Social Status 011018 by Toronto Caribbean Newspaper

VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10TH 2018

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SOCIAL STATUS

ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN New year, new goals? As with every new year that rolls around, many of us spend time reflecting on another year gone, and the promise of the new one set before us. We resolve to make the most of this year, taking advantage of another chance to grasp missed opportunities, chase our dreams and embark on new experiences. Unfortunately for many, two weeks in we’re right back to our same old unproductive habits. It’s not difficult to resolve to start a year strong, but it’s another matter altogether to actually follow through and make that commitment to achieve those goals. What are you going to do to make this year different? This Spring, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper formally invites you

to attend the 4th annual TC Business Social on May 6th, 2018 at the Pearson Convention Center in Brampton! Now in its 4th year, the TC Business Social was created to provide business professionals with an opportunity to learn skills and techniques to help optimize their business potential! This event is an opportunity to bring together the patrons and business owners of the community to network and educate others about their individual products and services they offer, while also sharing the innovative and unique ways that they can further grow and expand their brand to bring more business their way. The TC Business Social is comprised of two events in one, providing

something for everyone and is open to the public! If you are an entrepreneur, business owner or community affiliated organization this is the place to be to make some great connections and continue your plan for success in 2018. The goal of the 2018 TC Business Social is to create a strong foundation for business owners and entrepreneurs to expand or establish on their current or projected business ventures. The Social brings together the best of the community’s most productive creative visionaries to share their best practices and introduce the latest achievements on how to keep the business model fresh and current. Continued On Page 5

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Hodan Nalayeh: Enlightening, Empowering and Inspiring Thru The Power of Digital Storytelling 2017 was a huge year for women. They decided it was time to stand up for their rights, make their voices heard, and most importantly of all love and put themselves first above all else. No stranger to speaking her mind, and sharing her beliefs is Hodan Nalayeh, a proud Somalian woman, an influential public figure, speaker and journalist who has changed Somali society with refreshing content that uplifts the spirit and shares pioneering stories. Born in Somalia, Hodan Nalayeh emigrated to Canada at six years old where she and her large family initially settled in Edmonton, Alberta. She was raised by her parents amongst four brothers and seven sisters, who bound them closely together under the values of honesty, integrity, hard work and education. After moving to Toronto, Hodan attended West Humber Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke. She always held an interest in the Media but didn’t have the confidence or resources to pursue it. “I was interested in Media, but never pursued it because as a woman, and a person of color I didn’t have the right contacts, I didn’t know how to get started and sharing your personal stories aren’t sometimes things that are very powerful because people want you to cover mainstream topics when you are a reporter.” Hodan pursued her post-secondary education at the University of Windsor, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Years later in her late 30’s she went back to school as a single parent with two children to pursue broadcast journalism at Seneca College and started learning how to create her own content, and building her own audience. Hodan says that it was a scandal involving former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and the Somali community that prompted her to seriously consider revisiting her ambition to become a media influencer. “When I saw how the Somali community was portrayed in the Rob Ford scandal I knew that there was more to our community, and I realized that we needed to share our stories in order change our image of the community not only to change how other people see them but also how they view themselves.” In March 2014 Hodan launched her own TV network called Integration TV. Its mission was to inspire and connect Somalis and share inspiring stories about Somali people who young impressionable minds could look up to as role models in the community.

Integration TV is the first English language television network connecting communities of diverse backgrounds to share stories that enhance society. They’re committed to setting a new standard for content, where those outside of and inside of our communities benefit from shared stories. “Integration TV’s goal is to guide people to do good things in this world and part of that is also doing that yourself,” Hodan explains that she took time and went back to her homeland of Somalia to rediscover her roots, and during that time developed more spirituality and decided to become a comfortable fully practicing Muslim. She began to confidently don her headscarf. “I look at religion as a personal jewelry the journey to get closer to your creator starts with you, religion comes from the heart, it doesn’t come from outside influence,” Hodan resolves. Spending time in Somalia Hodan was inspired by the bright young minds that she encountered there, and knew something needed to be done about the image of her people that was constantly being encouraged by the media. Due to the conditions and circumstances in the country, Somali people have always been portrayed as people who come from a country of violence, and war, they are painted as refugees and seeing their young people kill each other are images that society has become accustomed to. “I chose to inspire Somalis around the world with my work for the mere fact that I saw that my community was struggling around the world with their media identity and the way they were portrayed in the media,” Hodan explains. “I empowered myself and went back to school to study Broadcast Journalism and four years ago launched Integration TV which is now a worldwide platform for Somali successful stories and stories of hope and resilience, not just in Canada, but also in Africa as well.” Today Hodan has over 4.5 million views on YouTube and a TV show that airs across Canada on OMNI Television a feat she didn’t believe she could achieve. Hodan says that her proudest accomplishment is hearing from the younger generation living in Somalia when they tell her they’ve watched her on YouTube and they are inspired to take action through hearing her words. Her audience has grown to a worldwide Muslim audience, also empowering Muslim women or women who don’t think of themselves as career women to change their image of who they can be and the unlimited possibilities for who they want to be in this

world. “You have to stop caring what other people think about you in order to achieve your goals, people are always going to critique you as a creator, they are always going to have something to say whether they like it or not it doesn’t matter, it’s what you put out into the world that makes a difference,” Hodan says confidently. “I pretty much believe you can do anything you put your mind to, it just that so many women are scared to take that leap of faith, scared to do something that they aren’t used to doing,” she explains. As a single parent with two children, Hodan understands why some women feel like they can’t take the time to pave a career for themselves, and she says the key is in prioritizing what’s most important to you. “If a woman who has two children can decide to start her goals anyone can too.” Hodan proclaims. “Too many people count themselves out because of their age but they don’t realize that we’re living longer and you have so many years ahead of you so it’s never too late to push through anything you want to do in this life.” Looking toward the future Hodan hopes to become an accomplished and published author, and inspire more people around the world journey to build their confidence and self-esteem. She wants people to stop caring what other people think and wants to open more avenues in Somali like the Mogadishu Book Fair to develop and share knowledge educating young people to live outside the box. “I want them to know they don’t have to live their reality of hardship and war and believe something is possible for them, they are not a victim of circumstance.”

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean News

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Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

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TIFF Celebrates 100 Years of Black Film with Jamaican Classic ‘The Harder They Come’ Kabrena Robinson

kabrena@carib101.com

TC Reporter The 1972 Jamaican Crime Drama film ‘The Harder They Come’ written, directed and produced by Perry Henzell was screened recently as part of the TIFF Cinematheque Retrospective Black Star: Celebrating 100 Years Of Black Excellence On Screen, a collection of classic black films that ran from November through December. The film over four decades later stands refreshingly compelling and can still be regarded as a thrilling authentic ode to Jamaica. Though reflective of an earlier era in Jamaica, the film persists to reign as a creative masterpiece that gives the world a glimpse into the birth of reggae music with its riveting original soundtrack and the scenery of urban Jamaican struggle.

The film tells the story of Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin (played by renowned reggae artist Jimmy Cliff in his first screen debut), a character based upon a real-life Jamaican criminal of that name, better known as Rhygin who achieved fame in 1940’s Jamaica. In the movie, Ivan is an aspiring poor musician from the countryside of Jamaica who moves to the city in Kingston with the hopes of “making it big” by becoming a successful reggae singer. Upon arriving in the city to a sick and destitute mother unable to assist him, Ivan ends up homeless in his pursuit of a job. Ivan later finds himself tied to corrupt elements in both the city’s music industry and law enforcement; when he violently defies both, he falls into the category of both the antagonist and protagonist; becoming a flamboyant “ghetto” hero in his community and a wanted outlaw in the face of justice. The film was brilliantly orchestrated by Henzell a European-Jamaican born in St Mary, Jamaica and grew up on the Caymanas sugar estate operated by his parents and located in St. Catherine. Though an upper-class wealthy Jamaican, Henzell managed to depict the lifestyle and hardships faced by lower class Jamai-

cans living in a crime infested urban area in an authentically flawless manner. This is depicted through various characters and sceneries. From the struggling and homeless Ivan/Cliff who resorts to a life of crime to “make a living”, to the character of Jose (played by notable actor Carl Bradshaw) who leads the marijuana trade business, the main source of livelihood for the improvised people of the community. It is also referenced in the scenes of market life, the presence of Christianity and the church and the Rastafari movement a form of religion indigenous to Jamaica. The film also stands as an essential staple in Jamaica’s reggae history. Henzell’s cult classic is notable for its pristine reggae soundtrack, which helped popularize the genre internationally. Popular classics by main character Jimmy Cliff (Ivan) such as ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ and ‘The Harder They Come’ reflect the economic strive and ambition of the main character. The songs respectively starting and ending off the film rings the theme of rebellion and persistence, telling the tale of the average lower class Jamaican’s hunger for success and social mobility. Decades later after its interna-

tional success and the passing of Director Perry Henzell in 2006, the film birthed from the small island of Jamaica with an all Jamaican cast in full Jamaican dialect (Patois) shines brightly at TIFF among other notable classic blockbusters from an extensive array of black actors, actress, and filmmakers. This is no surprise given Toronto’s large Jamaican influence from its diaspora which makes up one of the largest nonEuropean ethnic groups in Canada representing almost 1% of the total Canadian population with 85% living in Ontario according to Statistics Canada. A film like ‘The Harder They Come’ not only carries a huge cultural influence because of its success but because it resonates with Jamaicans able to see elements of their lives in Jamaica depicted. A tale not far-fetched from an immigrant’s dream of moving from Jamaica to a city in Canada for a better life. The character of Ivan remains relevant and timeless, reflective of Jamaica then and now, it provides a window for the rest of the world to view Jamaica through a raw and realistic lens.

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Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS Preparations for 2018 Business Social Underway Alyssa Mahadeo

alyssa@carib101.com

TC Reporter This year’s Social Conference is set to be the best year yet taking things to the NEXT LEVEL and include motivational business speakers, panel discussions and exclusive Q&A sessions deconstructing about how to build a brand, establish a business and invest in new ventures. Speaker presentations will cover exciting and insightful topics such as setting realistic and achievable goals, the power of setting forth your intentions into the universe, business transparency, customer service, relationship building, and most importantly how to do whatever it takes to run a successful business, grow your wealth, and elevate your status and influence with potential clients in the community! The Social will offer practical and relatable business advice for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their business foundation. A VIP ticket to the Business Conference will grant you an ALL ACCESS PASS with full access to the conference area and marketplace, and front row seating with a hot lunch included! You will be able to hear from community advocates and entrepreneurs like the CEO of Carib101 Media Group Grant Browning, spiritualist, business intuitive coach for professionals, animal communicator, entrepreneur and a master in the Law Of Attraction Sheila Trecartin, one of Toronto’s top realtors Jay Brijpaul, Lifestyle Coach and storyteller Hugh Anthony, Leadership Coach Jamelle Lindo, Founder of Hear 2 Help community services Simone Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Jamaica National Jerrold Johnson, and many more great minds to be announced. With each speaker presentation, find out how to create a successful business plan, embark on a transformational

journey, evolve with the times, and tap into your unlimited potential. The conference provides you with endless opportunities to learn alongside fellow attendees and get exposed to new ideas, specifically targeted towards business owners and entrepreneurs seeking skills and knowledge to build or expand their business ventures and invest in success. “If I want to be a businessman, then I’m going to have to make a business plan,” Daniel Lewis, one of last Social’s speakers explained. “At T by Daniel we know how to tap into our star power we don’t see ourselves as little kitty cats we’ve got a lion’s attitude.” At the Social, you’ll learn how to rediscover and infuse your personality into your business venture to engage a wider audience. “What if CEO stood for Catching Every Opportunity,” Daniel suggested. Being the Chief Executive Officer doesn’t tell you how to do your job, but if you can redefine what it means you know what you walk into your business working to achieve every day, looking out for any opportunity that comes your way. When you go to the wrong networking event, networking is not working, and back by popular demand is the lively and exciting business vendor marketplace a popular stomping ground for current and potential business enthusiasts with over 80 vendors to meet and greet, attend for FREE to swap business cards with some of the best in business! Preparations for this year’s event are currently underway, vendor booths are available and general admission, as well as VIP tickets, are on sale now! Take advantage of early bird pricing while you can. There will be a number of exciting prizes and giveaways to be announced in the months leading up to the event and you can keep informed on the latest bulletins by following them across social media @ TCBSocial. In 2018 shift your focus from idea generation to idea execution. Create a balanced business plan and set up your business to create personal and financial freedom in your life. Find your breakthrough moment, relinquish your personal limits and reach the next level!

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Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

island news

First Costume Band for Carnival 2018 Launched

DOMINICA -- The first costume band for Mas Domnik 2018 was launched on Friday 5 January 2018 outside Dons and Divas. Arthlyn Nesty, one of the organisers told Vibes News following hurricane Maria, the team had reservations about participating in this year’s carnival. “[Hurricane Maria] affected everybody in the country I mean no one was left unaffected and we did not think first it would be suiting. So the idea did not come from us but it came from Amnesiacs and other Dominicans who wanted to celebrate Carnival and who urged us that we should create an avenue for them and be on the road, create

a presence for them to celebrate Carnival, at least something to look forward to,” she explained. Nesty said the band has only one goal which is to ensure its patrons have a good time, especially following the ordeal faced during hurricane Maria. “We do not base ourselves on gaining a prize or winning,” she said adding, “We do it for the patrons or customers so our focus is just to enjoy Carnival as our logo and our motto depicts, you forget everything else, you come on the road, you enjoy yourself, you leave all your troubles, your worries and Maria behind.”

She also encouraged Carnival lovers who are not yet Amnesiacs to come on board with Amnesia’s costume band for Mas Domnik 2018. “You would have heard hopefully that we are one of the best bands on the road, we cater to your every need, we ensure and we take pride in making sure our masqueraders and our Amnesiacs enjoy themselves because these are one of the few things that you could look forward to in the year,” said Nesty. - Dominica Vibes

Many Groups to Participate in Carnival 2018

DOMINICA -- Though this year’s Carnival will be scaled down, a number of groups have committed to participating in Carnival Monday and Tuesday parades. According to Festival and Events Manager of the Dominica Festivals Committee Val Cuffy at Friday’s launch of Mas Domnik 2018, many favorites will still take to the streets this year. “Thunderbirds, Carnival Corner, Amnesia, Hysteria, Old Time Sake and Afrikulture Stilt Walkers will be on the road and they will be on the road for the two days…

The traditional groups that have indicated their willingness to participate; Colihaut Bann Move´, Delices Sensay, Newtown Lapo kabwit, St. Joseph Sensay, Grand Bay Lapo kabwit, Good Hope Black Devils, Kalinago Territory Traditional Band, Grand Bay Sensay, Castle Bruce Neg Mawon and Police J’ouvert Group,” he listed. Cuffy added that a number of schools have also indicated their intention to participate in carnival and so they are in contact with the Ministry of Education in that regard.

Meanwhile he said though constraint economically, prizes will be awarded in the category of most creative group. “We’ll be giving a special trophy, plaque to the most creative for the costume band and we’ll be doing the same most creative for the traditional groups. At least you’d still be identified as the top winner but you know the economic realities does not permit us to do anything more than that at this time,” explained Cuffy. - Dominica Vibes

Popular Tourist Spot Hi-Rise Beach to Reopen by End of January; Announces Job Openings

DOMINICA -- Serge L’Homme, head of the L’Homme Business Heritage Group, confirmed that Hi-Rise Beach, a popular spot for tourists will reopen by the end of January. The place was almost destroyed by Hurricane Maria and was closed since its passage to be rebuilt. It is located at the corner of Dame Eugenia Charles Blvd & Bow Lane by the Bayfront. It was originally known as just HiRise Beach Bar but will soon carry the brand name Hi-Rise Beach Restaurant & Bar. “As the whole country rebuilds after Maria, we at Hi-Rise Beach decided to not just rebuild structurally but to also rebuild in terms of how we can try to better serve our market and to contribute more powerfully in our tourism industry this time around. We want to upgrade ourselves from

who we were before the disaster struck.” L’Homme explained. Working with an international strategic branding expert, L’Homme expounded that the rebranding process will be scientific, holistic and innovative. “Definitely, more than shallowly changing the name. We hope to go deep and far and play the game better. It’s not going to be easy and not going to be a quick fix. But we are just determined to become a better player in the industry.” L’Homme enthused. In line with this, according to L’Homme, his group has announced a new round of hiring of new employees who will become part of the retooling process and the eventual re-launch of Hi-Rise Beach. L’Homme’s group is also looking for applicants for its other spots, Ruins Rock Worlds

Heritage Café and the Caribbean Magic Spice shop. “It is also our way of offering opportunities to qualified Dominicans who are looking for jobs or have probably lost their jobs after the passage of Maria and are looking for a fresh start” L’Homme stated. Meantime, the strategic branding and creative agency Madhausx that is working with the L’Homme Business Heritage Group has this to say, “With Hi-Rise Beach, we want to do everything to make a meaningful splash, even though we may be starting out as a small fish in a big pond.” L’Homme noted that interested applicants looking for more information, may visit and like their facebook page “L’Homme Business Heritage Group”. - Dominica News

Events Like Carnival Help in Rebuilding After Maria Says Chief Cultural Officer

DOMINICA -- Chief Cultural Officer, Raymond Lawrence, is of the belief that cultural events such as Carnival will help rebuild Dominica in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Speaking at the launch of Mas Domnik 2018 last week, he said culture and arts have a role to play in the rebuilding process. “Even though Carnival may be a more simple and scaledown version of our usual carnival, I believe that it will still give us that outlet to our creative expression and cultural thrust in the rebuilding process,” he stated. Lawrence pointed out that people think of only the physical and material aspects of rebuilding, but it is more than that.

“Culture and the arts do have an important role to play in the rebuilding process,” he noted. “Sometimes we tend to think of rebuilding only as the physical and the material aspects but also there is the rebuilding of the human spirit and psyche and the rebuilding of identity and pride in one’s self and in one’s country.” He added, “In fact when we speak of resilience, its not just the houses and the bridges, which of course are extremely important to our development in Dominica, but it goes hand in hand with resolve and determination which comes from spiritual values and inner strengths to keep on going and to persevere in spite of the circumstances.” Lawrence stated that Dominica’s

culture and festivals also provide many opportunities for earning an income through the cultural industries including opportunities for artistes, musicians, performers, costume designers and seamstresses and tailors that have to be making many, many different types of costumes for Carnival. “Our cultural expressions help to provide hope and optimism and an inner strength of spirit as well as helping to build nationalism and love of country,” he remarked. He encouraged everyone to participate in Carnival this year and to keep it free from violence and decent. “We don’t have to overdo anything,” Lawrence said. - Dominica News

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

All Set For The New Governor General

BARBADOS -- Everything is set for the swearing in of the island’s seventh native Governor General, Justice of Appeal Sandra Mason, today. There was a hive of activity at the Parliament Buildings as last-minute preparations were rushed to completion yesterday.

As the skies cleared, the 144-yearold Gothic-styled Parliament Buildings got an 11th-hour spruce-up; the 153-year-old Fountain Gardens stood silent but gleaming white, and the former Trafalgar Square, now Heroes Square, was given a wash-down, all in preparation for the pomp, pageantry and

ceremony which will occasion the 4 p.m. event. Workmen were seen busily adding the final touches to the area. They were power-washing Parliament Yard, preparing garden beds and, adding new plants. - Nation News

Seawell Explosion Results in Island Wide Power Outage

BARBADOS -- Barbados was left without power for several hours today as a result of an explosion at the Barbados Light & Power Company’s substation in Seawell, Christ Church. Just after 2:30 p.m. the island wide blackout occurred, moments before the swearing in of the island’s eighth Governor General Dame Sandra Mason. However, moving swiftly, the utility company was able to restore power to sections of The City, including Government House and the Parliament buildings where the highly anticipated swearing in ceremony took place.

Managing Director of the BL&P Roger Blackman said emergency crews were working feverishly to ensure power was restored tonight, explaining that up to 7:30 p.m. electricity had been restored to about two-thirds of customers. He could not say exactly what parts of the island were still without electricity. “The outage occurred at 2:30 this afternoon and it was triggered by an explosion at one of our substations in Christ Church, the Seawell substation to be specific,” he said. “That resulted in the loss in generation and island wide outage that we ex-

perienced. We responded immediately by sending crews to the scene and the Barbados Fire Service also responded immediately,” Blackman told reporters in a teleconference call this evening. He said while there were no injuries, there was damage to one piece of the company’s equipment at the Seawell location. Blackman said given where the explosion took place, it would take some time to investigate and determine how much damage was done. - Barbados Today

Put Aside Selfishness, Dame Sandra Urges

BARBADOS -- Barbadians need to unite despite the trying circumstances, which the country is currently experiencing. This was the solemn message delivered by newly installed Governor General Dame Sandra Mason this afternoon as she took the oath of office in Senate Chambers. Speaking before a veritable who’s who of dignitaries, mainly from the political and judicial sphere, who were on hand this afternoon to witness the installation of the second female to ascend to the highest post in the land, the veteran jurist said she was concerned with trends she has noticed of late. “I am troubled that what appears to be creeping into the Barbadian culture are attitudes of selfishness and a general lack of sympathy and concern towards our neighbours. “It seems as that as long as a matter is not directly impacting on us, there is indifference to the predicament, which is being suffered. We can bear witness also in the nonchalance displayed with regard to caring for our surroundings. These attitudes must be rooted out without hesitation,” she said in her speech immediately following the

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administering of the oath of office by Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson. The swearing in, which took place around 4:15 p.m., has been a highly anticipated since Prime Minister Freundel Stuart announced Sir Elliott Belgrave’s replacement last month. It came off with the expected pomp and ceremony that has traditionally marked such momentous occasions. Wearing a baby blue dress and a yellow hat Dame Sandra was a picture of patriotism as she was ushered into the Senate Chamber by a procession led by The Sergeant Arms and Stuart. However while the focus of day was on her historic achievement, the incoming Governor General chose to instead use the spotlight to highlight the vision she had for the country. “The time has come for us to redouble our efforts to create a truly sustainable future; one that can only be achieved when we balance our economic development with environmental responsibility, our care for each other and determined cultivation of the great potential that resides in all of us. This is non-negotiable if we are to safeguard the future of our island and the well being of

our citizens,” she said. Dame Sandra, who spent much of her life in the legal fraternity, having served as the first female Court of Appeal Judge of the Supreme Court of Barbados from 2008, pledged to facilitate the process by serving in her new role as diligently as she did during her time in the judiciary. “I pledge to you this evening that I will seek to perform my duties in much the same way as I have sought to serve the judiciary of the country, the judiciary of CARICOM region and the Commonwealth, that is, with dignity, honesty, integrity and impartiality,” Dame Sandra said. Following her remarks, the Prime Minister along with Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson and the visiting Governor General of St Kitts and Nevis Sir Tapley Seaton were among the first to congratulate the new Governor General. She was then ushered into the court of Parliament where full military honours were bestowed, including a 21-gun salute and a Guard of Honour.. - Barbados Today

Latest Centenarian Give Thanks to God for Reaching 100 Years

BARBADOS -- Sir Philip Greaves performed his last official duty today as Acting Governor General and it was a most pleasant one. He journeyed to St Lucy this morning to take part in the 100th birthday celebrations for Mildred Cumberbatch, who was pleased to have the outgoing Queen’s representative in company. As Sir Philip presented her with a basket of flowers, the lively centenarian replied: “The flowers are just like how I was as a young girl.” Sir Philip also presented her with two birthday cards – one which was sent by Her Majesty the Queen and another which he presented on his own behalf. However, it was the presentation of the wine, that seemed to mostly lift Cumberbatch’s spirits until she realized that the beverage was non-acholic. Her smile re-appeared and quickly turned to laughter that could be heard from

across the room when she received a kiss on the cheek from Sir Philip, who also joined Cumberbatch and members of her extended family in singing the Happy Birthday song. Dressed in a pink skirt suit and a white hat, she readily entertained members of her extended family with her wit and charm. Cumberbatch, who was born on January 8, 1918, is still vocal, still has her sight, and is of sound mind. The former cane cutter informed that she did “some of everything except steal”. She also admitted to having a hearty appetite which she saw as necessary for one who performed hard tasks, such as cutting cane. Her daughter Belinda Lawrence, at whose Ataraxia Drive, Friendly Hall Development, St Lucy home the celebration took place, said that her mother, who had six children – five girls and one son – lives with her but previously resided in St Peter.

She also said the centenarian’s only challenge was reading fine print, which was confirmed in Cumberbatch’s response to the Governor General when asked he asked her if she was still able to read. The centenarian replied: “If you have something to read I would read it”. She also said that her longevity was due to the grace of God. “ The grace of God is what keeping me. God is so wonderful,” she said. The devoted Christian, who still attends church regularly, also suggested that God’s love could not be hidden. “You have to let it pour out,” she advised, while also urging today’s youth to live honest and upright lives. “If you are ashamed to walk around, you are not living right,” she said, adding that Barbadians in general need to “get up and help themselves”. - Barbados Today

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island news

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger was, Monday Afternoon, Feted by the Members of Her Staff

GUYANA -- First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger was, Monday afternoon, feted by the members of her staff and other well-wishers at a birthday reception hosted at State House. The Ministry of the Presidency, Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally and Commissioner (Ag.) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Mr. David Ramnarine, also sent their best wishes, through their representatives, for the First Lady as she celebrates her 69th

birth anniversary. Assistant Commissioner of Police – 2IC Administration, Ms. Maxine Graham, Superintendent and Director of Music and Culture, Ms. Charmaine Stuart and Assistant Superintendent, Ms. Dorette Gibbons, who represented the Commissioner, all joined with the members of the First Lady’s staff to help her to celebrate her birthday. - Guyana Chronicle

Banks DIH profit at $3.5B

GUYANA -- As Banks DIH prepares for its 62st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 27, 2018, the beverage giant has announced that the company’s profit after tax increased from $2.9 billion in 2016 to $3.5 billion 2017- being $636M or 21.6 percent. According to the Chairman and Managing Director, Clifford Reis in his report he stated that in the prior year the company benefitted from the one-off gain of $1.4 billion accrued as a result of the disposal of the Investment Securities held in Banks Holdings Ltd and Desnoes and Geddes (Jamaica) Ltd and the dissolution of BCL (Barbados) Ltd. The group’s net assets value per share has increased from $31.72 to $33.33 and the company has increased its dividend proposal to shareholders to $1.04 per share unit resulting in an overall cost of $884M. “The improved results were made possible as a result of the increase in sales of our malt products, aerated and liquor beverages and food products,” the Chairman noted in the 2017 annual report. He said the company also benefitted from the reduction in prices paid for several key raw and packaging materials which included sugar and pre-forms. “Prudent management of our asset base and financial resources also contributed to the overall results…while the global economy experienced some shock as a result of the recent general elections in the US there were marginal improvements resulting from the increase in commodity and oil prices,” the Chairman said. Artificial increase in foreign exchange Reis stated that the company weathered the effects of an artificial increase in foreign exchange rates which affected the acquisition

costs for raw and packaging materials, plant and machinery spares and capital equipment; in addition to foreign exchange and payment of goods and services. Adding that the recapitalisation of the company’s production, distribution and power generation facilities continued in 2017, Reis said the distribution warehouse was extended with an additional 15,900 square feet of new storage space. “A new malt intake system was installed in the brewery and the beer bottling benefitted from the installation of a crate washer and a new cleaver brook boiler. The modernisation of the Trisco Cookies, crackers and snack lines was continued with the acquisition of new packaging equipment and machinery,” he said. Citizens Bank Meanwhile, the Chairman in the 2017 annual report noted that the revenue of Citizens Bank was $3.5 billion compared to $3.2 billion, an increase of $287M or 8.8 per cent. Profit after tax was $727M. Underscoring that in creating wealth for shareholders through the creation of synergies, the implementation of finance and marketing initiatives and continued emphasis on cost reduction strategies, Reis said from a net profit of $3.8 billion, a dividend payment of $802M was made leaving $3 billion for transfer to retain earnings. He noted that the company performed well in 2017 and the uncertain global and local economic environments together with the effects of changing global weather patterns are factors which will adversely affect the company. “We continue to examine areas in which we can diversify our business portfolio,” the Chairman said. - Guyana Chronicle

77 Per Cent of Murder Cases Solved Last Year

GUYANA -- The Police have said it solved 77 percent of all murder cases last year, the highest percentage achieved by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in years. Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine told a news conference last week that there were 116 reports of murder in 2017 as against 142 in 2016. The figure represented a decrease of 18 percent, but what was more significant is of the 116 cases of murder, 88 were solved. “This percentage has been very high for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and for this country for quite a long while and we believe this ranks among the highest solved or clear-up rate anywhere in recent times,” he said. Speaking about the 11 per cent decrease in serious crimes, the acting Top Cop said that at the end of the year, the figure was around 10 per cent. He commended his ranks

for the extra work they put in during the holidays to achieve a further reduction.” He also expressed concern about the troubling spate of carjackings, with the perpetrators showing a preference for Toyota Premio and Toyota Allion brands. According to Ramnarine, the carjackings seem to have some sort of “criminal industrialised concept, with apparent collusion between several players in the criminal enterprise. “In the first two months of the last quarter of 2017, we saw an increase (in carjackings) which was worrisome. In 2015, there were 41 cases, there were 36 in 2016, and 47 (carjackings) in 2017. We note of the 47 cases, in 2017, 16 (of the stolen vehicles) were Toyota Premio, and eight were Toyota Allion,” he said. - Guyana Chronicle

Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Fly Jamaica Meets With GCAA Tuesday

GUYANA -- As Fly Jamaica Airways prepares to meet the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Tuesday over consistent cancellation of flights, the company has sought to reassure passengers that they will be able to travel by this weekend. The GCAA wrote the airline recently requesting to meet with its management Tuesday, following a number of reports of cancelled and delayed flights entering and leaving Guyana. Fly Jamaica also operates from Kingston, New York and Toronto. The company’s commercial manager, Carl Bowen confirmed that the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday. He said that no prior discussions were had, and the company will be looking to present its case fully to the authority. He also sought to reassure those passengers whose flights were cancelled indefinitely over the last few weeks that they will be able to travel soon. “Operations will definitely begin by Wednesday, but we won’t be back to our regular schedule until three to four days after… So that will take us into the weekend,” Bowen said. The airline’s planes were down for maintenance two months ago, and the company began leasing aircrafts to facilitate travel. But as Bowen explained, these leased aircrafts have brought with them “crew-related issues” which caused major setbacks for the company. A snow storm in New York was also reported to be one of the causes for the delays. On Saturday, Bowen said that he was contacted by the Operations Director of Terminal One at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport, New York, and told that no flights should enter or leave the terminal because of the inclement weather. As a result of flights not being able to leave that airport, he said that the passengers in Jamaica were not able to return to Guyana, since the flights originating from JFK would have had to stop in Jamaica for passengers there. He, however, said that by Wednesday, Fly Jamaica’s 767-300 aircraft will be back to accommodate those passengers, some of whom have been waiting to return home since last week. Despite the flights re-commencing by Wednesday, Bowen said that this would not mean a resumption of the regular flight

schedule, due to the fact that the airline would have to work with available landing slots regulated by airports. In other words, the company is not at liberty to fly as it pleases, but must wait on instructions from airports. “People are complaining about the time of the flights, but we don’t have those as yet. And I have letters from the airports telling us when we can go there, so, a lot of things are happening that we have no control of,” Bowen explained. He said that landing slots in New York have been made available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the load to be transported to and from the US “is not that big”. He reiterated, though, that “all passengers will be cleared out by this weekend,” as the airline’s aircraft and the leased aircraft will be utilised. And if luck is on the side of the company, Bowen said that all passengers currently awaiting flights could be transported as soon as Tuesday. That’s because the airline has made a request for a 777 aircraft, but the leasing company is yet to respond. Hinting at the size of that aircraft, Bowen said that should a favourable response be forthcoming, then passengers will be facilitated by Tuesday. Should this not be possible, he said that they will be transported by this weekend. In the interim, efforts are also being made to have passengers accommodated on other carriers, while those in need of compensation have been receiving same. Bowen also said that he has been in direct contact with many of the passengers, who, despite their eagerness to return home, have been understanding. “The passengers I have spoken to have been understanding; they are travelsavvy so they understand that these are issues which are not new to the aviation industry,” he said. “Most of them are eager to return home and to their jobs, but they have been understanding.” Meanwhile, US media have reported that Terminal Four arrivals at the JFK Airport has been reopened after been closed temporarily due to a broken water main which resulted in the suspension of international arrivals, including those from Caribbean Airlines. - Guyana Chronicle

Fire Guts Houston Apartments

GUYANA -- Three Barrington Apartments at Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were gutted last evening by fire shortly after 19:00hrs. According to one of the affected tenants, Roger (only name given), the fire originated at Apartment Seven, which is located on one of three apartment blocks in the compound. “My neighbours from Apartment Seven came banging on my apartment door to tell me there was a fire,” Roger said, adding that after he went downstairs and attempted to open up the apartment, “it was practically too late”. Roger said that the occupant of the apartment where the fire originated told him that it started in her bedroom. He could not say what started it. “All that she was able to tell me was that there was a fire in her bedroom. So I went in and attempted to make it up

the stairs, but the smoke was too thick, and there was really nothing I could do,” the seemingly composed man said. Realising that there was nothing he and the other tenants could do, Roger said he made efforts to contact the fire service and the owner of the apartments, after which he disconnected the electrical panel to prevent further damage. “We couldn’t do anything else; it was just too late,” he reiterated. Though the fire originated in Apartment Seven, three other apartments were also gutted, while two were not affected. The extent of the damage could not be assessed, though most of the occupants reportedly lost their belongings. Two fire tenders arrived shortly after the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was contacted, and were able to prevent the fire from further spreading. - Guyana Chronicle

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island news

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Trinidad & Tobago’s Fourth President Dies

TRINIDAD -- Former president George Maxwell Richards died last night around 7.43 at the WestShore Medical Private Hospital from a heart attack. A source close to the family said that Richards, who served as the country’s fourth president from 2003 to 2013, was not feeling well around noon following which his wife Jean and daughter Maxine took him to the hospital in Cocorite for medical attention. There, doctors discovered that Richards, 86, had an unusual heartbeat. Doctors advised that he installed a pacemaker to regulate his heart beat. Before his passing, Richards was very responsive and in high spirits, the source said. On Maxine Richards’ Facebook page last night, she posted a picture of herself and her father stating: “Rest in peace daddy, I can’t believe you are gone.” Scores of people took to social media last night to express shock on his sudden passing and to extend condo-

TRINIDAD -- Taxi driver Joseph Bryan Bennett has been charged with the murder of his former common-law wife Arisa Vana David, less than a week after she was killed in front of her two children at her Chaguanas home. The 36-year-old accused of Chase Village, Chaguanas, is expected to appear before a Chaguanas magistrate today to answer the charges. In a statement Monday, the T&T Police Service said Bennett was charged following advice from Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Joan HonorePaul on Sunday. David’s funeral took place on Friday and an autopsy said she died from strangulation. Investigations were

lences to bereaved family. The T&T Guardian was told that Maxine was overcome with grief and in constant tears. “She can’t catch her self,” the source said. Richards was an avid mas player who loved Carnival with a passion. Several times Richards’ family had to debunk reports on social media that Richards had passed away in 2016. His’ death came hours after the Opposition threw their support behind the PNM’s presidential nominee PaulaMae Weekes as the country’s sixth and first female President. ABOUT GEORGE MAXWELL RICHARDS Professor George Maxwell Richards served as the fourth President of Trinidad and Tobago between 2003 and 2013. Richards was a Professor Emeritus in Chemical Engineering at the Department of Engineering at the University of the West Indies and was the first

President of the Republic who was not an attorney. He was born in San Fernando in 1931 and received his primary education there before winning a Government Exhibition to Queen’s Royal College in Port of Spain. From May 1950 to September 1951 he was a staff trainee (exploration, production and refining) at United British Oilfields of Trinidad Ltd. From 1957 to 1965, Richards held a number of managerial posts at Shell Trinidad Ltd, and then joined the University of the West Indies as a senior lecturer in chemical engineering. In October 1970, he was appointed Professor of chemical engineering. He also held the post of Deputy Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor from August 1980 to May 1985. Richards became acting principal in October 1984 and held this post until May 1985, when he was appointed Principal and Pro Vice Chancellor. He held this position until November 1996.

Taxi Driver Charged With Murder of Arisa

conducted by Insp Allister Jones and Sgt Hemraj Sirju of the Homicide Bureau while Cpl Steven Forbes laid the charges Monday. Relatives said David, 25, was the mother of two girls—ages seven and two. She was said to be in an abusive relationship for the past seven years which became worse since 2016. Meanwhile, investigators have charged a man of Whiteland with the murder of Daveanand Ramsingh. Rishie Gopie, 37, of Coorsal Road, Whiteland, was also charged with murder following advice received from Honore-Paul on Sunday. Ramsingh, 53, of Mathura Avenue, Penal-Quinam Road, Penal, was

found lying on the roadway close to his home, with chop wounds to the head, following an altercation he had with another man on April 18, 2017. The victim was taken to hospital where he died. Those Investigations were led by Insp Darryl Coorie of Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region 3. Gopie was charged by PC Kevon Nelson on Sunday. They have also charged a 29-year-old mechanic with the murder of retired police officer Cpl John Ramkissoon. The Police Service said in a news release that Nankool Ramcharan, of Longdenville, also known as “Danny” was charged with the crime following

He served on the board of a number of local companies, including the Trinidad Publishing Company, TRINTOC, and the National Gas Company, and has also served on the boards of several service organizations, including the National Training Board (Chairman), the National Advisory Council and the Institute of Marine Affairs (Chairman). He was also a member of several professional societies, including the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago, the Institute of Chemical Engineers (London), the Institute of Petroleum (London); the Royal Society of Chemistry (London). He received the Chaconia Medal of the Order of the Trinity - Class1 (Gold) for Public Service. Professor Richards was married to Jean Ramjohn and is survived by his two children, Mark and Maxine. - Trinidad Guardian

instructions received from Honore-Paul last Friday. Ramkissoon, 59, of Gopaul Trace, Palmiste, Longdenville, was stabbed several times to the head during an altercation with another man while at his home on January 1, 2018. It is alleged Ramkissoon had asked a neighbour to leave his premises where they were liming. However, he was reportedly attacked. Ramkissoon died at the scene. That Investigation was led by acting Supt Lyndon Greenidge of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region 3. Ramcharan was charged by WPC Kareema Francois last Friday. - Trinidad Guardian

Massive Gosine Among Semifinalists for Chutney Soca Monarch

TRINIDAD -- Nirmal Gosine, better known as Massive Gosine, with his controversial song, is among the 34 semifinalists selected for 2018 NLCB Chutney Soca Monarch semifinal round on Saturday at the LIV Nightlife, Gulf View, La Romaine. His name was announced Monday by Southex chief executive officer George Singh, who spoke at the official launch held at the NLCB’s Box Office, Queen’s Park Oval Monday. Gosine will perform in position number 18. The grand final is scheduled for January 27 with a venue to be finalised within a couple of days. Singh said the Chutney Soca Monarch has become one of the driving forces behind the music of T&T’s Carnival celebrations. “In recent years it has become one of the most relevant events in Carnival. It has created an industry, which today affects thousands of people across the globe. “We are no longer living in the 1970’s where there was only mas, ca-

lypso and steel band music. Today mas, calypso, steel band, soca and chutney soca make our annual Carnival festival,” Singh said. He said the Chutney Soca Monarch competition has also created opportunities for dozens of artistes, adding that the show has spawned an industry that now extended across the globe. “The Chutney Soca Monarch is the most important Indo-Caribbean event in the world, and remains the only event of its kind anywhere. It is unique to Trinidad & Tobago. “It is the story of music. It is the story of our people. It is a story of how people feel, of what is happening in our society and our communities. It is our story to be told,” Singh said. The 2018 Chutney Soca Monarch is sponsored by NLCB, 103FM, Anand Low Price Group of Companies, Firepower Fireworks, Carib Brewery Ltd, T&T Entertainment Network, the Ministry of Community Development and Southex. Singh said approximately 100 ar-

tistes made submissions to be considered by a screening committee, and of these, 34 songs were selected and would now go on to compete at the semifinal stage. Omardath Maharaj and Ravi B are expected to defend their title on January 27 at the grand final. Of the 34 semifinal contestants, only eight will be selected to join the reigning champions for the grand final night.

The semifinalists are as follows: 1. KAVITA RAMKISSOON 2. DEVANAND GATTOO 3. RIZAAN ALI 4. KENNETH SUPERSAD 5. NISHA RAMSOOK 6. ROME – JEROME PRECILLA 7. SHIVA LAKHAN 8. NIRMAL SAMAROO 9. NISHARD MAYROO/NEVAL CHATELAL 10. SHIVAN RAGOONATH/ SLAMMER CUTTER 11. WACKERMAN – KERRON TYRON WILLIAMS

12. O’NEIL BHAJMAN 13. SURENDRA RAMOUTAR 14. VEEKASH SAHADEO/RAVI BABOORAM 15. KENNETH SALICK 16. RICK RAMOUTAR 17. SALEEM BEHARRY 18. NiRMAL GOSEIN 19. VISHAN MOHAMMED 20. IMRAN BEHARRY 21. KAVITA MAHARAJ 22. AVINASH SOOKRAJ 23. CRAZY – EDWIN AYOUNG 24. KUMAR SIENARINE 25. JESH RAMNANAN 26. RAMNARINE PRABHOO 27. NIGEL GOBIN 28. VEE RAM – VISHNU RAMKARAN 29. ANIL ROCK 30. ALEX B 31. VEEJAI RAMKISSOON 32. MARIO JITMAN 33. MR RAVE – LOCHAN RAGOOBIR 34. RIKKI JAI - Trinidad Guardian

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Culture Ministry Pledges Full Support for Significant Milestones

JAMAICA -- Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange says in addition to the Maroon Peace Treaty celebration on January 6, the ministry will provide maximum support to two other significant milestones this year. They are the 180th anniversary of full freedom, emanating from the 1834 Abolition Act; and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the labour riots of 1938, when the working class of Jamaica clamoured for better working conditions and wages. Grange made the announcement at the Accompong Town Maroons anniversary ceremony in St Elizabeth on January 6. She argued that the event, which marked the truce between the Accompong Town Maroons and the British in 1738, after decades of hostilities, was “the first of three major activities within the history of Jamaica, which have been responsible for the assertion of Jamaican cultural identity and image”. She added: “The second celebration that we are going to give all the support —

technical and financial — is the 180th anniversary of full freedom. “Recall that 1834 saw the enactment of the Abolition Act, and the English provided the planters, as part of their compensation, with four additional years of African enslavement called apprenticeship. As such, it was in 1838 that full freedom was established by the resolute determination of the African population to abandon the plantations. So, we must celebrate the 180th anniversary of our enslaved ancestors getting full freedom,” Grange said. She noted that the third milestone to be celebrated (the labour riots of 1938), led to the formation of Jamaica’s first trade union. The minister said that those signature celebrations should ensure that the island’s “young people will recognise the struggles of our ancestors”. Grange said the Accompong Town Maroons celebration was an appropriate start to the year, as “our forefathers fought unflinchingly for their human rights”.

“It is fitting that we start with the achievements of Captain Cudjoe and his warriors here in Accompong, where it all happened. As such, we move forward this year in the spirit of Captain Cudjoe, fiercely determined not to give in, but rather to achieve the ultimate goal of sustainable prosperity for our people,” she said. The minister pointed out that the year will end with the celebration on December 27 of the Sam Sharpe war. “That event of meticulous organisation and flaming passions led to the final decision by the English Parliament to end the horrible system of slavery in the British Empire,” she noted. “Again in the spirit of Sam Sharpe and his band of followers, we must not retreat or surrender, but engage fully in the national project of reconciliation and peace, which was the ultimate dream of our ancestors,” the minister said. - Jamaica Observer

Grooming, Nutrition Policy for Schools by New Academic Year

JAMAICA -- Education, Youth and Information Minister Senator Ruel Reid says the ministry intends to outline the proposed grooming and nutrition policy for schools this academic year. In a national broadcast on the weekend, Senator Reid said this is aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle among students. The minister pointed out that last year Jamaica did not have a persistent and consistent message regarding healthy lifestyles and good nutritional practices, which, unfortunately, permeated to the country’s schools. It is in that regard, he noted, that discussions have been held with the InterAmerican Development Bank to develop nu-

tritional guidelines for schools. This will also be done in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, with a view to rolling out the policy. Meanwhile, Senator Reid said that as part of a wider government policy, stronger emphasis will be placed on the development of Jamaica’s early-childhood education sector. “To this end, we have provided increased funding, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, to reactivate the Early Stimulation Programme for mother and child from birth to age three,” the Minister said. “Our focus is to support the birth to three-year-old group through the early stimu-

lation programme, allowing our babies to be developmentally ready for the three-plus years,” Reid added. He pointed out that nutrition, stimulation and protection from violence are critical areas that should be addressed during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. “We at the ministry see our mandate as that of helping our students to develop their intellectual capacity and social skills to advance their personal and national development. We cannot do this without the full involvement of parents and teachers,” the minister said. - Jamaica Observer

Court Backlog Could Hurt Agreements With International Partners

JAMAICA -- Chief Justice Zaila McCalla says the high volume of backlog in the Circuit Court could affect existing agreements with international partners. “… It is my understanding that if we do not reduce the backlog of cases, especially in these difficult and challenging times, this will affect other things such as some of the conditionalities of the European Union assistance among other things,” Justice McCalla told Monday’s ceremonial opening of the Hilary Term of the Circuit Court on King Street in downtown Kingston. According to figures released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, there are 928 cases to be tried, while there are 34 cases for sentencing during the Hilary Term that is set to close on March 23. Of that number, 887 are traversed cases, while 52 are new committal cases. There were 620 before the court when the Hilary Term opened last year. “We are still awaiting ‘deliverance’ and this has been conveyed to the relevant authorities. The Ministry of Justice is aware and the Ministry of Finance is also aware, and I hope that they will treat the matter as urgent,” added the chief justice as she made a case for additional court staff to help clear the backlog. At present, she said, staff members from various sections of the court are assigned to the registry but are still not sufficient to deal with members of the public to process documents. The staff members, she

added, are underpaid and overworked. Said the chief justice: “We have had to put an additional court in the parish of St Catherine and the various Circuit Courts had to be extended to deal with the vast number of cases, especially with the advent of technology.” Her reference to technology was in relation to cases involving lottery scamming and cybercrime. Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn said the Home Circuit Court handled 1,011 cases during the Michaelmas Term that ended last month. The DPP said 135 cases were disposed of during the term. Digital audio-recording and videolink equipment presented last year to Jamaica by the European Union (EU) for use in the island’s courts was expected to improve efficiency and reduce case backlog. A report from the Government’s news agency, the Jamaica Information Service, stated that, “The technology will facilitate witnesses giving evidence from remote locations, assist in protecting the identity of witnesses, and reduce the time taken for judges to note important information, which will result in speedier resolution of cases.” It was also expected to result in cost savings by reducing the movement of detainees for court hearings. The system, valued at $232 million (€1.7 million), was provided under the EUfunded Justice, Security, Accountability and

Transparency (JSAT) project system which, the Government stated, was aimed at improving the quality of life of Jamaicans by strengthening governance and oversight, with particular regard to the functioning of the security and justice systems. It was also reported that the equipment would be installed in 71 courtrooms and seven hearing rooms across the island, with installation almost completed at the Supreme Court. Jamaica is also among several regional countries benefiting from implementation of the Government of Canada-funded Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) Project, at a cost of Can$90 million. The initiative, being implemented by the Caribbean Court of Justice on behalf of the Conference of Heads of the Judiciary of the Caribbean Community, is designed to facilitate improved court administration and support services, resulting in more efficient and effective trial proceedings and disposal of cases. Project Director Dr Penny Reedie said recently that ongoing work aimed at modernising and strengthening the region’s court systems, processes and services as well as equipping judicial officers and court staff with the requisite skills and competencies necessary to deliver justice in a “fair, predictable and timely manner”.. - Jamaica Observer

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Dive Into Caribbean Coast! What does it take to run a small business? How much time, how much effort has to be committed to making something a success? When Zaheeda Yhap, owner of Caribbean Coast Restaurant and Lounge in Scarborough decided to take on the challenge of running a restaurant it wasn’t her first choice for a business endeavor, but she was ready to rise to the occasion. “I didn’t have any idea of how to run a bar or a restaurant, but I always had this entrepreneurial instinct in me to someday have a business of my own,” Zaheeda shares. Zaheeda who prefers to go by ‘Zee’ enjoyed the idea of being her own boss. She had emigrated from Guyana to New York, and then after getting married moved to Canada in 1999, and settled in Ottawa. Initially, on a path pursuing a career in social services, she worked in various positions in that sector for a little while before contemplating a change. In 2011 she moved her family to Toronto, and it wasn’t till 2015 that she was ready to dive in headfirst and tackle a business on her own. “I enjoyed dealing with food, and I loved catering,” Zee explains. “I was thinking about opening a restaurant, something small but more along the lines of serving breakfast and brunch with a light dinner, then close

up early and go home.” Prior to being re-established as Caribbean Coast, the building had formerly been home to Mystic Restaurant and Bar, or as the club scene would remember it Mystic Lounge. “When I was looking to open a restaurant it wasn’t going to be on that big of a level,” Zee explains. “I had been to Mystic a few times, they used to host parties there Friday and Saturday nights and when I heard that it was up for sale I decided to look into it.” Zee recalls some great nights out on the town at Mystic Lounge, it’s intimate and cozy atmosphere welcoming and a great place to meet up with your friends for drinks on the weekend. “When I heard that Mystic was up for sale, I went to inquire about it,” Zee says. “It was close to home and I always enjoyed the time I spent there so without giving it much thought I decided to give it a chance.” Zee took over the business in August of 2015 without having much knowledge of the restaurant industry or how to run a bar. There was a lot to learn and Zee was prepared to embark on this new adventure. “This was my first experience as the owner of a restaurant, since starting in 2015 we’ve maintained the place and welcomed the steady flow of business,” she reflects. “It’s now 2018

and we are still there.” In 2016 Zee brought on business partner Terry Panday also known as DJ Terry who had been in the restaurant and bar scene for years playing music at various lounge parties. “He was the DJ on the weekend and he was interested in becoming a partner, so he came on board as a coowner,” Zee says. Zee shares that owning a restaurant and a bar is a huge endeavor and for one person to do it alone it can become a bit too much to handle. Their late hours of operation and the nightlife on the weekends make it difficult to spend much needed time taking care of her own family. “I have four kids, and it’s a challenge to maintain that balance between the restaurant and home.” Zee reflects. “My biggest challenge managing my own business is time. I dedicate fifteen hours a day to the business, while also ensuring that I give time and attention to my kids.” Zee says that owning and operating a restaurant was no easy feat, but she jumped in and figured she would learn how to swim afterward. She has been very fortunate that things have worked in her favor and that having even the basic know-how and common sense has allowed for her to get this far. “I’m the kind of person who

enjoys taking on challenges in life, and figuring it out along the way,” Zee says with confidence. “We come from a community where people enjoy telling you everything you’re doing wrong, but you can’t listen to those people, you block them out, stay focused on your goals and achieving the plans you’ve set forth for yourself.” Zee is aware that there are many who would wait to see her fail, but she is resolute in who she is and what she believes. “In a West Indian world, being a woman is difficult, so you can only imagine the stereotyping that I get,” she acknowledges. “I don’t let it bother me or bring me down, I keep moving forward and thankfully all of the work I have put in has paid off and in 2018 my doors are still open.” At Caribbean Coast, they promise authentic Guyanese and Chinese Cuisine, just like back home. They offer flavorful dishes with the warm and friendly hospitality of the islands. During the day they are a very family friendly establishment, they welcome families to bring their children to enjoy meals in comfort. Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

entertainment

PAGE 18

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Rags and Flags? No… Cell Phones. Chutney Soca Monarch May be But, Destra Let’s ‘Em Have It! Back On. We’ll Know Today! vibes.” The International One week Chutney Soca Monprior, soca artist, arch competition will Voice- the reigning know its fate today. International Soca Yesterday, it was anMonarch King, hostnounced that the show ed his birthday event would be cancelled in Chagaramas, Trinibecause of decreased aba@carib101.com dad. A photo emerged financial sponsorship of his performance from government and Entertainment and what else was other private entities. there to see, but a sea Late last evening of mobile phones recording his every move. however, an announcement by Trinidad There has been tremendous mumbling about the feting culture shift, over the years. From and Tobago’s Finance Minister revealed photographers making it their business to get that an error was made in calculating figthe right shot of patrons who seemingly go ures, one third of which should have been to fetes only for that purpose, to the selfie given to the SouthEx Promotions entity scourge while big artistes are killing them- for the show’s hosting. The initial amount selves on stage to get patrons to move and offered was $300,000 and last evening, a leave with a lasting memory, the feting cul- $1 million dollar subvention had been estimated and put out into the public domain. ture shift is real. - EBuzzTT Event promoter, George Singh told the media last evening that he would review the

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Grenada - The Spice of the Caribbean

Grenada is a rolling, mountainous island, covered with fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers. Bordered by stunning beaches, and dotted with picturesque towns, this verdant island has long been a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa. The seductive drifts through the colourful Saturday markets and Grenada’s dense forests. In the interior of this volcanic island are cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush rainforests, and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes imaginable. The capital, St. George’s, is widely held to be the loveliest city in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes. Grenada’s physical beauty is complemented by its rich history and vibrant, living cultural heritage. Local festivals, fairs, and markets remain an integral part of life on Grenada. Its centuries-old spice plantations and rum distilleries still use traditional methods, emphasizing quality rather than quantity. Although the tourist industry has become more substantial in recent years, the island’s easy

rhythms and the friendly openness of its residents evoke an atmosphere that has long since vanished elsewhere. For many visitors, of course, the measure of any island is taken by its beaches and coral reefs, and Grenada offers plenty of both. The island is ringed with miles of picture-perfect strands, including both entrancing black and sugar-fine white sand beaches. Grand Anse Beach, a smooth expanse stretching for two miles around the curve of a gentle bay, is world famous. Grenada has plenty to offer those interested in offshore pleasure as well, with easily accessible and pristine reefs off the coast of both Grenada and its sister island, Carriacou.

Geography This small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. Grenada is by far the largest of the three, with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km). Its 133 sq. miles (440 sq. km.) are mountainous, volcanic terrain, reaching heights of over 2,750 feet atop Mount St. Catherine. This topography pro-

vides Grenada with one of the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean, including crater lakes as well as a startling variety of plant and animal life. Dwarf forests high atop Mount St. Catherine descend to the montane rainforests of middle altitudes, which give way in turn to the dry forests of the lowlands. Those forests shift to mangrove at the coast, giving way to stunning white sand beaches, brilliant blue water, and exquisite coral reefs. Grenada’s smaller sister island, Carriacou, is hilly but not mountainous. With smoother terrain, Carriacou is an ideal destination for walking. It possesses fine sand beaches and natural harbours, as well as offering excellent views out over the northern Grenadine islands. Petite Martinique, the third and by far the smallest island in the state, consists of little more than the tip of a volcanic cone poking through the water. It is only now being developed for visitors. Location The three islands of Grenada are located in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of

the Windward islands, only 100 miles north of Venezuala. To the north lie St. Vincent and the Grenadines; to the south Trinidad and Tobago. Climate Average temperatures range from 24C/75F to 30C/87F, tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. Because of Grenada’s remarkable topography, the island also experiences climate changes according to altitude. The driest season is between January and May. Even during the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day. People Grenada’s population numbers about 93,000, comprising citizens of African, East-Indian, and European descent. The largest proportion of the population, about 75%, is of African descent. - Geographia

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food

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

d e k a B d e Stuff

SWEET POTATO With Greens! Eartha Lowe

eartha@carib101.com

Green Healthy Eating Sweet potatoes, one of the oldest, most delicious vegetables known to man, have gained “superfood” status among healthy eaters and for good reasons! Not only are sweet potatoes naturally sweet - tasting almost like a dessert - they provide some surprising health benefits. Besides being a good source of dietary fiber, which helps the body maintain a healthy digestive tract and regulates digestion, studies have shown the superior ability of sweet potatoes to raise our blood levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A may help to protect against sun damage. There are also the known beauty benefits; vitamins C and E contained in sweet pota-

toes, encourage healthy, glowing skin and collagen growth. Sweet potatoes are available in many countries, including Canada, on a virtual year-round basis, and their ability to provide us with a key antioxidant like beta-carotene also makes them a standout antioxidant food. They’re worth checking out! Yams vs Potatoes vs Sweet Potatoes Let there be no confusion, the true yam is not a sweet potato. A yam is very bland, and when cooked, very dry. It is often used in meaty stews that contain plenty of liquid, wherever you’d use potatoes. Sweet potatoes belong to an entirely different food family than either yams or the common potato, and while potatoes are often lumped into one category, they can actually be quite different in terms of their taste, flavor, texture, and nutrients. Depending upon the variety, of which there are about 400, the skin and flesh of the sweet potato may be almost white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, or deep purple, although white/cream and yelloworange flesh are most common. Tips for Buying and Storing

When purchasing sweet potatoes, choose ones that are firm and that do not have any cracks, bruises or soft spots. Avoid those that are displayed in the refrigerated section of the produce department since cold temperature negatively alters their taste. Sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place, where they will keep fresh for up to ten days. Keep sweet potatoes loose (not in a plastic bag, but if desired, a brown paper bag with multiple air holes punched in it will work) and away from sources of excess heat (like in a cupboard above the stove). Brilliant baked, sweet potatoes are also good handled in many of the same ways you would treat white-fleshed common potatoes and winter squash - mashed, roasted, or fried. Stuffed Baked Sweet Potato with Greens You’ll need • 2 large sweet potatoes • 1 cup broccoli florets • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger • 2 cups tightly packed, chopped callaloo

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or Swiss chard leaves A squeeze of lime juice Sea salt, to taste (optional) Black pepper (optional) Your favorite chickpea hummus!

Directions 1. Bake the sweet potatoes for an hour, or until fork tender. 2. n a saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the minced ginger, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broccoli and sauté for 2 minutes until bright green. Add the chopped callaloo or Swiss chard and lime juice, and cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until leaves are wilted. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste (optional). 3. Pile the sweet potatoes high with the cooked greens and hummus and enjoy! Category: vegan, vegetarian Preparation and cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Servings: 2 Difficulty: easy!

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Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

The Right Foundation for Me

Kizzy Courtney

kizzy@carib101.com

Beauty Tips

Choosing the right foundation can be overwhelming and downright scary at times. The easiest way to pick the right foundation for you is to first know your skin type and second know how to match your shade. With so many brands and so many different finishes, how do you choose? How do you know which is right for you? Well, having someone match you at the drugstore is out of the question and going into Sephora or MAC can be hit or miss as well. Especially when it comes to the deeper skin tones. There are

other options to wearing foundations however i.e.; a BB cream or Beauty Balm, a tinted moisturizer or maybe even a powder. Those options are not why you are reading this. You are reading this because you want to find the right foundation for you. Do you know what type of skin you have? Do you find that throughout the day you’re constantly shiny or greasy especially in the middle of your face? Well, you my friend have oily skin or combination oily (this is when you get the oiliest in your ’T Zone’ or the middle of you face and dry or normal everywhere else). If you have this skin type, as I do, you want to look for a mattifying foundation. The best drugstore foundation and my personal favourite is the Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless foundation. This foundation keeps you matte for up to 8 hrs and it also minimizes your pores. Being a drugstore foundation the shade range is passable but the price makes up for it. If you are looking for something a little more highend I recently tested the Clinique Stay-Matte

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Oil Free foundation and it is amazing. This foundation keeps you matte for a little over 9 hrs, controls shine, lightweight, leaves a nice matte finish and is oil free. Now on the other end if you are constantly moisturizing or have dry patches on your face then you’ve guessed it, you have dry skin. When it comes to dry skin it is best to choose a foundation that promises a dewy finish, that hydrates and is water based. A few drugstore options that received good reviews are the Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth foundation and the L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow foundation. Both foundations work well on normal to dry skin. Now that you know your skin type and you’ve decided on a foundation, how do you choose your shade? Well it’s simple, choose a few shades that is closest to your skin tone and swatch each of them on your neck. Why the neck you ask? Well think about it, your face is often a lighter shade than your neck and the rest of your body. So, choosing a shade that matches your face

PAGE 29

will make it seem as though you’re wearing a mask with a clear line of demarcation being seen. Placing the swatches on your neck will allow you to see the true shade and get the perfect match. After the swatches are placed on your neck the shade that basically disappears into your skin is your shade. This may be difficult for some, because they are people that are in between shades and by simply mixing a light and a dark shade should give you your perfect match. Natural lighting is the best lighting when choosing a shade. I know it may sound silly but after you’ve placed your swatches walk outside in the natural light and look closely in a mirror. From there choose the shade that blended nicely into your skin. I hope by reading this article, you have a clearer understanding on how best to choose a foundation that best suits you and your skin type. So, next time you’re at your drugstore or Sephora, don’t feel scared or get overwhelmed girl, because you’ve got this.

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Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

health

Study Casts Doubt on the Efficacy of Mammograms

Healthcare today and the treatment we receive, is often dictated by what the insurance companies will and will not cover. In our current age of “Obamacare” or as many call it “Obama Couldn’t Care Less,” many of us are paying more for health insurance with less coverage and without being able to keep our doctors. Perhaps the American people would have been better served, if the President focused more on authorizing our doctors to make the medical decisions as to treatment and testing, instead of insurance company adjustors. One reason mammography is used today for breast cancer detection, is because that is what insurance companies will cover. Insurance companies in general, will not cover alternative diagnostics such as radiation free thermograms and MRI’s and accordingly these methods are usually not utilized. This flaw in our healthcare system has been illuminated by a recent Swiss study bringing mammograms into question.

The Swiss Medical Board (SMB) claims that their findings reveal that mammograms save only one or two lives out of 1,000 and that the detriments may outweigh the benefits. According to the SMB, “The mortality rate from breast cancer can be reduced slightly by means of the screening… (but) this desirable effect is offset by the undesirable effects. Specifically, with about 100 of 1,000 women with screening, erroneous results are produced.” The SMB maintains that mammogram usage is based on outdated clinical trials conducted from 1963 to 1991, that the benefits do not clearly outweigh the harms of unnecessary radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, false positives et al., and that women perceive the benefits of mammography to be far greater than the actual data supports. The SMB in conclusion, recommended against the implementation of any new systematic mammography screening programs

and called for a time limit on the existing system in place. When it comes to breast cancer detection, all credible diagnostic tools possible should be made available. Detection and treatment should be based on current and reliable data, so that a woman can make an informed decision based in part on a quality recommendation of a medical doctor. A woman’s choice should not be limited or mandated by non-medical personnel at an insurance company. Health insurance should not be just a numbers game to see how many “insured people” we can put up on the board. Health insurance should be about quality healthcare that actually safeguards our health and preserves our choices to that end. After all Mr. President, isn’t that what we are paying for? - Natural News

New Study Says Seven Portions of Fruits and Vegetables Daily May Reduce Risk of Dying

A new study says that vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of dying. While people have always known about the health benefits of eating such foods, what’s important here is that the amount of veggies and fruits is what may help people live longer. Specifically, the researchers involved in the University of London study said that people who eat seven portions of fresh fruit and vegetables every day might be able to slash their risk of dying by up to 42 percent. The eating habits of over 65,000 people were tracked for 12 years and compared to people who ate less than one portion of fruits and vegetables daily; those eating seven portions were shown to have a 25 percent lower risk of death from cancer and a 31 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

The findings, which were reported in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, state, “A robust inverse association exists between fruit and vegetable consumption and mortality, with benefits seen in up to 7+ portions daily.”

Seven portions of fruits and vegetables: is it too much? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a 30-year-old male who gets about 30-60 minutes of exercise daily requires 2 cups of fruit and 3.5 cups of vegetables daily, less than the findings of this new study. However, it’s important to note that requirements vary based on age, gender, exercise level and dietary requirements/preferences. Some people take issue with con-

suming excessive amounts of fruits and vegetables, indicating that it may lead to weight gain. Many individuals tend to gravitate more toward fruits than vegetables, which could be problematic. Fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis says that “fruit has almost three times the calories per serving as nonstarchy vegetables.” So it’s necessary to pay attention to the balance of these portions. However, for many mono-fruiters like Freelee, “the banana girl” who is known for her “30 bananas a day” approach, this news is likely music to their ears. Several people have enjoyed the benefits of eating large quantities of fruits in particular, including people who say they have cleared their acne by consuming a great deal of apples regularly. - Natural News

The Natural Illness Remedy: Sleep

You can take the medication and you can eat the right foods, but many people believe that the best way to get over being sick is by sleeping and being well-rested. Now, recent research published in the journal SLEEP backs this commonly held belief; the best natural remedy for a speedy recovery from an illness is to get as much sleep as possible! The Study Dr. Julie Williams, research associate on the project, said, “It’s an intuitive response to want to sleep when you get sick... but there is surprisingly little experimental evidence that supports the notion that more sleep helps us to recover. We used a fruitfly model to answer these questions.” By modeling the recovery of sick fruit flies (either sleep-deprived or allowed to sleep), the researchers found the

first evidence that sleeping can actually help induce a faster recovery by enhancing the response of the immune system. Dr. Williams explained, “increased sleep somehow helps to facilitate the immune response by increasing resistance to infection and survival after infection.”

Sleep and the Immune System Science has shown that poor sleep can lead to some disruptions in the immune system. For instance, it has been shown that poor sleep during pregnancy can result in disruptions in the immune system which have been linked to lower birth weights (among other complications). In fact, science has shown that lack of sleep can actually increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and even cardiovascular diseases all due to disrupting the im-

mune system and causing an inflammatory response! The SLEEP study brings all of these studies together by indicating not only that sleep affects the immune system but that sleeping more when sick can speed up the recovery process. Wrap-Up It seems that research now does back the notion that sleep can be the best road to recovery, as Dr. Williams noted, “The take-home message from these papers is that when you get sick, you should sleep as much as you can -- we now have the data that supports this idea.” Next time you are feeling under the weather, it might be a good idea to just stay home and get some quality, immunesystem-enhancing sleep! - Natural News

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yoga

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Drishti; The Point of Focus Trisha Curling

trishacurling@carib101.com

Yoga We are now beginning to settle into the first month of the New Year. How are you feeling about some of the intentions you have set? Are they still at the forefront of your mind? Are you taking real steps and actions each day to fulfill these intentions? Or are they already losing steam as we come out of the dreamy haze of the holiday season? Sometimes in life and in our yoga practice, we can lose steam and/or the focus of our path. During the completion of my base

yoga studies with Yoga Medicine, we learned about “Drishti” or point of focus. In our yoga practice and/or meditation, this is known as the place where we send our gaze. Due to the fact that yoga is an inward practice, our drishti is known to help us with maintaining our concentration. It is also helpful for keeping alignment in our poses. Iyengar in his book, Light on Life talks about maintaining a soft gaze even though the eyes may be fixed. This is something I continue to work on in my own practice, especially when I feel challenged in a particular pose (asana). When a pose gets intense, it can feel extremely difficult to maintain softness in the eyes. When I am aware of this, however, I can feel the difference in the way that the pose/practice feels when I do allow myself to soften. In Tiffany Cruikshank’s 200 Hr. Yoga Medicine Training Manual, she outlines some specific poses and the drishti to utilize with them. Here are some examples: Nasagrai Drishsti In Upward Facing Dog, gaze off the tip of the

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nose Urdhva Drishti In Warrior, I, take the gaze upward Hastagrai Drishti Gaze up or down at the hand in Triangle Pose Parsva Drishti Gaze over the shoulder towards the direction of the twist in twisting poses. They may seem like a small, insignificant details, but it really does help to maintain not only the focus inward but equally the maintenance of the alignment of the physicality of the asana. Drishti is more than a focus on the pose, it can also be utilized to help us to eliminate those things in the mind that prevent us from seeing our own truths. Sometimes things like selfdoubt, old habits and stories we once told ourselves can prevent us from achieving the goals we set out at any time of the year, not just at the beginning. Finding a focus that we can come back to is just as, if not more important than set-

ting the goal itself. We can set the goal, but guaranteed we will have days when we feel weak, challenged, or unmotivated. Sometimes challenges that are out of our control enter our lives that try to disrupt our path. If we have a focus to come back to it helps us to remember our reason for setting the goal in the first place. It also helps us to practice detachment (Aparigraha – one of the Yamas in the 8 limbs of yoga). By choosing the more focused thought, we can detach from the distraction or challenge. This can definitely be easier said than done. I continue to work on this all the time. It’s easy when things are going well, however, when we are experiencing a more difficult time in life, we must find our drishti even more. Like physical exercise, these are mind muscles we must practice consistently in order to find more focus and peace. In your practice, as well as in life, find your drishti and allow it to guide you into more harmonious alignment in the body and mind.

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Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

life

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Planning For The Care Of Disabled Relatives - The Henson Trust Valerie Dye

valerie@carib101.com

Legal Matters In Estate planning it is important to give special consideration to the needs of a disabled child or relative. This is so particularly if the disabled person is a recipient of disability benefits from the Government. Under the Ontario Disability Support Programme (ODSP) anyone who has assets in excess of $5,000 may not be eligible to receive disability payments. As a consequence, if a parent leaves a gift in his will which is valued more than $5,000 this will prevent the disabled person from receiving benefits under the ODSP. The

ODSP regulation provides for certain exemptions regarding what is considered an asset. For instance, an interest in a principal residence or tools of the trade may not be considered as assets. Furthermore, the ODSP allows disabled persons to benefit from assets left in a trust or cash payments from a life insurance policy. However, the value of such assets cannot exceed $100,000. As a result of the requirements of the ODSP, a disabled beneficiary who has left assets under a will must deplete those assets to a value of less than $5,000 before that person can receive disability payments under the ODSP. Although the ODSP stipulates that assets for the disabled beneficiary left in trust cannot exceed $100,000 there is one type of trust that makes it possible for a parent or relative to leave assets in excess of $100,000 for the disabled beneficiary. This instrument is called the Henson Trust and is named after the case involving the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and Henson. In that case, the Court of Appeal of Ontario ruled

that where a father (Mr. Henson) had set up a discretionary trust for his disabled daughter the money in the trust did not count as assets owned by the daughter and therefore should not prevent her from receiving disability payments. The difference between the Henson Trust and other trusts which are for the benefit of disabled persons is that the Henson Trust is completely discretionary. In other trusts, the disabled person is the beneficiary under the trust which is set up specifically for the maintenance of that disabled person and the trustee has no discretion to withhold funds from the disabled person. Under the Henson Trust, the trustee has total discretion whether or not to provide the disabled person with benefits and if so how much benefits would be provided. The disabled person cannot demand payments under the Henson Trust. As a result of the discretionary nature of the trust, it cannot be said that the disabled person ‘owns’ any assets which would disentitle him from disability support payments from the government. It is therefore important to pay atten-

Get Involved, Pay Attention

Kathy McDonald kathy@carib101.com

Education It seems preposterous that I am writing my first article for the 2018 year. As I reflect on what I think is best described as an eventful three hundred and sixty-five days, I can honestly say that I am looking forward to an even more action-packed twelve months. This is an election year both provincially and municipally. It is vital that members of the Caribbean and Black community get involved, pay attention and most importantly vote. More essentially, for the immediate future, most school boards are hosting information nights for a wide range of programs from French Immersion to the EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office) test. Many school boards across Ontario have kindergarten registration in January. So, remember to visit your children’s school board website. We are entering the season of promises. We as a community need to pay close attention to the promises made and the promises broken. We need to carefully analyze all the information that is and will be bombard-

ing the airwaves and social media. Above all this we need to be diligent in deciphering fact from fiction; fake news from the truth. We are living in incredible times and need to be conscious of the fact that invariably what we read on social media and several news outlets are simply carefully edited propaganda. Readers we need to dig deep. In my humble opinion education is one of the most important election issues that the Black and Caribbean community should pay close attention to. Accessing an education is the only true meaningful way that the community can make any real changes and progress. An education, not mere academic achievement but a decent solid education will provide the Black and Caribbean community with the necessary resources to improve the outcomes of our children and the entire community. A proper education is vital in eradicating racism. It can also alleviate a lot of the social, mental and financial problems that negatively impact our community. Politicians often argue that education does not make money and only cost the government. This, my dear readers is a shortsighted and perilous point of view. Quite simply put when you examine the following reallife scenario, the benefits and cost savings of having an education far outweighs the negatives of a high school drop out. Let’s compare a family with two sons. One finished high school and pursued post-secondary education and the other did not. The former graduated and even though there was a recession was

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able to get a low paying research assistant job and eventually was able to get a job in his field of study, rose through the ranks and is currently a senior member of his team. He has settled down with one partner has three children all who are excelling in school and seemed poised to be employed, tax-paying contributors and future leaders in the Canadian society. This individual to date has never needed to go on social assistance, never got incarcerated or cost taxpayers a penny. In fact, the reverse is true he has been contributing handsomely to the tax coffers. Now, brother number two has just about the diametrically opposite result. After being streamed to an inferior academic program, despite having above average grades, he became totally disengaged from school. He diligently populated his neighborhood. He has actually fathered eleven kids for eight young ladies. By the time he was thirty-two he was a grandfather. Brother number two engaged in precarious work. In the absence of a high school diploma, he was unable to secure stable employment. He has never contributed in any meaningful way to the financial, emotional or spiritual well-being of his offspring. He often relies on welfare as do nine of his children. They have all dropped out of school too. Between them, there are various permutations and combinations of delinquency from drug use, alcoholism, child abuse, incarcerations, teenage pregnancies and total reliance on welfare. It is evident that these children have cost taxpayers a lot of money.

tion to the wording of the trust when it is being set up. Although Henson Trusts are permissible for the discretionary maintenance of disabled persons the ODSP places a limit on the amount of assets that can be paid out of all trusts, insurance policies, gifts or any other voluntary payments. Such payments cannot exceed $6,000 per year. Henson Trusts can be created either as part of a will or it may be created as an inter vivos instrument during the life of the person transferring the assets to the trust. For instance, a parent receiving a divorce settlement may wish to transfer some of the money to a Henson Trust for the benefit of a disabled child. While Henson Trusts are an important tool for providing for disabled beneficiaries it should be remembered that it is a discretionary trust. The trustee should, therefore, be chosen very carefully and should be someone who is honest and trustworthy.

I am by no means suggesting that all students that drop out of high school are delinquents and that all educated people are upstanding taxpayers. Basically, the money it would have cost to ensure that brother number two reached his full potential is considerably less than the cost to remediate him and his family. A truly great educational system should meet the needs of all learners, embolden the vulnerable and should not operate in silos. The health, justice, social welfare and other government departments need to work closely with the ministry of education to ensure that its most vulnerable citizens, children, can learn. I am also aware that many critics will ask “What about the parent’s responsibility?” Nevertheless, teachers have a duty to care and provide an environment that encourages all students to be the best that they can be. So, when the campaign season begins in earnest and politicians are knocking at your door be sure to ask them about the most important factor that can dramatically improve the lives of young people, an education. Reminisce, scrutinize and evaluate. Engage the politicians in meaningful dialogue. However, for now, visit your children’s school board website and arm yourself with knowledge. Remember knowledge is power. So, journey with me. Walk Good, Belle Marché.

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community

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

LIVE EVERY THURSDAY FROM 1-2PM

End The Year With Wisdom, Start The Year With Wisdom How do I correct my mindset? I train my mind.

Simone Smith

simone@carib101.com

A Better Tomorrow So, we are off! We have made a few resolutions that we swear we are going to keep. I will be honest with you; if you had not already begun implementing your resolutions in 2017, you are not going to do as well as you think. Behavior is very difficult to change, especially when you have been doing them for awhile. I struggle with this all the time, and it is only recently that I have found techniques that help me break my behavioral norms and implement better practices. It starts with the mind. Your mind is your most powerful tool, yet many of us have not even bothered to read the manual. The manual would take a lifetime to read, and many of us can’t even finish a 1,000 page book. I am not judging, I am just enlightening everyone to the fact that we are not utilizing our minds to its greatest potential.

How do I do that? Well, I have learned that what you put in your mind is what comes out in our actions. So now, I am very careful of what I allow myself to take in. At times, it is a very alienating experience. I am unaware of certain things in the media that might be beneficial in knowing, but you know what, I am learning how to watch and filter as well. Sigh! It is a tedious experience, but when you go through the chaos of self, you come out on the other side with such insight. Life becomes easier. This is why many of the success stories you hear, have some sort of life trauma. It is dealing with self during that trauma that shows your resilience. It is an emotional, confusing, debilitating experience, but this is why many people don’t even bother. If you are going to take that journey through self, you have to train your mind. Let me start you off with what I started with: Positive Words and Affirmations. An infinity of excuses can always be found for non-action. (A Thousand Paths to a peaceful life, David Baird) I want you to take a moment, to be honest with yourself. How many excuses are you making for yourself at this very moment? Is there something that needs to be done and you have found every reason not

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Colleen Lindberg

colleen@carib101.com

Personal Development Well, it’s a brand new year. We’ve all survived 2017, some of us with more trauma and challenges than others but a lot of us definitely have been through growth experiences this last year. And what I encourage you today is take a look at, you know, based on your reflection that you did in 2017, “What is it that you really want to achieve in 2018? And have you set up those goals already and the strategies around those goals?” I always encourage people to do yearly goals, just to take a look at the holistic

aspect of everything. From there you should be able to break down your goals into quarters or what I also call phases of the year in which you want things to happen. Then from there create your monthly goals and then weekly goals and then even break it down into days. Yes, it’s that extreme but this is how to get it done.

So, what do you have to do every day to make sure that you achieve that goal? Let me give you an example through releasing weight. Let’s just say that the goal is to get back into your size 4 jeans that you have in your closet by the end of the year. Take a look at that and go, “OK so realistically I probably need to weigh 50 pounds less.” So, what does that mean? “That means I need to be doing different things with my nutrition, I might need to be drinking more water, I might need to be doing more workouts and getting more active.” So how do you break that down into measurables that you can actually measure? So, on a weekly basis maybe you’re checking your weight, I

to do it? I bet you that you even reading this article could be a way of avoiding an action that could be taken. It is okay because if you are, I have sparked a thought. This thought can do two things for you: make you uncomfortable and spring you into action, or make you uncomfortable, and you keep reading, dealing with the uncomfortable feeling until it goes away. Regardless of your reaction to this, I caused a spark, and this is my intention. I want you to think; I want this to make you uncomfortable because you will remember that discomfort. In time you will act, and you will see how the action is a powerful thing. The quickest way usually takes a long time to discover. (A Thousand Paths to a peaceful life, David Baird) Have you ever driven somewhere, and when you find the place, you realize that you could have taken a much quicker way to get there if you had only known. Well, this, of course, is how life works. I have had to learn some tough lessons, only to look back at it and be like, “Really! So, I could have just done this and gotten these results years ago.” It is the frustrating part of life that we hate dealing with. We hate the idea that we have wasted time. I want to encourage you that it is okay; keep your eye on what you are trying to achieve and don’t worry about the wasted time. It is already gone. Time to reset, and begin your countdown on this year, 360 something days left…….

don’t really highly encourage that actually but maybe you have a different type of measurable and go, “Ok, I worked out five days this week, I did my walks every day, I drank enough water and I didn’t eat any grains.” Maybe you have a tracking chart or a journal that you can measure this in. This will also help you track your daily actions. We all know it’s the small steps in life that take us somewhere and sometimes we don’t even realize or reference that those small steps are what’s actually making movement and taking us in certain directions. So today I encourage you to make sure that you set up the goals for the year. Do it in whatever avenue makes the most sense for you, whether it’s in your career, your financial status, your health, or in any aspect of your life that you feel you need to be setting goals in. Set them. Challenge yourself this year. Figure out a way to be doing new things, and here’s to an amazing 2018!

Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Love/Relationship Goals for 2018 Kezia Royer-Burkett kezia@carib101.com

Loves, Likes & Shares It’s 2018, and maybe you have set New Year’s resolutions and goals for yourself in areas of your life like health and fitness, career, finances, travel and perhaps even a new hobby or business. But have you set any relationship goals lately? Any New Year’s resolutions for your love life and romantic relationships? Some people may say setting goals and making a list of what you want and expect from your love life is unrealistic and silly. A lot of people have said to me” Kezia don’t ever look for a man, let a man find you.” People say when you are not looking for love that is when love finds you. There is all kind of opinions and sayings on ways women, in particular, should not go searching for love and a romantic partner. Women are supposed to be the damsel in distress and let our knight in shining armor find and rescue us from singlehood. I was raised in a very conservative traditional family, so I have some of that in me, but I am also a post-feminist, so I have a lot of new age opinions and qualities to me. But overall, I firmly believe in balance and try to live a balanced life. In my opinion, there is no one particular way to go about finding love or dealing with romantic relationships. In life we are taught to set our goals and steps to accomplish them, we are encouraged and trained to make a vision board for our career goals, urged to use planners to help us organize ourselves to be successful. But what tools and work ethics are we given to meeting and getting to know someone who may be of romantic interest? I think that men and woman should be encouraged to write their list and actively work on their self-awareness so when a potential partner comes around, they are prepared to go with the flow. Do you see the balance between 1) creating the list of qualities and attributes you think you need in a partner, 2) getting to know yourself and 3) when in a dating scenario

allowing yourself to go with the flow because you have prepared yourself for this situation? We are taught endlessly to work hard for everything in life, yet mainstream society makes love appear so magical and whimsical that we forget it is an aspect of our lives thus meaning it requires just as much hard work as your career, etc. The New Year has already started, but it’s never too late to begin new good habits. I encourage you to write your love goals down, whether you are in a relationship or single. And please remember this list is meant to reflect how you can improve not how you can change someone. All change starts from within if you are struggling with your current relationship set some goals of how you feel you can improve the situation and what your steps will be going forward. If you are single, really get to know yourself and love yourself and make a list of what you need in a relationship and look at the list often, even add or take away from it whenever necessary. Also, make a list of qualities you need to improve upon to be a better partner to someone. Do this until you think you have encountered a potential romantic partner then don’t look at the list anymore and go with the flow remembering precisely what you need from a romantic partner. Be prepared to go with the flow and remember you may not be everything on someone else’s list, just as they may not be everything on your list. This is where self-awareness is supposed to kick in and remind ourselves never to be a part of relationships that don’t add value and support your life purpose. Sometimes a relationship that starts off as ideal doesn’t always work out, that’s a part of life. Don’t let heartbreak and lousy past experiences hold you back from a loving relationship if it is what you desire. Love, Likes, and Shares in the 6ix column is meant for me (Kezia) to share my perspective on love and relationships as well as share stories and questions the readers may have. Please send me your stories relating to the topics of love and relationships, you can remain anonymous, and I will share it in the column. Also, let me know some topics you would like me to address in the column. I look forward to shamelessly sharing my perspective and experiences on love and relationships, and I look forward to reading your views and stories as well. Happy New Year and as always, Love and Light.

in the six

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technology

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Top 3 Ways Small Businesses Can Keep Staff Motivated

‘Tis the Season for Small Businesses to Get Personal

Between online purchases, buying on social channels or heading into traditional bricksand-mortar stores, there are endless options for customers to choose from, especially during th e hectic holiday season when time is of the essence. The one thing businesses all have in common is the power of a personal touch. Companies are highly familiar with how this works in the physical world. A customer walks in, you greet them by name and tell them about a new item that just came in that you know they’ll love. Even as more customers start (and end) their purchases online, they want the same kind of recognition and personalized recommendations. One of the best ways a business can deliver more personalized customer experiences is by leveraging a customer relationship management platform. CRM solutions, like Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, put customer information in a central place. This makes it easy for everyone in your business to access and share information from anywhere, including mobile phones, in real time. Using CRM helps improve customer loyalty by creating relationships that make

consumers feel appreciated, understood and wanted. By offering customers a personalized experience, retailers will not only satisfy them during the holiday rush, but keep them coming back time and time again. What you want to deliver is: The real-time experience. If someone just made an online purchase, they might not realize there are other items that would complement it. CRM helps identify those kinds of opportunities, while also helping companies get quicker answers to questions the customer may have. The mobile experience. Chances are, even customers who come into a physical location over the holidays are doing some comparison shopping on their smartphones. Be ready to offer promotions, discounts or sale alerts. The “everywhere” experience. Customers may do their research online, buy in a store and then seek support through social media. Companies need to respect their preferences and help them through every means possible. - News Canada

It’s no secret the holidays are a stressful time for everyone, from shoppers to business owners, service providers and especially customer support teams. This time of year brings on a higher volume of customer issues, which can lead to some highly emotional moments. The good news is that innovative technology tools like customer relationship management, or CRM for short, are designed to help teams collaborate and increase productivity by enabling the sharing of files and working on projects together, thereby helping every employee do more with less. In a recent survey of small and medium-sized business owners by Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, 47 per cent of companies said meeting customer expectations was among their biggest growth challenges. Of course, giving employees additional training can help, but 57 per cent of firms said costs and time investments often get in the way. In order to shine during this critical time and maximize your holiday efforts, your support team needs to provide superior customer service. Here are a few other ways CRM can help:

Increase product knowledge. Sales associates need the right technology to better serve their customers. They need access to inventory, sizing information and manufacturing details so

they can quickly answer questions and get the right products into their customers’ hands. They also need it to be easy — 96 per cent of those surveyed cited “ease of use” as the most important factor when bringing on new tools. Deliver a personal experience. Small businesses that embrace CRM tools powered by artificial intelligence, for example, can provide staff with more personalized offers for customers, making them feel known, valued and noticed. Customers are more willing than ever to trade information for relevant, personalized and tailored shopping experiences. Take them up on this and you’ll earn their loyalty. In fact, 51 per cent of small and medium businesses said AI capabilities are important to any new tools they use. Solve issues quickly. If a customer buys a pair of pants online, you should know all about that purchase if they come into the store. Right now, 59 per cent of small businesses say their business data (like marketing, sales and support) is connected, but there are obviously more who should do the same. Make shopping a seamless, easy experience regardless of where customers connect with your brand. This will save on frustration and make your sales staff heroes when it comes to solving issues quickly. - News Canada

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Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

TAURUS

With friends or on your own, New Year’s Eve is what you make of it. Noting the super full moon and the end of Uranus retrograde, the stars aren’t wasting any time getting 2018 launched and neither should you. Roll up your sleeves, put ambition to work, start building now. The year ahead can set you onto a substantial career- or wealth-building trajectory.

Play it safe New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Day, sensitivity is greatly heightened. One way or another, January 6 sets big wheels in motion. The week of January 8 is optimized for all official undertakings, major overhauls, and fresh starts. You’ll have something more substantial to work with in 2018. A steadier, success-generating, build-it-better year lies ahead.

March 20 - April 19

DECEMBER 27TH EDITION ANSWERS

Down 1) Electronic math helper 4) Work to do after class 6) Book and computer room 7) Rings to end class 10) Mid-morning break 11) Colouring tools 13) Recess game British ____

IN THE STANDS

April 19 - May 20

GEMINI

CANCER

A Gemini moon keeps you going strong New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Day, opt for no fuss/ no work. As the week finishes out, Mars/Jupiter put work, renovations, wealth, or health on a major overhaul. January 8, Venus/sun marks an auspicious time to make a substantial investment or an official commitment, to sign a contract, launch a new business, start a family, et cetera.

Whether or not New Year’s resolutions are your thing, the Cancer full moon makes you very aware that you are at a time-has-come threshold. You can’t turn back; the reality is already well under way. January 6 to 9 is optimized for getting a move on and/or taking it on. 2018 fast-tracks sweeping change. More and better is on the road ahead.

LEO

VIRGO

Stay in or go out; New Year’s Eve is what you make of it. New Year’s Day, the Cancer full moon could oblige you into more than you’d prefer, but it’s still a good top-itup day before heading back to the grind on Tuesday. The year 2018 is optimized for a professional, educational, health, and skills upgrade, as well as selfemployment, downsizing, and investing in renovation projects.

At work, playing it up, or ignoring it, New Year’s Eve delivers as expected. The Cancer moon on New Year’s Day takes the lid off emotions you’ve tried to hold back. January 6 is a full-steam-ahead, set-wheels-inmotion day. January 8, 9 are substantial for moneymaking, investing, banking, or working it out relationshipwise. Take charge; make it official.

July 22 - August 22

June 21 - July 22

August 22 - September 22

LIBRA

SCORPIO

An evening out or in fits the entertainment bill for New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Day, you may feel emotionally or physically stretched but you’ll find a knack for doing what needs to be done, to make it good on all ends. January 6, 8, and 9 are auspicious for all official launches, especially regarding home, family, real estate, selfemployment, and money matters.

One on one or on your own does it right for you New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Day brings an end or sense of finality. Travel or feeling it out requires time and patience. January 6, Mars/Jupiter can set wheels in motion in some jump-start way. 2018 is a build-itbetter, get-more-to-show-for-it year.

September 22 - October 23

October 23 - November 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

Play it up or not, you’re well-entertained on New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Day, cozy up with one you love or give yourself some well-deserved time off. Uranus hits full steam ahead as of January 2; Mars/Jupiter do the same on January 6. Regarding financial security, relationship commitment, parenting, or a professional goal, January 8, 9 are auspicious dates to make it official.

January 1, don’t go by should; go by feel instead. Although it’s important to take another’s needs or preferences into consideration, it must work for you, too. January 6, it’s full steam ahead. January 8, 9 set a momentous springboard for money/material, professional, or relationship matters. Lock it in, take it on, or lay it all on the line.

November 22 - December 21

December 21 - January 19

AQUARIUS

PISCES

With friends, your lover, or the TV, New Year’s Eve is mostly a smooth go. Added catering is in order on New Year’s Day. Uranus is back in full-tilt action as of January 2; Mars/Jupiter as of January 6; and Venus as of January 8, 9. There’s no time to waste and plenty to be gained.

Home is a good place to be for New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Day, gift them with the best of you. January 2, hit the ground running. January 6, 8, and 9 are especially prime/lucrative for travel, action, sweeping change, breaking new ground, and goal-reaching. Launch it; go for it; invest big; make it real.

January 19 - February 18

PRINCESS

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ARIES

May 20 - June 21

Across 2) Fruit for the teacher 3) Numbers and angles 5) Writes on the board 8) Makes mistakes disappear 9) School bus colour 10) Recess game Red ____ 12) Distance measurer 13) Book bag 14) Playground feature 15) Change for gym class] 16) Sticky stuff

fun

February 18 - March 19

FOR SALE FOR SALE

FORWANTED SALE HELP

BARATARIA - TRINIDAD: Freehold 2 storey 5500sq.ft. 4 bdrm concrete house with all approvals. Can be separated into 3 suites. Enclosed workshop and garage. Asking 625K CDN. Call 416-671-9862

Hear 2 Help Wants YOU!

FORWANTED SALE HELP

WORKERS WANTED: Seeking domestic health care worker 4 or 5 nights per week to work with mentally/physically challenged individuals. Tel. 416-922-7674 DRESS MAKER NEEDED: Needed DRESS MAKER with industrial sewing machine experience for downtown store. Must speak basic English. For more information please call Otilia at 416-598-3022 CLEANERS WANTED: Cleaning company looking for experienced cleaners to work overnight in the GTA. Must have their own transportation, and speak English fluently. Serious inquiries only call/text 647-239-4808

SERVICES

FOR SALE WORSHIP

Candidates should have 1-2 years of community experience in mentoring or tutoring. This part-time position runs through the school year, with an option of summer hours. Work hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturdays 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | 416-551-2469

SERVICES

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FOR SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENT: Learn about, commemorate and join C5 to improve the Caribbean-Canadian economy and community. A celebratory, informative and networking event for professionals and leaders. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities. Limited seats. http://c5ontario.com/events

POST YOUR CLASSIFIED - UP TO 30 WORDS FREE! Subject To Space Availability - Call 647-722-6298

SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211 MISSISSAUGA: Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us at 1620 Dundas St West, each Sunday at 10am for praise, worship and in-depth Bible teaching with Pastor Sean, 416-219-9137

real estate

PAGE 42

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Selling Your Home In A Changing Market Jay Brijpaul

brijpaul@carib101.com

Real Estate Happy New Year. The new rule about mortgage stress test kicked off on January 1st. Buyers will qualify for about twenty percent less mortgage. The federal government’s ambitious plan to invest forty billion dollars into real estate and make homeownership affordable will take effect. This will put a downward pressure on home prices. A small percentage drop in home price can add up to thousands of dollars loss for sellers. Despite the situation, the housing market trend is predictable. The market

picks up by mid-January because there are fewer homes for sale and the trend continues into the spring with more buyers and sellers entering the marketplace. The market slows down in the summer months and then picks up in the fall but not to the same extent as the spring. The best time to sell a home is in mid-January to mid-February because of the lack of supply. The media then, fan the flames of the hot housing market and buyers, speculators and investors become a feeding frenzy, bidding on everything. The first step is to prepare the home for sale. Declutter the home to its bare minimum to create space. Store excess furniture and other items in the garage or off-site. Once the home is decluttered and cleaned it is a good idea to hire a professional stager. A home that is well maintained and professionally staged will sell faster and for more money. Perception is a reality when selling a home. Photography is essential in today’s fast paced world. Buyers shop online and

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