VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4TH 2017
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Young people have unlimited potential to reshape today’s world into tomorrow’s possibilities. On Thursday, September 28th, the Air Canada Center was filled with thousands of young people buzzing with excitement, inspiration, and creativity as they celebrated the WE movement at WE Toronto; a day filled with powerful performances, educational speeches, and empowering moments for the next generation of changemakers. WE Day is a part of WE, a family of organizations making ‘doing good, doable.’ It is the manifestation of the WE
movement, an ocean of people coming together to create impact. WE is made up of WE Charity, empowering domestic and international change, ME to WE a social enterprise that creates socially conscious products and experiences to help support the charity, and WE Day filling stadiums across the world with the greatest celebration of social good. WE allows youth and families to help make the world a better place by supporting 2,500+ charities worldwide volunteering millions of hours of service, shopping daily with an impact, and raising millions of dollars that will
directly benefit their local communities and the world. WE was founded more than twenty years ago by social entrepreneurs and brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger, and together with their team across the globe in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have been able to provide more than 1 million people with clean water, build 1,000 schools and classrooms overseas and empower more than 200,000 children with access to education. Continued On Page 10
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Dionne Morrison-Jaisinghani; A Volunteer Enthusiast
Written by Ashelly Smith Toronto Caribbean News
Dionne Morrison-Jaisinghani is not an ordinary international student. She is an academic-achiever and lover of volunteering. She came to Canada a few years ago from Jamaica to study Human Resources at Seneca College. In the island of Jamaica, she lived in a district called Guava Ground in Clarendon. Her parents were farmers who worked diligently to send Dionne to school in her hometown. She successfully completed secondary school and shortly after, she entered the workforce. She worked in customer service at Jamaica’s National Commercial Bank; she started as a scanner operator and showed good work ethics which got her promoted. She was now a customer service supervisor. This was a stable and highly-valued job in Jamaica so why did Dionne leave such a job to study in Canada? Her brother was badly injured on a Canadian farm work program. His leg was broken and he was unable to work so Dionne and her husband migrated to Canada to give him family support. She is a mature international student who enjoys her school years at Seneca College where she has received several awards. She received the college’s prestigious award, the Stephen E. Quinlan Award for her significant academic achievement, strong personal integrity and volunteer service in the community. She also received a scholarship from the human resources professionals association last year. She is highly involved in her school as she is an orientation leader, a SMILE mentor and a participant in the Seneca Leadership
Program, Business 411 and Seneca Serves. In fact, she is the president of the Human Resources Student Association. “At Seneca, I feel like I matter, I feel important,” said Morrison. “Seneca is a great school. Seneca has some of the most amazing professors who take time out for students to have a one and one conversation” Some of the teachers she gave credit to are: Professor Frank Robbins from the School of English and Liberal Studies, Professor Alfonsina Chang program coordinator of the Human Resources program, Professor Sidonie Bell from the School of International Business Management along with many other professors that she is appreciative for. Dionne’s moral value is to love and respect each other; this was a moral behavior that her parents instilled in her. As a child growing up, her parents were her role models, she said her parents did not have much but they were always giving a helping hand. Being taught this valuable lesson, she now has a passion for volunteerism. She has contributed to her local community, giving her time to the City of Toronto programs, the Wheelchair Relay Challenge, the Canadian Cancer Society, the On Common Ground Music Festival, The Daily Bread Food Bank and Good Shepperd Ministries. Doing volunteering work, striving for academic excellence, working part-time and being a family supporter is a heavy load of work on one’s agenda; but for Dionne, it
is manageable but challenging. During her busy periods, she has her husband’s unwavering support. Dionne described her husband to be an extremely supportive and motivating spouse. “Sometimes, he would say honey its okay, don’t worry about cooking dinner just focus on your school assignments” she expressed. Having her husband as her right-hand makes a huge impact on her performance academically and voluntarily. When asked what is one of her aspirations for the near future this was what she had to say: “I don’t want to be rich, I just want to be able to live comfortably and have a good job and impact people living in a good way.” If everyone had the same aspiration, just imagine how different our society would be. She further shared that: “I realized that a lot of children who are growing up have no respect. They are all about themselves.” She strongly believes that parents need to raise their children in old-fashioned ways which include spending quality time with their children and instilling good values in them. She believed that family is very important in a child’s development. Her last message to the present generation is: “Be respectful, treat others as you would like to be treated. Life has a funny way of turning around so be careful of whatever you do, do it well and do it right”
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Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
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Kingston College Old Boys Raise Funds With 3rd Annual Walk-A-Thon Jelani Grant
jelani@carib101.com
TC Reporter The Kingston College Old Boys Association held their 3rd annual 5k Walk-A-Thon at the Chinguacousy Park in Brampton. The walk brings community members and KC alumni together while gathering school materials and food for enrolled students. To begin the walk, registrants were taken through a stretching exercise together to ensure everyone was limber enough for two trips around the park. The perimeter of the park is 2.5 km, so twice around made it a full exercise. OBA’s Toronto chapter Life Director Alex Francis & President Clive Barriff led the walk around the park. “Our main goal was to assist
others. A bunch of us moved from Jamaica and we knew the hardships of growing up [in Jamaica]…we came up with the idea of the walk to generate funds,” said Francis. The walk gathered more than 150 registrants, which was the number from last year when walkers completed the 5k in the rain. This year, however, the sun was shining and a barbecue was held to conclude the walk. An unforgettable name holding KCOBA together, by finding support for the event and organizing the walk, is Claudette Johnson. Johnson has been volunteering with the Old Boys since the walk’s inception, three years ago, gathering student volunteers and handling other logistics. The retired high school teacher, of thirty-six years, spent most of that time working as a guidance counselor and because of that, she understands when students come to school hungry and feeling neglected. “Being the only black guidance counselor in Peel Region, I knew what it meant to connect with a lot of young black males…I’m very passionate about our people,” she said. “We need to feed our kids. I started breakfast programs at my school because a lot of students sometimes
would come to school and wouldn’t tell anybody they didn’t have a meal,” she said. Johnson pointed this out as a hindrance on their learning capabilities because breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In fact, researchers at New York’s Columbia University reviewed a study proving that people who ate breakfast every day were less likely to have high blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels. “You have to have a good meal to be successful the whole day, and I want all schools to feed kids,” she said. Barriff agreed saying, “It’s so difficult to learn and concentrate on a hungry stomach…We decided as a group to address that in terms of making that a major part of our funding,” he said. In recruiting the large group of volunteers for the walk, Johnson said she “just went in and met with the vice principal [of Harold M. Brathwaite] and said can we get kids,” she said. Each year, the 5K Walk-A-Thon raises funds to provide meals, books and other basic needs for students attending Kingston College. In addition to providing for students, the walk is an opportunity for the community
to engage in healthy activity together. Francis said walking is a daily part of his fitness routine. Established in 1973, the Old Boys Association has become advocates for Kingston College current students. They provide financial and material aid directly to the school, simply by reconnecting with yearly events and donating what they can. “It’s always good to see old friends. We don’t see each other often, but when we have these get-togethers it’s a chance for us to meet up, retell the old stories,” he said. “As KC Old Boys, we are family, so we extend that to the public at large,” said Francis. The Toronto chapter is the second of its kind, formed in Canada. More than 300 students in the Welfare Program at KC benefit from the walk. Francis wants KC alumni and friends to save the date for their Annual Reunion & Awards Banquet. The proceeds from both the walk and the banquet will be sent to Jamaica following the reunion on November 4th. In March 2018, they will be having a Spring Buffet at the Jamaican Canadian Association.
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Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
Textur’d Hair and Beauty Show: Showcasing the Diversity and Beauty of Natural Hair Kabrena Robinson
kabrena@carib101.com
TC Reporter Fashion, flare, and fierceness with a touch of Afrocentric style from a community of the most creative designers and stylists across North America was what the Textur’d Hair and Beauty Show brought to the table. Formally known as Toronto Natural Hair Show, the annual occasion now in its twelfth staging kick-started on Saturday, September 23rd at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto with an evening of runway fashion and entertainment followed by a full day of informative workshops, local vendors, panel discussions and other activities on Sunday, September 24th. According to organizers, the main focus of the Textur’d Hair & Beauty Show is to “reshape perceptions within the community of natural hair while emphasizing its beauty to dissolve racial stereotypes”. The family event, afforded visitors the opportunity to learn about various styling tips for hair, beauty, holistic health and fashion. In the early inception of the show, organizers found the need for a platform that showcased the diversity and beauty of natural hair specifically among women of color in Toronto while simultaneously providing exposure for small business owners and brands. This year, the focus of the show was geared towards inclusivity by incorporating “all hair characteristics that stem from the African roots”. “The main focus was to make sure that each and every kind of texture and kind of beauty was promoted for our organizing campaign called A New Hera,” said creative director for the event Rochelle Reign in an interview. “So, it’s not just about kinks or coils or stuff like that. It’s more about creating a community to embrace that beauty that grows for your head”. Reign added that there are still ongoing stigmas and negative perceptions of natural hair - that ties into most women not having adequate knowledge on how to care for or even style their hair. This was examined in a study early this year which found that black women suffer more anxiety around hair
issues because of the existing bias towards textured hair. However, the results indicated that this bias is a learned behavior that can be unlearned. The Textur’d Hair and Beauty show is one of Toronto’s most prominent platforms geared towards eliminating this bias and highlighting the beauty of textured hair. Saturday’s fashion show was nothing short of entertaining. The evening featured captivating styles and fashion on display, some accompanied by loud cheers from onlookers. An impromptu performance from emcees Nicole Cassanova and Femi Lawson during a technical glitch provided the comedic relief of the evening and though the event was centered around women’s fashion and styles, a brief moment of male model ‘eye-candy’ was seemingly the icing on top of an enthralling occasion for most female attendees. “For me, it was a great experience” expressed Monique, a spectator at the event. “It was my first time attending and I got to witness all the great fashion sense that black creators and women have. It’s also amazing to see from the male’s perspective how to do hair. What really amazed me the most was the different hairstyles and the different things that black women can do with their hair our hair is so fantastic.” The show exhibited a wide variety of fashion lines and hairstylists. Those included were Anakar Beads, Aisha Loobie, Hair by Glenna, Modisch Couture, TLC Natural Hair, London Ivy, Roots Rock Rebelle, Gésaré Regalia, Beni Boo Atelier, The Nappy Hutt Salon, Hayah Beauty Salon and Locks n Chops. One of the designers in the show, Tosha Groves owner of the fashion line Roots Rock Rebelle, said her pieces seen on the runway, all made from crochet styling, was inspired by the major theme of the evening which was emphasizing the beauty of natural hair. “Natural hair should always be seen as beautiful, it is naturally art,” she said in an interview. “Everyone of us the hair grows out of our head differently, our hair is art its unique, its energy.” Nicole Cassanova, one of the emcees for the show also added that it was more important that attendees take away an essential message from the event. “I think the take back from the entire event is just how beautiful natural hair is,” she said. “It’s not just an afro puff or locs or braids, there are so many things that we can do as black women with our hair and I think it was just like sprinkles of black girl magic all over the stage tonight so I just want people to walk away knowing that it’s beautiful.”
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Modern Batik Couture Brought To Oakdale CC Jelani Grant
jelani@carib101.com
TC Reporter Fashion designer Lorena Santin-Andrade and artist David Kibuuka were teaching modern Batik Couture at the Oakdale Community Centre. For six weeks, youth at the Oakdale Community Centre were taught how to create original artwork using the technique of modern batik using wax, dyes and will experiment with the surprising results this technique offers. They would then use Adobe Photoshop to create repeats of their work which were professionally photographed and digitally printed onto quality fashion upholstery fabric. Students were shown how to create and cut cushion patterns, embellish their designs using embroidery techniques and finally, machine stitch them into finished keepsake cushions they designed and signed themselves. Santin-Andrade and David David Kibuuka met with fifteen kids Monday to Friday until their creations were ready to be held in a fashion show to present their creations to their family and community. Santin-Andrade received one more grant from the Toronto Arts Council funding this summer to hold a Sustainable Textile Art class with Sonja Fijn at Chalkfarm Community Centre/Beverley Heights Middle School. The Ontario Arts Council also funded a workshop that provided
funding to continue her program from last year at Oakdale Community Centre. “I am so grateful to be able to offer quality art classes in this neighborhood which are desperately needed. The youth here are hungry to learn more, engage in creative projects and workshops and to be provided with quality programs”, she said. Santin-Andrade said she is grateful to the Toronto Arts Council for funding she received this year. She said her partnership with David Kibuuka combined art and fashion in one exciting program. “The class which I partnered with David Kibuuka on in July gave youth at Jane and Finch the opportunity to learn the art of modern batik”, she said. “Then they were taught how to turn their artwork into digitally printed linen cotton which they were then taught how to embellish through embroidery and then sew into cushions”. Kibuuka and Santin-Andrade taught fifteen students which allowed them to teach the kids while providing close hands-on assistance so they could properly understand techniques. She said the workshops allowed them to learn something their peers might never be exposed to, giving them an advantage. Due to the popularity of batik designs, many batik patterns are used in a wide variety of fabrics. Though it has become a generic term, “batik” is an Indonesian-Malay word referring to the process of dying fabric by covering areas of cloth with a dye-resistant substance to prevent them from absorbing colors. According to For Asian Art Appreciation, the technique is believed to be over a thousand years old. Historical evidence supports the theory that the resist technique was in use in the early A.D. centuries in parts of Africa and several areas in Asia. Kibuuka’s website said the growth
of Modern Batik Style was in the 1970’s from its entry into East Africa in the early 60’s. Santin-Andrade said she believes that the youth in the Jane-Finch area “want to experience art programs as much as in other parts of the city regardless of their circumstances”. “They need something to do that engages their mind and creativity. Some kids come in and have big frowns on their face…a strong support system is so vital to youth, teenagers”, she said. “The pride that they walk away with at the end is the reason we do this”. Santin-Andrade’s skills and experience allow her to offer a specialized workshop targeting in art-focused youth, who are learning techniques taught in private art classes or post-secondary fashion arts-based programs. “Not all youth are interested in just sports-oriented programming. The objective for me is to ensure quality art programs are offered in this neighborhood”, she said. Her intent is to expose the students to techniques not typically offered to them anywhere else, allowing them to discover hidden talents and use them going forward in life. She said the program required focus, concentration, and attention to detail which can be then applied to their everyday work ethic. “Learning to become quiet so to focus and become inspired is a key component of the classes we teach”, she said. “We expect to continue offering this workshop and versions of this workshop to high priority neighborhoods where artistically inclined youth are interested in learning new techniques and mastering ones already learned”, said Santin-Andrade.
5th Annual Caribbean Music and Entertainment Awards Chelsea Owusu
chelsea@carib101.com
TC Reporter On September 24th, The Rose Theatre in Brampton was home to the 5th Annual Caribbean Music and Entertainment Awards (CMEA). Artists, students, media, and supporters of the Caribbean community attended to recognize and acknowledge the works and achievements of those from the Caribbean islands. The awards highlighted achievements in areas such as music and entertainment, and how their contributions have shaped the industry. The night was also an opportunity for those to learn and reflect on the impact Caribbean music and entertainment has had in Canada, and how their skills have influenced others around the world. The Caribbean Music and Entertainment Awards was established in April 2011. It was created in order to
recognize musicians and entertainers from Ontario regardless of age, race, sex, religion, disability, or nationality. Penny Providence, President, and CEO worked towards making sure that the diversity of the Caribbean islands would be included and celebrated throughout the ceremony. The awards show consisted of many different acts and performances from the various backgrounds of the Caribbean islands. This year’s ceremony included a number of different genres and styles including zouk, reggae, soca/ calypso, steel pan, Indo Caribbean, Latino and French Caribbean, instrumentalists, dancers, comedians, actors, poets, and much more. The audience was able to witness some of the very best in Canadian Caribbean reggae, soca/calypso, zouk, latin music, chutney, theatre, and comedy. MC and comedian Marc Trinidad kept the audience laughing and smiling with his relatable jokes and sense of humor, as he introduced the winners from each category. The first award of the night was given to Top Young Artist - Joshua Lucas. Followed by Youth Educational Bursaries awarded to Shania Randall and Chante Dillon, on behalf of both Jamaica National Building Society and
the Caribbean Music and Entertainment Awards. Though the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was nominated for the Top Media Print (English) award, the recipient this year was Reggae Xclusive Magazine. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Jimmy Reid, Hip Hop/Rap Trailblazers award was given to Michie Mee, and the Community Internet Radio Award was given to Rootz Reggae Radio. International Awards were given to Razor B IReggae), K.I. Persad (Soca), and All Veliz (Latino). Each recipient had the opportunity to walk up on stage to receive their award and took a few minutes to thank the community for their support. The audience was also able to enjoy live performances by Dance Caribe, MDeez, Ryan Douglas, Toronto All Starz, Oso A, Rayzalution Band, Kay Morris, Satya Danceworks, Johsan, Django, Jimmy Reid, Super L, Connector, and Razor B. After five years, organizers hope that the Caribbean Music and Entertainment Awards will soon hold value as a top event on the annual cultural calendar in Toronto, attracting a larger audience each year.
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
CTFF Closing Ceremony and Awards 2017 Leanne Benn
leanne@carib101.com
TC Reporter
HURRICANE IRMA ISLAND RELIEF FUND In light of the recent devastation that has swept through the Caribbean due to Hurricane Irma, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper would like to aid in the hurricane relief effort to help the families that have been affected by this storm. Hurricane IRMA, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded, has left a path of devastation in the Caribbean and continues to threaten many more of the islands in the south. The storm hit the Caribbean last week with the full force of its Category 5 winds. The full force of IRMA was felt by islands like Saint Martin, Antigua and Barbuda St. Thomas, and St. John in the US Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos and Cuba. Relief and recovery is needed on all of these islands, as many of them have been flattened to the point where they are no longer fit to live. The people of the islands have lost their families, and their homes, and they are in need of immediate assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this massive storm and to those who are in her path. At this time we are concentrating all efforts in raising funds to assist with the basic needs of families The damage has been monumental amongst the islands and 90% of the infrastructure has been reported destroyed. There is another storm developing in the wake of IRMA and the people are vulnerable. There are no electricity or water services and no radio. In association the island consulates here in Toronto, our fundraising will be directed to where it is needed most. As the official fundraising campaign we are in close touch with the government to assess their needs. We ask for your help and generosity now and as we continue to support the various islands through their reconstruction. This Fundraising effort will provide relief to survivors in the form of emergency supplies like food, water, clothing and medical supplies and will help immensely with the rebuilding process. All donations to this fund will exclusively support relief and recovery efforts. Our goal is to help the islands in any way that we can during this time of need and as a community we need to do this now more than ever. Please like, love and share
TO DONATE GoFundMe.com/Carib101
It was an exciting and glamorous end for the Caribbean Tales Film Festival 2017. Eager supporters, film enthusiasts, filmmakers and people with diverse backgrounds all made their way to the closing night ceremony of CTFF 2017 at the Scotiabank Cineplex downtown Toronto. The evening was more than just a celebration of all the films at this years’ festival but a poignant recognition of the well deserving filmmakers that contributed their art to the festival. The overall theme for 2017 was Caribbean Legacy and featured films from about eighteen different countries, not just in the Caribbean but worldwide. The CTFF’s aim is to promote the art of film, by expressing diversity and cultural awareness. The closing night on September 21st marked another success for this year’s festival. The theme for the night was #Intersect: QTPOC (queer and trans people of color) and featured an evening that honored LGBT films. This special screening pointed to the diversity included in the CTFF hub and what they have continued to do over the past seven years. The three films screened were Play the Devil by Maria Govan, A Broken Appoint-
ment by Kaleb D’Anguillar and E Yobida di Ayera by Armand Simon. These films created a special place to highlight gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender topics in the Caribbean community that may go by unnoticed or placed under a certain taboo. By providing this platform for creative expression, CTFF has allowed for an intersection of voices with the Caribbean diaspora and people of color in the LGBT communities. As the CEO of Caribbean tales, Frances-Anne Solomon remarked, “When we first started, we actually had sponsors and partners in the community who would ask us not to mention our queer programming. These last few years have been a huge and beautiful change. We couldn’t be more proud of the audiences we have brought to this work, to be showcasing this work, and to be telling these stories.” This intersection of identity helps to make the Caribbean region stronger as they focus on freedom and self-identity when it comes to the LGBT community. The screening of the film was also followed by a special talkback hosted by activist and writer, Kim Katrin Milan in the QTPOC community. This was far from the end of the festivities. CTFF held their special award ceremony to recognize all the films in this year’s festival and to select the very best from certain key categories. Including best cinematography and best documentary. Highlights from the awards included, Best Documentary- Traces of Sugar by Ida Does, Best Short Film- Vire by Hugo Rousselin, Best Cinematography- Cutlass by Darisha Beresford and Innovation Award- Kafou by Bruno Mourral. There was also a special award for the spe-
cial theme of #Intersect. The Intersect Award for Best LGBT Film was awarded to Play The Devil by Maria Govan. Overall this festival was pleasing as it marked another year of compassionate feedback from the local Toronto audience and people of the Caribbean region and diaspora. This was also a time for emerging filmmakers to make their mark and to learn from other winners as well. The exposure in the Toronto community also contributes to the growth of the festival, as each year there is always something bigger and dynamic added. Highlights from the overall festival included hosting Caribbean celebrities, such as Machel Montano and the screening of his documentary entitled, Journey of a Soca King and getting support from the Soca Queen herself, Alison Hinds. Honorable speakers from all over the Caribbean islands and even those in Toronto. In closing, Solomon remarked, “We knew we had a great festival while we were creating it, but the end results were simply amazing! We want to thank, the thousands of people who supported us in Toronto, and we want to let them know we are already looking towards 2018, our lucky 13th festival when we will again bring stories from the Caribbean region to sell-out audiences.” As mentioned the 2018 festival will be the 13th celebration for this brand many filmmakers can read up on the guidelines requirements before submitting a film as well as stay up to date for future events. Be sure to support and check out future events for Caribbean Tales in Toronto and around the Caribbean. Visit, CaribbeanTales Festival. com
Jamaican Diaspora Embrace Culture During Conference Jelani Grant
jelani@carib101.com
TC Reporter The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was sent to Jamaica to document the discussions and goings-on of conference delegates but throughout the trip, the Jamaica Tourism Board and Marshall Fenn collaborated to provide the North American media team with as many experiences of Jamaica that could fit into the tight schedule. Over the past thirty-seven years the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel has earned the reputation for its attentive service and pristine hospitality, and up until this day, they continue to impress. Seventeen stories high, it is known as the Caribbean’s premier business and leisure hotel and was recently nominated for being one of Jamaica’s leading hotels by the World Travel Awards. Many delegates who attended the Jamaica Diaspora Conference stayed in Pegasus for the duration of the conference. The hotel was not short of stops to eat from without having to step off of the property. The 24 Seven Café served light meals from ice cream to chicken sandwiches around the clock. The Blend Bar & Lounge was across from the café and downstairs was the Blue Window Restaurant, which served delicious traditional island foods like oxtail or fish. Along with a tennis
court and fitness center, the hotel’s pool came with a bar. Certainly, anyone staying there had everything they would need for their stay. The conference opening was held inside their banquet hall and the Jamaica Conference Centre was less than ten minutes from the hotel, making travel very smooth and swift throughout the conference. On the first day of conference panels, delegates were invited to attend the 55th Season of Dance at Little Theatre, presented by The National Dance Theatre Company. Before the show started guests mingled at the outside bar, soaking in the live music and taking advantage of the complimentary drinks. Though unauthorized photos and video were prohibited, the visuals and costumes from performers were unforgettable. Jamaican gospel Kevin Downswell opened the show, raising the audience to their feet. Downswell is known internationally for hits such as Naah Bow, released in 2005, but he recently won the Album of the Year Award at the 2017 Sterling Gospel Music Awards for his All The Way album. The NDTC brought the crowd to a standing ovation by the end of the night after performing choreography from Rex Nettleford, Eduardo Rivero-Walker, Leni Wylliams, and Marlon Simms. Vibrant orange, red, brown and greens were the most common colors used by dancers performing to familiar sounds like Beres Hammond and Quincy Jones. Formed in 1962 by Nettleford and Eddy Thomas, the NDTC used dancers, singers, musicians and creative technicians to illustrate the long tradition of music and dance. The journey to Ocho Rios included a delicious meal from Miss T’s Kitchen, beauti-
ful sights along the new highway, and a tour of one Ocho’s most famous family attractions, the Dunn’s River Falls. Miss T’s Kitchen has hosted such reality shows as The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Bachelor, but the buffetstyle dishes served to the conference’s North American media team made an impression as genuine Jamaican cuisine. Some delicacies included curry chicken, fried chicken, oxtail, and shrimp. $2 million JC was invested into expansions, which include a children’s splash pad and water slide. The park guide told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper the water park addition has increased local traffic by 50%, mostly made up of school buses filled with students on field trips. Since they installed the splash pads and slides, more than 200 children visit per day. Additionally, guests can enjoy a zip line carrying them over the park. Taking a trip to Ocho Rios from Kingston, specifically from the business district, could take 2-3 hours, but thanks to the fairly new NorthSouth Highway, travel time is cut in half. The four-lane tolled motorway stretches 270 KM and is intended to make travel times driving to the north or south sides of the island simpler. The conference events concluded at Kingston’s famous Devon House, known primarily for their tasty ice cream. Established in 1881, Devon House was built by Jamaica’s first black millionaire George Steibel.The Jamaica Diaspora Conference was founded in 2004 and has allowed Jamaican diaspora across the globe to connect and work together on building a country that continues to greatly impact the world. “Jamaicans at home and abroad must engage in partnerships for mutual success”, said Johnson-Smith.
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
WE Day Toronto Celebrates Youth Taking Action on Local, Global and Social Issues Alyssa Mahadeo
alyssa@carib101.com
TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- “We’re honored to celebrate with young change-makers from Generation WE, who have earned their way to WE Day by taking action on local and global issues,” said Craig Kielburger, co-founder of WE. “Today, WE Day Toronto and WE Day Family unite hard-working students, educators, and families as they experience a day of inspiration while celebrating their incredible achievements in service.” The reception at WE Day Toronto was phenomenal with thousands of young people and their families coming together and filling the ACC with energy so infectious you can’t help but feel pride and hope for the next generation and their ability to take action. The crowd was a mixture of students, and people dedicated to leaving a lasting impact in this world, demonstrating strength in numbers. Students aren’t able to buy a ticket to WE Day, but instead, they earn their way in by the actions they take on, one local and one global cause of their choice. WE Day unites world-renowned speakers and award-winning performers with thousands of young people and families to celebrate and inspire another year of incredible change. This year students were treated to a dynamic and engaging show that featured local and international celebrity speakers, activists, bloggers and youth advocates including Sabrina Carpenter, Sofia Carson, Andre De Grasse, Mia Farrow, Rick Hansen, Hedley, Vanessa Hudgens and Shawn Hook, Gaten Matarazzo, Penny Oleksiak, Lilly Singh, George Takei, Jacob Tremblay, Alexandre Trudeau, Spencer West, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon, alongside international activists and WE co-founders, Craig and Marc Kielburger, WE Day Toronto host Kelly Clarkson, event hosts Tyrone Edwards, E!/Much host, and Liz Trinnear, ETALK reporter and Much host, and youth hosts Hannah Alper and Tai Young. The cast of returning WE Day fan favorites and new faces joined 20,000 students and educators to celebrate the contributions of young people and kick-start another year of change. They were able to hear powerful stories of different causes surrounding equality, social justice, cyberbullying, and many other issues that affect young people today. WE Day has been designed to provide young people with a platform, to have their voices heard, and to share and problem solve their questions and concerns with their peers and the masses. Over the lunch hour, there was a special one-time outdoor event and celebration hosted by WE called WE Run: Fast like De Grasse. The event was in celebration of Canadian sprinter and three-time Olympic Medalist Andre De Grasse hailing from Markham, ON who first made a name for himself sweeping the 100m and 200m events at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games before winning medals at the 2015 World Championships and 2016 Olympics. At WE Run, Andre showcased his speed against special WE Day racers, including local star students and WE Day speakers like Penny Oleksiak, Jacob Tremblay, Milly Davis and Craig Kielburger on a 60m track on Air Canada Centre’s Bremner Loop. This free public event took place during the WE Day Toronto intermission, and fans of sport and social good alike are invited to cheer on the racers as they
dashed to the finish line. In addition to all of the day’s excitement and celebrations attendees to WE Day were treated to a surprise special guest appearance from Prince Harry in town for the 2017 Invictus Games. “Today you are all saying no to pessimism and cynicism here in Toronto with both WE Day and the Invictus games we say yes to optimism, yes to hope and yes to belief.” Prince Harry shared. “We are putting service and giving back at the heart of everything that we do. The thousands of you gathered here are proof that today’s generation of young people is the most connected, the most energized and most confident that the planet has ever known.” The Prince, the embodiment of his mother’s values and teachings went on to say, “You know that differences of opinion, of circumstance, of race and religion are to be respected and celebrated.” earning a magnificent round of applause from the reception that filled the ACC. At WE Day everyone is encouraged to share and contribute to positive change by joining existing social initiatives or sparking new ones. WE Day supports young people in every aspect to help make positive impacts and not only help young people do good for others, but help young people do better for themselves. WE Day Toronto is made possible through the efforts contributed by Telus and RBC working closely with WE to enable young people to continue to learn how to help others and acquire more of the skills they need to succeed. Together they have a shared vision to help engage and empower youth to harness their innovative ideas, make positive change, and become community leaders both locally and globally. As co-title sponsors, Telus has been a proud sponsor of WE Day for six consecutive years starting the #RiseAbove Conversation to help take a stance against cyberbullying and empower youth to act when witnessing or experiencing it. RBC works closely in over 8,000 WE Schools across Canada helping to develop curriculum and academic programming for students to help them build the skills they’ll need to succeed in the future workforce, develop compelling virtual motivational and learning experiences through workshops building the skills of social entrepreneurship. “WE Day celebrates a generation of empowered youth, who have come together in the hope that the world can be better a place,” said Craig Kielburger, co-founder of WE. “You couldn’t imagine a more incredible energy as the stadium fills with the country’s next generation of changemakers, committed to making a lasting difference across the globe. This year alone, we saw more than 3,000 schools and youth groups from across Ontario rise to the challenge of creating sustainable change, proving that together, we can make doing good, doable.” WE Day Toronto is followed by WE Day Toronto Family in the evening. The special evening event provides a unique opportunity for friends, families and community partners to come together to watch inspirational speakers and world leaders share their stories of positive change, motivating families to make a difference in their communities and around the world. WE Day is an annual event, open to all causes and organizations. They make stops at fourteen locations across North America and in the UK. Throughout all platforms including WE Schools, people are invited to choose the causes at home and around the world that matter to them. WE Day cheers for 1,000+ causes and the everyday heroes that support them. This year alone over 200,000 young people will come together in fifteen stadiums across Canada, the US, and the UK. Join the movement today at WE.org, and help make a difference!
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
Don’t Touch Fuel Subsidy
TRINIDAD -- The National Trade Union Centre of T&T (NATUC) has issued a warning to Government that any decision to further decrease subsidies on fuel will severely affect the working class. The umbrella trade union body also warned that Government would face an “avalanche” of protests if such a measure was announced in today’s budget. At a press conference held at the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union, Port-of-Spain last week NATUC’s general secretary Michael Annisette said it was rumoured fuel subsidies were expected to either be reduced or removed. “If the Government is going to take away the subsidy we are saying please do not walk that road otherwise they will face an avalanche from all the trade unions in this country. “The removal of the subsidy would have serious implications for the working class and Government must consider this,” Annisette said. At a forum, entitled, Spotlight on T&T’s Financial Circumstances: The Road Ahead, held last Wednesday labour leaders came under fire from various personalities at the forum, including university lecturer and
economist Dr Roger Hosein, who questioned their absence from the event. But Annisette said there was no need for unions to be present as union leaders had previously told Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley at a meeting two weeks ago that they would not be attending. He said such discussions ought to be held at the National Tripartite Advisory Council level. NATUC’s president general James Lambert who also spoke at the press conference also questioned whether the event was a “PR stunt” put on by Government to give the impression that labour was not interested in what was taking place in the country. “The Government knew full well that we would not be attending that session and we are saying that labour must not be used. The unions have their own set of issues and we indicated all of this to the Prime Minister.” Nirvan Maharaj, president general of the All Trinidad General Workers’ Trade Union, said the time had come for unions to no longer be treated with disdain by Government and appealed to Government to deal with “bread and butter issues” in this year’s budget. - Trinidad Guardian
Primitive, Punitive Measures
TRINIDAD -- Newly-elected National Trade Union Centre of T&T (NATUC) president general Watson Duke views Finance Minister Colm Imbert’s 2018 Budget as “primitive and punitive.” He also said the increase in diesel and super fuel will create “trouble on the horizon” for the Government. Duke’s statement came hours after NATUC general secretary Michael Annisette warned Government that any decision to further decrease fuel subsidies would affect the working class and lead to an “avalanche” of protests. Duke said the spike was something to “protest over” as he called on Joint Trade Union Movement president Ancel Roget to join in protest action. “He (Roget) said last year if the Prime Minister were to raise gas prices then he would march. Gas prices have been raised. We are talking about my members, his members…the entire population is now faced with the choice of walking or riding. Taxi fares... every single thing is going to go up except your salary,” Duke said at a press conference at the Parliament building. Duke said NATUC will discuss the matter with its members this week then hold a meeting with its federations.
Calling on labour leaders to form a united front to improve the salaries of the working class, Duke said it was time citizens get back their purchasing power, which began to dip in 2014. Duke said did not see how cutting the fuel subsidy was an incentive to shift to cleaner and better fuel. “This is what this Government is about, putting us back to the stone age and punishing us for no reason at all. What have we done? Why are we being punished like that? Is licks, after licks, after licks.” Duke said NATUC had hoped for a budget where workers could have relaxed and be given some measure of ease and comfort. “I categorise the budget as primitive and punitive. I use the word primitive because the budget is designed to take modern-day persons back to an era where they are forced to walk rather than drive their vehicles, given the sudden rise of gas and diesel.” He said the budget will also not stimulate the economy but will stir the emotions of public servants and Tobagonians into anger. “It creates mischief rather than solve problems.” - Trinidad Guardian
Gaming Sector Ready for Fight
TRINIDAD -- T&T Private Members’ Club Association (TTPMA) president Sherry Persad says the gaming industry intends to fight back against Government plans to increase taxes on the industry. She said, however, that the fight will be “in every lawful manner that is available.” During his Budget presentation Monday, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said the existing rate of duty on all mechanical games of chance for gambling, now 20 per cent, would be increased to 40 per cent from October 20. The measures will take effect on January 1, 2018 and will be strictly enforced in 2018. “The present tax payment compliance rate of only 10 per cent by industry participants in the gambling industry is unacceptable and can no longer be tolerated,” Imbert said. However, Persad described the move as an “inhumane increase,” adding that thousands will be affected. “The Government cannot continue
to proceed with the deluded concept that taxation is a revenue generating option for our nation,” Persad said. Persad said members view the gaming increases as an act of bad faith by the Government, noting it appears to have singled out the industry as one of the few areas for taxation revenue to bear the burden of the nation’s economic challenges. She called on Government to take heed of their request and withdraw any increases in taxing the gaming industry while legislation is before the Joint Select Committee (JSC). “Over the last year, various stakeholders have been in communication with the Ministry of Finance and participating with the JSC in developing relevant and fair gaming legislation that will regulate the industry, yet without any notice or consultation the taxes on the industry was dramatically increased,” Persad said. - Trinidad Guardian
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Goverment Mulls Offering Lands to Storm-Hit Caribbean Nationals
GUYANA -- The Government of Guyana has signaled its willingness to make lands available for Caribbean nationals whose countries have been ravaged by hurricanes in recent times. Tropical Storm Harvey in August wreaked havoc in the Caribbean followed by Irma, which devastated the Caribbean island of Barbuda, in addition to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) among others. Hurricane Irma was followed by José, Katia, Lee, Maria and Norma, of varying intensities. Speaking to reporters on the sideline of the just concluded 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA72) in New York, President David Granger said Guyana stands ready to assist. “Guyana has a very important role to play in all of this, particularly in the Caribbean. One, we are the largest CARICOM state and we have to consider our land space as being the hinterland of the Caribbean, we have to sit down and speak to other Caribbean states, to see how this gift, maybe, could be utilised to give the people in the Caribbean a better life in the wake of these disasters,” the President said. Attention, he reiterated, must now
be placed on providing relief and evacuation, but said the affected should not be moved from one affected country to another. While relief and evacuation are short-term solutions, medium and longterm solutions should be implemented to reverse the effects of global warming. “More importantly, we got to think about mitigation, how we are going to prevent climate change at a global scale from affecting small-island developing states and also low-lying developing states, because, Belize, Suriname, and Guyana can also be affected by global warming and rising sea levels,” he emphasised. Days later, 2nd Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, who had accompanied President Granger to UNGA72, expounding on the president’s comment, made it clear that the Government is willing to make lands available to the affected Caribbean residents on a temporary basis. “The availability of land in Guyana is, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the world. Population density is very low, so lands are abundant. The problem really is, in some areas infrastructure for drainage and perhaps irrigation as
well is lacking. So you don’t really have a shortage of land even if all of those areas were to be handed out, you would still have an abundance of land elsewhere,” Minister Greenidge told a large gathering at the Medgar Evers College, in Brooklyn last week. He subsequently told Guyana Chronicle that making lands available to islanders is nothing new, noting that lands were made available to St. Lucians and other Caribbean nationals along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway in the past. Minister Greenidge said that if West Indians are interested in settling in Guyana on a temporary basis to allow for the reconstruction of their homeland, the Government is willing to facilitate them. “If West Indians are interested, and if those who are providing relief, need a place in the short term, at which people can be resettled while (their) land is being rebuilt and made habitable, Guyana is prepared to assist in that regard,” Minister Greenidge told the Guyana Chronicle. While US-based Guyanese, who were present at the Medgar Evers forum, applauded the Government for taking such a bold decision, Opposition Member, Anil Nandlall said the President has no authority to do such. “Indeed, from the incep-
tion, the PPP has issued several statements calling on the Government to render assistance. However, and with the greatest of respect, His Excellency the President cannot arrogate unto himself the power and authority to offer Guyana’s land mass to foreigners without a word of consultation with or approval of the real owners of these lands – the citizens of Guyana,” Nandlall stated upon hearing the news. Nandlall, the former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister under the PPP, stressed that the issue was never discussed with citizens or at the level of the National Assembly. “The Leader of the Opposition or anyone else was informed or consulted in any manner whatsoever. Are we so unimportant in the President’s mind? From whence has President Granger derived the authority to offer our patrimony and our sovereign territory to foreigners?” Nandlall noted too that the announcement comes at a time when thousands of Guyanese residing in Guyana are still clamoring to own a piece. - Guyana Chronicle
Man Wanted by INTERPOL Busted With Cocaine, Ganja
GUYANA -- A 55 year old minibus driver of Tabatinga, Lethem, was on Sunday morning busted at Mabura Police Outpost, allegedly with a quantity of cannabis and cocaine for trafficking. Garfield Christopher Parker, whose name appeared on the INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organisa-
tion) wanted list since 2016 for international drug trafficking, is currently in police custody and is assisting with the investigation. According to reports, on Sunday, October 1, about 04:00 hrs, the police acting on information received, stopped minibus BKK 8295 and conducted a search at
Mabura Police Station. Two cardboard boxes and a multi-coloured suitcase was found and a quantity of taped parcels were retrieved, containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with a small plastic parcel containing what is suspected to be cocaine. The drugs were weighed and the
cannabis amounted to 24.9 kilograms and the cocaine 200 grams. Parker, who was the driver, claimed ownership and knowledge of the drugs and told police that he was transporting the drugs for someone in Lethem. He is currently being processed for court. - Guyana Chronicle
HIV Positive National Football Player Fears Discrimination in Disclosure of Status
GUYANA -- A Twenty one-year-old National football player has been living with HIV since he was 17-years-old, and now he wants to find a way to break the news to his teammates of his status. However, as much as he believes it’s the right thing to do, he fears being discriminated against, simply because football in Guyana isn’t welcoming to his ‘type’. To protect his identity, Chronicle Sport will refer to the player as ‘John’. When ‘John’ was 17, he was invited by some friends to party, but, what he didn’t know was that he was being set-up by his friends. John was raped, repeatedly by a group of men. “My mother use to ensure that my life was just about school and football, nothing else. I never got the chance to really socialize and so on, but then, mom decided to leave the country for a quick spin and asked that I stay with a family member for the period of time” John said. “I went with my friends to this party in Kitty, they said it will be fun and I should learn the streets, because I was mommy boy. To make a long story short, I remember being undressed by some men, and got up feeling sore in my a**” John said, in relating his gruesome ordeal with some men he deemed as homosexuals. The talented player, who represented Guyana at the youth level, including twice at the Inter Guiana Games (IGG), said football is an escape from the ‘noise’
around him. In fact, he said it was football which helped him to cope with abuse at home, suffered at the hands of his father who would also beat his mother to a pulp whenever the two would have an argument. “My father was the cruelest man I’ve ever met. He use to kick my mom, one time, he hit her with a hammer, and I thought she died that night. But it was a norm in the ghetto, no one came to help. My father died and I never asked why, I didn’t cry and my mother kept me under her wing because I was all she had until my sister came along” John related in an emotional interview. John’s story was substantiated by his mother and his counsellor, with both women claiming that despite a report being made about the incident of rape, nothing was ever done. The player, who features for one of Georgetown’s popular football clubs, said he tried not to relate his story to anyone about being raped by men, since people would say he’s gay, “but I’m not. I am not homophobic, but I don’t endorsed that kind of life-style, which is why that day still haunts me and If wasn’t for football, my mother and some really, really close family and my counsellor, I would’ve been dead by now because I attempted to take my life a few times.” Finding out being HIV Positive Almost a year after the incident, John fell
ill and his mother who works in the medical field, thought her son had pneumonia, “I never thought about HIV” the player’s mother revealed to Chronicle Sport, adding that she thought he probably got some other form of autoimmune disease. A trip to Georgetown Hospital would change the family’s life, after John’s blood test showed that he was HIV Positive. Several test done at a number of medical institutions in Guyana by the family didn’t change the positive result. “I can’t even explain the amount of things that went through my mind. But I never had sex before that incident and I never had sex in my life. I met a girl while studying, and I told her I had HIV and she stopped talking to me” John said.
Scared of discrimination “Football is my life, understand, there’s nothing that brings me more joy right now other than playing football, even if it’s on my PlayStation but right now, we are searching for ways to come out; come out and tell my teammates ‘hey, I’m HIV Positive’, but I know this game and how unwelcoming it is to people who aren’t seen as normal, be it sexual orientation or their health.” There has never been a player in Guyana who came out publicly or even hinted to his teammates that he’s HIV positive, but, there have been of highly speculated instances of players who died as a
result of contracting the virus. Reports are prevalent from outside of Guyana, where players lose their professional contract after being tested positive, as is the case of Cameroon International Samuel Nled who, just days after signing his contract, was released by his club after his HIV results returned positive. President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, when asked if there are provisions to deal with players like John, said “the position of the GFF is very clear when it comes to discrimination, we insist that there’s no place for it in football. I think with the case of HIV, the GFF will not stop any one from playing the beautiful game, unless concrete evidence and medical guidance. I think thanks to more tools of education, people now, unlike the old times, know how to co-exist.” However, John disagree with the GFF president, stating “there’s no education for sportsmen and women in Guyana about a lot of things, and HIV happens to be one of them. I know, in football, locally, there are no medical done on our players, clubs and the federation here don’t pay no interest into that part of the game. Take me for example, people don’t know when I was really sick, but, thanks to my mother and close family, I have my antiretroviral drugs; tenofovir, lamivudine, emtricitabine, efavirenz and other drugs that keep me well, along with eating healthy.” - Guyana Chronicle
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Priority Focus Coming for HPV Vaccine
JAMAICA -- The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine is to be added to the regular schedule of vaccines in the public health system. This was announcedby Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton. The vaccine will today be administered to girls between the ages of nine and 14 at grade seven. There has been some level of discontent and apprehension about the roll-out of the vaccine aimed at protecting girls from cervical cancer, which can result from two specific strains of the HPV later in life. The vaccine is most effective if administered during the targeted age cohort, medical experts have said. Responding to questions about the longterm plan for the vaccine as part of the country’s schedule of mandatory vaccines, Dr Tufton stated that: “Parents can decide and expressly state that they don’t want their child getting the vaccine, but otherwise, we are moving towards universal coverage for the vaccine, and that’s the direction that we are going — to standardise it over time and make it a standard part of the menu of vaccines that we administer as part of the public health”. He was speaking on Friday at a sensitisation session for the media hosted by the ministry and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) at its offices in Kingston. But Dr Tufton stated that, “we are not
there yet”, when further pressed as to whether the same legal regime would exist for the HPV vaccine, whereby for example, admittance to the school system can be denied if a child is not fully immunized for their age. According to the regulations governing the Public Health Act: “the person authorised to admit pupils to any school shall not admit any child or if already admitted shall not permit any child to continue attending any such school, unless such child or his parent produces a certificate of immunization issued by a public officer or a medical practitioner for the child”. Individuals not in compliance with the regulations could face a fine or sentence in the parish court. Meanwhile, the National Parenting Commission is among the stakeholders which have endorsed the vaccine. “We believe that this is most important at this time,” head of the commission, Kaysia Kerr, stated in her remarks to the forum, noting that the organisation has been engaging parents in its own public education campaign and would, in the upcoming weeks, be ramping up these activities to ensure that parents of girls in grade seven are “strongly urged” to get their children vaccinated. Acting director of Family Health Services in the ministry, Dr Melody Ennis, pointed out that girls and young women between the ages
of 15 to 26 are also strongly urged to get the vaccine, which is available in the private health care system. “The dosing vaccine is a little bit different. It’s going to be three that is required, stat dose one month after, and then six months after the first dose. At this time, the ministry of health is not offering it to those persons…remember we are hoping to get over 80 per cent coverage [which] would put us in a good position in the future,” she said. Explaining the age cut-off, subregional advisor on immunisation for PAHO region, Karen Lewis Bell outlined, “If someone has not become sexually active at age 26 and has not been exposed to the virus already, they could get the vaccine… the vaccine won’t be as effective in terms of the level of protection that it will provide for older persons. It’s most effective when given to the younger group in terms of the immune response that the body mounts.” The vaccine will be administered to girls under the Government’s programme, in two doses, six months apart. Health experts are insisting that the vaccine is safe, and have undertaken to continue to educate and sensitise the public through various meetings across the island with interest groups, guidance counsellors, and parent teachers’ associations. - Jamaica Observer
Goverment Urged to Rethink Medical Ganja Policy
JAMAICA -- Two of the country’s leading thinkers have called on the Government to rethink its policy approach towards the development of the medical ganja industry. Former governor general Professor Kenneth Hall disagrees with the establishment of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) to regulate an industry that is at the embryonic stage. The CLA is responsible for all matters pertaining to the cultivation, transportation, processing, retail, and research and development, each of which requires a licence to participate. Each licensee is required to conduct transactions only with those who are also in possession of a licence. Speaking recently at a conference hosted by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) in Kingston, Hall suggested that Government should, instead, set up an agency to promote the development of the medical ganja industry. He further argued for the establishment of a single agency to lead the development of science, technology and innovation (STI) in Jamaica as is the case in India, a world power in inventions. Scientist and entrepreneur Professor Henry Lowe also lamented how the medical ganja industry was being managed, noting that there was “too much control”. He pointed to reports that the bank of Jamaica had instructed commercial banks against doing business with players in the medical
ganja industry. Lowe warned that if the reports were true “this would send the industry underground, causing significant losses to the formal economy”. According to Lowe, projections were that the global medical ganja industry would value US$55.8 billion by 2025. In his opening address to the UCC conference — held under the theme ‘Innovation, Technology, Leadership - A Paradigm Shift’ — Professor Lowe pointed to several entrepreneurial opportunities for innovation in science and technology. These include the: • • • • •
US$5-trillion global agricultural industry; US$3-trillion health and wellness tourism; US$1.3-trillion pharmaceutical industry; US$295-billion nutraceutical industry by 2022;and US$3.5-billion information communication technology industry.
He said that Jamaica could overcome barriers to innovation by transforming our universities into ‘entrepreneurial universities’ , linking science and business and providing research solutions to industry needs. Other strategies to overcome barriers to innovation include:
• • • • • • •
Establishing clear policies and strategies at the regional and national levels to boost innovation; Transforming science education to provide solutions to development issues; Placing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and make the teaching more interesting; Focus on lucrative industries by creating niches and applying innovation; Caribbean private sectors should take more risks and position themselves to tap into the lucrative and growing industries; The regional STI institutions should implement practical initiatives to boost innovation in the Caribbean; and A mentorship programme for young scientists could help as future innovation ... young people and young scientists.
Lowe described UCC, which is marking its 25th anniversary, as a “trailblazer which speaks of innovation”. In welcoming conference participants Dr Winston Adams, UCC Group executive chairman, noted that “innovation is what allows a university like UCC to keep rebuilding, reshaping and reeducating itself to remain relevant”. - Jamaica Observer
Heart Foundation Seeks to Raise $5 million
JAMAICA -- The Heart Foundation of Jamaica is hoping to raise at least $5 million from its annual ‘Run for Your Heart’ lapathon, which will take place later in November. This year marks the 38th staging of the event, which aims to raise funds in order to maintain the foundation’s services to the public and buy medical supplies needed to keep it operational. Despite heavy rain last Wednesday afternoon, several companies including title sponsor Proven (Wealth and Rock) and others such as NCB, as well as several schools including Hillel Academy, Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory and New Providence Primary, turned out to support the launch of the event at Emancipation Park in St Andrew. Executive director of the Heart Foundation, Deborah Chen in her remarks noted that unfortunately, heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, in the region and in Jamaica. She added that around 25 per cent of the population have high blood pressure, yet another 35 per cent are pre-hypertensive, and about 30 per cent have high cholesterol. Chen said that exercise as well as healthy eating was important in combating these high numbers and so the foundation is encouraging persons to start or continue a healthy lifestyle. She explained that on the last Sunday
in November at the National Stadium, where the event is held, they hope to see various persons as well as teams coming out to show their support. Chen highlighted that registration is now open and so companies and schools who have teams can contact the Heart Foundation, which is located on 28 Beechwood Avenue in St Andrew, where, after a team leader has been identified, the sponsorship forms will be distributed accordingly. “It’s a sponsorship form where you collect sponsorship for the laps you have walked, run or jumped.sometimes persons can just make a donation, so one of the reasons we have the launch early is it takes time to go around and collect the pledges of sponsorship,” Chen told the audience. She continued: “On the day itself, you will get a certificate of participation where we’ll tell you how many laps you have done, and this is what you’ll go back to your sponsors and collect the donations on behalf of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.” The executive director noted that on the day, persons and teams can come as early as 7:00 am to participate and that lanes will be designated for persons who wish just to walk at their own pace as well as persons who are more serious, such as marathon runners. In the centre of the field various activities will be ongoing, such as aerobic activities,
rock climbing and the annual tug of war event. Chen explained that the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is confirmed to participate, and efforts are being made to get the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Fire Brigade on board. If this does not work out, she said the JDF will go against civilians, as the activity is one of the highlights of the overall event. While the foundation made just about $4 million last year, Chen is hopeful that this year’s minimum will be at least $5 million and go up to even $8 million, but said this depends on the numbers that turn out as well as the level of participation. “What we are hoping is that the event will just be a catalyst for persons who may not have exercise as part of their everyday life to make it regular, if is even to come to Emancipation Park or a park near your home, or even to walk around your home in the evening — just to make exercise a regular part of your life,” Chen stated. Following the event, members of the audience were invited to participate in the ceremonial walk as well as an aerobics session which took place on the stage, instead of on the grounds of the park, due to the rain. - Jamaica Observer
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40 Years of Fun With Kisko Freeze Pops! There’s nothing more satisfying than a frozen treat on a warm summer’s day, something to cool you down, and also satiate your sweet tooth! For generations children and adults alike have been enjoying frozen snacks as a way to commemorate warm weather; there’s something about them that brings back nostalgic feelings, happy memories, and the innocence of childhood. “My dad Leslie Josephs, was a real entrepreneur,” shares Mark Josephs, President at Kisko, and son of Leslie, the founder of Kisko products. “He was the kind of guy that worked night and day,” Mark describes his father’s vigorous work ethic. “He encountered a lot of challenges and his legacy at the end of the day is truly one of persistence and perseverance, he was a guy that would never quit no matter what.” Leslie Josephs was the youngest of seven children, and his own father was an entrepreneur himself. Growing up the values of dedication and hard work was something that he was accustomed to seeing how his father had built his own business, it was a drive that he implemented in his own life realizing as the youngest of seven there wasn’t going to be much in the family business that would be left to him. After marrying his wife Glenor, Leslie moved to Kingston where he decided to start his own business. He founded the idea of selling snow cones, one of the first people to introduce snowcones to Jamaica. Leslie hired drivers to peddle around in small pick-up trucks and sell his brand of snow cones called Joe’s Snowcones. Eventually, the dishonesty of his workers is what caused him to shut down that business. His drivers would rip him off by using his vehicles to sell snow cones with their own branded cups. While traveling to Panama, Leslie makes a stopover in Columbia. He was riding
on one of the old country busses when they stopped at a railway crossing and he spotted a young child selling frozen things in plastic tubes. Seeing this, he had his eureka moment thinking to himself “This is it!” he bought all of the packets from the child, hoping to get in touch with the owners of this creation and find out what it was all about. After thorough research Leslie went back to Jamaica, and started his own production line with his wife in the house they were renting to make their own brand of ‘freeze pops’ They would manually fill preformed plastic tubes, freeze and have them be sold to children in schools. When he saw the potential it had he purchased his first automated machine to keep on streamlining what came to be known as Kisko pops. Leslie built his business from the ground up. Kisko products were initially sold only in schools, but then progressively became available at street vendors, and in supermarkets. The brand became quite successful in the 70’s and they were able to expand their product line to include items like boxed drinks and more tasty flavors to choose from. In 1975 the Josephs family made the move to Canada. Leslie’s wife Glenor wanted to leave Jamaica with things that were happening politically in the country and the level of violence increasing, she decided it was time to move her family and so on Christmas Eve they emigrated and settled into the GTA. When they arrived the first thing that Leslie attempted to do was find work. The business was still running in Jamaica, he had brought on a partner to help with managing things in Jamaica, but he needed to find a job here so that he would be able to provide for his family in this new country. As an immigrant, it was difficult for him to find a good position. He was turned down on multiple occasions and told to come back when he had gotten some Canadian experience.
As frustrating as this was for him, Leslie was nothing if not persistent. “His two greatest values would be persistence and integrity and those really describe who my dad truly was.” Mark shares. He found it unreasonable for companies to ask him to come back when he gained some experience if no one hired him, and so he started to brainstorm potential business ideas that he could start up here on Canadian soil. In trying to stay with what he already knew, Leslie explored his options. There was already another company here in Canada, that held the rights to the Mr. Freeze brand, and so Kisko launched a new product, drink pouches with a straw, and you could freeze it, eat it, drink it or enjoy it any way that you wanted. They established a location in Agincourt, Ontario in 1977. “Mom and Dad started the business, and we as kids worked in the business during the summer alongside other family members.” Mark shares. They worked, and they struggled because of the competition and the seasonality of their product, but Leslie was resilient, fighting for his business, borrowing money to keep it running. In 1999 the company that owned the Mr. Freeze brand was bought out by Hershey a company worth billions at the time and their competition increased. “He should have quit, but he always kept going,” Mark says admiring his father’s legacy. Eventually, things turned around for the company. Twelve years ago they were able to purchase the Mr. Freeze brand from Hershey, and that allowed Kisko to become the largest freezepop manufacturer in Canada. They were also able to receive licensing rights for SHREK from DreamWorks Inc. This propelled Kisko into mass merchandiser accounts and forged the way for many future license agreements like Crush, Dr. Pepper, Hires Root Beer, Mott’s, Welch’s and much more.
Mr. Leslie Josephs passed away on December 24, 2007, after battling an aggressive form of Leukemia just after Kisko operations moved to their current facility in 2007. The move was a tough one, as they had to completely renovate the building before it could be fit for operations. In January 2008 transition of leadership roles went to Leslie’s sons, Mark, Randy and Peter who continue to run the business today. Kisko is a proud family run business whose focus for forty years, has always been to produce the best quality freeze pops in the market. It has an ongoing commitment to product quality and providing 100% customer satisfaction as it relates to their products as well as customer service. They are dedicated to serving as well as giving back to the community and in 2005 started supporting “School Builds In Jamaica” in 2005, through The Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation. To commemorate their forty years in Canada, they decided to help build a school in Jamaica, the Lower Buxton Infant School. Leslie Josephs built his business with family principals in mind. His work ethic was fierce and he made sure to involve his sons in every aspect of running the business so they could continue his legacy long after he was gone. He treated all of his employees like family and was always willing to give anyone a chance knowing the struggle he faced when he first came to Canada. “He always had faith and trust in God that he would carry us through,” Mark said. “He stressed the importance of family, both him and my mother sacrificed a lot for this business, working 27/7 and also raising a family. His legacy of persistence and integrity has been left to us and we will continue to run the business through his teachings in the years to come.” Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter
entertainment
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Wize up artists. Wize Up is a universal brand.”
DT The Artist dt@carib101.com
Entertainment The City of Toronto is a fashion trendsetter for upcoming clothing brands. I had the opportunity to interview Brent “CJ” Hackett, founder of the Wize Up brand. During the interview, “CJ” was a wealth of information, inspiration, and passion. “CJ” is one of those creative individuals that is constantly supporting artists, and events happening throughout the city of Toronto. Get to know the name and the brand “Wize Up” I asked the following questions. How was the brand started? “Wize Up started as a clothing company to promote other people to become entrepreneurs. Eventually, it turned into event planning. To create our own opportunities. At first, our thought was being at the right event. Then we decided to throw the right event. Out of that, the Wize Up brand became a lifestyle brand company with clothing, events, and building a support system for Toronto
What does Wize Up mean? “To pursue that thing that you’ve always wanted. The name came to me as a reflection of me knowing that I could do better. Everything becomes a moment and a reminder.” How did you garner support? “I started reaching out to local Toronto artists through social media introducing the brand, and the possibilities of potential partnerships. I first told my friends and they literally said it’s not possible. So, I started off by myself, going to events every day. I decided to start telling people about the brand.” “I met up with Bianca “star status” at a show. Outside the show, I spoke to some people and one of them turned out to be T Major, one of Toronto’s premiere producers, and DJ’s. And he became a brand ambassador, supporting and promoting “Wize UP”. “And then I met Lily and Kronicles through T Major, Lily and Kronicklez became a major part of the Wize Up brand, building the team, and creating the events. The marketing premise became having people question what the hat meant, creating conversations and opportunities to promote the brand.”
have worked with? “Most of the artists Wize Up has worked with include T Major, Bianca Star Status, Kroniclez, kip, Danby star, Stacee Brizzle, Jewelz, Keshia Fresh, K Woodz, Randy, laid low, DT The Artist, Chief Reckah, J Rich, and Ellie Knightly. We have a lot more partnerships to come.” What is your main goal for the brand? “To be the most influential platform for up and coming artists and entrepreneurs. To help network with people that can bring them to the next level. Cross promotion, and lifestyle opportunities.” What are some of the challenges you have faced building the brand? “I had to take a long hard look at myself. Dealing with and overcoming doubts. I asked myself - can I do this? I had to step out of my comfort zone, and shatter all doubts in order to go for my dreams. I stopped worrying about other people’s opinions. The hard part was financially I didn’t have the means, so I just used
what little I had to make a product, and slowly build.” What are some of the lessons you’ve learned? “I take advice from people either doing better than me, or those on the same wavelength as me. When you’re humble a lot more doors open for you. Build relationships. Never think you’re bigger than you are. Be yourself and be real. Don’t put this Illusion that you’re something that you’re not. Be committed. Never forget where you started.” What advice would you give to others? “Just start. Don’t over think it, create. You can literally create anything out of nothing. Don’t compare yourself to other people. Appreciate where you are.” What was the best advice you received? “Don’t overthink. Just do. Let your brand speak.”
Who have been some of the artists you
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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Hurricane Irma & Maria
Vanessa Erdelyi
vanessa@carib101.com
Travel Hurricane Irma has been the strongest hurricane in the Atlantic, since Hurricane Catrina in 2005. It was deemed a category 5 by the National Hurricane Center. Tragically many lives were lost. Rest in Peace. Hurricane Irma has caused over 60 billion dollars worth of damage. Many people were injured, without power, water, and even food. Hurricane Irma started on August 30th , 2017, and ended on September 15th, 2017. There were tourists that were vacationing in the Caribbean when the hurricane hit, Most had to evacuate their resorts immediately, end their vacation early and go back home. Hotel staff, airlines, and travel agents had worked so hard to safely bring back tour-
ists. Some of the beautiful Caribbean islands have been left devastated or destroyed. The hurricane pulled even the largest trees out from the ground, blew cars into the air, blew roofs off homes, demolished houses, stores, schools and more. Some of the islands that were severely damaged were Barbuda, Cuba, Florida, Dominican Republic, St. Martin, Haiti, US Virgin Islands, Turks & Cacaos, and St. Kitts. To make matters worse, a second catastrophic hurricane hit the islands. Hurricane Maria has severely devastated Puerto Rico and Dominica. Many lives were also lost as a result of this hurricane. Others are homeless and in shelters. Millions of residents are without power; in fact, the entire Island of Puerto Rico has no power. Only those lucky enough to have a generator are able to have power. The governor of Puerto Rico stated it could be several months before power is working. Puerto Rico is also under a government-enforced public curfew. Nobody is allowed out of their homes between 6 pm and 6 am. The island of Dominica was also placed under a curfew after the hurricane hit.
The government also put the island under an official State of Emergency. All travel to Dominican is not recommended, by Global Affairs Canada. Several deaths have also been reported. Homes, building, and structures were severely damaged. The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Bahamas, Jamaica and some cities in Cuba suffered minor or no damage. Not all of the islands are fully operational. Although Cuba did suffer a dangerous hit from Hurricane Irma, some cities and properties remain intact or only suffered minor damages, which has already been restored. Some resorts in Varadero Cuba are still safe as if nothing happened. Other areas in Cuba like Holguin have not been affected at all. On the other hand, Islands like St. Martin have a complete travel ban, airports are closed and all international flights are canceled. It is not expected to be fit for tourism until January 2018. In the event that you are ever in a country with an active hurricane, here are a few tips to keep safe: • Relocate to a different country if possible • Stay indoors in a centrally located room on the main floor • Stay in contact and update family/social media
• •
Turn off electricity at the main breaker if flooding could be an issue Do not go outside (high winds and flying debris can be life-threatening)
There are several ways that we can help to re-establish these affected islands. One way is to donate to your favorite Hurricane Irma or Maria charity. Any amount is better than nothing. Another way to help is to continue with your travel plans if possible. If your destination or resort has been directly affected or closed down, you may still have options to change or book a different location that has not been affected. Speak with your travel agent for specific details. Another way to help contribute, and re-establish, is to continue to purchase goods that have been imported from the affected country (even as simple as fruits or vegetables). Any income earned by those foreign businesses will help the country’s economy. Overall, the Caribbean has experienced a series of tragic and devastating hurricanes this season. It is unfortunate that we can’t prevent these types of natural disasters from occurring. Let’s work together and help in any way we can.
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food
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Finger On The Pulse: Green Lentil Salad and beans (black, blackeye peas, kidney, great northern, navy, pinto, fava, small red, mung, lima, cranberry, pink). Red kidney beans are a popular staple in Jamaican cuisine. These types of beans are used to make rice and peas, a vegetarian delight made with ingredients like coconut milk, scallion, thyme, pimento and scotch bonnet pepper. Lima bean (also known as butter bean), is another popular type of pulse you’ll most likely find in a Caribbean household - it makes for a very tasty spread on tortillas topped with greens, especially callaloo! Pulses do not contain gluten which means they are suitable for people who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. Here are three other reasons to love pulses: 1. Pulses are an affordable low-fat source of protein that contributes to good nutrition and health. 2. Pulses are easy to cook with and there are simple ways you can add them to your diet. Add a half a cup or more of your favorite cooked pulses into any salad or soup; replace half or all the meat in your pasta sauce with cooked green lentils or black beans; toss a handful of white beans in your smoothie or try roasted chickpeas as an alternative to
Eartha Lowe
eartha@carib101.com
Green Healthy Eating “What is a pulse?” Think tiny powerhouses that are an important part of vegetarian and vegan diets. Pulses are packed with high-quality protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and folate. According to Pulse Canada, a national industry association that represents growers, processors and traders of pulse crops in Canada, pulses are one of the most versatile, heart-healthy food choice on the planet - not to mention, they’re sustainable! “Pulses” or “legumes,” include crops like: chickpeas (kabuli, desi); lentils (green, red, small brown, french green, black); dry peas (split green, split yellow, whole green, whole yellow)
3.
salty snacks. Cooked pulses can be pureed. Use pulse puree in baked goods, or, as a tasty dip, spread, sauce or soup base.
Green Lentil Salad: This salad is quick to prepare. Store in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 days. Omit the caramelized onion if you like, but you should try them at least once. The caramelized onion is a sensational garnish. You’ll need For the salad: • 3 cups (500mL) green lentils, cooked • 1 1/2 cups (375mL) grape tomatoes, halved • 1 green pepper, chopped • 1 seedless cucumber, diced • 1/4 cup (60mL) fresh parsley, chopped For the toppings: • 1 small red onion, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup walnuts, crushed • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) For the dressing: • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• •
1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions: 1. Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside. 2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the onion and saute for 8 - 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until caramelized. Remove from heat. 3. To make the dressing, whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl. 4. Toss the salad with the dressing to coat. Top with the caramelized onion, walnuts and/or feta cheese. Prep and cook time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 - 6 Difficulty: EASY! Tips: Swap out the lentils in this recipe for split green peas, chickpeas, black beans (they’re great with roasted corn niblets), or white kidney beans. Canned pulses are convenient. Opt for cans with no salt added. Always rinse and drain canned pulses well before using. Healthy can start right here.
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Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
Roasted Strip Loin
Philip DeWar
philip@carib101.com
Caribbean Fused Cuisine Meat and potatoes. Likely the most common Canadian and American dish, but did you know how often folks will prepare these “simple” items incorrectly? It might be a com-mon, simple dish but there a few important lessons that can take it from boring fare into something to behold! A common mistake people make in seasoning meat is adding too much salt. Instead of adding flavour, hi8s will actually
remove moisture and flavour of the meat, which is es-pecially important when using a good cut. You can sprinkle some on top at the end, but do not use salt in your rub or marinades. When selecting a rub, there aren’t too many rules. Use the seasonings you enjoy and that work well together. An assortment of paprika, cayenne, cumin and cajun always work well. If you find yourself near a Sobey’s in the Orangeville or Brampton area, our friends at Fire in the Kitchen have some amazing rubs to choose from! The next important thing to remember is that you need to remove the meat (depending on size) about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to cook. Bringing the meat to room temperature is important for it to cook evenly. If you go from fridge to pan the out-side will end up burning before the inside is cooked through. For a 10 lb strip loin, an hour is a safe bet. Once you’re ready to cook, fire up
food
your cast iron pan, flat top of the grill to high. You want to sear the outside creating a nice crust that will look in all the flavours. Rotate the meat every minute or two, or until you notice a nice crust has formed. Once the outside is browned, you can transfer it to a baking dish.. or pop the cast iron pan straight into the oven! If you’re transferring to a baking dish, chop up some root vegetables like potatoes, car-rots and celery to use as a bed for the meat. All the juices will melt together with the vegetables and create an amazing side dish. Have your oven preheated to 250 de-grees and slide everything in! The key here is low and slow. You’ve already got a nice crust on the outside and now you just want to slowly have the inside cook without having the muscle fibres becom-ing tense and tough. This will also help to ensure the meat remains moist! Cook in the oven for about 90 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal tempera-
PAGE 27
ture of 120 degrees. It’s not quite finished yet, but it’s time for it to come out of the oven. Place it on a platter and cover it tightly with foil. This is the final resting stage! Let your strip loin rest for about 30 minutes until it reaches the internal temperature of 150. Let-ting it rest will finish the cooking process as well as relax the flesh giving you an in-credibly tender, rich and soft piece of meat. Always lice in the direction of the grain. You’ll have a lovely medium-well around the outside and a medium rare in the middle. Make sure you follow all these steps and you’ll never have a dry, salty and tough piece of meat ever again!
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
beauty
Makeup and the Workplace
Kizzy Courtney
kizzy@carib101.com
Beauty Tips
Makeup for the workplace is one of the toughest things to get right. I mean early mornings can be hell for some as it is, with making sure your outfit is right, eating a healthy breakfast, or wrangling your kids out the door. Sitting down to do your makeup is the last thing on your mind; however, looking competent and professional is extremely important in the workplace. Perfecting a quick ten-minute makeup look should be an essential part of your morning routine. For this, you may have to put down the hot pink lipstick and glittery eyeliner, however, you don’t have to go barefaced. The trick is finding a look that enhances your natural beauty and makes you look pol-
ished and put together. Makeup for the workplace should focus on the basics, and if done right will enhance your natural features and have you ready for the long day ahead in no time at all. Here are a few simple tips to quickly perfect your morning makeup routine. Natural Glowy Skin • When it comes to the skin less is always more, using a tinted moisturizer or BB creams is the simplest way to get a flawless base quickly. • After the base, touch up with some concealer where required. • Add a little blush or bronzer if you like Eye-Brows • Although they are quite understated, your brows are a very important part of your face. They frame your face and give it an edge. • Using a light hand fill in your brows using a pencil that works best with your skin tone and you’ll realize what a difference it brings to your face.
Eyes • For eyes, it is best to keep it simple and stick to neutral, earth tone eyeshadow colors like browns, beige, taupes. Never use glittery shadows as they do not look professional unless the environment calls for it. • If you’re a liner lover draw your eyes perfectly by getting as close to the lashes as you can. Your liner should at no point of time appear thick and overdone. • Mascara should be done as naturally as possible, just a few coats are all you need. Lips • Like the eyes, you want to stay away from shades that will be too distracting, try to avoid neon colors or dark colors like red or berry, and stick to nudes or beige. • It is very important for you to use a nontransferable and long-lasting lip color because you cannot touch up your makeup every half hour. • If you like lip-gloss, please ensure that it is without shimmery particles. Over the course of the day, your lipstick fades and the shimmer sticking to your lips looks
PAGE 29
bad. Your makeup should always enhance your features, and not hide who you are. It should not look cakey or layered. Your skin should look relaxed, it should make you feel both comfortable and amazing. You spend over 8-10 hours a day with makeup on and by the time the day ends, you don’t want to feel like your makeup is melting off or you can scrape it off because you’ve got so much on. Always remember to never sleep with your makeup on. It is very important to always remove your makeup after reaching home with a good cleanser, apply a good night cream to repair and help take care of your skin. Your skin bears all kinds of chemicals, heat, cold and sun-rays during the day. You need to pamper your skin with at least a night cream to replenish it overnight. Every woman on this earth is beautiful in her own way. Every time we look at the mirror, we admire ourselves, and then, of course, there is makeup to enhance our beauty and make us more confident and happy about ourselves. Let’s admit it…makeup is fun!
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
Juvenile Diabetes
Allison Brown
allison@carib101.com
Health Care Getting the news that your child has been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes or type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes as it is also called is a very hard one. As a parent, you want to know what you did wrong. There is the initial shock of the diagnosis and then the ensuing questions about how to cope, etc. are not easy ones. This article will provide information about juvenile diabetes. The body produces glucose (sugar) and also gets glucose from foods like bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, milk and fruit and is stored or used for energy by cells in the body. The pancreas is the organ in the body that is made up of particular cells called beta cells. They produce insulin which is a hormone used to help the body to control the level of glucose in your blood. Without insulin, glucose builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy according to diabetes Canada. The body requires insulin to survive, so if the body is no longer producing insulin, insulin must be injected into the body. The diagnosis is usually made before the age of twenty-five. According to the mayo clinic, children experience the following signs
and symptoms of type 1 diabetes which usually develop quickly, over a period of weeks. These signs and symptoms include: • Increased thirst and frequent urination. Excess sugar building up in your child’s bloodstream pulls fluid from tissues. As a result, your child might be thirsty — and drink and urinate more than usual. A young, toilet-trained child might suddenly experience bed-wetting. • Extreme hunger. Without enough insulin to move sugar into your child’s cells, your child’s muscles and organs lack energy. This triggers intense hunger. • Weight loss. Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, your child may lose weight — sometimes rapidly. Without the energy sugar supplies, muscle tissues and fat stores simply shrink. Unexplained weight loss is often the first sign of type 1 diabetes to be noticed in children. • Fatigue. Lack of sugar in your child’s cells might make him or her tired and lethargic. • Irritability or behavior changes. In addition to mood problems, your child might suddenly have a decline in performance at school. • Fruity-smelling breath. Burning fat instead of sugar produces certain substances (ketones) that can cause a fruity breath odor. • Blurred vision. If your child’s blood sugar is too high, fluid may be pulled from the lenses of your child’s eyes.
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health
Your child might be unable to focus clearly. Yeast infection. Girls with type 1 diabetes may have genital yeast infections. Babies can develop diaper rashes caused by yeast.
Insulin must be injected because if it were taken as a tablet, it would be broken down in the stomach (like food) and would be unable to enter the bloodstream. Insulin comes in several different preparations, each of which works slightly differently. For example, some last up to a whole day (long-acting), some last up to eight hours (short-acting) and some work quickly but don’t last very long (rapid-acting). Treatment is likely to include a combination of different insulin preparations. Support will be provided by the healthcare team in helping to teach the patient and family how to monitor blood sugar levels, and how to administer insulin whether at home or school. As I have always stated, it is important to build a rapport with your primary care provider, whether a physician or nurse practitioner so that when the child is experiencing the above symptoms there is no trepidation to call and make an appointment to get things checked out. The physician and or nurse practitioner will refer the child to a pediatric endocrinologist. Pediatric endocrinologists deal with hormone disorders at all stages of childhood and the teen years. It is my hope that this article has provided you the reader with some information about juvenile diabetes.
Safe and Healthy Food, Thanks to Pesticides
It can be confusing to read signs and labels at the grocery store. From “organic” to “natural” to “GMO-free,” there is so much information about food available. What none of these labels provide is information on the most important element of our food system — safety. Canada has one of the safest food supplies in the world. Health Canada and the Cana-
dian Food Inspection Agency ensure the foods we consume are safe for us to eat. Part of this responsibility includes monitoring foods for contaminants and residues to ensure that they are always well below any level that could pose a health concern. This includes regular tests for pesticide residues. Fruits and vegetables in particular are important for a balanced diet.
CFIA’s data show more than 98 per cent of Canadian-grown produce is in compliance with Health Canada residue levels. Most produce does not have any detectable residues at all. The levels are set well below the amount that could cause human harm. - News Canada
Three Simple Steps to a Healthier Home
Poor indoor air quality in residential spaces can be a problem. While you cannot control the allergens and pollutants lurking outside, there are many ways to take action to improve your indoor air quality. Here are some tips to help keep your home the perfect place for relaxing and playing with the kids by ensuring your family has clean air to breathe.
1. Vacuum smarter. One of the easiest things you can do is vacuum thoroughly and regularly on all levels. While conventional vacuums filter dirt and dust but recirculate the same air via the exhaust back inside, central vacuums remove the air, dirt and dust from the home. Maintenance
is also easier because the central vacuum units have a self-cleaning filter. Engineered with motors that provide powerful suction, central vacuum systems from Beam provide a deeper clean and an emphasis on quiet performance. 2. Freshen air wisely. Open windows are not always the best way to bring in fresh air. When pollen levels are high, the spores can come into your home and stick to surfaces. On highallergen days, refresh air and cool with fans or the air conditioner. As an additional line of defense against dust mite debris and allergens, use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter with your central furnace and air conditioning unit.
3. Mitigate moisture. Mould thrives in dark, damp climates, so it is important to eliminate places for growth. To start, be aware of moisture levels throughout your home. Always use the bathroom exhaust fan to inhibit moisture build-up. Fix leaky faucets as quickly as possible and stay on top of maintenance for appliances like the refrigerator and air conditioner. Additionally, consider using a dehumidifier to decrease the amount of moisture inside the home. This can be particularly important during rainy seasons and in basements or cellar spaces. - News Canada
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yoga
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Inversions Trisha Curling
trishacurling@carib101.com
Yoga Straight up? I love them. I was first attracted to inversions because I thought it would just be really cool to be able to say that I could do a headstand. They are, however, much more than just really cool poses to execute. Inversions have so many benefits for both body and mind, but not all inversions are for everyone. The good news is, there are many variations that can be applied to suit your individual needs and yoga practice so that we may reap the benefits. On the most ba-
sic level, they are fun and provide a sense of confidence that can’t be explained on paper. The benefits do go way beyond fun. “By reversing the effects of gravity, the inverted poses drain fluid out of the legs and lower body to regulate the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid. The head, brain and upper torso are nourished with fresh blood and oxygen to provide mental clarity and alertness.” (Yoga Medicine 200 Hr. Training Manual, Tiffany Cruikshank). This sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I know that when I spend an extended period of time in front of my laptop and/or if I’m feeling a little stressed out, inversions are helpful in providing the ability to feel more refreshed and back to task. It’s not a magic pill, but the key is creating a more balanced state day to day by building them into my regular routines. The thing is, fear might be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of inversions and this is extremely valid, especially for beginners. The first place to start is
to consider what contraindications we might have before performing them. These things should be confirmed with your doctor. In addition to getting confirmation from your doctor, it is also extremely necessary to listen to your own body. If something feels wrong, or painful, staying away from these poses is the better decision. Some of the contraindications to consider are eye conditions including glaucoma, hypertension (that is not being treated), heart disease, or spinal issues. Keep in mind that there are some very accessible ways to get into inversions that may not have implications on some of the issues you might be facing (getting the green light from your doctor is 100% necessary though). A pose like “Legs up the Wall” allows you to take the most pressure off of your spine because you are laying on a floor/yoga mat. By bringing your buttocks as close to the wall as possible and putting your legs straight up the wall, you can still receive it’s calming benefits along with breath. Downward Facing Dog is also con-
sidered an inversion because we are taking the heart below the head. This is a common resting pose that also has benefits of building strength in the upper body. This type of pose is also a great starting point for some of the more advanced inversion postures. Doing the prep work will set the foundation for the ability to execute these postures and to receive their benefits. This pose can also be done with a bolster underneath your head to provide more support and comfort, especially if the pose is not quite comfortable yet. More advanced postures like headstand and handstand (or any variation of the two) may seem scary, but they are extremely rewarding. Inversions are practiced by so many for more than cool photos on Instagram. When practiced, we promote improved brain function, alleviation from depression, anxiety, and stress. We build upon physical strength and confidence. From time to time, take your practice upside down so that you may feel more RIGHT side up!
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Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
life
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Are You (Really) In A Common Law Relationship Valerie Dye
valerie@carib101.com
Legal Matters In Canada persons in common law, relationships are given many of the same rights as married persons. One of the rights that common law couples enjoy is survivorship rights under the Pension Benefits Act. A common law spouse may also claim spousal support if the common law relationship is terminated. In addition to the rights enjoyed by common law couples, some persons perceive the status of common law as being
detrimental to their plans. For instance, persons may have a tax advantage if they are considered not to be common law couples. Furthermore, under the Ontario Disability Support Programme (ODSP), the income of a spouse will be considered for the purpose of calculating how much support will be paid to a person entitled to disability support. The ODSP considers a common law spouse as ‘spouse’ for this purpose. Under section 29 of the Family Law Act, a spouse includes either of two persons who have cohabited continuously for a period of not less than three years or are in a relationship of some permanence if they have a child. In many instances ‘co-habit’ may be confused with -co-resident’. The Supreme Court of Canada stated in Hodge v. Canada (Minister of Human Resources Development) that ‘cohabit’ is not synonymous with ‘co-residence’. This means that persons may be living in the same residence
but still not be cohabiting as common law spouses. Similarly, persons may be residing in separate residences and still be cohabiting and as such may be considered as common law spouses. In Stephen vs Stawecki . The plaintiff tried to recover pecuniary losses as a spouse after the death of her partner. The plaintiff and the deceased maintained separate residences but spent several nights per week in each others’ apartments. They also did everything together and were seen by friends as a couple. They did their laundry together at the home of the deceased, bought groceries and prepared meals together. They also spent Christmas together with the plaintiff’s children and celebrated as a family. The Court concluded that although the parties maintained separate residences they still cohabited in a conjugal relationship. The Court of Appeal upheld this finding and stated that: The fact that one party continues to maintain a separate residence does not preclude a find-
Transitions
Kathy McDonald kathy@carib101.com
Education The 2017/18 school year is just one month old and students are beginning to be exposed to opportunities for the 2018/19 school year. The grade 11 students are getting ready to apply to tertiary institutions with the hope of early acceptance. As well as the grade eights are beginning or should be starting to think about what trajectory they should embark upon for their high school adventure. At the Peel District School Board (PDSB) we are ramping up our efforts to disseminate as much information to parents, students and the community with regards to the variety of options and pathways that are available for our students. On September 28th Fletcher’s Creek Public school held an open house. The administration married their secondary school options for grade eight students parent information night with the open house. It was heartwarming to see the gymnasium filled with students and their guardians getting such pertinent information to facilitate an informed and well thought out plan for student’s success in high school. Such gather-
ings are very useful as it is a great opportunity to ask questions, hear other parents and student concerns and queries as well as it’s an excellent opportunity to gather information. When parents or guardians attend such information sessions it’s important to make the best of the opportunity by asking questions. There is no such thing as a bad question. Parents make sure you understand the difference between applied and academic. I would encourage you to have a frank discussion with your child. Talk about your expectations of him or her and also discuss what are the expectations your child has of himself or herself. Is your child university, college or apprenticeship bound? What are their plans after high school? Is your child doing applied programs just because they are easier or somebody said they should? Talk about your child’s passion with them and possible pathways to make their dream a reality. The PDSB has High Skills Programs and several other Regional Programs. Explore the High Skills Program offerings and determine if it is right for your child. Schools have SHSM. Do you know what they are? An SHSM is an acronym used at the PDSB it is used to denote the Specialist High Skills Major. These are programs that tend to focus on a particular interest. For example, the SHSM in Health and Wellness introduces students to the healthcare field by having a focus on subjects like biology and science but exploring areas like diagnostic medical technologies. The SHSM in manufacturing would focus on 21st-century career pathways associated with
manufacturing. The Sci-Tech program focuses on science, technology, engineering and Math (STEM). The Chinguacousy Secondary School brochure describes their SHSM curriculum as “rich experiential learning, sector-recognized certification, cross-curricular study, Cooperative Education, and interaction with practicing healthcare professionals, students will be exposed to the ever-evolving field”. I would highly recommend visiting some of the schools that offer the programs that your child is interested in. Why not experience firsthand what the site has to offer? What better way to get a vibe or feel the pulse of a school than spending some time in the environment and meet some of the staff and students that are attending the school. Different schools offer different programs. For example Applewood Heights offers a Regional Sports Program.; Bramalea Secondary school offers a Truck and Coach Program Engineering and Technology; Central Peel Secondary offers a Regional Strings Program as well as an Advanced Placement (AP) Program; Turner Fenton Secondary School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program; Mayfield Secondary School offers the Regional Arts program; TL Kennedy Secondary School has an International Executive Leadership Academy and also offers Graphic Design Management; Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School offers Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services Program and North Park offers the International Business Technology (IBT) Program. This list is by no means exhaustive. Talk to
ing that the parties are living together in a conjugal relationship. Similarly, the courts have noted that two persons may be living under the same roof and still not be cohabiting as common law spouses. Furthermore, having a child together or engaging in sexual activities are not by themselves enough to conclude that a common law relationship exists. To determine whether or not a common law relationship exists one needs to look at the intention of the parties. To determine the parties’ intention, one may consider, among other things, whether or not a conjugal relationship exists, how exclusive the relationship is, the extent to which the parties operate as an economic unity, the extent to which they support each other the degree of financial dependence or interdependence and the manner in which they own, use or acquire property .
teachers and staff, visit the PDSB website and ask questions.: ask, ask, ask. There is something for everyone at the PDSB. If you can’t find it at PDSB chances are you can’t get it at all! Remember that there are application deadlines to get into these programs. At the PDSB most of the electronic application period is between November 6-24th 2017. Some programs may have application fees associated with them. But don’t let the cost deter you. If the fees are a financial barrier speak to the school administration or your Trustee for help. During the month of October and November, many high schools will be having their open houses and information nights. Attend all that interest you so you will be able to harness as much knowledge about the educational opportunities available to your child. Remember knowledge is power. If you visit the PDSB website all the dates and information about secondary programs will be readily available. I would highly recommend that parents, students and community members that are not attending the PDSB visit their child’s or community member’s school board website and explore the myriad of opportunities that are offered. I would also contact the school guidance counselor and have a discussion with him or her in the presence of your child. In the final analysis, a decision should be made as to what is in the best interest of the students. So, journey with me as we explore the options that are available for students in transition. Walk Good, Belle Marché.
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community
HURRICANE IRMA ISLAND RELIEF FUND In light of the recent devastation that has swept through the Caribbean due to Hurricane Irma, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper would like to aid in the hurricane relief effort to help the families that have been affected by this storm. Hurricane IRMA, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded, has left a path of devastation in the Caribbean and continues to threaten many more of the islands in the south. The storm hit the Caribbean last week with the full force of its Category 5 winds. The full force of IRMA was felt by islands like Saint Martin, Antigua and Barbuda St. Thomas, and St. John in the US Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos and Cuba. Relief and recovery is needed on all of these islands, as many of them have been flattened to the point where they are no longer fit to live. The people of the islands have lost their families, and their homes, and they are in need of immediate assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this massive storm and to those who are in her path. At this time we are concentrating all efforts in raising funds to assist with the basic needs of families The damage has been monumental amongst the islands and 90% of the infrastructure has been reported destroyed. There is another storm developing in the wake of IRMA and the people are vulnerable. There are no electricity or water services and no radio. In association the island consulates here in Toronto, our fundraising will be directed to where it is needed most. As the official fundraising campaign we are in close touch with the government to assess their needs. We ask for your help and generosity now and as we continue to support the various islands through their reconstruction. This Fundraising effort will provide relief to survivors in the form of emergency supplies like food, water, clothing and medical supplies and will help immensely with the rebuilding process. All donations to this fund will exclusively support relief and recovery efforts. Our goal is to help the islands in any way that we can during this time of need and as a community we need to do this now more than ever. Please like, love and share
TO DONATE GoFundMe.com/Carib101
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Women of Power Weekends Simone Smith
simone@carib101.com
A Better Tomorrow I have to say Toronto, I am very proud to be an African Woman in September. The last few weeks have been motivating and engaging for me. I had made a video the other day about making small changes in my life; the more changes I make, the more I progress. I want to welcome you to A Better Tomorrow. If it is your first time, I hope you are able to learn from the column. Every other week, I am bringing focus on aspects of self, so that we can heal, one member of the community at a time. I was in the middle of a relationship series, but I have had to sidetrack due to the different aspects of my life which I find worthy of sharing with you. The last two weekends, I have had the opportunity to engage with many powerful women. This week I want to share my experience with two women: one who is a school colleague of mine, and the other, a
matriarch; a woman who continues to reinvent herself. These experiences are personal, and someone else’s experience with them may have been different; regardless, I am proud to know them both. On Sunday, September 17th, 2017, I pulled up to Daniel’s Spectrum at 9:15 a.m. I was late, of course, but I noticed other women still coming in, so I didn’t feel all too bad. I pulled into the parking, checked my face, and adjusted my hair; “Alright Simone, let’s do this.” I have made it a habit of speaking power into myself before I enter a room full of people. As I walked in, my heart swelled with pride, I realized right away whose organization and event this was; it was one of my colleagues from Windsor, Dwania Peele. The Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo is in its fifth year; Dwania’s organization celebrates the aspirations and achievements of all women. Her aim is to empower and enlighten women through workshops, seminars, and forums. These events advantage business-focused women, especially immigrant women who struggle in Canada’s labor market. I am proud because I remember her always being that advocate. In school, she was always smiling, warm and sincere in her approach with people of cultures, religions, and races. I say to you Dwania, keep doing what you are doing; you have a fan over here for life. On Saturday, September 23rd,
2017, I won’t lie, I just wanted to go home and sleep. It had been a long week; I had been fighting the flu, and my partner was starting to come down with one. We had just finished our last class, and we sat there wheezing and coughing. “Alright, two more events to go and then we can sleep.” My partner laughed; he is very easy going, so he just gave me a hug and said. “Let’s do this!” We arrived at the Ujima House at around 6:00 pm. When we walked in, the group was sitting in a circle and introducing themselves one by one. It was African Women’s Day, and the hostess, Thandie Chimurenga looked stunning in a black and white jumper, with these huge black and white artsy earrings. As a fashionista, I loved that she had come out to the event looking beautifully fierce, and powerful. Pan African Women’s Day is a day that is set aside to highlight the achievements of African Women in the past and in the present. It was a very spiritual event including the dumping of negative energy and refilling of that energy in a purer and more positive form. To my pleasure, the great Mutabaruka joined us and recited one of his great poems. His presence was felt and I was truly captured by the spirituality of the event. I am happy that I am able to share these experiences with you; our community has produced greatness, and I am ecstatic that I am a part of it all.
You Are Who You Associate With Colleen Lindberg
colleen@carib101.com
Personal Development Associate with people who are in alignment with things that you want in life. Heard this before? Well… I’ve learned a long time ago that the closer the people are in my life, the more I may take on their habits, choices, or mentality. If we associate with people who are really negative, or who criticize people or really judge people, it’s really hard to not take that on when you’re with them. Have you ever tried being the bubbly person in a room completely filled with negative thoughts, attitudes, and beings? Yuck, it’s not pretty and takes a lot of effort. Then imagine,
coming out of those situations, to not take that on when you’re outside of them. It starts to become a habit in your mind, trust me, I have broken free and know. So, take a look at the people in your life, and the people you associate with and the communities that you’re a part of, and ask yourself; are they moving you toward the goals that you have for your life? Now, this doesn’t have to be about business, this could be about your personal life, about your health goals, or about your commitments to certain types of community groups or potentially in your religious beliefs. Are those people in alignment with your core values that you want to have in your life? Core values could be anything from integrity, honesty, ambition, commitment, dedication, compassion, and giving back, to name a few. All of those qualities are values that could, or could not align with where you want to go. So, taking a look at those key factors, when you’re making decisions about where you’re going to spend your time is an
important piece in your personal development and for where you want to go. Take a look at who are you surrounding yourself with? Your best friends, your comraderies, the people you spend the most time with. And are they taking you closer to the life that you want to have, or are they leading you further down a path that you may not want to explore anymore? Sometimes it’s just having the conversation with them that might trigger a change in their own behaviors or allow them to look at themselves differently. But it may not be, sometimes it’s just the path continues on and unfortunately, some people don’t stay long-term in our paths. It is really hard to let go sometimes of people in our life, but I have really learned sometimes it’s even harder to keep them. It really all comes down to you. Who you want hanging out with you, how you want to feel and really how you want to live. It might sound selfish but have you heard the line before “you can’t love someone if you first don’t love yourself.” I’ll let you ponder that one.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
Love, Likes, and Shares in the Six Kezia Royer
kezia@carib101.com
Loves, Likes & Shares Hi, I’m Kezia and the writer of this new section Love, Likes, and Shares in the Six. This column is a space where I share my love experiences and thoughts and you the readers can send in your questions, thoughts, and stories about love, relationships, sex, dating, etc. and I will do my best to answer all the questions. I consider myself a conscious entrepreneur, my qualifications consist of being the Founder and President of a registered charity, I have recently completed an honors BA in Communications and Multimedia, and I am a single parent to a beautiful boy and have been single and dating for almost eighteen years. This column is meant to represent and create a space of no judgment, where opportunities to see a different perspective and share your perspective on topics related to love, relationships, dating, etc. I ask that all correspondence be profanity-free and take into consideration the vision of love for this section. I look forward to reading and sharing with the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper Community. To launch this new section I recently wrote a blog about whether to delete pictures from past relationships from your social media accounts. Email me at Kezia@ carib101.com with your questions, stories, and opinions about whether photos from past relationships should be deleted from social media accounts after a break-up and enjoy the read! To Delete or Not to Delete that is the Question?!?! The topic of whether to delete or not delete pictures from your personal social media account after a breakup has come up plenty of times in many different social circles over the past ten or so years. It has been thirteen years since the big social media tycoon Facebook was made public. When Facebook was at its peak of popularity everyone on my friend’s list was checking what the beloved “Relationship Status” was on other people’s page. Relationship Status on Facebook was exactly that, a cultural symbol of status and
the popular relationship statuses on Facebook was: “Single,” “In a Relationship” and “It’s Complicated.” To my unfortunate dismay, a majority of my relationship statuses were “It’s Complicated” and “Single.” Now that Social Media and the online social world has grown exponentially, people have been asking the tough question of whether to delete pictures of your ex after a breakup or not. Some say deleting all the pictures is like eliminating good memories you had in your life, like removing a part of you; and others say it is necessary to erase all traces of your ex after a breakup to assist in the healing and moving on process. Some people go as far as saying there is a timeline or certain circumstances that warrant deleting or keeping the pictures of your ex on your social media account. For example, if you and your ex broke up and are still friends, then it is ok to keep the pictures on your social media account after a breakup? Some people say you can keep pictures of your ex on your social media until you have a new partner, but as soon as you have a new person that you are dating all pictures of your ex should be deleted from all social media accounts. I have not had pictures of anyone that I have dated in the past seven to eight years on my social media account for this very reason. I don’t want to be stuck in the dreaded position of whether to delete pictures and seem petty or not. Another reason I have not posted any pictures of anyone I have dated in over seven years is that I have not been in a long-term serious relationship for over seven years. The last boyfriend I publically announced and changed my Facebook status for and put pictures of us online was when I was twenty-four years old and when I eventually had to change my social media presence because of a man I knew instantly he would be the last boyfriend I shared my online presence with. I have heard stories and seen scenarios of people that start dating someone new, and after a couple of days or weeks of dating, they start posting pictures of the new person they are dating on social media. Then when the inevitable breakup takes place the person who posted all the relationship pictures are stuck revealing to the world that yet again they are unsuccessful in maintaining a relationship. In my Kevin Hart voice *the way my pride is set up, I just can’t let everyone know I suck at relationships. To be honest, I haven’t been successful at relationships and I’m not willing to share aspects of my life that I can’t control the perception of, due to my controlling tendencies.
in the six
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technology
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Canadian Consumers Demanding More Mobile Options
In an always-on world, we increasingly want more choices, including the flexibility to use our favourite products and services on whatever device we’re on — from our smartphones to tablets. New research makes it clear that the shift that is transforming the buying habits of Canadians. Their preferences for interacting with businesses mean that it’s critically important for small businesses to be online in a meaningful way. A recent survey asked consumers about how they prefer to interact with businesses. The results revealed that whether you’re a small boutique, a dry cleaner or an auto mechanic shop, a digital presence that meets the needs of your customers is essential for continued success and growth. Here are some interesting findings: • While a majority of us still prefer to buy a product or service in person, a growing number of millennials prefer shopping online, by an almost two-to-one margin to their baby boomer parents. • A whopping 84 per cent of millennials want to do business through websites they can navigate on their mobile device, and 60 per cent say they interact with busi-
• •
nesses via their smartphone or tablet almost exclusively. A third of all respondents prefer to provide feedback to businesses via email, with a quarter opting to do it on the company’s website. More than two-thirds want to get news and updates from merchants and service providers via email. A majority say it’s important that a business remembers them, with almost as many indicating that they want to do business with those who anticipate their needs.
For small business owners, this shift toward your customers wanting businesses to be always-on and accessible from anywhere points to the importance of having a digital strategy in place. The good news is that the proliferation of cloud services makes technology more accessible than ever before. Tools like customer relationship management solutions, such as Dynamics 365, give businesses the ability to track customer preferences and purchase habits to build a customized profile, which can help predict what that customer is going to need next and when. - News Canada
Spot Fake Concert Tickets and Other Scams When Shopping Online
In today’s digital world, scoring tickets to the hottest show is all about navigating access times on the internet, not camping out in an overnight line-up with other diehard fans. Whether you’re searching for tickets to your favourite band or a local tourist attraction, these tips will help ensure that your privacy and hard-earned dollars stay safe. Many also apply when buying other things online too, like clothes, used goods and other items.
Verify that the site is trustworthy. Look for things like sales, returns and privacy policies. Check to see if there is a real physical address and phone number for the business and confirm that the web address begins with “https” — the “s” is for secure. Beware of online auctions. This is a popular way to buy tickets to a sold-out show or get tickets below the retail price. But online auctions are also popular with fraudsters and identity thieves. Remember, if an item’s sale price is too good to be true, it’s most likely a fraud. Place your bid and complete your transaction on the auction site, steering clear if the seller wants to negotiate by email.
Research resellers. You can buy tickets and other items from sites like Kijiji or even on public Facebook groups. Be sure to review the seller’s feedback rating. If it’s negative or you become doubtful of their trustworthiness, take your business elsewhere. Minimize purchasing risks. When you’ve decided that the website looks legitimate and you’re ready to make a purchase, pay by credit card instead of sending cash or a cheque in the mail. Never use public Wi-Fi to make purchases online — use your own network or turn on your data when it’s time to enter your credit card details. Double check contests. Who doesn’t love free stuff? Unfortunately, contests are super enticing for cybercriminals too, who use them to collect information through the entry forms. Watch out for bad grammar, misspelled words, emails from large companies sent from a web-based email account, winning when you haven’t entered a contest, and being asked to call a 1-900 number to claim your prize. - News Canada
BOO BIRDS
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean
TAURUS
Ready, set, go. Thursday and Friday, Jupiter/Uranus are on a cut-to-the-chase. With something more solid to go on, Pluto, now done with retrograde, also sets you onto a time-is-ripe platform. You can and you will build it better from here. Friday, enjoy, create, and play up the romance. Now through Tuesday, your stars are optimized regarding social and communication tracks, a contract, or a creative project.
Jupiter/Uranus can either confirm what you already know or take you by surprise. Either way, it’s breakthrough time. Mercury in Libra puts added focus on relationship, health, or financial imbalances and the necessary upgrades, work, and pending pile, but look to Mars, Venus, and Pluto to help you get a better handle on it. Saturday through Tuesday are optimized for getting it up and rolling.
CANCER
pportunity comes knocking; spontaneity delivers. Jupiter/Uranus kick it up a great big notch Thursday and Friday. An event, conversation, meet-up, sudden insight, or big reveal could set major wheels in motion. Mercury into Libra, starting Friday, enhances social, romance, and finance prospects. Sunday through Tuesday, Mars, Venus, and Pluto keep you/it on a lucrative track. Use these days to work it out or clear it up.
Choose it or find it thrust on you; sweeping reinvention is your best bet. A new address or career trajectory can hit a fast track. Yes, you can rekindle a previous success, but if it didn’t cut it the first time, there’s no wisdom in going for a second round. Put courage into action. Through next Tuesday, Mars, Venus, and Pluto enhance prospects and problemsolving.
LEO
VIRGO
Whether it’s news, a great idea, a stroke of luck, or something more, on Thursday and Friday you can make great headway. Jupiter/ Uranus can rustle up a fun or lucrative social event or help you to find just what you are looking for. Saturday through Tuesday, Mars, Venus, and Pluto keep you on a productive improvement track. Take charge; get it handled; feel pleased.
Things can go better than planned or anticipated as the workweek finishes out—perhaps much better. You’ll now hit a positive/faster upswing with folks, plans, money matters, and day-to-day productivity. Thursday and Sunday through Tuesday are optimized for getting it fixed, done, said, or nailed down. Friday evening, keep it loose and take it as it comes.
July 22 - August 22
IN THE STANDS
June 21 - July 22
August 22 - September 22
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Jupiter in Libra now strikes it hot with Uranus. A decision, sudden impulse, or major breakthrough moves you, it, or them to a new/next level, pronto. Jupiter/Uranus also sparks greater insight regarding all that you have been observing outwardly and processing inwardly since the start of the year. Saturday to Tuesday sets a productive backdrop and gives you more to work with.
Jupiter/Uranus clues you in to more, perhaps much more. Unexpected expense or extras can be in the mix. Pluto now helps you to regain control. Watch for more viable options to appear. A new job, project, method, or solution can be very worthwhile. Sunday through Tuesday, you’ll get good mileage out of a talk, meeting, research, or time and effort spent.
September 22 - October 23
October 23 - November 22
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
Things can have an uncanny way of sorting out and falling into place quite nicely now. If you find yourself suddenly thrust into something new, roll with it. Now through next Tuesday can see you on the gain. Take full advantage of the moment to clear it away, to correct, fix, heal, and to set up your next best course of action.
Thursday calls for fast thinking and decisive action. The Capricorn moon and the end of Pluto retrograde put you in full command. Trust your intuition to shoot the arrow straight. Great timing is on your side, especially Sunday through Tuesday. Confidence in motion: that’s you. Looking good; plenty to show for yourself and mission accomplished!
November 22 - December 21
December 21 - January 19
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Something or someone new to explore; the unexpected on full thrust: Jupiter/Uranus now provide you with plenty of incentive and a fresh energy infusion. As of Thursday, Pluto ends a dry spell and increases workability and productivity. Mercury into Libra boosts creativity and same-page accord. Enhancing prospects and results through Tuesday, Mars and Venus time it just right.
Extra expense or profit is in the mix Thursday and Friday. Don’t scrimp on quality. Take your time to set it straight or get it right. Friday evening, Venus/Neptune sets the dial on romance, music, movies, or a great favourite escape. Saturday through Tuesday, catch up with folks, yourself, or your to-do list.
January 19 - February 18
PRINCESS
April 19 - May 20
GEMINI
May 20 - June 21
Down 1) Electronic math helper 4) Work to do after class 6) Book and computer room 7) Rings to end class 10) Mid-morning break 11) Colouring tools 13) Recess game British ____
PAGE 39
ARIES
March 20 - April 19
Across 2) Fruit for the teacher 3) Numbers and angles 5) Writes on the board 8) Makes mistakes disappear 9) School bus colour 10) Recess game Red ____ 12) Distance measurer 13) Book bag 14) Playground feature 15) Change for gym class 16) Sticky stuff
fun
February 18 - March 19
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real estate
PAGE 42
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Land Survey An Important Document to Request When Buying Property Jay Brijpaul
brijpaul@carib101.com
Real Estate A home owner in Toronto found out that almost 30% of the property he thought he owned belonged to the city. When he purchased the property, he never asked for a copy of the survey. A land survey is like a map of the property. It has an outline of the boundaries. Every property has a street address and a legal description. The survey represents a drawing of the legal description. It will help to define the exact dimensions and boundaries of the property and any easements on it.
An easement is a right of use given to someone else other than the homeowner. Easements were created in England when homes were built very close to each other. Home owners needed access to take coal for the furnace along the narrow space, half owned by each and needed a solution that benefitted both homeowners mutually. A mutual driveway between two homes becomes an easement where both home owners enjoy the benefit of using each other’s land. A homeowner cannot erect a fence on his portion because it will restrict the other owner’s access to his property. Easements run with the land. If the owner sells the property, the easements will remain. Properties have easements for utility companies such as water, gas, hydro, cable and drains. A survey will show where these easements are. There are many instances where a sunroom, a deck or garden shed is being built and the homeowner discovers that there is an easement on the property that
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would require the homeowner to remove it. This trouble could have been avoided if there was a survey to look at in the first place. Most utility lines run along the road and to the property under the driveway. In some older neighborhoods, this might not be the case. There are many instances where buyers purchase homes on a large lot with the belief that they can erect a larger home or build an extension only to find out that there is an easement that runs in the middle of the land. Nothing can be built within a certain distance from that easement and that is known as a setback. There are also instances where a fence was built into the other neighbor’s property. It would be very costly to tear down and rebuild the fence on the property line. Most homeowners do not request a copy of the survey when they purchase the property because they have title insurance. Title insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects the homeowner
from certain losses that are for example, related to the title. Existing leans such as unpaid debts like property taxes from a previous owner or an encroachment like a fence or garden shed on a property that is on the neighbor land and must be removed. Title insurance will not cover cost related to loss in the value of the property because of certain easements. The responsibility is on the buyer to find out. If you do not have a survey of your property, there are various ways to get one. Check with your neighbors on both sides as each survey has the adjacent properties attached to it as reference. Another option is to check with the local land registry office or the city’s or town’s office. You can also buy a copy from The Ontario Land Surveyors Association website www.landsurveyrecords.com. In extreme cases, the home owner can order a new survey of the property by employing a local surveyor. The cost can be upwards of one thousand dollars.
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PAGE 44
finance
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Grandparents Can Save For Grandchildren RESP Too Fazaad Bacchus
fazaad@carib101.com
Finance Specialist
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Saving for your children’s education is a priority, for some people it may not be too difficult if you have a very good job and you also have one or two children. What about those who don’t have too much disposable income or have more than two children? This could put the children at a disadvantage and may force them to reach out to OSAP loans to cover tuition if they qualify. There are many times grandparents often ask what they can do to help a grandchild get ahead in life and of course one of the most important things could be helping to fund their education. Children who get a better education are often in a better position
to start and build their lives, there is no denying that. There is a misunderstanding that only parents can save for their children’s education, but as you can see it’s not the case. It’s true that even aunts and uncles can do the same for a niece or nephew, but we can get to that at another time. Many grandparents make some form of pension income, be it CPP or from their previous employment, added to this could be their OAS and possible GIS. If a grandparent lives at their children’s home then expenses are not usually high for them and starting to save for a grandchild’s education may be a possible thing to do. Of course, you will not see the grandchild wearing beaming smiles as there isn’t the tangible gift to see, but the savings that a grandparent puts out could go a long way and the grandchild will certainly remember you for it when he or she starts schooling. Well, how does it work. First you have to sit with a financial advisor and calculate what you believe the grandchild may need for education. You also have to determine the amount that you as a grandparent can contribute. There are some rules to be
guided by, for example, you can contribute what you can but your total contributions cannot exceed $50,000. When you make annual contributions, the government will also make a grant known as CESG where they will put 20% of what you contribute up to $500 per year. There is a lifetime amount in $7,200 that the government will contribute. So, let’s suppose that you save $100 per month for your grandchild that will be $1200 per year, the government’s contribution will be $240 and if you invest it properly, you could end up with about $1600 at the end of the year. If you continue to do this every year, for a one-year-old grandchild, the sum could add up to close to $40,000 and it grows tax-free all the time. There is no tax benefit for you the grandparent, but your grandchild will pay tax only on the growth, not your contributions. This is the kind of a gift that a child needs, and while it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure their children’s education, sometimes it just isn’t possible. Therefore, if you as a grandparent can help and want to help, please send me an email and I will forward you information on the best RESP type for your grandchild.
How Much Is Your Dignity Worth? Long-Term Care Andrew Stewart
andrew@carib101.com
Family Advisor Getting Old! I don’t know about you, but the chirpy tales about aging, you know, the ones that tell us that age is just a state of mind, that “30 is the new 20” and “60 is the new 40” and “80 the new 60” is getting out of hand. Sure, aging is different than it was a generation or two ago and there are more possibilities now than ever before. Age brings intelligence, experience, wisdom, and beauty. So why are we so scared of it? One very real reason is the possible deterioration of our health. I vividly recall, on one occasion, when a client of mine was talking about having to admit her husband into a Long-Term Care home for Alzheimer’s disease care. I had to ask the question, “How do you plan to pay for your husband’s care?” Her response was, “Oh, I’m not too sure. I think the government will be paying the bill.” When I heard that answer, I knew I had to explain to her that government does not pay for custodial care. To this day, I remember the look on her face when she realized what I was saying – that she would
be responsible for the cost of her husband’s care. She sat there for a moment without saying anything. I could see that she was in turmoil. With a look of horror on her face, she told me, “What funds we have are tied up. I will need to mortgage our house to pay his nursing home bill. As I sat there watching her anxiety, I thought to myself this is the exact reason why long-term care insurance should be a part of everyone’s protection strategy. What is long-term care insurance? It provides an income-style benefit if you become unable to care for yourself due to aging, an accident, illness or deteriorated mental abilities. The money is for you and your family to use as you wish. There is a mistaken impression that government programs will cover people’s long-term-care costs. A lot of people are unaware that they have this potential liability exposure ahead of them. It’s easy to take our ability to perform day-to-day activities for granted. These abilities can change quickly, especially as we age. The cost of long-term care should be an important consideration in anyone’s retirement planning. Planning for the last fifteen years of life is difficult for most to adjust to. On average Canadians are living longer, existing conditions could become more difficult to manage and new ones could emerge. The question is what type of care will you want? Most of us will enter retirement with a pretty good understanding of our current health and what it takes to manage it. But, as
time goes on, everyone’s health changes; we gradually begin to spend more on our medical, physical and personal care needs. At the same time, we would like to stay home with family and friends as long as possible and opt for private home care if we can. You should consider long-term care insurance coverage if: • To avoid being a burden. None of us want our future health-care needs to create a physical or emotional strain on family members • To protect family finances. Many fail to plan for long-term care costs or hope family members will help when the need arises • To obtain peace of mind Long-term care insurance can help you: • Bring care into your home so that you do not need to downsize or move to a facility right away • Lessen the burden on caregivers by supporting your family financially if you are going to live with them if you need care • Manage your care and expenses if you have an unexpected severe accident, at any age, that results in your needing substantial assistance from a family member or caregiver Whatever the case, the funding is your responsibility.
CRIME PREVENTION FOR BUSINESS Did you know that Peel Regional Police offer numerous crime prevention tools for businesses of all sizes across the Region of Peel? Tools that will help increase the safety of your employees, protect your assets and help contribute to the success of your business. Some of the tools offered are: •
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
•
Robbery Prevention Kit
•
Operation Provident lets you mark your property and if it’s stolen, police will know it’s yours.
Learn more: www.peelpolice.ca/safety
PAGE 46
sports
Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Windies will qualify for World Cup 2019 LONDON -- Jason Mohammed believes the return of experienced players combined with the talent of the current young complement, should be enough to see West Indies safely through next year’s 10-team World Cup qualifiers. The Caribbean side failed in their bid for direct qualification for the 2019 showpiece when they lost the opening match of the recent five-match One-Day International series against England—a result that meant they would remain ninth in the ICC ODI rankings by the qualification cut-off date of September 30. Hosts England, along with the remaining top seven nations, qualified automatically. “I think [we can qualify],” said Mohammed, the stand-in captain for the final ODI at Southampton which West Indies lost by nine wickets on Friday. “I think that with the senior guys back and with much of the guys youngsters, hopefully we can get the combination right and play the type of cricket we know that we can play in order to qualify for the World Cup.” West Indies rarely challenged England in the series, going down 4-0 in a lopsided affair, despite the presence of Chris
Gayle and Marlon Samuels who returned for the tour after Cricket West Indies shelved their controversial eligibility rule. The visitors lost the opener at Old Trafford by seven wickets, the third at Bristol by 124 runs, the rain-hit fourth at the Oval by six runs under Duckworth/Lewis before losing the final game by nine wickets. The second ODI at Nottingham was rained off after just 14 deliveries. Mohammed conceded the Windies still had much work to do in order to improve their game, with special focus needing to be placed on rotation of strike during their innings. “In the middle part of the innings there is always a lot of dot balls,” Mohammed pointed out. “(On Friday) again it was the same thing so I think it is something that we have to work on and try and rotate the strike a little bit more and in the end finish off strongly like we have been doing.” In the World Cup qualifying tournament, the Windies will meet the likes of fellow top flight sides Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, along with ICC World Cricket League Championship nations like Scotland, Kenya and Hong Kong. - Trinidad Guardian