Caribfest In Orangeville 082218

CARIBFEST IN ORANGEVILLE

Sights of colorful art. Live reggae and jazz music to tease the ears. The scent of delicious food in every corner. Music, performances, and vendors filled the streets for the Taste of Orangeville festival.

With over 15 restaurants participating located in downtown Orangeville, guests were treated to an array of cuisine from around the world. and at the center of the entire festival was Soulyve Caribbean Kitchen, a Caribbean fusion eatery, and patio, highlighting the most popular Caribbean foods. The restaurant was in

fact not just the center of Taste of Orangeville, but it was also the main attraction of its very own festival held in unison, the third annual CaribFest 2018.

The local Caribbean festival flourished with vendors, music, food, and art, as all those involved in the festival strive to highlight the best in Caribbean culture. Vendors sold a variety of products from cultural clothing and jewelry to hair and skin products.

Vendor Althea Fraser, who has been present at the festival in previous

years, says the festival works greatly at incorporating diversity into the developing town of Orangeville. Fraser runs a vegan skin care line, and as a holistic nutritionist, she decided to make a line of products that especially deal with sensitive skin. “CaribFest is great, it’s a nice family oriented event, it offers a lot of exposure and opportunities for people to learn about the brand.”

Continued On Page 7

Leanne Morancie Using life experiences to empower and enrich others

Leanne Morancie is not your average young woman you might meet during your morning commute, or during your evening drink at the bar. It does not mean that it isn’t a part of her personality, but due to the fact that she is always on the go.

Born on the island of Dominica, she always shared a love for the arts and communications. She grew up in Houston, Texas which

sparked her interest in the arts even more. Her love of the arts snowballed into a love for dance, pageantry, teaching and even youth empowerment. “My passion in youth empowerment and development is throughout the defined arts, I’ve always implemented that in my day to day life.”

But adding to Morancie’s list of skills, she also focuses on the empowerment of women as well. “My personal motto is first love yourself, also as a preschool teacher, I’ve always got to implement those on my day to day basis. I’ve also launched an organization in Dominica for women empowerment.”

So how exactly did Morancie’s free spirit unleash all of these talents and focuses upon her? She recalls gaining her inspiration for this from the symbolism of butterflies. “When I was younger I was obsessed with butterflies. I also think that’s my spirit animal. I experienced a lot of lows and my gaining confidence in myself and practicing my selfesteem I’ve been able to implement that with everyone I’ve come across.”

In 2014, Morancie launched her first show in the island of Dominica titled ‘Stay Golden’ and says “we were able to highlight some of the artists on the island because there isn’t a platform for that in the Caribbean for the non-mainstream artists.”

Morancie not only advocated for empowerment through the arts but also through teaching. “I was also a preschool; teacher for five years, I taught kindergarten and was able to take everything I used throughout that time and implement it in my own program.”

As she currently lives on the island of St. Croix, Morancie still uses her time to teach empowerment to others. “I was able to host workshops for confidence boosting, walking with structure and all of those beautiful things I just take and put it together and just do what I do currently.”

In 2015 Morancie tried a new avenue and found herself immersed in the world of pageantry. She used this as a way to expand her reach to others who craved her

teachings of empowerment. “I was always a natural born humanitarian. I intend to work with a lot of non-profit organizations, for young women and even young girls before they enter womanhood, they need that support, sometimes support doesn’t come from home or people that you love [and] we need support from different avenues especially from black Caribbean women, that has always fueled my passion for pageantry.”

One of Morancie’s main goals is to build an empowerment empire that can reach women and children around the world. “I wanted to be able to have a hub in various parts of the world to cater to women who have been sexually assaulted and abused, I do believe I have a niche in that aspect because I was once a victim as well and I’ve experienced all of those things. This continues to fuel my passion because I believe that when we stand together especially as colored Caribbean women we can cause a greater impact on society.”

In recent times, Morancie has furthered her skills and is now a certified Yoga instructor, specializing in tantric yoga. She notes that yoga was a key part in getting her out of depression and cleansing her mind. “Meditating, changing my diet around really helps me personally and I was able to flourish. I wanted to show everyone else that there is a better way of living especially changing my diet.”

Morancie’s advice to anyone facing the difficult dilemma of what they want to do for their life is, “whatever you feel that you are passionate for or about, that’s what you’re here for, that’s your spot in the world to make a difference. Do what you’re passionate for, do not hesitate, always start somewhere. I would also advise any young lady to be inspired by acting, dancing or anything in the arts. Always put your best foot forward do a lot of research, we have a lack of knowledge of what’s really out there.”

You can keep up with Leanne Morancie on her websites misslegacy.com and lutterfly.com.

Written by Kristina Ramcharran Toronto Caribbean News

Come for the Food, Stay for the Fun! JERK FEST 2018

What could be better than a huge festival of music and food? How about something hot spicy and full of flavour like the biggest jerk festival in the country?

Now in its 17th year, Grace Jerkfest was the place to be August 10th to 12th at Centennial Park in Etobicoke.

“Jerk cooking is not only delicious, it is historically and culturally important to the Caribbean,” says Anthony Plummer, Executive Director of the Festival. “Today it is more than just a flavor from the islands. Jerk food can be found pretty much anywhere around the world. At Grace Jerkfest, we’ll take you back to its roots with some unique twists and variations that honor traditional jerk cooking and seasoning.”

Grace Jerk Fest 2018 kicked off their festivities on August 9th with a meet and greet boat cruise aboard the exquisite double-decker, River Gambler. Patrons were able to meet RnB songstress and Canada’s very own Melonie Durrant and the legendary Jamaican Reggae duo, Chaka Demus & Pliers.

Everyone was invited to enjoy the extended long weekend of festivities by dining and dancing the night away under the starry skies to the groovy sounds of one of Canada’s number one Reg-

gae DJ SPEX DA BOSS, spinning the best of the 80’s to present in R & B, Reggae and Soca.

Five lucky cruisers were selected for a special Meet & Greet with former American Idol & Grammy award recording artist FANTASIA on for the following night at the Love and R&B Edition – Ladies of Soul performance at Jerkfest the next evening.

From Friday - Sunday thousands came from near and far to take part in the Jerkfestivities. People who had been in the city for the Toronto Carnival the previous weekend, as well as guests from the US, were all amongst those who travelled just to sink their teeth into some good food and jam to the sweet sounds of the Caribbean.

“We don’t have anything like this where we are from,” shares Dwayne the Ambassador, a gentleman who came on a chartered bus from New Jersey.

“This event got us feeling excited because we been winning, and in more than one way,” he says enthusiastically. “We’ve won money and prizes and getting ready to go on stage to meet Fab 5.”

Dwayne is one of many who travelled to this amazing summertime event rain or shine. Jerkfest is something people look forward to as the summer begins the wind-down.

For over 10 years Grace has been working closely with the organizers at Jerkfest and the relationship has grown, nurturing the partnership they have today where Grace is a central focus and title sponsor of the event.

“The Grace Experience tent is a must visit at the event this year, Chef La-toya will be cooking up a wild array of jerk delights using Grace Jerk products and patrons will have a chance to ask questions for how they can go about doing something similar in their own homes,” says Anthony.

At the Grace Experience tent Chef Latoya Fagon prepared scrumptious dishes in her unique style that fuses her Caribbean roots with some Mediterranean flavors. The tent was filled with tasty Grace products from seasoning and sauces to add that extra WOW factor to any dish as well as cool beverages and snacks for the public to purchase and enjoy.

“Some of the vendors have brought out exotic animals like jerk bison, rattlesnake crocodile, and frog legs for those who are not too wimpy to try, but there is also the crowd favorites like jerk chicken, pork and fish and even jerk lobster.”

The jerk style of cooking was developed by escaped African slaves who fled into the mountainous regions of Jamaica in the 17th century. While variations exist, the seasoning is basically allspice with scotch bonnet peppers providing the heat to a meat that is slowly smoked over hardwood charcoal.

There is nothing quite like the mixture of spice and smoke on the palate like you get with a traditional jerk cooking.

Guests were treated to performances for that included the third annual Love & RnB edition features former American Idol, Grammy Award-winning and platinum-selling artist Fantasia, with an opening performance from the Junowinner Durrant, Rayzalution Band, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Fab 5 as well as many other local artists, community dance groups and steel pan bands to get your body moving.

Finally, for those avid Jerk Festival fans, some were able to partake in a Platinum Garden Experience where you were encouraged to spoil yourself with the festival experience that caters to you like no other. Patrons were able to secure reserved seating right in front of the stage, including a delicious jerk chicken dinner, two appetizers, two alcoholic beverages, swift access past lines at the Festival gates, a Grace JerkFest gift bag, a meet and greet with festival headliners, and a chance to win a three-night vacation for two, accommodation only, compliments of Travellers Beach Resort Jamaica & Caribbean Promotions Arts & Culture Inc.

Grace JerkFest is an annual event celebrating jerk cuisine and Caribbean culture organized by not-for-profit organization Caribbean Promotions Arts & Culture Inc. Grace JerkFest has been voted by BlogTO as one of Toronto’s top 50 must attend summer events in 2014 and 2015 and one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals since 2011.

Annual Jamaica Day Summerfest moved to Vaughn for 2018

JELANI GRANT

jelani@carib101.com

The Annual Jamaica Day Summerfest is scheduled to take over the Launch Golf Centre in Vaughn Sept 1st and 2nd. More than 15,000 have attended, and now that it has outgrown the Toronto location, we’re moving above the city to Vaughan this year in anticipation of 20,000 visitors.

The two-day family fun event will include a Dominos tournament, authentic Caribbean food and fashion vendors, all with the intent of celebrating the sights, sounds, and flavors of Jamaica. Despite its name, however, the festival is put on each year with the intent of embracing all of the islands. “It’s really to celebrate the Caribbean culture period”, Top Cat Entertainment CEO Marv Brown said. “It’s teamwork, everybody comes together in one big celebration, just a Caribbean feel.”

“There will be Jamaican and Caribbean food, fashion and an authentic Caribbean arts and crafts market. A Caribbean Kids Zone with a waterpark, rides and a ‘So You Think You Can Whine’ competition…This year we’re gonna have bigger sounds, Aclass entertainment, zip liners for the kids in the day, waterslides, water bikes. Its never been done like that in Toronto for Jamaica Day so this is a big year.”

Jamaica Day Summerfest has brought premier entertainment to the GTA for the past 27 years in a safe and secure environment but because of the secluded, industrial area, the Launch Golf Centre is in, the entire weekend is expected to be even easier to manage than before.

Entertainment will include an international and local line-up with big names like Tarrus Riley, Elephant Man, Konshens, Shaddai, Tifa, Iba Mahr, Nana

McLean, Razor B, Eyesus and Chux Starr. Elephant Man will perform both nights while Konshens is scheduled to headline the Saturday night and Riley is set to headline on Sunday, though Brown wants to encourage guests to enjoy everything Jamaica Day Summerfest has to offer. “It’s not really just a concert, it’s a family day for the kids to come out and enjoy themselves,” Brown said.

Known in the industry as Big Marv, the Top Cat CEO has been bringing in A-list performers to Toronto years before it would be called ‘The 6ix’. Brown began event planning during his teens, charging $1.50 admission for parties in his Brampton basement. By the 90s, he and his business partner Roy Fowl would be recognized for bringing in big R&B names such as Faith Evans, Dru Hill, and 112. Since then, Brown has continued to provide entertainment to the masses by using his connections in the entertainment industry to provide support for those in need. Currently, he is working with Cantor Fitzgerald Celebrity Charity. Thus far, they have managed to donate $380 million towards families of 9/11 victims as well as relief for natural disasters. Cantor Fitzgerald lost 658 friends and colleagues, and 61 Eurobrokers in the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attack. This year, Brown is organizing the concert portion of the charity to be held the night before in hopes of raising even more funds.

Those looking for a more exclusive JASummerfest experience can purchase The VIP JA Cabana Lounge package which provides closer access to the stage, line-up bypass for shorter waits, a personal bar area with three premium bottles and one wine bottle. VIP pass holders will also be given access to a backroom party. Anyone who bought tickets before Aug 1st will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two anywhere Caribbean Airlines flies. Tune into G98.7 for another opportunity to win that trip. For those who have not yet bought festival tickets, they can be purchased in advance online, with a special discount for children under twelve. Festival doors open at 11 A.M.

Bringing Caribbean culture to small towns

KRISTINA RAMCHARRAN

kristina@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

lot of people coming through, a lot of friendly people, and we’re looking to sit down with them after and see how we can help them.”

Continued From Page 1 -- Fraser also notes, “well I know Orangeville is up and coming, and the population has grown quite a bit, and I think it’s great that there’s so many diverse organizations and businesses that can come out and promote their brands.”

Fellow vendor Aaron Gorge experienced his very first CaribFest this year and notes that he’ll surely be back next year. “This is my first time here for Horizons Insurance, just promoting disability insurance,” said Gorge on the purpose of his booth. He notes that he thought the festival would be an ideal place to inform others of how important disability insurance can be. “In the event that something happens, there’s money still coming into the family, so they can maintain their lifestyle.”

Gorge adds, “so far it’s been good, a

Throughout the day, festival-goers were treated to numerous cuisines inside of the Taste of Orangeville tent, and all the best in Caribbean culture outside of the tent. The event featured live canvas paintings by Kofi’s Art, music from Carib101 Radio’s DJ Rory, Jason Wilson and The Perennials playing all the best in jazz and reggae, the creation of a CaribFest art mural, and a special Soca dance performance by the girls at Carnival Spice.

The main organizer of CaribFest and owner of Soulyve Caribbean Kitchen, Phillip Dewar, says before CaribFest started, “our goal is to bring the Caribbean to Orangeville, a small town.” And the best way to do that was through his restaurant, Soulyve Caribbean Kitchen. “We wanted to find a way to ambassador the Caribbean out here, we had a small restaurant out here.”

From small beginnings to where CaribFest is now, just three years later, Dewar has noticed the impact it has had on the community. “The community has embraced us and we wanted to find a way to continue to push that message. By having this show we found a way to mesh people with food, music, and culture.”

Dewar adds, “We had a very good response and we just wanted to continue to grow as a family. Today we are showcasing the Caribbean heritage, food, and clothing, jewelry, hair, skin care, natural oils. We have all sorts of restaurants from Orangeville to showcase their variety.”

Dewar looks toward expanding CaribFest in the following years, by improving the setup and making it more efficient. He also notes one of their goals is drawing in more involvement from outside the Orangeville community to help build the event to something as large as the Caribbean events more central to Toronto.

The festival’s third year ended with a huge success, with diverse crowds, family fun, and food to awaken the senses. In a time where the community is trying to distract from the everyday troubles of crime and politics, a good light-hearted festival is just what the people needed to bring a smile to their faces. Given in all of the latest happenings around the Greater Toronto Area, Dewar notes, “We found that this was a good time to host our festival.”

The free event is slated to happen again next year, with the date and entertainment unannounced. More information on future CaribFest events can be found on the CaribFest page on Facebook.

Kids Swag promotes black representation with fun and uplifting backpacks

KABRENA ROBINSON kabrena@carib101.com TC REPORTER

September is almost upon us, which means back to school. For many parents, an essential part of back to school planning involves ensuring that their children are ready and equipped with the necessary tools to function efficiently in a classroom.

Many younger children will be drawn to school supplies that may feature images of their favorite cartoon character, superhero or Disney princess. However, it might be a task to find supplies with images that represent children of all color and ethnicities. The reality is that the mainstream generally lacks greatly in minority character representation. So, for children of color, options can be very limited.

Kids Swag, a Canadian company that facilitates “a fantastic selection of lifestyle products for kids from vendors around the world”, is passionate about catering to this essential need. The retail company makes it easy for parents to purchase products with “positive black images” because to them, “representation matters”.

Their newest product is a line of “I Can Do Anything” backpacks from the com-

pany Blended Designs founded by Casey Kelley in 2014 with the main goal of providing her son with “an empowering backpack for school & travel”. The backpacks feature images that represent a wide range of characters with “melanin skin tones” and hairstyles, along with fun and inspirational texts.

Mom, wife, and founder of Kids Swag, Kimberlee West expressed that it was very important for her company to feature this product as it aligns perfectly with the concept, goals and purpose of Kids Swag, which is “inspiring confidence through representation”.

“I thought it was impactful because of the visuals in regards to the backpacks showing black girls and boys with natural hairstyles from locs to bantu knots to braids, with the idea that is truly representative of the number of different type of ways that a young child may look,” she said. “On top of that, the empowering statements on that backpack, to walk through a school or to see on the street, that representation even beyond the image to the wording of ‘yes, I am being empowered by just carrying this backpack’ I think was so important.”

West added that she believes it is highly necessary for children to become comfortable with recognizing positive representations of themselves from an early age. She shared that as a parent of two girls, she has always been adamant about instilling confidence through representation, whether it be through the images in the books they read or TV shows they watch. For her, ensuring that they see themselves as beautiful and capable

of doing anything is essential. “With Kids Swag, I want to normalize this idea of representation,” she said.

“The more representation our children are exposed to the more they are going to be able to think that it’s normal because we have to think about the fact that we are combating the mainstream imagery. In my mind, it’s the idea that there is going to be greater acceptance of self and a confident child is a child that’s gonna be able to go out in the world and truly be successful.”

To accompany the line of “I Can Do Anything” backpacks available on the Kids Swag website, are a range of other scholastic and everyday lifestyle products including notebooks, mouse pads, lunch bags, water bottles and t-shirts, all portraying images of black kids as well as swim caps that fit all natural black hair types. All products reflect boldly the main focus of the company, which is to provide products that cater to and promote positive black representation.

West says that the feedback and support that she has received from the community since starting Kids Swag has been positive and encouraging. She also added that the possibilities for providing more products that cater to the goals of her company are endless.

“The biggest thing is the support from the community,” she said.

“I think there is a very strong recognition and understanding of why this store needs to exist. There is definitely this awakening of why we need items like these, so why not make it available as easy as possible.”

Prominent Jamaican Businessman appointed to the Order of Jamaica

Earl Jarrett is no newcomer to the impressive index of distinguished Jamaicans who have excelled tremendously in their selected fields. Jarrett is regarded as a solid businessman and leader, with a well-polished resume and reputation that highly precedes his humble and gracious character.

So, it comes as no surprise that he has been recently appointed to the Order of Jamaica, the country’s fourth highest honour, for his outstanding and unwavering contribution to the banking and financial services, public sector and volunteerism.

Jarrett, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the restructured mutual holding company, The Jamaica National Group (JN Group), will be presented with the insignia of his appointment by His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica, on National Heroes Day on October 15, 2018 at King’s House in Kingston Jamaica.

“I must say that I am thankful to the government of Jamaica and for those who nominated me for this honour,” Jarrett stated in an interview with the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper.

This high honour is the culmination of many years of service, a deserving

addition to his many awards and recognition. His journey is one of pure inspiration and commitment.

Jarrett, who was born in Kingston Jamaica, spent a portion of his formative years in the rural parishes of St Thomas and Portland. His parents, who were avid educators and advocates for academic development across Jamaica, played an instrumental role in his passion for community service and voluntarism.

A past student of St. George’s College and the University of the West Indies Mona (UWI), where he majored in Social Sciences primarily accounting and business, he expressed that both institutions played a major part in his growth and development. However, it was the latter that produced the greatest impact on the honing of his skills, as he had his first jab at leadership as a member of the Guild of undergraduates at UWI Mona. He then proceeded to complete a Masters in Accounting. Fresh out of university, Jarrett’s eagerness and determination to fulfil his passion landed him his first job in the accounting industry. Jarrett recalls the fortunate tale.

“At the time I never applied for a job,” he said. “I looked around and looked up accounting firms and found that Peat Marwick, which is actually KPMG today, was the institution that matched the type of values that I thought I had.”

“So, I went to KPMG one morning and I remember the receptionist said to me ‘how may I help you?’ and I said ‘I’m here for my job’ and she cracked up laughing and said ‘hold on a second’ and she went to the partner who was in charge of human resources and came back and said ‘Mr. Rob-

erts will see you next week’ and that was it.”

Over eight years of contributions at KPMG spearheaded the start of an active and prosperous career for Jarrett. Over the years, his service to a myriad of organizations emphasizes greatly his vigour towards business, community service and volunteerism.

He has served as former Deputy Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), former deputy Chairman of JAMPRO, former Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica and past President of the Rotary Club of New Kingston. He also served as a member of the National Task Force on Political Tribalism, and as Honorary Secretary of The Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ).

Along with his current executive duties at the Jamaica National Group, Jarrett serves on the boards of several external organizations. These include The Jamaica Cancer Society, Jamaican Diaspora Foundation, Mona Geoinformatics Institute, The Gleaner Company’s UK and North American Boards, Edna Manley College Arts Foundation, Dudley Grant Memorial, the YWCA Trust and Caribbean Council (UK), FIA Foundation, National Council of Jamaica, Order of St John and The University of the West Indies Mona Campus Council.

His bountiful accomplishments have also bestowed upon him many awards of high honours. In 2008, he received the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Commander (CD), by the Government of Jamaica for service to the financial sector.

He has also received high honours and awards such as the Caribbean Lumi-

nary Awards, the Pelican Award from The University of the West Indies along with a Doctor of Laws (LL.D) degree and a second one from by the University of Technology Jamaica. These along with the Man of Excellence award by the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston, the Jamaica Institute of Management (JIM)/Gleaner 2011 Manager of the Year, the Visionary Award by the Golden Krust Foundation (New York) and Distinguished Member Award by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ).

Despite his prominence and high personage in Jamaican society, Jarrett’s humility and benevolence shine through. For him, it is the service and love for humanity that catalyses his unwavering dedication.

“I would say that voluntarism and commitment and belief in our people greatly transcends to my responsibilities because, at the end of the day, it’s about people,” he said. “Over the years one aspect I will never forget is the people I have come across. People in the JN group over the years, who protected me and who made my thoughts a reality and who were trustworthy and created a safety net for the organization to grow.”

His advice for aspiring young individuals falls along the same lines. “It is confidence and a network of support and respect for all humanity. These are the values that you should embrace.”

“In each one of us there is greatness, we just need to mind it and we are as good as anybody in the world. The most important thing I would say is to love and respect yourself always have a reserve of confidence and courage.”

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Portmore Mayor: Reduce Bernard Lodge housing, do more farming

JAMAICA -- While charging that the Government should have used the Bernard Lodge lands in St Catherine for agriculture instead of housing, Mayor of Portmore Leon Thomas now wants the Andrew Holness Administration to consider reducing the number of housing units that are being proposed for the Bernard Lodge Housing Development.

Prime Minister Holness in June announced plans to develop the former sugar lands into an urban community which would include 17,000 housing solutions; commercial offices; schools; and light industrial facilities, with space for agricultural production.

But Mayor Thomas, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer recently said, “We have some concerns about the Bernard Lodge Development, you cannot build a development without a proper plan and that is the mistake that other countries make when they are building new cities.”

According to the mayor the corporation is concerned about the impact on the environment that the development will bring about. Additionally, he said he is also concerned about the water supply in Portmore and how the sewage situation will be dealt with.

Hence, Mayor Thomas said he has extended an invitation to his partners in Germany and the United States to assess the land, look at the proposal for the development and to give their opinion.

“When you look at the water supply in Portmore and what we are facing, then to have a city like this built in this municipality ... what they are saying to us is that they are going to put water in the tanks but I know from experience that its plenty of times that the

NWC build tanks and in a couple years time we start to have problems with pumps and all of that.

“We want then to reduce the number of houses they intend to build. What I am saying is that since we have 2,000 plus houses being built in Phoenix Park and if we build even say another 1,000 houses, what I am driving at is if we are talking about agriculture in any serious way, what we should be thinking about is getting our young people involved in farming. These lands are flat lands with water on it. It is the old the sugar lands, so it is prime land for agriculture,” said the mayor.

Additionally, he said, “So what I am telling the Government now that we see where agriculture can put us and the demand for our food, is let us get our young people involved, train them to be farmers, open back the schools that we usually have catering for our young people to be farmers and to attract them to agriculture. Let us farm the land and also in the meantime look markets outside of Jamaica (for agricultural products).”

According to Thomas there is a serious gap in the hotel market for Jamaican produce, as a number of hotels are primarily supplied through imports.

“When you look at the development of tourism taking place in this country, the number of hotels and what they are importing, they need to put a restriction on those. We need to produce locally to supply the hotels in Jamaica, the market is there and that is what I would like to see happen for the Bernard Lodge area,” he said.

- Jamaica Observer

JTA changes leadership in MoBay today

JAMAICA -- Principal of Church Teachers’ College in this town, Dr Garth Anderson, is set to take on the role today as the new president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA).

Outgoing president, Georgia Waugh-Richards will pass the leadership baton at the organisation’s 54th annual conference at Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay.

The activities for the conference are planned for August 19-22 and the week started with a church service at St Mark’s Anglican (Mandeville Parish Church) Monday.

It is customary, according to Secretary General of the JTA Byron Farquharson, for the service to be held at the church of the incoming president.

“We are not on unfamiliar grounds, because the Mandeville Parish Church has blessed the Jamaica Teachers’ Association with outstanding past presidents… We are part of this noble tradition. as an association we affirm and continue to reaffirm our total commitment to the hands of God,” he said.

In his message to the congregation, Reverend Father Douglas Barnes, director of Christian education in the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, said that it takes humility for a person to admit that he/ she does not know everything.

He said that while waiting on the Lord is not often easy, it must be done, and is

a reminder that we are not in charge.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Deanroy Bernard, who brought greetings on behalf of Minister Ruel Reid, said that as policy advisors and administrators they feel a strong sense of hope for education in Jamaica.

“Certainly, the hope is not a pie in the sky hope nor a pipe dream, as they would say. The hope is based on the many improvements that continue to bloom in our education system,” he said.

Bernard said that numeracy and literacy grades are trending in the right direction and that there is progress in examinations such as the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination, and the City and Guilds.

The permanent secretary said that more teachers are now improving their craft and are practising with at least a first degree as a result of a partnership with the JTA and his ministry, adding that more professional development efforts are underway for educational transformation.

Among the highlights of the conference will be the official declaration of educator Owen Speid as the president-elect. He is in line to serve after Anderson’s tenure.

- Jamaica Observer

Goat thief jailed for escaping from lawful custody

GUYANA -- An alleged goat thief , who escaped from the Kitty Police Station because he wanted to go home , was on Monday jailed by the Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Wazim Perreira, a father of two of North Sophia , Georgetown pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that on August 19 , 2018 while being in custody at the Kitty Police Station pending a criminal charge of larceny of cattle, he escaped from police custody.

The court heard that, Perreira while in custody at police station , requested to use the restroom and a police officer slackened the handcuff on him. The accused then pushed down the officer and bolted out of the station.

An alarm was raised and hours later , the accused was caught at his North Sophia

home.

“I just wanted to go home to see my two children and my wife,” Perreira told the court as he explained that he was frustrated.

Before the charge was read to him , Perreira told the court that he paid the police officer $10,000 to slacken his handcuff in order for him to escape but he later charged his plea to guilty since he did not wish to waste the court time.

He also explained that he did not steal the goat but instead was asked by someone to carry the animal to graze and was caught by the police while tying it.

The Principal Magistrate sentenced Perreira to 18 months jail after considering his early guilty plea.

- Guyana Chronicle

Interdicted cop arrested after threatening to shoot wife

GUYANA -- An interdicted Cadet Officer of the Guyana Police Force has been arrested by the lawmen after he threatened to shoot his wife , allegedly with an illegal firearm.

Reports are that Cadet Officer Franz Paul , who in May of this year had a criminal charge discharged against him after he compensated his victim for an offence committed in 2014, was arrested after he drew a firearm and attempted to shoot his wife following a misunderstanding at their home in Second Street ,Alexander Village on Monday morning.

According to the police , the man’s wife alleged that following a misunderstanding around 05:15hrs on Monday, the man drew a loaded handgun and threatened to shoot her and in the ensuing process, she managed to disarm him.

She immediately handed over the firearm to a neighbour who promptly went to the nearby Ruimveldt Police Station and reported the matter . The neighbour also handed over a .32 pistol with thirteen (13) live rounds, one of which was found in its breech.

Police said the interdicted officer was held at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he sought medical attention for an injured right hand, which is now in plaster of paris. He told investigators that during the fracas with his wife he struck the hand to a concrete wall.

Police said the officer reportedly admitted ownership of the illegal firearm with ammunition.

Police said too that the officer is presently not on actual duty as the decision of his re-in-statement rests solely with the Police Service Commission.

In May this year , Paul was discharged for allegedly shooting a 16-year-old in his mouth during a game of Russian roulette in 2014.

Paul, who resided at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was on trial before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for a four year period.

He was on trial for discharging a loaded firearm at Alex Griffith on April 30, 2014 in Georgetown, with the intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The State, for which evidence was being led by Police Prosecutor Dominic Bess, had already closed its case while seeking an adjournment on the last court hearing.

However, the Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Paul compensated Griffith $2M for his injuries.

Griffith accepted the compensation and dropped the matter against Paul.

- Guyana Chronicle

Pensioner dies in Pomeroon River accident

GUYANA -- Seventy-eight-year-old Allan Handy aka “Saga” of Grant Good Intent, Lower Pomeroon died on Sunday afternoon following a boat collision.

According to information reaching Guyana Chronicle, the incident occurred around 16:00 hours on Sunday in the vicinity of Grant Good Intent, Lower Pomeroon River.

Information revealed that the deceased left his son’s home in a wooden boat and was paddling home when a boat powered by a 90 HP engine and which is owned by the Love and Faith Ministries Church, came into his path.

The captain of the boat said that he felt something strange hit his boat and he immediately slowed down. He said as he turned

he noticed the elderly man in the water and that his boat was damaged.

The captain immediately raised an alarm and persons around the area immediately went to render assistance , however, the pensioner had already disappeared in the water.

A search party was launched and the elderly man’s body was later recovered. The captain of the other boat expressed remorse over the entire situation and claimed that he did not see the elderly man’s boat in front of him. He is presently in police custody.

Handy’s body is currently at the Suddie Hospital Mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.

- Guyana Chronicle

Authority sends warning to Chaguaramas squatters

TRINIDAD -- The Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) has issued a notice to all illegal land and sea occupants at Alcan Bay, Chaguaramas, to demolish structures built without approval.

The authority has given September 7 as the deadline for the demolition of such structures and the removal of all debris from those sites.

The warning came in a public advisory issued by the CDA Monday.

The advisory stated that the CDA, by an act of Parliament in 1972, was established to undertake the layout and development of the North West

peninsula and offshore islands in the interest and conformity with the Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 35.01), adding part of its mandate requires that it provide a safe, secure and pristine environment while improving the quality of service delivered to customers and tenants under its purview.

In this regard, the CDA said: “Notice is hereby given to all persons illegally occupying lands, mooring boats or storing equipment located at Alcan Bay, Chaguaramas to remove all items and demolish structures built without the authority’s approval. Such persons are also required to remove

the debris arising from such demolition and all other possessions from the said area on or before September 7, 2018.”

The CDA warned that failure to comply with the notice will result in further action being taken.

Calls to CDA chairman Gupte Lutchmedial and Minister of Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, under whose purview the CDA falls, went unanswered Monday.

- Trinidad Guardian

Sex doctor set to challenge importation law Customs policy archaic

TRINIDAD -- Lawyers representing businessman and sex therapist Giriraj “Raj” Ramnanan have written to the Comptroller of the Customs and Excise Division to clarify its position on the importation of adult toys.

The move from Ramnanan, a selfprofessed sexual wellness pioneer in T&T, comes less than a week after e-courier Web Source issued a notice to customers warning that such intimate items fell under the division’s list of prohibited items. The list included other conventional contraband including drugs, firearms and camouflage clothing.

In the letter, Ramnanan’s lawyer Kiel Taklalsingh claimed the division is required to clarify the position, especially for corporate citizens like his client whose businesses revolve around the importation and distribution of such items.

“Any policy or practice of Customs with respect to the deeming of imported items as being “prohibited” must by necessity be sufficiently clear to obviate the risk of Customs Officers acting in an arbitrary manner,” Taklalsingh said.

He questioned whether the division’s officers had the discretion to classify an item as prohibited or whether the division had an overall policy on adult toys and devices.

“Given the fact that there exists a spectrum of objects which may be labelled as “adult toys”, it is also our considered view that it would constitute an unlawful exercise of your discretion for the Customs Department to adopt a carte blanche policy banning any item with the nomenclature “adult toys” in the absence of some clear, cogent and rational criteria,” Taklalsingh said.

He also questioned whether the classification of the items fell under an interpretation of

Section 45 (l) of the Customs Act. The legislation bars the importation of “indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographic or other engravings, gramophone records or any other indecent or obscene articles or matter”.

“It is our view that an archaic interpretation of this statutory provision without recourse to modern realities, standards of acceptable practices and proper consultation is irrational, ultra vires the intent of the Customs Act, null and void and of no effect,” Taklalsingh said.

In addition to requesting the legislative basis for the alleged policy, Taklalsingh also requested information on whether the division’s staff was given guidance on classifying items as adult toys. He requested that he receive a response with 14 days.

Speaking to a Guardian Media (GML) team at his Total Image Limited business in St Augustine Monday, Ramnanan said his lawyers requested the information to determine if a lawsuit against the alleged policy is possible.

Although Ramnanan is seeking clarification in the letter, he claimed the issue of the importation of adult toys arose almost six months ago when some items in his shipment were seized by Customs officials. He claimed competing businesses also experienced similar problems.

He complained, however, that the current process, in which the discretion allegedly rests with individual officers, was too subjective.

Saying mostly products which bear illustrations of genitalia are flagged, he said, “It all depends on how the person wakes up in the morning, their mood, attitude, how they feel about themselves or what they feel about the product based on their religious upbringing.”

Ramnanan also said the ad-hoc policy is loosely based on T&T’s colonial-age laws.

“We changed our Constitution in 1976 but we cut and paste these laws. Now the same countries we have cut and paste from have done away with it, while we still hold on,” Ramnanan said.

Although he said he was willing to take any potential lawsuit through the entire process, Ramnanan suggested it would be easier with political intervention.

“We need some politicians with the testicular fortitude to say hear what, these things need to be taken off or struck off the books and we need to let people decide what they want,” he said.

He also claimed some of the devices on the banned list are being used by some to treat sexual medical conditions, including erectile dysfunction.

“How can you put a ban on these instruments when people use it for their own benefit and medical reasons? These are things that have to be taken into consideration not just the pleasure aspect of it,” he said.

While he said adult toys were considered a taboo subject when he entered the business over 30 years ago, Ramnanan claimed citizens’ attitudes towards them had evolved.

“I have seen a drastic change from the 1980s to now. I have seen people mature and individuals know much more now,” he said. Ramnanan is also being represented by Jagdeo Singh, Dinesh Rambally and Stefan Ramkissoon.

-

Trinidad Guardian

CXC gets no student SBAs for two subjects 35 pupils ungraded

TRINIDAD -- An entire class of 35 pupils from Rio Claro East Secondary have scored ungraded in two of their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination subjects after their School-based Assessment (SBA) marks were not uploaded to the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

Some of the disappointed students Monday journeyed to the Ministry of Education’s District Education Office in Rio Claro to query the grade while others went to the school hoping to get answers.

Khanak Lobin said his daughter got up at 2 am to check her grades and she broke down in tears when she saw she was ungraded for Principles of Accounts and Principles of Business.

“It was too much for her. She said ‘Daddy go and see about this for me. I cannot handle this,’” Lobin said.

He said after spending thousands of dollars in extra lessons for his daughter it was heartwrenching to see her grade.

“She worked so hard. She has lessons all week every afternoon. She was not happy with the little work that was going on in the school so we decided to take matters into our own hands and do extra lessons so she would score a good grade,” Lobin said.

Student Jeremiah Grant said he too got a nasty shock when he went online to view his marks.

“I did everything I was supposed to do. I did my SBA, submitted it on time, I went on time for my exams. I was waiting anxiously for my result and then I saw ungraded,” Grant said.

After calling up his friends they realised the entire class was ungraded.

“We decided to come to the ministry’s office and find out what happened. We do not know whether our SBA’s were marked. We are waiting for a school supervisor to tell us what happened,” Grant said.

He added, “My teacher never contacted us to say what happened. I have no contact with him and the ministry is saying they have to wait for the supervisor to speak to the principal.”

Schoolmate Treena Smith said she was devastated when she saw her grade and called on Education Minister Anthony Garcia to launch a probe into the matter.

“I felt so dejected and hurt. It is unfair to us and I want the Minister of Education to get to the bottom on this,” she said.

Addanna Peruse, who accompanied the students to Rio Claro, said in light of the ongoing impasse between the ministry and the T&T Unified

Teachers Association over the marking of SBAs it was suspicious that 35 pupils were ungraded and possibly because their SBAs were not sent to CXC.

“I read that the ministry plans to send out a pre-action protocol letter to TTUTA because teachers are unwilling to mark SBAs unless they are paid. We need some answers,” Peruse said.

In an interview Monday, Education Minister Anthony Garcia assured that the students will not be disadvantaged. Garcia expressed surprise that the entire class was ungraded and confirmed he had launched an investigation into the matter.

“Every year we may have queries from one or two students but this is the first time that I am hearing that an entire class was ungraded because of the SBA not being uploaded at the school. We are investigating how this happened. CXC will not grade any student whose SBA mark is not uploaded. If they don’t have a mark from SBAs, CXC will not give a passing grade,” Garcia said.

He said he expected to get a report on the matter today, adding, “As long as they submitted their SBAs we will make sure that they are not disadvantaged.”

- Trinidad Guardian

TRINIDAD

-- Less than a week after he was doused with flood water by a group of irate Beetham Gardens residents, local government councillor Akil Audain returned to the community to hand out food hampers Monday.

However, Audain did not venture back to the exact location where he and Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds were attacked, instead opting to utilise the Beetham Gardens Community Centre, which also houses the community’s Police Youth Club.

Questioned over the move, Audain claimed it was a strategic decision taken to ensure those most affected by last week’s flash flooding benefitted.

“If I were to go into the community we might not be able to get everyone because they might not be home. So we can always leave it here for them to collect,” Audain said.

He also said there was no “bad blood” between him and the residents over the attack.

No bad blood over dousing

“As I said I have an electoral district to maintain. I am here and I would be coming back because there are things we need to continue,” Audain said as he pointed to excavation works being conducted on the field at the centre. He claimed that he assisted in the development of the playing field through the East Port-of-Spain Development Company Limited.

Monday’s hamper distribution drive was relatively incident-free, as most of the 84 beneficiaries queued up to collect their packages under the watchful eye of police officers from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

Some community members not identified for assistance by Audain also turned up in the hope of coping “freebies”. However, they all left empty-handed as Audain only distributed to those on his pre-prepared list.

Some of the recipients also did not seem satisfied with the items contained in the

sealed boxes, which included toilet paper, ketchup, rice and boxes of candy.

“What we suppose to do with this? I will need two boxes just to make up,” one man said.

“I really need some help with my stove and fridge because I can’t cook and have to come here to get cold water and something to eat,” a woman added.

Audain attempted to pacify the residents, explaining that the relief boxes were prepared using donations from the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), Fixin’ T&T and other NGOs.

The water-dousing incident occurred last Tuesday as Audain and Hinds were touring areas of the community affected by flooding. The duo was speaking to residents along 16th Street when they were confronted by a group of men who kicked water on them while their backs were turned. Hinds and Audain

confronted the men over the incident but were forced to flee as the men, who were armed with buckets, chased after them. Hinds made a report of the incident to police the following day.

Police sources said the investigation is still ongoing. The suspects, some of whom were captured on videos that were subsequently circulated on social media, had not been arrested up to Monday.

There were allegations that the men, who are not from where the incident occurred, were being egged on by a United National Congress (UNC) activist. However, these allegations have not been proven and the attack has been condemned by several politicians, including Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar.

- Trinidad Guardian

Kamla: Big deals for Minister’s wife’s firm

TRINIDAD -- Which People’s National Movement (PNM) Government Minister’s wife is working with a company which has received several Government contacts?

Questions on the alleged situation were raised last night by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who called on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Health Minister Dr Terrence Deyalsingh to clear the air on the issue so the public can be assured the contracts were awarded above board.

Speaking at the party’s Monday Night Forum at the Chaguanas South Secondary School, Persad-Bissessar claimed there was a “Wives’ Club” in the PNM. She claimed this “Wives Club” had benefits and company where the minister’s wife worked had acquired several contracts.

“This company has the contract for several Government projects which includes the Mt Hope School of Dentistry and the Red House Restoration project. It is our understanding that the company is also handling the Port-of-Spain General Hospital reconstruction project,” Persad-Bissessar told supporters.

“I call tonight on the Minister of Health and the Prime Minister to say which PNM minister’s wife works at this company. It’s also alleged that the minister and his wife are friends of the owner of the company.”

She also launched questions at Finance Minister Colm Imbert and PM Rowley on the National Investment Fund bond issue. She called on Imbert in particular to say if financial institutions, among them insurance companies and credit unions, may be in violation of

the new Insurance Act 2018 by purchasing the bonds.

Holding up what she claimed were two recent Cabinet documents on proposed amendments to the Financial Institutions Act and the Insurance Act, she said, “Tonight on behalf of citizens who may have invested in the NIF, or who have shares or assets in financial institutions including insurance companies, banks, credit unions, I call on Minister Imbert to tell this country whether it is true, that these institutions are now at risk if they have bought these bonds.

“Would they be in violation Section 89 (1) of the new Insurance Act 2018 now overdue for proclamation? Are they in violation now of the Financial Institutions Act sections 42(1) and 43 (1) and (2)?”

Persad-Bissssar congratulated new Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith, also calling on him to probe the “AV Drilling/Fake Oil” scandal.

Chaguanas East MP Fazal Karim also called on Griffith to ensure that Chaguanas East was one of the first stops on his tour of duties.

Among earlier speakers, deputy leader Jearlean John, who listed the PP governments achievements (and knocked the PNM’s record), alleged that several PNM MPs are now backbenchers after the latest reshuffle.

“(Laventille East MP Adrian) Leonce is ah backbencher, Ancil Antoine is ah backbencher, Nicole (Olliviere)—they call themselves the blackbenchers.”

- Trinidad Guardian

Duo charged with guns, grenade, bucket of bullets

TRINIDAD -- Two men who were allegedly in possession of a hand grenade, firearms, ammunition and marijuana were each granted $950,000 bail Monday.

Trevor Geeban, 34, of Boissiere Village, Maraval and Kadeem Weekes, 30, of East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, appeared before Siparia Senior Magistrate Margaret Alert.

The men were arrested by officers of the South Western Division Task Force and Penal CID during an anti-crime exercise in Penal on Saturday. It is alleged that the officers stopped and searched a grey Hyundai Tucson in which the men were travelling, around 11.40pm at Tulsa Trace, San Francique.

It is alleged that the officers found a hand grenade, a pigtail bucket containing two Smith and Wesson revolvers, along with nine rounds of .38mm ammunition and 58 boxes containing a total of 1,450 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The police allegedly found in the back seat a crocus bag with ten packets of compressed marijuana, weighing 5.179 kilogrammes said to have an estimated street value of $51,790.

Geeban and Weekes who were allegedly in the car were charged by PC Riad Hosein, of the Penal CID.

The charges included possession of

a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition, possession of firearms and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Prosecutor Starr Jacob objected to bail. Jacob also told the court that the Defence Force advised that they should produce photographs of the grenade rather than the actual grenade as it is a highly sensitive explosive and dangerous item.

However, the defence objected and requested that the grenade be produced during the trial. The magistrate ordered the accused to report three times at a police station.

They were represented by attorneys Mario Merritt and Nera Ramdeen. The matter

was adjourned to September 17.

In the same court, Penal welder Kevin Ramsaran, 22, was jailed for 24 months after he was found with a Glock pistol and 15 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Ramsaran was driving a Mitsubishi Pajero when he was stopped during a police roadblock at Field Road, Bennette Village, Santa Flora on Saturday.

Police found the loaded pistol under a mat on the driver’s side of the vehicle. He was charged by PC Brandon Joseph of the South Western Division Task Force.

- Trinidad Guardian

State discontinues murder charge against ex-soldier

TRINIDAD -- After spending a little over two years on remand, a former Defence Force soldier was Monday freed of murdering a Diego Martin man, who was shot and left for dead in a forested area of Chaguaramas.

Ross Russell Jr, 25, was discharged by Deputy Chief Magistrate Nanette FordeJohn in the Port-of-Spain Magistrate’s Court Monday, after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) filed a notice of discontinuance against him.

The DPP’s Office took the decision after Russell’s attorney Criston J Williams filed a no case submission, in which he questioned whether the State had sufficient evidence link-

ing his client to the murder of Selwyn Gaff, who was killed on June 5, 2016.

Russell’s 36-year-old cousin, Balondemu Julius, who was also a soldier and was jointly charged with the crime, was not as lucky.

Forde-John is expected to rule on legal submissions relating to the case against Julius on September 7. According to reports, on the day of his murder, Gaff and his friend, Jesse Quashie, accompanied three men on a hike from Diego Martin to Chaguaramas.

The friends were reportedly ambushed by the three men while walking through

a trail between Covigne and Macqueripe. Quashie was shot but managed to run away and reported the incident to police.

He directed police to the location, but by the time Gaff was taken to St James Medical Complex, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Russell and Quashie were charged after being discharged by the Defence Force. They were also slapped with additional charges for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition and for shooting Quashie with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. Russell was also freed of those charges.

Russell Jr is the son of former na-

tional footballer Ross Russell Sr. Russell Sr coached the Defence Force football team which won two Pro League titles before he retired in 2015. His son was a member of the team.

Contacted Monday, Russell’s relatives were celebrating the outcome as they spent time reconnecting with him.

His mother said he was not at home as his friends had just picked him up to go to the beach.

Guardian Media understands that Russell Jr is now considering suing the State for malicious prosecution.

- Trinidad Guardian

Fix your finances with Cleve Does More!

Mortgage. Loan. Debt. These are words that tend to induce feelings of dread, stress, and anxiety in many people. They can invoke ideas of being unable to afford things like a home, or other necessities in life. But what if it didn’t have to be this way? Cleve DeSouza from Cleve Does More is here to say it doesn’t have to be.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Cleve has always had a knack for thinking outside of the box. When he was 19, he moved to Canada, where he went on to study mechanical engineering. He is now a licensed engineer and a licensed project manager. Today, he uses all that he’s learned in those fields and applies it to finance.

Cleve Does More has been helping clients with lending since 2014, but Cleve has been investing in real estate since 2008. He began acting as an advocate for his clients when he realized that not all brokerages had the best intentions for the people they were supposed to be assisting. “I wanted to offer that value to people in terms of being an advocate and a representation of them because I was having my share of experience where brokers are not really the most trustworthy persons, and of course they’re a little bit more into the commission,” Cleve explains. He wanted to ensure that people were getting the most value out of the market without them having to shop around by themselves, so with the help of Matrix Mortgage Global as his brokerage, he took it upon himself to be the person that would help.

Initially, Cleve was helping clients with their debt by using their homes as security, but he then realized that mortgages were not the only tool he could use to do this. “I found that people needed more sustained guidance, more counseling,” he says. “I’m a strategist by nature and an analyst, I’m able to do business plans and strategic

planning; I am now bringing strategic planning to individuals.” Depending on their situation, Cleve began to introduce other tools, such as debt consolidations and loans in addition to mortgages to help his clients. “Now I take your old financial picture, analyze it, I show you exactly where you are, and then we can make some informed choices about where we want to move with your finances.”

When Cleve meets with a new client, he begins by using a financial needs analysis, which allows him to gain insight into where they stand. “I’m taking your finances from A to Z and I’m making sure that I’m comprehensive, no stone unturned,” he says. He emphasizes that there is no judgment while this is being done, it is simply to ensure the accuracy of the plan he will put in place. Once that is done, he makes recommendations on how improvements can be made. Cleve and his team then continue to support and coach their clients after their meeting to maintain accountability and follow-through.

Those who have shopped around for the best rates when it comes to mortgages and other loans know that there is no shortage of lenders in the GTA, and many of them make similar promises in terms of being the best and the most client-focused. So what sets Cleve Does More apart? “The point of Cleve Does More is to not only focus the conversation on mortgages but to mainly focus on the fundamentals of financial management. Cleve Does More is separated from everybody, because nobody is going to work with you on that front. They’re more focused on ‘oh, you want a mortgage? Okay, I’ll give it to you’. They don’t always consider how you’re going to afford the mortgage, or what stress it’s going to cause in your life,” Cleve says.

For many people, that ap prehension of beginning a financial plan that isn’t truly the best fit for them is one reason why they may avoid seeking the assistance of a professional. For others, it’s simply because they feel ashamed of their situa tion and don’t want to bring any more atten tion to it. Cleve says that he does not judge anyone for their finances or their situation, and it is his job to help. “It’s not about judging whether things are good, bad, or ugly, it’s about draw ing the line where it is. And from drawing the line where it is, that’s how we’re going to make informed choices moving forward. There are two choices: we can live with the problem, or we can get some help solv ing the problem and getting the solution,” says Cleve.

Regardless of the situation, Cleve has one piece of advice for everyone: “plan your financial life by design, as opposed to making it happen by chance.” Proper finan cial planning brings peace of mind, and Cleve Does More can help get you there.

Book your free 30 minute financial needs analysis with Cleve by calling 647476-2918, or by emailing him at cleve@cle vedoesmore.com.

Written by Dellia Rismay Toronto Caribbean Reporter

Cardi B plans to wine like a true Trini. Inhalemee recruited?

Cardi B wants to learn that proper Trini wine it seems. The Billboard chart-topping rapper who crept to fame when she released her mega-hit, ‘Bodak Yellow’ in 2017, seems to be getting ready to kick into high gear again soon, this after giving birth to her daughter, Kulture on July 10th.

Cardi, whose parents are Trinidadian and Dominican, has been laying relatively low on the social media scene, in comparison to her pre-motherhood period. In recent social media posts, however, the Bronx, NY native has given fans a few glimpses into her life

at home. Her most recent social media post, however, sees some gyrating skills being showed off. Later, she implies the desire to work with popular Caribbean dancer, Denisha Burton who’s best known as ‘Inhalemee’ on the social media circuit. Burton danced with Machel Montano’s on stage troop of dancers during Carnival 2018.

Cardi B, in a conversation with Burton this week said she planned on taking up classes with the ‘winer’ who shows women around the world how to make their waistlines work.

- EBuzzTT

Should you become a seasonal camper?

Do you dream of leasing a campsite for the whole summer but are still a tad reluctant to take the plunge? After reading this, you’ll be convinced!

First, being a seasonal camper allows you to experience peace and quiet every day (or at least every weekend, if you’re still working), whether it’s around a campfire or beside a lake. You can keep everything you need well organized at a single campsite for the entire summer rather than having the hassle of moving camp several times during the season.

What’s more, there’s a real communal spirit that develops in a campground. With so many organized activities (bingo, dance nights, softball, bocce, etc.) and common recreational areas (tennis courts, swimming pools and pool tables, for example), everyone in your family is sure to create lasting memories and great friendships with other campers.

Recommendations for first-time campers

Are you taking your first steps into the world of tent camping? Here are a few tips that will help you ensure everything goes smoothly.

GET SET UP RIGHT

• Inspect your gear before leaving home

• Arrive at the campsite early so you have plenty of daylight during which to get set up

• Choose where you pitch your tent carefully — don’t set up underneath a single tree, for example, as it can act as a natural lightening rod; at the same time, remember to choose a spot that has lots of shade in the morning

• Remove any rocks and branches from the area before pitching your tent

• Put a waterproof tarp underneath your tent for a little extra protection

• Place some rocks on the tent’s stakes if the ground is moist

• Pack an extra waterproof tarp — they’re always helpful on rainy days

Campgrounds also offer lots of summer job opportunities. Applicants whose parents or grandparents are seasonal campers just might have a little head start!

So, are you ready to try it out?

AVOID UNNECESSARY PROBLEMS

• Wear light-coloured clothes to avoid attracting mosquitoes

• Remember to pack at least two flashlights and spare batteries, just in case

• Keep the cooler and other strongersmelling items (such as scented soaps) in the car, and don’t leave dirty laundry or garbage out in the open — the scent is likely to attract wild animals

• Keep an eye on open flames at all times and be sure that your cinders are no longer hot before going to bed or leaving the campsite

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

• Don’t take shortcuts across other campers’ sites

• Don’t make unnecessary noise after the park’s curfew

• Keep your dog on a leash and pick up any of his or her droppings when necessary

• Don’t leave any garbage on your campsite when you strike your tent and head out

A fun summer to-do guide

How to organize your cooler for camping

So, you’re going camping for two or three days. Here are a few smart organization tips to make the most out of your cooler space.

First, plan all the meals you’ll be making. That way you’ll only have to bring the food that you need. About 20 per cent of the content of your cooler should consist of frozen products (cartons of juice, pasta sauce, etc.). These items will also act as ice blocks, helping to keep your other items fresh. If you need another way to keep your items chilled, opt for ice packs rather than real ice. They’re more effective and won’t get your items wet as they warm up.

At least one hour before filling the cooler, use ice packs to get the cooler itself really cold. Pre-cooling your cooler will help food stay fresher for longer. For the same reason, only put in items that actually need to be refrigerated. It’s usually best to avoid dairy products (except hard cheeses) and fresh meats (opt instead for cooked meats).

Finally, place your items into the cooler in the order in which they’ll be eaten. In other words, have what you’ll

be eating last at the bottom of the container. Put perishable foods as close as possible to frozen items, and place ice packs toward the top of the cooler (cold falls while heat rises). Of course, to keep your items cold for as long as possible, open the cooler only when necessary.

At the end of the season, clean your cooler from top to bottom and don’t close it completely. That way, you’ll prevent bad odours from developing.

Seven tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay when you’re camping

We all love camping. Mosquitoes, not so much! Do you think that you can’t have one without the other? Well, these tips will help you avoid being attacked by a horde of bloodthirsty insects so that you can finally enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

1. Be sure there aren’t any holes or tears in your tent’s fabric, and keep it zipped shut at all times.

2. Choose a campsite surrounded by deciduous trees rather than conifers.

3. Pitch your tent in an area that has a nice breeze and is far away from any standing water, electrical posts and toilets.

4. Avoid entering and leaving your tent frequently and don’t leave its flap unzipped unless it’s really necessary — you should also take off your shoes and turn off your flashlight before entering the tent (you can place a tarp near the entrance for your shoes).

5. Light a fire before the sun sets (the smoke will chase away the mosquitoes).

6. Arm yourself with a good bug spray or other insect-repellent product.

7. Wear long shirts and pants in light colours.

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A BABY AND MATERNITY FEATURE

Recognizing and treating gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes, also called gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is a metabolism disruption caused by abnormally high blood sugar levels that can affect any woman during her pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, the blood sugar spike is usually triggered when the placenta releases hormones that interfere with the effects of insulin. Want to learn more? Get the facts about GDM below.

SIGNS

While the symptoms of gestational diabetes can vary greatly from woman to woman, these signs are a good indicator that something’s amiss:

• Dry mouth

• Increased need to urinate

• Unusual fatigue

• Headaches

• Intense thirst

Doctors can diagnose gestational diabetes by administering an oral blood sugar test, which, combined with blood analysis, determines sugar levels in the bloodstream.

MANAGEMENT

Gestational diabetes does not put your child at a higher risk of developing diabetes later on. However, it does present certain hazards for the mother, which is why a GDM diagnosis should always be taken seriously and managed with care.

A healthy lifestyle that combines diet and exercise is usually enough to keep it under control, but medication is sometimes required as well.

ERADICATION

As long as you can achieve a healthy post-pregnancy weight, your gestational diabetes should go away on its own after you give birth. If you’re overweight, however, getting rid of diabetes isn’t as straightforward. In any case, it’s a good idea to have your blood sugar measured a few weeks after your baby is born to make sure that it’s back to normal levels.

Plagiocephaly: flat head syndrome

The skull of a newborn is highly malleable (namely to facilitate delivery) and remains so for around 18 months until its bones have fused together into their permanent position. As this process unfolds, some infants — usually around four to six months — develop an oddly shaped head; this condition is known as flat head syndrome, or plagiocephaly. To avoid permanent malformations, parents should intervene at the first sign of flat head syndrome and inform their child’s pediatrician, who can step in if necessary.

PREVENTION

To minimize the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), today’s pediatricians recommend putting babies to sleep on their back. This measure, while very effective in preventing SIDS, is largely responsible for the increased prevalence of flat head syndrome. When infants sleep on their back, their head — the heaviest part of their body, by far — is under continuous pressure, and staying in that position for extended periods can cause the skull to become misshapen. That’s why you should avoid letting your baby’s head stay in the same position for too long. A good way to do this for babies who are able to move their own head is to direct their attention to different places (by repositioning the mobile above the crib, for example).

TREATMENT

If you suspect that your child is developing flat head syndrome, consult your pediatrician immediately. He or she will assess the severity of the issue and recommend the best course of action. If varying your baby’s position isn’t enough to counteract the problem, physiotherapy exercises may be prescribed to increase head and neck mobility. In rare cases — usually when the problem goes unnoticed for more than six months — wearing a helmet may be required to mould the child’s skull into the right shape.

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This fall, give in to ground cherries

Fruit salad and mixed salad, jam and jelly, sorbet and granita, pie and cake, chutney and ketchup, mousse and coulis — ground cherries (Physalis peruviana) can be enjoyed in virtually any form and at every occasion. This small yellow fruit is a member of the same family as tomatoes and potatoes (the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family), and has a sweet, tangy flavour and a host of health benefits.

Ground cherries are a source of vitamins B1, B3 and C, and of iron. They also contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital for healthy bones, teeth and eyes, and helps protect against infection. Ground cherries also have anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. All good reasons to look for them at your local market!

What is syncope?

Syncope (fainting) is a sudden and brief loss of consciousness that occurs due to insufficient blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Sometimes preceded by dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision or nausea, fainting is usually accompanied by muscle weakness (which causes you to fall), extreme pallor and, in some cases, respiratory distress. When someone faints, you should lie them down and lift their legs to improve blood circulation.

TYPES OF SYNCOPE

There are different types of syncope, namely:

• Reflex syncope can be vasovagal or situational in nature. It can be caused by intense emotion, pain, coughing, stress, fatigue, swallowing or urination. This is the most common type of fainting. Since the trigger is usually the same, it’s possible to recognize the warning signs and avoid the fall.

• Orthostatic syncope is caused by a drop in blood pressure, due to a sudden change of position, certain medications, or pregnancy, for example. It can also occur after eating (especially in seniors).

• Cardiac syncope is linked to a heart condition (arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, tachycardia, etc.) and requires urgent intervention.

Aside from the more dangerous cardiac syncope, fainting is usually benign. However, the fall that follows can cause wounds, bruising or broken bones and have serious consequences if you’re driving, swimming or on the stairs. In any case, it’s best to see a doctor to determine the cause and take the appropriate measures (avoiding triggers, limiting blood pressure medication, treating the heart condition, etc.).

Three outdoor sports to help you stay in shape this fall

As the days get cooler and the mosquitoes die out, fall is the perfect time to get moving in the great outdoors. Here are three sports that are great for both staying in shape and enjoying nature this season.

1. HIKING

Hiking mainly helps improve cardiovascular strength, build bone density and tone leg muscles and glutes. You can include your upper body in the workout by using walking sticks. Moreover, a mountain stroll is a great way to relieve stress.

2. MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain biking involves many muscles, burns a great number of calories, supplies oxygen to the brain and improves cardiovascular endurance. It in-

creases focus and also provides a wonderful sense of freedom.

3. RUNNING

Running can help you sleep better, have more energy, reduce stress levels, improve cardiovascular health and increase flexibility and balance.

How to relieve a dry nose

In addition to humidifying and warming the air you breathe, your nose acts as a filter that protects your respiratory system from germs, dust and other airborne particles. However, for it to carry out its duties effectively, your nose needs to be well moisturized. Does your nose itch or burn? Is it stuffed up in the morning? Do you sneeze all the time or experience frequent nosebleeds? Then odds are you have a dry nose. Here are a few tips to improve the situation.

A dry nose can be caused by a variety of factors, including dry air, cigarette smoke, indoor heating, air conditioning, various chemical products (varnish, cleaning products, air fresheners, etc.), dust and allergies.

To take care of your nose:

• Keep humidity levels at home between 30 and 50 per cent.

• Don’t overheat your home or overuse the air conditioner.

• Clean on a regular basis to prevent dust from collecting.

• Air out the house every day.

• Clean your nose every day with a saline solution. Ask your pharmacist about it.

• Use a nasal lubricant, as required, to relieve irritation.

• Wear a mask whenever you’re in contact with respiratory irritants (when sanding furniture, using chemical products, etc.).

• Avoid smoking and, if possible, exposing yourself to second-hand smoke.

If the problem persists despite your efforts, see your doctor.

To

What’s really happening when we practice yoga? Part I

trishacurling@carib101.com

YOGA SPECIALIST

Do you want the short answer or the long answer? I am going to give you both.

The short answer: A LOT!!!!!

Let’s dive into that with a longer answer. Where do we start? The impact it has on our muscles and bones? Our nervous system? Connective Tissue? Organs? Immune System? Respiratory System?…see what I mean? There’s a ton going on and that list just scratches the surface, believe me.

When we come to our mats though, we go there for our very own reasons and those reasons can vary quite significantly day to day, or even moment to moment. The intention of our practice has quite an impact on the outcome and this is wonderful. As we learn more about ourselves and our own yoga practice we begin to add so much value. Knowledge is power, right? The beauty of it all is that, even if we are not fully aware of all of the specifics, our bodies, minds, and spirits, are all still reaping the benefits.

Let’s begin to scratch that surface I mentioned though. Let’s consider the impact on muscles and bones. When practicing a Vinyasa Flow style of class, for example, our bodies are receiving the benefit of strength and resilience in our muscle tissue. This leads to things like creating less pain in the body and moving more efficiently. In regards to yoga’s effect on bone

health, there have been wonderful studies completed that show the increase in bone density when a yoga practice is done consistently as a part of our daily routines. What does this mean? That means better alignment and balance, which also means fewer injuries from falls, particularly as we age. This is huge on its own. This is what is happening when we practice yoga.

Our nervous system, a big bag to unpack, but let’s look at the long, short answer. One of the larger focuses when we come onto our mats is the breath and how it informs our poses. As we practice, we begin to see the power of the breath in many aspects. Due to the fact that we become more aware and intentional in how we breathe, we create opportunities for ourselves to slow down. Slowing down our breath creates a wonderful response in the nervous system. We activate the parasympathetic nervous system response. This

response aids in our digestion and waste elimination and is heightened during rest. What we don’t necessarily realize is that a lot of healing goes through the body when we activate this response. We crave homeostasis and because we are very often existing within the sympathetic nervous system response, our bodies are tense and often contributing to pain we are already experiencing. We must carve out time for opportunities that create a more balanced state in order for healing to occur. A restorative yoga practice is a great way to tap into this.

We can see that we don’t necessarily have to know the intricacies of how the body is doing all of this, but if we trust ourselves to come to our mats and practice, just practice, we can begin to reap the benefits that are waiting for us. Let’s dive into more in the next edition.

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Nature or Nurture; What has shaped

you;

your environment or your genetics?

The argument of nature vs nurture has always been one of those topics studied, and re-studied because of the vast amount of new research that has been done concerning this highly discussed topic. Most recently, a parental bias has been introduced that states that parents are compelled to reproduce to ensure that they pass on their genetic line to the future; it is seen as a biological investment, which is why the child’s outcome is usually a reflection of their genetics (Friedman, 2014). Kim Evans, Chen Miller, and Seeman (2018) introduced the idea of understanding interactions between multilevel and multidimensional neurobiological and environmental systems and how we can use this understanding to reduce the impact of nurture issues, namely Socioeconomic Disadvantage and its impact. Studies have shown that on average, people’s personalities are about half determined by their genetics, and the other half their environment (Friedman, 2014). It is even more important to note that the half that is determined by the environment usually has nothing to do with the parents.

When looking at a particular person, research focused on all characteristics points to

We have all been there, the alarm rings, we hit snooze and roll back into bed. We are then woken up in a hurry and all over the place. The day rolls on, you feel that initial stress from the morning and by the time the evening hits, it’s over. You are dead tired and most of the things you wanted to do today didn’t get done. Does any of this sound familiar?

I totally get it and have definitely been there more times than I would like to admit. How do we manage this though? Let me give you a few tips.

a blend of inheritance and experience (Papalia & Martorella, 2015). One must consider both the inherited characteristics that give each person a start in life, as well as the environmental factors including family, neighborhood, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and culture (Papalia & Martorella, 2015). One aspect of development that is considered is intelligence. Although intelligence is strongly influenced by heredity, it has also been found that education, peer influence, and other variables can have just as much of an influence on intelligence across the lifespan as heredity. To truly understand development, it is important to consider the interactions that are occurring between heredity and the environment. As researchers, it is crucial to gain insight on which developments are primarily maturational and which are not. More longitudinal research must be considered when examining influences that affect many or most people at a certain age or a certain time in history and compare it to those that affect only certain individuals. It is imperative that researchers recognize the importance of timing and how it can accentuate the impact of certain influences (Papalia & Martorella, 2015). Making sense of the interaction between environment and heredity allows researchers to see how the home environment does have a marked effect in childhood, but also takes into consideration the individual qualities that can make a greater difference.

Two models that help explain the interaction between genetics and environment which is beneficial to the nature/nurture discussion. One example of a biological embedded model is the Fetal Origins Theory which states that during the critical prenatal period, a preg-

1) Set up your morning at night. In my PM rituals, I align the clothes I am going to wear the next day. If I am taking food anywhere or need something, I try to position it the night before. I even grind my coffee beans and get my coffee ready, so I just have to hit a button to turn it on. I will pack my bag and leave it by the door if I am leaving right away in the morning. This helps frame the morning and there are fewer things to do when I first wake up.

2) In the morning I set my alarm a bit earlier so that I have time to frame my day. There has been a time in my life where all I did was react. I wake up, pick up my phone and start reacting. How do I start my morning with intention instead of reaction? I take the time first thing in the morning to visualize my day. My alarm goes off and I take a deep breath. I get grounded in bed and if I am tired I will sit up with my feet on the ground and just feel my body. Then I will imagine what I want the day to be like. Some mornings I will even go into an extended visualization where I build my life in my mind that day. From there, it could be 10 min-

nant woman’s exposure to extreme physical or psychological stress can lead to a long-lasting change in the development of her child’s brain as well as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic nervous system (Barker as cited in Kim et al.2017). These changes can increase the child’s risk for physical illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, or psychological illnesses like schizophrenia that can exist across the lifespan. A second model places its focus on the duration and accumulation of SED exposure and examines the continuous and dynamic changes that occur between an individual and their environment and how they influence each other (Kuh and Ben-Shlomo as cited in Kim et al. 2017).

This topic remains popular, and there are still many questions that need to be answered. If you are interested in this research topic, feel free to contact me and I have included references for you to check out. Have a fantastic week my fellow humans.

Reference: Friedman, N. (2014, July 1). Parents Just Don’t Understand. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201407/parents-just-dontunderstand Kim, P., Evans, G. W., Chen, E., Miller, G., & Seeman, T. (2018). How socioeconomic disadvantages get under the skin and into the brain to influence health development across the lifespan. In Handbook of Life Course Health Development (pp. 463-497). Springer, Cham. Papalia, D.E., & Martorella, G. (2015). Experience Human Development, 13th Edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

utes or it could be an hour, I will then stretch, open up my body and get ready to take on the day.

3) I will decide in the morning the top three things that need to get done. We all have super huge to-do lists. Those same lists can be so overwhelming sometimes that we can’t handle them. The best solution I have found is breaking down that list to the top three things that absolutely have to get done today. I will always suggest that one of those three things is something that adds passion, gets you fired up or you are super connected to. This will help drive the results. When we can chop things up into smaller bites, it makes things easier to swallow sometimes. If you have time, get more done but aim for the three and then some. Whatever you do, just know that if you did the best you could that day and things were still all over the place, there is always tomorrow. We are humans and therefore we will have to work at this, some of us might be a long study. I suggest, just keep plugging away at it!

Dealing with worldwide assets in Estate Administration

VALERIE DYE

valerie@carib101.com

LEGAL SPECIALIST

Living in today’s globalized world has given rise to the not uncommon scenario of persons dying and leaving assets in several countries. When this happens, there are several ways in which the estate of such persons may be administered.

The first issue that presents itself when a deceased has assets in more than one jurisdiction is, in which country should the named estate trustee apply for probate. The answer to this is based on cost and convenience. The estate trustee may apply for Certificate of Appointment of Es-

KATHY McDONALD

kathy@carib101.com

SCHOOL TRUSTEE

As parents, guardians, and caregivers we are charged with an awesome yet arduous task. We are responsible for nurturing, guiding molding and ensuring that our children and wards are equipped to be the best that they can be. This means that we should be committed not only to their spiritual and physical development but their educational growth as well. As parents or anyone that has a genuine desire to see students succeed it is crucial that we adequately equip ourselves. We must diligently make sure we have the right tools to navigate the vast educational system that our children have to traverse in order to graduate.

The United Achievers’ Club UAC hosted an informative workshop on August 11th in Brampton. The participants were provided with a wealth of knowledge to help them prepare to support their children for the 2018/2019 school year. The highlight of the event was the great discussions that were generated following the panel’s informative presentation. The panelist were; Abigail Hamilton, the executive director of ResQ Youth International; Clau-

tate Trustee in the country where most of the assets are, or that person may choose to apply in the country where fees are lower. It is important to note that if a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee is granted in a country outside of Ontario that document cannot be used to deal with assets in Ontario unless certain steps are taken.

If the original grant was made in a commonwealth country, then the person named as executor or estate trustee in that grant may present it to the court in Ontario and have it resealed. This simply means that the document will be stamped with the Ontario court stamp and signed by a registrar of the court. Once the grant is resealed it has the same effect as a Certificate of Appointment granted in Ontario and it gives the estate trustee the right to deal with the deceased’s assets which exist in Ontario.

If the original grant of probate or letters of administration was made in a country which is not a part of the British

Commonwealth, then the estate trustee must apply to the court in Ontario for an ancillary grant before he or she can deal with the Ontario assets. The ancillary grant is almost similar to a new grant of probate or letters of administration and a separate certificate will be issued.

Whether a resealing or an ancillary grant is applied for, estate taxes will be paid only on the value of the assets in Ontario. It is also important to note that the estate trustee does not need to be residing in Ontario in order to apply for resealing or ancillary grant provided that in the case of the ancillary grant that trustee is named in the will.

The application for resealing a grant or for an ancillary grant may only be made by the person who has been named estate trustee or administrator in the original grant. Where the same person cannot make the application in Ontario, then someone else may apply for a Certificate of Appointment of Foreign Estate Trustee’s

What’s in your tool belt?

dette Johnson, a former guidance counselor, and Rasulan Hoppie, the principal of Castlebrooke Secondary School. By all accounts, this community discussion was a valuable tool which will assist the parents in attendance in supporting their children’s success in school. I would strongly encourage parents to continue to attend similar workshops and seminars that aim to empower and inform caregivers, community members, and parents. As lifelong learners, we must continually seek out information, especially in this fast-paced and everchanging world.

Information is power, and knowledge is transferable. It was interesting to hear the myriad of reasons parents were reluctant to attend the workshop. Too often parents think by attending a workshop they are admitting that they are somehow inadequate. When it’s actually the opposite. By attending workshops to empower your children you are letting them know that they are important. and their education is so important to you that you are willing to learn how to help them be the best version of themselves.

Did you know that my Blueprint is not even blue? My Blueprint is a great educational planning tool that the Peel District School Board (PDSB) and several other boards use to help students and their parents plan for their future. This tool can be accessed in middle school to help students plot out the best subject choices that will help them fulfill their career objectives while nurturing their interests. While

operating procedures may vary slightly between school boards the aim of the program is the same. My Blueprint “follows a comprehensive education and career planning process that meets the learning needs, interests and aspirations of all students”

On the PDSB website, there are several resources that are readily available for parents and students. There is a step by step guide for parents to set up an account which can be linked to your child’s account. There is also a guide for students and instructions how students can link their account to their personal device. This enables students to always have access to this information. There is also a very useful resource that helps them get started on course selection.

The PDSB website poses four questions that students should consider when navigating the my Blueprint page. They are: Who am I? Who do I want to become? What are my opportunities and What are my plans to achieve these goals? I would also like to add a fifth question that students should ask; Who will I ask to mentor and guide me to achieve my goals? When a student accesses my Blueprint, they will be able to “discover their learning style, narrow in on areas of interest, learn more about their unique personality, set goals, explore careers and research and compare options after secondary school.”

There are several other educational planning tools that are available by a few strokes of a keyboard. I would strongly

Nominee. This allows the foreign estate trustee to complete documents including a nomination form which will be submitted to the court in Ontario so that another person may be appointed estate trustee. This process is almost similar to making a new application.

To avoid the process of resealing of grants or applying for ancillary grants, persons, while alive, may elect to have a different will for each jurisdiction in which they have assets. In some cases, this may be considered an easier solution depending upon the circumstances. There will then be no need for a resealing or ancillary grant since there will be one will that deals with assets in Ontario and which names an estate trustee in Ontario and another will that deals with assets in another jurisdiction and which names an estate trustee or administrator in that jurisdiction. Ultimately, whatever decision is taken depends on the existing circumstances.s

suggest that parents sit with their children and utilize these prodigious tools. There is so much power in identifying your child’s strengths and interests and working towards a goal. If your child does not know exactly what career path he or she wants to pursue my Blueprint can help select courses that interest your child. When your child participates in courses that they find meaningful and interesting they will excel in such courses.

Even if you attended school in Canada or if your child appears to be excelling, the rate of change of information and the different resources that are available to your children constantly changes. It’s good to check-in from time to time. As a mother of four children, birthed over fifteen years, I can attest to the great difference in each of my children’s educational journey. I am constantly learning and being exposed to new and innovative educational stratagem.

Knowledge is the best weapon one has to empower oneself to live successfully in today’s world. Whether it’s through experiential, theoretical or practical learning, it is essential for parents, caregivers and guardians and the community at large to arm themselves with as many utensils that can aid them in helping students charged in their care to be the best that they can be. So, journey with me as I strive to make sure that all students including Black, Caribbean, and students of African heritage live up to their full potential. Walk Good. Belle Marché.

Taking advantage of the power you have

For those who have been following my social justice contributions for the past couple of months will notice very quickly the reoccurring theme, justice. From education to legal equality, poverty, and accessible housing, all of these topics, in particular, are essential starting points in creating change. However, as straightforward as this task may seem, I must admit that tackling some of these exhausting issues head-on is quite complex. On a daily basis, many individuals and those in power convey the importance of living, breathing and creating justice in one’s own life.

Through personal familiarity and the many opinions of others, the difficult task of where to begin when trying to seek justice, can be such a grueling and discouraging task. Seeking justice is also overwhelming at times especially if one does not know where or whom to turn to in regards to their concerns. This very example contributes to one of the main reasons why so many Canadians choose not to voice their concerns regarding acts of inequality and discrimination.

Nonetheless, it is adamant that I share with you pieces of useful information that you can utilize, the next time you are in a particular circumstance, where your rights as a Canadian citizen are being violated in any way shape or form.

Contact your Ombudsman

Have a complaint regarding an unfair issue happening to you or your family? Well, contacting your local Ombudsman may be the first step in seeking the solutions you require. The role of the Ombudsman is to listen, investigate complaints and concerns about unfairness within the city. The role of the Ombudsman is to promote fairness amongst city services and help the public investigate, mediate and find solutions to problems.

The Ombudsman oversees many sectors within the city of Toronto such as the Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto Community Housing, Parks Forestry & Recreation and much more. The Ombudsman of Toronto pride themselves on being an effective and independent voice for the city of Toronto which allows them to shine a light on a wide range of problems while recommending im-

provements without “taking sides”.

Think you’re ready to make a complaint? First, ensure that the Ombudsman oversees the division, agency, corporation or adjudicative body that you are making a complaint against. Once you have achieved this, you can begin your complaint via phone, email, fax, in person or online. What happens next? Well, the waiting game begins. However, you will be informed and kept up to date on the status of your complaint and hopefully within a reasonable time be able to seek the answers you require.

Not truly satisfied with the results from contacting your Ombudsman’s? Well, maybe option two may be of some assistance.

Email your Premier

Two weeks ago, I decided to contact the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, regarding a family matter I was dealing with. I did not think my email would reach far nor acquire a response but, to my delight, Doug Ford himself, (or who I think was Doug) replied back to me and forwarded my email to the right individual on his cabinet. Depending on the seriousness of your inquiry/complaint, contacting your Premier and making them aware of the issues that are affecting you and or your family may be necessary.

The Premier of Ontario is the head of government of a province or a territory and hold influential power when implementing policies for the province, and ensuring provincial laws and policies are carried out. For someone who holds this type of power, why wouldn’t you make them aware of your complaints; especially when their roles and responsibilities primary affect you and everyone else in the province.

Although the thought of messaging the Premier of Ontario may seem a bit intimidating at first, all emails are guaranteed a reply which begins your first step of taking justice into your own hands; the right way that is. Should you want to start the process of emailing the Premier, going to the Ontario government website allocated to the Premier of Ontario is where you can begin this process.

There are many other ways one can seek justice such as contacting your mayor, emailing your city councilor or your member of parliament. Regardless of whom you choose, they have all taken on the responsibility to represent you, your families and your concerns. Although it may be terrifying to get in contact with them at first, you MUST take advantage of the opportunity given to you and make those in power hear your voices. It may take time, but as my fellow writer Alyssa Mahadeo likes to say “Nothing gets resolved until you make enough noise about it”.

Add life to your garden with birdhouses

Are you a fan of gardening and birdwatching? Then why not combine your two hobbies by incorporating birdhouses into your landscaping? Here are a few tips for creating a garden filled with colourful blooms and the chirps of winged creatures all summer long.

SPECIES TO CHARM

First off, determine which types of bird you’d like to attract. To avoid disappointment, find out which birds typically frequent your area.

Next, go get some quality birdhouses from your local gardening centre or hardware store. Ask a salesperson to help you choose the best models for the types of bird you’re looking to attract. You’ll need to consider the

size of the entrance and the available nesting space inside of the birdhouse.

WHAT

TO LOOK FOR

Choose birdhouses with the following features:

• Mould-resistant materials (cedar wood is an excellent choice)

• A design that allows optimal ventilation and drainage

• A roof that juts out a few centimetres over the entrance

• A door that allows easy access to the inside for cleaning

• A look that’s harmonious with the rest of your landscaping

If you’re handy and would like to make your own birdhouses, you can find tons of step-by-step guides online and in bookstores. Grab your tools and get building!

The art of incorporating sculptures in the garden

Sculptors have been creating works destined to embellish gardens for centuries. Sculptures, when properly integrated in well thought-out landscaping, have the power to make your yard look majestic. When it comes to incorporating sculptures in your landscaping, there are certain basic rules to follow.

First off, avoid overcrowding the space. Sculptures will inevitably draw attention, meaning that they’ll become the focal point of your garden. Unless you have a particularly vast yard, stick to a single piece. If you really want to have several, position them so only one is visible at a time.

IDEAL PLANTS

Choose flowers and other plants that contrast in colour with your sculpture. If the sculpture is white, try planting deep blue hostas at its feet; if it’s dark, choose white, yellow or light pink flowers for maximum impact.

Avoid plants that are overly bulky or invasive — anything that could steal the spotlight from your sculpture. You wouldn’t want to get stuck having to trim a shrub every month to reveal your artwork. A rock garden at the base of the sculpture is

Beautify your pathways with groundcover plants

Stone and pavement pathways look great in the garden — until weeds invade the space between the tiles, that is. To prevent undesirable species from taking over your landscape, use your favourite groundcover plants.

These low-growing varieties thrive in tight spaces, making them perfect for filling the gaps between pathway tiles. Over time, they’ll spread out to create a magnificent green carpeting that winds between the stones, preventing weeds from taking root. What’s more, groundcover plants confer a wild, natural look to footpaths.

WHAT TO PLANT

Use groundcover plants to green up the gaps in your pavement. Creeping and lemongrass thyme varieties are excellent choices — their violet and pink flowers will add a touch of colour to your garden. Heath pearlwort with its tiny white flowers is also a good choice, as is Corsican mint.

Choose your plants according to their sunlight needs. If your pathway is in the shade, you could go with a variety of Dichondra repens, a perennial that tolerates foot traffic well. It will quickly create a carpet of tiny green foliage between your tiles. All you’ll have to do is let nature follow its course.

If you’d like to find out more about groundcover plants, visit your local gardening centre or plant nursery to speak with an expert.

Various plant varieties are perfectly suited to fill the spaces between pathway tiles.

another visually interesting option.

Before installing a sculpture in your yard, visit a garden centre near you to find everything you’ll need to highlight your piece.

Extend the lifespan of your

Shears, rakes, weeders, hoes, hedge trimmers, shovels, trowels — taking care of your landscaping requires quite a bit of equipment. Read on to find out how you can keep your garden tools in prime condition for as long as possible.

CLEAN

Soil, water, resin and sap can all damage your garden tools, especially those with metal blades. Get rid of any residue with soapy water or an alcohol-soaked cloth. To get rid of rust, rub the surface with finegrain sandpaper.

SHARPEN

Keep your blades nice and sharp by regularly honing them with a metal file. Be careful to follow the angle of the blade. Don’t use a grinder; it removes an unnecessary amount of metal.

REPAIR

If the screws, nails or springs in your tools are unstable (or have fallen out), tighten them or replace them without delay. Gently sand your tools’ wooden handles

garden tools

from time to time to avoid getting splinters.

PROTECT

Use a protective oil (such as flaxseed oil) on the metallic components of your tools. Make sure the surfaces are perfectly clean before applying the oil. This will keep your blades sharp and prevent rust.

STORE

Finally, keep in mind that it’s important to store your garden tools in a dry, well ventilated area. Place them blade-side up to avoid moisture accumulation.

Happy gardening season!

JEEP leads the way for FCA

The Jeep division is the FCA group’s highest-performing division and it has big plans for the renowned vehicle line. The company plans to release no fewer than 14 electric models, including four fully electric ones, within four years. Some might say that

it’s about time, as with the exception of the Hybrid Pacifica, FCA currently has no plug-in hybrid or fully electric ve hicles on its roster.

The big newsmaker this year for Jeep was the unveiling of the all-new Wrangler, which hadn’t been given a real makeover for a decade. Its silhouette remains unchanged — you don’t mess with a legend! — but it gained a new 270-HP 4-cylinder engine under the hood.

Jeep is also hoping to compete in the fullsize SUV segment. Since the Commander was discontinued, the division hasn’t had any models to compete with GM’s Tahoe/Yukon/ Suburban family or Ford’s Expedition/ Navigator duo. This will change with the upcoming arrival of the Grand Wagoneer.

VOLKSWAGEN aims to please North Americans

The star of the moment at Volkswagen this fall is the allnew Jetta, which sports a radically different style than its predecessor. It’s 35 millimetres longer, bringing the total length of the Jetta to 4.7 metres — dangerously approaching mid-size sedan territory. It’s also taller, wider and overall more commanding.

For those in the market for something more stylish, Volkswagen is offering the R-Line package for $1,700. It includes unique wheels, a sporty suspension, a lustrous black grille, rear bumpers with a double-exhaust pipe, anti-fog headlights and an electronic differential. All this certainly gives the model a big dose of personality. The standard engine will be a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder outputting 147 HP. The GLi edition will include the same 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder as the GTi, which outputs 220 HP. Depending on the version, the price tag will be between $21,000 and $31,000.

Another newcomer for Volkswagen is the Arteon luxury sedan, which will be available in a single, well-equipped configuration for around $48,000. The engine is a 268-HP 2.0-litre 4-cylinder. Its virtual command centre, which takes the shape of a 12.3-inch touch screen, was inspired by Audi and is extremely user-friendly. The Arteon offers lots of interior space, especially in the front; be -

cause of the low ceiling, there isn’t much clearance in the back. Overall, the car is perfectly suitable for four passengers.

Finally, a word on the new GTi. Slated for a 2020 release, it’s expected to come with the same 252-HP 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine as the Audi A4. And rumour has it that the new Golf R could output up to 350, even 400 HP.

HOW TO PLAY :

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

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

ARIES

Summer vacation is barely over, and you’re already planning another trip with friends. At work, you’ll be asked to plan an event that will bring together many people.

TAURUS

Your desire to better yourself is becoming more and more central to your life. You might decide to change careers or start a big project this week, if only to prove to yourself that you can.

GEMINI

You won’t hesitate for very long before making a big decision regarding your personal or professional future. A business trip might take shape quite suddenly. It’s always a good idea to have an overnight bag ready, just in case.

CANCER

Finding the perfect compromise isn’t always possible, especially when multiple people are involved. You’ll have to use your imagination in or der to restore harmony and solve conflicts within your circle of friends.

LEO

It won’t take much to give your self esteem a boost this week. Flaunt your newfound self confidence, and you’ll see your credibility skyrocket. This could even lead you to a pro motion at work.

VIRGO

You’ll set up a home office space. After taming your insecurities, your inner leader will awaken and you’ll finally succeed in starting your own business.

LIBRA

Love will be on your mind all week. It’s the little things that mean the most. Don’t be afraid to show your true feelings to the world.

SCORPIO

You’ll start to consider buying or selling a property. You may even find a place to live that’s both cheaper and somehow nicer than your current accommodations. This will considerably improve your family’s quality of life.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll have the opportunity to treat yourself this week, and you may even think about buying a car. Certain acquaintances will be highly demanding, but your patience is wearing thin. It’s better to say no today than to snap tomorrow.

CAPRICORN

Take a closer look at your finances: you just might find that you have the means to make a lifelong dream a reality. Your business acumen and creative drive will carry you all the way to the top.

AQUARIUS

You tend to get discouraged when faced with unpleasant or demanding tasks. The more you persevere, the better you’ll feel. Nothing can stop you once you put your nose to the grindstone.

PISCES

Sometimes you need to take a step in order to gain a better perspective. You’ve arrived at a crossroads in your professional life. Play your cards wisely.

FOR SALE WORSHIP

LAND FOR SALE - TRINIDAD: 5.2 Acres main road, Penal Rock Road; residential area, water and lights. Contact Pam 905-428-0632/289-388-7541 or Psam9123@gmail.com

TOWNHOUSE FOR SALE: 3 beds,3 baths - townhouse for sale in Tobago, close to beaches, good income property, well maintained, swimming pools, quiet residence. Carlos 1-868-714-0968.

TUNPUNA: Tunapuna Trinidad Property for Sale. Prime Location. Living/Rental Call (905) 791-9925

FOR SALE: Pizzeria and Ice cream shop for sale. Located in Scarborough. Midland and Ellington . Lots of parking, close to school. Call 416-854-5134

SERVER: Candidates should have 3+ years experience working as waitstaff/server. Full time position year round. Work hours to be negotiated | Please send resume to info. coconutbreeze@gmail.com

SALES REP WANTED: Sales rep wanted for media company. Must be self motivated. Contact 647-722-6298 for more info

NEEDED: Butcher needed for Grocery Store in Brampton Call 905-4979025

TWIN SISTERS: Donna Reid is looking to connect with her twin sisters Lattrice and Patrice Reid born to Jamaican Parents Jean and Carlton Reid. Contact 907-433-9366

COMPANION: Single Guy 49 looking for a female 39 - 49 for a relationship or friendship who likes movies, dancing, shopping. Contact 647-882-8679

COMMUNITY EVENT: Free Back to School Bash. Location: Brampton Christian Family Church. 9446 McLaughlin Rd. N. Unit # 11. Brampton, ON L6X 4H9. SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH 2018. Time: 10 am - 2 pm. Exciting Activities: Free Haircuts for kids, Face Painting, Bouncy Castles, Games & Prizes, Fun for the whole family! Free BBQ and ICE CREAM Register for your free backpack at info@ bcfc.ca /or if you would like to make a donation contact BCFC at (905) 456-2658 Contact 647-882-8679

SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School –Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211

MISSISSAUGA: Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us at 1620 Dundas St West, each Sunday at 10am for praise, worship and in-depth Bible teaching with Pastor Sean, 416-219-9137

The answer is yes. Kitec plumbing was made between 1995 and 2007. It is a brand of plastic pipes used in cold and hot water systems. It is made with a thin layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of plastic. The aluminum prevents oxygen from diffusing through the pipe walls and causes corrosion. It was once considered to be a good plumbing system because it was cheaper than copper and, being flexible, easier to install. Kitec pipes were recalled around 2005 because they have a tendency to corrode rapidly. There are many other brands made of similar materials that were recalled as well, but Kitec was the major brand.

Kitec plumbing consists of blue, red and sometimes orange flex piping connected to brass fittings. The blue pipes carry cold water and the red or orange carry hot water. It is easily spotted, even in finished basements, by looking under the counter sinks or near the hot water tank. Homes with kitec plumbing have a yellow sticker on the inside of the electrical panel door with a cautionary note saying that the building does not have metallic piping. Usually, electricians use the metallic piping as an electrical ground.

Ketic tubing can withstand heat to a maximum of 77°C but the temperature in hot water tanks is hotter, causing the pipes to break down. Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc. With high heat and moisture, it oxidizes producing zinc oxide which acts like bad cholesterol, forming restrictions in the pipes. The narrow restrictions create higher pressure and pipes can burst. Unlike copper plumbing where pipes leak, Ketic plumbing will burst, creating a flood. There is no warning when it can happen and there are no preventative actions an owner can take, except to replace the entire plumbing which can

be expensive as pipes are behind walls and through floors.

Condominiums with Ketic plumbing must undergo retrofit and the cost is passed down to the owners. The average cost for a one bedroom condo apartment is approximately $5,000 and for a two bedroom about $10,000. Homes and townhomes are much more expensive. There is a cross-border lawsuit with a settlement fund of $100 million US after lawyer’s fees and there are about 88,000 claims. Claims can be made until 2020 for failed systems and if there is any remainder, it will be distributed to owners who have systems that have not failed. Owners must file a claim by completing a Ketic settlement from before the expiry date.

If you are planning on buying a home or condominium, get it inspected and ask the realtor to insert a clause in your agreement stating that the seller warrants that the building does not have Ketic or similar plumbing and this warranty shall survive closing. If the property was built during 19952007, then that’s a red flag so be more cautious.

Owners with Kitec plumbing must inform their insurers because, in the event of water damage, they may not be protected. Some insurers will ensure it at a higher cost while others may refuse to consider it or have a rider in the policy which states that water damages are not covered due to the plumbing system. Consider engaging a plumber to retrofit the home or install a leak protection device that can shut off the water when it senses improper flow patterns. Other preventative measures are to lower the water temperature settings on the hot water tank to below 77° degrees or install a water mixer valve to lower the temperature. Ketic plumbing has a life expectancy of about 10 to 12 years but could last longer. According to Carson and Dunlop, a reputable home inspection company, as of January 2018, they have seen few failures with this piping. If the home is left unattended for more than 24 hours, it is a good idea to turn off the main valve even if there is no Kitec plumbing.

What investment is better for me? RRSP or TFSA?

the maximum contribution is 18% of 2017 earned income or $26,230 (of course you can also count in your past contribution room based on your NOA). If you do not have any more contribution room, but you are earning a large amount you can choose to set up a spousal RRSP if your spouse has the room.

This is a question that I am asked many times by clients who are investing through me and for those who are thinking of investing through me. It’s not a very difficult question yet it is a technical question at that. The truth is that both have their place and serve very different purposes, but there are times when it’s advantageous to put money into one and less advantageous for the other.

Lets us further look at this by examining each: A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is one of the most significant savings vehicles in Canada. The main principle behind an RRSP is that you make contributions in your higher income years which will help you reduce your tax liability. For 2018

Autism spectrum disorder (or ASD) is distinguished by a wide variety of social, communication, and cyclical behaviors that are considered somewhat out of character for children. Children with autism often seem distant or disconnected from loved ones (for example, parents and siblings). Autism symptoms vary dramatically among patients. At one end of the spectrum, a child can have mild social deficits and difficulties with executive functioning skills but have good language skills and appear to function well. At the other end, he or she can be non-verbal and have behavioural issues.

Wherever along the spectrum they are, there are some signs and symptoms that Autism Speaks Canada says most children on the spectrum exhibit that parents should watch for:

• No big smiles or other joyful expressions by the age of six months onwards

• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months

• No babbling by twelve months

• No pointing, showing, reaching or wav-

Any growth in your RRSP grows tax sheltered until you decide to start to withdraw. So, you can enjoy the compound growth of your investments without having to pay any taxes on the growth. However, if you make any withdrawals on your RRSP it will be included as part of your total income for the year. So, the main idea here is that you contribute in your highest earning years and you withdraw in your lowest income years. If there is any year that you do not earn employment income, that would be the year to take a certain sum at least equal to your personal allowance as there will be no taxes payable on that amount. In the event of your death, the RRSP value can be rolled over to your spouse tax-free but cannot roll over to your children except a child who has an RDSP. A TFSA, on the other hand, is a TaxFree Savings Account which came into effect

ing by twelve months

• No words by sixteen months

• No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by twenty-four months

• Loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age

• Repetitive behaviors such as lining up objects, hand flapping, twirling

• A fascination with a specific numbers, symbols, dates or science topics

• Unusual or extreme reactions to everyday events, such as frequent violent tantrums or outbursts

• Unusual sensitivity to noise

A new study reveals the lifetime cost of supporting someone with autism spectrum disorder: $2.4 million in the United States, $2.2 million in the United Kingdom. They found that the high costs associated with autism spectrum disorders (or ASD) started at a young age, with autistic children receiving special (and often expensive) education. For some parents they will have to sacrifice their career development to provide care, this could have an adverse effect on their retirement savings and pension amounts. If the unthinkable were to happen, a life insurance policy is a way to help mediate that risk and replace lost wages and savings.

If you are living with an autistic child, it might seem like the condition would make qualifying for life insurance impossible. This isn’t true. Many applicants with these mental conditions are still able to qualify for life insurance. If your considering life insurance for your child, you should make the decision

in 2009. It is the only financial instrument in Canada on which there is no tax on the investment growth. The investments grow the same way as an RRSP as they can be in identical investments, but the RRSP is growing tax-deferred while TFSA is growing tax-free. If you are a low-income person, you might be better off putting your money into TFSA as you will not be saving too much on taxes with an RRSP. The annual contribution max is $5,500 but is retroactive to 2009 where the cumulative value is $57,500. However, if you have an open or nonregistered investment, you would be better off putting that money in a TFSA for already stated reasons. There is no tax penalty for making a withdrawal on your TFSA and your contribution room regenerates.

So, which one is better for you, RRSP or TFSA? The answer is that they are both good and if you can afford to, its best to invest in both. But if you are in the higher income bracket (highest marginal tax rate) you are better off in an RRSP and if you are the lower income, then better to use a TFSA.

while they are still young. Whole life insurance is for the lifetime of the child, it guarantees continued coverage if health conditions deteriorate and accumulate a value over time referred to as the cash surrender value that the child could use in adult years to supplement income.

In my experience, I have found that it is often the parents of those suffering from autism that are looking to secure a life insurance policy for their child. In these cases, the parent isn’t necessarily looking for a policy to protect young children, replace lost income or cover the cost of a mortgage rather they just want something in place that would cover final expenses. Guaranteed issue life insurance policies, will typically be limited to less than $50,000 in coverage and will have some unique features to them that are not typically found in more traditional fully underwritten policies.

Whether a child can qualify depends on a number of factors including the severity of their mental condition. There are several questions an applicant will need to answer about the condition. What is the applicant’s official diagnosis for autism? Has the applicant been diagnosed with any psychiatric disorders or an intellectual disability? Does the applicant have physical impairments like Cerebral palsy or a history of seizures? Does the applicant need assistance with activities of daily living (feeding, bathing, dressing, etc.)? They also consider an applicant’s age. Generally, it is better for someone to apply when they are fifteen or older.

Russell ‘upset’ with lack of home support at US stadium

FLORIDA -- Jamaica Tallawahs captain Andre Russell has lamented the lack of home advantage provided by the Central Broward Regional ParkStadium, following his side’s heavy defeat to Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Saturday night.|

Tallawahs played their first two home games at Sabina Park and host the other three at the venue here located in southeastern Florida.

However, Saturday’s contest felt little like a home advantage for the Tallawahs as Amazon Warriors were greeted with vocal support from spectators, something that was not lost on an “upset” Russell.

“I’m very unhappy at the moment. The guys fought tonight (Saturday). I think when you have a good thing going and you actually lose a game, sometimes these things happen in cricket where you just have to pick yourself up and try and get stronger and grow from strength to strength,” the allrounder explained.

Jamaica Tallawahs captain

Andre Russell walks off after being dismissed in Saturday’s defeat to Guyana Amazon Warriors.

“But I think based on tonight’s game, it wasn’t like a home game.

It didn’t feel that way. Every boundary, every wicket [the reaction] was going Guyana’s way. [Shimron] Hetmyer came out and played some good shots and just the crowd being at his back, it kind of gave him a pump and it shouldn’t be like that.”

He continued: “I think we should have that home advantage when a guy hits a boundary, he hears silence. That’s how home advantage is supposed to be. It’s not supposed to be in conditions where you have to wonder.

“You [as the home team] hit a four, you hit a six you’re not hearing nothing because Guyana’s crowd is out here and they want to see Guyana do well.”

The 21-year-old Hetmyer slammed exactly 100 off 49 balls to leave Tallawahs chasing 210 for victory.

However, their batsmen

failed to cope with a difficult and a hostile crowd, and crumbled to 138 all out in the 17th over, losing by 71 runs.

Russell said the Tallawahs had found it difficult both when they bowled and batted, and conceded it had impacted the team’s motivation.

“Guys were upset, I was upset. When I got off the field I was throwing shoes and everything around the changing room … this is how upsetting these things can be,” Russell said.

“You want to know that the crowd is behind you on your home turf so if we go to Barbados we see a sea of blue then we expect that. If you’re playing a home game you want to feel the home advantage— if you get a wicket you hear a loud cheer. It gives the bowlers energy, even if you’re tired.

“A lot of Guyanese live here, a lot of Trinis live here and I think that’s already a proper home advantage.

I hope that we can just win the next two games.”

Trinidad Guardian