2017... What A Year! 122717

VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 22 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27TH 2017

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2017...

WHAT A YEAR!

KABRENA ROBINSON/TORONTO CARIBBEAN 2017 is one of those years that will forever be etched in our memories for reasons and events that brought forth states of euphoria, melancholy and outrage; for some, extreme losses and monumental gains. In retrospect, it was more so “the year of the woman”. A year that saw many movements and protests for women and minorities. A year where women of colour and minorities despite adversities excelled and made their voices heard. A year that we were able to witness a great surge of unity and togetherness across the world in circumstances of turmoil and tragedy. 2017 was a year that forced the world to keep their eyes open and it all started in late 2016 leading up to early January.

The Exit of Obama and a New Trump Era One major event that push started various events throughout the year was the 2016 presidential election. It was an event that promised some degree of change on both ends. What the entire United States of America had to anticipate was the election of their first female Democratic president Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, the controversial conservative Republican candidate whose entire election campaign was marked by accusations of his racist, homophobic, xenophobic and misogynistic views. To much of the world’s surprise, it was Trump who excelled in the end, becoming the 45th President of the United

States. This event was historical not because it brought about needed change but because it ignited anger and displeasure from the general American public who on that night of November 8, 2016, witnessed the unforeseen. With a farewell to President Obama, the first black president of the United States, came President Donald Trump, a contrast in comparison to his predecessor Obama. And so, 2017, started off in a dim melancholy mood and on January 20, 2017, Donald John Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington DC. Continued On Page 5

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Davina Bennett: Jamaica’s Unconventional Beauty Queen Breaking Barriers Davina Bennett’s story is one of those success tales that stands as a perfect example for young girls on the lesson of handwork and tenacity. Before the world knew her as the striking 5’10” beauty who captivated the masses at the recent Miss Universe pageant with her eloquence and ravishing signature afro hairdo, she was an ambitious model and student from the rural community of

Mitchell Town in Clarendon Jamaica.

A driven and zealous young lady, Bennett had her sight set on modelling from an early age. While in the ninth grade at her former high school Clarendon College, Bennett captured the interest of Pulse Modelling Agency, an agency based in Kingston Jamaica.

Eager and motivated to get a taste of the modelling world, her attention was deterred back to her studies by parents who saw her education as a top priority before a career in modelling.

After successfully completing high school with top passes in her CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) and CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination) subjects, Bennett went on to pursue her modelling dream, doing regular photo shoots, Caribbean magazines

and fashion show appearances.

Following a tiresome and impelling pursuit in the Jamaican modelling industry, Bennett made it to London. After being faced with many rejections and setbacks, she was able to make it onto the runway at London Fashion Week.

Now a year later, she is basking in the reality and glory of an accomplishment that was unforeseen. As the reigning Miss Jamaica Universe and a top three finalist at the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant, Bennett describes the feeling as an overwhelming one.

“I don’t have words to really explain how I feel and what I’m feeling because I was just a struggling model wanting to get the exposure,” she told the Toronto Caribbean. “I really wanted to be seen, I wanted people to see that I was different and there is a light about me and it wasn’t quite working out for me and just being given the opportunity to show who I am and embrace my true self on the international stage has created that exposure for me and the reception I have been getting is overwhelming.”

What Bennett saw as just an authentic representation of herself and her country on the international stage, has captivated the world’s attention. Her chocolate gleaming complexion and her fully fluffed natural afro was a spectacle on the Miss Universe stage and for the right reasons.

Bennett made numerous news headlines as the rest of the world outside of her native country was amazed by the effervescent 21-year-old who dared to defy the conventional beauty standard often heavily upheld in beauty pageants. For that reason, she was a favourite and a winner in the eyes of most people watching.

“I can say that I feel extremely proud,” she said. “There are so many persons who have reached out to me sending images and videos just saying ‘Davina thank you for the representation because now my daughter can look to somebody and say she looks like this so I can do this’ or you know persons just saying ‘Davina thank you for going on the stage and just breaking this barrier so that people can see us with our hair and feel confidently beautiful with our natural fros’. So, I am really just happy and grateful that everyone took it in such a way and it has become an upliftment for women and children even men, so I am really happy

for that.”

Aside from her queen duties, Bennett is currently pursuing a degree in marketing at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. She hopes that after the completion of her degree, she will be able to utilize it to leverage her marketing business as well as successfully brand herself as an entrepreneur. As a primary focus of her platform as reigning queen aligned with her passion for philanthropy, she has devoted much of her time spreading awareness on the deaf community in Jamaica. Her passion manifested into her establishing The Davina Bennett Foundation for the Deaf, which was inspired by a deaf model by the name of Britney Barnes who Bennett had taken under her wings to coach and mentor. Since then, the organization has grown to include a wider cross-section of the deaf community in Jamaica.

With the organization, Bennett hopes to change the perception towards the deaf community and help integrate them more into mainstream society. The foundation is currently working on various initiatives, projects and partnerships. She shared that they are currently in the process of getting a sign language app to assist in breaking the barrier of communication that exists between the deaf community and their hearing counterparts.

Bennett continues on a path that promises a wide window of opportunities for her. In doing so, she hopes to continue to be that positive representation for all women in Jamaica and across the world. Her advice: “Just embrace who you are and know that we are all uniquely different and beautiful and there is nothing wrong with being different or being a standout and sometimes we just have to block out the outside noise and to listen to our inner self and know that we are all confidently beautiful with our natural self and there is no need to meet the standardized beauty of what society wants us to be like, sometimes we have to step outside of that and when we do that that is when we will shine.”

Written by Kabrena Robinson Toronto Caribbean News

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Wednesday, December 27, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

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Stop and Imagine Stands Up To Bullying Dellia Rismay

dellia@carib101.com

TC Reporter By now, it’s old news that bullying, no matter what type it is, is linked to social and mental issues. Both the aggressor and victim are at risk of emotional and behavioural problems that can be carried with them for life. In the aggressor, bullying can lead to substance abuse, aggression, dating aggression, sexual harassment, and other criminal behaviour.

In victims, it can lead to depression, anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, stress-related health problems, and in the most extreme cases, suicide. Stop and Imagine Toronto AntiBullying Youth Association aims to address these issues by stopping bullying in its tracks.

Now in its third year of existence,

Stop and Imagine TABYA was founded by Nichole Edwards after herself and her family went through a difficult time in their lives.

Edwards went through a marriage, separation and the loss of her unborn daughter, Nyimka, due to the stress of having to move to a different neighbourhood because the family was being bullied so badly. “The combination put me in a place where I had to turn my pain into something, and we came up with the idea,” she says. As Edwards and her family have firsthand experience of the pain that bullying can cause, they wanted to help break the cycle by creating a safe space where youth are given the tools they need to combat the issue.

Through workshops at community centres and schools across the GTA, Edwards draws on her personal experience and background in social work and life skills coaching to help uplift youth and teach them anti-bullying strategies. There is focus on areas such as conflict resolution, team building, stress management, and holistic well-being. To help kids foster a sense of confidence, Stop and Imagine TABYA also runs several programs, including Dance Squad, Empowerment Club, and Speaking with Confidence. According

BRAMPTON ON 905-451-0379

to Edwards, this is vital, because confidence makes it easier for people to navigate themselves in society. “Words are very powerful, and people are going to say things, and things are going to happen, so you have to have the self-confidence to know that’s their issue, not you,” she explains.

Edwards says that after participating in Stop and Imagine TABYA workshops, youth have taken away valuable anti-bullying lessons. She notes one particular situation that went from a confrontation to a coaching opportunity. When her son was being assaulted at a community centre by another youth, to help diffuse the situation, the centre’s staff called Edwards and asked her to intervene.

The three of them sat down and had a conversation about why the fight occurred. After the incident, Edwards says parents of other children asked her how she was able to handle the situation knowing it involved her own child.

She says it was especially important for her to get involved because she needed to show other parents that she would handle a similar situation with any of their children the same way. Edwards says that since the program started, youth have been telling her about the

impact it had. “They’ve said, ‘Since starting Stop and Imagine, we’ve been able to use our voice.’”

To raise awareness about the effects of bullying and to help those currently being impacted by it, Stop and Imagine TABYA is organizing a walk-a-thon to take place in 2018. Edwards decided to hold the event on the ninth anniversary of Nyimka’s passing, as she passed on January 9th, 2009. The walk is scheduled to take place on March 9th, and will be called the “Time to C.O.P.E. WalkA-Thon”; the initials stand for Combining Other People’s Experiences. Edwards says that initially, she was going to name the walk after Nyimka, but decided she wanted it to be about everyone’s experiences with bullying and hardship. “Whether you’ve been bullied, have self-esteem damage, domestic, whatever it is, we want to combine all of that and we want to do a Time to Cope.”

For more information about Stop and Imagine TABYA and to find out how you can get involved with their anti-bullying initiative, contact nichole@stopandimagine.ca or go to www.stopandimagine.ca.

TORONTO, ON 416-259-3654

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Take Your Education & Leadership Skills International! Applications Open for Young Leaders Overseas Program Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter The volunteer work we partake in during our time at school prepares us for a future on our chosen career path. The knowledge we gain and the skills we learn pave our way and determine how we will venture into the world and make an impact.

Since 1961, CUSO International has been working to create a more connected world by reducing poverty and inequality through the efforts of volunteers, partners and donors. For the past fifty years, they have been unlocking human potential, creating a world where all people are able to realize their potential, develop their skills and participate fully in society.

CUSO International was founded by a group of Canadian University graduates who had a vision and took a leap of faith in making that vision a reality. They believe in the power of people and work to employ a people-centered approach to development and the challenge of overcoming poverty and inequality.

The graduates rallied hundreds of other young graduates across our great nation and founded CUSO, which stands for Canadian University Students Overseas. Each young volunteer took their role as a Canadian “ambassador” very seriously as they filled skill gaps in developing countries as teachers, nurses, and agriculturalists. Over the next few decades, as their partners became the educators, health care professionals, and farmers, the role of the volunteers evolved.

Today, their volunteers are experienced professionals who focus on building skills and transferring knowledge to our partners across Africa, South East Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. They are committed to supporting their partners by allowing them to drive their own development, that everyone involved holds a stake in the effective development, and they seek to build on each other’s capabilities.

There are many ways that professionals, students, and graduates can become a volunteer with CUSO as they offer many different avenues to use your skills to be a force of change. CUSO International offers local, international, diaspora, corporate, community, and even customizable volunteer experiences to ensure everyone is able to give back in the capacity their schedule allows. They have implemented evolunteer services as well as programs for young leaders and volunteers looking to take part in public outreach.

In an effort to continue building on

their strong foundation of volunteer work CUSO has created the Young Leaders Overseas program which offers Canadian youth the chance to use their education and leadership skills to make a difference, not only in other people’s lives but also their own. This means that students who have graduated from a post-secondary program will have the chance to cultivate their skills and develop them working with partners abroad.

Through Young Leaders Overseas, Cuso International will send up to ten youths to support Cuso International partners achieve their goals. Those who are eligible to submit an application should be Canadians and permanent residents between the ages of 19 and 30 who have graduated from a post-secondary institution and have demonstrated leadership skills in the school, work or community.

The latest opportunity to join the Young Leaders Overseas will be departing in February/March 2018 for six to twelve months venturing to Honduras, Nicaragua or Cameroon.

Applicants will be supporting Cuso International overseas partners by working in a variety of areas including entrepreneurship, technology, youth to youth mentorship community development, communications, and research.

Cuso International is looking for those who have an interest in international development and have demonstrated leadership in their school, work or community. CUSO is looking for those who want to make the world a better place and are willing to support people in making changes that improve their lives. This is a once in a lifetime personal and professional experience that will help students to grow their career while changing lives.

Applicants can apply through the job board at cusointernational.org, and the deadline is January 5th, 11:59 p.m. EST. Successful candidates who apply for the Young Leaders Overseas program receive a position in one of the four countries created for them to match their skills and experience such as Honduras, Nicaragua, and Cameroon. Applicants must be fluent in English for all placements. Applicants must be fluent in French for placements in Cameroon. Applicants must have intermediate to fluent Spanish for placements in Honduras and Nicaragua.

More information on the Young Leaders Overseas opportunity can be found online or questions can be sent directly to questions@cusointernational.org.

CUSO International values diversity.

They recognize and care about the rights and dignity of others and they strive to live up to our commitments, to be fair and transparent in our work, and to act consistently in applying our principles.

Are you ready to kick-start your career using your leadership skills to make an impact in people’s lives around the world? Do your part in creating a world where all people are able to realize their potential, develop their skills and participate fully in society.

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African Aid Project Raises Awareness for Children in Poverty Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter It’s the most wonderful time of the year, a time of giving, of hope, happiness, and miracles.

However, amongst all of the advertisements for material things we are convinced we should have, there are campaigns centered around children in need. Their sad faces are heartbreaking to see and it reminds us of the harsh realities that many families and children face not only during the holidays but year-round.

Dean Sampano is a philanthropist, professional speaker, and anti-poverty advocate, and a self-made millionaire who believes in giving back. Dean has provided aid, and rolled up his sleeves, in some of the world’s poorest countries including, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Indonesia and South America and he is also a proud Special Olympics Coach.

Through his company Mass Consultants Canada, he founded and sponsored the African Aid Project, with the direction and guidance of World Vision Canada. World Vision is a recognized global relief, development and advocacy organization. They partner with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

Every year since 2007 Dean and his wife have traveled to various places across the world choosing a country to donate a percentage of their profits and invest in the communities that are living in extreme poverty. This is their 9th trip abroad, having lent their services in the Philippines, Asia, and India. They have chosen to focus on Africa

this year because they are in dire need of aid.

“We try to choose communities that have been hit by drought, and famine,” Sampano explains. “We go to these places, three months at a time and live with the tribes to supply aid in the form of food, or supplies specifically helping the elderly and orphans to try and ease their burdens.”

Last year they traveled to Ethiopia in the Great Rift Valley, one of the poorest places in the world. They have nothing, no clothes, there’s no exchange money there and the people that live there still survive the same way they did years ago.

On January 7th, they will be embarking on the African Aid Project in South Africa starting down in Botswana and working their way up to Zimbabwe working their way up to spending quite a bit of time in Rwanda and Congo. Although it has a reputation for being especially dangerous this time of the year, there are many other places that too are considered to be very dangerous to travelers. Sampano says that they work diligently to ensure their own safety and welling being, mindful of the plague in Madagascar, current revolution happening in Zimbabwe and most importantly doing things responsibly.

“Many of the tribes that we visit, the children have never seen a white man before, and the stories they have heard about white men aren’t good,” he digresses.

Without disrupting their culture, they try to slowly improve their way of life, and ease some of their pain so that they can develop their own infrastructure, and potential economy. However, before that can happen there are so many things that need to be addressed.

“These tribes are living the same way they have been living 5,000 years ago and they don’t have the technology, they live hand to mouth and many children don’t eat for days many are orphans, a lot of death.

The average man only lives to maybe fifty years of age so by the time a child reaches eight to ten years old they are fending for themselves,” Sampano explains.

“What we’re trying to do through the African Aid Project is to raise awareness, and to let them know that people do care to provide them with a sense of hope.”

The African Aid Project is not looking for monetary donations, but they are hoping to raise awareness of the immense need in these impoverished countries, and to do what they can to make it something personal and get involved sponsor a child and make a difference in a life.

“When you sponsor a child through any organization think about the vast need, and how grateful we are to be here in Canada and out of the loop with the challenges faced by these African countries,” Sampano says.

Sampano reminds potential sponsors to be mindful of the charities that they choose to support, now more than ever, the allocation of funds donated is being considered very carefully to prevent criminal activity.

World Vision has earned a reputation of being the organization that sends the highest percentage of sponsorship to directly help the child sponsored, with funding for books, basic clothing needs, writing supplies, education, things that will make a generational difference to the child, so they can go on and aspire to raise a well-balanced family themselves. World Vision goes beyond food distribution but also focuses on creating sustainable food supplies through agriculture programs and nutritional training.

Sampano says he hopes to continue this work in the future, spending more time in countries that require assistance.

“I went to Africa to sponsor an Aid project in Ethiopia, where millions are starving as they have been hit by the worst drought in fifty years. We want to raise awareness because the project is self-sponsored,” Sampano explains. “I hope that through the work we’ve done, and will potentially do in the future, it would be great for more people to get involved, and help in any way they can, sponsoring a child gives them and their families an opportunity to live without poverty.

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

The Year 2017 - In Review Kabrena Robinson

kabrena@carib101.com

TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- A Wave of Resistance While Trump supporters cheered on for their new president, hope and resistance emerged from fear and discontent among Trump’s opponents. This led to worldwide “anti-trump” protests that saw up to two million people around the world, mostly women taking the streets in various cities and countries in opposition to the new president. This gave way to the birth of a new political movement that swept across 2017. Deemed as the largest ever inauguration protest, women, men and children gathered in Washington DC on January 21, 2017, in a strident yet peaceful scene.

It was reported that there were also more than 600 “sister marches” across the US and around the globe in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Hungary, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. This great phenomenon in the US caused a ripple effect on the rest of world catalyzing a new wave of unity and female empowerment in all corners of the world.

Protests and Female Empowerment What most would describe as the beginning of an increased surge in third wave feminism and resistance, led the way for a year that allowed more women and minorities to become the faces and voices of various progressive movements. These protests included immigrant rights rallies in response to Trump’s xenophobic remarks, the People’s Climate March, protests following Trump’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)decision, protests against the building of the Dakota Access Pipeline (#NODAPL) and the “Muslim Ban” protest. The most impactful protests, however, were the ones in solidarity with women speaking out against gender-based assaults. Many protests ignited from a list of sexual misconduct accusations made against Donald Trump. This led to many international campaigns on social media.

The hashtag #MeToo started by Tarana Burke ten years ago was reignited after a tweet from actress Alyssa Milano following the news of the Harvey Weinstein assault cases took over major headlines.

Since then, there has been an ongoing worldwide discussion about sexual harassment and nationwide conversations about the #MeToo campaign it inspired. According to data by UN Women, 35% of women around the world has experienced physical or sexual violence. This does not include the amount that goes unreported.

Meanwhile, in Canada, The Globe and Mail launched an in-depth investigation that highlighted a huge number of sexual assault cases categorized as “unfounded” which led a nationwide discussion into how sexual assault cases are dealt with in Canada.

Female Empowerment in The Caribbean

While the world was focused on the many events taking place in western society, women in the Caribbean were also leading their own wave of female empowerment through social media campaigns. The #lifeinleggings social media movement was started by Ronelle King in Barbados to spread awareness on the different encounters Caribbean women experience with sexual violence. The online movement led to marches in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, the Bahamas and Guyana. In Jamaica, another advocacy group called the Tambourine Army, led a movement against sexual violence and child abuse. The militant group came into full effect after numerous sexual assault cases against prominent religious leaders arose in the media. According to a 2015 United Nations statistics, the Caribbean has among the highest rates of sexual assault in the world; one in three women have experienced sexual or physical assault at least one in their lives. These various movements throughout the year assisted in shining a light on a normalized phenomenon that has been plaguing the Caribbean community. So, for the Caribbean and the rest of the world, 2017 saw a huge insurgent of female empowerment and feminism.

In the midst of the uproar around gender-based violence, Jamaica also made way for the beginning of a new era when it said farewell to former Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller in late June. Simpson-Miller who was the first female head of government of Jamaica and the third in the Anglophone Caribbean, following Eugenia Charles of Dominica and Janet Jagan of Guyana. Simpson-Miller was a symbol of revolution for female empowerment in Jamaica breaking the cycle and excelling in a field dominated by male elites for decades. The exit of Simpson-Miller who had served the island for over forty years in politics left an air of possibility for female advancement and empowerment across the island.

More Wins from Society’s Women and Minorities While most of the year was marked by a large focus on dismantling sexual assault, there were also many minor and major ‘win moments’ for women across the world. In September of this year, Saudi Arabia agreed to let women drive (set to take effect on June 2018), ending a longstanding policy that has become a global symbol of the oppression of women in the ultraconservative nation. Another ‘win moment’ this year was when actress Viola Davis made history by becoming the first black actor or actress to achieve a “triple crown” by winning acting awards at the Oscars, Emmys and Tonys. ‘Win moments’ from women such as Tennis champion Serena Williams to Olympic Fencer Ibtijaj Muhammad; political figures like Maxine Walters to Karmala Harris; breakthrough personalities with inspirational stories such as Cardi B and Tiffany Haddish. Wins from women in various fields came in all forms. The year also saw the increase in the number of women and minorities running for political offices in the US, Canada and other countries worldwide.

Diversity in Canadian Politics In Canada, on October 1st, Jagmeet Singh won the federal NDP leadership race becoming the first visible minority to lead a

major Canadian federal party. The criminal lawyer from Scarborough Ontario became the first turban-wearing Sikh to sit in Ontario’s legislature in 2011 then later served as the NDP’s critic for justice and consumer services before becoming the party’s deputy leader in 2015. Singh’s victory ignited nationwide celebration putting into focus the scarcity of minority officials present in Canadian politics. For many, the victory was regarded as a progressive step forward for equality and representation of minorities and people of colour in Canada.

This was a monumental moment for a nation that prides itself on being a “multicultural haven”. For the voices of minorities and people of colour in Canada to be heard, representation is a vital step.

Canada 150 and the Controversy On another celebratory note, this year July 1st in Canada was marked by jubilant Canada 150 celebrations regarded as the sesquicentennial of Canadian Confederation. The official day and days leading up July 1st were packed with a wide range of Canada 150 themed events and celebrations. The anniversary marked the year that the British North America Act was passed by the British parliament, paving the way for colonies of Canada – which included Ontario and Quebec – to join Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in creating a single Dominion of Canada.

However, for many, the affair was seen as dismal rather than one worth celebrating.

Many members of the Indigenous community and allies across Canada saw the 150 celebrations as a mark of decades of oppression and colonization and sought changes to the celebrations to recognize a history that stretches back centuries. A history that shows a great degree of mistreatment and injustice towards Canada’s indigenous community. This lead to the social media hashtag #Resist150, aiming to remodel the meaning being Canada 150.

Cases of missing and murdered indigenous women, to substandard indigenous communities and numerous accounts of injustices at the hands of the Canadian justice system and matters relating to indigenous peoples, have always been a pressing social issue across the country and the Canada 150 celebrations this year reignited the necessary conversations around those affairs.

50 Years of Mas in Toronto Another focal celebration in Canada this year was the milestone of 50 years of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival commonly known as “Caribana”. For members of the Caribbean diaspora in Toronto, the annual highly anticipated occasion is regarded as a vital aspect of Caribbean life in the city.

This year, the festival achieved a milestone of half a century of its kaleidoscopic display of signature costumes, Caribbean music and rich culture boasting the title as one of the largest cultural festivals in North America. Since its inception in 1967 as part of Canada’s centennial birthday, the Caribbean Carnival has grown into a multimillion-dollar event that has solidified itself as one of Toronto’s major cultural attractions.

This year, the celebration went on with the promise of a long and steady future for mas in the city.

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

2017 - The Review Kabrena Robinson

kabrena@carib101.com

TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- From Celebrations to Devastation Though the year was marked by many celebrations, protests and outrage, there were also those moments that left parts of the world in literal shambles, that had many of us glued to our televisions or alternative news outlets in safety but in disbelief of the turmoil and loss of those at the hands of both natural and manmade disasters. 2017 saw many incidents of man-made catastrophes such as mass shootings, hate crimes and terrorism and natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires.

Terrorism and Turmoil Terrorist attacks devastated many cities and countries across the world. Some incidents in America have been argued to be a ripple effect of the Trump presidency like the Neo-Nazis, alt-Right and supremacist rally in Charlottesville in August held to protest the planned removal of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s statue. The violent, white supremacist rally left one woman dead and thirty-five injured after a car ploughed down multiple people who were protesting the “Unite the Right� rally. This was the height of increased resurgence of white supremacy and hate crimes across America following the Trump presidency.

Later in the year on October 1st , a gunman opened fire on a crowd of 22,000 at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival in Las Vegas, killing fifty-nine and injuring more than fifty-one. The tragedy is regarded as the worst mass shooting in modern American history.

These acts of terror were also taking place in other parts of the world. On March 22nd, London was left reeling after two uncoordinated terrorist attacks struck the heart of the capital less than three months apart. Attacker Khalid Masood ploughed his car into several pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four and injuring around fifty others. A couple months later on May 22nd, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive outside an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on. In total, twenty-two people were killed and more than fifty were injured, with the youngest victim being eight years old. Tragedy also struck Barcelona on Aug. 17th, 2017 in a terrorist attack that was claimed by the Islamic State, a van ploughed through the crowded Las Ramblas area killing thirteen people and injuring more than 100.

But while our eyes were on the western world, there were quite a few tragedies taking place in other countries. Somalia faced its worst-ever attack after a truck bomb blasted through the capital on Oct. 14th, 2017. More than 500 people were killed and even more injured in the gruesome attack. As of December, nearly seventy people were still missing.

In Libya, migrants are currently being sold as slaves. In October 2017, a CNN team travelled to Libya and witnessed a dozen men auctioned, some for as little as $400 US each. The crew was also informed on auctions taking place at nine locations in the country.

Slavery in Libya has a long history and a lasting impact on the Libyan culture. It is closely connected with the wider context of slavery in North America and the Arab slave trade.

According to CNN, Libya is the main transit point for refugees and migrants trying to reach Europe by sea. In each of the last three years,

150,000 people have made the dangerous crossing across the Mediterranean Sea from Libya. For four years in a row, 3,000 refugees have died while attempting the journey. Head of Libyan immigration has urged countries from which migrants travel to take more responsibility, in response to outrage on slave auctions.

Natural Disasters Struck the Americas and Caribbean The year was also marked by a series of natural disasters that swept through cities in the US, Central America and the Caribbean. Harvey put Houston under water and in despair back in August, leaving at least eighty-two people dead and causing damages of nearly $200 billion. The category 4 hurricane also ripped through Louisiana, Barbados, and other areas of Texas.

On the anniversary of the deadly 1985 Mexico City earthquake, Central Mexico was struck again on Sept. 19th, 2017, by a powerful 7.1-magnitude quake that killed at least 370 people across the region, including 228 in Mexico City. Puerto Rico was left in a state of crisis after Hurricane Maria pummelled the island as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 20th, 2017, killing 499 people and devastating much of the island. Most of the island remains affected by the aftermath of the hurricane with many areas still without electricity and water.

In the Caribbean region, the biggest devastation was hurricane Irma in late August that was deemed as the longest-lived Atlantic hurricane since 2004. The category 5 storm ripped through the Caribbean with 185 mph winds leaving a trail of extensive damage in islands such as Haiti, Cuba, St Martin and Maarten, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, The British Virgin Island and The US Virgin Islands. Many islands are still recovering from the catastrophe that left 134 dead and caused damage worth more than $100 billion. Now three months after both hurricane Irma and Maria terrorized and destroyed many homes in the Caribbean, thousands of citizens remain without basic necessities such as clean water, social services and shelter.

A Call for the World to Take Heed The main thing that can be gathered from these many tragedies, is that in moments of disasters whether natural or man-made, the rest of the world is willing to help. The problem, however, lies with how various stories overshadow some. Incidents that occur in western society are often reportedly on widely which assists in helping a select few in moments of despair and obtaining solidarity from the rest of the world.

However, tragedies outside of the western world are often short-lived in the media. This poses a huge problem as many of these countries are developing nations more in need of assistance in moments of immense chaos. It is not to be left to the media but to us as citizens of the word to turn our gazes at these issues outside of our bubble. For 2018, this should be taken into consideration.

In 2017 we have witnessed a lot of changes some welcoming some not so much, but what remains to be most important is how we deal with these changes heading into the new year. We have seen the election of an unfavourable president in one of the most powerful countries in the world, we have seen movements of liberation and resistance, we have witnessed a wave of hate influenced crimes and tragedies, we have celebrated and we have wept. There is no telling what 2018 promises but as a community and members of a larger part of society we can all contribute by doing our part. This involves staying informed, starting the necessary conversations, spreading messages of unity and empowerment, helping those in need and most of all being agents active in catalyzing the positive changes that we would want to see in the world.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Taxi Driver Nabbed in Cocaine Bust at Parika

GUYANA -- An intelligence-led operation conducted by ranks of the Force’s Narcotics Branch on Sunday at Parika, East Bank Essequibo has resulted in the arrest of a male taxi driver with almost sixty-six kilograms of cocaine.

Police said the operation was conducted between 14:00-16:30h ;first in the thirty-three years old suspect home at Budhoo Housing Scheme, Parika where

they came up empty-handed but on searching his motorcar, ranks found an unusually heavy gas cylinder in the trunk.

In the suspect’s presence, the enforcement officials commanded by a Gazetted Officer, cut open the cylinder and found the illicit substance. Investigations are ongoing..

- Guyana Chronicle

Two Die in Separate Boxing Night Accidents

GUYANA -- A motorist celebrating his birthday and a motorcyclist met untimely deaths on Boxing Night in separate accidents.

According to reports , Salim Deen ,called “Tony” , a 42-year old father of two of Mon Repos , East Coast Demerara died following a crash in front the Providence Stadium around 20:00hrs .

Around the same time , motorcyclist , Shaquille Brown, 22, of Norton Street in the city , died in a crash aback the Botanical Gardens following a collision with a motorcar.

Eyewitnesses at the stadium re-

ported that Deen , who was celebrating his birthday , was proceeding north along the roadway in his Toyota motorcar bearing registration PGG 2276 when the car slammed into the foundation of a utility pole . The car flipped several times and Deen’s body was flung from the vehicle.

Reports are that Brown was on an errand and was riding a motorcycle bearing trade plates when he met his demise.

He is said to be the son of a popular auto dealer who trades under the name”Cocoa T” . Police are investigating both accidents.

- Guyana Chronicle

Sophia Man Fatally Stabbed on Christmas Night

GUYANA -- Police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of Celwyn Allen,35 of 1342 Cummings Park, “E” Field Sophia which occurred on Christmas night.

Police said the incident occurred about 19:30hrs on Christmas night at “C” Field Sophia .

During the fracas , Allen’s girlfriend Nalydiah Henry was wounded and she is presently admitted in a stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The suspect , a male resident of Sophia who goes by the Alias “Kevin ” was subsequently arrested by the police.

Inquiries disclosed that the victims were attacked and stabbed multiple times by the suspect who was armed with a knife.

It was reported that the deceased shortly before the incident, interfered with a friend of the suspect who rebuked him and not being satisfied , the suspect inflicted the fatal injuries and also wounded Henry who went to her partner’s assistance.

The victims were rushed to the hospital by a police patrol where Allen was pronounced dead on arrival.

- Guyana Chronicle

“Rambo” , “Bara” Wanted by Police for Wedding House Shooting

GUYANA -- Police investigators are making stringent efforts to apprehended two male suspects in connection with a shooting incident at 89 Hampshire Village, Corentyne which left three persons hospitalised with gunshot wounds.

According to the police , the incident occurred about 00:30h on Saturday morning and one of the suspects drew a handgun during the melee.

The victims have been identified as Samuel Samaroo,28, a salesman of 63 Hampshire Village ,Terry Ramsammy ,21,a labourer of the same village and

Nicholas Beharry ,24 ,unemployed of Hampshire Squatting Area . Samaroo was shot once to his right arm , Ramsammy sustained three gunshot wounds to his abdomen while Beharry sustained two gunshot wounds to his back.

The injured men are in a serious but stable condition in a public hospital.

The suspects , known by the call names names “Rambo” and “Bara”, fled the scene in a vehicle, minutes after the shooting, the police noted.

- Guyana Chronicle

island news

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

island news

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Four Trinis Caught up in Hoax Mall Shooting ”We Ran For Our Lives”

TRINIDAD -- What caused utter chaos and panic among shoppers at the Aventura Mall in Miami on Saturday night may remain a mystery, but four Trinidadians are today thanking God for life.

Amid shouts of “active shooter,” Trinidadians Priya Deokie, her husband Keith Sylvester and friends Mawalal Sirju and Marlene Sirju ran, dropped and took cover to save their lives as an apparent shooting hoax at the mall, one of the largest in the United States, caused panic shoppers to scamper for cover and emergency exits.

According to a report in the Miami Herald, the incident occurred at about 7 pm.

Panic erupted at the mall as shoppers ran amid reports of a shooting, the report stated.

The mall was evacuated after being placed on lockdown. However, hours after, Aventura

police said there were no victims and no evidence of shots being fired.

But dozens of Twitter users said they had heard something that sounded like gunshots. Shoppers gave differing accounts about where the sounds may have come from, as some said they heard shots and others reported the noise in different sections of the mall.

Recalling the most horrific moments in her life, Deokie told the T&T Guardian that she had to grab Marlene by the hand and run.

“The men were a distance away from us. Mawalal and I were chatting with a rep for face creams at Macy’s when we heard people screaming and saw them running.

“People were yelling “run” and some were saying “active shooter,” so I grabbed her hand and started to run. I saw a counter and pushed her into the space. We were fall-

ing over people, but we managed to drop for cover under the counter.”

Deokie added: “We dropped everything including shopping bags. Our husbands found us and after a minute or so some staff at Macy’s told us to run for the exit so we all followed. We got out to the parking lot, but our husbands turned back into the mall to see if they could help others.”

She added that after a few minutes, while all four of them were heading to their car, they heard another call to run for cover.

“We didn’t wait another second. We began to run for our lives again. All the time not knowing what was happening.”

Deokie said later that night while listening to a news report, they were informed the incident was a false alarm.

“We really did not hear gunshots or

see any shooter(s)...but it was pure panic. It was terrifying! Lying on the floor under the counter, my friend and I thought we were going to die. We started praying. Our husbands on the other hand were quite brave and calm in the face of the uncertainty and confusion,” Deokie said.

“It was one of the scariest things I have ever experienced. There were baby strollers toppled over! When I think about it, I tremble with fear. I always read about it, but never thought I would experience something like it. I could only imagine what it must be like when the threat turns out to be real and you have to face the wrong end of these lunatics!”

- Trinidad Guardian

Khan Urges All Judges to Speak up on Archie Case

TRINIDAD -- Senior Counsel Israel Khan has called on High Court and Court of Appeal judges to “say something” on the issue of Chief Justice Ivor Archie’s alleged “misconduct.”

In an open letter to the judges Tuesday, which he also sent to the media, Khan said, “Judges of this country, especially those of the Hugh Wooding Law School graduating class of 1979, should say something on the issue of CJ Archie’s alleged misconduct.”

Khan noted comments by Justices Carol Gobin and Ronnie Boodoosingh, as well as former CJs Sat Sharma and Clinton Bernard on the issue. He particularly noted re-

ported comments by Bernard on other judges’ reaction so far.

“I, as the most experienced active practitioner at the Criminal Bar (37 years of which 17 as silk), now call upon the brave and courageous judges of the country to say something and not give the impression that your Lordships are only concerned with ‘to eat ah food.’

“Former CJ Bernard has chastised the sitting judges by stating in a published article that Your Lordships are ‘more concerned with how much money you are getting at the end of the month.’

“This is a serious indictment against

LATT Meets on CJ Issue Friday

TRINIDAD -- The Law Association’s Council will caucus on Friday regarding a preliminary report on alleged matters involving Chief Justice Ivor Archie, who’s expected back from overseas this weekend.

LATT members Tuesday confirmed the meeting was set to T&T Guardian, saying it the preliminary salvo in their quest to investigate the issue following weeks of allegations against the embattled CJ.

The association recently appointed a five-member committee headed by LATT head Douglas Mendes SC to deal with the alleged matters. Other members are Elton Prescott SC, Lynette Seebaran-Suite, former acting High Court judge Rajiv Persad and Theresa Hadad.

LATT has also recruited two senior counsels to examine the matter to see whether there is sufficient basis to refer a question of alleged misbehaviour by the Chief Justice to Government for consideration of impeachment proceedings, under Section 137 of the Constitution.

Allegations surfacing against Archie in recent weeks include discussing judges’ security with a person and seeking to expedite Housing Development Corporation (HDC) housing for persons. The CJ has admitted to seeking the interest of people in need of HDC housing but has denied discussing security for judges with anyone outside the Judiciary.

The Law Association instituted the probe because of the negative overall effect the matter is having on the entire Judiciary.

Mendes and other LATT council members met Archie on November 30 concerning the allegations, which were viewed as bringing the Judiciary into disrepute. At that meeting, Archie was informed of LATT’s move to probe the allegations and reportedly told the group he would consider what was discussed.

Archie later addressed the allegations in a press release, where he admitted he has “from time to time” recommended people for housing but denied discussing the issue security for judges. The CJ then left T&T on business. He’s scheduled to return this weekend, a spokesman indicated Tuesday.

The LATT has said its investigatory team on the allegations would report to the

council on or before Friday. If the association’s investigation is not completed by Friday - since the CJ hasn’t been in T&T during the probe its time-frame for completion will be extended, the T&T Guardian was told Tuesday.

Following the team’s report and the senior counsels’ advice, association members will discuss the report’s contents and decide on the way forward.

Tuesday, however, Israel Khan SC wrote to Mendes and the committee set up to deal with the matter seeking clarification of whether the two SCs the association is using are from outside of T&T.

Khan said, “LATT’s membership is yet to know the identities of the two senior counsel. While I adhere to the protection of Chief Justice Archie’s right not to be discriminated against by reason of race, origin, colour, religious or sex (which includes sexuality) and that he has the fundamental rights to join a political party of his choice and the freedom of association, I’m gravely concerned whether CJ Archie and the two silks are members of the Masonic Lodge.

“It’s well known throughout the Western world that members of the Masonic Lodge have pledged their lives to protect one another and would breach all ethics and principles of law to assist each other in time of need.

“While I uphold Chief Justice Archie’s fundamental right to freedom of assembly, I as a senior silk in our jurisdiction will have a fundamental objection, if he is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and the two silks retained by LATT are members also.”

Khan called for answers to his concern “before the outside counsel hands in its legal opinion, which I understand is due on or before December 29.”

The issue concerning Archie has been further fuelled by criticism from former chief justices Sat Sharma and Clinton Bernard. Former CJ Michael de La Bastide has declined comment. Government has also declined to become embroiled in the controversy, saying the administration is watching events unfolding, has no basis for intervention and noting Archie had responded to the allegations.

- Trinidad Guardian

Your Lordships and if Your Lordships continue to remain silent, I say it with the greatest respect, then you are spineless and do not deserve to be called My Lord or Mi Lud (for mimic men).”

He added: “The allegations made against Honourable Chief Justice Ivor Archie are scandalous, and if true, demonstrate he is a disgrace to the legal profession and unfit to be Chief Justice.”

Khan said if Archie cannot or would not publicly refute the very serious allegations, there are only three options open to him: “Resign now, or face a tribunal triggered under Section 137 of the Constitution and/or

face criminal charge of misbehaviour in public office (15 years jail if convicted).”

He said judges would be aware “that never in the history of the entire Commonwealth has a Chief Justice been accused of such scandalous misbehaviour.”

“I dare say, with the greatest respect to Your Lordships, that by your silence, you are condoning CJ Archie’s alleged misbehaviour. It appears that birds of a feather flock together,” Khan added.

- Trinidad Guardian

Salvatori Vendors ‘Ketching Hell’

TRINIDAD -- Spokesman for the Salvatori Vendors Association, Steve “Black Hat” Fletcher, is calling for a better location for vendors, saying for the past year they have been “kecthing hell” to ply their trade.

Last year, vendors had to leave the compound where they were situated in downtown Port-of-Spain after being given notice to relocate by the Port-of-Spain City Corporation. They were relocated to the Central Market, but many objected to the move saying it was a poor spot to attract customers. Others also expressed concern of robberies in that area.

Tuesday, Fletcher, who had his goods on display in cardboard boxes along Frederick Street, said many vendors were still taking a chance to sell on the road this year, although the Port-of-Spain mayor had made it clear this was against the law.

“This is the worst Christmas we have ever met. Sales is terrible...is one or two thing selling,” Fletcher said.

He said this was because the city had apparently been given a “bad name” due to

criminal activities and wrecking of vehicles.

The exodus of customers, Fletcher said, had resulted in “big business” in the malls profiting for their bad fortune.

“People are not coming in Port-ofSpain as before. They prefer to go into the stores and into the mall to shop because they might feel safe to park their car and to walk about and we...the ordinary man, losing out,: Fletcher said.

“We need a good spot...not somewhere out of reach. We need a spot where people could see us easy and have access to us, easy to come in and buy.”

Despite the negative image of Portof-Spain, Fletcher praised the police, who he said had done excellent work in keeping the streets safe.

“The police really came out. We saw them patrolling all the time and that was a big help, but still people did not come to shop as before in previous years,” he said, adding that part of the problem was also the fact that the city was not attractive during the holidays.

- Trinidad Guardian

Shot Cop Spreads Christmas Cheer With Family’s Help

TRINIDAD -- The police officer who was shot in the abdomen after he confronted an armed 15-year-old bandit in Marabella almost two weeks ago has not yet made a full recovery, but he is in good spirits.

Although moving around is still painful, Police Constable Anand Ram say he is determined this did not stop him from visiting with his relatives and sharing in the Christmas cheer over the weekend.

“I want to drive but they will not let me,” Ram, 27, who has 18 months service, told the T&T Guardian Tuesday.

“My cousin and I visiting family, I just cannot stay home. Tuesday (Christmas Day) relatives came over by me so I visiting relatives today.”

Ram said he was given 28 days injury leave, but when he returns to the clinic on January 19 he will have an idea when he can resume duties.

Although he knows it might be some time before he can return to work, Ram said he was anxious to return to patrolling the streets with his colleagues.

- Trinidad Guardian

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Don Wehby Leads Team as Grace Brings Cheers to Kids and Seniors

JAMAICA -- Like the traditional Santa Claus and his elves, Don Wehby, group chief executive officer of GraceKennedy Ltd, led his team as they last week walked through communities of downtown Kingston and rode on Coaster buses to the more distant locations to spread Christmas cheers.

They visited children and the elderly of Craig Town, Majesty Gardens, Central Kingston, Payne Avenue and De La Vega City to distribute baskets of goodies and sing carols with the residents.

The company, which is celebrating its 95th anniversary, called the treats “the icing on the cake” as it has built up a strong tradition in serving both the young as well as senior members of communities in downtown Kingston through the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation (GSCDF).

“GraceKennedy is not just about showing up once a year to hand out gifts… yes, we love to do that too. But our relationship goes way beyond that. We are about building a better Jamaica,” said Wehby.

The Grace CEO, who was speaking to the seniors last Monday in Spanish Town and surrounding communities at the De La Vega City Community Centre in the old capital, where he made mention of a young man whom the company assisted in

his educational pursuits based on a request from one of the seniors. The young man, Clinton Gordon, subsequently scored 11 subjects (with several A’s) in the secondary school (CSEC) exams. Results like those, he pointed out, amplified the mutual benefits of a deep relationship between company and community.

The Grace Foundation not only provides financial grants and scholarships but works closely with families to help young people achieve their full potential through its STEM centre, homework programmes; access to counselling and career guidance; and provision of exposure to music, drama and photography.

“We have an ongoing relationship with the communities which makes it even more special when we get together with them for the holidays,” said Tanketa Wilson-Chance, general manager of the GSCDF.

During the celebrations three 95 year old seniors were specially recognised with gifts from the CEO. They are: Elfreda Robinson from Central Kingston; Doris Maud Heron and Doris Madge Sinclair from Dela Vega City in Spanish Town. The company marked its 95th anniversary in February of this year.

Among the other treats were a fun

day held at the Breezy Castle Sports Complex in downtown Kingston — just walking distance from the GraceKennedy headquarters — for the children and teachers of the Majesty Gardens Infant Learning Centre and Primary School.

While some children participated in puzzle games, rode on the merry-goround; jumped in the bounce-about, rolled down slides, others participated in dance contests, and ate to their heart’s content.

Teacher Sheneika Salmon said outreach activities such as that put on by Grace for children and teachers of Majesty Gardens and other schools “helps to make our job easier. This kind of activity creates happiness and a feeling of well-being among the kids”.

Principal Beverly Tyndale added: “Given the nature of the community with high unemployment and other challenges, it’s good for the kids to have this kind of gathering and the positive exposure that it brings.”

The children also received backto-school packages and the teachers and ancillary staff were presented with gift baskets.

- Jamaica Observer

Residents Welcome Skills Training Programme For Youth in St Catherine West

JAMAICA -- Trishania Jackson Taylor is one of 104 residents of St Catherine West Central enrolled in a training programme for unattached youth, which has been embraced by the entire community.

The programme which Jackson Taylor, a mother of one, joined some two months ago, represents a major stepping stone in realising her once-unimaginable dream of becoming a teacher.

In light of the opportunity coming her way through the programme, Jackson Taylor is relishing the thought of finally achieving this goal on completing her studies.

The initiative is the brainchild of Health Minister and Member of Parliament Dr Christopher Tufton, and is being spearheaded through Future Hope, an organisation he was instrumental in establishing, with support from other stakeholders.

The programme offers certification in early childhood education, allied nursing, and web page design, among other vocations, with certification by HEART Trust/ NTA.

It is being financed through the Constituency Development Fund and other sources, with courses being delivered at the Kitson Town community resource centre, and Tacius Golding High School.

The effusive Jackson Taylor recalled her encounter with a group of uniformed persons at the centre while taking her son to school one morning.

She told JIS News that on inquiring she was told that the individuals were involved in a training programme at the centre. She said she was further advised of the sole remaining spot for enrolment in the early childhood teacher training programme at the time.

Jackson Taylor said she seized the

opportunity to enrol and is now looking forward to graduating and securing a job, thereby breaking the monotonous cycle of “staying at home”.

She described the programme as a “good thing”, adding that “it is overwhelming, knowing that my dreams are finally coming to pass”.

Jackson Taylor pointed out that many of the community’s young people have been showing interest in the initiative, noting that since enrolling, she has seen other persons inquiring about it, adding that “it is really a good thing to empower (the) young people”.

Another resident, certified electrician Johnnoy Cameron, who also heard about the programme and enrolled to be trained as a web page designer, contended that “I am going to be an even better person (by acquiring) this skill”.

Another student, Natasha Martin, said she is using the opportunity to equip herself with an additional skill to enhance her job marketability, and also position herself to become self-employed and, in the process, boost her economic base.

Speaking at the programme’s recent launch at the Kitson Town centre, Dr Tufton said it represented a “great start”, particularly for young persons seeking skills training, adding that the feedback is “a good indication that people want to be empowered”.

He advised that an additional $1.5 million will be spent to purchase medical equipment for the nursing students.

The minister pointed out that this will ensure that “you can practise, and truly qualify, not only in books (but)…on the clinical side”.

He said the areas of training were chosen based on market demand, to enable

participants to be adequately prepared for a “reasonable chance” at becoming gainfully employed.

Dr Tufton indicated that Future Hope’s establishment is grounded in the vision of providing training and education for the persons, so that “you can be better off later on…and live in an environment of peace and security”.

HEART Trust coordinator, Cammeshia Harrison noted that there is growing demand for health professionals and web page developers in particular, and urged students in those and other courses to “continue to work hard and do well”.

Programme coordinator, Lena Russell, who is also principal of Tacius Golding High School, pointed out that the partnership forged to facilitate the initiative is solutions-oriented and pivotal to realising the improvements being sought by the students in their personal and professional development.

“These participants will broaden their experiences, own their employability, and lead innovation. These participants are a delightful bunch who are eager to learn and (are motivated in this regard),” she added.

The Kitson Town community resource centre is managed by the Kitson Town Community Development Committee, which is chaired by Devon Thompson,

He said the group is committed to supporting the training programme, which they regard as a means of empowering community members.

Social Development Commission community development officer, Norda Lyons, contended that the programme is a journey for the students, at the end of which “you will be happy that you participated in this great initiative”.

- Jamaica Observer

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feature

PAGE 17

Devon Jones; A Hero to Marginalize Kids It’s often said that “children are the future,” but what does that future entail if they’re not steered in the right direction; especially for those living in under-sourced communities with just a little bit to get by?

How does one ensure that those children too have the same opportunities to flourish as those living in more financially stable homes? You create a space for those children to give them a chance and show them that they too have the potential to be better and do well for themselves if they take advantage of the resources afforded to them.

Cue in Devon Jones, an educator and founder of Y.A.A.A.C.E, who has done exactly that. Jones founded the “Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education,” the organization is known by its acronym Y.A.A.A.C.E bringing both education and sports together to fully maximize the potential of each and every child that’s a part of the Y.A.A.A.C.E family.

“Y.A.A.A.C.E is a community organization that seeks to engage children and youth from all communities, particularly those from poor racialized communities in activities that promote opportunity, civic/ social inclusion, identity development, resilience, accountability, and self-advocacy.”

In 2007, Jones started the Y.A.A.A.C.E program. According to Jones, he started the program with the children living in the Jane-Finch area in mind; children living in other wards, marginalized neighborhoods.

“The idea was to put an infrastructure in place to provide these kids with access to things they wouldn’t normally have as well as academics.”

When Jones taught at Brookview Middle School in Toronto’s Jane-Finch area, he witnessed some of his students traveling as long as two hours to access sports. Given the reputation of the Jane-finch area in terms

of crime, Jones thought that something needed to be done.

“I thought to myself, that is crazy and it reminded me of myself when I was growing up without much… if we are going to expect these young people not to be compromised by their environment in which they grew up, we had to do better” says Jones.

Those who already know about Y.A.A.A.C.E will often associate it with basketball as it’s one of the organization’s wellknown programs, but Jones, the director of the organization will be the first to tell you that they’re not only basketball. but a wellrounded organization that helps children achieve their full potential by making certain that education is a priority for each and every child in the program.

“The perception is that we’re this massive sports entity, yes that’s what we’re known for and we have a few kids from Y.A.A.A.C.E who might be in the NBA draft this year. We have a number of kids who are high achievers on the court but that’s not all,” says Jones

According to Jones, Y.A.A.A.C.E’S platform and vision are more to advocate for children that are usually over-looked by helping them have a chance at life and become better individuals.

“We have about twenty post-graduates who are school teachers, we have several others who are in grad school,” says Jones.

In the few years that Y.A.A.A.C.E has been around, Jones has managed to get big name individuals to see and believe in his vision and partner with him to create even more opportunities for these racialized children.

Jones partnered with Michael “Pinball” Clemons, former CFL player with the Toronto Argonauts and founder of the Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation (MPCF) and together they launched a

year-round comprehensive baseball program “Baby Jays” which was designed for children and youth from under-resourced communities or students deemed ‘at risk’.

In 2018, this program will be known as “Project 42” which is said to be an initiative with a mandate of introducing high-performance baseball to racialized children and youth, promoting and adding diversity to the sport.

Y.A.A.A.C.E has also partnered with The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA) to provide racialized youth (ages 18 to 25) from under-resourced communities access to the skilled trade, in particular, machine, tool, die and mold (MTDM).

The program provides youth with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with local employers in the machine, tool, die & mold (MTDM) industry and receive a weekly stipend while they are training.

These youths also have the opportunity to further their education at a post-secondary institution once they complete their twelve months apprenticeship start their careers.

Y.A.A.A.C.E also partnered with the Vision of Science Network for Learning Inc. (VoSNL) is a charitable organization that aims to advance the educational achievements and career aspirations of youth from low-income and marginalized communities through meaningful engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and research.

Many high profile individuals speak very highly of Jones, and he has in fact been referred to as ”the Godfather” to these children. From Karl Subban a former principal for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to Michael “Pinball” Clemons and Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services.

“Mr. Jones is a real hero who’s making a real tangible difference and mak-

ing an impact in his community,” said Michael “Pinball” Clemons.

Many parents that are a part of the program also speak very highly of not only Jones but also what the program has done for their children.

“Y.A.A.A.C.E has opened up a lot of opportunities for my child to build up his confidence and get to know his community very well. Y.A.A.A.C.E has shown my child that he can achieve his dreams through education, dedication, and discipline,” said Dianne Escobar, parent of a fourth grader who is apart of the Y.A.A.A.C.E family.

The Y.A.A.A.C.E program has also brought in a few big names like Karl Subban, Michael “Pinball” Clemons and Michael Coteau to speak to their students about the opportunities and life in general and to show them their support.

Jones has emphasized that creating opportunities and accommodations for these kids involves everyone from teachers, to coaches to parents and the community at large.

Y.A.A.A.C.E’s programs are allyear-round which helps to keep children on the right track on a consistent basis.

Since 2007, Y.A.A.A.C.E has had more than 500 youths be a part of their program. In October 2016, Jones was awarded the “Teacher of the Year” award recognizing his work in the community and dedication to the youth in Toronto.

For those who are looking to be a part of Y.A.A.A.C.E you can contact them at yaaace.com and all their social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at Yaaace_si Written by Gloria Namugenyi Toronto Caribbean Reporter

entertainment

PAGE 18

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

An Amazing Vibe, Charisma Beyond Words, Lein Stylez Has What it Takes Aba Luke

aba@carib101.com

Entertainment A new wave of Caribbean entertainers are making their entry and as the world listens closely to the islands to gather the vibe they need for the future, vibrant acts like Lein Stylez- a Mayaro, Trinidad native, are confidently infiltrating.

Timing is everything. After securing the 2012 bragging rights in Trinidad and Tobago’s Synergy Soca Star competition, Stylez- a born entertainer, as he sees himself, made up his mind to remain committed to penetrating the entertainment circuit in the Caribbean, no matter how long it took. Real name, Neil Alexander, this songwriter, singer and all round entertainer, knows that the sky’s the limit when it comes to his musical ambitions. His latest offering is a track produced by one of the Caribbean’s most promising young producers, Klase Gonzales who’s best known as 1st Klase. The song, “Fu Sure” is an upbeat Power Soca contender that any

industry heavyweight would be granted complete respect when it comes to airplay rotation. With a powerfully raspy tone that has just what it takes to stand beside the greats in Soca, Alexander’s energy and his keen desire to hit the stage at events in the season ahead, keeps him hungry.

Coming from rural Trinidad, the artiste knows that to be taken seriously, he must deliver well. He has had great inspiration, and with each stroke of his pen, he has captured much of his mind’s musings. The 2018 Carnival season is but the icebreaker for this eager Soca music lover. He plans on keeping the energy going, delivering more music for real music lovers, for many seasons to come. In fact, even with high enthusiasm to infiltrate the 2018 Carnival season, Stylez remains committed to completing his debut album, a compilation of songs that will see the genres of Soca, Chutney and Dancehall, beautifully merged for what he promises will be something to look out for. “My aim is to essentially become a household name here in the Caribbean and eventually, internationally. It might be every Caribbean artiste’s dream but the difference between others and myself, is the fact that obstacles and setbacks are just motivation for me to succeed. I have no fear of failure,” said Stylez.

The new single has found favour

with a number of DJs already, many agreeing that it is only a matter of time before Lein Stylez is recognized for his natural ability to entertain. “What is meant for you, will be yours. I’m a strong believer in this theory so I know that in God’s time, my opportunity to shine will come.

Whether it’s in 2018 or beyond, I will be ready to show the world just what I’m capable of,” he said.

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travel

Famous for its fine liqueur made from the sweetened peel of bitter oranges and for its sunny climate and secluded beaches, Curaçao has a rich and diverse history, which explains the international flavor of its culture and the curious mixture of Old and New World charm.

The people claim descent from over 50 different ethnic backgrounds, and the native language, Papiamentu, is a creole mixture of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, English, French, African, and some Arawak Indian.

Curaçao’s strategic position at the base of the Caribbean has also made it an important crossroads for global commerce and connected the tiny island with many of the important persons and events in world affairs.

Amerigo Vespucci, Alonso de Ojeda, Peter Stuyvesant, the notorious Captain Bligh, Simon Bolivar were all drawn into Curaçao’s colorful past.

Today however, it is mainly the sun and the natural beauty that bring people here.

With an average rainfall of less than 22 inches a year, the weather is almost guaranteed to be

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Welcome to Curaçao

sunny all the time, and the constant tradewinds help to keep the island cool. There are 38 different beaches to choose from -- some that are sheltered by towering cliffs, others with deep caves created by the pounding surf, and still others with wide expanses and modern facilities.

Or for the more actively inclined, there are ample opportunities to experience the natural wonders up close. Curaçao has long been overlooked by diving enthusiasts, but the national Underwater Park is a 12.5 mile stretch of protected coral reef with many attractions for even the most experienced of divers and Klein Curaçao, a small uninhabited island off the eastern coast, is well worth exploring. The marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo in the offshore waters provide excellent Deep Sea Fishing, and the wildlife in the preserve at Christoffel Park should be of interest to anyone who prefers to encounter nature on dry land.

Curaçao is also a great spot for bargain-hunters. The duty-free shopping makes

for some of the best deals in the Caribbean on imported electronic equipment, china, crystal, jewelry, linens, and perfume. The capital city of Willemstad has an active social life with music festivals all year long, dancing at the popular discotheques, and gambling in the hotel casinos.

more than 50 different ethnic backgrounds are represented here, and the people are very proud of the island’s international flavor.

The native language is Papiamentu, but Curaçaoans are multi-lingual, having learned to speak English, Dutch, and Spanish at school from the third grade on.

Location: The largest and most populous of the Netherlands Antilles, located in between Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao lies some 35 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela and 800 miles north of the equator. The island is 38 miles long and varies between 2 and 8 miles in width. Spectacular beaches line the southwest, leeward coast. Geographically, it falls within the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. Its capital city is Willemstad.

Climate: Curaçao lies well below the hurricane belt, so the climate is sunny and dry, averaging only 22 inches of rainfall per year.

The rainy season occurs in November and December. Despite the almost constant sunshine, the average year-round temperature is only 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius) due to the trade winds that keep the island cool all the time. A hilly island of volcanic origin, Curaçao supports a large variety of tropical flora and fauna, most of which may be found in Christoffel Park, a nature preserve located at the northern tip around the island’s highest point, Mt. Christoffel.

- Geographia

Size: The population numbers more than 170,000, most of whom are of African or mixed African and European descent. In all,

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food

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

GREEN PLANTAIN

Vegetable Soup

Eartha Lowe

eartha@carib101.com

Green Healthy Eating A plantain is a green vegetable and a member of the banana family. Unlike bananas, however - a fruit that can be eaten once they ripen - plantains are cooked before serving as they are unsuitable raw. Plantains are used for different dishes according to their degree of maturity. Cooked one way or another, they are served almost daily as a popular side dish with Jamaican cuisine. Fried sweet plantain is a popular side served with most vegetarian dishes across the Caribbean.

Although plantains look a lot like green bananas and are a close relative, the two are very different. Plantains are lon-

ger than bananas and have a thicker skin.

Plantains are starchy, not sweet. Plantains are green when the outer peel is green and very firm; mature when the peel is completely yellow and the flesh is soft and less white.

As we head into cold winter temperatures, there’s always room for a warming, tasty soup to get cozy with.

Green Plantain Vegetable Soup is unique.

It has a tangy, warm ginger taste that you will love. This soup is made with simple, whole ingredients such as caramelized onion, garlic, ginger and lime in a delicious vegetable broth.

You’ll need • 2 green plantains, peeled and sliced • 5 - 6 cups vegetable broth • 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 medium-sized onion, chopped • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated • 2 garlic cloves • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

• •

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon each sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions 1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes, or until onion is soft and golden.

2. In the meanwhile, prepare a medium bowl with 3 cups cold water. Add the lemon juice. Peel the plantains. Cut them in half lengthwise. Use a knife to shave off the small seeds in the center of the plantains. Roughly slice the plantains and place the pieces in the cold water and lemon juice mixture.

3. Once the onion is cooked, add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring. Stir in the stock, ginger, and bring to a boil. Add the plantains and lime juice.

Cook on low to medium heat for 35 – 40 minutes until the plantains are tender. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Place the contents of the saucepan in a

blender. Blend until smooth.

Food category: vegan, vegetarian Prep and cook time: 1 hour Difficulty: super easy!

Servings: 4 Tips: This soup is thick. Add additional vegetable broth to the blender to achieve your desired consistency.

Try another variation to this recipe. Replace the green plantains with pumpkin and sweet potato. Add a tablespoon of coconut milk, 1/2 chili pepper, and you’ve got yourself another tasty, heart-warming soup.

Save bits of caramelized onion to enjoy as a topping on your soup.

Preparing Foods for Soup It doesn’t matter much how you cut vegetables if you plan to puree them to thicken the soup. However, uniform cutting will allow the foods to cook evenly. Cut vegetables about the same size so they’ll finish cooking at the same time.

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beauty

Five Winter Beauty Must Haves Kizzy Courtney

kizzy@carib101.com

Beauty Tips

Winter is one of the toughest seasons when it comes to beauty. Cold, dry winter air can easily rob moisture from your skin, causing all kinds of problems. This is especially true of the skin on your face, lips, and hands, which are most frequently exposed to the elements.

Rough chapped skin becomes more common in these areas and can show visible cracks and wrinkles more easily. Do you adapt your beauty routine to the seasons? If not, you may want to consider a few new products to keep you looking great all winter.

Deep Conditioner: Add dry winter air into the mix, and it’s a recipe for split ends, dehy-

dration, and frizz. Fortunately, a good deep conditioner keeps your hair hydrated and protected year-round. Especially if you’re a naturally curly girl. I swear by coconut oil as a deep conditioner. You can buy it at your local health food store, rub some between your palms, and apply to your hair overnight.

You’ll wake up to fabulously shiny and soft hair!

Body Lotion: One of the worst things about winter is how dry your skin gets. Even those of us who never have dry skin can often get it in the winter. That’s why body lotion is a must-have to keep your skin smooth and soft. Which body lotions are the best? I love Korres body butter in basil lemon, but all their scents are to die for! Any of their body butters would make a great winter body lotion. Korres can be found at Shopper’s Drug Mart.

Lip Balm: Probably the most important item on this list for me! Nothing is worse than chapped lips - they look bad, and they hurt.

Worst of all they look terrible under your favorite lipsticks. Lip balm is your chapped

PAGE 29

lips best friend!

Water: Drinking tons of water is one of the best things you can do for your body yearround, but it’s so easy to get dehydrated in winter that it’s even more important. You don’t have to drink eight glasses a day, but keeping a bottle of water near you throughout the and refilling is the best way to keep hydrated. You’ll see the benefits right away - clearer skin, less dry skin, and even more energy throughout the day.

come in all types. Here are the basics of the three types of units you can choose from.

Humidifiers: These little machines are a great way to help prevent all those damaging effects caused by winters wrath, and ensure you maintain a glowing, vibrant look throughout the colder months. Having a good humidifier in place can literally help you feel more comfortable in your skin; using a humidifier can help your sinuses, soothe itchy skin, and lessen sore throats.

It will also improve the appearance of your skin and help counteract signs of aging. For those of us who don’t have the luxury of simply relocating to the tropics, try combatting old man winter’s lack of moisture with a humidifier. Just like our skin, humidifiers

•

•

•

Warm Mist: Warm mist humidifiers add moisture to the air with steam. They do not require filter replacements, making them a great low-maintenance option.

Cool Mist: Cool mist humidifiers disperse a comfortable stream of roomtemperature mist throughout a larger space.

Ultrasonic: Ultrasonic humidifiers are available in both cool and warm mist options. They are also the quietest type, making them ideal for light sleepers.

With colder temperatures, dry air, and so much time spent indoors, your skin, hair, and nails are faced with a new set of circumstances. Adding these products to your daily winter beauty routine will keep you glowing all winter long. I hope this helps you decide how best to combat the winter temperatures because ain’t nobody got time for dry or dull skin!

DINNER - SHOW - DANCE

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health

Cancer Survivors Are Turning to a Raw, Organic Vegan Lifestyle to Live Cancer-Free

Using statistical software about eight years ago, the CDC estimated the number of people in the United States that were living with cancer. The CDC calls people living with cancer “cancer survivors” rather than “cancer victims,” and for the 30 years leading up to 2001, the number of cancer survivors in the US increased nearly seven million, but how? We, as Americans, are consuming MORE toxic food, more toxic water and putting more dangerous chemicals on our skin.

Let’s take a look.

As of 2007, more than 64 percent of people were still alive five years after their diagnosis of cancer, however, six out of 10 of those survivors were senior citizens. This is where it gets tricky. Because the US population is aging, the statistics are misleading if viewed in the wrong light, and that’s exactly how the CDC wants you to view the numbers. It’s a trick to get you believing in chemotherapy as a viable option for hope of cancer survival. In fact, the number of cancer survivors in the US increased from three million in 1971 to a whopping 10 million in 2001. Breast cancer for females lead the “charge” followed closely by prostate and colorectal cancers for the most commonly diagnosed. In case you didn’t know, genetically modified foods hit the fields without safety testing as early as the mid-1980s. Is this just a coincidence with the 300 percent increase of cancer cases?

Chemo kills everything BUT the cancer?

If you are over 65 years old, then you’ve probably experienced multiple surgeries to remove organs, tissue, limbs and even parts of your brain. Chemotherapy and radiation could be keeping you alive, but in what condition? What quality of life do people have who are suffering but “surviving” long term cancer attacks? And if you do survive for five years from your first cancer diagnosis, the CDC publishes you as a statistic, so other people will be encouraged to take toxic chemotherapy, that averages helping only 2.3 percent of people to actually survive. And therein lies the rub.

Invasive surgery, risky chemotherapy and cell damaging radiation all drastically lower immunity, which is how you’re supposed to fight cancer. Allopathic approaches to fighting cancer are oxymoronic! MDs and oncologists seek to make your body more acidic with chemical pharmaceuticals and then put you under the knife, which in itself can easily spread cancer to other parts of the body. The CDC writes the script, and some quack doctor of the “cancer-fightingindustry” reads it to you after your “test results” come back from the lab. They offer you ways to survive for five years, instead of ways to terminate your cancer.

Back in 2004, a groundbreaking 14year study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology called “The Contribution of Cytotoxic Chemotherapy to 5-year Sur-

vival in Adult Malignancies.” Of the 150,000 people with cancer that were studied, only three thousand survived based on help from chemotherapy. A measly 2.3 percent success rate for chemo. Did you know one of the major side effects of chemotherapy is cancer? What are the statistics for people who die from chemotherapy? Yet still, the CDC refers to chemotherapy as a “contribution” to cancer survival. Chemotherapy was only 1.8 percent effective on colon cancer and 5.4 percent effective on rectal cancer. Plus, the 2.3 percent of people that do make the CDC cancer survival statistic can still have cancer, as far as we know, because the CDC stops tracking at that point. Did they all “terminate” shortly after the publication of the findings?

Terminate cancer with raw, organic food Let’s look at the bright side now - the raw, organic, life-loving side. One super-powerful approach to beating cancer is choosing a raw vegan diet that alkalizes the body and fills it with nutrients so it can heal itself. Start juicing raw organic vegetables. Fast for 24 hours once a month and cleanse the blood. Make giant organic salads and green smoothies often. Exercise and get plenty of sunshine and fresh air. Don’t eat anything GMO, ever.

Live healthy and be a true survivor, not some lousy statistic.

- Natural News

Science Reveals Sugar is as Addictive as Major Illegal Drugs

What if you discovered that a food you were consuming had the same effects on your body as a highly illegal drug and could lead to addiction, cravings, bingeing, chronic degeneration, and even death? In depth studies show that consuming sugar has the same effects on the body as taking heroin and cocaine.

Heroin is a white crystalline substance derived from morphine. Sugar, is a white crystalline substance most often refined from genetically modified sugar cane.

Both are highly addictive, brain altering, and quickly alter and bind to u-opioid and beta endorphin receptors which produce the infamous “euphoric” effect. An overdose or continued consumption of heroine could be fatal. Likewise, continuous consumption of sugar contributes to the leading causes of American deaths including heart disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes, and inflammatory

disorders.

Sugar addiction is a real phenomenon affecting an increasing number of Americans. In an interview with CBS News 60 Minutes Dr. Robert Lewis (a Californiabased endocrinologist) stated what numerous studies confirm “sugar is as addictive as cocaine.”

Sugar produces the same “high,” dependence, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms as illegal drugs What causes the high for a heroin addict is the molecules in heroin that find their fit in the beta-endorphin receptors. Sugar produces a similar high by causing the body to produce more beta endorphins. This neurotransmitter gets rid of feelings of hopelessness, depression, isolation, and low self-esteem until the effect wears off and the “low” returns causing another craving for sugar.

Several studies along with the Neuroscience Behavioral Review confirm that consumption of sugar also leads to neurochemical changes of dopamine in the brain that mimic those produced by drugs like heroin and cocaine. These dopamine surges cause behavioral changes, bingeing, sugar dependence, decreased activity of the receptors that lead to satiety, withdrawal symptoms, and over time cause low dopamine.

And so continues the cycle of craving sugar, consuming sugar, and using sugar to fill the “feel-good” void.

Although the sugar industry would like to deny it, refined sugar is a chemical and it’s packed into processed foods to hook consumers. Getting the sugar out of your life, like any addiction, may be easier said than done. If illegal drugs - Natural News

PAGE 31

yoga

PAGE 32

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Our Yoga Schedule for 2018 Trisha Curling

trishacurling@carib101.com

Yoga No matter how we feel about resolutions, I think there are many of us who spend time reflecting on the year that has passed and what we are hoping to accomplish in the year ahead. We don’t have to stick to one resolution, we can set many small goals, or better yet a schedule for ourselves that is laid out over time in order for us to not only accomplish what we wish but to do things that will help us to enjoy the process with a little bit more clarity and focus. In the yoga context, consider how we can renew our practice. Keep in mind, renewing our yoga practice is not only about poses (asana), it is about how we nourish our whole selves. I have laid out a schedule that

we may follow for 2018. I include myself in this because as a yogi, our journeys are constant and ever evolving. We are all teachers and students simultaneously.

January - Spend a mindless day with a good friend or with your family (Laugh a lot!)

Find something silly to do. These are the moments that stand out in life. They are the things that nourish our spirits and release endorphins into the brain allowing us to feel the euphoria of being in the moment.

February - Read a book Reading a good book leaves such an incredible imprint on the brain. The inspiration poetry delivers, the beauty in the way that words are collected and assembled in fiction. Reading nourishes the mind.

March - Reflect on challenges in recent practices Do a scan of your physical practice. Question where you found some limitation/challenge.

Take those areas as opportunities to grow and to find poses that will help you to move through those challenges.

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April - Practice your favorite poses This brings immediate gratification and happiness.

May - Try a new pose Trying and practicing a new pose can lead to the exploration of a multitude of other poses, helping to deepen our practice.

not to plan out your day and just see where it takes you. If it takes you nowhere, be content with that. So many other days are scheduled by the minute.

October - Practice silence It’s amazing how simply staying quiet for an extended period of time can bring peace of mind.

June - Eat ice cream It doesn’t have to be ice cream but indulge in your favorite treat occasionally.

November – Meditate Sit with your breath and find out more about who you are.

July - Take a yoga class with a different teacher Getting new cues from a different teacher might change the simplest pose for us and make it an even better feeling within our bodies.

December - Play hooky Don’t tell your boss I said so, but taking a “balance day” can increase productivity in other areas of responsibility in your life. This will provide more confidence and will also spill over into other areas.

August - Lift weights Reap all the benefits that it has to offer. Lifting weights helps to build (among other things) strength, healthy bone density, and strong connective tissue.

September - Spend a day doing absolutely nothing Turn on Netflix, take a nap, go with the flow. Try

Yoga is the connection between body, mind, and spirit. When we look at ways of renewing our practice, we must do things that renew us on all of these levels. We all do these things in different ways, so finding your way through this in a way that makes it your own will indeed help to renew love, life, passion…..yoga.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

life

PAGE 35

Dealing With Family Law Issues Outside The Courts Valerie Dye

valerie@carib101.com

Legal Matters Family law in Ontario is regulated by the Family Law Act and the Divorce Act. These Acts set out the laws relating to child and spousal support as well as equalization and division of property. Unless parties have made an agreement or domestic contract they are bound by the provisions of the legislations. This often leads to results that parties have not bargained for when they entered into a marriage or common-law re-

lationship. For instance, a party who owns a home prior to marriage which subsequently becomes the matrimonial home may be very unhappy to discover that if the marriage is terminated the property has to be shared with his or her spouse. Some persons may also not wish to divide their pension benefits with a spouse if they decide to divorce.

Recognizing that parties may wish to make alternative arrangements for support, property division and other issues outside of the provision of family law legislation, sections 52 to 54 of the Family Law Act allows parties to enter into an agreement to outline their respective rights and obligations in the event of divorce or separation.

While sections 52 and 53 refer to the making of contracts for persons entering into or already in a marriage or common-law relationship, section 54 of the Act refers to a separation agreement which is made by parties who are ending their relationship and

wish to outline their own rights and obligations upon separation.

By entering into such domestic contracts parties are able to regulate their domestic affairs outside of the legislative framework. It is important to note, however, that despite the recognition of the freedom to contract and the ability to determine one’s own rights within a relationship or at the end of a relationship, there are instances when such contracts will be set aside by the courts. One instance in which this happens is where parties fail to make financial disclosure so that the other party is aware of all their assets, liabilities and income. Section 56(4) of the Family Law Act makes it clear that the court will set aside a domestic contract either entirely or in part, where either party fails to make such financial disclosure.

The court may also set aside a domestic contract where it is found that one or both parties did not understand the con-

Don’t Bungle Your Kids

Kathy McDonald kathy@carib101.com

Education It’s three o’clock. This article is late and I am totally revamping the entire message.

You see, as is the tradition in my family we went to the largest retail mall in Brampton to get our Santa Family photo. This is something that my husband and I have been doing since the birth of our first child, some nineteen years ago. Today’s experience was different though. As I sat at our meeting point waiting for the various family members to congregate, I witnessed something that shook me to the core. A young wellgroomed young black male was discreetly rummaging through the garbage. I watched him eat a minuscule piece of meat from a discarded chicken meal.

So many things went through my mind. Is Brampton, the “capital” of the hidden homeless and youth in poverty? I found myself wondering, how the heck such a well-groomed, well dressed young man ended up rifling through the garbage for food. I wanted to know more but I didn’t have the guts to ask. I went and bought a

chicken meal for him and offered it to him.

He thanked me, took it and immediately sat down to eat. I wondered about his mental health. I mused about his family and where and what they were doing at that very moment he was stripping the minute morsel of meat off the chicken leg. I speculated what levels of society, government and family failed this individual. I questioned the role the educational system played in this young man’s life. I then reaffirmed my commitment to making sure that all forms of discrimination, systemic biases, and racism are completely eradicated from the PDSB and all educational systems.

I must confess that I actually bought a lotto ticket with the hope of winning enough money to return to the mall hoping to find that young man so I could provide any resource needed to help him through this difficult period of his life. Quite frequently throughout the day, I found myself thinking about this young man, who could easily be my elder son’s age. He is supposed to be having the time of his life learning and laying the foundation for a productive life. While I have no idea what circumstances led him to the garbage can I do know that his story does not have to end there.

I would like to implore parents to pay attention to their children’s mental health and well-being. I would beseech all parents to get involved with all aspects of your child’s life, from the spiritual, men-

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tal, physical and educational. Each facet is equally important for the development of the whole child. We are living in an everchanging, fast pace world that can be very stressful for many. As parents, we need to invest and nurture our most precious commodity, our children. As Jacqueline Kennedy said, “If you bungle your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much”.

Reflecting on 2017 and the Christmas season I can’t help but be hopeful of things to come. With all my optimism comes a sense of duty. It is very important to me to keep hammering home with these articles the importance of parent involvement and parent engagement. These two undertakings are essential and critical to the wellbeing of all children. So please indulge me if sometimes they appear repetitive. Parents, you are essential players in your children’s accomplishments. Parents, guardians and community members, it’s important that you participate, speak up and hold school boards and the Ministry of Education accountable for the educational outcomes of your children.

You cannot be passive and simply leave the educational system to determine the pathways and endeavors that your children participate in. Partner with the school and work together to achieve the best possible educational experience for your child.

Most teachers are caring, diligent and are fully invested in your child. However, don’t

sequences or significance of entering into the contract. To safeguard against this, it is important for parties to obtain independent legal advice and to ensure that a lawyer provides a certificate of independent legal advice.

It is also important to note that in interpreting domestic contracts courts consider the best interest of the child. Where, for instance, provisions in the contract relating to child support, custody or education are unreasonable and not in the best interest of the child the court may set aside these provisions.

Finally, section 19 of the Family Law Act provides that both spouses are entitled to possession of a matrimonial home.

Any provision in a marriage contract that takes away this right to possession will not be enforceable.

gamble with your child’s future. The time invested in their educational, mental health and physical wellbeing will be the best investment you could ever make.

2017 saw many strides being made in the educational sector both at the ministerial and board level. The Ministry of Education is proposing making the collection of disaggregated data mandatory for all boards, they are looking at anti-black racism as well as the effects of streaming on radicalized communities. Great work is being done for special education students as well as students in poverty. A lot of these issues cannot be tackled in isolation and there is a greater willingness for all the various branches of government to work together. But a word of caution to parents. Don’t be complacent and think all is hunky-dory. Get involved. If it’s one thing that was reaffirmed to me this past week, it’s usually the loudest voices that get heard and tended to.

As a community, let’s work together to minimize the need for people to be rifling through the garbage for food. I know that the aforementioned scenario does not necessarily reflect on the educational system. However, I think that a sound educational system can all but eliminate such negative experiences. Parents, guardians and community members please journey with me in the upcoming year to make our children have the best educational experience of their academic career. Walk Good, Belle Marché

PAGE 36

community

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Thoughts to End your Year; Change Begins When You Want It To! Simone Smith

simone@carib101.com

A Better Tomorrow Toronto, I swear this year went by so quickly. For many of us, we are still struggling with some of our issues; for others, we have confronted and figured out what we need to do in order to live more productive lives. I want to end this year by letting you know that the battle is not yours alone, but that of the entire community. If one member of our community suffers, we all feel that suffering, even if it is vicariously, or subconsciously.

This final edition of A Better Tomorrow will allow you to reflect on your year and think about the FANTASTIC things you are going to do for yourself next year.

“True friends will help us to remain on our life path. False friends will cause us to stray from our life path.” (A Thousand Paths to a Peaceful Life, David Baird)

The greatest piece of advice I can give anyone I come in contact with is to watch the company you keep. Negative peo-

ple, negative energy can drain you and leave you confused, jaded, and bitter. People are who they are, and if you have people in your life who are draining you, cut them loose.

It does not mean you hate them, it does not mean you ignore them when you see them.

What it does mean is that you create enough distance between you and them that their negativity does not rub off on you. You still respect them for the part they played in your life, but let them go. It will hurt, but it will be beneficial for you in the future.

“When the opportunity comes, be prepared so that you can see it instantly and use it correctly.” (A Thousand Paths to a Peaceful Life, David Baird)

Sometimes we miss out on opportunities because we cloud ourselves with negative thoughts and negative people. In order to see these opportunities, we have to let go of what we are hung up on. That person who lends you advice; that stranger who offers you a word of wisdom; constructive criticism from an elder, all of these are opportunities to advance past your level of thinking. Our opportunities are out there and we miss them because we are stubborn; Get over yourself and open yourself up to what the universe has prepared for you. Quiet those voices in your head; slowly give in to what you want and watch the doors open up.

“In my acts with others, have I been worthy of their trust?” (A Thousand Paths to a Peaceful Life, David Baird)

This is that time when I tell you that you have to take a real deep look at yourself. We complain about other people and never take in the theory of projection. The theory of projection tells us that when you see something in someone else, it also exists in you. That goes for negative characteristics and positive characteristics. If you don’t see people as being trustworthy, there might be things about yourself that are not very trustworthy. It is time to look within to fix without. WE have to start taking responsibility for our actions; this is difficult because we don’t like looking at the negative aspects of self. It is only when we recognize who we are and how we impact the world that we can really make a change.

“Be in Harmony with your promises and you will be able to fulfill them. (A Thousand Path to a Peaceful Life, David Baird)

When we make promises to others and are unable to fulfill them, not only does this look bad on you, it looks bad on your business and the other people who associate with you. When you are in harmony with your promises, it means that you are able to come through with the promises you make to others. This means you don’t over commit yourself or do what you are not competent to do.

Have a great end of the year and rest assured, I will be here next year!

Going Out With A Bang!

Colleen Lindberg

colleen@carib101.com

Personal Development While it’s the end of 2017, we have made it another year. You know this year for a lot of us has been a challenging year. We’ve gone through a lot of struggles and challenges in our personal lives, in our jobs, careers, and potentially our businesses. And it’s that time of year now that we get to sit back and reflect. I always encourage my clients to take inventory at the end of the year, of the year.

Of all the triumphs and all the wins, of all the challenges and all of the lessons learned, and to really reflect back on what we’re grateful

for this year, what we want to continue to incorporate it into our year to come and what doors are we ready to close from 2017 and to not bring those forward into the new year.

I love this time of year, not just because of the holidays and Christmas, but because we get to have a clean slate. It’s a new year, we get to set new goals, we get to look at life differently coming into this new year.

So, I ask you today, “What is it that you’re looking to change coming into your new year?” “What are the goals that you’re going to set for yourself to strive in?” How about this year you go outside of your comfort zone to experience things that you never thought about experiencing or you’ve been too scared to experience before. You know, I really believe in pushing past our comfort zones to create new experiences in our life.

So how are you incorporating that into your year coming into 2018?

When you sit down with yourself to look at your life and to analyze where you want to go and what you want to have hap-

pen this year, I encourage you as well to take a look at all the things that you’re looking to release and all of the things you’re looking to incorporate into this new year.

This clean slate is really a magical experience, so when the clock strikes 12 am on December 31st, let’s set this up to knock 2018 out of the park.

I do want to wish you a very successful year coming up in 2018 and it’s been an honor to be able to write for you and for you to be able to read this column whenever you read it and find the connection to it. I look forward to seeing what you bring about this new year and to all of the awesome things that happened to us in 2017 may we honor our experiences, enjoy the learning of it all because that’s why we’re here isn’t it? Let’s move through this next phase of our lives with everything it is that we’re looking to have.

Thank you so much, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Netflix and Chill Kezia Royer-Burkett kezia@carib101.com

Loves, Likes & Shares We are about to head into the New Year 2018, and I thought I would make a Public Service Announcement to everyone out there that is looking to begin a relationship. “Netflix and Chill” have become very popular and a big joke on social media, but people need to be aware that sitting on a couch and watching Netflix is NOT considered a date. After I had my son and was ready to date again, ready to put myself out there and get to know men, I discovered alarming changes had taken place since I had last dated. Instead of potential suitors asking me out on a dinner date, to the movies, or out for coffee or drinks, men were asking me if they could come over to my house or if I could come over to their house to “chill.” I am all for hanging out and being comfortable and chilling, but on a first date I thought to go to someone’s house was very strange.

I understand men have to take on the expenses when it comes to dating, well good men do, but that is part of being a man.

I realized very quickly the dating world hadn’t changed, but the type of men I was attracting had seemed to change. I realized that men that asked to “chill” were men that were not looking for a serious committed relationship, but a causal relationship to pass the time and they were not willing to financially or emotionally invest because commitment and longevity were not that they were searching for.

When I was in my twenties, I went on a lot of dates, and a majority of the dates I knew I was not interested in the guy, I just wanted to hang out and eat free food. So maybe my tactics in my twenties and other women like me may have contributed to the issue of men becoming overly cautious of who they take on dates.

Or maybe men feel that they are liberating themselves from the social constraints of the one being responsible for paying the bill. But I think that when two people are interested in getting to know each other to eventually enter into a committed romantic relationship, initially spending time outside of each other’s house is key. And

when I think about it, on the first couple of dates people want to put their best selves forward. So, they put extra effort into how they look, and I am not interested in dressing cute, doing my make-up and my hair to just sit on someone’s couch. I can do that at home effortlessly. The ongoing joke of what Netflix and Chill can lead to is funny because it has truthful possibilities to it. Sex normally stems from Netflix and Chill, and now you automatically start to feel connected to a person you have no idea who they are, if they are a good match for you or if they are even interested in a committed relationship. Developing a physical relationship before the emotional and mental relationship has had a chance to bloom can be detrimental.

As much as we live in a modern world, with modern values we have to remember the foundational facts about sex. Sex physically and spiritually connects two individuals, people forget about the spiritual aspects of sex and focus on the physical. But we must always keep in mind we as humans are two parts, we are flesh, and we are a spirit, so if you physically have someone in your body or if you physically enter into another person’s body through a sexual act, you have automatically connected yourself spiritually to them.

Netflix and Chill can be fun quality time spent between partners once a foundation of a relationship has been built.

The investment of time to get to know each other and figure out each other’s intentions has already been established, and now you can “chill.” Netflix and Chill also can’t be a band-aid for committed relationship date nights. Even after a committed relationship has been established, more time and effort needs to be invested in maintaining and growing the partnership. Even in long-term committed relationships, you still need to “date” your partner. So, establishing good dating techniques from the beginning will help the relationship long term.

Do you have a story about a guy who insisted on Netflix and Chill instead of taking you on a date and courting you?

Are you a man and have a different perspective on why men suggest Netflix and Chill as opposed to a traditional dinner date? If so, please e-mail me at Kezia@ carib101.com, and I will answer any questions you may have and share your stories through the column. As Always Love and Light to all my readers.

in the six

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technology

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Give Your Customers the Gift of Time

Our hyper-connected and tech-driven world has nearly removed the word “waiting” from our vocabulary — who has time for that?

Whether it’s for a package, a service request, a sales quote or even a tweet, customers expect quick interactions. More and more consumers expect companies to respond and interact with them in real time or else they’ll move on to one that can.

The last thing you want is to let the quality of your customer experience slip during the most important time of the year and risk losing your customers to your competitor. Here are a few ways you can give your customers what they really want — the gift of time:

Offer a personalized experience.

Every time a customer is texted a coupon for the Greek yogurt they eat every morning, a notification of the upcoming release of a new book in the series they’re obsessed with, or the heads up that their favourite brand of yoga gear is going to be on sale, and acts on that communication — that’s personalization. The more customers share with your businesses, the better equipped you are to piece together how and what they are going to shop for, saving them time browsing and ensuring they never miss out on a sale.

Leveraging smart tech tools like artificial in-

telligence means that every communication you send out is accurate, relevant and, of course, timely.

Deliver smarter customer service.

Nobody loves sitting on the phone waiting for a customer service agent to help solve an issue. It’s a stress for customers, but it’s also a time-consuming process for small businesses that want to keep their customers happy. Now, many small businesses are turning to bots to help answer frequently asked questions, saving both customers and small business owners precious time and funnelling them to the right representatives to reach solutions quickly. From retailers to florists, small and large companies are putting bots on the front lines, allowing small businesses to focus on other critical tasks.

Leverage customer relationship management. The experience a customer has online needs to be reflected offline, on social media and in all points of connection. By using a customer relationship management platform like Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, small business owners are now putting all digital information in one central place, simplifying their access to customer data.

- News Canada

3 Ways Small Businesses Can Use Smart Tech Tools

From shipping last-minute orders to answering online customer requests to keeping track of seasonal staffing schedules, the holiday rush brings a flurry of activities for all small businesses. This is where smart tech tools like artificial intelligence and customer relationship management can help.

In fact, more small businesses are likely to take advantage of artificial intelligence to give them a competitive edge. A recent report by Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, found that about half of all Canadian small and medium businesses consider artificial intelligence capabilities to be extremely, very, or somewhat important when evaluating new technologies for their company. However, this means that the other half don’t consider AI to be important in their technology mix.

One barrier to embracing AI is that more than a third of small and medium companies say they don’t know enough about how it can help their business. Perhaps the average small business owner may tend to think of artificial intelligence as something beyond their reach and that its impact won’t really be felt until the distant future. But AI is not about buying a robot to take over the entire operation, it’s about helping businesses work smarter and faster.

The holidays are a critical time for small businesses, which is why, if you’re a small business owner, AI should be at the top your wish list. Here is how it can help:

Get better insights. If you’re sending out marketing emails but they aren’t opened or acted upon, think about using AI to target the right audience. Insights from AI-driven tools could help you better understand what messages tend to convert into interested customers, or what kind of changes you should make to your website’s landing page.

Buy more time. If your days feel bogged down answering repetitive customer questions online, consider using AI for automated responses for basic support questions.

This saves time and lets your team to pick up the thread once questions get more complex.

Predict your sales cycles. Forecasting is always important for a small business, but during the busiest time of the year, it’s critical. Use an AI-driven CRM solution for predictive sales forecasting, which can help identify the most important leads and whether your team will meet its goals. Knowing this information can help you pivot if necessary so that you’re hitting your targets and staying on track.

- News Canada

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Wednesday, December 27, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

TAURUS

Saturn in Capricorn and Thursday’s winter solstice put the holidays and your long-inthe-works next chapter officially on the clock. The end of Mercury retrograde encourages you to take it on with all your heart.

Venus enters Capricorn on Christmas Eve and conjuncts Saturn on Christmas Day. The gift of time—given, received, or spent—is the best one of all.

Saturn, newly into Capricorn, is of great benefit to your sign. This build-it-better transit puts you to work but it rewards you, too.

Now and in the long term, Saturn helps you gain better control, achieve greater stability, and apply yourself more consistently toward necessary and desired change. Thursday onward meets expectations. Christmas Day, the pace picks up as the day wears on.

CANCER

Thursday/Friday, there’s no need to secondguess. Spontaneity and intuition pick it right.

So long as you factor in the high traffic everywhere, travel and holiday plans should go as anticipated. Thursday’s sun/Saturn and Christmas Day’s Venus/Saturn help you to do right by all, including (and most importantly) yourself. This holiday’s memorymaking can coincide with a significant ending, beginning, or anniversary.

Beyond the end of the workweek and start of the Christmas long weekend, sun/Saturn brings you to an important finish line. The evolving reality now takes more definitive shape. See it as the start of a timely personal advance. The end of Mercury retrograde on Friday and Venus/Saturn on Christmas Day also signal the start of an opportune work-itout upswing.

LEO

VIRGO

A break from the everyday work routine could be short-lived, but it’ll make the grade while it lasts. Even if the holidays keep you on a duty call, the stars set a smoothsail backdrop Thursday through Christmas Day. Sun/Saturn loans you good control and helps you get the job done well. Venus/Saturn loans you a greater appreciation for life’s small gifts.

Thursday’s sun/Saturn provides you excellent command and control. Time and effort are well spent. The end of Mercury retrograde has you on a good move-along with matters of heart and head. You’ll find yourself well over the hump regarding a recent setback or dilemma. Communication tracks improve too. Saturday through Christmas Day, the stars set up a mostly peaceful, easy feel.

July 22 - August 22

IN THE STANDS

August 22 - September 22

SCORPIO

Despite what it takes (or takes out of you), Thursday’s finish line is well timed. Friday picks up the pace again. Allow yourself extra time. Saturday/Sunday, the stars set up a smooth go. The first half of Christmas runs as expected. As the day wears on, you could feel short on patience and in the mood for a fresh infusion or more action.

If Thursday brings you to a stop or a midday jam-up, it won’t be for long. Mercury retrograde is out of the way as of Friday. There’s no need to stress about getting there or lastminute stuff; Venus/Uranus keeps you on a great roll. Friday is your best for entertaining or socializing. Saturday through Christmas, the Pisces moon makes for ease and peace.

October 23 - November 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

Thursday’s winter solstice coincides with sun/Saturn coming to terms with the best you can do for now. While you could be slowed down by the extra volume everywhere, sun/ Saturn puts time on your side in other ways.

You’ve built a substantial foundation, and it will do you justice over the long haul. Christmas morn, it’s the little things that count.

Saturn in Capricorn is an influential transit for all, but it is especially shaping for your sign. Roll up your sleeves: your new reality is already on the clock. Thursday has its tough spots, but perseverance and patience net a payoff. Allow extra time for travel and the last-minute stuff. Saturday through Christmas Day, go with the flow.

November 22 - December 21

December 21 - January 19

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Thursday, minimize the running around, take a load off, ditch the work or the extras, and let yourself off the hook as best you can.

Friday, you’ll also meet high volume everywhere, but the stars make for a smoother move-along. Saturday to Christmas morn can go surprisingly smoothly. By Christmas night, you’re done and ready for what’s next.

Thursday can be an over-the-hump, finish-itoff, or get-going day. Delays or frustrations are in the mix. Keep it real; be patient. Friday to Sunday are your best for making the most of it. Christmas can start as a duty call.

An early evening wrap-up or fresh infusion suits you well.

January 19 - February 18

PRINCESS

June 21 - July 22

LIBRA

September 22 - October 23

DECEMBER 13TH EDITION ANSWERS

April 19 - May 20

GEMINI

May 20 - June 21

Across 2) Part of eye with colour 5) Conjunctivitis 7) Lengthen with mascara 10) ____ nerve 12) One eye not properly developed 14) Can’t see at all 15) Area to scan at back of eye 16) Near-____ or far-____

PAGE 39

ARIES

March 20 - April 19

Down 1) Holds the lens in glasses 3) Covers the front of the eye 4) Part of glasses that is glass 5) Black part of eye 6) Eye doctor 7) Protective natural eye cover 8) Hair above the eye 9) Tinted eyewear 11) Clouding of the lens 13) ____ lens; glasses alternative

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real estate

PAGE 42

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Building Generations Of Wealth

Jay Brijpaul

brijpaul@carib101.com

Real Estate On a lovely summer day, my family and I drove along a scenic route in Nova Scotia.

We arranged to stay at a motel that night but unfortunately, the motel was full. The owner, Mr. Leo, lived next door and offered his basement to us. After dinner, I spent the evening with Mr. Leo, and he told me the following story.

He came from a wealthy family who owned the potato farms, the potato chip factories and a line of furniture stores. Mr.

Leo and his wife raised six children.

John, his youngest, requested a car for his sixteenth birthday. Mr. Leo arranged with the bank. The manager interviewed John and asked that he complete a credit application. The loan for the car was denied because John was not working. Mr. Leo then said to his son, “I know you wanted your own car, but you need to get a job first.

You can choose to work in any one of our businesses.”

Since the motel was next door, John decided to work there. Mr. Leo, unbeknownst to John, told the manager to give his son an entry-level job as a cleaner.

John’s first job was to clean the washrooms.

It was a real shock to him, but he wanted a car. He saved and eventually bought his first car after six months.

John realized that cleaning washrooms was unpleasant and without a good education, his chances to move up were slim. At nineteen, he enrolled in university

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and graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration at twenty-four. He found a job with an engineering firm and rented an apartment close to his work. Mr. Leo assisted in furnishing the apartment, but John agreed to pay back the loan plus interest after two years.

The pressures of life kept increasing. John’s debt load of student loans, credit cards, and car loans became heavier and he was living from paycheck to paycheck.

It was no different for the other siblings.

Christmas was when all the family members gathered at the family home. The other five siblings, their spouses, and children were there. Mr. Leo, dressed in his Santa’s outfit, addressed the family, “Two days ago, mom and I opened our own bank- Leo’s bank! let’s toast to Leo’s bank!”

Mr. Leo collected applications from a nearby bank; stroked the name of the bank off and wrote “Leo’s Bank” instead. Each family member received an ap-

plication. Mr. Leo consolidated each family member’s debts separately and arranged to pay them off. The family member, in turn, would make a monthly payment, at a slightly lower interest, back to Mr. Leo. It was a winwin situation because the children kept their heads above water and the interest they paid stayed in the family.

John, at forty-two, became a successful businessman. He was happily married with two children. At Christmas dinner that year, Mr. Leo gave the children all the interest they have paid to him over the years.

He explained that the children, through their own hardships, were now better prepared to pass on the wealth to the next generation.

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PAGE 44

finance

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Reflecting on 2017

Fazaad Bacchus

fazaad@carib101.com

Finance Specialist Another year is coming to an end. It was at the beginning of 2017 when we sat down and made up our list of things that we must accomplish during the year. How did we do?

It has been a tradition for many that by the time February has come along, many goals are forgotten. Why is this? Is it because life gets busy and making a living becomes an urgent matter that everything else goes by the wayside?

Most goal setting objectives need to have a tangible reward or else it is difficult to keep. What happens to people when they set goals and give up on them quickly, they become reluctant to set goals again, believing that that thing will be just the same.

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put away any? And what about your RRSP? Are you letting CRA take all the money in taxes? You could have or should have taken the tax break. I agree the money will not be in your hand, but it will be in your bank account. It will do well for you to have something saved when you retire. The longer you wait to save, the less interest you will earn.

Compound interest has a magical formula where your money grows on the money that grows. If you earn an average 8%, you can double your money in nine years without contributing another cent.

Imagine you are ten years to retirement and you invested where your money can double upon retirement!

Did you do a financial review of all of your assets and liabilities this year? Have you figured out which debt to pay down and which one to wait for one? Have you had an assessment of your investments done to see which are performing or which are underperforming? Should you be lowering your risk exposure and all the things that make sense?

Start thinking of the new year …reflect on this one going by and if you need to ask me for advice just drop me a line. Have a Happy and Merry Christmas.

Diabetes and Life Insurance

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However, setting goals is a foundation for success in life, if you want to achieve anything worthwhile in life, it requires passion and discipline, but if you do not make it a goal, then it’s likely not to come to fruition.

Did you spend too much in 2017? Are you more in debt that at the beginning of the year? Are your credit cards carrying more debt than one-year ago…? If you used this money for investment purposes, then it’s acceptable but not if you did for expenditure or simple consumption. Ask yourself why did I spend that much and how I can reduce my spending for the coming year.

Did you go crazy at the Black Friday sales events and bought things that you really didn’t need? These things are very easy to happen, even to the best of us. However, we must ask ourselves if these purchases are really necessary, remember “a fool and his money are soon parted” so don’t fall prey to impulsive spending. Do I need to put away some of my credit cards or just cut them up?

Sometimes that’s the best decision we can make.

Have you saved during the year?

You had the opportunity to max out your TFSA contribution limits of $5,000. Did you

Andrew Stewart

andrew@carib101.com

Family Advisor With the number of Canadians living with diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, or prediabetes poised to jump to one in three if current trends continue by 2020, families need to become more knowledgeable in the nuances of getting life insurance if you have diabetes. While there are challenges with insuring diabetics, it’s far from impossible. Insurance companies can choose not to insure you, based on your diagnosis or build in an extra premium based on your health.

Let’s Start with Facts Diabetes Our bodies’ cells are fueled by absorbing sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream. In order to do this, they need insulin. However, diabetes affects the body’s ability to either use or produce insulin. As a result, there is an excess of sugar in the bloodstream, which can damage blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, and eyes.

Type 1 Diabetes It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the beta cells of the pancreas. Very little or no insulin is released into the body. As a result, sugar builds up in

the blood instead of being used as energy.

About 5% to 10% of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood or adolescence but can develop in adulthood. Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Meal planning also helps with keeping blood sugar at the right levels.

Type 2 It occurs when the body can’t properly use the insulin that is released (called insulin insensitivity) or does not make enough insulin. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy. About 90% of people with diabetes has type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes more often develops in adults, but children can be affected. Depending on the severity of type 2 diabetes, it may be managed through physical activity and meal planning, or may also require medications and/or insulin to control blood sugar more effectively.

Some studies suggest that a middle-aged person with type 2 diabetes has as much chance of having a heart attack as someone without the disease who has already had one heart attack, while the chance of having a stroke is one and a half times higher. The key to obtaining coverage revolves around proving to the insurance company that the disease is under control and there are no serious complications. Family advisors like myself do that by showing the applicant has a doctor who they see on a regular basis, the disease is monitored and medication is being taken as prescribed. Knowing a few of the key variables insurance companies will consider when determining if you qualify, could mean the difference between insured

and uninsured.

1. If you are insulin dependent - All things being equal, an insulin-dependent diabetic will pay a higher premium than those who don’t depend on insulin.

2. The age when you were diagnosed Younger diabetics are usually underwritten more carefully than older diabetics. In fact, diabetics fifty and over with no other health issues can qualify for the same standard rates as non-diabetics.

3. Duration of diabetes - Once diabetes is under control you should work to obtain life insurance as soon as possible since it can lead to other extraneous health issues that can make it even more difficult to obtain life insurance.

4. Height and weight - Traditional insurance is normally unavailable if you’re diabetic and overweight.

In addition to requesting an attending physician’s report, the insurance company may also request a blood profile, urine test and vitals (build and BP check) too. More than 35% of Canadians with diabetes have two or more other serious chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension or elevated cholesterol. The blood test will demonstrate the degree of blood sugar control and check for cholesterol levels. The urine test is to rule out concurrent kidney disease.

If traditional insurance is closed to you, all is not lost. You can look for a simplified issue or guaranteed issue policy. Guaranteed issue plans have no medical tests and no health questions.

RCM_ToCaribb_1/2p_Nov29&Dec12.qxp_Layout 1 2017-11-27 10:14 AM Page 1

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PAGE 46

sports

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, December 27, 2017

WI Seek to End Rough Year in Winning Vein NEW ZEALAND -- A month after arriving in New Zealand, West Indies are still in search of a win on the tour. They were blanked 2-0 in the Tests and have already conceded the ODIs 2-0 with a game to go.

These performances are indicative of what has largely been a forgettable 2017 for the team.

West Indies have lost 15 out of the 21 ODIs they’ve played this year, failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy in England - a contest between the eight top ranked teams in the world - and they also lost out on a direct entry into the 2019 World Cup.

That leaves West Indies to go through the qualifying tournament in March next year, where they will compete with nine other teams for the last two available spots for the next World Cup in England.

Given the highly competitive nature of that tournament, the sooner West Indies can identify and settle into a combination that will take them into the tournament and ahead, the better.

Poor shot selection, repetitive errors and recklessness plagued West Indies in the second ODI, which they lost by 204 runs after crumbling to 121 all out in a chase of 326.

It urged their coach Stuart Law to

impel the batsmen to use better discretion.

With the kind of firepower that West Indies boast, some degree of application from the batsmen could help them challenge New Zealand for the first time on the tour.

New Zealand continue to be without the rested duo of Tim Southee and Kane Williamson, but have enough strength at the bench to make up for their absence.

This hasn’t been New Zealand’s most dominant year, with 10 wins and eight defeats, but they are still a formidable ODI side at home.

Barring a 2-3 defeat to South Africa early this year, New Zealand have not lost a home series since 2014.

New Zealand’s batting depth came to the fore in the last match when they recovered from 186 for 5 to end up with 325 in 50 overs. And each of their pacers is equipped to exploit the swing on offer, led by Trent Boult, who returned career-best figures of 7 for 34 in the second ODI.

Shannon Gabriel has been rendered ineffective in seamer- friendly conditions. He hasn’t done justice to his pace and has gone wicketless this series. Besides, he has gone for 132 runs in the 20 overs he has bowled. Coming from one of the strike bowlers in the team, that is a tad underwhelming.

West Indies need Gabriel at his best to stop a powerful New Zealand lineup and avoid a 3-0 sweep.

Law sounded optimistic about Chris Gayle’s recovery from a bout of viral infection. Should Gayle recover, Kyle Hope will sit out.

Ronsford Beaton, who was pulled up for a suspect action after the second ODI, is likely to miss out with a side strain, while Kesrick Williams has hamstring troubles. That leaves West Indies thin on the fast-bowling front and they may be forced to pick the leftarm spinner Nikita Miller - Trinidad Guardian

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