Legacy Established 050218

VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 6 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 2ND 2018

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

LEGACY ESTABLISHED

SIMONE SMITH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN “Whatever you are looking for in life is looking for you too.” Saul Williams

The glitter! The dresses! Men in threepiece suits! It was a lot to take in, it being my first time being at the Harry Jerome Awards celebration. It is something else to be a part of something big; it is even better when one is given the opportunity to witness an event, and to objectively observe the people, the sounds, and the sights. A person cannot deny the excitement that was felt upon entering the main doors.

A sense of pride was shared by each and every guest that was a part of the night.

You could see this in the way people were carrying themselves; the women were

adorned, and the men were preened. Everyone there to honor a lifelong legacy; a legacy that unfortunately has not been passed on to the younger generation with the reverence that is must be. The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper would like to take this time to reintroduce a legend; the great Harry Winston Jerome.

The BBPA and its Connection to Harry Jerome The Black Business and Professional Association is a non-profit charitable organization established on October 21, 1982.

Black businesses were still addressing equity and opportunity issues when it came to business, employment, education, and

economic development; so, Al Hamilton, Denham Jolly and Bromley Armstrong decided that it was time to take action and create something that would highlight the greatness of the black business community. Not too long after that original meeting, the steering committee decided to honor six African-Canadian athletes: Angela Taylor-Issanjenko, Ben Johnson, Mark McKoy, Milt Ottey, Tony Sharpe and Desai Williams. It is important that we recognize the genesis of the awards; all aspects of it will paint a clearer picture of the importance.

Continued On Page 9

PAGE 2

feature

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Heather Phillips-Whitehead

Empowering diverse women across Canada She left the comfort of her homeland of Jamaica to study in Canada in her tender teenage years. From sunny warm skies in the islands to the harsh winters of Manitoba, Heather Phillips-Whitehead knew this was just the beginning for her. Coming from humble beginnings in Jamaica, Heather soon found herself surrounded by an entirely new culture.

“I came to Canada in the early 90s on a scholarship, from Jamaica to Morton, Manitoba,” says Heather on her first trip abroad. While staying in Manitoba, she lived in a trailer park with her host family and was immersed in a new world by learning about hockey, snow and even attending her first rock concert.

Heather wasn’t finished making big moves. After completing high school in Canada, she moved to the U.S. to complete University and Law school. And after that continued to make big moves up the ladder to success.

Today Heather runs a national PR firm and is the founder and director of the Empower Canada Network, a network that links professional women of color together.

On the original purpose of the network, Heather says “Empower Canada Network, to be quite frank with you, was created out of the need for curated networking among women of color.” “I noticed the lack of diversity in corporate networking wasn’t what I wanted it to be,” she adds.

The idea first came to Heather

while she was curating a list of women in business for an award pertaining to the top businesswomen in Canada, as a part of her public relations job. After putting together a list of about 150 women, she noticed something strange.

“Something is kind of wrong here,” she remembers thinking to herself.

Out of almost 150 nominees, Heather notes, “there was not one minority woman on the list.”

Instead of letting this get her down, she took this as an opportunity to build. “As a leader in my field in public relations, I felt I had to contribute to Canada changing its narrative on diversity.” And that is how the Empower Canada Network was born.

At first, the network was an exclusive member only group, but Heather felt the need to reach out to more women.

“What’s the purpose of this if we’re not reaching the people that need to be engaged?” she recalls thinking before deciding to make the network more open.

Today, the Empower Canada Network connects thousands of women of color across Canada and provides them with resources to grow their careers. They offer mentoring and counseling services as well as tailored workshops and networking events.

“We empower minority women to embrace each other and work together to emerge successfully with possibilities and results that come from a robust network of strong powerful women helping

each other,” says Heather on the Empower Canada mission statement. “We look for ways to continuously help and nurture women.”

On her work with Empower Canada Network, Heather says, “I feel that I am fulfilling my purpose.” She sees her work amongst diverse professional women in Canada as a form of giving back.

And in terms of giving back, Heather notes the best advice she can give to any woman looking to achieve her dreams is to, “write down your goals. Every morning, pick up that piece of paper, go through your goals.”

She adds that it acts as a reminder as to why you are still standing.

“Put it in front of you to remind you of why you need to keep going.

Writing it down is not going to change your circumstances, what it will do is change how your mind thinks, or what’s in your mind, what’s in your heart.”

Reflecting on her own achievements and her attitude towards achieving her goals, Heather says it all comes down to having a clear mind.

“There can be chaos around you, if your mind is settled you’ll find a way out.”

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

List with me if I don’t sell your home within 30 Days or I'll sell it for free (some conditions apply)

Looking to buy or sell your home, give me a call before you make a decision.

RAVINDER BRAR

Sales Representative

Royal Canadian Realty Brokerage

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

Written by Kristina Ramcharran Toronto Caribbean News

FAMILY MEDIATION All great achievements require time ~ Maya Angelou Proven family mediation & legal services in Toronto and surrounding areas Ontario Centre for Family Mediation and Legal Services located in Ajax has vast experience when it comes to resolving family issues through mediation, as well as providing a suite of other legal services.

Why Family Mediation?

When it comes to family issues, we encourage mediation rather than litigation due to the fact that we are able to assist you in resolving the issues you may have in a way that is suitable to you. In litigation proceedings, lawyers and the court make decisions for you.

Contact us for information and assistance in resolving your family needs. Reasonable and affordable.

Call or Email Joan Debbie West 905-440-5345 | joandebbiewest@bell.net 50 Commercial Avenue, Suite 205 Ajax, Ontario L1S 2H5 905-440-5345 familymediationlegal.com

local news

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 3

LIMITED TIME OFFER

E L B DOU

Trust 15 Gala building safer spaces for Rexdale youth JELANI GRANT

have this Hope’. “A lot of kids never had that, and if they don’t have a great role model behind them, they don’t have hope,” she said.

Dignitaries in attendance for the night included Mayor John Tory, York Regional Deputy Chief Andre Crawford, Minister Michael Coteau and Councillor Doug Ford. During his time on stage, Coteau said he believes in the work Trust 15 does because, “[Marcia] puts everything she has into it, at the sacrifice sometimes of even herself.”

The Keynote speaker for the night was Woodbine Entertainment CEO, James Lawson.

He commended Brown for building such an influential program and encouraged the crowd to spread the word of Trust 15. A special moment during the night’s events was an elegant waltz, performed by students from the Ladies on the Rise and Men of Distinction programs. Footage of their rehearsals can be found on the organization’s Facebook page dating back to the beginning of April. The night ended with a dance party for all guests to enjoy.

Brown founded Trust 15 in 2011 after she saw a need for a youth program that offered mentorship and life skills for youth in the community. “I live in this community and I’ve seen a lot of what goes on. A lot of these kids don’t have

a lot of opportunities come their way and they’re struggling and there’s no one to lead them down the path…If you ask these kids today what they want to do, they have an answer,” she said.

When Brown first started the program, she said she had 15 young girls and never expected for it grow the way it has. “My mind was not thinking that big back then to have this big organization. But that’s telling us that there is a need.

If I have 135 youth in my program, that’s saying something is going on in the community and these kids need it.” Though the program’s growing numbers continue to impress her, Brown said she is grateful to be doing it knowing the parents and kids feel fulfilled.

Every week, Trust 15 welcomes more than 120 youth, aged 7-19 years old, in the community through their Ladies on the Rise, Girls on the Rise, Boys of Excellence and Men of Distinction after-school drop-in programs and summer camps. The local area moms developed each of these programs to provide a safe, nurturing space for youth to find solutions for real-life issues.

Brown told Toronto Caribbean Newpaper some of the youth in her program are, “dealing with a lot of issues at home…the only place where they have peace is when they come into my program and they tell me “Ms., we don’t want to

A T A D THE

jelani@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Roughly 500 youths, parents, and business leaders sat down to celebrate the achievements and triumphs of youth in Rexdale at the Trust 15 Youth Community Support 6th Annual Student Success Fundraising Gala, held at the Woodbine Banquet & Convention Hall.

Marcia Brown and her team of mentors and community leaders organized the annual gala to give Rexdale youth a night they may never have experienced before. “This gala has them on cloud 9 because they’ve never had this before.

They’ll be wearing gowns and people donated coats…I told them the suits are for the gala but also for when they go for job interviews,” said Executive Director Marcia Brown.

The theme of this year’s gala is, ‘We

T X E T & K L A T , A T DA

.

O M / 0 4 $ D4OGUBBBDDLAAETTAA

leave”, they hang around because they feel safe here and are more open.”

Brown said, ideally, she can see her program being used across the city but is satisfied with providing as much support and opportunities as her resources will currently allow. “I need more mentors, I need more people to volunteer but I also need funding to run these programs… people live as far as Aurora and drive their kid to Etobicoke because they said there is no other program like it. When I hear that, I would love to spread [the program] all over Toronto but at the end of the day we have to find great role models to run the program and also funding,” Brown said.

This year’s program will begin in May, and Brown said more than 35 kids have registered to join the program with numbers on the rise every year. Brown said the Boys of Excellence are scheduled to meet Lt. Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell in May. Some youth from the Ladies on the Rise and Men of Distinction programs will attend this year’s Hot Docs Festival but Brown says those events are just the start of everything planned for the youth in the Trust 15 programs.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

E V E R YT H I N G Y O U N E E D

LIMITED TIME OFFER

N O T H E DON I N G N -YZ OONU I S E G R A H C ’T E G A NO OVER

N A G L P D A .

4 O T M B / A 0 5 N $ A A R L T U P .

O A O N M O / D 0 5 TH44OOOOONNNNN$EGGOOOOOUUUUU4DBBRRRRR $$$$$0O55555DD00000//////MMMMMUAOOOOOM.....TPPPPPBLLLLLLAAAAAAANNNNNNL E .. PPLA // MMOOD NT.A AO OOONNN OOOUUURRR $$$5500E TH FF OO RR

*

ONE R GT E S IN -Z A H C X E E G T A R & E V K O L ONE O A -Z D A TNNAO , OTV E R A G E C H A R G E S IN O NN EE IN -Z S E G R A H C E G A -Z R E IN N OO OO VV E R A G E C H A R GG EE SS IN -Z OO N E N O O V E R A G E C H A R G E S IN -Z O N E N R -Z OO NN EE N OO OO DVV AEE RRT AA ,GG TEE ACCLHHKAA R GG EE SS IN IN N O O DV EART AA G, ET ACLHKA &R&GTTEEESXXIN TT W-Z OOITNNHH&EE T E X T IT -Z NNNOOOO OOV VE RE AR GA EEG ECC HHDCAAHARRTGAE ,S TIN W -Z K L A NN O O V EVRE ARGA G E C H AA RR GG EE SS IN IN -Z-Z OO NN EE CHATRMOBILE.COM

CHATRMOBILE.COM

.

O M / $40 .

O M / $40 VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! E N O E S I N -Z RG NO OVERAGE CHA

CHATRMOBILE.COM CHATRMOBILE.COM CHATRMOBILE.COM CHATRMOBILE.COM CHATRMOBILE.COM CHATRMOBILE.COM CHATRMOBILE.COM CHATRMOBILE.COM CHATRMOBILE.COM

VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! I N -Z O NCHATRMOBILE.COM E VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! CHARGES VISIT OUR LOCATION O V E R A G ETODAY! O N VISIT OUR LOCATION 2456 Lakeshore Blvd.

W. || (416) 2593654 379 Main StSt N.N. ||TODAY! (905) 4510379 2456 Lakeshore Blvd.

W. (416) 2593654 379 Main (905) 4510379 VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY! VISITBrampton, OUR LOCATION TODAY! Etobicoke, ON M8V 1C9 ON L6X 1N7 Offer Offer subject subject to to change change without without notice. notice. Get Get 44 GB GB of of data data at at 3G 3G speed speed up up to to 3Mbps.

3Mbps. When When usage usage reaches reaches the the plan’s plan’s allotment, allotment, you you can can continue continue to to use use data data with with no no overage overage charge, charge, but but speeds speeds will will be be reduced reduced until until your your next next AnniAnniversary versary Date.

Date. Sign SignTMup up for for or or remain remain on on auto-pay auto-pay and and get get 500 500 MB MB of of bonus bonus data data at at 3G 3G speed speed up up to to 3Mbps 3Mbps in in addition addition to to the the 44 GB GB already already included included in in the the $50/month $50/month plan. plan. In-zone In-zone talk, talk, text text and and data data must must originate originate and and be be used used within within aa chatr data zone.

TM Trademarks used under license © 2018.

Trademarks used under license © 2018. chatr data zone.

Offer subject to change without notice. Get 4 GB of data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps. When usage reaches the plan’s allotment, you can continue to use data with no overage charge, but speeds will be reduced until your next Anniversary Date. Sign up for or remain on auto-pay and get 500 MB of bonus data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps in addition to the 4 GB already included in the $50/month plan. In-zone talk, text and data must originate and be used within a chatr data zone. TM Trademarks used under license © 2018.

Offer subject to change without notice. Get 4 GB of data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps. When usage reaches the plan’s allotment, you can continue to use data with no overage charge, but speeds will be reduced until your next Anniversary Date. Sign up for or remain on auto-pay and get 500 MB of bonus data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps in addition to the 4 GB already included in the $50/month plan. In-zone talk, text and data must originate and be used within TM Offer to change without notice.

Get 4 GB of data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps. When usage reaches the plan’s allotment, you can continue to use data with no overage charge, but speeds will be reduced until your next AnniTrademarks used under license © 2018. a chatrsubject data zone. versary Date. Sign up for or remain on auto-pay and get 500 MB of bonus data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps in addition to the 4 GB already included in the $50/month plan. In-zone talk, text and data must originate and be used within TM Offer to change without notice.

Get 4 GB of data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps. When usage reaches the plan’s allotment, you can continue to use data with no overage charge, but speeds will be reduced until your next AnniTrademarks used under license © 2018. a chatrsubject data zone. versary Date. Sign up for or remain on auto-pay and get 500 MB of bonus data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps in addition to the 4 GB already included in the $50/month plan. In-zone talk, text and data must originate and be used within TM Offer to change without notice.

Get 4 GB of data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps. When usage reaches the plan’s allotment, you can continue to use data with no overage charge, but speeds will be reduced until your next AnniTrademarks used under license © 2018. a chatrsubject data zone. versary Date. Sign up for or remain on auto-pay and get 500 MB of bonus data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps in addition to the 4 GB already included in the $50/month plan. In-zone talk, text and data must originate and be used within TM Offer to change without notice.

Get 4 GB of data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps. When usage reaches the plan’s allotment, you can continue to use data with no overage charge, but speeds will be reduced until your next AnniTrademarks used under license © 2018. a chatrsubject data zone. versary Date. Sign up for or remain on auto-pay and get 500 MB of bonus data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps in addition to the 4 GB already included in the $50/month plan. In-zone talk, text and data must originate and be used within TM Offer to change without notice.

Get 4 GB of data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps. When usage reaches the plan’s allotment, you can continue to use data with no overage charge, but speeds will be reduced until your next AnniTrademarks used under license © 2018. a chatrsubject data zone. versary Date. Sign up for or remain on auto-pay and get 500 MB of bonus data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps in addition to the 4 GB already included in the $50/month plan. In-zone talk, text and data must originate and be used within TM Offer to change without notice.

Get 4 GB of data at 3G speed up to 3Mbps. When usage reaches the plan’s allotment, you can continue to use data with no overage charge, but speeds will be reduced until your next AnniTrademarks used under license © 2018. a chatrsubject data zone. versary Date. to Sign up forwithout or remain on auto-pay get 500 MBspeed of bonus at 3GWhen speedusage up toreaches 3Mbps inthe addition to the 4 GByou already includedtoinuse the data $50/month In-zone talk, but textspeeds and data originateuntil andyour be used Offer subject change notice.

Get 4 GBand of data at 3G up todata 3Mbps. plan’s allotment, can continue with noplan. overage charge, willmust be reduced next within Anni-

VISIT OUR LOCATION TODAY!

CHATRMOBILE.COM CHATRMOBILE.COM

Offers subject until to change 3G speedtoofchange up to 3Mbps.

When usage reaches theof plan’s allotment, you3G canspeed continue data with overagetocharge, but speeds willincluded be reduced next Anniversary Date. In-zone talk, text must data originate and Offer available Junewithout 30th notice.

2018, *subject without notice.

Get 1GB bonus data at uptotouse 3Mbps in no addition the 1GB already inuntil theyour $40/month plan. Once you reach yourand 3Gdata speed allotment, Offers change without * 3G speed of under up to 3Mbps. be usedsubject within to a chatr data zone. notice. ™ Trademarks used license When © 2018usage reaches the plan’s allotment, you can continue to use data with no overage charge, but speeds will be reduced until your next Anniversary Date. In-zone talk, text and data must originate and yourbedata bedata reduced until your next anniversary Valid at participating location(s) above and subject to change without notice. Only applicable to new activations. Taxes extra. ™ Trademarks used under license ©2018 usedspeed within awill chatr zone. ™ Trademarks used under licensedate. © 2018

CHATRMOBILE.COM

SCARBOROUGH:

NOW SERVING THE PICKERING, AJAX AND OSHAWA AREAS

COME IN NOW OPEN NIAL BOATSWAIN GENERAL MANAGER

I’d like to welcome the Caribbean community to the GTA’s Newest Honda Showroom.

647.930.1427 HWY 410 + MAYFIELD

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Passion Into Profit Award recipients seek healthier living with start-ups JELANI GRANT

jelani@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Adda Blooms CEO Abena Offeh-Gymiah and SkinUp Care Founder Jessica Ampansoh’s start-up pitches stood out during the Passion Into Profit, earning them each $1,000 towards their budding businesses.

Passion Into Profit” is a joint collaboration between LaunchYU, Back 2 Basickz and funded by the York U TD Community Engagement Centre. The initiative was created with the aim of helping entrepreneurs in the Jane and Finch community obtain the skills and knowledge they need to become successful entrepreneurs.

Back 2 Basickz founders Amanda Coombs and Abdi Nassir introduced judges and guests to the five contestants. Each participant had already attended multiple workshops to learn the key essentials of launching and running a successful business, as a part of the program. Following the workshops, participants presented their business strategy, which included the passion behind their project, financial projections, target market, and the resources they use or need to maintain their business.

Participants were each given about five minutes to present their pitch to a panel of judges who would then inquire about the business in order to score the presentation based on varying factors. The two best business ideas were determined based on business potential and were awarded $1,000 to help get their business started.

Adda Blooms CEO Abena OffehGymiah and SkinUp Care Founder Jessica Ampansoh impressed the judges most with their pitches, each earning $1,000 towards their business. The panel of judges consisted of City of Toronto Community Resources Project Manager Michael Skaljin, Community Projects Coordinator Talisha Ramsaroop, Innovation York Director Sarah Howe and Jane-Finch Concerned Citizens Organization Executive Director Winston LaRose.

Adda Blooms offers natural foods from the African continent that supports your health and well being. Following her presentation, Offeh-Gymiah handed out her Baobob Cacao Energy Bar to the judges and some lucky guests as proof that the healthy snack could appeal to anyone looking for healthier

alternatives. “Hearing the list of ingredients is important…I can’t believe this is healthy,” Skaljin said after sampling the energy bar.

Being nut-free and dairy-free, OffehGymiah said the square-shaped bar provides a clean energy boost that also helps with digestion and healthier skin. Adda Blooms also sells baobob powder, which can be mixed with any beverage as an energy drink.

Ampansoh’s skin care phone app also impressed judges as it offered a unique feature for mobile skin maintenance. Ampansoh said she has been providing skin care routines and recommending natural skin care products for years, on YouTube and Instagram, and would receive messages asking for recommendations.

“The problem was I couldn’t recommend treatments or products without knowing their skin type,” she said.

Her solution to addressing the varied skin types was to create a mobile app that determines skin type through testing, recommending products and regiments based on the type, and documents the progress of treatment using the phone’s camera.

In addition to recommending skin regiments and recipes designated to the user’s specified skin type, Ampansoh explained that her app would use the phone’s mirror camera to regularly document progress. During her presentation, she demonstrated that apps that provide skin care recommendations do not offer day-to-day images of the users face to show results. Just before judges returned with their verdict, Ampansoh told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper she would use most of the prize money to find a programmer who is capable of making sure the camera update feature is efficient.

LaunchYU is the entrepreneurship unit for York University, as a part of Innovation York. They assist new entrepreneurs in starting their business, supporting more than sixty start-up companies in Toronto. Coombs was one of the first to enter LaunchYU’s passion project with Nassir. With support from LaunchYU, they were able to create their own non-profit organization assisting marginalized youth in Toronto.

Back 2 Basickz was created in 2013 with the intent of supporting youth involved in the criminal justice system. They targeted youth who were looking to start school or start a business but didn’t know how. “Sometimes we go into the prisons and speak to the people there, and when they come out we help them get rehabilitated,” Nassir said. They managed to help youth coming out of prison start companies, such as real estate and construction while assisting with their readjustment to society.

local news

PAGE 5

Barristers & Solicitors Toronto Jamaica Barbados

New York

See Us For All Your Legal Needs Real Estate Corporate Law Estate Planning

Litigation Family Law Immigration

Members At The Firm Speak The Following Languages English | French | Spanish | Bengali | Hindi | Urdu

Conveniently Located In North York At Jane & Wilson

Free Parking | Evening & Weekend Services

www.KAZEMBELAW.com Canadian Office: 1888 Wilson Avenue, Toronto, ON M9M 1A7 O: 416-633-8311 | F: 416-633-7679 | E: info@kazembelaw.com Jamaica Office: 84 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10, Kingston, Jamaica O: 1-876-946-1361 | F: 1-876-946-1359

May 12, 2018: Mississauga, ON July 18, 2018: Scarborough, ON October 20, 2018: Brampton, ON

PAGE 8

local news

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Own your power & find your voice; The Young Black Women’s Project strengthens the bonds of sisterhood ALYSSA MAHADEO alyssa@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

At some point in our lives, we ask ourselves “What am I doing with my life, what is my purpose in existence?” There is a myriad of questions we ask ourselves in those primitive years of soul-searching, and through introspection and reflection we find ourselves empowered, our resolves strengthened, and our purpose redefined.

In searching for those answers, we turn to those closest to us, hoping to learn from their experiences and increase our confidence in navigating the world around us.

We learn that not all questions can be answered from one person’s account of life, but we discover together we can address those topics that may sometimes go unexplored.

For the past 23 years, the Peel HIV/AIDS Network (PHAN) has diligently served the cities of Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon providing services to enhance the health and well-being of people living in the Region of Peel. Last year they founded an initiative called The Young Black Women’s Project a 5-year project funded by the Government of Canada working to provide empowerment through artistic self-expression and education to the diaspora of young black women in Peel.

In September 2017, young black women from across the Peel Region were invited to take part in The Young Black Women’s Project established as a leadership program encouraging participants to explore issues affecting health and well-being through facilitated discussions, presentations and creative communications and artsbased activities.

Rouguy Balde Senior Program Coordinator with PHAN shared, “The work I do mainly focuses on the black community, starting from the young black woman to the senior citizens, as well as the young men.

This project is a way of not only contributing to the wellbeing of black women but women in general.”

The Young Black Women’s Project’s (YBW) goal is to create safe ethical spaces for young black women to explore issues affecting their wellbeing. From September - November 2017 they ran a series of eight workshops to foster and encourage open intergenerational dialogue about issues of special interest to black women including trauma, race, identity, relationships, and strategies from navigating adverse circumstances.

Vanessa Spence a graduate of the YBW program said, “I was introduced to YBW through an Instagram post. I was looking for something to be a part of and so I immediately registered for one of their workshops as someone who I knew was facilitating that session.” Vanessa didn’t know what to expect, but she was immediately drawn to the group of women who she could connect and relate to.

“I enjoyed it so much, I got to con-

nect with my community and other black women and I was able to go in and be welcomed for who I was.” Vanessa now works closely with the project as their Board Chair, and highly recommends their workshops for women who are looking to be empowered, and forge lasting community connections.

The project hosts writing and artsbased workshops to allow women to share their thoughts and ideas in the form of free expression. It allows for them to explore their creativity and build on their skills with workshops that include Writer’s Craft, Spoken Word Poetry, Public Speaking, Painting, and Mindfulness Techniques, and many others.

YBW is working to fill the gap in the services available to young black women residing in Peel empowering them by providing opportunities to refine written and verbal communication skills and leadership abilities. It is their hope that through these skill-building activities it will encourage them to share their personal stories of resilience so other women may learn from their experiences and reflect on their own journey.

Graduates from the program will gain increased confidence to communicate, advocate, negotiate for personal and community health and well-being, and serve as effective leaders in social and professional networks.

After the success of their first series of workshops, they have compiled the written and artistic works of their participants and will be launching the Journal Of A Young Black Woman book. On May 7th from 7pm-9pm at The Steaming Cups Café in downtown Brampton join the participants of PHAN’s YBW Project to celebrate the release of a compilation of works meant to inspire, celebrate and encourage young black women from all walks of life.

Attendees will hear from some outstanding women from the community about understanding trauma, exposing the cracks and speaking to the little black girls on their own experience and how they can discover their own purpose through the insights and experiences of others. Women of all ages are welcome to attend!

The YBW project is a leadership and mentoring program for the diaspora of black women under the age of 29 in the Peel region. They set out to provide a safe space for black women to thrive using the tools of self-expression and knowledge in order for them to improve the quality of their life while contributing to the lives of others in their community. This coming fall they will be offering another 8-week workshop series that focuses on topics relevant to the populace of young black women such as self-image, sex and relationship building, trauma as well as the maintenance of self-care. In addition to that, they also host monthly events in the community for all to join to harness strength and band together to support our young black women.

The YBW invites women in Peel to come out and join the sisterhood. Take part in life-changing conversation, stimulate the mind and reflect on your own experiences.

Discover how you can be a part of a community of women, owning their power and finding their voices to lead the next generation to greatness.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

local news

The 36th Annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards; Understanding the Making of a Legend SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Continued From Page 1 -- Harry Jerome’s name became forever fused with the BBPA because he was going to be invited as a speaker at their first awards dinner. Unfortunately for all Canadian’s, and the world, we lost Harry Winston Jerome in December of 1982.

It was decided that the best way to honor the amazing man that Harry Jerome was, was to name the award after him. It was Hamlin Grange, a media giant, who was the man responsible for naming the award, “The Harry Jerome Award.” It was only through extensive research and watching a documentary on Harry Jerome called, “Mighty Jerome,” was I able to truly see why this award is an award of excellence.

“If you feel something, you should do it.”

Saul Williams The first thing that was mentioned about Harry Jerome was that he had always been determined. He was that athlete who was relentless in his pursuits and did not take no for an answer. His struggles began early, as he was one of two black students at his high school and having mixed race parents did not make it easy. Harry adapted by staying focused on his goal of being the best sprinter in the world,

and he proved himself over and over again in spectacular fashion. You see, sometimes people only see the awards and achievements on a grand scale; what people never account for are the struggles that come with that achievement, and Harry had them all.

The media can be cruel, and even though he achieved great things, people still found a way to degrade his efforts, insult his achievements and pass judgment on his actions. The documentary shows how quickly the media here in Canada were ready to jump on the Harry Jerome bandwagon, and then piss on his name if he did not win a medal or run a race the way that was expected. This must have been a lot of pressure for a young man. He began his career early, and he had to deal with this while he was a teenager, going into his 20’s. Somehow, Harry was able to handle most of the criticism with poise and dignity, all the while staying focused on his goal; being the best sprinter in the world.

Harry not only challenged his critics, he crushed them over and over again by achieving the unachievable. He won gold medals at the 1966 Commonwealth Games, and the 1967 Pan American Games. He broke the Canadian record in the 220-yard dash when he was just 18 years old, and set world records in the 60-yard indoor dash, the 100 – yard dash, the 100 m sprint, and the 440-yard relay. The most amazing part of his story is the part that shows what happens when life does not go the way that someone intends it to.

“I feel that people need to be jolted out of their comfort zones.” Saul Williams At the height of his success, Harry received

a serious blow that many did not believe he would ever come back from. Jerome tore his rectus femoris muscle, a muscle pull that required immediate surgery. After being written off, and told he would not run again, he forged a spirit of persistence that made him believe that he would run again. Dr. Hector Gillespie, a Vancouver surgeon is responsible for fueling Harry’s faith, by employing a new technique to reattach his quadriceps muscle to his knee.

With a strong support team behind him, Harry came back and became the legend we all know and honor now. His greatest achievement after the injury was his gold medal win at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica. After having to wait 42 minutes for a decision, he was determined the winner and this solidified his dream. He had pushed through and done the unthinkable, and no one would ever be able to deny him again.

Kien Crosse, Luke Welch, Rowan Barrett Jr., Lamont Wiltshire, and Odeen Eccleston, Superintendent Keith Merith, Mike Yorke, Jully Black, Floydeen Charles-Fridal, Caroline Marful, Pamela Appelt, Matt Galloway, Pauline Christian, Dr. Yabome GilpinJackson, Jenny A. Gumbs, Nadia Hamilton, and Dr. Kwame Mackenzie have all become a part of the Harry Jerome Legacy. This year marked the 50th anniversary of his last Olympic Games, and hence why it was important to retell his story. The award must not be seen as the highest level of achievement, but the starting line of achievement. Harry Jerome was never satisfied with just achieving; he always aimed for excellence.

“I do not wish to lose my mind, only to find my heart.” Saul Williams

The MBDA recognizes student excellence at Scholarship Awards Dinner KRISTINA RAMCHARRAN alyssa@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The sounds of live music, food and a room full of proud people. The Malton Black Development Association held its 40th annual Scholarship Awards Dinner recognizing ten young, powerful high school students chosen to receive post-secondary scholarships.

The ten students chosen for the scholarships were all residents of Malton, Mississauga, and attended either one of the two high schools in the town. The students are using their scholarships to pursue careers in areas such as child and youth work, psychology, health studies, practical nursing, general arts and science, marketing, computer systems technician and more.

Shenoy Mackenzie, Joshua Dasilva, Nadira Suckoo, Victoria Cato, Makaela Hiddo, Jessica Ajose, Jeramy Moran, Jean-Pierre Witter were among some of the recipients of this year’s scholarship awards. They spoke about their experiences with signing up for and receiving their scholarships.

Ascension of Our Lord Secondary students Victoria and Nadira thanked their teacher for her support and persistence for getting them to sign up for the scholarship.

“She even emailed us during the summer,” said Victoria on the importance of her teacher’s involvement.

The rarity of being the winner of a scholarship is also what made the experience more special for the recipients. “I felt really good being selected for the scholarship because I knew a lot of students were applying for it too,” said Jean-Pierre.

Malton, also known as a portion of the city of Mississauga, has often been referred to as a distressed community, consisting of a mix of diverse immigrants from around the world. Scholarship winner Victoria also added that the Association helps encourage a better lifestyle for the students in Malton. “Especially with Malton being predominantly West Indian, Caribbean as well as Asian, it’s like really cool that there’s somewhere we can go and learn about our heritage and where we come from, and then be supported in that for a higher education as well,” said Victoria.

The students also ensure others looking for scholarships understand that relationships with their teachers are important ways to become involved. “The relationship with your teachers is a good stepping stone towards scholarships,” said award recipient Nadira Suckoo, as it was her teacher who notified her of the opportunity.

Director of The MBDA Clovalyn Wilson, addressed the crowd while proudly representing the association. “The Malton Black Development Association has been serving the community for over forty years,” exclaimed Clovalyn. “Tonight we congratulate the rising stars and able leaders in our community.”

She was also sure to commend the awards recipients and their families. “These scholars have each expressed a commitment to higher education, and a willingness to en-

gage in their communities.”

She talked about humble beginnings and how the association developed to the point where it is at now. “So, the organization was actually founded by a few people who came from different Caribbean islands and saw that there was a need to support the young students in our communities. They saw that there were some disparities in schools, just advocating through the system, so took it upon themselves to help these families, and it’s been on since 1975.”

She also added that the association primarily relies on donations and volunteer members. In terms of the MBDA and their recent efforts of awareness, Clovalyn explains, “we’ve been doing a lot more networking over the past few years just to let people know what we are doing.”

“We want them to see other youths who are doing things and being successful, and that will in itself help to promote the youth and events,” she adds. The guests attending the event were also specially invited as ideal influencers for the scholarship recipients as Clovalyn announced, “in our room, we’ve really made sure we’ve invited guests who are successful in their field”

Others present at the event included in the awards presentation were speaker Nina Hailey Dixon who is especially known for her role in the community as a youth activist. The event was hosted by Ryan Gurcharn who is a heavily involved community member.

The MDBA plans to hold an upcoming gallery at the Malton Community center to showcase the work of students and raise donations for the association’s next scholarship recipients.

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

island news

AZ

DRIVERS WANTED Well established company in Brampton Hiring AZ drivers 60 Cents per mile for US and CANADA .

Looking for a job with good pay rates , full benefits, Direct deposit, Brand New Trucks and trailers

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

BBQ sauces made from local fruits

GUYANA -- She says she has a lot in stored for Guyana with her innovative ideas and creative talent. She has embarked on producing a product made from local fruits. Today, Sandra Craig has managed to produce seven flavours of finger-licking bar-b -que (BBQ) sauces which are in demand locally and overseas.

It all started in 2014 in her kitchen at her snackette at Orange Walk, Bourda in Georgetown when she began making her own BBQ sauce with pineapple.

She related that the pineapple flavoured BBQ sauce was an instant hit among her customers who requested more and the idea of experimenting with local fruits was conceptualised.

During the experimenting stage , Craig a devoted Muslim, tried other local fruits and according to her , it was very pleasing to customers who demanded more of the products.From that point there was no turning back.

Today Craig has produced seven flavours of the sauce which are available in golden-apple, sour sap, tamarind, ginger and garlic, mango, passion and her initial creation, pineapple.

She also has plans to produce a fa-

rine pie BBQ sauce which she said is similar to macaroni and cheese.

The BBQ sauces are retailed at $1000 per bottle while they are wholesaled for $800 per bottle and according to Craig, she is trying to make it even more affordable for locals , a move which will see the cost dropping to $600 per bottle.

So far, Craig said many persons have been ordering the product for both local and overseas markets.

The mother of five told the Guyana Chronicle that she is very enthusiastic about propelling her small business to its full potential.

Craig plans on expanding the production process of her business to a larger scale and she is hoping to find markets for her products in Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

She said, “I am always trying newer ingredients for BBQ sauce and has created two newer ones which are spicy fusion which has a subtle but nice tang and a sweet and sour BBQ sauce which is very tasty.”

But the idea is also a family affair.

She said her five children are involved in making it a family business in which every-

one plays a part and assist in their own way.

The effervescent woman has been operating her food snackette for years, selling mostly grilled foods such as fish, buffalo wings, chicken and beef using her own BBQ sauce at Orange Walk , Bourda.

She began her food business in 2011 and while she also caters for events and parties , she is a member of the local group “Women in Business”. Here , she said she is actively involved in expositions to showcase her product.

She considers her products to be healthy and of good nutritional value since they are made from local fruits.

Craig said, “No matter how small you start your business it will grow and become profitable despite the challenges it is better to be self-employed that work with people.”

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she has no limitations. To this end , she has plans to produce bottled coconut water.

At the same time , the ambitious woman will be sampling other fruits to determine what is next for her tasty line of BBQ sauces.

- Guyana Chronicle

Guyanese among 15 missing following piracy attack in Suriname

GUYANA -- Suriname authorities are searching for more than a dozen fishermen , including Guyanese nationals , who were attacked and forced overboard by pirates in the neighbouring country on Friday evening.

According to reports in Suriname’s De Ware Tijd , the pirates robbed four fishing boats on Friday evening.

Of the total of twenty fishermen who were attacked, only four were found.

Two fishermen were taken off of their boat with head injuries while two others were fished out of the water by other boats.

Nothing is known about the fate of the others , the report stated. It is feared that they have died.

De Ware Tijd stated that the four boats which were attacked by the pirates may be of Guyanese origin. The report

said most crew members have been thrown overboard, according to witness statements at least three of them with a battery tied to their legs.

“I was in shock when I heard my son was missing, I cried all night and keep crying, I want to see my son, and the family in Guyana, among whom his father and brothers are crying,” said Joan Parris mother of missing 21-year-old son Glenroy Jones.

The report stated that the four survivors of Friday night’s attack were put ashore in New Amsterdam on the Suriname coast.

Since it became known that so many boats were raided, almost no one left for the catch, said secretary Mark Lall of the Vissercollectief. “People are afraid,” he said. It is not the first time that so many

boats have been attacked in one go.”But I have the impression that most of the deaths will now be regretted at once,” he said gloomily.

The Coast Guard, the Maritime Police, the Navy and fishermen sailed together to the area in an attempt to save lives and assess the situation. Coast Guard Director Jerry Slijngard said that after the police received the report, action was taken.

He argued for the introduction of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), which may be operational in one month.

This system not only indicates where the boats are, but also has a “panic button”, or emergency button, so that an emergency signal can be sent out in the event of a calamity. “Then we know that there is a need, but also exactly where the boat is.

- Guyana Chronicle

One dead, four injured in Corentyne accident

Pick up and Drop off from the yard.

Dedicated miles

647-719-8994 rvu423@gmail.com

GUYANA -- A 48-year-old man is dead and four other persons are seriously injured after the car in which they were travelling slammed into a heap of sand on the Cromarty Public Road, East BerbiceCorentyne, on Sunday.

Dead is Adrian Downer, of Lot 79, Fyrish Village, Corentyne. The driver and occupants were reportedly under the influence at the time of the accident.

According to reports, just after midnight on Saturday, the car bearing registration number PRR 8753 was proceeding west along the roadway at a fast rate of speed, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and slammed into the sand.

Downer, who was in the back seat of the vehicle, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Port Mourant Hospital. The injured who were taken there were subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

An eyewitness and resident of Cromarty told the Guyana Chronicle that

after the car slammed into the sand, it crashed into a utility pole and spun around a few times before ending up in a trench.

“This car was coming from Skeldon side with good speed, it pitch that sand till into neighbours’ verandah; it coil up on the light post then in the trench. When me run to them man all of them bleeding and one of them was blacking out steady, so we hurry and get them help to the hospital,” the eyewitness said.

“At first, I thought was like gunshot or suh then meh seh no man this different, so I come out and see a set of them still in the vehicle, so we assisted in taking them out. One of them body was already lifeless,” another eyewitness recounted.

The eyewitness said that Downer, who was in the back seat of the car, sustained the brunt of the impact when the side of the car crashed into the post.

The wife of the deceased told this publication that her husband, a father of one and a cane harvester attached to the

Albion Estate, had indicated on Saturday afternoon that he was going to a birthday party.

She later received a call about 01:30hrs informing her of the accident and for her to visit the hospital.

“When I arrived I saw my husband body in the back of the police van while the others were being looked after.

I was just shocked and speechless,” the grieving wife said.

She noted that the driver, who hails from Fyrish, is a friend of her husband as they work together as cane harvesters. When this newspaper visited the scene, clothing and other articles belonging to the occupants were on the parapet and the car was still submerged in the trench.

The police are investigating the accident.

- Guyana Chronicle

OVER

Including Curry Chicken, Stew Chicken, Rice, Dhal, Dhalpurie, Sada Roti, Paratha, Fry Bake, Channa and Aloo, Bhaji, Curry Mango, Baigan Choka,Fried Baigan, Tomato Choka, Tomatoand Saltfish, Fried Bodi, Fried Orcho,Pumpkin, Fry Aloo, Curry Seim,Saltfish, Smoked Herring, Fried Rice, Fried Chicken & Much More!

PEPPER ROTI AVAILABLE BY ORDER TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

RICE OR ROTI

BONE CHICKEN, CHANNA & ALOO, BONE GOAT THURSDAY

RICE OR ROTI + POP BONE CHICKEN, CHANNA & ALOO, BONE GOAT

4 49 6 49

Radica's Hot & Spicy owners recently travelled to India to feed 2500 villagers and distributed blankets, they also purchased cows and donated to families in the village so they can have fresh milk supply!

14

49

20

ITEMS

BIG WEEKEND BUFFET BREAKFAST! (Brampton Location Only)

TO CHOOSE FROM!

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

RICE OR ROTI

BONELESS CHICKEN, BONELESS GOAT, DUCK OR SHRIMP

THURSDAY

RICE OR ROTI + POP

BONELESS CHICKEN, BONELESS GOAT, DUCK OR SHRIMP

5 49 7 49

BRAMPTON LOCATION 263 Queen Street East Unit #2, Brampton, Ontario, Canada Telephone:905 487 0888

MISSISSAUGA LOCATION 3105 Winston Churchill Blvd #3, Mississauga, ON L5L 1P5 Telephone: 905 997 8119

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 10:00am to 8:00pm Saturday 9:30am to 8:00pm Sunday 9:30am to 6:00pm

Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 8:00pm Sunday - Closed

SOME DISHES AND SPECIALS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AT OUR MISSISSAUGA LOCATION. PRICE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE CHECK US OUT ONLINE www.Radicas.com

At Radica’s you’ll come hungry and leave happy!

ORDER ONLINE AT JUSTEAT.CA

PAGE 12

island news

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

BOJ retains services of Jamaican expert who served IMF

JAMAICA -- Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke last night announced that the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has retained the services of David Marston, a former senior advisor, deputy director, and chief risk officer of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help update the investment framework for the non-bank financial sector.

Dr Clarke, who was speaking at the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors in Montego Bay, pointed out that the Financial Stability Report produced by the Bank of Jamaica stated that the non-bank financial sector, consisting of pension funds, insurance companies, security dealers and collective investment schemes had assets of $1.7 trillion in 2017 and, in assets, is larger than the banking sector.

“We want to ensure that while macro-prudential stability is maintained, deepened, and entrenched, the regulatory framework for the non-bank financial sec-

tor provides a foundation that allows for the deepening of financial inclusion and the acceleration of economic expansion,” Clarke said.

Marston, a Jamaican, is currently a member of the Eminent Persons Group of the G-20 and is highly respected for his work advising central banks and governments around the world.

Marston worked at the BOJ as a senior director before going to the IMF in 1992. He served first in the Monetary and Capital Markets Department as assistant director before moving to the Strategy Policy and Review Department as deputy director.

Commenting on the retention of Marston’s services, Clarke said, “The reduction in government borrowing — public debt now projected to fall below 100 per cent of GDP by end March 2019 — creates real opportunities to accelerate our efforts to convert and redirect savings into investment, job

creation and economic empowerment for all Jamaicans. In the near term this will involve a focus on a revised investment framework for the non-bank financial sector.

“In parallel, we will focus on creating opportunities for improved access to credit and financial services to support business and entrepreneurial activity across the board, as envisaged in the National Financial Inclusion Strategy.”

Minister Clarke stated that Marston will support BOJ Governor Brian Wynter in leading these initiatives.

“The intention is for a consultative process that will lead to actionable policy, legislative and reform initiatives to accelerate and deepen the role of finance and institutional capital in supporting inclusive growth while maintaining financial sector stability, which, of course, is paramount,” Minister Clarke said.

- Jamaica Observer

Waite, Fisher apply to represent PNP in St Elizabeth NE

JAMAICA -- Deputy general secretary of the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) Basil Waite and former mayor of Black River and councillor for the Balaclava Division Everton Fisher have formally applied to represent the party in St Elizabeth North Eastern come the next parliamentary elections.

Fisher and Waite have come forward following the decision of Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth NE Evon Redman to step away from representational politics after a single term in office.

PNP general secretary Julian Robinson told the Jamaica Observer that the two applicants will need to be interviewed by a Regional Appraisal Panel as well as the PNP’s Integrity Commission prior to a delegates’ selection conference set for May 20.

“Once they get past the appraisal process, then we move forward to the selection conference,” said Robinson.

The PNP General Secretary said the window for applications opened on April 18

and closed last Friday, April 27.

Under the Jamaican Constitution parliamentary elections are due in 2021, though Prime Minister Andrew Holness has the right to send Jamaicans to the polls before then, if he so wishes.

St Elizabeth North Eastern is traditionally a PNP stronghold but the party has had to deal with a number of crises involving representation over the last decade.

Kern Spencer comfortably won St Elizabeth North Eastern on the PNP ticket in 2007 by 2,138 votes, even as the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) took over Government for the first time since the 1980s. However, Spencer had to give up leadership of the PNP’s constituency organisation after going before the court on corruption charges related to the so-called Cuban light bulb scandal.

Spencer was eventually cleared of all charges.

Following Spencer’s fall from grace, Waite won the support of PNP delegates in 2010.

However, for reasons that were never properly explained, Waite was shunted aside by the PNP leadership prior to the December 2011 elections, paving the way for Raymond Pryce to be the party’s standard bearer.

Pryce won the seat by over 4,000 votes, reflecting a strong islandwide swing towards the PNP.

But Pryce struggled to unite Comrades in the constituency, leading to a challenge and eventual displacement by Redman during a period of instability and deep divisions. Such was the level of discord that Redman won the seat in 2016 by just 1,524 votes – 7,733 to the JLP’s Dr Saphire Longmore’s 6,209.

Two independent candidates shared 778 votes between them — most of those electors were said to be disgruntled Pryce supporters.

- Jamaica Observer

Yello Media wins big at 2018 ADP Awards in US

JAMAICA -- Leading Caribbean digital and print advertiser Yello Media was a big winner at the recently held Association of Directory Publishers (ADP) Awards in Utah, USA.

The company took home a whopping 11 awards for marketing excellence, including the prestigious Directory of the Year Award for the Jamaica Kingston Directory.

The ADP is an international trade association that has been serving the Yellow Pages industry since 1898. Its membership include publishers, advertising agencies, and suppliers to the print directory, mobile and online publishing industry.

ADP’s Gold Book Awards competition is a jury and peer voted recognition of the best of the best in the Yellow Pages industry in both directory production and marketing expertise.

The awards are presented during its annual convention in recognition of members’ outstanding directory products and marketing innovations.

Commenting on the outcome of

the ADP Awards, Tshani Jaja, director of marketing for Yello Media, said that winning the awards was a testament to Yello’s innovative, creative and dynamic approach to marketing and product development.

“Our team continues to push boundaries in marketing and product innovation across the region with programmes and products that excite, educate and deliver value to users and advertisers,” she told the audience.

Yello Media’s achievements at this year’s ADP Awards also included: Excellence in Marketing Environmental Initiatives - Belize recycling with Boys Scouts (second place); Excellence in Print Directory (third place); Excellence in Marketing Magazine and Newspaper (Mobile App campaign); Excellence in Radio Advertising (Mobile App campaign); Excellence in Industry Innovation (Mobile App); Excellence in Digital Initiatives (Mobile App); Excellence in Marketing (Outdoor - Brand Campaign); Excellence in TV Advertising (Digital Campaign); Excellence in Print (Directory - Cayman Directory); Excel-

lence in Website and Mobile App (Findyello.com)

Yello Media Group is the leading provider of digital media and marketing solutions across 20 countries in the Englishspeaking Caribbean and Central & South America.

Their digital solutions and directory products create seamless connections with businesses and their customers online and offline. Yello is the most celebrated Google AdWords Partner in the Caribbean, Central & South America receiving three consecutive awards for Google Display and Mobile Champions in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Its diverse mix of digital solutions, such as, website development, social media management, online videos and display advertising help businesses build awareness, expand reach and generate leads.

In 2017, they were one of five companies recognised by Google for their innovation in search & display advertising in the Caribbean and Latin America at the (ADP) Awards..

- Jamaica Observer

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! TEL: 905-457-2378

GEMS

55 Selby Rd. Unit 2A

(RUTHERFORD RD. & CLARENCE - BRAMPTON)

Wholesale Meat & Fish Shop

Monday: CLOSED | Tuesday:10:00am - 6:00pm | Wednesday: 10:00am - 6:00pm | Thursday: 10:00am - 7:00pm Friday: 10:00am - 8:00pm | Saturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm | Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

SALE PRICE VALID FROM MAY 2ND - MAY 15TH Oxtail 15lb Box

/BOX! 00

75

5

99

Salmon

/LB

/BOX! 99

King Fish

35

/BOX

Ram Goat

Red Snapper

2

29 FOR 3!

/LB

/BOX! 99

39

/BOX

Jamaican Pride Jerk Seasoning

1

Mr. Goudas White Rice 20 kg

19

3 FOR

Jamaican Pride Coconut Milk

4

99

/BOX

99 /EA.

99 /EA.

Ad-B&W-Indra+Justin2_Ad-B&W-Indra+Justin2 12/21/17 4:29 PM Page 1

Our spacious, elegant facilities offer families beautiful chapels, visitation suites and reception lounges with ample parking.

Indra Seelal-Crichton Funeral Counsellor 647-704-2820 indraseelal@gmail.com

Justin Carmichael Licensed Funeral Director 416-668-0818 justin.chapelridge@gmail.com

905-305-8508 www.chapelridgefh.com 8911 Woodbine Avenue, Markham • 737 Dundas Street East, Mississauga

Beautiful Facilities, Fair Prices and Unparalleled Service.

s e l b u o D 5 y u B Free!

1 t e G

All Day Lunch Special Roti or Rice + Doubles + Pop Chicken or Vegetarian Special Roti or Rice Tuesday Special Roti or Rice Bone-in Chicken, Boneless Chicken, Shrimp, Bone-in Goat, Vegetarian

85 4

99 31 99

S E L B U O D & I T O R DEBE’S

2881 Jane Street Toronto, ON M3N 2J5 Tel: (416) 839-9874 HELP WANTED

Jane St.

Finch Ave. W

Yorkwoods Gt.

Sheppard Ave. W.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

We will not give up!

JAMAICA -- Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government will find every single measure within the law to ensure that the fight against crime is not derailed, with or without the support of the Opposition.

“We will not give up our strategic intent,” Holness declared during his remarks at the East Central St James Education Fund-raising Dinner held at Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa in Rose Hall Saturday night.

The prime minister was speaking against last week’s declaration by Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips that his party would not support further extensions of the state of public emergency in St James and in the St Catherine North Police Division unless there are “some overwhelming reasons presented for the consideration of the public”.

Said Holness: “We fell into that trap in 2010 when we were not able to get the support of the Opposition to extend the state of public emergency which was called then. Unfortunately, I am seeing where a similar situation is likely to play out based on the recent declaration of the Opposition leader. My advice to the leader of the Opposition, who is a student of history himself: do not make history repeat itself; do not throw away the opportunity that we have as a country to once and for all tame the crime monster,” said Holness.

He argued that the statement by Dr Phillips can only give comfort to criminals that there is a political divide which will shatter the resolve to fight crime.

“The support that really matters is your support. I urge you to use your voices, letters to the editor, social media, telephone calls to those you know… to ensure

that political pressure is brought upon the Opposition to support your fight against crime. Let them feel the heat; as one US politician said, ‘When you feel the heat, you see the light’,” the prime minister told the gathering.

Holness declared the state of public emergency in St James on Thursday, January 18, which was subsequently extended to May 2, while the measure in the St Catherine North Police Division was declared on March 18.

Since the imposition of the emergency measures, crimes, including murders, have nose-dived in both parishes.

Dr Phillips, in stating the position of his party on the existing states of public emergency, told journalists at a news conference at the People’s National Party headquarters on Old Hope Road in St Andrew last week that the Government should produce a clear plan of action that would enable “normal policing to contain crime in St James and the other parts of the country”.

In the meantime, Holness pointed out on Saturday night that the Government was not calling the states of public emergency as public relations exercise, stressing that “at the end of these extraordinary powers, we would have eroded the threats to the St James economy, which are guns, dons and gangs”.

He noted that in spite of the gains from the measures there are violence producers sitting in waiting, who feel that the Government doesn’t have the determination to stay with the strategies put in to fight crime and will eventually call the measures off, which will result in them having free reign again.

- Jamaica Observer

Woman dies in five-vehicle Mandela Highway crash

JAMAICA -- A member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Traffic Division, apparently unhappy with the number of accidents on the nation’s roads, said Monday that some motorists should not have been issued driver’s licences.

Sergeant Courtney Nugent, who has been assigned to the Traffic Division for 18 years, made the statement following a five-vehicle collision on Mandela Highway in the vicinity of Plantation Heights in St Andrew Monday.

An unidentified woman was killed and about six people were injured in the crash.

“Some people [are] a nuisance on the road. They are hazards on the road and they should never own a driver’s licence… and I am not speaking with any water in my mouth. Reason being, you have some people, from them leave their yard they become a hazard. They shoulda a never own a driver’s licence,” Nugent continued.

“One, they must have read the road code before them went for their driver’s licence; that is, if some of them did it. You drive to the left and yet still they leave their home and they occupy right lane going 10 and 15 miles per hour,” said the policeman.

He added that there are other motorists who don’t use their rear-view mirrors and stop suddenly, while there are some who drive at high speeds and are unable to control their vehicles. “They can only control the vehicle at 70 miles per hour but yet still they want to do 120 miles per hour, and when emergency arrives they can’t control the vehicle,” Nu-

gent said.

A man who claimed to have witnessed Monday’s crash said one motorist heading to Kingston was in the process of overtaking another vehicle when it hit the back of a garbage truck that was going in the same direction. The out-of-control vehicle then spun around and hit the one it was attempting to overtake. Both vehicles, the man claimed, then hit the concrete barrier before slamming into a hearse and another vehicle.

Occupants of one of the vehicles walked away without a scratch. However, they refused to speak with reporters.

Head of the Police Traffic and Highway Division Superintendent Courtney Coubrie said the accident, which happened about 2:00 pm, took place on the newly built stretch of Mandela Highway, which is being upgraded to accommodate six lanes of traffic.

Coubrie, who was unable to state what could have caused the accident, said the unidentified woman was thrown from the vehicle and died on the spot.

“Don’t be distracted when you driving that stretch of road. Look steadfast ahead of you and drive carefully until you clear that stretch. I believe distraction has a lot to do with some of these things,” he said, adding that some motorists travel at excessive speeds, especially on the west-bound side of the dual carriageway. “Cut your speed considerably when approaching that area,” Coubrie pleaded.

- Jamaica Observer

island news

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

island news

TRINIDAD -- Reggae artiste Gardah Knight denounced homosexuality, quoting scriptures from the Bible to make his point, during his performance at the Tobago Jazz Experience in Speyside on Saturday night.

Knight, 40, whose real name is Christopher Joseph, was performing before a large crowd in his hometown when he paused, pulled out a Bible and read a verse from Leviticus which he said condemned same sex relationships. In a backstage interview after the performance, he said he opposed moves to legalise homosexuality.

“The message that I was sending across to the nation, I would say to Trinidad

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Reggae artiste hits gay lifestyles

and Tobago that this gay thing they want to legalize, I don’t want it to happen. Me say that because that will open up different doors that we do not really want and we do not see it right now but that is where it go head,” he said.

Warning that the country could face consequences if same sex relationships are legalised, Knight said: “If you open up the doors to these things you let in negativity.”

A message of a different kind was delivered by Freetown Collective during their performance of Normal featuring vocalists Muhammed Muwakil and Lou Lyons.

The song was about crime and vio-

lence in the country and society’s acceptance of deviant behaviour as normal.

The show started just before sunset on Saturday with welcome remarks by George Leacock, head of the Tobago Festivals Committee and opening remarks by Nadine Stewart-Phillips, Secretary of Tourism,

Culture and Transportation in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

Stewart-Phillips said the Tobago Jazz Experience was a chance for visitors and residents to be immersed in the authenticity of Tobago’s music, culture and cuisine.

“Ten years ago, the THA embarked on a historic journey to establish a flagship

festival for the island and from Plymouth to Pigeon Point, Signal Hill to Speyside, the Tobago Jazz Experience has seen many transformations over the years.

“But one thing that remains constant, ladies and gentlemen, is that destination Tobago has proven to be the perfect location to serve up music, vibes and entertainment with a side of beautiful beaches and lush landscape, topped off with our signature Tobagonian warmth and hospitality,” she said.

The high point of the evening was when featured act Taurrus Riley arrived on stage and delivered several hits.

- Trinidad Guardian

A&V ownersued by GML photographer

TRINIDAD -- Guardian Media Ltd senior photographer Kristian de Silva is suing A&V Oil and Gas Drilling and Workover owner Hanif Nazim Baksh and his son in law, Cpl Billy Ramsundar, for assault and battery.

Through his attorneys, De Silva filed the action Monday at the San Fernando High Court, seeking damages from the men for allegedly assaulting him during an incident on September 15, 2017.

De Silva had gone to Nazim Avenue,

San Francique, Penal, while in the course of his employment accompanied by his colleague, Sascha Wilson, at the time of the alleged incident.

De Silva and Wilson approached a guard booth at the entrance of an industrial compound belonging to A&V Oil and identified themselves as T&T Guardian newspaper employees and proceeded to the office. The office was locked Wilson and De Silva departed.

According to court documents, upon exiting Nazim Avenue, De Silva parked his vehicle and was standing on road taking photos with his camera. De Silva alleged that he saw a black Toyota Hilux being driven toward him in an aggressive manner and at an accelerated speed.

He said he threw himself out of the path of the vehicle, then observed the driver make a second attempt at running him over.

He claimed the driver of the vehicle came

out and began hurling obscenities at him. He claimed he identified himself as media but instead was assaulted.

De Silva’s injuries included swelling and soft tissue injuries to the face and back of neck, laceration to the lower lip and psychiatric injury.

De Silva is being represented by attorneys Rajiv Persad, Christophe Rodriguez and Elena Da Silva.

- Trinidad Guardian

Patient’s rape claims found inconsistentDoctor freed after 15 years

TRINIDAD -- Fifteen years after a patient accused him of rape, Dr Shauffie David Ali, the owner and medical director of Gulf View Medical Centre, was Monday found not guilty.

As he walked out of the San Fernando High Court after being acquitted on two sex charges, Ali said, “I have a smile on my face. I feel good.”

Ali, 71, a gynaecologist, did not want to comment further.

Ali went on trial earlier this month before Justice Hayden St Clair-Douglas in the

Second Criminal Court charged with grievous sexual assault and rape.

The woman, then 21, alleged that Ali raped her in his office at the medical centre in La Romaine on April 8, 2003.

The state’s case, led by state attorney Trevor Jones, was that the woman had attempted suicide after two miscarriages. She was warded at the medical centre on March 2003 and was discharged two days later.

The woman alleged she received a call from Ali’s office for her to make an ap-

pointment to see him. The woman claimed she visited Ali’s office on April 1 and 2, 2003.

She alleged that on the third visit, on April 8, the doctor raped her in his office.

However, the woman’s evidence had several inconsistencies.

Ali gave evidence and called three witnesses—his daughter, a receptionist and a nurse. The defence produced Ali’s appointment book, which showed there was no record of any appointment for the woman to see the doctor. The receptionist said she called the

woman once for her to come to the office to pay her bill and not to set up an appointment.

The nurse meanwhile said that on the day of the alleged rape she was in the theatre with the doctor, who was performing a caesarian.

The jury took an hour to return with not guilty verdicts to both charges.

Jones was assisted by attorney Rebecca Trim-Wright while Ali was represented by attorneys Pamela Elder SC and John Heath.

- Trinidad Guardian

Archbishop: Refugees should be welcomed T&T too stingy

TRINIDAD -- Archbishop Jason Gordon is advocating for Venezuelan nationals seeking refuge to be welcomed, treated with dignity and integrated into this country.

In an obvious reference to the recent deportation of 82 Venezuelans following the confirmation of Presentation College students at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, San Fernando, Monday, Gordon said they were not coming here to “sponge off of us” but because they are facing a crisis.

“We need to integrate them and we need to accommodate them and help them through this process. They are going through a very difficult time in their country and we should be hospitable,” Gordon said.

However, he said T&T people have lost their sense of hospitality.

TRINIDAD -- Charlotte Street vendors have been given the green light to return to their traditional location next Thursday.

The decision to allow vending to return temporarily to the location was announced following a meeting between the vendors, Port-of-Spain East MP Marlene McDonald, Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein, Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez and Port-of-Spain City Corporation members at City Hall, Port-of-Spain, Monday morning.

It came less than a week after the corporation announced its plans to relocate the 126 vendors to the old Angostura Bond property between George and Nelson Streets.

The move is part of the city’s Central Business

“We have become very eccentric and we have become people who are very stingy with what we have, because lifestyle has been more important than other things for us.” Acknowledging that T&T also has serious social problems, he said, “I would hate to think that our generation would be the generation to throw away the values of our parents.”

He agreed with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who in his response to the United Nations criticism over the deportation noted that “we are not a refugee camp.” However, he said, every nation in the world has been accepting refugees.

“I was not here when this all happened and the Vicar General made a very powerful statement in the front of the Catholic News first page. ‘Mercy. Let us be merciful to

those who come.’ And that’s the best of who we are,” he said.

“The real question is not about the refugees. The real question is what kind of Trinidad and Tobago we want to be? Do we want to be a selfish, self-centred country that only wants to grab for itself for what we can get for ourself?

“Is that who we want to be? Check me out of that. I don’t want any part of that.

I believe in a country that is Trinidad and Tobago, that has been incredibly generous and that is what I want to see more.”

He added, “Refugees have been welcome throughout the whole of history. We cannot be the first people to decide that we do not want to welcome them.”

In order to find a way to deal with

Reprieve for Charlotte Street vendors District Revitalisation Programme.

In a telephone interview after the meeting, Martinez said the change in position was as a result of delays in preparing the proposed site.

“We agreed, based on the fact that the site on George Street is not in a state of readiness, that we would reinstate the vendors and allow them to continue to ply their trade under strict guidance and management,” Martinez said.

Although Monday’s meeting was meant for only the leaders of the Charlotte Street Vendors Association, dozens of their boisterous members showed up with attorney Gerald Ramdeen, who was armed with a pre-

action protocol letter threatening legal action against the corporation over its handling of the situation.

In the letter, Ramdeen claimed the vendors had a legitimate expectation that they would be consulted, as they were officially recognised by the Government on three occasions between 2008 and 2012. He referred to a Cabinet minute from April 8, 2010, which set the terms of the temporary programme for the vendors and provided funding for the administration of it.

Speaking with reporters during an impromptu press conference in Woodford Square after the meeting, Ramdeen described the change in position as a significant victory.

the large influx of Venezuelans, Gordon suggested that all agencies, including the church, unite and formulate a plan to integrate all the refugees. He said the Venezuelans must be properly screened and processed to ensure no drugs and guns are being brought into the country.

Gordon said he intends to speak with the Vicars today about how the church can help and work with the refuges.

“It cannot be left to one group or one community,” said Gordon, adding T&T must find a way to integrate Venezuelan children into schools and find work for the adults.

- Trinidad Guardian

Ramdeen also pointed out that although Government funding for the programme ended in 2012, veteran vendors Juliet Davy and Melba Boxhill continued to administrate it, at their own costs, since then.

“What they want now is to work with the corporation to put some structure in place so that the programme could be run properly,” Ramdeen said.

He also thanked Hosein for his assistance in convincing the corporation to amend its position.

- Trinidad Guardian

entertainment

PAGE 18

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Caribbean artist breaks his silence as International Music Heavyweights Benefit from Caribbean’s Culture and Sound ABA LUKE

aba@carib101.com

ENT. PUBLICIST

Beyonce Knowles is this month, the talk of the town. The Internet remains abuzz, singing her praise for a job well done at the recent Coachella music festival, in California. The Caribbean meanwhile, is pretty quiet and one man who’s been a part of the entertainment landscape for some time, thinks there’s no reason why this cultural hub, should ever be quiet.

US based, Trinidad artist, Leon Coldero and a team of event stakeholders host Flag Fete- a major soca themed event in Florida, next month. He’ll also spread knowledge on the Caribbean’s culture when he and his team host Curry Fest in Florida on July 14th.

Doubling up as an artiste and event promoter, Coldero says governments in the Caribbean must pull together to strengthen overall marketing and promotion efforts when it comes to Caribbean cultural events, aiding each other, where possible, to encourage a global buzz about everything that’s happening in these parts. “Our Caribbean culture is so much bigger than governments make it out to be, but we need that government support throughout the region to aid in marketing and promoting it more effectively,” he said. Coldero is the frontline singer of a band he started some time ago, called 868. He has represented Soca music and the Caribbean in Florida for some time, having worked at the Bob Marley Café at Universal Studios, and like many other Caribbean artistes, performing in various parts of North, South and Central America. He admits however that Caribbean music genres still remain relatively unearthed in comparison to mainstream music genres like Hip Hop, Rap and RnB. It

doesn’t escape him however that major international artistes and producers like DJ Khaled, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Justin Beiber, have used the Caribbean’s sound to perpetuate their stardom.

“Trinidad and Tobago’s musical genres- Soca and Calypso, are still categorized mainly in overseas territories as World Music or Reggae,” he expressed, saying it’s equally important for Caribbean artistes to hold their ground and avoid too much diluting of each genre’s original sound just to be accepted by mainstream music markets. “Rupee and Kevin Little had their songs playing on mainstream radio in the US and the majority of the American audience did not categorize the songs as either Soca or Calypso. We can only change this by staying true to ourselves, and our sound. We must keep the unique traditions of our culture alive in the music that we put out there, and we must band together and market it properly,” he pressed.

Meadowvale

Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centres

Coldero, whose pre-teen daughter, Jesalee is also creating her own space in the entertainment business, visits Trinidad this month. He believes it’s imperative, as a Caribbean artiste, to continuously immerse oneself in the culture.

“Losing touch with what makes us who we are, what coats our sound would be career suicide. No matter how much we travel, how immensely influenced we become by North American culture, to change our authenticity for the sake of a quick glance that may be forgotten because there’s so many like it out there, would be stupid.”

He is now calling on Caribbean leaders to research, understand, invest and build a powerhouse of cultural features that no tourist, record company, or international media house could turn a blind eye to. “We have everything in the Caribbean. We are a global melting pot, but we must first acknowledge our own greatness before the world can be asked to accept it,” said Coldero.

- EBuzzTT

Serving Brampton, Mississauga and neighbouring communities 407 since 1981

Our staff is familiar with the diverse traditions of the customers we serve. Let us help ensure that your unique preferences are accommodated. Talk to us today and we’ll explain all your funeral options and help you through your immediate or pre-arrangement needs.

B o u l ev

wso

ur

n

M

Ra

y

La

H

cL

M

M e Ce ado m wv et al er e y

St ee

le

ar

d

sA ve nu e

427

av

is

Ro

au

on

gh

410 ta

lin

rio

Ro

St

re

et

ad

ad

407

401

Vehicle Entrance

7732 Mavis Road | Brampton | 905.451.3716

w w w. m o u n t p l e a s a n t g r o u p . c o m

Meadowvale Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centres is a business name of Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries. Cemetery and cremation services are provided by Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries.

Funeral services are provided by Canadian Memorial Services which is affiliated with Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries.

F18 - Caribbean - SEP1817 - Meadowvale.indd 1

18/09/2017 11:18:50 AM

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

feature

PAGE 19

Prepare for your future with World Financial Global

“Make sure you save money for a rainy day.” It’s advice everyone has heard before, but not necessarily advice that everyone follows. Most people know the pitfalls of having no savings: the stresses of living paycheque to paycheque, an uncertain future, no extra funds to fall back on for an emergency, let alone a vacation. Though the message seems to have reached most Canadians, one-third of the population still has no retirement savings. To make matters worse, those that do aren’t always saving wisely. Many Canadians simply aren’t putting away enough money to last them through retirement, which would likely mean they would have to cut back on the quality of life they’d like to enjoy in their later years. World Financial Group strives to help Canadians improve both their present-day finances, and ensure they’re prepared for the future.

Originally from Trinidad, Kimberlei Lowrie moved to Canada 11 years ago, with a background in math and computer science. Her interest in numbers eventually lead her to a position in financial services, and today, Kimberlei and her husband, Afolabi Lowrie, are both independent contractors for WFG. Although Kimberlei did not have a background in financial services before she began working with the broker-

age, she realized that she needed to educate herself about her own personal finances and made the decision to join the industry when she realized there was a need to educate others about money matters. “I started to learn about my own personal financial situation, and then from there, I saw the concepts that I learned and realized that not many people know them. So, I decided to go to the business side of things,” Kimberlei says. She was introduced to the company by a coworker, who invited her out to an educational seminar. “Some of the things that I learned completely blew my mind!” From that moment, Kimberlei knew that she had found something extremely valuable, not only for her own life but for the lives of others.

At World Financial Group, clients have access to everything from mortgages to life insurance. While the same goes for all major financial institutions such as banks and credit unions, Kimberlei says WFG has one major difference: a focus on client education. “We’re not just trying to give you a product for the sake of giving you one, but really how it could work for someone’s situation,” she says. At most traditional financial institutions, the focus isn’t necessarily on financial education: it’s on the client receiving a product or solu-

tion of some sort that is relevant to their financial needs. In other words, the client is matched to the product. At WFG, it’s the other way around. Kimberlei, Afolabi and other WFG representatives match the solution to the client.

When a client comes in to meet with a WFG representative, the approach is totally customized to them. “When we sit with someone, we actually look at six different steps, and that is part of our unique education process. We look at cash flow, debt management, building an emergency fund, proper protection in terms of insurance, building wealth for retirement, and we also look at estate planning,” Kimberlei explains. Rather than focusing on one single area, WFG takes all the elements of someone’s financial profile. Covering all of these bases ensures that the client is financially protected on every possible front.

While WFG delves into all aspects of a person’s finances, Kimberlei says that many clients have one financial concern at the forefront of their minds: debt. “Canada is the most indebted nation in the world right now. Every dollar that someone earns, they actually owe $1.71. So, debt is a huge concern.” Of course, being in debt puts several constraints onto a person. Their inability to save for the future because any cash they do have goes towards paying off debt is one, but there is also the emotional burden.

Feeling hopeless about debt can lead to stress, which can lead to countless health problems. When a client comes to WFG with concerns about their debt load, they proactively work with the client to come up with solutions to reduce this burden.

A common concern for would-be savers is “how can I save when I don’t have much money to save in the first place?”

Kimberlei says that contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be rich to start planning for your future. “Saving is not

necessarily having a lot of money, to begin with. It’s really more of the habit. So even if you can start off with $15 a month, $20 a month, it’s really just having the habit.”

WFG helps clients determine which savings vehicle is the best one for them so that no matter how much or how little they decide to start saving with, their dollars will go as far as possible.

When asked what she wishes people would focus more on when it comes to their finances, without hesitation, Kimberlei says life insurance. “It’s actually one of the least understood aspects of financial planning. People think ‘oh, I have to die!’ so it’s very morbid. People don’t like to think about it. But you can actually use life insurance in so many ways—to save, as well.” Ensuring a client’s loved ones have peace of mind when they pass is of utmost importance. Being able to utilize life insurance as a savings vehicle makes it something that is accessible in the more immediate future.

Canada’s big five banks are usually the first ones to come to mind when one thinks of financial planning, but Kimberlei hopes to change that narrative with her work at WFG. “When you go into the bank, the people there are wonderful, but they actually work for the bank. So, their primary focus is to sell—and there’s a lot of articles recently in the news about that.

Our focus, because we work with so many banks and insurance companies, we actually work for our clients instead, so you’re getting that unbiased advice.”

To take the first steps towards financial success with WFG, contact Kimberlei at (905) 605-1427.

Written by Dellia Rismay Toronto Caribbean Reporter

@CarranzaLLP

Carranza LLP Personal Injury Lawyers

Experienced lawyers in personal injury claims FREE initial consultation 25 yearsʼ experience winning accident cases, including the largest-ever catastrophic injury award in Canada • Motor vehicle accident claims • Economic loss, and pain and suffering claims • Long term disability claims • Slip and fall claims • Immigration cases

Members of:

• Notarizations, powers of attorney,

Law Society of Upper Canada | Ontario Bar Association

and invitation letters

Ontario Trial Association | Ontario Brain Injury Association

1.877.633.1065 | 416.633.1065 | carranza.on.ca 1280 Finch Ave. West, Suite 200. Toronto ON, M3J 3K6

LOOKING FOR A LAWYER THAT WILL GO ABOVE AND BEYOND? SOME AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law Criminal Law Real Estate Law Civil Litigation

Provincial Offences Matters Parking/Traffic ticket Matters Small Claims Court Matters Landlord and Tenant Matters Notary And Commission Services Also Provided

ASHBOURNE ROBINSON LAW OFFICE

FULL SERVICE LAW OFFICE 18 Wynford Drive, Suite 701, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 3S2 Tel: 416-502-9610 | Fax: 416-502-9619

PAGE 22

travel

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Seven tips to make your first family fishing trip a success Are you crazy about fishing and would love to share your passion with your kids — or grandkids — this summer? Here are a few tips to guarantee a good time right from the get-go.

1. Be patient. Fishing requires lots of patience. Keep in mind that kids don’t have as much as you do!

2. Equip the kids. Supply each child with a kid-sized life jacket and fishing rod. Remember to bring long-sleeved shirts

and long pants, as the air is usually cooler on the water — not to mention full of mosquitoes.

3. Fish from shore. This will allow the kids to stretch their legs if they start to feel restless.

Plan some games to keep the little ones occupied in case the fish aren’t biting.

4. Go for the smaller fish. There are more of them and they’re easier to catch.

5. Opt for live bait. Kids can play with the worms or dig them up themselves. It’s way more fun!

6.

Provide guidance. Teach kids proper techniques and help them solve problems, but don’t do everything for them — they’ll learn better by doing things on their own. Don’t forget to encourage and congratulate them!

7. Don’t make it a marathon. Start with short outings and don’t wait until the kids are bored to call it a day — they may not be as enthusiastic next time!

Ten close-to-home activity ideas to keep things lively this summer Feel like staying close to home this summer vacation? Great idea! There’s no shortage of exciting things to do right in your area.

Here are a few activity suggestions to spice up your summer!

1. A round of golf. Whether you prefer minigolf or you’re a pro on the links, golf is a great way to spend time with friends.

2. A nautical outing. Motorboat, kayak, paddleboat or jet ski — which do you prefer?

3. A day in the water. Whether at the waterpark or in your backyard swimming pool, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip to get the most out of summer.

4. A bike ride. Can you think of a healthier way to rediscover your region than by cruising along local bike paths?

ready to be amazed by all the creatures you’ll see!

7. A tasty treat. Head to the parlour and dig into some refreshing, decadent ice cream. It’s a summertime must!

8. A festival tour. From carnival midways to sporting events and local food tastings, you’ll be surprised at all you can do close to home.

9. Camping. Escape to the great outdoors with family or friends and enjoy life’s little pleasures around the campfire.

10. The great outdoors. Enchanting woods, verdant hills, majestic parks, lush gardens — what does your region’s wilderness have to offer?

5. Horseback riding. Brea­the in the fresh air and take in stunning views from atop your friendly steed.

6.

A wild meet and greet Take a trip to a local zoo, farm, aquarium, insectarium or wildlife sanctuary, and get

Treat yourself to a round of golf From its humble beginnings in Scotland, golf has grown into one of today’s most popular pastimes. And with good reason: it’s the perfect combination of fun, exercise, challenge and fresh air.

Golf is a game of inches that requires maximum concentration. The tiniest slip can mean the difference between an eagle and a double bogey! Add to that the requisite visualization and the constant formulation of strategy, and you have the perfect exercise for the brain. But the benefits don’t stop there! There’s nothing like a few holes of golf to free your mind of stress. Whether you play with friends or with business acquaintances, it’s a great way to stay active socially at any age.

And for the skeptics, know that golf truly is a physical activity. Though it might not be the most demanding of sports, golf is good exercise. The swing requires balance and strength and engages a number of muscles and joints. Golf does wonders for hand-eye coordination, flexibility, strength and balance. And if you leave the cart at the clubhouse, you will benefit from a near ten-kilometre walk — nothing to scoff at, especially if you carry your golf bag.

In short, if you want to take in some fresh air, move, relax and have fun this summer, look no further than your local golf courses!

Playing 18 holes of golf involves walking roughly ten kilometres.

If you can, skip the golf cart!

Seven ways to sink your teeth into summer Do you love summer and good food? Here are a few suggestions to get the most out of both!

1. Picnics. What better way to get the most out of summer than by enjoying a pleasant family meal or a romantic dinner out­doors? On the menu: fresh, simple foods and the best company you could ask for. So, what will it be — colourful salads or gourmet sandwiches?

2. Barbecues. When it comes to the quintessential smells of summer, nothing beats the mouth-watering aromas of burgers cooking on the grill. A good oldfashioned barbecue is the perfect get-together for friends and family. What more could you ask for?

3. Food trucks. They’re everywhere! Today’s food trucks are perfect for partaking in a whole range of palate pleasers, from the basic hotdog to the fanciest European cuisine by way of the most divine desserts!

4. Outdoor dining. Can you think of a better place to breathe in the summer aromas while enjoying a great meal? There’s a cozy patio for every taste.

5. Agro-tourism. Vineyards, cheese makers, chocolate factories, farm-to-table restaurants — summer is the perfect time to take a culinary tour of your region.

6. Farmers’ markets. There’s no better place to stock up on fresh seasonal eats!

Whether you enjoy them on the spot or use them in your favourite recipes, stock up on the freshest ingredients local producers have to offer at your neighbourhood farmers’ market.

7. Ice cream parlours. Ice cream and summer go together like peas in a pod. The classic frozen treat and its countless delectable derivatives are unmatched heat-beaters.

SUNDAY MAY 6 2018 FROM 10:00AM - 7:00PM

VENDORS WANTED

S H T O !

T O U B O R O D L D O N S VE 80% R E V O Your mortgage Partner at your convenience.

MARKET TC Business Social Presents

FOOD • PRODUCTS • SERVICES

Zone

“This is an amazing way of connecting with the community” Balbir Kaur Sohi Smiles On Wheels Mobile Dental Hygiene

Let me simplify your home buying experience with Paul Fraser Home Financing Advisor pfmortgagepartner@gmail.com Cell 416-725-7204

sound advice, fast reliable service, competitive rates and flexible, innovative mortgage solutions.

“Because of this event, I was able to grow and evolve and start my own brand!”

Jayne Nicole Jeary Jayne Nicole Jeary Shades Hoisery For Women of Colour

“This is something that is truly valuable to the community” Roger Dey Roger Dey Voice Overs

“This was such a great way for us to engage with the community” Constable Cameel Chambers Peel Regional Police

“This event has given us great publicity, we were able to network together, I’ve had so much traffic today that I’m absolutely exhausted” Jackie T Iris Backayard Sauces FOR EXHIBITOR INFORMATION CALL NOW!

OVER

647-722-6298

80

VENDORS

Inside Pearson Convention Center 2638 Steeles Ave E Brampton, ON L6T 4L7

647-722-6298 | www.TCBSocial.com |

Made at Ashton Career ready education | Ashton College

My Ashton education gave me a really good base for applying my knowledge in the field.

– Melissa Briones, Human Resources Management

INDUSTRY ACCREDITED PROGRAMS IN:

• Immigration • Business • Human Resources • Healthcare • Financial Services • Continuing Professional Programs

Vancouver | Abbotsford | LIVE Online AshtonCollege.ca

COCONUT Breeze East ALL YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET

OVER 13 ITEMS TO CHOOSE FROM INCLUDING PEPPER SHRIMP/SOUP STAY TUNED FOR OUR GRAND OPENING!

Chung from Coconut Breeze and Alex from Caribbean Heat are teaming up to open a new Pickering location

985 Brock Road, Pickering ON | 905 837 2381

Exclusive Brij Team Guarantee

18 Month Buy Back

Guarantee!

Buy One of Our Listings and if, Within 18 Months’ you are not Happy, We Will Buy It Back!*

* Conditions and program guidelines apply. and Shivani Brampton Current market value based on recent- Viplav sales of similar homes inParikh, the neighborhood.

- Jay Brijpaul Broker, FRI

$439,000

$699,800

Prime Airport Rd and Hwy 7 Location!

Discrete Glamour

$725,000

$839,999

Here’s a hot one. Features 4 sprawling bedrooms, 3 beautiful washrooms, open concept and a family room with gas fireplace, hardwood and laminate floor and a modern kitchen with granite counter. Other features include master with full ensuite and walk in closet and a finished basement. Please hurry because this gem won’t last long.

This is a Homeopathic Clinic with Reception Area, Handicap Washroom and Dispensary. Features a Lovely End Unit with Great Exposure to Airport Rd. Impressively Modern Suite that can be adopted for any professional use.

$ Invest and $ Profit

A Lap of Luxury

Upgraded 4 Br Home in Prime Location. Features All Wood Flooring.

W/O to Deck From Kitchen. Family Room with Quartz Framed Fireplace. 2 Bedroom Basement Apartment with Sep Entrance, Tenanted. Tenant Willing To Stay. Extended Concrete Driveway, Parking for 7 Cars. Close to Schools, Park, Shopping and Hwy.

50Ft By 126Ft Lot! Nestled Among Many Million Dollar Homes. Close Access to Transit, Airport, Hwys 407, 427 and 401. Wrap Around Stamped Concrete Driveway, Patio And Walkway, Detached Garage.

Modern Kitchen and much more.

$849,000

$996,888 Distinctive, Remarkable, Spacious

Big, Bold and Beautiful

A Symphony in every room! Impressive and sundrenched home with 5 spacious bedrooms and four full washrooms on the upper level.

Delightful and warm family home with a dazzling kitchen and a walk out basement. A pleasure to treasure.

Amazing 4 Bedroom Detached Home. Features Double Car Garage with Covered Porch. Kitchen with S/S Appliances. Private Family Room and a Finished Basement with Rec Room, Gym and an Extra Bedroom. Huge Covered Deck in a Private Backyard. Minutes Away from Hwy, Shopping and Public Transit.

3500+ HOMES

TheBrij.com

* Sales mean both buyer and seller transactions

Jay Brijpaul , Broker, FRI Di rect: 4 16-4 18-2745 (BRIJ) 4 16-745 -2300 ext 5292 9 6 R exd ale B lvd ., To ro nto M9W 1N7

from 1990 to 2016, Team Sales combined.

*

Danforth

DFM Grace Soup Mix 43-60 g

Food Market www.danforthfoodmarket.com

Fresh Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken Drumsticks

Fresh Jerk Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings

We’re simply the best West Indian store in town.

1

$

2/

each

Milo Chocolate Malt Drink Mix 400 g

2

99 each

Grace Festival Mix 270 g

2

$

2/

each

29

18 kg box

Cedar Red Kidney Beans 4 lbs

each

1

99

Assorted 750 ml

2

99

Cool Runnings All Purpose Seasoning 900 g

each

each

2/

Assorted 155 g

1

Fruit Punch ONLY 9x300 ml

Primo Ketchup 1L

1

$

AA-1 Sardines

Tropical Grove Cocktail Drink

Grace Corned Beef

Regular only 340 g

99

1

each

89

3

each

29 each

Dragon Malt Malt Drink 330 ml

Walker’s Wood Jerk Seasoning Assorted 280 g

Grace Yellow Corn Meal 2 kg

2

$

3/

3

99

1

each each

99 each

99

Ovaltine Cookies

2/

737 g

Tusk Brand Basmati Rice

5

each

Brand New

Goat Head Manish Water Soup Goat Head Goat Tripe

Goat Meat

4

3

3

3

8

$ 49 $ 99 lb Bag

Fresh Seafood Catches Fresh Red Lane Snapper As Is

Fresh Whole Atlantic Salmon As Is

Fresh Black Snapper (Porgy Fish) As Is

3

4

99 $ lb From

$ 49 lb

1

$ 99 lb Sweet Jamaican

6

$ 49 lb

Parrot Fish As Is

Young Coconut

Julie Mangoes

Fresh

Fresh 2 lb Bag

99

Easy Cook Oxtail

99 99 $ $ $ 99 lb lb lb

1

$

Nu Chef Cooking and Table Salt

8 lbs

¢

each

150 g

2

20 lb box

20 lb box

Curry Goat

Mutton Leg

Whine It Up Non Alcoholic Wine

29

19

95 $ 95 $ 59 95 $ $ lb 49 Suggested Dinner-Suggested Dinner 3

Buttercup Squash

Onions

79

¢

bag

99

2

¢

99

lb

lb

Five Locations To Serve You Better

5

$

2/

Specials in Effect Thu. May 3rd til Wed. May 9th, 2018.

Although we strive for accuracy in both copy & illustration, unintentional error may occur, we reserve the right to correct any error. Specials Available While Quantities Last. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

each

Mon.-Fri. 9am to 9pm Saturday 9am to 9pm Sunday Lawrence Ave. E .

10am to 7pm

Store Hours

Steeles Ave. E .

Danforth Food Market 3051 Pharmacy Ave North Finch 416-490-9219

Mon.-Thu. 8:30am 8pm Fri. & Sat. 8:30am-8:30pm Sunday 9am to 6 pm Finch Ave. E.

Store Hours

Mon.-Thu. 9:30am 9pm Fri. & Sat. 9 am-9 pm Sunday 9am to 6 pm

Bloor St. E.

Danforth Food Market 1225 Dundas St. Dixie & Dundas Missisauga 905-949-9990

Dixie Rd.

35

00

Sheppard Ave. E .

Danforth Food Market 651 Markam Rd. 416-439-6397

Cawtra Rd.

2

Cold Water ONLY 1.33 L

Jumbo Cardboard Barrels

Store Hours

Pharmacy Rd.

each

99

Mon.-Fri. ion 9am to 9pm Roa d Saturday 9am to 9pm Sunday Sheppard Ave. W . 10am to 8pm Finch Ave. W .

D r.

79

Purex Laundry Detergent

Danforth Food Market 301 Silverstone Dr. A l b 416-740-9870

Markam Rd.

Assorted 500 ml

¢

Steeles Ave. W.

Martin Grove Rd.

each Each

Pur-est Liquid Soap

Store Hours

Si lv er st on e

29

Mon.-Fri. 9am to 9pm Saturday 9am to 9pm Sunday Ea./Plus Tax 9 am to 7pm

Finch Ave. W.

Danforth Food Market 3701 Keele St. 416-398-8123

Keele St.

2

Sunlight Lemon Dish Washing Detergent 950 ml

Store Hours

Dundas St. E.

PAGE 28

food

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Jamaican

HOT PEPPER PICKLE EARTHA LOWE eartha@carib101.com

FOOD SPECIALIST

The “pepper seed” is not just part of the anatomy of wild and domesticated species of peppers that grow into remarkably diverse shapes, resembling string beans or diminutive bananas, cherry tomatoes or miniature lanterns. “Pepper Seed” is also a reggae “riddim,” and, one of many popular Jamaican dance moves. In this dance, it’s all about shoulder movements. You rock your shoulders from right to left then double back, bring it down low and start again. Sounds like moves I make when happily eating but let’s move on. During the “pepper seed” dance your legs are moving right to left as

well and what makes it even more complex is that during the movements, your arms and legs are not extended. On the pepper-loving island of Jamaica, the story goes that this particular dance was created to display a Jamaican’s “hotness,” and to highlight the fact that most Jamaican people, no matter what they look like, confidently “tink seh dem hot” (think they’re hot). In a poetic twist related to this dance, it is said that the hottest part of the pepper is the seed.

What Makes Peppers Hot Though we eat peppers as vegetables or condiments, all are technically fruit, or more specifically, berries, with small seeds borne inside a fleshy outer structure called the pericarp. The pericarp, you will recognize as the only part of a bell pepper (and some other large peppers) that is eaten. In the book “Peppers of the Americas” it breaks it down like this. The most crucial contents of a pepper pod’s interior are the reproductive organs.

Starting from the top end, the most conspicuous feature is a pulpy structure called the

Home & Auto Insurance • Condo, Tenant & Rented Dwellings • Commercial Auto • Trucking • Business • Professional Liability

MULTI COMPANIES REPRESENTATION Brian Watson 416-836-7397 bwatson@unionins.com

GET A QUOTE FREE ONLINE www.unisonins.com

placenta, which supplies nourishment to the developing seeds. In some kinds, such as the familiar bell pepper, the placenta-seed complex may look like a whitish plug attached to the top; in other peppers, it runs the entire length of the pepper. The number of seeds carried on the placenta varies strikingly between different kinds of peppers, from about a dozen to more than two hundred per fruit.

In every wild species and almost all domesticated cultivars, tiny cells lying close under the surface of the placenta secrete a unique fiery substance produced only by Capsicums (pepper plants) and no other member of the plant kingdom. This fiery substance has often been labeled “capsaicin,” however, as with everything about peppers, the properties of heat are also complex.

Jamaican Hot Pepper Pickle Anyone who learns to appreciate the spectrum of flavors that the many different hot peppers bring to cooking can also appreciate that their heat has many nuances. Jamaican “Hot Pepper Pickle” is an original vinegary

preserve deeply infused with scotch bonnet pepper. The smell of this preserve alone has a recognizable connection to Jamaican cooking. We reach for this steeped pepper vinegar to use in main-dish cooking, as well as a condiment especially on fried fish - think Escovitch Fish.

The recipe varies depending on whose making it but generally combines: • 1 large carrot (sliced) • 1 large onion (sliced) • 1 bell pepper (sliced) • 2 cups white vinegar • 6 scotch bonnet peppers (sliced) • A handful of pimento seeds (whole allspice).

To preserve, layer the vegetables in a mason jar. Warm the vinegar and pimento in a saucepan without bringing to a boil. Pour the warm vinegar in the mason jar and let cool.

Cover with lid and refrigerate once cool.

Like a fine wine, this preserve gets better with time.

Visit our spacious VR Arcade where you can experience the newest frontier in entertainment

BIRTHDAY PARTIES MULTIPLAYER GAMES CORPORATE EVENTS

Book Online at ctrlv.ca 4501 Chesswood Drive Toronto, ON M3J 2V6 647-977-9988 | ctrlv.ca SOCIAL MEDIA: @CTRLVNORTHYORK

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY The Region of Peel is a uniquely diverse community that is strengthened by the numerous cultures and backgrounds that it is comprised of.

Peel Regional Police is an inclusive organization that is dedicated to, and reflective of, the communities we serve.

In collaboration with our community partners, we will create A Safer Community Together.

PEELPOLICE.CA/DIVERSITY

women

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

HORMONES AND PMS: a mysterious relationship PMS: three simple letters that get everybody talking!

The minute a woman is deemed moodier than usual, PMS is often assumed to be the culprit — sometimes rightfully, sometimes not so much. But while premenstrual syndrome is commonly known to impact our mood, its exact cause remains a mystery.

Some researchers believe that PMS symptoms are triggered by a spike in serotonin levels attributable to hormonal fluctuations brought along by the menstrual cycle. Others theorize that PMS is linked to estrogen production, which is also the root cause of water retention. This would explain why women experience excess weight, bloating and sensitive breasts in the week leading up to their period. Finally, PMS can also be experienced during the second phase of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase.

Whatever the primary cause, one thing is certain: PMS symptoms do not go unnoticed — not by us and certainly not by our entourage. In addition to all of the symptoms mentioned above, it is not uncommon for women to experience hot flashes, constipation, restless sleep, headaches, acne breakouts and difficulty concentrating.

The intensity and duration of symptoms varies greatly from one woman to the next, while a lucky few may experience no symptoms at all. Signs of PMS tend to disappear with the start of one’s period, often lending way to painful menstrual cramps instead.

Furthermore, stress, fatigue, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, tobacco and a sedentary lifestyle can all amplify PMS symptoms, while excess salt can worsen water retention.

A number of over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs are available to help relieve PMS symptoms, including: • Ibuprofen (headaches, cramps, etc.)

• Diuretics (water retention and bloating) • Antidepressants and mood stabilizers (to regulate emotional symptoms) • Oral contraceptives (to stabilize hormones and prevent ovulation)

Ladies! Hormone-induced ACNE can follow you into adulthood Acne is a skincare nightmare that’s far from exclusive to teens. According to the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, about 22 per cent of women continue to experience breakouts in adulthood, particularly between the ages of 20 and 40. So what’s to blame? You guessed it: hormones.

Women who experience acne later in life tend to break out in three main areas: the chin, the neck and the jawline.

Adult acne can be either persistent in nature, meaning it never subsided after adolescence, or simply delayed. In other words, you could very well wake up one morning with a bulging red blemish at 35, even if you enjoyed porcelain skin all through high school.

Adult acne affects more women than men. Since men neither menstruate, bear children nor experience menopause, their hormone levels remain relatively stable over the years. Women, on the other hand, experience a lifetime of fluctuations in hormone levels that can trigger bouts of acne.

Moreover, it is not uncommon to experience acne once

HOW CAN I KEEP ADULT ACNE UNDER CONTROL? Make sure to use gentle cleansing products and makeup that does not clog your pores. Always consult your dermatologist if you aren’t sure which products are right for you. Also, avoid popping pimples at all costs and refrain from over-exfoliating — these bad habits will only further aggravate your skin.

When a woman is pregnant, her hormones send her on an emotional roller coaster and cause a whirlwind of side effects, from water retention to nausea and a heightened sense of smell. Thankfully, this influx of hormones that rages through the bloodstream for nine long months also has its upsides — think lustrous hair, soft skin and a tremendous feeling of joy.

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the placenta after implantation and is detected in pregnancy tests just days after fertilization. During the first trimester the amount of hCG produced by the body increases daily, causing women to experience those famous bouts of morning sickness. HCG allows the corpus luteum — a temporary endocrine structure involved in the production of progesterone and estrogen — to remain in the uterus until the placenta takes over around the eighth week of pregnancy.

• Estrogen is what gives women their luscious locks during

month, from puberty through adulthood, our menstrual cycle culminates with the much-reviled period. But even once we’ve matured into the later stages of life, our hormones offer no respite. On the contrary, perimenopause unleashes a series of symptoms that don’t exactly make life easier. From hot flashes to weight gain and trouble

you stop taking oral contraceptive pills. Beyond birth control, dermatologists often prescribe these little pills to combat acne, as they lower hormone levels directly related to sebum production.

Besides hormones, other common causes of acne in adults include stress, poor diet, the use of tobacco or oily cosmetics, certain medications, excessive sun exposure and having a job that involves close contact with toxic materials (like tar).

Finally, good old genetics can also play to our disadvantage.

Hormones that GIVE LIFE

• Progesterone aids with embryo implantation by relaxing the uterine muscle as well as other muscles found along the reproductive tract, thus preventing the embryo from leaving the body. Hello bloating! This process is what often causes the lower abdomen to swell uncomfortably. In addition to having a sedative effect, progesterone contributes to the thickening of the uterine walls.

Blame your hormones for the discomforts of MENOPAUSE For the majority of women, there’s no escaping it: every

PAGE 31

sleeping to irritability — once again, hormones are to blame!

Fluctuating levels of estrogen in the bloodstream are responsible for the unpleasantness women experience in their later years. Symptoms, such as night sweats and heightened anxiety, usually kick in three to five years before menopause (i.e. perimenopause), as the menstrual cycle starts showing signs of irregularity. Women generally experience menopause around the age of 50. By this stage of life, menstruation, ovulation and the secretion of sex-related hormones by the ovaries like estrogen and progesterone come to a definitive end.

pregnancy. Estrogen levels increase throughout the nine months, allowing cells in the uterine wall to multiply and the uterus itself to grow. While estrogen helps increase blood volume to properly nourish the fetus, it can also lead to symptoms related to water retention, such as puffy hands and feet.

• Human placental lactogen (hPL) is produced around the fifth week of pregnancy and aids the development of mammary glands.

• Oxytocin helps the uterus contract during delivery and is often administered to induce labour.

After a woman gives birth, the hormone prolactin stimulates milk production and delays her body’s first postpartum period until the nursing stage is over.

DID YOU KNOW? The decline in estrogen levels that coincides with menopause can lead to a number of health problems, such as osteoporosis, effort-related incontinence or cardiovascular disease.

Fluctuations in estrogen levels provoke hot flashes, night sweats, irritability and other bothersome symptoms caused by the onset of menopause.

DENTURE CLINIC That improves your smile

IMMIGRATION MATTERS

Marcia James, DD

Ramkissoon & Associates Canadian Immigration Consultants | Business Services Immigration Appeal (Residency, Sponsorship, Removal Order) • Sponsorships • Detention Reviews • Temporary Residency Visa • Express Entry • Provincial Nomination • Humanitarian Compassionate

DENTURIST (Denture Specialist)

• Implant Denture • Complete Full Denture • Night Mouth Guard • Sport Mouth Guard • Partial Acrylic Denture • Immediate Denture • Partial Metal Denture • Reline and Rebase

Cindy Ramkissoon-Shears

ALL INSURANCE ACCEPTED | SAME DAY REPAIRS DONE IN CLINIC CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

416.317.9763

Sukhram Ramkissoon

OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE | SPECIALIZING IN ALL AREAS OF CANADIAN IMMIGRATION 3089 Bathurst Street, Unit 219A Toronto M6A 2A4 416 789 5756

852 Bathurst St. 20 Polonia Ave. 647 McCowan Rd. Toronto ON M5R 3G1 Brampton ON L6Y 0K9 Scarborough ON M1J 1K3

2390 Eglinton Avenue East, Unit 207 Scarborough, ON M1K 2P5 416 288 1486

Save Money and Improve Cash Flow Mortgages Available at Better Rates and Terms... Even During Difficult Times

Residential Mortgages First & Second Mortgages Home Equity Loans Debt Consolidation Refinancing & Switch Private Funds

Commercial Mortgages Business Financing Construction Funds Land Acquisition

For appointments please contact

Sanjay Mathur Mortgage Professional | License #MI7003127

Head Office 1 Yonge St., Suite 1801, Toronto ON M5E 1W7 Broker License #12332 | Tel 905-670-2801 | Fax 647-795-9209 Web: www.blmcanada.com

Tel: 416-876-5341

Email: sanjay.mathur@blmcanada.com

SATURDAY MAY 5TH 2018

www.JUMOKE.org

PAGE 34

yoga

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Yoga’s commitment

TRISHA CURLING

trishacurling@carib101.com

YOGA SPECIALIST

If we are honest with ourselves anything we have accomplished or achieved in life has required consistency. We are lying to ourselves if we think that we can cut corners or do things the way that we always have in the past to achieve different results. If we discuss yoga in a therapeutic context, we must factor in consistency in our quest to “heal” the body or at best alleviate some pain. Consistency, I believe implies a time period at the beginning that may be slow to endure be-

cause we want to change so quickly.

If we come to yoga to heal our physical bodies, we must first understand that the body needs to be examined. Working privately with a yoga teacher can help to guide us in the right direction. The first step is taking time to look at movement patterns, palpating areas that are experiencing pain and communicating the way the body feels in different scenarios. It is only then that we can start very slow subtle movements that may or may not be helpful. I say this because we are all different and our experience with pain can also be very different. Doing these things in the beginning stages of healing is extremely important. We must realize that in this state we are already healing. We are becoming more aware of our bodies and we are changing the relationship with the brain connection to different areas. It also helps to inform what we should stay away from.

The next step is creating stability, strength, mobility, and flexibility in the areas that need it. Working through poses that provide this nourishment is where we need to create this consistency. The body will respond and internalize these new patterns that are being created with movement and cause it to change. In this “middle stage,” we are still exploring, but we are also developing routines by setting aside time to execute these new movements and poses. This is imperative because this is when we are actually starting to see some results from the time we have spent on these poses. Our consistency becomes a commitment to ourselves. It becomes our promise to attend to our bodies in a better way and have a healthier relationship with it. It doesn’t mean we are perfect, but we must develop an attitude that no matter when we fall off, we have a better ability to recover and get back up.

There is nothing like feeling better to provide some motivation for us to keep going. This takes us into a phase where we are more confident in our movements and possibly even being more daring to try new things, and/or do things that we did not think we would ever do again. It takes time and patience before we get here. Here, we also understand that there may be some overlap of the other phases because of the new experiences our bodies continue to have.

This is why yoga is a constant journey. There is no point at which we are finished. Trusting the process and believing in ourselves is a crucial part of creating this consistency. We must listen to the challenges that arise and allow them to be guides that take us in the right direction of healing. This is yoga’s commitment, an unconditional commitment to self.

health

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

What do you know about cystic fibrosis?

Did you know that, in Canada, cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common deadly illness in children and young adults? The disease currently affects more than 4,200 Canadians, and it’s estimated that one out of 3,600 children born in Canada carry the disease.

WHAT IS CF? Cystic fibrosis is an incurable illness that af-

fects various organs, mainly the lungs and digestive system, and is characterized by unusually thick mucus and pancreatic secretions. It results in chronic infections that progressively destroy the lungs. CF also causes a loss of pancreatic enzymes, which in turn leads to vitamin deficiencies and difficulties digesting proteins and fats.

In addition to frequent lung infections, the disease’s main symptoms include a persistent and highly productive cough, a whistling sound when breathing, shortness of breath and intestinal distress. CF is hereditary: when both parents are carriers of the defective gene that causes the illness, their child has a 25% chance of being born with the disease; a 50% chance of carrying the gene; and a 25% chance of having neither the illness nor the defective gene.

To find out more about CF, visit Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s website at www.cysticfibrosis.ca.

The many hazards of giant hogweed Giant hogweed is an invasive plant species found mainly in Canada, the United States and New Zealand. It typically grows in ditches and on plains as well as near waterways and railroads. Coming in con­tact with its sap, which contains toxins that react with the sun’s rays, can cause: • Redness • Swelling • Blisters • First- or second-degree burns These lesions appear up to 48 hours after contact with the sap and last for about a week. Skin in the affected areas can remain

sensitive to light for several months, however, and scarring and brown spots might last for years.

If you come in contact with giant hogweed sap: • Quickly remove the sap without rubbing with the help of a paper towel • Thoroughly rinse the affected area with soapy water, then wash your hands • Take off your clothing and wash it by itself to avoid contaminating the rest of your laundry • Relieve any superficial burns with water compresses (for 20 minutes, four to six times a day) • Protect affected areas from light (wear long clothing and gloves, if needed) for at least 48 hours — a week if you have burns • Wear a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF for six months If your eyes are affected, rinse them thoroughly with clear water for ten minutes, wear sunglasses, and see a doctor without delay. You should also seek medical attention in the event of severe skin lesions (e.g. presence of pus) or fever, especially for children.

RECOGNIZING GIANT HOGWEED Giant hogweed is a plant that stands between 2 and 5 metres in height and has wide leaves. Its white, round flowers grow from a single stem. You may notice purple spots on its stem.

The many health benefits of asparagus WHAT’S THAT SMELL? Asparagus contains asparagusic acid. When we digest this chemical, our body con­ verts it into various sulphur compounds, which smell like rotten eggs.

That’s why some people’s urine smells funny after eating asparagus.

Low-calorie, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic — these are four properties of asparagus, a vegetable in the same family as shallots and leeks. What’s more, asparagus is rich in iron and folate and contains a slew of vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C and K. Not bad!

Not only is it a healthy choice, but this delicious veggie can be enjoyed in all kinds of different ways (as a side, in a soup, in a quiche). There’s no shortage of reasons to include asparagus in your diet.

PAGE 35

FREE TO ATTEND! MARKET TC Business Social Presents

FOOD • PRODUCTS • SERVICES

OVER

80

RS O D N VE

Zone

HOME ESSENTIALS • AUTO GRAPHICS • AUTO PRODUCTS & SERVICES• APPAREL • CITY SERVICES • YOGA • WEIGHT LOSS • COSMETICS • LEGAL • REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE • FINANCIAL • INTERNATIONAL FOOD • CATERING • AND SO MUCH MORE!

Inside Pearson Convention Center 2638 Steeles Ave E Brampton, ON L6T 4L7

647-722-6298 | www.TCBSocial.com |

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

community

PAGE 37

LIVE EVERY THURSDAY FROM 1-2PM

You will always see who is really there for you when times get rough; the Carib 101 Media Group Story SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST “I am an organization person, I believe in individuals banding together. I don’t believe in unilateral actions. Some people don’t like organizations. But it is always awesome to me when you can pool a lot of talent and lots of people who have so many talents. This is when you really can make your program move” Hortence Canady TORONTO! Spring is here, and it is time to shake off the winter blues, put on the summer smile, and start moving. The one thing that I have always passed on to students, and people who I work with, is that without knowledge, there cannot be change. We all have our sources of knowledge, and everyone’s sources of knowledge are different. The goal is to be forever learning, forever growing, and forever finding ways to move forward in a productive way. This week, I want to speak with the community about a tough lesson that many of us have to learn the hard way; people will not always do for you, what you do for them.

As many of you know, on Sunday, May 6th, 2018 the owners of the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, Grant and Trish Browning, are hosting a community event called The Business

Social. This is an annual event that has been successfully put on by Carib 101 Media Group, in the intention of uniting new business, and business strategists together to help support each other, and showcase the great products and services that exist in Toronto. Grant and Trish have worked tirelessly over the last few years, creating this space for the community; their hard work at times goes unnoticed, so I want to take a few minutes to thank them for their dedication to the community, and for continuing to do for others, what they want to be done for them. I work personally with both Grant and Trish, and I know the hours that they have poured into helping others. As a beneficiary of their help, I am not here to necessarily praise them but to let them know that they are appreciated, and sometimes this appreciation can show itself in ways that are not expected.

“Be careful with whom you associate, especially when you are vulnerable because negative people can steal your dream right out of your heart.” Joel Osteen When developing a team or an organization, you have to be mindful of who you choose to include.

Have you ever had a project or worked with a group of people, and for some reason the project seems to drag, and the productivity is low? Have you then realized that it is a person, or people, not the actual task that is making the work so tedious? Once you realized that and then were rid of the person or people, did you notice that things seemed to move forward seamlessly, and the resistance you once felt was gone? I am sure many of you who have had to work with other people and have experienced this, and while working at

Carib 101 Media Group, I have seen this manifest, and the effects that wore on even after the person was no longer with us. I have learned that you have to trust the process. There are people that are in your life for a reason and a season. Everything is transient, and sometimes we hold on to thoughts, beliefs, ideologies, and people that we are better off letting go. Hard lessons have been learned, but one thing that I learned just this past Sunday, is that when the chips are down, you see who is ready to step up and really be there.

“You’re only as good as the company you keep.

You can’t soar like the eagle when you are hanging out with turkeys.” Author Unknown Grant and Trish had to make a serious business decision this weekend, and I could tell they were disheartened. It was what I saw after that makes my heart feel warm. The group that has been working together has begun to communicate, strategize, and formulate ways in which to ensure the success of the social. Although things may not have gone how we may have wanted it to, we as the Carib 101 Media Group working community, have made it our decision to focus our efforts into building the GTA community by showing them that love can conquer all. Yes, there are some selfish people in this world, we cannot avoid them, but I have seen that there are some great people as well, and I am honored that they have allowed me to be a part of what I see as being the new standard of community development.

Until next Sunday everyone! Have a great week!

Communication; the secret to relationships COLLEEN LINDBERG colleen@carib101.com

LIFESTYLE COACH The way we are able to communicate has changed over the years, wouldn’t you agree?

We have access to so many things in this day and age, from text messages to emails, to Facebook Messenger, to tagging someone on Instagram stories to video conference calls to “Facetiming”.

However, if you think about it how often do you hear people saying call me? Or even better how often do you pick up the phone these days?

It’s really interesting once we start to analyze this in our lives. I’m not that old but I still

remember the days where you played outside until the sun went down and you didn’t think about phoning your friends, you just knocked on doors and asked to play. It’s such a changed world, which is definitely ok, because the world needs to evolve, but does the loss of human touch need to diminish also? We of course still have video conferencing, which at a distance is a super cool tool to be able to see the people we are communicating with, especially when we can’t be together at that time.

So, I ask you today, in your life, if you take a look at your mode of communication and the way that you communicate, are you actually spending time and doing quality communication with the people in your life. Do you make the phone calls to wish them Happy Anniversary or Birthdays? Do you sit and talk with people and actually have one to one time anymore in your life?

If you don’t then why not? Why are we releasing or not standing inside of the space when

it comes to communication and honoring those relationships? You know, I find when my intuition picks up, it says, “You need to contact this person,” there’s still a part of me that says “Oh I’ll just send off an email,” Sometimes emails seem quicker or I make up the excuse that hardly anyone picks up the phone anymore, but really, it’s so much easier some days to express ourselves when we pick up the phone.

So, with that being said, I challenge you this week to start picking up the phone, to start having those communication conversations. Why don’t you start standing in the space and moving forward when it comes to this. If you’re not used to it, that’s ok, it’s a whole new ball game for you.

There is always a learning curve when you are starting new things. Start small, take small steps and start making those calls and start reaching out to those people. Use your voice to communicate and relate. Just remember it’s a way for you to continue to build the solid relationships in your life.

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

Search MyTCNtv to view LIVE and SUBSCRIBE!

SEARCH “MYTCNTV”

PAGE 38

life

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Four important things to know about the matrimonial home (Part 2) VALERIE DYE valerie@carib101.com

LEGAL SPECIALIST

In the previous article, I presented two important things that everyone should know about the matrimonial home. This article will highlight two further things that should be known.

3. Both spouses are entitled to possession of the matrimonial home Section 19 of the Family Law Act (“The Act”) provides that both spouses are entitled to possession of the matrimonial home. There is a distinction in the nature of such possession which is dependent upon whether both spouses are on the title or whether only one spouse is on the title of the home. Section 19

(2) states that where only one person is on the title then the other spouse’s right to possession: (a) is personal as against the first spouse; and (b) ends when they cease to be spouses unless a separation agreement or court order provides otherwise.

In relation to subsection (a) the right to possession of the matrimonial home can only be exercised against the other spouse. This means that if the spouse ceases to own the matrimonial home or if the matrimonial home is owned by a third party the other spouse cannot claim a right to possession of the home. Further, as stated in cases such as Murray vs Burtolon a non-titled spouse’s right to possession does not mean that that spouse has an interest or legal ownership of the property.

The right is only a right to possession.

In accordance with subsection (b) of section 19 (2) of the Act, if only one spouse owns the matrimonial home, the other spouse’s right to possession ends when the

marriage ends, unless the courts makes an order extending this right.

Even though both spouses have a right to possession the court may make an order for exclusive possession of the home.

When such an order is made the court also has the power to order the payment of occupation rent by the occupying spouse to the other spouse. It is more common for courts to order the payment of occupation rent when one spouse has been forced out of the home by the other spouse. In Khan vs Khan, the wife was forced to leave the matrimonial home because of the tension and toxic atmosphere. As soon as the wife left the home husband changed the locks and moved his girlfriend into the home.

The Court held that he had given himself exclusive possession of the home without a court order and that the wife was entitled to be paid occupation rent.

The payment of occupation rent is not automatic, and the court may look at certain circumstances such as the conduct of the non-occupying spouse and whether the occupying spouse carried the expenses of the

home on his or her own.

4. No spouse can dispose of the matrimonial home or encumber the matrimonial home Whether the matrimonial home is owned by both spouses or only one spouse it cannot be sold or mortgaged or alienated in any way without the consent of the other spouse. As such, in order to sell the matrimonial home or obtain a mortgage, both spouses must be a party to the transaction and if only one spouse owns the property the other spouse must provide written consent. This requirement may be superseded by a court order or by a separation agreement signed by the parties.

Where the home is disposed of or encumbered without the consent of the other spouse section 23 (2) of the Family Law Act states that the transaction can be set aside unless the person to whom the property was disposed, acquired it for value, in good faith, and without notice, that the property was a matrimonial home.

The Poverty Report: Part 2 KATHY McDONALD kathy@carib101.com

SCHOOL TRUSTEE

Last week the effects of poverty on educational outcome, the importance of parental involvement and the role school boards and educators play in student achievement were examined. Now that we have a better understanding of the effects of poverty, we are ready to move forward and actively pursue inspiring “success, confidence and hope” in all students.

Poverty is not a valid reason for students underachieving. As an educational system, we have a moral duty to care for the whole child, an ethical obligation to strive to encourage all students to reach their full potential and a duty to care and nurture students.

Peel may have high poverty areas but we also, within these areas have an often untapped resource, the brilliant minds of the students.

These minds are eagerly waiting to receive equitable opportunities that will enable them to develop to the best of their ability. Parents, it’s important to do your homework and partner with your child’s school. Guardians, keep the lines of communications open, ask ques-

tions, read notes and agendas, check out the school’s web page and sign up for Twitter and any platform used to communicate with parents. Parents, you know your child so don’t settle for status quo. Pay close attention to the success criteria established for your child, be an active participant in your child’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) if they require one, review the OSR (Ontario Student Record) periodically especially if changing schools, discuss all standardized tests and explore all the different educational opportunities available.

If your child has special educational needs make sure they are getting the necessary accommodations or modifications.

We have to stop viewing poverty as an excuse for students not reaching their full potential. Poverty is not the reason. Many people have survived poverty only to become successful, positive contributing members of society. Canada is full of African, Black and Caribbean people that have survived despite and in spite all the obstacles that were thrown at them. When we closely examine the reasons that are attributed to their success, words like resilience, determination and a good work ethic are the foundation for most.

We don’t have to look far when we to get examples of Canadians that have done amazing things even though they came from humble beginnings. Names like Lincoln Alexander, Jean Augustine, and Viola Desmond probably first come to mind. However, there are countless individuals that are making great strides in Ontario and Canada like Jennifer

Young, Jeffrey Orridge, Althea Coke, Abigail Hamilton, Ingrid Brown and Omari Rhoden.

The aforementioned list includes a doctor, a corporate executive, a lawyer, an advocate, a deputy chief of police, and a teacher. Yes, these individuals are real and they are not a one in a lifetime novelty. There are many more just like them just quietly, and some not so quietly going about their everyday lives and making a huge difference in society.

Black excellence is all around us and as a community, we should challenge all the negative stereotypes that society throws at the community. When the media is unfairly reporting or being biased in the coverage of a story we should speak out. At a minimum, we should talk to our kids and discuss the ludicrous portrayal of African, Black and Caribbean peoples. We should also compare how members of our community are being portrayed to how members of other ethnic groups are being portrayed. When colleagues, acquaintances are making derogatory remarks or constantly negating our community we should speak up and insist they change the narrative. Our community is an asset to the Canadian society. We have more examples of black excellence than we do of black delinquency.

The fact that last month many black children, well, in fact, many black boys placed in the top three (2 first place) in the National Spelling Bee of Canada’s Brampton Regional finals, in all categories, won’t make the headlines, does not mean it did not happen. It did.

A black male student placed second in the 17th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency at Brock University and is heading to China in July, but it won’t be on the front pages of any paper. Black children are being awarded many prestigious scholarships. Brampton’s very own Eden Wondmeneh from David Suzuki Secondary School was named one of the recipients of the Loran scholarship for 2018.

Yes, that’s right. This remarkable young student received this $100,000 scholarship and then some. Just read the impressive biographies of the individuals that were honored last weekend at the Harry Jerome Awards. I could go on, but I would monopolize the entire paper. I am sure you get it.

Black excellence is all around. We must expect it, we must demand it and we must share these great stories. It is important for our children and their children and the generations that follow to know about these stories so that the cycle of poverty can be broken. Such narratives serve as an important fountain of strength and a source of inspiration. Research has shown, kids do better when they see themselves positively reflected in the curriculum and society. Children do better when they have high expectations set for them. Children do better when a champion, at least one champion is invested in them enough to make sure that they don’t become another statistic. So, journey with me as we work together to break the cycle of poverty by educating and uplifting our children. Walk Good. Belle Marché!

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

How men subconsciously lower women’s expectations KEZIA ROYERBURKETT kezia@carib101.com DATING SPECIALIST

The internet and social media have opened doors that can never be closed and made the world into a global community. From a smartphone, I can watch a man in Ghana, the UK, Chicago, Los Angeles or my own city Toronto surprise, propose and marry his girlfriend in a fifty-eight-second video.

I can watch the groom, and the groomsmen do a remarkable dance tribute to the bride, watch a wife surprise her husband with her pregnancy and watch the cutest couple gender reveal. I can do all of this while I sit in the comfort of my living room on my couch, daydreaming of all the special romantic moments I want to have one day. I have dated (gone on dates with, spent time with) some men, and I have noticed a similar pattern in the way men handle romance. I have noticed that some men are not that keen on our new global community and feel romantic Instagram videos are a misrepresentation of real life and set women up to have unrealistic expectations. I have heard plenty of men say that women believe that what they see on tv or social media is real and have unrealistic fantasy expectations for men. I would like to challenge this logic as it is a mindset that I feel breaths misogyny.

I dated this guy, and one day as we drove we were listening to some lover’s rock reggae, and I said that I always wanted a love like how it’s described in reggae songs. Or I wanted to marry a reggae artist and have him write, sing and perform beautiful reggae love songs that “I” inspired all over the world. It was my fantasy, I knew the likelihood of me marrying a reggae artist who would write love songs inspired by me was a reach, but so are some of the ladies bodies in men magazines, because that is how fantasies work.

But the guy decided to tell me that I should never want to marry a reggae artist because they go on tour and cheat on their wives, in-

stantly crushing my fantasy and annoying me slightly. I felt annoyed because the guy couldn’t fathom the idea of being so in love that it inspires a work of art, he just wanted me to be happy with the lack of romance he was offering me and subconsciously lowering my expectations.

Fast forward to last week, I’m out to lunch with a guy friend, and I’m on Instagram, and a video of a gender reveal proposal popped up on my timeline. I reveled in the romance of the video and showed it to my friend and shared how cute I thought it was, and there came the natural disdain I saw from other men. He went on to say; women specifically cannot differentiate that this moment posted on Instagram isn’t everyday life and I was astounded by the sexist comments that were coming out of my friend’s mouth. He said that women see these videos and expect a variation of this every day and that is unattainable and unrealistic. I asked him which women really thought that? I defended us women and told him that social media could be compared to anything in mainstream media.

I believe that the average human being has the understanding that life is not one dimensional but is multi-faceted. We understand what our individual everyday life looks like, but we women also have the expanded mental capacity to desire special moments among the mundane daily life. Many past boyfriends have told me that I want a tv, fantasy relationship and that my expectations are unrealistic. But the fact remains that real men are being romantic to their women and posting it for the world to see. I think men lower women’s expectations subconsciously by telling them that their wants are unrealistic. I think it’s silly for a man to think any women could work a full-time job, be a mom, and look like Kim Kardashian without a nanny, chef, or assistant.

In my opinion, I think the issue is less with social media, the internet, our growing global community or unrealistic expectations. The real problems stem from lack of vulnerable communication. Next week’s article will be about Vulnerable Communication. Has a partner ever lowered your expectations? Share your stories and questions about love and relationships to Kezia@ carib101.com.

in the six

PAGE 39

PAGE 40

home & garden

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Four tips for decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets In the mood to add some character to your kitchen? Here are four ways to embellish that empty space between your cabinets and ceiling.

1. ADD PLANTS Create a natural environment tailored to each season by playing up the space with a beau­ tiful selection of plants and other types of vegetation. Opt for tropical plant varieties in the summer that you’ll replace with co­ lourful foliage and decorative gourds and pumpkins come fall. Garlands of pine are an excellent choice for the winter season, while bright, pastel-coloured flowers are perfect for spring.

4. CREATE A PERSONAL LIBRARY If you own a collection of books, keep them on top of your cabinets and embellish the space with handcrafted bookends made from kitchen accessories. You could use a set of antique jugs or colourful cast-iron cookware, for example.

A roof made of recycled tires?

Does your roof need replacing? Or perhaps you’re thinking of having a new home built? Sounds like you’ll need to choose an ideal roof covering to shelter your humble abode. While asphalt shingles, metal sheeting and modified bitu­ men are classic choices, roofing tiles made of recycled tires are quickly gaining in popularity.

Made from rubber and hemp fibre salvaged from old tires, these unique tiles are an interesting choice for sustainable living advocates. Brown, gray or black in colour, they greatly resemble slate. Furthermore, just like other roof cove­ rings, they hold up nicely against bad weather and are resistant to fire. Howe­ ver, these tiles made from recycled tires can cost a pretty penny.

No matter which type of material you choose for your new roof, make sure to hire a professional roofing contractor for an installation that’s up to par.

2. DISPLAY YOUR CHINA If you have decorative dinnerware, show it off. You could also use the empty space above your cabinets to store your every­ day dishes in colourful fabric baskets.

3. ADD WALLPAPER Brighten up the space above your cabinets with wallpaper. Make sure to choose co­ lours and designs that will complement the style of your kitchen nicely.

Adding a strip of wallpaper is a great way to embellish the empty space between your kitchen cabinets and ceiling.

How to remove stains from leather furniture Did your kids scribble all over your leat­ her sofas with markers? Has the blue dye from your new pair of jeans bled onto your couch? Did someone spill a glass of red wine on your favourite ar­ mchair? Don’t panic! There are several ways to remove stains from leather furniture.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that most non-greasy stains ea­ sily disappear when lightly dabbed at with a moist cloth. Act quickly and make sure to use a light-coloured fabric to clean with — certain co­ lours bleed, which would only make things worse.

Still seeing the stain? Trade in your cloth for a cotton ball dipped in makeup remover and lightly dab that pesky spot. If you’re trying to get rid of an alcohol or a soot stain, add a few drops of vinegar to your cotton ball.

As for coffee, tea, dye and ink, a drop

of rubbing alcohol should do the trick.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID Leather reacts poorly to moisture. For this reason, don’t let it get too wet during the stain removal process, and make sure to dry the surface tho­ roughly with a clean cloth after you’ve dealt with the stain. It’s also important to avoid scrubbing at all costs, opting instead for a delicate dabbing technique. Lastly, always spot test stain removal products on a non-visible area before using them to avoid accidental damage.

When in doubt, call upon a professional cleaner who’ll know how to remove even the most stubborn of stains from your leather furniture. What’s more, you can always contact the ma­ nufacturer for personalized cleaning advice.

Remember to always dab, not scrub, a stained leather surface.

Design the perfect outdoor lounge area!

Oh, how great it feels to relax around a cozy fire. Do you own an outdoor fireplace? Per­ haps you’re thinking of investing in one?

First of all, make sure that your fireplace complies with your local bylaws. All set?

Here are several tips for designing the per­ fect outdoor lounge area.

First, make sure you’ve dedicated enough space for your guests to relax comfortably.

Adirondack chairs, swings, wooden ben­ ches, wicker loungers, hammocks — opt for variety! And don’t forget to include enough blankets and cushions to create a soft, cozy environment.

Next, place one or more side tables around

the seating area so that you and your guests can set down glasses, plates, phones and any other objects you prefer to keep close at hand.

Finally, hang garlands of twinkling lights in your trees, and line the path between your house and your lounge area with decora­ tive lanterns. This way, you’ll create a space that’s not only warm but also safe to enjoy at night!

A FESTIVE TOUCH To create lasting memories under a starlit sky, don’t forget to buy plenty of skewers for roasting sausages and marshmallows. And why not bring out your bongo drums, harmonica or guitar to sing around the crackling fire?

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

automotive

PAGE 41

A new architectural era for TOYOTA The planet’s biggest automaker has been heading in a new direction lately with its TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. Toyota’s most recent models, such as the new-generation Camry, the compact CH-R and the latest Prius, are already being built on this new frame, which is both lighter and stiffer than its predecessor, resulting in a superior driving experience. It’s a big step forward for Toyota, whose longstanding reputation for reliability will only benefit from the newfound fun.

From a tech standpoint, Toyota is considering including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in most of its models. The most no2018 Toyota C-HR 5

2019 Chevrolet Silverado

table news this year comes from the Camry, which will now be available in two models: a traditional one, and a sportier version. It’s the first time that Toyota has chosen to separate the S version from the L version. The automaker is leaving its 300-horsepower V6 engine under the hood of both new Camrys.

A new generation of the Prius Prime is about to hit the market, offering a range of approximately 35 kilometres in fully electric mode. Finally, fans of high performance are on the edge of their seats as they await the return of the legendary Supra, which Toyota is slated to unveil later this year.

2018 Toyota Camry XSE 16

Toyota Supra

GM improves its truck lineup Over at GM, 2017 was the year of the crossover; 2018 is shaping up to be the year of the truck. The Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse were completely redesigned in 2017. The much-awaited Bolt is starting to make more and more appearances and is the first fully electric vehicle on the GM roster. GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, announced in 2017 that 10 crossover models would be either launched or redesigned over the course of this year.

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra duo, the two best-selling models made by the American giant, will undergo several changes. These will include a sizeable weight reduction, made possible thanks to new carbon fibre blended panels, and a more modern look. After the standard models, the HD models will undergo the same changes next year. There will also be a bit of refreshing done to the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

On the car front, Chevrolet recently unveiled the most powerful Corvette ever made. The Corvette ZR1, slated for a 2019 release, will be equipped with a compressed air 6.2-L 755-horsepower V8. This engine, known as the LT5, delivers performance worthy of the world’s top supercars at a fraction of the price. Buyers will have a choice between a coupe and a convertible once the vehicle hits dealerships for the 2019 model-year. For those with more modest tastes, Chevrolet is launching a diesel version of the Cruze, which is sure to please those who miss the Volkswagen models that disappeared in the aftermath of the 2015 scandal. This compact car will offer enticing savings at the pump, which is sure to make it a tempting option for many.

PAGE 42

real estate

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Plan for your first purchase JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

A realtor took me to a home he listed, and I bought it without an inspection or financing.

The home was in Mississauga and I worked near the Don Valley, traveling by bus every day. I got financing and a first and second mortgage from the realtor’s mortgage broker.

The interest rate for the first mortgage was 11.75% and the second was 18.5%. The mortgage broker took $7,000 for his fees to arrange the mortgage. It was my first purchase, in 1987, and I was introduced to the realtor by a family friend.

Prior to that, I had received great advice from my relatives to buy the best furniture for my apartment so that when I am ready to buy my home, I would not need to buy furniture again. I spent over $3,000 of factoryearned money for my bedroom set when condos were selling for $44,000 and you could buy with 10% down. In short, I did everything wrong as a first-time buyer.

Start by saving. Make a budget and stick to it. You can always buy depreciating luxuries later in life. At that time, I worked in a factory and took all the overtime I could get.

Avoid lending money. I did that and lost that friend and the money too. Buy the maximum amount of RRSP to reduce your income tax.

For couples, equalize your RRSP purchase.

The spouse with the higher income can buy spousal RRSP. When you are ready to buy your home, you can each borrow $25,000 from your RRSP as down payment.

Next, establish your credit. Without credit, you cannot establish a credit report and

without a credit report, it would be difficult to get a mortgage. The best place to apply is with your bank. Credit cards are the easiest way to build your credit but be careful. Keep it to a minimum and pay it off before the due date. Avoid co-signing for anyone, even for a cell phone. Many people’s credits have been ruined because of this. If you co-sign to assist a friend with a home purchase, you will lose your benefits as a first-time buyer and the bank may turn you down. It is not difficult to remove your name because the bank must agree for you to do so.

Test the waters. Invite a few realtors and ask them what is involved in buying a home. Mortgage brokers and bankers can also assist. Attend workshops and familiarize yourself with real estate terms. You should have an idea of how much you will need to save for your home purchase. Start looking at various types of properties. You can do so by visiting open houses. You will begin to know the market.

Before you purchase, make sure you are not locked into a lease with your landlord.

You might be caught in a position where you must pay your landlord to break the lease. If your lease expires, then you become a monthto-month tenant and will have to give 2 months’ notice from the last day of the month to vacate. Follow the market trends. The market usually slows down during summer and Christmas breaks.

Choose your realtor wisely. Do not choose a realtor based on friendship or referral alone. Choose a realtor with a good track record and knowledge and experience to help you. Are you the type who prefer condos or houses? Buy within your means and remember to do your inspection and make the offer subject to financing.

The journey to a thousand miles begins with the first step. Follow my advice and you will get there and beyond. My passion is to educate you. Good luck.

Allow Us To TAKE THE STRESS AWAY So You Can Focus On What You Do Best!

We specialize in small to medium sized businesses who needs assistance on a short term basis to clean up accounts, reconcile with the bank or lenders or when there is an overflow of business • Cleaning up Accounting Ledgers • Sorting Expenses & Payments • Reconciliation of Bank Accounts

• Collections • Account Payables • Account Receivables • Payroll

647-239-7531 monica@monicanoble.ca

fun

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 43

WEEK OF APRIL 29TH TO MAY 5TH, 2018

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: AQUARIUS, PISCES AND ARIES

There’s a good chance that you’ll need to re-evaluate your circle of friends this week. Lucky for you, some of them will finally manage to give back what they owe you before you cut them out of your life.

TAURUS

PUZZLE NO. 655

You’ll need to figure out a mistake that will have occurred on one of your bills. You may spend a good chunk of the week trying to get your money back, but in the end, justice will be served.

HOW TO PLAY :

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 655

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

GEMINI

You’ll either find the right treatment for your health problems, or a new diet will yield surprisingly fast results. In any case, you’re on the right track to enjoying a better quality of life.

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

Your popularity will skyrocket this week, much to your astonishment. If you’re single, you’ll be equally surprised to realize just how many suitors are vying for your attention.

LEO

Family will be your main focus all week. Your loved ones will be particularly demanding. The idea of moving to a new town might cross your mind.

PUZZLE NO. 918 40. Colorer 41. “____ in Venice” 46. Gape 49. Muzzle 51. Real-estate measure 52. Newborn horse 53. Time period 54. Ignore 55. Chicken 56. Allowed 57. Orbs

ACROSS 1. Secure 5. Bowl cheer 8. Shoot the breeze 12. Opposite of push 13. Ginger ____ 14. Unusually great

15. Article 16. Armed fight 17. Prayer ending 18. Breakfast bread 20. Wander 22. Church songs 24. Celeb hot spot

27. Impostors 31. Despised 33. Shade of brown 34. Fully developed 35. Songbirds 36. Instants 37. Porky’s digs 38. Indian group

24. Stupefy 25. Boldly forward 26. Fruit drinks 27. Dogs’ feet 28. Wound 29. Toe the line 30. Religious sister 32. Enjoyed a meal 34. Criminal gang

36. Illusion 39. Stately 40. Small valley 42. Diminish 43. Painful 44. Real 45. Biddies 46. On’s opposite 47. Mushy stuff 48. Legal code

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 918

DOWN 1. Roasting bar 2. Vehicle 3. Small bug 4. Shade trees 5. Uncooked 6. Warnings 7. Long-legged bird 8. Study for finals 9. Cured pork 10. Common verb 11. Decade 19. Parched 21. Embarrassed 23. Tokyo currency

VIRGO

Your commute will prove particularly complicated this week, and communication won’t always be at its clearest. Your nononsense attitude will leave a profound impression on your loved ones.

LIBRA

Money is often the root of trouble. Don’t be afraid to grab the bull by the horns and firmly negotiate with all parties involved in order to solve your financial conundrum.

SCORPIO

Delays and missed deadlines will plague your workweek, and you’ll find yourself wondering where to start. You need to slow down. Try to channel your energy in more productive ways, and you’ll be back on track in no time.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll likely be called upon as a replacement following the abrupt departure of a co-worker, causing you undue stress.

Luckily your efforts will pay off down the line.

CAPRICORN

Public speaking has never been your forte, but this week you can expect applause. You have every right to be proud of your accomplishment; don’t let your detractors’ negativity rain on your parade.

AQUARIUS

Balancing work and home life is no easy task. You’ll have to use your imagination this week to get everything done on the professional front without disappointing your family.

PISCES

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

If the opportunity for a spontaneous trip presents itself this week, don’t pass it up. Distancing yourself from your regular life will clear your mind and help you make that difficult decision you’ve been avoiding.

WANT TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE? CALL US AT 647-722-6298 ORIGINAL AD

OVER

80

RS O D N VE

MODIFIED AD

MARKET TC Business Social Presents

FOOD • PRODUCTS • SERVICES

Zone

OVER

80

S R O D VEN

MARKET TC Business Social Presents

FOOD • PRODUCTS • SERVICES

Zone

FOR SALE FOR SALE

FORWANTED SALE HELP

URGENT LAND SALE IN CENTRAL TRINIDAD: Arena Road, Freeport: Residential lots available from $75,000 CAD. 5,000 sq. ft. - 15 minutes from the highway.

Entire block of 4 acres also available for housing development. For further information, please call 905-660-4744 or email shahs@rogers.com.

Hear 2 Help Wants YOU!

ACCOMADATIONS

SPANISH TOWN: Embrace the state of opportunity in Spanish Town, Jamaica.

Come now! Till August 2018 Mc bee Inn hostel offers shelter, shower, security and much more. For CAD 21.00 per night ghett Inn and enjoy Jamaica. Email: innisaiah58@yahoo.com”

FOR SALE PERSONALS

COMPANION: Single Guy 49 looking for a female 39 - 49 for a relationship or friendship who likes movies, dancing, shopping.

Contact 647-882-8679

SERVICES

FOR SALE WORSHIP

Candidates should have 1-2 years of community experience in mentoring or tutoring. This part-time position runs through the school year, with an option of summer hours. Work hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday, Saturdays 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | 416-551-2469

WANTED

LIVE IN: Looking for a live-in caretaker job for sick/elderly person. 15 years experience. References available. Call Neisha (647) 939-1955 HOUSEKEEPER: Experienced Housekeepers Wanted Good Jobs With Good Pay To Work For Private Families. Full-time or Part-time. Housekeepers | Elder Caregivers | Nannies | Cooks | Contact 416-992-8525 or send resume to scott@porticostaff.com

FOR SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY EVENT: Join Mayor John Tory, the City of Toronto and partners to welcome and celebrate new Torontonians!

Family fun, activities and entertainment will fill Nathan Phillips Square on Tuesday, May 29for the 4th annual Toronto Newcomer Day celebrations.

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

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

Dr. Shaun Rawana Optometrist 170 The Donway West, Unit 110 North York, ON, M3C 2G3 416-449-9619 info@donwayvisioncare.com

RAVINDER BRAR

Sales Representative

Royal Canadian Realty Brokerage

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

the value of volunteering Thank you Peel CAS volunteers The involvement of volunteers has a profound effect on the children and families served

by Peel Children’s Aid. As an integral part of our organization, volunteers provide support and encouragement through the generous contributions of their time and their talents.

Volunteers enhance the work of staff through their support as tutors, mentors, drivers, clerical support, supervised access, distribution warehouse and Holiday Wishes event volunteers as well as in many other capacities.

National Volunteer Week is April 15-21 and this year’s theme is Celebrate the value of Volunteering. “Our volunteers are the unsung heroes whose efforts improve the quality of life for Peel citizens,” says Carol-Ann Fox, Coordinator of Volunteer Programs. “We want to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers for their generosity, their thoughtfulness and their compassion.”

At Peel CAS, more than 150 direct service volunteers contribute countless hours and help us provide service to over 10,000 families. How Peel CAS volunteers went the distance last year: • Drove children over 900,000 km safely to appointments, parental visits and other outings and events • Spent over 739 hours in supervising visits between parents and their children in a neutral setting • Mentored and developed personal relationships with children in order to build their self-esteem and get them involved in the community

• Assisted children that are experiencing difficulty in school by tutoring • Shopped for 1,473 children, 695 families and 70 independent teens through our Holiday Wishes Program • Supported over 735 children to attend summer camp • Served 755 children and distributed 12,100 pieces of clothing through our Distribution Warehouse “Our volunteers have heart, passion, purpose and soul,” says Fox. “Thank you to all of our Peel CAS volunteers!” For more information on how you can help please contact us at (905) 363-6131 ext. 1423 or visit www.peelcas.org.

Meet some of our amazing volunteers!

Volunteers make such a huge difference in the lives of children, youth and families involved with Peel CAS. Thank you to the following three volunteers for sharing their stories with us.

For more information, contact Peel CAS at 905.363.6131 or visit

www.peelcas.org

Paula

Ever since I was in college, working with youth and parents was something I wanted to do. I started out volunteering at Peel CAS through the Holiday Wishes program. Eventually, I moved over into the Supervised Access program, which is a program where volunteers work as part of a team to facilitate visits between parents and their children in a neutral setting.

Joshua I wanted to volunteer in an area I am passionate about so I chose Peel Children’s Aid. I am adopted and my parents have been foster parents with the agency for over 30 years. Growing up there were always foster siblings in our home so it seemed like a good fit to become a volunteer mentor to children involved with children’s aid.

I love working with others and Peel CAS is a great place to do this. It is very rewarding to see children and parents connect and interact in a positive way. I feel like it is a privilege to be able to witness these heartwarming moments.

As a child I always felt a little different. Being a mentor with CAS gives me a chance to share my experience with others who may feel the same way. We spend one on one time together each week and over time build relationships and trust.

I’ve learned through volunteering at Peel CAS that you definitely get more than you give. In a small way I feel like I am doing my part to help the agency bring children and families together.

It is very rewarding when you start to see positive changes. I feel like maybe in some small way I have contributed to helping these children and youth develop confidence and be successful.

John

I started working at Peel CAS as a recommendation from a friend however as time has progressed volunteering as a driver has become a part of me. Days when I don’t go in, I feel something is missing.

The most rewarding element for me is seeing kids that I picked up progress in their lives. There are kids that I started to drive in elementary school. Today they have graduated and are now in University. It feels good to see their successes. When I run into them, they don’t look at me as John, the volunteer driver but rather as John, the big brother.

I wish all human beings could spare some time to help others in need. Volunteering should be part of what life is about. Some people can help others by giving money which is great but you don’t need money, you just need time. I have time and enjoy sharing it to benefit others.

PAGE 48

finance

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Impact of Canada’s aging population Part 3 FAZAAD BACCHUS fazaad@carib101.com

FINANCE SPECIALIST

THE NUMBER ONE CARIBBEAN APP FOR GLOBAL EXPOSURE

FIND MUSIC, NEWS, LIVE CRICKET, JOBS, CARIBBEAN TV, EVENTS AND MORE!

FREE DOWNLOAD

There are lots of decisions you will have to make at some time in your life as you age.

These decisions will be based on estate planning, your powers of attorney, completing your wills, and possible long-term care. But before we do, let’s examine the role of a caregiver and how that works in our society.

Of course, you may remember that earlier I mentioned that times have changed and many families today are caught up in a sandwich generation which makes caregiving even more difficult. Imagine having to take care of both your children and your parents at the same time. According to statistics 48% of either parents or parents in law will need caregiver assistance.

Caregivers are usually females, and that doesn’t mean that men don’t do anything,

they do most of the work around the house.

In addition to family obligations and personal commitments, about 60% of caregivers are also juggling the demands of paid work. This can result in disruptions to normal work routines. About four in ten employed caregivers indicated that they arrived to work late, had to leave early, or take time off during the day to care for their ill family member or friend.

How is the caregiver’s job affected?

A reduction in paid work hours can have consequences on both employee benefits and household income. Among employed caregivers who reduce their hours of work, 14% lose some or all of their benefits, such as extended health benefits, dental benefits, and employer-provided pension, life insurance, and prescription drug plans. This adds further financial burden to the caregiver’s family.

It’s hard to be a family caregiver: You are rarely considered part of the care team… often ignored and isolated…the last person to receive any support…caught between multiple, competing priorities….caregivers do not feel they have a right to complain about the pressures and losses. It’s hard to be a care recipient: no one wants to be cared for all the time…no one wants to be dependent on another and have to ask for help…no one wants to lose their in-

dependence.

So, aging may not be what everyone wants! When someone has reached the point where they can no longer be independent, either from a critical illness such as stroke, or have had an accident, a family meeting is needed. Among the specific concerns that may trigger the needs for a meeting concerning the physical or mental condition of the elder, concerns about current living arrangements and/or the elder’s ability for self-care. It is at this time that the family has to pull together.

Before a family meeting takes place, it is a good idea to prepare a structured agenda. Someone in the family will generally introduce the idea of a meeting and arrange the date and location. The agenda should address such matters as: Can someone be hired to help with some tasks and activities? What can other family members do? Are friends and neighbors available to help?

If not done early enough, by the time a decision has to be made it would have to be done through the power of attorney which might be too late. In our next issue, we will take a look at the POA and its place in your planning.

Canada child benefit is like free money for your child’s future!

ANDREW STEWART andrew@carib101.com

FAMILY ADVISOR

Think about the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) like this: what would you do if you found $100 bill on the sidewalk in front of your house every month? How happy would you be? Now for the philosophical question: would you spend it or save it?

If you’re like most people today, you’d likely be really tempted to spend it, and that’s ok. After all, it’s found money and it’s a great feeling since you weren’t expecting it, you didn’t have to work one hour extra to earn it and you don’t have to pay a single penny of taxes for it.

That’s the feeling I get every time we receive our Canada Child Benefit for our daughter Anisa. It’s free money from the Government deposited in our bank account every month until she turns 18. I didn’t have to work one day to earn it, there are no restrictions on how I use it and I don’t have to pay taxes for it.

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible

families to help them with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. I understand how parents today are struggling to pay for life’s expenses, especially child care and other child-related expenses. Child-care costs in Canada rose faster than inflation in 2017. The biggest increases were seen in Toronto, both compared to last year and 2014. The Greater Toronto area has the highest infant care fees at $1,758 per month, while the suburbs of Mississauga and Vaughan follow closely at $1,400 per month.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses information from your income tax and benefit return to calculate how much your CCB payments will be. To get the CCB, you have to file your return every year, even if you did not have income in the year. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they also have to file a return every year.

The Canada Child Benefit you receive every month is just like finding free money that you weren’t expecting, every single month. What if you could use some of the money to cover daily expenses and invest for your child’s future? There are so many things you need to pay for today and this could really help.

Let’s say you are a family whose combined income is $95,000 per year and have your first baby. You will receive a Canada Child Benefit each month tax-free based on your family income $249 per month from

newborn to age 6 and $166 from age 6 until they turn 18 which adds up over 18 years to $41,280 of free money for your child’s future completely tax-free!

What if the $41,280 Canada Child Benefit could set up your child’s entire future and you didn’t need to add one dollar of your own money? If you smartly invested that free money, when your child turns 20 and decides to study abroad it would be worth as much as $69,000. Or when they turn 35 and want to buy their own home, it would be worth $180,000.

And what if the investment you set up for their future also paid your child a tax-free annual dividend for life? What an incredible opportunity for your child.

Your benefit payments are recalculated every July based on information from you and your spouse ’s income tax and benefit returns from the previous year. Your marital status affects how CRA calculates your benefits. If your marital status changes, you need to tell CRA before the end of the month after the month your status changed. For example, if your marital status changed in August, tell CRA about the change by the end of September.

We work hard for our money, paying all the taxes on income and then paying all our living expenses. Finding money somewhere to save for your child’s future? I can say from experience, it’s a fantastic feeling.

PAGE 50

sports

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Badree calls T&TCB ruling against PowerGen unfair TRINIDAD -- Samuel Badree of PowerGen Cricket Club said that his team’s loss to Queen’s Park Cricket Club II in a disciplinary hearing is unfair.

Badree, a senior player and captain of the team said Monday that the ruling is unfair and the club although accepting the technical committee’s decision, is really unhappy.

PowerGen Cricket Club was ruthless on the field in its semifinal match, but off the playing field, it lost a protest brought by Queen’s Park second team at the conclusion of the T&TCB T20 Festival quarterfinals contest last Wednesday after PowerGen easily defeated the Parkites by seven wickets at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. However, as the dust settled after celebrating the win, it was revealed that QPCC II had lodged a protest which stated that PowerGen played an unregistered player. The player in question is Josh Thomas from Grenada who played in the match and took two wickets for 26 runs.

According to Badree:”PowerGen Sports Club Penal would like to clarify matters that lead to its disqualification from the T20 competition last week. Upon easily defeating Queen’s Park II in the quarterfinal match, it was reported that

they, Queen’s Park II, lodged a protest against PowerGen for the use of an unregistered player.

He explained that “PowerGen would like to state that registration was extended until 12.30 pm on April 3, and Chaitram Ramjitsingh, the team’s manager called the T&TCB secretariat indicating that the team’s Registration Form will be sent via email later that day. The email was duly sent and PowerGen was under the impression that the entire team was eligible to participate in the competition, as the entire team was registered on that day including the player in question, Josh Thomas.”

Badree, a West Indies T20 player added: “PowerGen went on to play all preliminary games and at no point in time was there any indication that any of our players were registered late or not registered at all. Josh Thomas played in the last preliminary game against Victoria on the April 18 before playing in the quarterfinal match against Queen’s Park II. Even after the preliminary stage of the competition, Thomas played a preliminary round match and there was no indication that he or any other player was ineligible to play. The Board’s technical committee which is made up of Ryerson Bhagoo,

Rajendra Poorai and Parasram Singh, indicated that the email was received at 5.23 pm on April 3rd, 2018, hours after the extended deadline and therefore, the player was ineligible to play.

The Committee did not indicate that the entire team was registered on that day. The Committee admitted having received a phone call from Mr Ramjitsingh on the morning of April 3, indicating that the email will be sent later and it was duly sent. The Committee neglected to mention that the player played on April 18 in the last preliminary match.”

Badree asked the following questions: “If the team was registered late, why were we allowed to participate in the competition? If Josh Thomas was registered late, why didn’t Victoria make a similar protest the week before after the last preliminary round match? How would Queen’s Park II know that the T&TCB received the registration form at 5.23 pm on April 3?”

He concluded, nevertheless, Powergen Sports Club Penal accepts the ruling of the technical committee, but sees it as an unfair decision and another atrocity against cricket and sport in T&T.” - Trinidad Guardian

Mocha Fest May 24-29, 2018 Calabash International Literary Festival June 1-3, 2018 Fun in the Son July 14, 2018 Reggae Sumfest July 15-22, 2018 Dream Weekend August 2-6, 2018

FREEONE TODAYATTEND! ONLY! Sunday May 6th 2018 - 10AM to 7PM

MARKET TC Business Social Presents

FOOD • PRODUCTS • SERVICES

• HOME ESSENTIALS • AUTO GRAPHICS • AUTO PRODUCTS & SERVICES • APPAREL • CITY SERVICES • YOGA • WEIGHT LOSS • WEB APPS • COSMETICS • LEGAL • REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE & FINANCIAL • INTERNATIONAL FOODS • CATERING • AND SO MUCH MORE!

Zone

R E V O

0 8

S R NDO

VE

INSIDE THE LUXURIOUS Pearson Convention Center 2638 Steeles Ave E Brampton, ON L6T 4L7

647-722-6298 | www.TCBSocial.com |

VENDOR BOOTHS AVAILABLE | TO BECOME A VENDOR CONTACT 647-722-6298 Community Development Services