in 2011 but later settled for $800,000, according to a report in the Star. Mayoral candidate Dionne Renee asked some pertinent questions during the meeting, said Singh, one of which was why the Group wants to take back control. “(She) asked some really good questions about why we wanted to bring the festival back under our control. There’s been an absence of culture and colour. Less people are coming to the event because of what’s happened. It doesn’t feel like a Caribbean festival anymore. It’s become the opposite of what made it great. There’s no appreciation of history and culture,” said Singh. Former chair Henry Gomez went a step further in comments to the Toronto Star in August when he said, “I see it as a bank festival, I don’t see it as a Caribbean
festival,” says Henry Gomez, who joined the organization in the late ’80s. “It’s almost like a corporate party to which others are invited. “But here is a festival we built over 45 years into one of the most successful branding stories in the last 50 years, one that is known internationally. Those things should be clearly and unequivocally tied to the black community.” Community co-operation, accountability and a year-round effort is what it’s going to take to bring the festival back to the CAG and Singh said there were some good ideas and commitments made to make it happen in the future. “We have to educate our youth and hold more events all year around to bring attention to what’s happening with our organization and our festival. It saddens me what we’ve seen take place over the last few years and we have to put political pressure on those at City Hall to get it back,” said Singh. “We have to start doing business with each other and be well-represented; we have to work together and put our money and bodies where our mouths are. We want our community back.”
TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Jamaican Opposition Leader to Headline NYC and Toronto JN “Outlook for the Future Forums” TORONTO -- Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition in Jamaica and former Prime Minister, Mr Andrew Holness, will headline the 11th series of the “Outlook for the Future” meetings, to be held in New York, in the United States of America; and Toronto, Canada on October 21 and 23, respectively. The Outlook for the Future series, organised by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), has been held in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom since 2003. The meetings have successfully brought together representatives of successive administrations and key leaders overseas to engage in frank, open discussions about issues of national importance to Jamaicans locally and in the Diaspora. In addition, the forums provide an environment in which investors can network and explore opportunities for investment in Jamaica. Past Outlook speakers have included former National Security Minister and current Finance Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips in 2003 and returned in 2013; former Prime Minister Mr Bruce Golding, who in 2005, as Leader of the Opposition, was keynote speaker at the meetings; former Finance Minister, Mr Audley Shaw who attended in 2009 and again in 2010; and Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Transport, Works and Housing who headlined the events in 2013. The 2014 series will focus on the theme, “The Jamaican Economy: A Vision for Transformation.” “These meetings will allow Jamaicans in the Diaspora to get another perspective on the vision our leaders have for the social and economic future of our country,” said Mr Earl Jarrett, General Manager of
JNBS. He noted that the vision will be discussed within the current context of the country’s ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other critical economic initiatives. “The presentations will, therefore, explore critical issues, such as the nation’s relationship with multi-lateral agencies; plans for the productive sector; and plans for the achievement of economic growth; as well as, initiatives to improve education and strengthen the health system,” he explained. The format for the 2014 Outlook forums, scheduled for the New York Hilton Mid-town Hotel at 7:00 p.m. on October 21; and Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, October 23 at 7:00 p.m., will involve a panel discussion segment, which will provide an analysis of the keynote presentation and response to comments from the audience. The discussion will be moderated by well-known Jamaican broadcast journalist and attorney-at-law, Emily Crooks; and, will allow the keynote speaker; Mr Holness, to make closing statements at the end of the discussion. Jamaica National is currently celebrating its 140th year of service to its members, locally and overseas. It is the largest building society in the English-speaking Caribbean; and, has a network of representative offices in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. The Society also has a broader and deeper global reach through its subsidiary, JN Money Services Limited, which markets its remittance services under the JN Money Transfer brand.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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Prashad Nagar man shot dead in robbery bid near his home GUYANA --Saleem Abdool Azeez, 23 years, an engineer attached to Edward B. Beharry Company of Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown was early Sunday morning gunned down just one building away from his home. A senior police official told the Guyana Chronicle that Azeez was confronted by three men in an apparent attempt to rob him as he was about to enter his premises. The police said that during the incident, Azeez was shot and later succumbed to his injuries while he was being rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
(GPHC). The officer said that based on surveillance footage they got from a nearby house, a taxi had dropped Azeez home, and as soon as he exited the vehicle, three teenagers on separate bicycles rode up to him and tried to rob him. “The boy fight back with them, and since they didn’t get anything from him, they shot him three times. His phone and money was recovered in his pocket,” the officer said. A cousin, Imtiaz Haniff, said all he heard is that Azeez was shot three times. He
said he doesn’t really know what happened, and all he could say is that his cousin was a hardworking and quiet individual who is the only son for his mother, Sharifa Azeez and father Abdool Azeez. However, the family is wondering how the taxi driver dropped Azeez in front of his home, but he ended up getting shot a building away. Meanwhile, Chronicle spoke with a neighbour who said that she heard like four gunshots, and afterwards she looked out to see what was happening. “When I peep out, I saw the boy
body was lying on the floor (ground) in front of the Knight Riders Bus Service, and two men were seen escaping on cycles,” the neighbour said. The neighbour described Azeez as a hardworking man, who is hardly at home. She said that it’s sad to see him lose his life like that. Azeez leaves to mourn his four sisters, his parents and other relatives. - Guyana Chronicle
Farrakhan says Jamaica has let national heroes down JAMAICA -- Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan Sunday criticised Jamaican governments over the years for not adequately building on efforts made by the country’s late national heroes to create an independent Jamaica. Addressing hundreds of Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals gathered at the National Arena to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the Million Man March (MMM) Sunday, the eve of National Heroes’ Day, Farrakhan said revamping the current education system was the place to start. “If you want to be free, the first thing you have to think about is what kind of education should we possess that will allow us to continue the journey that Norman Man-
ley, Bustamante and Michael Manley put us on,” said Farrakhan, noting that steps in recent time to introduce in schools the teachings of the country’s first national hero, Marcus Garvey, was a commendable first step. He also suggested breaking allegiance to the queen of England, which he described as a necessary part of evolutionary growth and development, and a necessity if Caribbean countries are to become a regional power “with a voice that [will] affect the world”. “Breaking away from our colonial slave masters is what we started with in our Independence movement, but we never took it as far as it should be taken,” said Farrakhan.
In a wide-ranging message, which also highlighted the language barriers among Caribbean peoples, the socio-economic consequences of borrowing from the International Monetary Fund, slavery and reparation, and the importance of practical agriculture to the region’s sustainability, the Nation of Islam Leader added that the cultural community had a role to play in leading the way towards liberation. “The cultural community is the community that will save the world,” he said. “I will make a speech, but one song from Bob Marley and it will reach a generation. The cultural community must rise and be infused with the idea that leads to liberation.”
The MMM, a mass gathering of African-Americans and other ethnic groups, was staged in Washington, DC in 1995 to win politicians’ attention for urban and minority issues. Sunday was the first time its anniversary was celebrated in the Caribbean and hundreds of people filled the National Arena to listen to Farrakhan. “Right now we need more of these visits in Jamaica,” said Clarence Nugent. Leo Walker, another Jamaican who gave intent ear during the meeting, said Farrakhan’s message had left him with a different outlook on life. “I really liked the message; it was really an inspiration,” said Walker. - Jamaica Observer
TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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Why do men cheat? Love, sax and all that jazz tackles the burning question TORONTO -- Awarding-winning Gospel Artist Alan Charles’ hit UK comedy stage play Love, Sax and All That Jazz is coming to Toronto. The play was written to address relationship topics the church has long shied away from. It tackles the question why do men cheat? Charles says there are external and internal reasons why men cheat. “One of them is because women allow them to cheat, in the sense that, other women are willing to be in a relationship with a man who is already in a committed relationship,” he says. “Half a man is better than no man. A side love is better than no love at all.” Charles says the play is such a success because it deals with issues the church refuses to talk about such as relationships, romance and sex. “Sex has a bad image but it’s so good within a marriage,” he said. “Hollywood has corrupted the whole idea of sex.” Church of God pastor and play producer, Roger Grandison, decided to bring the hit play to Canada after reading the script and resonating with its message. “These may not be topics I explore during my sermons, but they are topics people seek my advice about after the service. I
think there is no better way to approach uncomfortable subjects than with humour, and this script had me laughing with every page! It may have also, taught me a thing or two about the complexities of modern day dating for Christians,” says Grandison. Charles says there are no sugar coated messages played out in Love, Sax and All that Jazz. “We give it to you raw.” Charles says people will be able to identify with the characters on stage, which will begin an open dialogue about what really happens in troubled marriages. He wants audiences to go away challenged by the selfsacrificing message in the play. “Relationship is about negotiation and compromise,” he says. The cast includes renowned British actors; Lloyd Reid, Angela Blake and Adrian Betton. Love, Sax and All that Jazz opens on Saturday, October 25 at the House of Praise Tabernacle, 800 Arrow Rd, North York. Tickets can be purchased for $30 in advance at tickets.ticketwindow.ca, or for $35 at the door. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the show starts 7:00 pm. - By Lucy Oneka
TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Asian kitchen open for business Alyssa Mahadeo TC Reporter TORONTO -- Since their opening only a few short months ago, Fusion Supermarket is happy to announce the opening of their new Asian kitchen.
Located inside of the Fusions Supermarket, customers will be able to sit down and have lunch at the Asian Kitchen and experience a variety of mainly Asian Gourmet foods such as mouthwatering Spicy Chicken, Classic General Tao Chicken, Veggie Spring Rolls, and of course the most highly revered in Chinese cuisine DimSum. Fusion Supermarket offers the purchase of fresh and reasonably priced produce as well as live fish and a variety of other fresh and frozen seafood. Many customers are attracted by the variety of produce that they offer, because it is difficult to find and not many other grocery stores have them in the area.
The owners James Ng, along with Kevin Zhang and Eleven Xue shared in the vision of creating a store to serve the predominantly Jamaican, South Asian and Asian consumers in this area of the city. Their new Asian Kitchen hopes to see many new customers craving that Asian Fusion experience with hot meals to go, and more traditional ethnic foods. The Asian Kitchen comes in addition to an already well-known bakery and other hot ready to go meals such as pizza and rotisserie chicken. Fusion Supermarket is located at 1150 Morningside Ave at Sheppard in Scarborough.
Not a black cent for bandleaders, Soca Monarch, chutney TRINIDAD -- Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan is adamant that leaders of Carnival bands should not be compensated by the Government if next year’s mas is cancelled because of the Ebola virus. Dr Khan, who is leading T&T’s offensive against the deadly disease, which has not reached this country, said the State will not pay bandleaders one black cent. T&T, he said, is preparing to manage and destroy the virus if it should reach our shores. Khan described claims for millions of dollars by the PSA president Watson Duke as greedy and unpatriotic. Q: Dr Khan, why is the Government waiting for the last minute to say whether or not Carnival 2015 would be postponed, and aren’t you concerned about the cost factor in terms of compensation to the bandleaders? A: This is something that the Government cannot make a rash decision about, especially something that is happening in several areas around the world. Granted it has the capacity to spread, but the international agencies are doing their best to stop and decrease any spread. Nigeria has not had another Ebola patient for the past 48 days and hence will be considered Ebola-free very soon. Other countries are also in a process of containment, granted that one case arrived in the US and two people became infected who have not died, and another one is in Spain, etc. These things are showing the rest of the world the mechanisms and approaches for containment and management. Some people, Dr Khan, are querying why should the Government feel obligated to pay bandleaders compensation if Carnival is postponed next year, when their presentations are profit-making enterprises. Why should the burden be placed on taxpayers to pay these people handsome sums? Clevon (resolutely), I believe they should not be given one black cent from the Government. I also believe that those who stage Soca Monarch and chutney competitions should not get one black cent, either. The promoters of these shows do so with the intention of making some kind of profit, even though they do play a great role in promoting the culture of our twin-island State. So the State should not fork out any so-called compensation package for the bandleaders? That is my personal view, that the Government has no obligation to give any bandleader any money. Life is about risks. Being involved in some aspects of our Carnival myself, these people do make lots of profit doing so. Tell me something, Clevon, when last have you heard of any Carnival bandleader donating part of their takings to charitable causes such as the Children’s Life Fund? I am not saying some of them do not think about the less fortunate, but I cannot remember any of them doing that. So why should
taxpayers contribute to their personal enrichment?
You don’t try to dig out people eyes for your own interest, based on fear worldwide.
Dr Khan, aren’t you concerned about the possible backlash if Carnival, chutney soca, and the rest of these shows are cancelled or postponed and the Government does not dole out compensatory funds? I do not see any backlash if they are not compensated. Just like any other business venture, they have to suffer their losses and perhaps smile when they make their profits. And remember, I said this is my personal opinion. Another thing I want to say is that most bandleaders over the years have been developing their all-inclusive pattern of masquerade bands and in the process, destroying the small vendors on the road as they were not making the kind of profit they made before the advent of the all-inclusive bands.
Only selfish and greedy people do that... Yes. And we have to be more patriotic to the cause of saving our population because if this thing is left unchecked, it may have serious effects where mankind is concerned. If you give every worker $10 million, you are squeezing the Government. It is sad to know that somebody will take this international disaster and try to capitalise on it.
In effect, you are saying the small vendors have been taking a financial beating over the years while the bandleaders smile all the way to the bank? Yes. Why shouldn’t they feel the pinch like the vendors, especially when their profits are being affected by an act of God? Even though you are not in favour, do you think the Government would compensate them simply because they want taxpayers’ money “freeco style”? At the end of the day, I cannot answer for the Government and as I said, that is my personal opinion. I don’t want to go anymore into it as I believe strongly about people being responsible for their actions. Minister Khan, do you think that there is perhaps an unnecessary degree of panic in T&T judging from the comments of certain people like the Duke of Abercromby? Who is that? Watson Duke, the president of the PSA, headquartered on Abercromby Street, who is asking for millions of dollars for employees in the public health sector should they have to work with Ebola patients. Oh, you mean that fellow? He wants money and other things…And as far as I know, Ebola has not even reached here as yet…which is not to say we think it is coming for certain. That is unfair. I don’t like that kind of demand, asking for millions of dollars. While we are trying to protect workers and every other citizen, it is very disheartening to see somebody demanding tons of taxpayers’ money upfront. That is heartless, if I could call it by its correct name. The proper thing to do is to hold discussions with the Government or whoever else, but you don’t wake up one morning and pick up the newspaper only to read where somebody catching some kind of “vaps,” making unconscionable demands on the public purse.
But aren’t the doctors making similar noises like the Duke of Abercromby? If doctors make that kind of representation, they try to make it for different heads of departments. I will not consider it, I know that doctors should know better. They will get compensation but not ridiculous compensation. Dr Khan, how far has the Government reached in preparing for any onslaught or arrival of the Ebola scourge? We are prepared to a minimal extent, and we are aiming for maximum preparedness based on international assistance and education, so that is a process which will continue. In Texas they thought they were prepared, but we learnt from their mistakes. Also, we have been learning from international people. Percentagewise, one does not look at that you have to be prepared when something comes. Mr Minister, international experts and our own experts have said that Ebola is not airborne yet; there is also a considerable body of opinion claiming it is transmitted in that manner. What’s your reaction? We are learning about the Ebola virus every day. The most recent hypothesis says that it could be possibly airborne; however that has not yet been conclusively confirmed or ascertained. Cabinet has appointed a group called the Ebola Prevention and Response Team, and the Ministry of Health also has an Ebola management team. Together they will come up with whatever is necessary to face this challenge head-on. Like US President Obama has done, is T&T looking to appoint an Ebola czar? I won’t call it an Ebola czar. Right now, I am in charge of leading this initiative, but we have Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Colin Furlonge as my person in charge. In other words, different name. Finally, Dr Khan, is there any reason why citizens should be unduly alarmed over the Ebola virus on our shores? What I would say is just hope that it never comes to our shores and if it does, we have to be able to contain it, manage it and destroy it. - Trinidad Guardian
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Caribbean rapper chromatics taking on Canada with hit single & new video in hand Aba Luke Entertainment Passion in heart, Trinidad and Tobago rapper, Chromatics is preparing for his post video release promotion in Toronto, Canada. Just about two weeks ago, the entertainer who has defied the odds and made a name for himself locally and throughout the Caribbean, delivered the muchanticipated video for his single, ‘Never Satisfied.’ It’s been making the rounds but above everything, Chromatics says
his hope is that people will understand the song’s message. Determined to end 2014 with powerful messages through his music, Chromatics says this particular song and the video exemplifies the need for people to strive for more in their lives, instead of settling for mediocrity. Shot in and around Trinidad, at venues such as the scenic capital of Trinidad, Port-of-Spain, and the natural surroundings down the islands, on the outskirts of the city, the video for ‘Never Satisfied’ speaks volumes and encourages everyone to fight harder in their lives, no matter the circumstance. Explaining that the song is a demonstration of his rapping ability, having delivered a production that is on par with set international standards, Chromatics says he also made every effort to deliver elements that would let the world know
that the track is a Trinidad and Tobago production. Its concept was collaboratively created between the artiste himself and director, Akino Williams of Red Beam Evolution productions, but Chromatics says many people assisted in the overall production, granting favors and offering tremendous support when needed. “I’m truly grateful to everyone who helped me out during this process. Originally, shooting was supposed to have been wrapped up in three days but we ended up going into five painstaking days of production,” explained Chromatics. He admitted that there were setbacks during the production of the video, setbacks that could have led to him settling with certain shots, but much like the video’s sentiment, he simply couldn’t allow himself to settle for mediocrity; he wanted the best. With one more video set for re-
Region of Peelʼs resident launches 2nd annual holiday season food drive BRAMPTON -- Brampton’s resident Mark McKenzie launches the 2nd Annual Holiday Season Food among Toastmasters clubs and members in the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga for the benefit of the Salvation Army of Brampton. The Holiday Season Food Drive was initiated in 2013 by Mark McKenzie, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), for his High Performance Leadership (HPL) project. The goal for this year is to collect at least Fifteen 3.0 cubic feet (18 x 18 x 16) boxes of non-perishable food items to be delivered to the Salvation Army of Brampton on Wednesday, December 17, 2014. Last year the food drive initiative was successful in collecting over 2,000lbs of non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army of Brampton. The initiative was very well supported by members from Toastmasters clubs such as Speak to Inspire, Soar to Excellence, Leaders’ Corner, Leaders In Action, TD Creekside, Trillium, Lamb
to Lions, Comfortably Speaking, Chosen Voices, Point of Tale, COMET and City Centre. We also received tremendous generous contributions from the business community specifically President’s Choice and Give and Go Food. To accomplish the target for 2014 we are encouraging Toastmasters clubs in the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga to engage their members to contribute nonperishable food items to this worth cause. Members are also encouraged to get their families and work colleagues involve by inviting them to club meetings to make their donations of non-perishable food items. According to Mr. Gordon Randell, the director and volunteer coordinator of the Salvation Army of Brampton, the food items that are most needy are canned fish, pasta, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese dinners and coffee (instant and perk) as well as other non-perishable food items to help feed the hungry. The general public can also par-
ticipate in the food drive by visiting City Centre Toastmasters Club on Tuesdays at noon at the Mississauga Central Library or contact Mark McKenzie at 647-4064622 or by email markymmckenzie@ rogers.com. Please note that while the project is being conducted to fulfill a requirement for credit in the Toastmasters programme, the project is not endorsed by Toastmasters International which one of the world leading provider of communication and leadership development programmes.
lease before the end of 2014, Chromatics says that would essentially be the fourth and final single off his ‘Science of Colours Volume 3 Mixtape.’ “I’m glad to say that we’ve achieved our goal this year, which was not only to showcase the different types of music featured on the mixtape, aside from ‘Carnival Rap Up’, but also to re-establish a visual presence for myself and my brand in the industry,” said Chromatics. He says he hopes the people of Trinidad and Tobago will be proud of the new video. “I encourage everybody to download the mixtape and for all my Canadian family, I’m on my way!” His visit to Toronto in the coming weeks will see Chromatics perform alongside DJ Power in a signature Angostura LLB event where he will not only promote his music but the video and others as well. - Et-Cet-Era Buzz
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TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Former Indian Test skipper: Windies have mocked fans MUMBAI -- Former Test captain Dilip Vengsarkar believes the decision by West Indies players to abandon their one-day tour of India was an insult to Indian fans, and says the team should be made to answer for their actions. The outstanding former India batsman was one of several in the local fraternity here voicing their disapproval over the stance taken by the West Indies one-day team. “Their cricket, administration and performance on the field, is at its lowest ebb. It can’t get worse really,” said the 58-yearold, who played 116 Tests. “I would say it is extremely poor to put it mildly and very detrimental to the image of the game. This West Indies team has brought disrepute to the game, mocked at the Indian fans. They should be taken to task for this unpardonable behaviour. “I am sure the West Indies will have a lot to answer if India takes the case to the ICC.” In an unprecedented move, West Indies players walked out of the tour fol-
lowing the fourth One-Day International in Dharamsala last Friday, after failing to find resolution with their union, WIPA, over a pay and contracts dispute. Vengsarkar said the latest controversy characterised how far West Indies had fallen from their glory days. “Their brand of cricket was unique. They had such natural instincts and attracted people with their classy shows. I feel sad at the West Indies’ decline,” he said. Another former Test batsman Anshuman Gaekwad, who endured some tough battles against the halcyon West Indies teams of the 19870s and 80s, said West Indies’ decline was of their own making. “It was the most popular cricket team in the world. And also the strongest. “It was an honour to do well against the West Indies but the decline of today’s team is self-inflicted,” said the 62-year-old who played 40 Tests. “Priorities have obviously changed and charisma has gone out of their cricket.” - Trinidad Guardian
Cricket Board left waiting to see Sport Minister TRINIDAD -- The T&T Cricket Board (T&TCB) has expressed its disappointment at not being afforded a promised meeting with Minister of Sport Dr Rupert Griffith to urgently address issues related to the withholding of funds from the national sports organisation by the Sport Company. On Thursday, president of the T&TCB Azim Bassarath, said he was pleased to learn through a daily newspaper report that Minister Griffith had agreed to meet soon with T&T Football Association (T&TFA) officials to discuss the future of the game. But Bassarath again highlighted the difficulties the T&TCB has been experiencing to get an audience with the minister to hold discussions about an estimated $23 million for cricket development the T&TCB has been deprived off for the past four years without explanation. “We wish to record our growing frustration with the inability of the cricket board to gain an audience with the minister. We believe that he owes us an explanation why our strident calls and cries for justice have not been answered,” said Bassarath on Thursday. He said that at least 188 clubs are
affiliated with the T&TCB and this means that a similar number or more communities are involved in their programmes to spread and develop the sport nationally. However he said for the past four years, the authorities have been ignoring their financial obligations to the national sports organisation despite Cabinet approving the funds for cricket. Bassarath added that the cricket organisation was hopeful that Griffith would have ascribed some level of importance to their request for an urgent meeting after he was appointed, especially since the sport ranks as the biggest in terms of organisation and participation in T&T. Bassarath said over the past few years cricket has brought great pride and joy to T&T through the efforts of its star players who have made a name for themselves on the international circuit. The T&TCB president said he was further perplexed by the reluctance of the Ministry of Sports to meet with the cricket officials even after all documents and substantiating paperwork were submitted to them for their examination. - Trinidad Guardian
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Adventures in India Emily Singh TC Reporter As our adventure to the other side of the world came close to an end, we enjoyed our final night in Jaipur, India. For the night we stayed in the beautiful Pride Amber Villas Resort. The staff was wonderful and made us feel right at home, which was bittersweet considering that the very next day we would be leaving to return back to our real home here in Canada. This evening was a special one that would consist of dinner at the resort followed by an evening of entertainment. As we made our way outside to the entertainment courtyard we were welcomed by two beautiful girls doing a traditional dance, they even invited us up for a quick lesson. We were all pleasantly surprised to see a camel pull up ready to pick us up! I mean that’s definitely not something you see in Canada! We all sat on the cart attached to the camel and made our way to dinner. First up was a traditional Rajasthani dinner, where we had to remove our shoes to enter the restaurant. The restaurant staff was clothed in traditional Rajasthani garments and even put turbans on the male tour members in our group! After dinner we got to watch yet another beautiful dance that involved two girls dancing with many clay jugs stacked upon their heads. It was different yet so intriguing to watch as they gracefully moved along to the beat of the drums. There was so much to take in that night as we moved from station to station to see the different
shows and demonstrations. My favourite thing that night was hands down the puppet show. A young boy sang songs as his parents operated the puppets to dance along to his tunes. It was so amazing to watch him go from Spanish songs to French songs to North American pop music in just seconds! After the show he took the time to show us the puppets that were all handmade by his mother. It made the show that much more special to see the love and work that went into making it happen. I love art and being in India was like an art lover’s paradise, everything is handmade and done so intricately. Another favorite event of mine that evening was the pottery wheel. They showed us how to sculpt beautiful clay vases and even design them. The night came to an end as we all headed back to the lobby to take a few last group shots as we were all dressed in traditional Indian wear. The next morning we would be enjoying our final group breakfast and taking in our last sites of Jaipur and the Pride Amber Villas Resort before we made our way back to Delhi and then back home to Canada. This trip to India will be one that I will always remember and I have Onkar Travels to thank for that. Without the dedication and professionalism of their staff something like this would not have been possible. I urge everyone thinking of a trip to India to call Onkar Travels today and make it a reality. The memories and experiences you take from a trip like this will be something you will remember for the rest of your life. For more information on booking a tour of India, please contact Onkar Travel: 905.897.0700 EXT 114 or 123 Jasveet: Jasveet@onkartravels.com Rosalita: Rosalita@onkartravels.com
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A classic tomato salad with heirloom tomatoes (Vegetarian & Gluten Free)
Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking Where did the taste, flavor and scent of tomatoes go? As a kid on the islands I remember helping mom and dad in the garden, which meant getting between the tomato bushes during harvest time to pick those lovely beauties off the tree (yes, I’ve had a love affair with tomatoes since as early as I can remember). The scent of the tomatoes would remain on your hands for a full day (or two), even after you’ve washed with soap and water. Back then I didn’t care much for the scent (or the itch from being between those buses in that HOT Caribbean
ssun), su un) n), but bbuut oh oh how how w I miss mis i s that that lovely th lov ovel ely ar aaroma room ma ma from the ‘pretty’ store bought tomatoes we get in North America. With a good crop of heirloom tomatoes this past summer, I thought I’d share a quick and delicious way to enjoy a tasty tomato salad. I grew my own tomatoes (very much like the ones I grew up enjoying), but you can now go to the ‘organic’ section of your grocery store and find them there. You’ll Need: heirloom tomatoes grape tomatoes 2 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon sea salt fresh ground black pepper 2 small white habanero peppers (optional) 1/2 small red onion 1 tablespoon parsley (mint or basil) 2 tablespoon goat cheese (crumbled)
Plus some walPl P lus us you you can can an aalso llsso so ad aadd dd som so ome me cchopped hoopp pped ed w ed alalal nuts, balsamic vinegar, cucumber and avocado if you wish. Notes: I used about 4-6 cups of tomato in total (mix of both heirloom and grape). Wash and prep all the ingredients for the salad. Using a pairing knife, remove the stems off the tomatoes then slice in different shapes and thickness. I like cutting a cross at the bottom of the grape tomatoes (not deep) so we can get them to bleed out some of their sweetness and to get the flavors of the lemon juice, herbs and onion infused in them. By cutting the larger tomatoes in different sizes and shapes (rounds and wedges) you’ll find that the finished salad will be more ‘eye-catching’! Slice the onion relatively thin (in rounds), if using a hot pepper (white habanero or whatever you like or have) be sure to dice if very finely and chop the parsley. Basically all you have to do now
iiss add add dd eeverything ver ve ery rythin ng (except the cheese) to a large bowl and gently mix. The tomatoes will have the tendency to break apart, so do be gentle. I would recommend serving immediately after mixing everything together or give it about 5 minutes to let the tomatoes release some of it’s wonderful natural juices. If you’re making this ahead of time, do not go in with the goat cheese, salt, lemon juice and olive oil until you’re close to serving. Remember to only top with the goat cheese (no need to mix in) If you’re like me and know what ‘real’ tomatoes are supposed to taste like (and miss them) I recommend trying your hands at growing heirloom tomatoes in your garden (grows well in containers as well). You can get the seeds online and most plant nurseries stock the baby plants in the spring.
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Job jitters? 6 ways yoga can calm your career anxiety
Breathe: While you can’t control every twist and turn of your career, you can use breath control and yogic breathing techniques to help clear your head as you work toward a clearer career path. By breathing deeply and calmly, you’ll reduce anxiety and set yourself up for good decision-making. The best part? You can practice stress-busting breathing techniques almost anytime, anywhere.
ing discouraged about yourself and your job prospects, especially if you’ve been hit with a lot of rejection as you search for just the right position. Rather than giving in (and giving up!), work to let go of negative beliefs that may lead you to believe you’re not worthy. Practicing self-love can be a powerful tool to keep your mood buoyant and your outlook positive.
Meditate: Finding your way in your career can become a frenetic undertaking: keeping track of job leads, networking, revamping your resume -- it all can lead to a classic case of “monkey mind.” Turn to meditation to tame your wayward thoughts and help you hold onto your calm and focused job-searching approach. Let your thoughts occur as they will, but don’t allow them to overpower you or deter you from your career goals.
Get happy: Know this: it may take time, but if you remain true to yourself in your job search, you’ll find the right place for you. Stay persistent. Just as important, find ways to be happier, even in the face of rejection. Just like the breakthrough moments on your mat when you master a pose or feel blissed out after a good practice, you’ll break through and find your career bliss. - My Yoga Online
Let go of negativity: When you’re looking for work, it’s incredibly easy to start feel-
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Practice: As you manage the many demands of job hunting, try not to let your yoga practice fall by the wayside. Find ways to maintain your practice among all the chatter and distraction, perhaps by remembering what brought you to yoga in the first place. That could bring a sense of calmness and purpose -- both qualities that will serve you well in your job search.
Focus: Now that you’ve gotten a handle on your oxygen flow, turn your focus inside. Job searching is such an external exercise! It may seem as if you’re putting not just your experience and your credentials on the line, but also putting something of yourself out there. By practicing techniques that focus your mind, you can bring yourself back, again and again, to your true self.
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Feeling stressed out and uncertain about work, a job search, or a long-term career path are feelings that nearly all of us bump into at some point in life. Suffice it to say, anxiety about where your career is headed and how you can get where you want to be can be debilitating and, if you let it, can drain the joy from day-to-day living. So don’t let it! Here’s where yoga and time on your mat can guide your way. Help yourself and your career by taking a few steps back and reconnecting with what’s true in your life, your satya. Just as you check in with your inner self when you’re on your yoga mat, checking in with your inner “career compass” can settle your anxiety and help you de-stress in your work, and in your job search. Sounds great in theory, right? Let’s get to the specifics. Yoga can help lessen your career-related concerns, while helping you tamp down other stressors in your life. Use these tips to help calm your anxiety
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Top 4 herbs that lower blood pressure quickly High blood pressure is a particularly scary health condition to have. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure often has no symptoms at all, so an individual might not realize just how unhealthy they are until they go for a routine checkup at their physician and discover that they have high blood pressure. To make matters worse, many of the medications that are typically prescribed for this condition can have side effects that are unpleasant or that affect the individual’s quality of life. Use the following herbs to add incredible flavor to meals while also reducing blood pressure quickly. Ginkgo biloba According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), Ginkgo biloba could be responsible for thinning the blood and dilating the blood vessels, making the blood circulate more easily. In addition, Ginkgo biloba is also high in antioxidants. Called terpenoids and flavonoids, these substances have been shown to lower blood pressure as well as improve heart health, according to the UMMC.
do caution that a doctor’s supervision should be sought when it comes to taking this herb as a method of improving heart health. Rauwolfia serpentina Also called Indian snakeroot, Rauwolfia serpentina has been used for years as a traditional medication to treat a number of ailments related to the heart. It is used to improve cardiovascular health while also lowering blood pressure. This herb contains high levels of alkaloid reserpine, a powerful compound that helps regulate heart function. It is particularly useful when high blood pressure or other heart issues are the result of anxiety and stress.
Garlic Though listed last, garlic is by far not the least of these herbals powerhouses. Long known to be highly effective for a number of medicinal purposes, its many benefits are still being discovered. Recently, research conducted by the University of Berlin made a connection between garlic and the removal of nanoplaque. Nanoplaque is a substance that can be deposited on cell walls, resulting in the clogging Hawthorn of the arteries and leading to a conThe Green Pharmacy Herbal Hand- dition called atherosclerosis. Garlic book touts the health benefits of this can help prevent blood clots, lower herb. Hawthorn aids in supporting cholesterol and relieve hypertension. the overall health of the cardiovascular system by strengthening the For those people who have a famwalls of the heart as well as acting ily history of high blood pressure, as a tonic for the organ. According or who want to help ensure that their to the authors of the aforementioned hypertension does not get worse, book, hawthorn can also be used to adding the above herbs to their diet reduce blood pressure when it is tak- might be able to help. en as directed. However, the authors - Natural News
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Learn how to breathe properly and experience surprising health benefits The simplest thing we do, the one thing we don’t even have to think about, is something almost everyone is doing wrong. Breathing correctly is one of the most important practices one can do for their health. It’s life changing. It’s so simple, so easy, yet so overlooked, so underestimated, and so underappreciated. Most people breathe rapidly with shallow breaths. We raise our shoulders, pull in our diaphragm, and take a breath that fills only the top portion of our lungs. This is restrictive, and inefficient. It’s a form of breathing that makes sense during intense situations, but due to the low-grade constant state of stress in our modern world, most people seem to just get stuck with this kind of breathing. When you breathe properly, your diaphragm, your stomach, and your ribcage expand, not the pectoral area. Fully exhaling is important, too. Remember, you are breathing in oxygen rich air and releasing carbon dioxide and toxins. Have you ever watched babies breathe? Their stomachs rise and their rib cages fully expand with each breath they take. Watch and learn. They’re doing it right. They don’t need to be taught. They’ll just need reminders later on. Like us.
Benefits of Breathing Properly Every cell in our body requires oxygen to survive. Higher oxygen levels increase function and are vital for good health. Many of the most effective natural treatments for serious life threatening diseases focus on oxygenating the cells. The easiest way to get more oxygen into your body and in every cell of your body is to breathe properly. Proper breathing dramatically increases stamina and mental clarity, and helps the body detoxify more efficiently (80% of the body’s toxin removal is done through exhalations). It also improves the mood tremendously. It improves posture, which has a ton of other positive effects on health. It changes perspectives and alters realities. Consider this: when you’re feeling blue, and you smile, ever notice how it forces you to feel a little better? For the same reason it’s hard to be miserable while smiling, it’s difficult to be chronically stressed out while taking full, proper, rejuvenating, relaxing breaths. Breathing properly is so important that in many of the ancient martial arts practices it was said that the student spends months or years learning how to breathe and to heal before he learns to defend himself. Learn How to Breathe the Right Way
Lay down. Put an object on your abdomen, like a book. Breathe in, and push the book up as high as possible by expanding the stomach. Breathe out, decompress the abdomen, and see the object lower as far as possible. Practice this exaggerated breathing until it’s easy. Then slow things down. Try taking just four breaths per minute. Think quality over quantity. Breathe only through your nose for several minutes. Then inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth for several minutes. Meditate by focusing only on deliberate, controlled, deep breathing and your body’s reaction to it (how it feels). The next step is to breathe as deeply and as slowly as possible while exercising, and to breathe right every single time you think about it. Straighten the back, raise the shoulders, and keep good posture while practicing. Go to sleep every night practicing, and wake up every morning and practice it, too. It will become second nature. Your life will change. Seriously. If you suffer from asthma, it’s a little known fact that candida overgrowth within the body is one of the most common causes of asthma and other allergies. Learning to breathe properly with good posture, combined with balancing gut flora, typically cures asthma. - Natural News
Loss of smell is an often overlooked condition that can be detrimental to health When it comes to senses, eyesight and hearing are typically the ones that receive a great deal of attention. Articles about techniques to improve eyesight include everything from eating healthier foods to taking computer breaks in order to reduce eye strain. To protect hearing, people are urged to wear ear plugs in high-decibel situations such as operating a mower or even a high-speed blender. In fact, noise pollution has gained increasing amounts of awareness through the years, with many experts noting the link between a quieter environment and improved health. For example, studies have shown that noise, even from a snoring significant other, can play a role in diminished memory and even increase the risk of heart attack. Anosmia, the loss of sense of smell that can cause injuries
But what about the health issues that come with a diminished sense of smell, or loss of it altogether? It exists, and it’s called “anosmia.” While it may not necessarily sound debilitating and seems to be more of a frustrating nuisance, it can actually be lifethreatening, as many experts have noted that it can significantly increase the risk of injury in those affected. For example, those with a compromised sense of smell, or those who have lost their sense of it entirely, are not as easily able to detect problematic situations such as gas leaks, burning stovetop foods and spoiled foods that can wreak havoc on their body. It can even lead to malnutrition, since people with an altered sense of smell have a diminished sense of taste, making them less inclined to enjoy meals. According to researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond who assessed decades’ worth of information
from their Smell and Taste Disorders Center, those without the sense of smell were at least three times more likely to face health-jeopardizing scenarios than their counterparts who had properly functioning olfactory capabilities. Loss of smell is common during a typical cold or flu; however, if smell is worsened on a regular basis, it may be a sign of a nasal obstruction such as a tumor, bony deformity or polyp. Other causes for a destroyed olfactory sense include changes in the ability for the brain to register information like smells; therefore, conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis can contribute to the condition. (3) It’s suggested that medical professionals advise patients with anosmia to stay aware of household matters such as labeling refrigerated foods by date and making sure that smoke detectors are functioning. - Natural News
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Ebola scare: How to ward off viral infections Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc
Health Tips Frightening stories of infectious diseases make headlines daily. Seemingly out of a horror movie, the Ebola virus has taken hold in Central Africa and is tightening its grip on an already vulnerable population. Living in a globalized economy means that we have to be mindful of health issues around the world. As we saw with SARS, infectious diseases travel in human hosts far and wide. Vaccines and medications are in development to combat Ebola, a disease with devastating symptoms and a mortality rate of nearly 50%. While Canadians are at a low risk of exposure, it has got me thinking about ways to prevent viral infections. Influenza affected many people last year and this year is likely to be the same. The foundation of immunity is
nutrition. All of our immune cells are made of protein. Ensuring adequate protein intake allows our bodies to manufacture the cells it needs to combat infection. Micronutrients like zinc, selenium, iron are all found in animal protein and have roles in immune function. To calculate how much protein you should eat multiply your body weight by 0.8. Charts online will tell you how much protein is in the foods you like. Vitamin A helps keep our skin barriers, like the extensive lining of the digestive tract in good shape. Both Vitamin A and vitamin D dictate gene expression and immune cell production. Vitamin D is a common deficiency, especially in people of color. Supplementing with vitamin D is safe, cheap and easy to do. You can even mega dose once per week, instead of taking vitamin D daily. Vitamin A should be prescribed by a health care provider as there can be occasional negative side effects. Chinese mushrooms like reishi, shitake, maitake and cordyceps modulate our immune systems and have been used for thousands of years to boost vitality. Scientific studies show that the compounds in these mushrooms speak to our immune system and enhance function.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria. Found in yogurt, kefir, kombucha tea, sauerkraut and miso they are easy to add to your diet. Health food stores stock capsulated and powdered probiotics that can be taken by all ages. Many people are unaware that 80% of your immune system is located in your gut. If you are lacking these friendly bacteria it is much more likely that harmful bacteria or viruses will take up residence. Probiotics also help keep your body in an anti-inflammatory state. Most of the horrible feelings we get when we are sick are due to the inflammatory response of the body trying to battle against the virus. When we are in an antiinflammatory state our body can fight infection more easily and we can recover quickly. Lastly, I will say that a fever is a very important part of our body’s reaction to infection. If your fever is below 39.5°C it is not dangerous and can speed healing. Taking fever reducing medication like Tylenol dampens this natural defense against viral and bacterial infections. As always, consult your health care provider before making changes to your health regimen. Be well!
The weight loss journey Monique Bartlett Fitness When you look at your body do you see the bump of fat around your middle? Do you have difficulty breathing? Can you run for more than ten seconds before running out of breath? Being a little over weight is not a big problem. If you have a bigger waistline but you exercise, eat properly and lead a healthy lifestyle, then you should be fairly healthy. If you’re a woman your goal should be to keep your waist under 35 inches and if you’re a man your goal should be to keep your waist under 40 inches. Once your waist measurement gets larger than those stated you can have many types of illnesses occur. Sleep apnea is considered a serious problem for obese people. It is a problem where you sometimes stop breathing while you sleep
and this can also lead to heart problems. High blood pressure is also another common problem obese people face. The heart needs to work extra hard to pump blood and it will cause more pressure on your arteries causing the heart and arteries to wear out. So what happens when you start to take control of your life and your weight? First of all, you may encounter food cravings when you decide to change your eating habits. In order to suppress your cravings you can eat healthy snacks like an apple or grapes. These snacks will help in suppressing some of the cravings you have. Choose foods rich in fiber and protein as they will help you feel fuller longer. Also remember to drink a cup of water before you decide to look for some snacks. Sometimes thirst is disguised as hunger and you will be eating extra calories when you don’t need to. If you have specific cravings then do not keep any of the food you crave in your house. This will only tempt you into eating them. Try to do other things to keep your mind off the craving such as read a book or take a walk. The cravings that you feel are mostly out of your old habits try-
ing to come back. It is alright to give in to your cravings once in a while because if you continue to ignore the urge you will eventually binge on the food you do not want to eat. You do not need any special food to start your healthy lifestyle. You just need to burn more calories than you’ll need in a day to set you on the right path. Just be wise and start by choosing better versions of the foods you already eat. So instead of white rice have brown rice or instead of white potatoes have sweet potatoes. Eat everything in moderation, as portion size is the key. You may have challenges in your first attempt to get healthy and start eating right. You didn’t learn all of your fattening habits overnight so don’t expect to lose your weight overnight either. It may take many tries for you to find the perfect plan. Look at past mistakes to see what you can learn from them. Also know that you can be an inspiring model to your family and friends who also want to get fit and healthy with you. You should support them in their journey so their success will help give you more confidence and success in your own journey.
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RESP, TFSA & RIFF Stephen Mohammed Finance RESP: A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a great product for saving for a child’s education. Benefits to contributing to a RESP are the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) in addition to interest earned on contributions. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) contributes a Canada Education Savings Grant of 20% of the annual contributions made to a maximum of $500.00 into the RESP for each beneficiary and $1,000.00 if there is unused grant room from the previous year up to a lifetime limit of $7,200.00. The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) will contribute an initial $500.00 to children born on or after January 1st, 2004 for families entitled to receive the National Child Benefit (NCB). HRSDC will also contribute an additional $25.00 with the first $500.00 bond. The Canada Learning Bond will contribute an additional $100.00 annually up to 15 years for each year the family is entitled to receive the National Child Benefit for the child. You can contribute to family plans for beneficiaries who are under the age of 31 years of age at the time of contribution to a lifetime limit of $50,000.00. There is no limit for annual contributions. A Financial Advisor can assist you in setting up a RESP and help you to understand the process.
TFSA: Have you used up all your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution room? A Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) is another investment tool that individuals can take advantage of. A TFSA can have the same growth as with an RRSP with an added benefit of being tax sheltered even at time of withdrawal. Unlike a RRSP, a TFSA is not tax deductable. Once an individual has turned eighteen years of age, has a valid social insurance number and is a Canadian resident, he or she is eligible to open a TFSA account. TFSA was first introduced in 2009 and accumulates every year. In 2012 the annual contribution limit was $5,000.00 and in 2013 the annual contribution limit is $5,500.00. For more information on TFSA’s and how you may benefit from opening an account, please visit http://tfsa. gc.ca/thingstoknow-eng.html. RIFF: A Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is a fund that is transferred from a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), a Registered Pension Plan (RPP) or from another Registered Retirement Income Fund. A RRIF can be established at anytime but must be done no later than the year an individual turns seventy one. A RRIF account can be set up through a bank, credit union, trust or insurance company. Your financial advisor or agent will assist you in choosing the right type of RRIF and should discuss the contents of the investments within the RRIF. Once a RRIF has been established, the following year you will receive a yearly minimum amount. You may take out more than your yearly minimum amount but not less than that amount. For more information please visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/ tpcs/rrif-ferr/menu-eng.html.
Pat Foran CTV News Investigates 407ETRʼs “Bill Gates” Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters Every time Pat Foran does a story on Highway 407, I write to him. This time around I wasn’t going to bother because sometimes I feel mainstream media wants to remain nice nice with 407 ETR. Kevin
Sack has a lot of friends in the media and for a no name like myself, it hasn’t been easy getting support behind our movement to get the Province to regulate 407 ETR’s business practices. You can go to Pat Foran’s Consumer Alert on CTV News to see the report he did. I have been writing for the Toronto Caribbean on 407 ETR matters since the paper started. Every 2 weeks, I come up with something for people to read to keep the topic alive. I post those topics to a blog. We have a petition on change. org http://www.change.org/p/change-the407act. Continued On Page 26
TORONTO CARIBBEAN
CTV News Investigates Continued From Page 26 -- A Class Action was filed against the company and that topic is now at the Supreme Court level. The Limitations issue is also at the lower court level as reported in the Globe and Mail. All of these initiatives are very important to reign in this company’s atrocious customer service issues, but we need more main stream media sharing your stories. Although we are doing a documentary and I will still plug away here at the Toronto Caribbean, I am asking you to reach out to the mainstream media. I really do appreciate seeing your stories in the mainstream media because I feel it helps us get one step closer to reigning this company in. One thing that bothers me though is how this company tries to control the message. As in the case of Pat’s most recent investigative report, the company wants to paint the picture that they are doing their customers a favor by “forgiving” their debt. That attitude makes my blood boil. This company agreed to follow all the laws in Ontario and Canada while operating their business, when they signed the concessions agreement. They have been skirting consumer protection laws for far too long and just because a thief wears a suit, I am not OK with them being in my house. There are thousands of people out there that have been victimized by this company’s invoice suppression scam. This company bought a highway without a gate. Part of their chosen business model was to be able to access our private information with the Ministry of Transportation’s database. We have Kevin Sack, 407 ETR’s VP of Communications, on record admitting that up until they changed their policies in 2010 they simply choose not to access that database to make sure they were sending the correct bill to the correct customer. Why does this company like to make it sound like we are responsible for their business operations? We can’t pay tolls unless the company tells us what the tolls are. Now that everything is online it helps alleviate some of these billings issues, but it doesn’t change the past or the fact that we are still affected by the company’s behavior. They have made some positive changes, but more are needed. For example, people should be able to purchase their transponder and
prepay their tolls. This will help with the problems the company seems to be having “lending” their services to people. The company is responsible to operate their business correctly. It is NOT up to us to do their job for them. Their business model is to access MTO’s database to bill us. If they can’t do that we should NOT be penalized for their shortcomings. There are many customers that have tried to wrangle out of this company what the actual tolls were when the company finally “found” them with a whopper of a bill. These bills have absolutely no details whatsoever as to what the tolls are. The company has not been forthcoming. They like to say they are entitled to their fees and interest without ever demonstrating what the actual tolls are. I’m sorry but I’m not a sucker. I’m N O T paying for their m i s takes and neither should anyone else. Least of all they shouldn’t feel like the company did them a huge favor by “forgiving” their debt. A debt that is probably NOT legal to begin with. Most of the people that the company likes to paint as a toll evader are merely victims of this company’s shady business practices and it’s time for the company to make it right for everyone, NOT just the odd person that happens to hit the radar of mainstream media.
Protecting Canadian Citizenship OTTAWA -- As Citizenship Week draws to a close, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting Canada’s citizenship system from fraud and abuse. Since the beginning of 2014, the Government has revoked the citizenship of 22 people who obtained their Canadian citizenship through fraud or misrepresentation. Recent changes to the Citizenship Act include further measures to help combat fraud and protect the citizenship program from abuse. These measures include: increasing penalties for fraud; defining who is an authorized represen-
tative and providing authority to develop regulations to designate a regulatory body whose members would be authorized to act as consultants in citizenship matters; and refusing an applicant for fraud at any point in the citizenship process and barring them from reapplying for five years. In addition, changes to the Citizenship Act will make it possible for the Government to revoke the citizenship of dual citizens convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, high treason, treason or spying, depending on the sentence imposed. CIC
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 27
FOR SALE FOR SALE
FOR SALE FOR SALE TRINIDAD HOME: House for sale in Trinidad, 8000 square feet of land, prime area. Brand new custom built, never lived in. 2.5tt. 416-835-4161 or 416-740-3221
FORWANTED SALE HELP
FOR SALE WORSHIP
WEST INDIAN COOK: West Indian cook with experience wanted for busy Brampton restaurant. Call 647 895 6905
FOR RENT SALE FOR ESTHETICS ROOM: In the Oakwood ave and St Clair area contact Gurline 647345-1752 BASEMENT FOR RENT: Female senior or student prefered. Furnished basement apartment, Martingrove and Steeles area. 416-708-3903
FORWANTED SALE HELP
FOR SALE WANTED
FOR SALE SERVICES
MATURE LADY: Mature lady, non smoker and drinker with drivers license seeks work in exchange for accommodation. Call 647-267-6949
FOR SALE PERSONALS RELATIONSHIP WANTED: West Indian gentleman, 50+ lonely in house, very caring and kind hearted, who would like a female companion 30+ who is friendly, sincere and serious for a true relationship. Please call 416-565-3847 LOOKING : Guyanese East Indian male easy going 5.9 medium built is seeking female age 18+ who is Guyanese or Trinidadian East Indian, busty and medium built easy going for relationship. Please call Sunil 416-422-2935. COMPANIONSHIP : Mature Jamaican lady age 65 to 70 seeks male 65 to 70 for companionship. If you are serious about meeting someone please call 416-510-2583 DRIVER: Part time or full time driver wanted to drive a cargo van in Toronto. 416-938-3753 or 416-686-5502
WANTED : Sucessful, mature black male seeks independent working woman, must be voluptuous,busty plus sized for meaningful relationship. Contact hclarke2012@hotmail. com. preferably with a picture.
30 Wednesday, October 22, 2014
TORONTO CARIBBEAN
Your Horoscope - October 22nd 2014 ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
Thursday/Friday lights a fresh spark. Setting yourself up from here presents a number of options, but there’s likely to be one that stands out from the rest. The sun, Mercury, and Venus make your better picks or worthier battles more obvious. A keep-it-rolling week lies ahead. You can make good headway with projects, plans, and talks. A reconnection, replay, or revisit factors significantly.
Are you feeling challenged by too much, too many, too fast—and/or not enough? Mercury retrograde is putting you to work. Even so, the stars are helping keep you sharp and up to speed. You’ll spend, but you’ll also cash in. By Sunday/Monday, you should feel you’re getting a handle on it all.
A competitive edge can be a good thing when it spurs you to up your game. Keep it fun— give spontaneity the keys Thursday/Friday. The sun, Venus, and Mercury make for great socializing or shopping. They can keep the sexual and romantic chemistry on a ready tap too. Sunday/Monday, clean up and clear away what you can. Tuesday/Wednesday, something potent is on brew.
As is typical of Mercury retrograde, Thursday/ Friday you could re-meet your past in some significant way. This can happen through a conversation, visit, or memory jog. Thursday through Monday is an opportune time to have a heart-to-heart or money talk. The sun, Venus, and Mercury keep the action hopping on the family, home, wallet, and heart fronts.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Right place, time, words, instincts; through Saturday, the Leo moon keeps you cashing it in. It’s a great weekend to do a repeat show, to attend or participate, to cross paths again. Necessary or desired, all upgrades are money well spent. A well-established or budding relationship, an important conversation, negotiation, or legal matter will now move to the next level.
Looking good, feeling good, sounding good. Thursday through Monday, you can cash it in. The sun, Venus, and Mercury retrograde highlight your best side. You should find you gain positive results and feedback, and that you can easily attract attention, call in favours, or make money. Thursday/Friday turns up the love, romance, and pleasure. Saturday through Monday, the shots are yours to call.
It’s full-on and full steam ahead. The next few days can be exceptional. You’ll find you have a great talent for thinking and acting on the spot. Let spontaneity run the show— you’re at your sharpest, wittiest, and most creative when you partner up with the moment. Thursday, Friday, and next Wednesday are your best make-it-happen days.
Alone or with your lover, a get-away-fromit-all weekend can be heaven-sent. Relaxation and romance are top of the list, but the stars can also put you into a wonderful creative spurt. If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, give yourself extra time to feel your way along. Over the next week, the stars will give you more to go on.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Social or romantic, there’s good news, good sharing, and excitement to be had Thursday/ Friday. Whether you plan it or it simply happens, a meet-up is auspicious. Over the next week, another talk or look-see can domino into something quite significant. Aim to impress or repeat a success. Tuesday/Wednesday, popularity, relationship harmony, communications, and moneymaking prospects hit an upswing.
Show off your best, up your game; the presentation counts Thursday/Friday. You stand to make excellent mileage with the bank, a boss, a partner, or someone special to you. Saturday through Monday keeps you busy and gaining great ground. Tuesday/Wednesday, stay receptive; talk, listen, observe, and feel your way along. Ask for an opinion, but decide for yourself.
You’re all clear for travel. Over the next week, your social and creative flow is at peak. You certainly won’t be at a loss for things to say or do. Conversation and same-page accord are on a ready dial-up. Spontaneity delivers it best, especially Thursday/Friday. Monday through Wednesday keeps you on a roll.
The workweek ends on a positive, feelsgood note. Reward yourself for a job well done. Spend money on yourself, call up a friend, or go all out for romance Thursday/ Friday. Saturday through Monday, play catch-up, tie up loose ends, aim for healthy or practical choices. Creative, social, or romantic, Wednesday onward pushes a major Refresh button.
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) Bits and bytes 4) Make sure it’s sharp 5) Major camera brand 9) Close-up of a person 10) Extra light source 11) Old-school medium 13) Digital photo storage 16) Shutter speed 17) Needs charging 18) Many cameras now shoot this too
Down 1) Look through this 2) Pictures of scenery 6) Wide-angle effect 7) Get closer to the action 8) Other major camera brand 12) Detachable part 14) Keeps camera around your neck 15) How wide the shutter opens
June 21 - July 22
October 23 - November 22
February 18 - March 19
TORONTO CARIBBEAN
10 Business insurance tips of an insured loss.
Sherene Cole
CIP, CRM, CAIB, LLQP
Insurance Matters
Adequate insurance coverage is one of those things that many business owners least think about, yet it should top your list of must-haves, when you decide to operate a business . Here is a guideline to follow when planning your business insurance needs: 1. Always seek advice from a reputable insurance broker to ensure you are getting the right coverage at a competitive price. 2. Make a checklist of everything you need to insure, including contents, equipment, tools, stock, inventory, additional locations, etc. 3. Purchase adequate liability limits. Something as simple as not clearing the snow at the entrance to your premises in a timely manner or failing to deliver an order on time, can turn into a legal nightmare. 4. Consider errors and omissions coverage if you are in the business of providing professional advice, like doctors, immigration consultants, wedding planners etc. A mistake that causes a client to lose money could lead to a lawsuit. 5. Ensure you have appropriate coverage for employees including liability for their activities. 6. Where it makes sense, include business interruption insurance coverage. This provides coverage for ongoing expenses and lost income while your business operation is interrupted as a result
7. Keep proper financial records. Tempted to do more cash deals? Consider this: in the event you present a claim for lost income due to an interruption to your business operations, reimbursement will be based on the income your financial records substantiate. Keep proper records and where possible invest in a point-ofsale (POS) system. 8. A personal car insurance plan will not automatically cover business usage. Any use of your vehicle for business must be declared when you apply for vehicle insurance or if you make a switch to business use during the policy term. Most insurance companies will not allow signage on a vehicle rated for personal use. 9. Look for ways to lower your premiums. Installing a security system, for example, may reduce your premium, as will opting for a higher deductible. 10. Review your policies with your broker at least once a year, and any time there is a significant change to your business (e.g. a new product line, additional employees, increased sales, etc). SO WHAT IF YOU WORK FROM HOME? A common mistake for home based businesses, is assuming a home insurance policy will cover your business as well. Depending on your individual circumstances, your home insurance company may agree to extend coverage for your home based business, provided it meets their acceptability guidelines. My experience has been that in a great number of instances the type of business just does not fit the company’s profile and you will be required to purchase a separate business policy. Regardless of your reservations about the outcome, it’s important to discuss this matter with your insurance broker. It would be my pleasure to provide a no-obligation coverage review, whether you have a new policy or looking to arrange new insurance.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 31
32 Wednesday, October 22, 2014
TORONTO CARIBBEAN
The four quality Cʼs of a great sales person you want working for you, the ones that you want to find, the ones you especially want to keep.
Colleen Lindberg Business Development Sales, sales, sales... we’ve all heard this before. How to increase sales, take this course, client retention, eat these magic beans and you will become the best sales person there is. There is no secret formula to sales, really there isn’t. You know what makes sales, increases client retention and hits sales targets, people. People who know how to build relationships, how to intrigue other people and one big thing, people who care. It’s one thing to be a sales person where people come to you and you are in charge of closing the deal, i.e. car salesmen (yes they do sometimes go out and generate their own leads, but it’s more rare than common) or a furniture sales person at Leon’s, same thing right. It’s another thing to have to go out, find the leads, nurture the relationship, close the client and retain the client. I have put together this list of the four C’s that define a great sales person, the ones that
Charismatic A great sales person will be able to engage, connect with and bring a positive attitude to their sales process and relations with clientele. They will be able to walk into a room, smile and make people feel comfortable right off the bat. This is an important characteristic when it comes to dealing with people. People want to know that they are safe, they can feel comfortable and be honest when dealing with people. People also want to be engaged, so having someone who is a natural at it and is genuine can go a long way. Charisma isn’t the cheesy smile and goofiness, charisma makes people feel good about themselves, it makes them smile and it makes their guards come down. Caring People need to feel that as a sales person, you actually care about them, that you care about the products and that you care about the company that you represent. If for any reason they feel that you don’t, whether it be in your attitude, in your way of interacting or the way that you talk about things, it could throw off the whole sales process. So finding someone that is as passionate about your business as you are is a key piece. They have to want to be an assistance to their cli-
ents, they have to want to learn more and develop, they have to care as much as you do about the well-being of their clients and this piece cannot be faked. This quality will also breed commitment from them, for the vision and for the direction that the company is growing into. They will care about helping you achieve the goals for the company, of course we all know that they will also benefit. Competitive Now don’t get me wrong, not in a competition with another, competitive with themselves to become better than they were before. This category would also be known as persistent, driven and ambitious. They have to want to grow and develop. This unfortunately is a hard characteristic to teach. It comes from a place within to get more and be better. When it comes to this aspect of a sales person, they will have to be on commission in order to see it shine. They will drive their sales quotas to beat themselves, their sales from the year before, their client retention from the year before, their own abilities. Putting them on a salary will only diminish this quality and you won’t be able to get the true nature and shine of your sales person without it. They love that they are in charge of making as much money as they want, this only fuels their competitive nature. This is the driver of all great sales
people. Courageous A quality this sales person must possess will be courage. Courage to explore new territories, to try new ideas and experiment with different techniques of opening up new doors, courage to keep pushing through especially when things are tough, there is a dry spell and a lot of no’s are happening. This quality is truly the one that makes the difference between great sales people and good ones. You want someone working with you that is courageous. Yes we all fear, however I truly believe that we should “FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAYS” and these sales people do, all the time. So whether you are a company owner, a sales manager or and small business owner, these qualities will apply to every business. Even if you are the only one in your business, becoming or honoring these qualities more in your sales process might be the piece that you need in order to increase your revenues. Always remember, people just want to be heard, so make sure you are practicing this and always listening to your clients. It could be the part that makes or breaks your deal. Here’s to more success in selling!
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