Enter The Marketzone 051618

VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 7 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 16TH 2018

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE NEWSPAPER TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM

ENTER THE MARKETZONE

ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Through steelpan, great music, and even a drop in from Brampton’s Batman, for the past four years, Carib101 Media Group has worked tirelessly to organize the annual TC Business Social putting the unity in community.

The TC Business Social is an event tailored specifically to small business owners to provide them with the opportunity to showcase their products and services to potential clients from

their local community. On Sunday May 6th, 2018 over 60 vendors filled the luxurious halls of the Pearson Convention Center with colorful displays and products for the public to experience as they browsed through the 2018 MarketZone.

With over 60 vendors to experience, patrons were able to connect with small business professionals and entrepreneurs from their local commu-

nity, and spanning across the GTA.

Sponsored by Starion Realty, the MarketZone was FREE for the public to attend in order to provide the community the chance to network with business owners whose products and services they could benefit from all year long.

Continued On Page 3

PAGE 2

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Aina-Nia Ayodele An innovator of leadership through spirituality Raised 7th day Adventist by her mother in Kingston, Jamaica, Sacred Women International founder Aina-Nia Ayodele said she always felt strong. “People have always told me that I’m strong, I just didn’t know how to be in that, in a loving way,” she said. As a result, she consistently engrains her two kids to demonstrate a loving strength, but only after she’s completed her groundbreaking work day after day.

Ayodele founded SWI in 2007 with the mission of helping others discover their maximum potential through mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being practices. Through SWI, Ayodele started a 10-month women’s leadership program to teach women, who were already in leadership roles, to ensure they were also leading their personal lives. “My purpose is to teach, to educate others through inner

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truth and knowledge. That includes, for me, the strengthening of the black community,” she said. Most recently, Ayodele has worked with the City of Toronto to accomplish the task of supporting black communities.

Ayodele has also been a key consultant for the City of Toronto’s first anti-black racism initiative, which used discussion and suggestions from Toronto’s black community leaders to address systemic issues that impact black people every day. “The ancestors sent me to do that work…to teach people what it means to live and work in organizations from a place of wellness. I bring African spiritual and indigenous practices into organizations in a way that people can understand,” she said.

During the official opening of community discussions for the Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism, Mayor John Tory acknowledged Ayodele for her contributions to what is now a government-funded program. Tory recognized her as one of three people heading the program saying she, “really helped to make sure that these be and remain authentic discussions that are not taking on that feel that government discussions take on.”

The entire Toronto For All initiative addresses Islamophobia, discrimination among the homeless, and trans-identities, with the intention of challenging people’s perspectives and beliefs, encouraging them to self-identify their implicit biases and negative attitudes in order for Toronto to live up to its heavily diverse reputation. Ayodele has been recognized as a trailblazer because of her continued contributions to this movement.

100ABCWomen recently honored Ayodele in their Top 100 Black Women in Canada. Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine and co-authors Dr. Denise O’Neil Green and Dauna Jones-Simmonds created the biennial list to specifically recognize the work of black Canadian women regarding their social, educational, political, and professional accomplishments. The publi-

cation creates an opportunity for black Canadian women to be officially recognized for the great things they have achieved, something that had not previously existed.

“By virtue of being a woman, I’m intuitive, I’m a giver but I’m an even better receiver. I’ve learned to say, “yes thank you” instead of “no I’m okay”,” Ayodele said. She said being able to give and receive is a demonstration of strength and she realized this once she was able to set her own boundaries. She credits this realization with being a significant cause of her growing success.

“Earlier in my life I had a misunderstanding about strength and I thought to be a strong woman meant that I had to be hard and I was a businesswoman so it meant I had to match up to the man,” she said. Ayodele said this misconception came from multiple people reacting to her strength as a negative, recalling a time her cousin told her she would never find someone because she demonstrated too much strength as a woman. “Because you’re too strong and you’re too loud, [I was] thirteen. And so, I went through life thinking strong meant bad,” she said.

She said she realized later that strength could be gentle and kind through her spiritual work and consciously explore who she was. It was through her spiritual awakening that she learned the importance of self-acceptance before reaching out to anyone else. “As a Jamaican woman in a household that was abusive by the hands of my step-father, in an environment where I felt I had to fight to survive, I grew this thick shell that I wouldn’t allow anyone through. The biggest lesson I learned through that experience is to show my heart and express my emotions,” she said.

Now, Ayodele continues to teach women to become leaders by not being stuck in a mental or emotional box and to never negotiate their own value in order to attain the things they want. “We can choose to walk this planet our way…believe that you can do it and it’s going to take some steps,” she said.

RAVINDER BRAR

Sales Representative

Royal Canadian Realty Brokerage

DIR: 647-833-8994 | OFFICE: 905-364-0727 rbrar@royalcanadianrealty.com

Written by Jelani Grant Toronto Caribbean News

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Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 3

LIMITED TIME TC Business Social presents Networking Opportunities for Everyone ALYSSA MAHADEO

can foster throughout the year. Vendors put great effort in the designing and layout of their booths, displaying their products and services in a way that prompted interest and warranted interesting and engaging interactions with the public.

The Peel Police, Ministry of Correctional Services, World Financial Group, V24K Gold Team, Scentsy, Print My Banners, MYC Graphics, Sher’s 5 Star Catering and Ani O Yoga were just some of the returning vendors the public was able to meet and network with at this year’s event, alongside new vendors such as Taylor Made Events,

“This has been my 4th year at the TC Business Social, I’ve been with them every year and every year it gets better and better, I get to meet so many new people and prospective clients to help expand my network of people,” shares community realtor Dionne Witter.

Grant Browning the CEO/President of Carib101 Media Group explains that the social is an integral part to business development and beneficial for the community to attend. “This event is tailored to building a stronger community, and building a better future for the next generation of future business owners and entrepreneurs.” “We are focused on strengthening and highlighting the businesses in the community. We are giving businesses an opportunity to showcase their products and services, and providing a welcoming networking environment for all.”

In addition to the MarketZone, the TCN Network was live to air for the entire day at the TC Business Social, and Simone Smith host of Hear 2 Help You and In the Now spent the day interviewing vendors and entrepreneurs about their business experience and what it takes to run your own successful business venture.

“I got into this industry by accident, I had the skills and knowledge to bring an idea I had to life, hiring people to do the work, until it

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came a point where I had to transition from career to entrepreneurship full-time,” shared 2018 MarketZone vendor Kurt Welch about his own small business experience.

“This is our 3rd year at this event, and it was an excellent day,” said Antoni Snopek owner of V24K Gold Team, “If I could I would have loved the opportunity to stay after 7pm as I’ve had such a great time and don’t want this event to end!”

The TC Business Social is an annual event established to create and foster opportunities for patrons of the community as well as small business owners. Bringing everyone together under one roof levels the playing field and puts everyone on the same level. It allows for people to meet face to face, learn from each other and hopefully help aid each other in the long run.

The TC Business Social isn’t about us it’s about the community, it is a way of giving back to the community. We want to ensure that attendees are treated to a worthwhile business experience filled with enjoyment and new, exciting information.

We want to give back to the community by giving businesses and individuals the opportunity to expand their horizons and shine.

E L B DOU alyssa@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Continued From Page 1 -- Throughout the day vendors and patrons alike networked within the MarketZone, sharing in innovative products and ideas like home essentials, auto graphics, clothing and apparel, city services, health and fitness, legal services, catering, financial services, mortgage services, gold investment, international cuisines and so much more!

The TC Business Social was established through the collaboration of some brilliant minds, individuals who are leaders in the community and are hoping to share more of what the community has to offer. They are all about eradicating stereotypes, brainstorming and developing a plan of action that implements change for the better.

The public was welcomed to the melodious sounds of steelpan, setting the tone as they walked down the main hall and met with various vendors eager to connect and explain their exhibits.

At 1pm Brampton’s Batman dropped in, rolling in with his Batmobile returning for the 3rd year in a row he is always a huge hit with vendors and attendees alike hoping to grab a picture or get swept off their feet by the dark knight himself.

Inside the main hall, new and returning vendors eagerly awaited their chance to meet the public, meeting new and familiar faces as the day went on, and making lasting connections that they

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Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

A celebration of life: Book launch for the late professor Harold A. Drayton LEANNE BENN

leanne@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It’s always a great time to come together with friends, colleagues or even former classmates to celebrate the success and trials of life. The University Of Guyana Guild of Graduates Ontario held a remembrance ceremony and official book launch to commemorate the late professor Harold Drayton. Professor Drayton’s memoir, An Accidental Life was recognized at a special event held in the auditorium of the Don Mills Library on May 5, 2018.

With a packed and lively atmosphere, speakers at the special event included Guyana’s Consul General to Toronto, Ms. Choo Anyin, Professor Alissa Trotz of the University of Toronto and other speakers. Many of those who knew Drayton or have associated with his work over the past few years all praised Drayton’s ability to capture his personal and academic moments in life spread across the Caribbean.

One particular review of An Accidental Life, written by professor Linden F. Lewis of Bucknell University in Pennsylvania stood out “This memoir then represents the product of an examined life. It is replete with historical details that would benefit academics in search of rich primary data.

It is at times humorous, critical, elucidating, and sometimes polemical.”

Reviews like this prove that Drayton’s book was more than just a memoir, it is a life captured in perfect detail by an academic who was able to go to different places and share his ex-

periences with his students around the world.

For those unfamiliar with professor Harold Drayton, he was born in 1929 in British Guiana; he was an alumnus of the prestigious Queens College. When Drayton got started in his academic career, he started off as a science teacher in Grenada, then Jamaica, at the University of the West Indies. By 1954 he became a student and researcher at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. His research even included insight on the properties of cancer-inducing viruses. Drayton graduated in 1960 with his Ph.D. and an Honors Degree in Biological Sciences.

Drayton then spent a span of close to thirty years traveling to different places, teaching and researching; He was even a lecturer at a university in Ghana.

In 1962, he returned to Guyana by formal invitation from the Premier at the time, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. At this point, Drayton played a pivotal role in helping establish the University of Guyana, Guyana’s first national University.

Drayton became the first deputy Vice Chancellor and a professor and head of the department of Biology until 1972.

Drayton continued his work and his passion for sharing with the community with stints in Barbados, Texas and other parts of the world.

Drayton retired in 2003 as Director of the PAHO-WHO Collaborating Center for International Health at the University of Texas.

Drayton’s book sold for $30 at the launch and those interested in obtaining this memoir can contact the University of Guyana Guild of Graduates Ontario branch.

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Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

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Building lifelong leadership skills at the Confident Leader Conference ALYSSA MAHADEO alyssa@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“With great power, comes great responsibility.” - Voltaire A quote most commonly attributed to Uncle Ben from Spiderman, but originally quoted by French Enlightenment writer, historian and philosopher Voltaire is a powerful and simple idea that if someone is equipped with the knowledge, or ability to do something extraordinary, they have been bestowed with a special obligation to use this ‘power’ to lead the world to greatness.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if the youth of today carried this mindset? If it was instilled in the men and women of the next generation, a dutiful obligation to become the responsible leaders of tomorrow?

The truth is each and every one of us has this ability, but only a fraction of the population takes on this immense role preferring to stand on the sidelines, instead of taking control, standing at the forefront of this mission and leading the people of the world to a better tomorrow.

Many of the greatest leaders in history such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Rosa Parks advocated for social justice, to change the conversation and laid the foundation for the next generation to build on. However in order for the next generation to build a sturdy and reinforced structure they require the right tools to succeed.

On May 12th, 2018 the Lifelong Leadership (LLI) invited future leaders to attend the Confident Leader Conference, take part in the conversation and discuss why self-confidence is important to effective leadership, and how you can

develop self-confidence to achieve what you need to in this lifetime.

The Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI) is an educational organization that exists to inspire leadership and develop leaders, and dedicates its resources to advancing leadership competence and personal success among Canadian youth of Jamaican, Caribbean and black heritage.

“When we see the face of a child, we think of the future. We think of their dreams about what they might become, and what they might accomplish.” shares Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Lifelong Leadership Institute Patron.

The Confident Leader Conference presented by the Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI) and the Leadership By Design Program (LBD) was designed for African Canadian students who are currently enrolled in Grades 8 to 12, as well as their parents and teachers to develop the skill of self-confidence in order to find their voices, foster their imagination and allow them to translate their passions into something amazing.

“The aim of the conference is to examine the argument that it is difficult to be an effective and responsible leader without a high degree of self-confidence,” explains Trevor Massey Chair of the Lifelong Leadership Institute.

“Ideally, we want student attendees to depart with a deep understanding of self-confidence as a critical soft skill, and provide them with ways by which they may develop their self-confidence.”

From 9:00am -1:30pm students, parents and teachers alike were able to hear informative and inspiring dissertations from Dr Ivan Joseph, Director of Athletics at Ryerson, Aisha Addo, Founder and CEO of DriveHer, Vernette Eugene, Senior Manager, Scotiabank, Issac Olowolafe Jr, President of Dream Maker Realty and Dr Krissy DoyleThomas, Neuroscientist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Moderated by Marcia Young, Host of World Report, CBC Radio, each of the speakers brought a unique experi-

ence to the auditorium sharing successes and failures, effective teaching/learning strategies and practices, the importance of the saying ‘practice makes perfect’ and most importantly how living your best life is all about the trials and tribulations on the journey to success, living boldly and facing fears head on.

The Confident Leader Conference is only one of the many events hosted by LLI also offering Scholarships and Bursaries, Work Study Programs, and Ontario Student Assistance Programs (OSAP) and their own Leadership By Design (LBD) program, their signature program offered by the Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI).

The purpose of the Leadership

By Design program is to inspire leadership and develop leaders. The LBD program provides youth in the African-Caribbean community with a wide-range of opportunities to develop and practice effective leadership. The Leadership By Design program underscores their determination to prepare youth in the AfricanCaribbean community for leadership roles in all aspects of their lives. This can only benefit our community and the broader society.

The Leadership By Design program provides at least seven years of development support for student participants, and these will span the highschool years and the university/college years. Students will be accepted in their Grade 10 year and be provided leadership development, and career development, throughout Grades 10, 11 and 12. This is a highly ambitious program geared to providing our youth with opportunities for success in leadership, in their careers, and in community service.

For more on LBD visit www.llileaders. com.

“The change we wish in our world comes from leaders who know how to ‘get things done’. Leaders effect change. Leaders get the right results.

Leaders engage others. Leadership is a prized attribute that all employers seek.”

-llileaders.com

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Spring into S.H.A.P.E and feel empowered in your own skin ALYSSA MAHADEO alyssa@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Imagine a life where you wake up every morning and love your S.H.A.P.E”

We’re not talking about your physical shape, but the Spirituality, Health, Abilities, Personality and Experience that encompasses all the tools women require to take control of their lives and careers.

Women from all walks of life were invited to attend the spring installment of “From SheRo to SheEO – Spring into S.H.A.P.E” held on May 5, 2018, at the Novotel Hotel at 3 Park Home Avenue, North York, M2N 6L3.

Hosted by Canadian Icon Jully Black and inspirational energetic conquering influencer Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson from SheRO to SheEO – Spring into S.H.A.P.E. – The Career Edition was designed to empower women who seek to live a more purposeful life, discover their inner passion and find a renewed sense of self-purpose going about tasks in their day to day lives.

Both Jully and Nkechi assembled a diverse group of speakers and experts for this event, which focused on career management rich with tips and tactics that focused on helping women identify and lock into their custom combination of abilities that form the uniqueness, power, and shape of their career.

“We are so excited to be hosting this event and offering women the opportunity to examine who they are in their career and help them ensure that they are leading from a place of intention and purpose in the comfort of their own skin” shared Jully Black from Jully Black Entertainment Inc.

“This event is geared towards women who feel imprisoned by their reality and their current circumstance. Our objective is to help women identify and lock into their purpose by understanding the uniqueness and power of their S.H.A.P.E (Spirituality, Health, Abilities, Personality and Experience).”

Delivered by women for women, from 10 am - 5 pm the team of speakers shared their experiences and resources to help attendees understand the steps needed to simplify their lives and live more purposefully. The event allowed attendees to feel renewed, with increased self-worth, and action plan from which to launch their careers from.

The last three installments of the “From SheRO to SheEO” events have been sold out. The event offered a two-hour interactive workshop, a panel discussion with audience Q&A, a mindset segment, guest speaker Maureen (Mo) Hagan, and an unforgettable keynote by Jully Black.

Attendees were inspired by ideas, tips, and tactics that they can apply immediately in their lives.

Named as one of ‘The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever’, by CBC Music Jully Black has been dubbed ‘Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul’ by her fans and peers. Recent recipient of the 2018 Harry Jerome Award for Entertainment Jully is a platinum-selling recording artist, and has brought home multiple Juno Awards, earned many industry accolades and was hand selected to sing for the Queen of England.

With her powerhouse vocals, hilarious personality and love of people, Jully Black is truly every woman’s role model. Her passion to help women find a renewed sense of self and purpose stems from her own experience and journey to live a more purposeful life helping others.

Founded in 2015, Empowered in My Skin is an organization that has actualized an inner desire that both founders, Jully Black and Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson share to help other women around the globe live purposefully in the comfort of their own skin. After both experiencing and growing through some of the toughest experiences as girls, young ladies, and then women, they decided it was high time to trade in their pain for passion and soar into their purpose.

They welcome women of all diverse backgrounds to join us in this inspirational eye-opening heart-filled event and we are hoping that we will be able to provide them with the necessary tools they will need to transform their lives in a very positive way. As the day evolved the goal is to ensure that all the women who attended identified some tangible action plan that they can immediately start applying to their lives and to leave the event feeling empowered in their skin.

Empowered in my Skin was founded on the principles that: • • • •

EVERY WOMAN has the ability and potential to become her own SheRO and SheEO EVERY WOMAN can lead with her life by leading with her S.H.A.P.E. EVERY WOMAN has a unique combination of capabilities that enable her to succeed EVERY WOMAN has the power to break through every ‘Glass Ceiling’ that stands in the way of her success

Their mission is to provide women with tangible actions they can use to understand, erase and maximize their true potential. They aim to empower women by helping them tap into their unique intuitive talents, individuality, and unlimited creative potential; with the ultimate goal of helping them to become true leaders in every aspect of their lives.

For more info on events and workshops visit www.empoweredinmyskin. com

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Surinamese cop allegedly linked to pirate attacks found dead

GUYANA -- A man has been arrested in neighbouring Suriname in connection with the alleged murder of a police officer whose lifeless body was discovered in a parked car on Sunday morning, in Passiebloem Straat, Paramaribo, Suriname.

The officer who was identified as Premcharan Ravikant, 23, is alleged to be linked to the recent pirate attack in that country’s waters that has left four confirmed dead fishermen and 11 missing.

According to information received, in what is suspected to be a reprisal killing, the family reported the kidnapping of the said officer on Saturday evening, indicating that he was abducted by “Guyanese”.

According to a reputable source,

it is alleged that the officer supplied a gun which was used in one of the attacks on the “Guyanese fishermen”.

Investigators also reportedly found a text message in the officer’s phone that he had forwarded to his father.

The text reportedly stated that the dead police officer’s father was responsible for the death of Somnauth Manohar, the man who was gunned down on March 30, in Suriname.

It was that incident which is said to have led to the April 27, attack on the four fishing vessels with the 20 fishermen. Five of the fishers have survived the attack, the bodies of four have washed ashore and 11 are feared dead.

An SoS message was, according

to reports, dispatched on Saturday evening to police ranks in Suriname for them to be on the lookout for the officer’s car and his whereabouts.

The death of the policeman comes on the heels of the suspected arson of an Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, home allegedly by persons in the fishing industry.

According to a police source, if the incidents are indeed related then it means the attackers or those involved would go to extreme measures to tie up loose ends, including taking out those that may link them to the crime.

- Guyana Chronicle

Piracy survivor plans to return to sea

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GUYANA -- Just over two weeks after the deadly pirate attacks in Surinamese waters left more than a dozen fishermen dead, Deonarine Goberdan, 47, a father of 17 children and who survived the massacre plans to return to the sea.

Goberdan, also called “Patar”, said fishing is his life and he does not prefer to do any other job to earn a living.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that several fishermen, who were initially reluctant, returned to the sea on Saturday and the Surinamese authorities have regularised the Guyanese fishers in that country.

Goberdan, who is expected to follow suit, was the captain of the ‘Romeina’, one of the four vessels with 20 fishermen aboard who were brutally attacked by a band of pirates in Surinamese waters on April 27.

The father related that the attack occurred at around 18:30hrs and that he drifted for 22hrs before reaching shore, which was eight miles away from where the assault occurred at sea.

On reaching land, weak and battered but not broken, Goberdan notified the nearest police station of his travails and what happened to his colleagues.

Three members of his crew remain missing and are feared dead. His crew members on the day of the attack were Tillacknauth Mohabir called “Caiman”, 51; Bharrat Heeralall called “Cool Record”; “Palam”; and Mahesh Sarjoo called “Vishal”.

The body of Sarjoo, 35, who was the second of four siblings, was identified by relatives who recognised a tattoo on his left arm. His sister, Shanti Sarjoo, described the feeling as one of the hardest in her life.

“It was very painful having to stand there seeing him in that condition,” she said as she pleaded with the authorities to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“My brother was loving to everyone. He was always supportive to the family and had been working and saving his money. He was a quiet person who didn’t deserve to die like that,” Shanti said.

The ‘Romeina’ is still missing and is believed to have been taken by the pirates.

Another vessel attacked, the

‘Joshua’, which is owned by Rosey Jones was found submerged. It was allegedly sunk by the pirates following their attack.

The captain of the vessel ‘Aki Bai, who was the lone survivor on his boat, has since gone into hiding fearing for his life after the attack.

His crew members were Lalta Persaud called “Sunil and Pudduck”, 43, a father of four daughters and who had migrated to Suriname some 18 years ago and was working as a carpenter, but would do fishing whenever the construction sector is slow.

SOLE BREADWINNER His mother, Agnis DeCout, told Guyana Chronicle that her son was the sole breadwinner of his family. One of his daughters is disabled and requires 24 hrs of care due to her condition.

In tears, the woman,63, is hoping that her son is alive.

“I am 63 years old. I cannot go back to work to support my grandchildren, his wife has to be there to take care of them; one is handicapped so she (wife) can’t go out to work. I am hoping and praying he comes home alive because I don’t know what will happen to them girls, things hard in Suriname and Pudduck was a hard worker just to make sure his family gets what they needed,” the mother said.

The others on the boat were “Spanish Man”, “Bandara” and “Mukesh”.

The name of the third boat is unknown but it had on board Ramesh Sanchara called “Ravo”; Ramnarine Singh, 49; Looknarine Persaud called “Kleine”; Rajendra Bissessar and the Captain Dharmendrew Persaud, who was also one of the survivors.

The last boat, the `Shifanie’ owned by Hemnlall Ramsarran, was attacked around 01:00 hrs on April 28.

Danesh Persaud called “Vicky”, 27, of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, a father of two children, ages two and four, was the captain of that vessel. Relatives told this publication that they are positive his body was the first to have been washed up on shore and is awaiting DNA testing to confirm his identity.

MY ROCK MAY NOT RETURN His reputed wife of six years, Tarmattie Ibrahim called “Kavita”, said she has no

one else close to her since both her parents are deceased.

Her children are still unaware that their father may never be returning home and are eagerly awaiting his return, which would have been at the end of this fishing trip.

Tarmattie is a full-time housewife and does not know where to start or has anywhere to go, since her husband took care of her financially.

Persaud’s crew members were a cousin, Ralph Anthony Couchman called “Brunham”, 22, a lad from Sheet Anchor who was on his third fishing trip looking to make a start in his life. His mother, Nandranie Sukra, said he was

the youngest of five siblings but was the main breadwinner in the family.

The young man was advised to stay home but decided to board the fishing vessel to help take care of his poor family.

Another young man on the boat was Glendroy Jones called “Alkaline” and “Joshua”, aged 20 years. He is a Guyanese national living in Suriname and is the youngest of five siblings. Jones’ family described him as a happy young man who lit up a room whenever he stepped in.

The others on the `Shifanie’ were Gowkaran Outar called “Gavin”, 33, and Sherwin Lovell, 35. Outar’s body was washed up at the Number 63 Beach last Thursday and Lovell was the lone survivor on his boat.

He drifted for over 18 hours at sea before reaching land and he wandered for four days before finding other fishermen who notified the police of what had happened to him.

Unfortunately, just two days after he had recuperated, his reputed wife, Michelle Carol, passed away from an illness. Only five of the 20 fishermen have survived the attack so far; the bodies of four have washed up onshore while 11 are feared dead

Authorities in both Guyana and Suriname have arrested a number of persons in connection with the attack, as they intensify their investigations.

They have been closely following several persons who were identified as suspects, and believe that it is just a matter of time before all the perpetrators are caught and placed before the courts.

- Guyana Chronicle

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PM and education minister to lead national Labour Day projects

JAMAICA -- Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and Education, Youth and Information Minister Senator Ruel Reid will lead groups of volunteers in carrying out refurbishing works at the national Labour Day projects on May 23 at the Cumberland Health Centre in St Catherine, and the St Ann’s Bay Infant School in St Ann.

Gender, Culture, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange said Holness is slated to visit Cumberland Health Centre, while Senator Reid will journey to the St Ann’s Bay Infant School.

She told JIS News that the works to be carried out on those facilities and others across the island are in keeping with this year’s focus on health centres and schools under the theme ‘Ramp it Up - Fix it Up’.

Grange says the health centres will benefit from general beautification and upgrading to improve conditions for medical staff and clients, while schools will be outfitted with ramps and other features to make them more accessible and user-friendly for physically challenged persons.

Grange said work at the Cumberland Health Centre on Labour Day will include refurbishing of a building to create additional space to accommodate patients.

“Pregnant women, for example, had great difficulty on certain days when they went there because the facility just could not accommodate them. So there will shortly be two buildings that will accommodate patients, and after Labour Day, I know that those who use the facilities will appreciate the fact that we were able to fix it up,” she pointed out.

The scope of works for health centres, which will include installation of air-conditioning units, repair of windows and roofs, and repair or replacing of furniture over time, will augment the Health Ministry’s ‘Adopt-a-Clinic’ initiative, under which 100 public health centres have been shortlisted for support through partnerships with private-sector stakeholders.

At least two are being targeted in each parish, which will be identified in collaboration with the municipal corporations.

Meanwhile, Senator Reid said the decision to focus on schools stems from a motion brought to the Upper House by Opposition Senator, Dr Floyd Morris, in March, calling on the Government to use this year’s Labour Day to continue measures to improve access to educational institutions for the physically challenged.

The motion proposed the installation of ramps in at least two schools in each of the 63 constituencies on the day, and for the National Education Trust (NET), an agency of the Education Ministry, to partner with other stakeholders in coordinating the project.

Data from NET indicated that of Jamaica’s 971 public infant, primary and high schools, and over 2,000 early-childhood institutions, only 138 primary and high schools are fitted with ramps.

In this regard, the Ramps for Schools project will run for one year after Labour Day, to enable the completion of work on the additional 126 schools.

The education ministry has earmarked $30 million of its 2018/19 capital budget allocation to cover at least 25 of the 126 institutions, according to Senator Reid.

“All students deserve the opportunity to receive a holistic and quality education (to enable them) to uplift themselves, their families and their communities,” he said.

Labour Day culminates Workers’ Week activities from May 14 to 23 under the theme ‘Preserving our Legacy: Unfolding Progress’.

Activities for Labour Day and Workers’ Week 2018 coincide with several significant events in Jamaica’s storied history.

This year, observances commemorate the 80th anniversaries of the 1938 worker protests, and establishment of the Labour Department, which significantly reshaped the country’s landscape regarding conditions of employment.

Additionally, May 23 will mark 186 years since National Hero Samuel Sharpe was hanged for his role in the 1831/32 Christmas rebellion.

The revolt started at Kensington Estate in St James and spurred slave uprisings across the island, and is believed to have contributed to the abolition of slavery and emancipation of slaves between 1834 and 1838.

Prime Minister Holness, in his address at the launch, urged the nation to advance the spirit of volunteerism and service on Labour Day.

“Allow it to become a part of everything you do and a fixture in your daily lives. Make every day meaningful and productive (by) doing more for your families, your community and your country,” he said.

Labour and Social Security Minister Shahine Robinson who has responsibility for the disabled community, appealed for all well-thinking Jamaicans to “come out and really make a difference” through the various projects that will be undertaken.

Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie, whose message was read at the launch by Permanent Secretary Marsha Henry-Martin, said Labour Day affords civic-minded persons the opportunity to “assess our individual and collective value” in order to “improve on what we are doing right, correct what we are doing wrong and work together to achieve a common objective”.

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport is coordinating Labour Day activities in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, and the ministries of labour and social security; education, youth and information; health; local government and community development; and the various municipal corporations islandwide.

Telecommunications entity, Digicel; and construction firm, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, have partnered with the Government as the main sponsors.

- Jamaica Observer

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

200 students, teachers prepare for science and technology fair

JAMAICA -- More than 200 students and teachers participated in ideation sessions held recently to prepare them for the Scientific Research Council (SRC) National Science and Technology Fair.

The three sessions, which were held in Kingston, Montego Bay and Mandeville, provided a forum for participants to identify key challenges affecting sectors in Jamaica and possible solutions.

Coordinator for the Science and Technology Education Unit at the SRC, Amanda McKenzie, explained to JIS News that the sessions took the format of a panel discussion.

Following this, ideas from the discussion were pitched and analysed to determine their feasibility.

“The sessions really took persons through an idea to determine whether it is really needed in the market, and how it is that they can go all the way through the process of commercialisation,” she noted.

“For the fair, we don’t want persons to come up with ideas that are not necessarily relevant at this time, so the sessions were to

provide that sort of brainstorming session that would first identify the gaps that currently exist, what we can expect in the future, and how it is we can now, through foresight, develop innovative solutions to address [these],” she added.

Students and teachers were exposed to presenters from various industries representing the categories of the Science Fair, including energy, health, security and food and agroprocessing.

McKenzie said there was a representative from the Montego Bay Marine Park who looked at the environmental conditions in Jamaica, and challenged persons to come up with ideas and solutions to mitigate these.

Additionally, the students and teachers were exposed to an entrepreneurial perspective with the inclusion of entrepreneurs in the fields of nutraceuticals, agriculture, entertainment and photography.

“This [entrepreneurship] is important because this is something that we are really pushing for persons, especially for the youth to get involved in,” McKenzie explained.

She further added that this is a key component of the ‘Youth Employment in the Digital and Animation Industry’ (YEDAI) project, with which the Council is partnering this year to stage the National Science and Technology Fair.

“We realise that there is a high rate of migration, especially for individuals who have attained tertiary-level education, there is a low innovation index in Jamaica; even in cases where persons have developed items, products and services, there is not enough support, guidance or resources available to them,” McKenzie said.

She noted that the sessions sought to provide persons with information to let them know of the potential that they “can tap into, benefit from and generate employment for themselves and other persons”.

The sessions were held between April 19 and May 2. The National Science and Technology Fair is scheduled for June 12, with a registration deadline of May 18.

- Jamaica Observer

Fisher hits back at ECJ, calls for full disclosure

JAMAICA -- Former Director of Elections Orrette Fisher has shot back at the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) for a statement it published in the press on the weekend insisting that the commission is not aware of any incidents of political interference in the work of the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ).

The statement pointed to media reports surrounding court proceedings initiated

by Fisher last October in an effort to keep his job. Those court proceedings were dashed when he resigned suddenly in mid-March of this year.

“At no time was the former director of elections dismissed from office, nor was his employment with the Electoral Office of Jamaica terminated,” the ECJ stated.

In a statement of his own yesterday, Fisher said, with the court proceedings withdrawn, he thought the matter had ended.

“After further consideration, I chose to resign from the post before judgement was handed down. In addition to the fact that I did not wish to be in the post based on a court order — if the court had ruled in my favour — I outlined the reasons for my decisions in my resignation letter sent to the chairman on March 12, 2018,” he said.

Fisher argued that the ECJ was disingenuous as, following his resignation, he had spoken to three independent members of the

commission about concerns of “growing political influence”, which he had pointed out to his staff in an e-mail, and not “political interference”.

Fisher said the media had misquoted that e-mail, arguing that “attempts at growing political influence is something which I continuously brought to the attention of the commission. A meeting was scheduled with the independent commissioners to discuss my resignation but the meeting was cancelled and never rescheduled”.

Fisher said he now wants the ECJ to make public the full content of his resignation letter, so that the public can be made aware of the reasons for his resignation.

“The ECJ is being very selective in what it releases, but I am of the view that the time has come to state all and to clear the air,” he stated.

Chairman of the ECJ Dorothy PineMcLarthy told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that she had not yet seen Fisher’s response, and could not speak on the matter without discussions with the other commissioners.

“We are not going to comment, the statement says it all… (it) speaks for itself. I can’t say yay or nay, the statement says it all (but) any other step would have to be decided,” she said.

There have been reports that the for-

mer director had faced “disrespectful and abusive behaviour”, particularly from other members of the commission, and that this could have influenced his decision to quit.

The former election boss, who had been in the post for over a decade, tendered his resignation amidst seeking judicial review of the legality of a one-year appointment to the post of director of elections, which his attorney argued went against the seven-year appointment mandated by law.

Fisher’s contract ended October 2017, but the court ordered that he should remain on the job while the legal matter was pending.

He was first appointed for seven years as director, ending November 2015, and was given a one-year extension with the February 2016 election pending, after which he signed another one-year contract to accommodate the local government elections in November 2016.

In January this year, a petition reportedly sent to the commissioners by a number of the EOJ staff defended Fisher’s integrity, and urged the ECJ to protect them from political interference, “and from any or all overt or covert political action that may influence or may have the likelihood of influencing our role in achieving free and fair elections”.

- Jamaica Observer

Capleton’s attorney slams police investigation of rape claim

JAMAICA -- Defence attorney for popular entertainer Capleton yesterday maintained that the investigation into rape allegations against his client was shoddy, and that had it been properly executed, the entertainer might not have been charged.

Christopher Townsend, during his bail application in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, criticised the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) for its handling of the case.

According to the attorney, the investigators went to the hotel where the alleged rape occurred but failed to collect statements from a manager and a security guard whose account would have contradicted statements made by the complainant.

Townsend said the complainant had reported that his client had damaged items at the hotel on the day in question, but the manager refuted her claims. Likewise, the security guard, who she reported she had called to assist her, contradicted her statement.

“CISOCA was alerted to substantial departure from what the complainant said, but no statements were collected from those persons,” Townsend said.

“If those statements were taken, then

perhaps their view would have been different,” he added.

However, following questions from Parish Judge Vaughn Smith, the investigating officer told the court that the statements from those individuals will be collected.

Additionally, Townsend argued that his client had made a report to the police about being extorted by the complainant and statements had been collected, but those statements were not placed on the file in relation to the sex charge.

Townsend also told the judge that he had voice notes to support the claim that his client was being extorted.

“It is wide knowledge that there is another investigation with the complainant as accused; that investigation is ongoing, so it will be interesting to see what happens,” he said.

The attorney, in applying for bail, said that his 51-year-old client, who is also a philanthropist and the father of five children, has an impeccable background.

“This is the first time that his name is being called for anything,” Townsend said.

The lawyer also asked the judge not to impose any reporting condition on his client, as it would be too onerous, given the nature of

his job, which requires a lot of overseas shows, and the fact that he has along list of upcoming shows.

The judge, as a result, offered the entertainer — who was dressed in a royal blue suit with matching turban — $200,000 bail on condition that he should not contact the complainant.

Clerk of Court Hansurd Lawson, however, asked the judge to impose a condition for Capleton to surrender his travel documents, while explaining that the accused could revisit the court and ask for the condition to be varied when he needs to travel.

But the judge turned down the request and warned that he would impose that condition if the entertainer misses one of his court dates.

Capleton, who was christened Clifton Bailey, was arrested and charged with rape on May 10.

According to a police report, on April 28, around 11:20 am, Bailey hired a female hairdresser to groom his hair at a hotel in the New Kingston area.

It is alleged that while at the hotel he forcibly had sexual intercourse with the woman.

- Jamaica Observer

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

UTT retrenchment halted for now; Garcia goes to Cabinet

TRINIDAD -- The distribution of the 29 remaining retrenchment letters to University of T&T (UTT) academic staff was stopped Monday until further notice.

However, it does not mean the decision to terminate their services will be rescinded.

The T&T Guardian was told workers who were called on Friday to attend a meeting Monday were again called and told the meeting was cancelled. However, a UTT staffer said no explanation was given. All programme leaders at the university were also Monday called into an emergency “closed-door” meeting with management.

Subsequent to the meeting, UTT president, Professor Sarim Al-Zubaidy, issued a statement saying the board of governors was asked to “hold any further distribution of the remaining letters of separation to members of the university’s academic staff.”

Some 30 employees from the Valsayn and Corinth campuses were given termination letters on Friday, as UTT started the first phase of its restructuring exercise. A total of 59 academic staff members are targeted for retrenchment and UTT is seeking overall to retrench at total of 287 workers as part of a costcutting initiative.

Six of the retrenched staffers attempted to meet with Al-Zubaidy at UTT’s O’meara Campus Monday, but

were initially prevented from doing so by the head of security. However, after much persistence, Al Zubaidy finally came out to meet with them, although briefly, in the university’s hallway.

Al-Zubaidy explained that the criteria for separation of the academics was based on their teaching load, research and community service. But one of the retrenched employees argued that they had far exceeded the university’s expectations.

Some of the employees believe Minister of Education Anthony Garcia is “being led to believe” they are not making sterling contributions to UTT’s operations.

Al-Zubaidy, in the correspondence, said the academic staff to be separated “come from varying programme areas and the university has gone to great lengths to ensure that there are no disruptions to the student body.”

“Students will be UTT’s number one priority and will continue to reap the benefits of excellent tutelage, as programme leaders and other assigned academics will provide requisite support/instruction to ensure that continuity, quality and excellence are uncompromised,” AlZubaidy said.

Speaking afterwards, two of the affected lecturers, Dr Kumar Mahabir and Solomon Ragnathsingh, said they were still not told whether the decision to halt the remaining letters meant their termina-

tion letters would be rescinded.

However, speaking on behalf of the terminated workers, Mahabir said they were in talks with their lawyers and union representatives and stand ready to take legal action if the issue is not resolved amicably.

Meanwhile, UTT staffers who reported for duty Monday were said to be very “troubled” over the ongoing issue, as no one knows who may be next to go home.

“Those of us who have classes to teach today (Monday) feel as though we cannot mentally cope with this. We are very fearful that we may be next on the list to go home. This is worrying, knowing that this morning we got up to report to the university and carry out our duties as usual, but on the edge as to what fate can befall us. It is a terrible feeling,” a staffer, who wished not to be identified, said.

Monday, Minister Garcia said he asked for the remaining termination letters to be put on hold as he expected to meet with Cabinet on Thursday on the issue.

Asked the reason, Garcia replied: “I am the line minister and I represent Cabinet and anything I have oversight of, Cabinet must have oversight and over any decision to be taken.”

He described the retrenching of workers as “simply a university trying its best to deal with its finances.”

Unions in solidarity with fired staff National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) general secretary Michael Annisette has condemned what is happening at UTT.

“Austerity measures, wage cuts and putting workers on the bread line have been and will continue to a doomed economic solution. Economic growth without people-centred growth is a sure prescription for economic chaos,” Annisette said.

“Retrenchment, laying off of workers, cutting workers’ benefits and denying wage increases to employees only contributes to slowing down the economy,” he added.

Sanctuary Trade Union head Devant Maharaj also questioned the reason for job cuts.

“What are the hidden reasons for affecting the livelihoods of hundreds of citizens and thousands of students?”

He added that under the People’s Partnership government there were no planned mass firings during the 2010 to 2015 period.

Whilst academic staff at UTT is not represented by the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), the majority union, other unions stood in solidarity with the UTT staffers.

- Trinidad Guardian

Couple jailed for stealing security cameras from PriceSmart

TRINIDAD -- A woman and her husband who stole a security camera system because the wife “liked it” and she is often alone home were each jailed for nine months Monday.

Mala Rampersad-Deonarine, 46, a geriatric nurse and Neil Deonarine, 49, a labourer, of Carat Hill, Barrackpore, were caught red-handed stealing the camera system, three ladies’ vest and a men’s short pants, together valued at $2,794.75 from PriceSmart Ltd, in La Romaine.

They pleaded guilty in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court. The husband had never been in trouble with the law, but his wife had a conviction dating

back from 1988 for larceny and making a false declaration.

Court prosecutor Cleyon Seedan said around 4.30 pm on Friday the couple was seen placing the items into a black bag and they then left the establishment without paying for them.

They were stopped by the security officer who found the items in the bag. The couple admitted taking the items.

Deonarine said, “My wife tell me this camera system will look good home and I tell she we can’t afford it and she tell me to put it in she handbag and I did it.”

The wife said, “I see the camera system and I liked it and I wanted it. We

don’t have plenty money so I tell my husband to put it in my bag.”

They were charged by WPC De Bourg. The couple, who has a 14-year-old daughter, did not have an attorney. The husband apologised to Senior Magistrate Cherril-Anne Antoine for his actions.

Deonarine, who spent the weekend in the police station, said it was the first time that he ever experienced anything like that.

“It is the first time I come to court or go to jail,” he said. Rampersad-Deonarine was also apologetic. She said, “I really don’t know why it just get to me. We never do these things before, but I am so

sorry.”

Asked about the 1988 offence, Rampersad-Deonarine said she was fined for those offences. She said after that incident she changed her life, got married and had a child.

Asked why they stole the items, the wife said her husband would get up around 2.30 am to leave for work and she would be alone home. The husband said he was not going to sell the items. Before passing sentence the magistrate advised them that they should have saved up to buy the items. Antoine ordered that the items be returned to PriceSmart.

- Trinidad Guardian

Squatters without Certificates of Comfort safe

TRINIDAD -- The Valuation of Land exercise to be done prior to Property Tax collection will first deal with people who have deeds and squatters who hold Certificates of Comfort—but those squatters who lack such certificates won’t be dealt with immediately.

Probably not for the next few years, Finance Minister Colm Imbert has estimated.

Imbert confirmed the entire situation in the Senate last Friday where amendments to the Property Tax Act were in final stage discussions.

Collection of tax begins with 50 per cent of all properties are valued and on the valuation rolls.

Imbert explained the Commissioner of Valuations, who has the power to value land, will begin dealing with people who have deeds to properties, followed by squatters who have Certificates of Comfort.

But, he said, he didn’t think com-

plex or convoluted ownership issues— such as squatters without Certificates of Comfort—would be dealt with immediately.

“It will be at some point, but I’m not sure it’ll be in the next ten years,” Imbert added.

He said he didn’t think Government would go after people with no documentation immediately. However, Imbert was quick to point out that the situation shouldn’t entrench squatting and people would hardly stop seeking Certificates of Comfort if they felt they could escape the property tax.

“You can’t get title to land without a Certificate of Comfort and what’s most important to squatters is title which you need to do bank transactions and other business,” Imbert noted.

Independent Senator Paul Richards expressed concerns that Government might be leaving the situation too “open” facilitating a land grabbing “spree” if

squatters felt that by paying the tax, they could automatically be entitled to land.

Imbert stressed paying the tax didn’t entitle a squatter to land. Minister in the Ministry of Finance Allyson West also said squatting is illegal and “What we have to do is action the power on that which we have.”

However, Imbert acknowledged that the issue of squatters paying the tax and right to property could eventually be tested in the courts.

He said Government didn’t want people to get the right to acquire property “just like that “(squatting) but, “The thing might go before the court, some persons would argue that they pay the tax and it doesn’t matter what the law says. You know how evolutionary our judicial system is, you never know.”

But, he said, squatters were being put into the property tax law since they had to pay for the services they receive from the State.

He said there were squatter communities in his constituency—Bagatelle, Blue Basin, Water Wheel, River Estate— where people had Certificates of Comfort and received a range of State services.

West is expected to speak more about the Property Tax at 10 am today in the Senate when she delivers the 2018 budget mid-year review.

Imbert delivered this in the Lower House last Thursday, stating the economy has turned around and that there will be no retroactive property tax.

He’d said the waiver on payment of the tax would be extended “at this time” to the end of December 2017, since it’s “our policy to collect the tax in the year that all of the required administrative work is completed, such as, for example, the valuation of 50 per cent of properties in T&T in various categories.”

- Trinidad Guardian

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feature

PAGE 17

Show your locs some love with Loc’d & Luscious The natural hair movement has been gaining some serious traction in recent years, and with that has come increased popularity in natural hairstyles. Instead of relaxers, more and more people are opting for styles like braids, afros, and dreadlocks. Due to the more permanent nature of locs, they must be cut off to be removed, many people think there is no easy way to customize them. But that simply isn’t true. Loc’d & Luscious Hair Jewelry and Accessories is here to add character and sparkle to your hair with custom-made pieces!

Loc’d and Luscious founder Sharean Fairman was born in Montreal, with Jamaican and Bajan roots. The eldest of five siblings, Sharean and her family moved to Toronto when she was around three years old. Today, she is a mother of four children: three girls, and one son.

Sharean began Loc’d and Luscious five years ago after a friend suggested she start creating hair jewelry. She began to do research on where she would be able to purchase the materials she would need before she dived into any sort of crafting. After realizing that the only place to purchase loc jewelry was online (and seeing that these pieces also had expensive shipping costs), Sharean decided that crafting her own would be a viable solution after all. “I got a few supplies,

and I started to make a few. I made them and gave them to [my friend]—she was going away on a tour with a music group.

I gave them to her as a gift, and she didn’t come back with it,” she says. The jewelry she was wearing in her hair got so much attention that she ended up giving them to some family members she visited during her trip. Even though Sharean was hesitant about diving into her business at first because she had so many other things going on in her life, the interest her jewelry was garnering was the push that she needed to begin taking her ideas to the next level.

Part of Sharean’s passion for creating jewelry, specifically loc jewelry, stems from her own loc journey. “It was based on the fact that I didn’t want to fit into the mold, I didn’t want to try to conform to what people say black hair should be like. But I didn’t want it to be wild like an afro […] for me, it was accepting myself in my natural state,” she says.

While continuing to work as a project coordinator and raising her children as a single parent, Sharean introduced Loc’d and Luscious to attendees of a Christmas-Kwanzaa festival, where she was a vendor. She brought along a few pieces, including ear jewelry and waist beads. “I sold so much that I was shocked!” she recalls with a laugh. “I thought, ‘oh, maybe I could do this.’” In

2015, Sharean began selling her products on Etsy, an online retailer known for connecting vendors and customers looking for one-of-a-kind items. She continued to showcase her products at community events, and the interest continued to grow.

As the demand for her unique pieces continued, Sharean began to see just how much of an investment being a small business owner was. “One of the things I learned as a business owner is if you’re doing it on the side, just as a parttime thing, it still takes a lot of time,” she says. The income she generates isn’t enough to sustain herself and her children, so she continues to work full-time.

Though it is a challenge, Sharean truly enjoys what she does, and even finds the process of making jewelry therapeutic.

“It’s like a passion. I tend to create a lot when I’m stressed, or I just have some downtime. That’s when I have time to create new pieces, or new designs and so forth,” she explains.

Though many beauty supply stores now carry jewelry that can be placed in locs, twists, braids, or other styles, Sharean says Loc’d and Luscious is still unique. “It’s still a new thing in the Toronto area, or in Canada, per se […] to have genuine pieces that has been created for them, one-of-a-kind pieces. That’s still a new concept here as opposed to the

U.S.”

On top of making jewelry that stands out visually, Sharean customizes her pieces even further for her clients. “I sell a lot of jewelry that absorbs negativity, that blocks, that gives strength, that gives self-esteem and encourages them to be more open and more loving.” She says that when she explains the properties of her jewelry to people, she is sometimes met with questions. “A lot of people don’t understand how gemstones work and probably think it’s a cult-ish thing.

But in my research, and through speaking to people who know more about the stones than I do, it’s so much a part of us, because they’re from the earth, and we’re from the earth, so it’s a great connection,” explains Sharean. It’s nice to know that it could be pretty, but it also has meaning. I say my jewelry is made with love, but it’s true. When I’m making a piece especially for someone, I’m putting so much thought into it and I’m making it so unique for them.”

To get your own custom-made jewelry, whether it be loc jewelry, earrings, bracelets, or more, contact Sharean on Instagram by searching for @locdnluscious, or at https://www.facebook. com/locdandluscious2016/ .

Written by Dellia Rismay Toronto Caribbean Reporter

entertainment

PAGE 18

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Soca producer to Machel, Bunji, Nadia re-enters performance arena

aba@carib101.com

ENT. PUBLICIST

There’s nothing in the entertainment rulebook that says a music producer cannot be an artist. You’ve heard the name Juelio Nelson, haven’t you? The young, Moruga Trinidad native is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s fastest rising music producers, having worked with Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Superblue for whom he produced the

in a number of competitions, among them 12 and Under and even the Junior Soca Monarch. He admits to having been sidetracked a bit when he got into music production though, taking on that career path wholeheartedly.

“A lot of artistes kept telling me it was time to get back into singing. Nadia Batson was a huge inspiration for my return,” he said, explaining that Buffy too, pushed him to deliver a track on the new riddim.

The new single is called “Stuck on You” and was written by Juelio, making it clear that he’s pretty much an all rounder in the business of entertainment. “I think it’s really important for me to come out of my comfort

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Supporters of the art form are encouraged to check out the efforts of this amazing Caribbean talent on Instagram @ juelio_artiste_producer.

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travel

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Answer the call of adventure with a camping road trip If you’re craving clean air and wide-open spaces, take to the open road this summer!

There’s no shortage of world-class sites where you can pitch your tent or park your camper and enjoy peace, quiet and pristine nature.

Whether you prefer sleeping in a tent or in the comfort of a camper, you have a ton of options to choose from to create the experience of your dreams. But all you really need is a car and some gear! Stop when you want, where you want, and feel free to visit all the attractions your heart desires along

the way. A word of advice: you may feel giddy with adrenaline when you set out on your vacation, but driving can get tiring.

Keep things fresh by planning a loop itinerary with plenty of things to see and do.

Maybe you’d rather visit national parks on the other side of the country? No problem! Just fly out (or take the train) and rent a car or camper on site for another twist on the traditional road trip. The challenge: to pack only the essentials and save enough space in your suitcase to bring back souvenirs.

SOME DREAM DESTINATIONS Fundy National Park (New Brunswick), Killarney Provincial Park (Ontario), Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta), Yosemite National Park (California), Zion National Park (Utah), Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve (Alaska) — North America is chock-full of magnificent camping destinations. Where will the road take you next?

Trending sports to try this summer Summer vacation is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to try something new. If you like to get moving, here are a few exciting sports to spice up your season.

• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Fans of board sports are sure to enjoy SUP, which involves — you guessed it — standing up on a board and paddling away on the water. If you really want to put your balance to the test, try a session of SUP yoga!

• Flyboard. This exhilarating activity is guaranteed to please adrenaline seekers. Fly through the air and underwater like a dolphin on a specially designed board powered by the thrust of a jet ski.

• Via ferrata. This unique sport combines the breathtaking rush of rock climbing

UNUSUAL SPORTS There are a number of uncommon sporting ac­tivities you can try: roller derby, bubble soccer, underwater rugby, cycle polo and even Quidditch (no flying broom­stick required).

Give your summer vacation a theme!

with the safety of trail hiking. Cables, pegs and steps allow you to reach tricky spots that are otherwise inaccessible.

• Disc golf. An unlikely combination of Frisbee and golf, the goal of this sport is to hit various targets on a course in the least attempts possible. Not as easy as it sounds!

• Foot golf. Another unexpected sports mash-up! In this game, soccer balls replace golf balls and your feet become the club.

• Bouldering. Strength and agility are paramount to practice this sport! Bouldering is a form of rock climbing practiced at a safe distance from the ground, usually without ropes or harnesses but with thick mats in place to cu­shion falls.

Are you a big fan of waterparks or modern art galleries? Do you absolutely love baseball or hiking? Maybe music festivals or country fairs are more your cup of tea? This summer, go all out with your favourite activity — there’s nothing like a themed trip to make your vacation unforgettable.

For a themed summer vacation to be a success, everyone involved should be as enthusiastic as you are about the chosen topic. Here are a few ideas for inspiration, whether you’re heading out with the family, with friends or as a couple.

WATER How about curling your toes in the sand of ten of British Columbia’s most beautiful beaches? Or visit each and every waterpark in the Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin!

GOOD FOOD Sample the best of your favourite cuisine, or plan your route around mouth-watering food festivals.

MOVIES Visit some of the spectacular North American locations where famous mo­­vies were shot — and don’t forget to take in a few studios while you’re at it!

BEVERAGES Tour vineyards, distilleries or craft breweries in search of your new favourite drink.

Did you know that the first commercial winery in the United States was in Kentucky? The Bluegrass State is also home to over a dozen distilleries!

NATURE How about hiking in the most breathtaking national parks or fishing the most well stocked lakes and rivers?

ANIMALS Plan an itinerary loaded with destinations (zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries, insectariums, etc.) where the animal kingdom reigns supreme.

SPORTS Take in a baseball game at any of a number of historic parks or bring your clubs and have a go at some of the most challenging and beautiful golf courses.

AMUSEMENT PARKS Visit all the amusement parks within a radius of a couple of hundred kilometres from home, or organize a tour of the world-famous theme parks in Orlando, Florida.

MUSIC Make the rounds of your favourite music festivals, take in the best symphony orchestras or follow your favourite performer on tour.

ICE CREAM Discover why Woodstock (in southwestern Ontario) is the Dairy Capital of Canada, or challenge yourself to sample ice cream from at least twenty different parlours during your vacation.

SHOPPING Shop till you drop in the biggest shopping malls Canada and the United States have to offer!

ADRENALINE Zip lining, rock climbing, rafting — with a little imagination, you’ll be feeling the thrills in no time.

BUILD YOUR OWN ITINERARY For endless inspiration, turn to the web.

You’ll find a wealth of information on any travel topic you can imagine, from the best fishing spots to the biggest zoos in North America. Tourism websites and travel blogs are great resources to help you plan a vacation to remember.

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PAGE 26

food

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Five tips to make meal planning work for you!

EARTHA LOWE eartha@carib101.com

FOOD SPECIALIST

The best intentions to eat well won’t matter if you don’t have a strategy in place to help you reach your goals. You already make a commitment to cook, or at least to eat, and unless you frequently eat out, you need to put good food on the table. Grilling a piece of fish, steaming vegetables, preparing a salad in ten minutes, making a simple pasta dish or creamy soup, are just a few meal ideas in which the ingredients, flavors, and timing, are entirely up to you. “Convenience”

foods may take just as long to get to the table as your good home cooking, but with cooking, you know what you are eating, and you know what it will taste like. That’s part of the fun and pleasure of prepping and cooking your own food. It’s a real experience.

So, turn up your favorite tunes, catch up on a podcast or your TV shows (with a glass of wine on standby of course), unpack your groceries and make meal planning a priority.

Tip #1 Schedule time each week to grocery shop!

Of all the things in life that are beyond our control, your diet should not be one of them.

Meal planning is a nutritional tool you can use to support your health. Write a grocery list and make an action plan to dedicate a specific day and time each week to purchase and prepare ingredients. This is especially important if you follow a strict vegan, veg-

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etarian, paleo, or any “good nutrition” diet.

Grocery shop on a day that you are less busy to help reduce any stress or anxiety.

Tip #2 Prepare ingredients immediately.

Time is a precious commodity. There are few better ways to spend it than by preparing high-quality food for yourself and those you love, but the time it takes to fix many meals is mostly spent prepping, not cooking.

Wash and chop ingredients in bulk and slice vegetables for recipes in the upcoming week.

Enlist the help of family and friends, or get the kids involved. This completes the job faster and makes it more enjoyable.

Tip #3 Cook in advance.

It’s easy to have the makings of a meal or two on hand by maintaining the right mix of staples. Prepare some dishes in advance to relieve any pressure of cooking during

the busy week. Batch-cook recipes that you love. Freeze extra portions for later.

Tip #4 Make meal prepping fun and pleasurable!

Enlist the help of family and friends, or get the kids involved. This completes the job faster and makes it more enjoyable. Prepping and cooking doesn’t have to be boring. Have your favorite tunes on your playlist ready, catch up on TV shows, listen to a podcast, or catch up with a friend on speakerphone.

Tip #5 Don’t give up.

If you’re not used to cooking, meal planning may seem tedious or even difficult at first.

The cooking improves with practice. Meal planning teaches you organizational, culinary, and budgeting skills that are invaluable to a healthy diet. You will get into a groove, becoming faster and more efficient.

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Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

What’s the latest in breast cancer research?

Did you know that one in nine Canadian women are predisposed to developing breast cancer? Thankfully, researchers are always looking for new ways to help prevent, detect and treat this destructive disease. Every October, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) invites all Canadians, whether personally touched by the disease or not, to step forward and help raise funds and awareness in support of breast cancer research.

tions. Here are three noteworthy examples of groundbreaking alternatives:

NEW METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS A key area of research looks at better ways to diagnose breast cancer. Currently, the most reliable method to detect the disease remains mammography screenings; however, the test is subject to certain limita-

• Radioactive seed localization helps doctors better target abnormal tissue in the breast that can’t be felt by hand. Radiologists implant the radioactive seeds in the area of concern during an X-ray or CT scan to effectively detect the presence of cancerous cells.

• Digital breast tomosynthesis detects cancer more easily in patients with dense breasts and helps radiologists see more clearly whether or not a suspicious area contains cancerous cells. This type of imaging may help lower the number of false positive and false negative results sometimes produced by standard mammography testing.

• Circulating tumour cells are found in the bloodstream of certain wo­men diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of directly targeting cancerous cells in the breast, doctors may perform a CellSearch circulating tumour cell (CTC) test to confirm a positive diagnosis.

Researchers are always looking for new ways to detect breast cancer.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take action and get screened!

Do you have a strong family history of breast cancer? Have you previously received radiation treatment to the chest? Is your breast tissue denser than the average woman’s? Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer and take advantage of screening tests available in your area.

women

PAGE 29

Fertility preservation and breast cancer treatment

Hearing the words “You have breast cancer” can trigger a whirlwind of emotions, especially among women of childbearing age who still want to grow their family. Cancer treatments risk leaving women infertile; however, ongoing research into fertility preservation methods is increasingly offering cancer survivors the possibility of having biological children post-treatment.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Sponsored by the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society, this annual health campaign aims to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of the disease and provide women across America with the information and support they need to have the life they’ve always dreamed of.

• In vitro fertilization (IVF). Colloquially referred to as the “test tube baby” technique, IVF stimulates the growth of eggs, collects them and fertilizes them in a test tube to create embryos, which are later implanted in the woman’s uterus.

• Frozen embryo transfer (FET). FET is a cyclical treatment that involves thawing frozen embryos from previous IVF cycles (or a donor) and transferring them back into the woman’s uterus. FET is considered the most effective fertility preservation strategy to date; however, women who are single or not yet married may feel more comfortable freezing eggs that haven’t yet been fertilized with their partner or an anonymous donor’s sperm.

HOW DOES TREATMENT AFFECT FERTILITY? A woman needs an adequate number of healthy eggs in her ovaries to get pregnant naturally. These eggs are all made before she’s born and spontaneously die with age; however, invasive drugs Oncofertility is a field and forms of treatment can daof medicine that explores mage and kill eggs prematurely and expands options for (e.g. chemotherapy) or delay prethe reproductive future gnancy, giving eggs time to age of cancer survivors. naturally (e.g. hormone therapy).

FERTILITY PRESERVATION OPTIONS If you’re a young woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor may recommend the following courses of action to ensure a bright reproductive future:

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health

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Parental advice to combat childhood obesity Childhood obesity is a major cause for concern among public healthcare professionals. In fact, more and more children are exhibiting weight issues and are thus more likely to develop serious health problems later on in life, like diabetes and high blood pressure. In order to prevent obesity in children, it’s important to educate young people on the importance of eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise.

A PARENT’S ROLE Children are easily influenced by, and will often imitate, their parents’ behaviour.

Consequently, parents play a pivotal role in preventing childhood obesity. In fact, by adopting a healthy and balanced lifestyle for yourself, you greatly reduce the risk that

your kids will develop weight problems and other related health issues later on in life. You can help your children keep their weight in check by: • Buying fewer food products that are high in fat and sugar (chips, soda, cookies, etc.).

• Instructing them to eat at regular hours and limiting the amount of snacks they consume between meals.

• Discouraging overeating by serving reasonably sized meal portions.

• Packing their lunchbox with nutritious goodies (fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, homemade muffins, rice cakes, etc.).

• Making sure they don’t spend too much time watching television or playing video games.

• Signing them up for extracurricular activities to help keep them active (soccer, swimming, dance, martial arts, etc.).

• Encouraging them to play out­ doors more often and organizing more active family outings like going to the park.

PAGE 31

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Healthy snack ideas to combat childhood obesity Childhood obesity is a major public health concern. In fact, obesity rates among children and youth in Canada have nearly tripled in the last 30 years, according to the Go­ vernment of Canada’s estimates. In order to prevent weight-related health issues later in life, parents must inspire their little ones to adopt a healthy eating style from an early age.

The Canadian Nutrition Society recommends that parents substitute high-calorie ingredients (added sugars, solid fats, etc.) for high-nutrient, lower-calorie foods when packing their children’s lunches. Whether enjoyed as midday mun­­chies or an after-school treat, these six nutritious snack ideas are sure to tickle your kids’ taste buds!

HEALTHY MUNCHING 1. Peanut better and apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon

2. Fat-free or low-fat yogurt topped with frozen berries 3. Chopped fresh veggies served with a side of hummus 4. Bite-sized black bean enchiladas on whole grain pita bread 5. Dark chocolate chip cookies made with oatmeal or whole grain flour 6. Mini pickle sandwiches stuffed with low-fat luncheon meats (turkey, roast beef, lean ham, etc.)

ENERGY BALANCE In addition to consuming a nutritious diet, getting plenty of exercise and adequate shut-eye is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight in every stage of life. Limiting foods and beverages with added sugars and restricting the amount of time spent in front of the TV will ensure your children’s future is filled with vitality.

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Childhood obesity: a community responsibility It’s difficult to make healthy choices when exposed to environments that do not support healthy habits. In addition to genetics, childhood obesity is influenced by many social factors, including lack of access to healthier foods and a shortage of outdoor spaces for active play.

Every year, the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages state officials, schools, childcare providers and parents, among other groups, to work together toward a solutions-based approach to making healthy living an easier choice for children.

THE COMMUNITY DIFFERENCE Places such as childcare centers and schools can influence lifestyle habits through the foods and drinks they offer and the opportunities for physical activity they provide. Here are five ways community groups can join forces to empower children to reach for the brighter, healthier future they deserve: 1. The federal government can provide greater access to affordable, nutritious foods for low-income families.

2. State and local officials can help local schools open up more gyms, playgrounds and sports fields.

3. Doctors and nurses can counsel students

on nutrition and active living or connect teachers to the appropriate resources.

4. Childcare providers can serve fruits and vegetables for snacks and make water easily available throughout the day.

5. Parents can limit screen time at home and encourage more active forms of recreation.

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PAGE 32

yoga

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

I have no time to practice yoga TRISHA CURLING

trishacurling@carib101.com

YOGA SPECIALIST

This is a wonderful story I have told myself from time to time. Have you ever said the same thing yourself?

It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day responsibilities, but we then get to a point where our minds are telling us we have no time, but our bodies are screaming another message VERY LOUDLY! We might be experiencing pain, tension, lack of energy and/or focus and our body is demonstrating that in a number of different ways. These things can start to affect

our performance in other areas, not to mention just our general quality of life. If you have the go-ahead from your medical doctor, here are five ways we can change that story by implementing even just one of these strategies.

1.Yoga stretches in bed Did you know that you can do some simple stretches before you even get out of bed?

When you wake up first thing in the morning, it is not uncommon that your body will feel less pliable. It’s time to jump-start your circulation and mobility. Doing something as simple lying on your back and taking one knee towards your chest at a time (with fingers laced under the thigh or on the shin bone can help to create some length in the lower spine, it can even encourage better alignment for the hips.

2.Wake up 10 minutes earlier Waking up 10 minutes earlier means that you can get out of bed and head to your mat. Here

is an opportunity to spend some time doing Sun Salutation A (for example). These movements will awaken and lengthen the hamstrings, create some flexion and extension in the spine, among other things, it can also encourage more mindful breathing to take with you into the rest of your day. Leave your mat feeling more refreshed and energized.

3.Practice yoga online Can’t make it to a class or unsure what to do?

Find an online platform that suits your needs.

You don’t even have to leave your home. You can practice with a teacher(s) you connect within the comfort of your own living room.

You can switch it off anytime you need to.

4.Find a yoga teacher in your area If part of your desire is introducing yourself into a new space, connecting with a yoga teacher in your area is a great place to start.

It can be a class or private one on one setting.

Creating this type of accountability will help you to make more time. You will be less likely to tell yourself that you just can’t make it.

5.Office yoga Simple stretches at your desk during your workday can help to boost your mood, therefore productivity levels and focus. Lengthening your spine and doing a simple twist by turning your body to the right (for example) and placing your right hand on the back of the chair for support, while the left hand is placed on the outer right thigh to create more of a twist can help to alleviate tension in areas like the lower back, neck, and shoulders (this should be repeated on the other side of course).

Start by telling yourself that you DO have the time. Choose one or try them all and you will see how one small step will encourage you to implement other changes over time.

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network

PAGE 34

community

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

LIVE EVERY THURSDAY FROM 1-2PM

Creating alliances; Learning the art of war - Part I SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST If you have not noticed, this world is a crazy place. For my 90s Hip Hop fans, ”Survival of the Fitest,” is a classic tale of how hard it is to live in this world, and if you do not learn the lessons needed to adapt, you will fail. I actually used it as my show entry for a few months during my Carib 101 Radio days; that song means a lot to me because even though I have lived a considerably good life, it does not mean I have not had to learn to adapt to this madness. One thing I have learned is that as much as I write to benefit others, not everyone wants to be benefitted. They prefer to ignore certain truths because it does not match the internalization of their world. That is okay; I will continue to teach what I know because I know that there are people out there who do take in what needs to be shared; I am only the conduit, and the message has been here for ages.

Alright, I want to revisit a topic that I wrote about a long time ago; I have matured since then, so it will be interesting to see how this information is conveyed.

WITH JAY BRIJPAUL & AMIT KANHAI LIVE from 1-2pm EST on Facebook, YouTube & Periscope.

Search MyTCNtv to view LIVE and SUBSCRIBE!

My readers, or listeners out there, if you have not had a chance to read or hear the Art of War, I would suggest that you get on this as soon as possible. This book written by Sun Tzu, is a mandatory book for business students. I know you are wondering why I am suggesting this for those who are not business students. Well, technically, we are always doing business; every interaction is an exchange of some kind, and it is not always dependent on money. We can exchange; services, products, energy, even time. So, it is important that you know how to exchange in every interaction. At times, it is just like war, regardless if you want to believe it or not. So, let’s go back to the quote; you know those interactions I mentioned earlier that feel warlike? This quote addresses this type of interaction. When existing in this world, you are going to come across people who will test your limits; they will say things that are deemed antagonistic or act in ways that are combative.

One thing you have to learn how to do is to pick and choose your battles. Like fire, an argument needs certain elements to rage: accelerant, combustion, and air. If you take away one of those components (you can pick which element of fire you would like to be) it is harder, if not impossible for that fire to catch. DON’T RESPOND TO THE TAUNTING! Sometimes it is best to walk away, and trust me I know it is hard. Find sup-

port teams who you can call who will be able to be objective with you. It sounds like a sponsor or buddy system, and that is exactly what it is. If you pick your battles, you live to fight another day.

Battles, whether physical or verbal, are exhausting. Save your energy and direct it into aspects of your life that could use that fire.

“Never venture, never win!” Sun Tzu I don’t know about you, but I have never heard of an army who conquered the land by staying within their territory. Actually, it makes no sense.

Now, I am not telling you to go out and conquer others, how about we take some time to conquer ourselves first, which means that you have to come out your comfort zone. We all say that we want more, but we are not able to move past our constructs to do so. We are safe in our zones, and we have the luxury of familiarity. That luxury will lose its luster eventually, especially when it begins to cause mental distress. YOU HAVE TO MOVE! You have to begin to go out and meet people; create an alliance and conquer people’s thoughts of you by showing how valuable you are. This can be done in the work you do paid or unpaid, how you give back to your community in a positive way, and how you can be depended on to further the good of your community.

Don’t worry! I am not done; join me in two weeks for Part II. For now, think about what you read, and see how you can apply it in your daily life. Oh yeah! Go find the Art of War!

Humankind’s main motivation is to seek and experience personal freedom COLLEEN LINDBERG colleen@carib101.com

LIFESTYLE COACH

SEARCH “MYTCNTV”

“He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.” Sun Tzu

I recently picked up the book The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard. Phenomenal read by the way in case you are looking for a great book to read. In the first chapter of the book, he outlines our human need for freedom. Freedom in all avenues, not just in money. As I reflect back on my life I believe this to be true. I really feel that human expression and being ourselves is a part of being free. It’s about letting go the illusions of what others think of us and owning our

space. It took me a long time, (well it feels like a long time) to see this in my own life.

Have you ever been in the position where you caught yourself trying to be something that you are not? Let me give you an example in my life. I used to wear masks alot when I first started networking to try and be what others wanted. “Oh, sure I can be the quiet, shy girl in a room”. “Absolutely I can do that for you” (Not knowing at all what they are talking about) “Of course I will wear the lipstick you tell me and certain types of clothes” There is one thing to strive to be better, there is another to live in a space of never feeling enough and that was definitely me. I thought that in order for you to like me I had to be what you thought I was, instead of just who I am.

So, today I ask you where do you get to experience personal freedom? Where in your life do you need more of it? It might be in the way you parent your kids, the way you do your hair, in the music you listen to or in the personal brand-

ing of your business. Personal freedom shows up in many forms for us, in many different ways. A conversation that has been coming up a lot lately with some of my clients about this subject is taking time for personal freedom. When you want a Netflix and chill day but feel guilty about taking the time for yourself, where is your personal freedom in there? We sometimes feel guilty for doing things that represent our personal freedom. So, I say to that, “Do the things that you want to do”.

Now I don’t say that in a way that you detriment other things, that you fluff off responsibilities or that you lose integrity, but in a way that you make sure that you are a priority in your life and you own that space when you need to take it.

We are often the last on our totem pole, not on purpose most days but it appears that way.

I ask you this week “Where can you take more time, create more of, or just be in your personal freedom”. You are unique, keep shining on and I can’t wait to see what you stand in.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

life

PAGE 35

Ownership of the matrimonial home: Title matters VALERIE DYE valerie@carib101.com

LEGAL SPECIALIST

A matrimonial home may be owned either by one spouse only or by both spouses either jointly or as tenants in common (most married couples own their home jointly).

Regardless of whether or not a matrimonial home is owned by one spouse or both spouses, if there is a separation or divorce, the spouse who does not own the home still has rights with regard to equalization. As such, the matrimonial home will be taken into consideration in determining the amount of equalization payment that is due to the non-owning spouse. Suppose, for instance,

a married couple, spouse A and spouse B, reside in a matrimonial home that is valued at $600.000. The home is owned only by spouse A and together with other assets spouse A has a net family property value of $800,000. Spouse B has a net family property value of $200,000. Since spouse A’s net family property value is higher than spouse B’s by $600,000 spouse A will have to pay half of that amount to spouse B. As such the amount to be paid to spouse B would be $300,000. At the end of the equalization process, both spouses will have similar net family property values ($500,000 each).

Consequently, the non-titled spouse reaps the benefit of the value of the matrimonial home despite not being on the title.

Despite this benefit, various other scenarios demonstrate that title matters. The titled spouse has various rights that are not open to a non-titled spouse.

One such right is that a titled spouse can obtain a court order to force the sale of

the matrimonial home if the other spouse refuses to cooperate in the selling the home.

The Partition Act states that: ‘Any person interested in land …may bring an action or make an application for the partition of such land or for the sale thereof under the directions of the court if such sale is considered by the court to be more advantageous to the parties interested’.

In cases such as Giglio vs Giglio and Hill vs Hill the courts have outlined who can obtain an order for partition and sale. In Hill vs Hill, the court stated that the right of a joint owner to the sale of a jointly held property stems directly from ownership of that property. Similar, in Alves v DeSouza the Ontario Superior Court found that the husband was not entitled to obtain a court order to have the property partitioned or sold as he was not an owner of the property.

Another situation where title to matrimonial home matters is where the value of the property increases after the date of

separation.

Where the property is owned by only one spouse the other spouse cannot benefit from the increase in value that may occur between the date of separation and the trial date. In Cerenzia vs Cerenzia the wife owned the matrimonial home prior to marriage. The home increased in value by almost $300,000 between the date of separation and the trial date. The court held that since the husband was not a beneficial owner of the property he was only entitled to a share of the value as at the separation date and not a share of the increased value. On the other hand, where the property is owned by both spouses, they will both benefit from any increase in value that may occur between the date of separation and the date of trial or the date when the division of assets is finalized.

Although the above scenarios show that title matters, a non-titled spouse may yet be able to prove ownership in the matrimonial home despite not being on the title.

Election questions KATHY McDONALD kathy@carib101.com

SCHOOL TRUSTEE

As I reflect on the joys of motherhood and wait for the four marvelous fruits of my womb to put the final touches on my Mother’s Day breakfast, I am filled with much reservation. The landscape of the city is changing as lawn signs are popping up everywhere like shingles on the ground during a windstorm. Most likely in less than a month our political portrait will we quite different. I find myself wondering the fate of our most precious resource, our children and their education.

We must be reflective parents, caregivers, and practitioners and read, listen and question the party’s policies on education.

We must demand that our voices are heard and respected. We must VOTE. It is truly concerning when you hear the advice and sentiment of politicians.

There is the perception that people from the African, Black and Caribbean community don’t vote so invariably our community is ignored. Politicians won’t “waste their time” with our community because we

don’t vote. I would like to encourage each reader to be the change in this perception.

Whether individual politicians with such beliefs are misguided or there is merit to such a commonly held belief, we as a community must work arduously to change this.

We need to start showing up for our children. I would encourage more individuals to start attending town hall meetings and other forums that require community input.

Venture out to the all-candidate debates. At a bare minimum go and read each party’s platform before you vote…. Yes! VOTE. If we don’t vote then we don’t have a voice.

If we don’t vote, in my opinion, we should not complain about any shortcomings of our government.

This election our kid’s education is on the line. While we don’t want an ineffective and dishonest government we don’t want a government that will cull great programs and initiative for young people. Ideally, we would like an effective honest government that will put our children and their well-being first. A government that has education as a priority is the best government to have lead this province. We are entering some scary yet exciting times in the education realm and it’s important that we get it right, so the children of Ontario will not be left behind. Our children need a solid education if they are going to be competitive and employable.

Let us not just vote like our parents did without examining the why, the how and

the when. I implore you to read, read, read and arm yourselves with credible information. The power is in your hands to make a difference for our kids. Believe it or not, the person that we charge to lead this province can be a game changer for the next generation. At the risk of sounding repetitive, VOTE. Don’t ignore the knock at the door when candidates and their volunteers come around. Be engaged. That’s the perfect opportunity to talk with them and get the answers to your questions.

Here are a few questions you might want to ask the canvassers that you encounter: Would your party be amenable to creating a Ministry of the Child? What is the party’s stance on education? What do equity and inclusion look like for your party? How will you ensure that all students are successful?

Do you intend to invest in the early year’s program? What does preschool look like for your party? Will your government commit to an in-depth review of the OCT (Ontario Colleges of Teachers) and the training teachers receive? What about bill 274, what is your parties stand on this? Will you eliminate bill 274? Right now school boards across the province are struggling to find supply teachers to fill all the vacancies by teachers that are absent. Will your government revisit the sick leave policies? Do you think that there are enough teaching assistants to serve to our students? If no how will you address this ?

There is a growing increase in mental health in our students, how does your party plan

to address these needs? What about teacher safety , stress and fatigue. What initiatives does your party have for the well-being and safety of the staff in the schools? Is your party committed to a curriculum where students can see themselves reflected in their learning? There are many buildings especially those in low income neighbourhoods where the buildings are falling apart. Does your party see fit to address the physical learning environment? Some individuals are calling for the elimination of the EQAO Test, how will your party keep the education system accountable to the students they serve? Bussing, any thoughts? Are you satisfied with the way negotiations are currently conducted with all union and federation groups? Would you finance grassroots parents advocacy groups? What role does the trustee play in advocacy and should the position be a full time position?

Durham parents you can start by attending the boards Evening of Parent Engagement on May 24th from 7-9 pm at 400 Taunton Road Whitby. Parents in Scarborough Tropicana Community Services on 1385 Huntingwood Drive will be hosting an all candidates meeting TODAY Thursday, May 17th from 6-8pm. Parents let us journey together as we seek the best political party that will nurture, protect and put our children’s well-being and education first. Walk Good! Belle Marché!

PAGE 36

in the six

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

How to implement the practice of vulnerable communication KEZIA ROYERBURKETT kezia@carib101.com DATING SPECIALIST

What is vulnerable communication? The word vulnerable means a person that is in a position of being susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm. The word communication means the imparting or exchange of information or news. If I sum up a meaning based on these definitions, vulnerable communications are the sharing of information (feelings, thoughts, etc.) while you are in a position where your feelings could be hurt, your thoughts could be judged, and you can be left feeling less than. For many people, including me, vulnerable communication sounds insanely scary and way out of my controlling comfort zone, but what is life without balance? I don’t think I was ever taught to be vulnerable; my dad always taught me never to show weakness, never cry in front of people and to always rely on myself and my abilities. But in a relationship, lack of vulnerability can be detrimental and as well as lack of communication. All healthy, loving relationships need good communication practices included into the foundation but communicating sometimes is the least of our worries. We know how to communicate, but do we know how to communicate with love and understanding? I think vulnerable communication is valuable in every relationship because it allows two individuals to connect to each other and love each other and display love in a healthy balanced manner.

I once read a funny meme that said that we spend the first two years of children’s lives teaching them to walk and talk then we spend the following twelve years telling them to sit down and stop talking - LOL. Society teaches us to be quiet, not to be attention seeking or free thinking, we are expected to act like everyone else and be “good” people. The innate instinct to protect oneself from harm can sometimes take over areas of our lives where defense mechanisms are not needed, and relationships are one of them.

The norm is not to freely express emotions and to push uncomfortable topics under the rug.

To me, vulnerable communication is like going on a journey to understanding

town and empathy city, where there is no judgment, but there are love and trust. When in a disagreement with a loved one and emotions intensify, most times logic begins to decrease drastically. Here are some points on how you can practice vulnerable communication; •

•

•

When communicating with a loved one about how you feel use verbs during your moments of vulnerable communication. Like I need, want, desire, hope for, etc. so that you are focusing on your needs while expressing your thoughts and feelings and not concentrate on your partner’s shortcoming or issues you may have with them at the time.

Be detailed and speak specifically. If you can’t remember all of the details, then it’s probably not essential and cannot help. Truthfully communicate your thoughts and feelings.

Get out of your head, being vulnerable means that you are sharing all of yourself without hiding behind the defense walls we put up so people can perceive us in a certain light. Ideal vulnerable communication allows no room for judgment by self or others.

Being vulnerable doesn’t always feel good, actually, it has never felt good to me. But it is the best way to communicate clearly, humbly and intentionally on difficult subjects and to be a genuine person. Vulnerable communication can only have successful results in a secure, loving, healthy, balanced committed relationship. It doesn’t have to be a romantic relationship, but the people involved have to love each other, differences and all. Vulnerable communication isn’t the and all be all, answer to relationship issues, but it is a great tool that disrupts the idea of judgment and regret. Hard to be regretful when you sincerely and lovingly share your thoughts and feelings with a loved one, with only the hope of being understood and heard. If you are in a healthy, loving relationship, you should be able to fearlessly be yourself and share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings with your loved one.

Are you dating or in a relationship?

How do you communicate with your partner in difficult situations? Email me at Kezia@ carib101.com with all of your love and relationship stories and if you have any questions or need some advice about dating and relationships. I love reading your stories and kind words of support. Love and Light.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Refresh your melamine cabinets in five easy steps!

home & garden

Had enough of your worn-out — and outdated — melamine cabinets? Changing their colour is an affordable way to breathe new life into your kitchen. Before you get started, consider these five essential steps: 1. CLEAN With the help of a damp soapy sponge, thoroughly wash your melamine cabinets from top to bottom to eliminate grime that’s built up with time. Use an all-purpose degreaser to remove those stubborn oily stains.

2. SAND Using fine sandpaper (or an electric sander, if you have one), lightly sand down your kitchen cabinets to obtain a nice smooth surface. Next, get rid of the resulting dust with a damp cloth.

3. PREP Apply a uniform layer of primer to the inside and outside of your cabinets. This step is critical to ensure the paint adheres

Macramé design: the 70s décor trend is back!

4. PAINT Opt for a type of paint specifically designed for melamine surfaces. Apply at least two generous coats of your colour of choice with a paintbrush and roller. Make sure to let the paint dry completely between coats.

5. VARNISH To prevent premature chipping and peeling, seal the deal with a quality varnish once the paint is fully dry. Depending on your preference, choose a varnish with a matte, satin or glossy finish, and apply several coats to better protect your cabinets from early wear.

Here’s to a job well done!

Combining style and function, belly baskets are among this year’s interior design must-haves. Whether you place them in the entrance, kitchen, office, bathroom or bedroom, these stylish foldable baskets will make an attractive and practical addition to your interior.

Hand-woven from natural materials such as seagrass, belly baskets complement most popular design styles, from Scandinavian-inspired to boho-chic. While often left au naturel, these eco-friendly storage units are also available in different colours and can be embellished with pompoms, embroidery and more.

Whether you make them yourself or scout for them in local artisanal shops, macramé designs are all unique in their own right. Eager to add a touch of macramé to your interior? Consider these potential creations for inspiration:

In a nutshell, belly baskets are an ideal storage solution, with endless ways to use them around the home. In addition to storing blankets, toys and towels, these functional baskets can also serve as trendy potholders for your favourite houseplants!

Discover seven qualities of cork flooring Used to build durable bedroom, living room, dining room, basement and kitchen floors, cork is gaining popularity throughout the home thanks to its numerous advantages over other flooring options. Here are seven characteristics of cork to help inspire your next renovation!

1. DURABLE Cork is known for its incredible durability. This material is hard to damage, and its porous structure provides excellent shock resistance. Furthermore, cork is flameproof, waterproof, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, antifungal and antistatic—not bad, right?

2. COMFORTABLE Cork is naturally supple and stretchy. Its cushioned surface is easy on the feet and joints, making it an ideal choice for kitchens and children’s playrooms alike.

Popular since the 1970s, macramé is making a strong comeback in interior design to embellish the bohemian- and vintage-inspired interiors of 2017.

to the surface. For optimal results, let the basecoat dry for 24 hours (or according to the manufacturer’s recommended time) before moving on to the next step.

Spruce up your décor and optimize your storage with belly baskets

In vogue since the 1970s, macramé is making a remarkable comeback in the interior design world. Today, this traditional practice of braiding and hand-knotting rope to create accessories for the home is being revisited to create trendy bohemian- and vintage-inspired designs.

• Lampshades • Potholders • Table runners • Pillows • Wall decorations (dream catchers, tapestries, headboards, etc.)

• Hammocks • Hanging baskets • Hanging mirrors • Curtains • Carpets

PAGE 37

3. QUIET Cork acts as a barrier against noise and vibrations. These insulating properties are especially appreciated by condominium dwellers.

4. ENERGY EFFICIENT Cork helps maintain a stable room tem-

perature year-round. It doesn’t absorb heat during the stifling summer months and won’t get as cold as hardwood or ceramic when temperatures start to drop.

5. EASY TO CLEAN As long as it’s protected by a good quality varnish, cork flooring requires very little maintenance. To keep it looking good as new for as long as possible, all you need to do is regularly vacuum and wash the surface with a damp mop.

6. ECO-FRIENDLY Cork is sourced from renewable forests and harvested in a way that is safe for the environment. In fact, it’s produced from the bark of cork oak trees, which regenerates with time; this eliminates

the need for traditional logging practices (i.e. the tree doesn’t need to be cut down).

7. VERSATILE Available in a variety of colours and patterns, as tiles or floating planks, cork flooring complements almost every popular style in interior design (modern, rustic, Scandinavian, classic, etc.).

PAGE 38

automotive

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

2019 Volkswagen Jetta

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

VOLKSWAGEN cars get a makeover A few years back, Volkswagen decided to focus on SUVs for the North American market, while cars were much more popular in Europe. As a result, in the past year, Volkswagen launched an all-new SUV, the Atlas, which is similar to the Touareg in format but with a lower price tag. It’s equipped with the automaker’s signature V6 and aims to compete with models such as the Ford Explorer.

Volks­wagen, which introduced a new generation of the electric Golf in 2017, plans to launch a compact crossover called the I.D. Buzz by 2020, followed by a sedan version in 2021.

2017 Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen also gave a much-needed makeover to its Tiguan, which now boasts a new elongated platform that allows for a third row of seating — for a total of seven seats — as needed. The Touraeg was removed from the roster for 2018 as designers get ready to relaunch it as a larger version (to make it stand out from the Atlas) in a year or two.

On the car front, the Wolfsburg-based firm plans to refresh the look of the Jetta and Passat in 2018 in addition to releasing a new sedan, the Arteon. This five-seater is slated for a 2018 launch in the United States. Buyers will be able to choose from three 3-cylinder engine configurations: a small turbocharged 1.5-L producing 148 horsepower; a 2.0-L naturally aspirated engine producing 188 horsepower; and a turbocharged 2.0-L producing 276 horsepower. Finally,

ACURA reboots its SUV line

Acura NSX GT3

Acura CDX

mid-level SUV, the RDX, which is slated for a makeover this year.

After coming up with a series of innovative ideas for its grilles, Acura is hard at work on ways to refresh its image in 2018. This is especially apparent when it comes to its

Many experts are wondering whether the CDX compact SUV, already popular in China, will one day make its way onto the North American market, where that particular segment is still in full growth. The CDX has the same interior as the HR-V, from which it was derived, and a 1.5-L turbocharged engine. Honda has hinted at a possible North American release for the 2019 model-year. No news yet on whether it’ll be built in China, where the only current production plant is, or if it would be possible to relocate its production to Mexico, where the HR-V is already made.

Acura will also attempt to boost sales of the RLX with a few tweaks for 2018. As for the TLX, no major upgrades

are planned before 2020, when a new platform and new engines are scheduled to launch, in addition to a high-performance version complete with the same 2.0L engine as the Civic Type R. On the flagship front, Acura has plans — but no official dates — to release a Targa edition of the NSX. Rumours have also been circulating about a fully electric version, similar to the GT3, at the opposite end of the spectrum.

fun

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 39

WEEK OF MAY 13TH TO MAY 19TH, 2018

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: LEO, VIRGO AND LIBRA

You’ll finally have everything you need to tackle a side project or learn a new skill. If you play your cards right, what starts out as a hobby could develop into a source of income for your later years.

TAURUS

PUZZLE NO. 656 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 656

You’ll feel the urge to conquer the world this week, and nothing will manage to get in your way as you work toward your most ambitious goals. Success comes from doing.

HOW TO PLAY :

GEMINI

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

You’ll be uncharacteristically impatient this week. You’ll feel like you’re moving at a standstill, always waiting for other people to catch up. Take some time for yourself: a few steps back are all you need to better move forward.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

CANCER

At work, you’ll be in charge of an important meeting or event that’s expected to draw a big crowd. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself with lots of new clients. Things are looking good for your bank account.

LEO

PUZZLE NO. 919 46. Point-scoring serve 48. Opera division 50. Intertwined 54. Paving substance 55. Croaker 57. Lay concrete on 58. First number 59. Set of three 60. Fairly matched 61. For every 62. Wired 63. Take ten

25. TV commercials 26. Suitable 27. Bushy do 28. Less callous 30. Symbol of peace 32. Garland 33. Blunder 35. View 37. Cheer 40. Acquire 43. Power units

45. Narrow 46. On the crest 47. Candy ____ 49. Heart 51. Underground chamber 52. December 24 and 31

1. Thick slice 5. Frozen treats 9. Blond shade 12. Car part 13. Melt 14. Pigeon’s sound 15. In the distance 16. Conserve

17. Bar bottle 18. Renegade 20. Vigor 21. Miner’s yield 22. Ceramic unit 24. Account 26. Rearward, nautically 29. Auctioneer’s cry

31. Broad valley 34. Magician’s word 36. Pearl source 38. Shade 39. Budge 41. Raleigh’s title 42. Moisture 44. Particular region

LIBRA

An unusual situation will lead you to reconsider your plans for the future, whether professional or otherwise. You’ll come out of it with a better idea of your true wants and needs.

If you’re in a new relationship, expect a clear sign of commitment from your partner, who’ll declare his or her love for you in a most spectacular manner.

SAGITTARIUS

Don’t underestimate the law of attraction when it comes to your career. Positive thinking will help you reach your goals much faster.

DOWN

ACROSS

VIRGO

Summer vacation is just around the corner, and you’d be wise to start planning for it now — things tend to fill up quickly this time of year. And have you thought about a camp for your kids?

SCORPIO

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 919

1. Sky twinkler 2. Biography 3. Type of horse 4. Cap 5. For what ____ worth 6. Place of worship 7. Chalet feature 8. Broomed 9. Circus performers 10. Sweetand-____ 11. House 19. Index 23. Tower

One of your side projects will require your constant attention this week. Expect to have to deal with all sorts of delays. On the phone, you’ll wait on hold; at the store, you’ll always end up in the slowest line.

CAPRICORN

You’ll gain a good dose of self-confidence this week. You’ll find yourself in a situation where you’ll have an opportunity to shine, and people are going to notice. At the very least, you’ll be proud of your accomplishments.

AQUARIUS

You’ve been toying with the idea of moving lately, and this week may be the right time to take concrete steps in that direction.

Alternatively, you could start planning a sizeable home renovation project.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

PISCES

This week, expect heavy traffic and convoluted communications. Plan your travels accordingly, and charge your phone before you leave.

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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

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PAGE 42

real estate

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

New condo cancellations can get worst JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

“Builders in Toronto’s frenzied condo market are walking away from giant towers they have pre-sold, reflecting a rougher road to profits and leaving buyers in the lurch,” said Natalie Wong from Bloomberg. Mary, a first-time buyer, gathered all her financial resources to make a down-payment on what she thought would have been a good investment. “I received a registered mail stating that the prebuilt condo project I purchased four years ago, has been canceled. I am devastated because prices climbed steeply since then.”

Since 2012, twenty-three condo projects in the GTA have been canceled; five over the past year alone. The developers claimed

that the higher cost of financing and escalating construction costs are to be blamed. Condos are far more affordable compared to homes, and they are favored among first-time buyers.

As a result, prices on condos have climbed, in some instances, as high as thirty percent. Is it the higher cost of construction or financing to be blamed, or is it developers’ greed? Why is it that developers can cancel their contracts with buyers, but buyers cannot cancel their contracts with developers?

In Langley, British Colombia, a supreme court judge allowed a developer to cancel buyer contracts and resell the units at a higher price, giving the previous buyer the first right of refusal. Buyers tied up as much as twenty percent of the purchase price in deposits. By law, the deposit must be kept in a trust account and for cancellations, returned to the buyer with interest. When there is fraud or bankruptcy, Ontario New Home Warranty (Tarion) will cover to a maximum of twenty thousand dollars and the remainder is a loss to the buyer. Buyers of new condos must shop carefully.

Buy from an established corporation versus a shell corporation. Established corporations are in it for the long term and protect their reputation. Most failed projects are from shell corporations. Do your research before purchasing and avoid making instant decisions. An experienced realtor can assist in the purchase. Many builders offer pre-sale events, and, in the hype, people purchase. If that happens, the buyer can cancel the contract within ten calendar days of receipt of a signed purchase of sale agreement along with a disclosure statement from the condo corporation.

This is called the cooling off period.

Cooling off does not mean to chill.

It is imperative for buyers to consult a real estate lawyer to review the contract and get a pre-approval from the bank. If a buyer plans to cancel the purchase, then, he must put it in writing within ten days. If not, the contract becomes firm and binding. There are uncertainties when buying newly built condos even with all the precautions are taken. An interest rate hike, for example, can trigger a price drop and cause a reduced appraised value.

The banks would lend based on the appraised value and therefore buyers will need a larger down-payment. Buying a resale condo is a viable option as well.

With resale condos, first-time buyers can move in immediately and save on rent.

Over the same time that it takes to close the newly built, they would have paid down their mortgages and prices would have climbed, allowing them to gain much more equity.

Investors will also benefit because they can collect rent from the first day, pay down their mortgages, and build equity. Some may arguably prefer pre-built condos. If you are one of those, then proceed cautiously. Uncertainties such as cancellations and market trends are beyond your control.

“Look at market fluctuations as your friend rather than your enemy; profit from folly rather than participate in it,” said Warren Buffet. Pre-built condos are still a popular option among buyers despite the risk. The key is to buy what is easy to sell. In addition to location, size and amenities, the builder’s reputation, is important.

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PAGE 44

finance

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Impact of Canada’s aging population Part 4 FAZAAD BACCHUS fazaad@carib101.com

FINANCE SPECIALIST

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It is not usual that a young person in their prime of life would be thinking of a person who can act as their attorney or their power of attorney.

Normally we would find more seniors thinking of this and all for good reason, however, it is equally important for both. Let us examine what power of attorney (POA) roles and responsibilities are and how it can affect the lives of seniors.

As a person ages, moving around may become a little more difficult than it used to be and some activities which brought much joy are now just a bother. One such activity is going to the bank to make deposits or withdrawals. So, what the senior does is decide to open an account with one of their children for

There are two types of POA Power of attorney for property – the person you name can make decisions about your financial affairs (including paying your bills, collecting money owed to you, maintaining or selling your house, or managing your investments). It must be noted that even though someone has POA, they do not have power over your decisions. They only have power if you are not of sound mind and perhaps you should include this clause in your document. That means that as long as you are of sound mind, you retain the position where your decision is final. This type of POA is very useful as it relieves the senior of having to make stressful decisions or make stressful transactions.

The second and very critical POA is that of personal care Power of attorney for personal care – the per-

son you name can make decisions about your healthcare, housing and other aspects of your personal life (such as meals and clothing) if you become mentally incapable of making these decisions. Under this clause, a senior entrusts their care to an individual who has their best interest at heart without gain for themselves.

There are some people who should not be your POA for care when they are being paid by you e.g. your landlord, any person who provides care for you in the place where you live, your social worker, counselor, teacher, your doctor, nurse, therapist, or other health care provider and your homemaker or attendant.

Seniors can be very vulnerable as they get older and as such can be taken advantage of by clever and conniving persons. Many seniors are lonely, feel neglected and any affection shown to them could make them feel the world towards the giver. A senior needs to be protected from predators who are after their money, either in the form of an inheritance or regular dipping into their accounts.

Seniors need to plan their financial affairs before it becomes too late, next issue we will look at some planning ideas to help.

Summer tips to keep the insurance claims away ANDREW STEWART

•

andrew@carib101.com

FAMILY ADVISOR

You can feel it in the air. Retail shelves are already stocked full of beach towels, sand buckets, and sunscreen. Summer is on the way. The arrival of summer means more opportunities to enjoy outdoor fun with family and friends.

And while its arrival is one to celebrate, it does come with a set of insurance and liability concerns that your family needs to be mindful of.

Thankfully, here are some summer tips and helpful advice on how you can remain claims free.

Start with your vehicle Maybe you are hitting the road for vacation or summer long weekends, ensuring auto safety and security comes down to proper vehicle maintenance and defensive driving. Even if you exhibit the characteristics of a good driver, you’re not perfect. Keep in mind that the summer is the busiest season on the road. There will also be road crews, construction and other drivers to watch out for, therefore: •

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ease of convenience. This child can do all the banking on behalf of the parent and surely it is a blessing for the parent. At this time a senior may consider a legal document known as the POA and appoint the very child as having POA,

Prior to heading out on your road trip, have your vehicle inspected. Brakes and tires need to be in optimum condition, and so does the transmission and suspension.

Oil and other fluids should be changed or

•

checked. Make sure your A/C system is topped up and working properly.

Distracted driving is also a leading cause of accidents. Ontario is reporting that distracted driving is the leading cause of road deaths for the fourth consecutive year. There are many types of distractions, but the most common is the use of personal electronics. Studies have shown that you’re five times more likely to crash if you’re on our phone. Remember the rules, the use of hand-held devices has been banned since 2010. That also applies while you’re stopped at a red light or slowed in traffic.

What to expect for breaking the rules: A fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $490 if settled out of court. A fine of up to $1,000 if you receive a summons or fight your ticket. Last but not least three demerit points applied to your driver’s record.

When you’re away the mice will play Keep your vacated home safe, whenever you travel for extended lengths of time, you need to keep your home safely secured and monitored.

On this note, do the following: • • •

I know it’s hard but avoid telling the world (burglars included) that you’re away on vacation through your social media activity Have your lights set on timers and keep your drapes just slightly open to give the appearance of someone still living on the premises Turn off your air conditioning and your water supply if not needed while you’re

away. It’s not a good feeling coming home to a flooded bathroom, kitchen, or worse.

It’s one thing for this to happen while you’re at work. It’s another when you’ve been away on an extended summer trip or even a full day of activities

Fire is hot and it burns It happens every year. The weather gets warmer, more people use outdoor grills and incidents of grill-caused fires go up. Here are some BBQ safety tips that will keep you and your home safe for barbecuing season: • • •

• • •

Grill outside and away from any structures Only set up your grill on a flat surface and make sure the grill can’t be tipped over Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill. Never use water to put out a grease fire.

If you are using a gas grill and the flame goes out, turn the grill and the gas off, then wait at least five minutes to re-light it Never leave your grill unattended when lit Check your propane tanks and lines to make sure they are properly fitted and clean the drip tray regularly

Conclusion – One of the best things you can do is to make a list and sit down with an independent insurance broker. You can run through everything that applies to your household, and make sure that you have adequate coverage for every person, place, and possession impacted by your summer season agenda.

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PAGE 46

sports

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 16, 2018

T&T offered England, India Tests TRINIDAD -- This country has been given an opportunity to bid for Test, one day and T20 matches between the Windies and England and also between the Windies and India next year.

This was revealed by the president of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Dave Cameron Monday. Speaking exclusively to Guardian Media Sports, the CWI boss revealed that he made a trip to Trinidad and paid a visit to the minister of Sports Shamfa Cudjoe, to bring her up to

date with what is on offer in terms of international cricket for this country.

“We have two very good tours next year with England and India visiting, so I have been going around the region to meet with the governments to show them the value of these games in terms of boosting their sports tourism sector. I met with the minister, the permanent secretary in the ministry of Tourism, Vidia Ramkhelwan and Adrian Winter, as well as Jeffrey Guillen who was representing SPORTT. I must say that we had a very productive meeting as I was able to show the benefits of staging matches here in Trinidad and the boost it could have on tourism.”

Minister Cudjoe had stated on her social media page that she met with Cameron saying:”We spoke about how to explore ways in which cricket could be used for Sports Tourism in marketing T&T. He also met with the Ministry of Tourism on that day and then he met with me later in the evening.”

Cameron explained that England will be touring the region in February/March 2019 for a series of three Test matches, five ODIs and three T20s.

He added that after the World Cup in England, the Indians will be making a stopover for three Tests, three ODIs and three T20s as well.

He continued:”We have met with most of the governments across the region, letting them know what is on offer and what they need to produce in terms of bidding for these matches. We have met with Barbados, Antigua, St. Kitts, Grenada, St. Lucia and Jamaica and we have already gotten some positive responses, in terms of hosting the matches. We are happy that the governments are showing this great interest.”

Asked whether the T&T government showed interest in hosting the matches, Cameron said:”We had a very good meeting and the minister understands what’s needed. She has asked that we send her all the relevant details and we have done such. We also received an email from the ministry stating that they had received our package. I guess they will now meet to discuss the value in coming on board and will contact CWI after.”

The T&T government which received some licks from the public after not bidding for the ICC Women’s World Cup matches will have until the end of this month to submit their bid. Cameron said by May 31 they will name the host venues, giving tour operators enough time to work out their logistics.

- Trinidad Guardian

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