Afrofestivities 071118

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE NEWSPAPER VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 11 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 11TH 2018

AFROFESTIVITIES!

Beautiful clear blue skies stretched out over Woodbine Park this weekend and the scent of food and sounds of rhythmic drums enticed visitors from the surrounding area and across the city to join the festivities at AFROFEST 2018, a beautiful and colorful cultural celebration of Africa and her people.

AFROFEST is North America’s largest free African festival attracting 125,000 visitors to Woodbine Park, Toronto over two days. The festival celebrates beauty and diversity in food, fashion, art, crafts African music and culture, and performers.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of AFROFEST, and Music Africa of Canada has modified its program to commemorate this achievement and organizational growth. “In 2018 we will extend the duration of the festival by changing its length from 2 days to a 9 day celebration starting on June 30, 2018, with a

themed event called, “Africa Celebrates Canada” AFROFEST is about inclusion, showcasing diversity, building community and uplifting Africans in the diaspora.

Toronto is a melting pot of cultures, known for its rich diversity, inclusion, and acceptance of everyone who lives here. Over the past few months, the city’s crime rates have unfortunately increased, and it has many citizens worried about the negative media impulses and the communities they reside in. Many people are questioning their safety in the city and whether or not Toronto is still a place where they can feel at home.

As we are a city in need of positive and hopeful narratives, AFROFEST draws over 125,000 visitors to Woodbine Park each year to celebrate African culture. Each year is larger than the last and many who attend have returned from the past year’s annual events.

AFROFEST is a rare opportunity

to speak to the African diaspora in a space that celebrates African culture. Music Africa, the organizer for AFROFEST, is also growing, with year-long programming bringing positive stories and experiences of African culture into schools, parks, and communities.

Music Africa is a not-for-profit community-based organization that promotes African music in Toronto through its annual flagship music festival AFROFEST. Established in 1990, Music Africa is among the oldest and most respected organizations promoting African music in Canada. Through its activities and events, such as the annual Black History Month Concert Series, Music Africa is committed to enhancing appreciation and awareness of African music among Canadians and continues to strive to establish Toronto as a thriving global center for African music.

Continued On Page 8

Colleen Taffe

Letting light shine out of darkness

Colleen Taffe is a woman who uses her multiple talents and titles to uplift those around her. By day, she’s a mental health and addiction specialist, and by night, she’s involved in theatre in a variety of ways: directing, writing plays, acting, and producing. In each of these roles, Colleen encourages people to be honest with themselves about their struggles and helps lighten their spirits.

Colleen credits her appreciation of honesty and integrity to her upbringing. Her mother, who raised her and her older sister as a single parent, instilled the importance of these traits in them while they were growing up. “I grew up with a mom who had very little patience if we weren’t being honest,” Colleen says. When Colleen was three years old, her family moved from her birthplace of Kingston, Jamaica, and arrived in Canada.

After attending university, Colleen wanted to go to Hollywood to pursue her dream of

“making it big”. She had always been drawn to theatre and wanted to chase her dream. “Theatre chose me,” she says. “For so long, growing up, I had been the one who’s always been the creative, the funny, not scared of the stage.” However, she decided to stay in Toronto and discover what opportunities awaited her here. As it turns out, there weren’t many.

“What I was finding was I wasn’t seeing a lot of roles for people who looked like me. I was plus-sized, I was a dark-skinned black girl, and people just didn’t know where to place me. I remember going on several auditions, and the feedback was ‘if you were a little thinner, we could give you this starring role, if you were maybe a little lighter, we could give you this role’. And so, I got very discouraged, and decided I was going to stop,” Colleen says.

However, instead of turning her back on theatre altogether, Colleen decided to create her own opportunities. Tired of waiting for the perfect role to come her way, she began to write roles for herself. When she started to get more involved in her church, she took the opportunity to write plays that not only enabled her to create more inclusive roles but to put the spotlight on mental health issues.

Colleen has written several pieces that deal with heavier issues. Her most recent play, Piece of Mind, tells the story of a man who has everything going for him in his life until a devastating tragedy happens, and he begins to struggle with his mental health. Colleen says that creating a play like this helps people talk about mental health in a less invasive atmosphere because they can identify with a character who is going through the same things that they or a loved one may be going through.

“There’s a difficulty with understanding it [mental illness] from a

Christian perspective, difficulty understanding it from a cultural perspective, and I thought, ‘how can we get this conversation going?’” Colleen realized that theatre would be the perfect avenue to do it, citing the community’s love of humor and entertainment. “It would open the eyes and open the conversation and continue the dialogue of mental health,” she explains.

Though Colleen has formed a complementary relationship between theatre and mental health, her involvement in the two fields wasn’t necessarily planned. She’s transitioned through different fields and is educated in a variety of areas, including general arts and science, and African studies. A job at Habitat for Humanity steered her towards a career in the non-profit sector, and now, she works at the Canadian Mental Health Association. She says that all her life experiences, the positive, negative, and everything in between got her where she is today. “I’ve had my fair share of dabbling in addictions, in drugs and alcohol. Years later, as I look back now, I see that my course to where I’m at was laid by the experiences in life that I lived.”

Colleen spends a great deal of time and energy giving back to her community at her job at CMHA as well as the time she spends involved in theatre. As much as she’s done, she hopes that others in the community will step up and speak out about mental illness to help get rid of the stigma.

“Within the black community, people always say ‘should we take medication? Should I not take medication? Is it demonic? Is it a spiritual attack? Black people, we don’t have them kind of struggles.’ There’s so many varying conversations that are happening. I just think we need some real, good advocacy and education around the topic to begin having conversations.”

Joyful youth leads Junior Carnival launch

JELANI GRANT

jelani@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival displayed the costume designs for this year’s Junior Carnival mas’ costumes at Malvern Town Centre. More than 2,000 children will be dressed in costumes from different designers for the actual Junior Carnival on July 21st .

The afternoon event included steel pan performances from the Ontario Steelpan Association, as well as junior calypso singers. All eleven mas’ camps currently competing in the festival, are taking part in this year’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

A full crowd of families supporting their kids, as well as shoppers passing by the Central Court entrance, surrounded the stage. Approximately 100 children, between the ages of 1 and 16 displayed mas’ costumes, as a preview to this year’s junior carnival. “We look at this event as an opportunity to move forward to the future with our young performers. We are depending on them to keep this festival going for another 50 years,” said Carnival CEO Denise Herrera Jackson.

The line-up of outfits previewed for this year’s Junior Carnival, but other family events will celebrate Caribbean culture including the Junior King and Queen Showcase, the Junior Carnival Calypso Monarch Challenge and the Grace Foods Annual Junior Chef Competition. Grace Foods Canada Marketing Manager Ilisa Chacon brought on a few contestants for the Junior Chef Competition to quickly highlight that youth are quite talented in various ways and are getting the opportunities to show it. “As we look to the future, we’re excited about investing in the next generation and empowering them to pursue their passion of Caribbean inspired food and the opportunity to honour their heritage,” Chacon said.

She announced the 3rd Annual Junior Chef Competition, which will be held the same day as the Junior Carnival, where kids aged 9-13 years old compete for the first-place prize of $700, preparing a meal including Grace Coconut Water and Grace Jerk Seasoning/sauces for use on a BBQ grill.

Ward 42 City Councillor Neethan Shan was also in attendance to support Malvern’s hosting of the Junior Carnival. “It is really fitting that the Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day event is once again in Malvern… Malvern has one of the highest concentration of children of any community in Canada, and there are people from every Caribbean island living right here in Malvern,” Shan said.

Concluding the display of the individual mas camp costumes, all of the children came back to the centre, with the oldest of youth leading the younger ones in a display circle, giving everyone a good look at the vibrant costumes. “We want to celebrate our leaders which is the next generation and the leaders of tomorrow. Our focus is on young people, our future and your future,” CAO Chris Alexander said.

Peeks Vice Principal of Operations Afaun Mandol gave out t-shirts celebrating 51 years of Carnival in Toronto. “Its pretty clear that Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival helps to preserve Caribbean culture here in North America, and it has been doing that for the last 51 years…the Junior King & Queen, the Junior Parade are such important parts of the celebration,” Mandol said.

He noted that the inclusion found in of any of the mas camps greatly impacts the communities involved as well as anyone who gets to watch live streams through the Peeks app. The Junior Carnival has been running for more than 10 years, providing an opportunity for young masquerades to dance through the streets in a series of bands with leaders who display costumes in competition.

The Junior Carnival King and Queen Showcase is scheduled to take place on stage at the Woodbine Centre in Etobicoke July 15th , while the Junior Carnival will be held at Neilson Park.

Jerk-lovers set to celebrate festival’s 17th year

JELANI GRANT

jelani@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The 17th Annual Grace International Jerk Food and Music Festival is scheduled to return to Centennial Park in Etobicoke from August 9th -12th . #GraceJerkFestTO is sure to trend throughout the weekend as guests share their creative and delicious Caribbean meals.

It has become an expectation that during the summer, Toronto is abundant with food and entertainment festivals for anyone to find something they like. A jerk-fanatics dream come true, the festival has always demonstrated that chicken is only the beginning of potential delicacies blessed by talented chefs using their varied jerk recipes.

Each year vendors offer authentic Caribbean cuisine, with varying jerked seafood, chicken, pork and other meats that venture out of the ordinary. The festival has always attracted guests with their guarantee of good food and entertaining events.

“Over the years attending the Grace Jerk Festival has become a tradition for people of all ages across Ontario,” said Jerkfest Executive Director Anthony Plummer.

Along with past features such as

the So You Think You Can Jerk Competition, the jerk chicken eating competition, the Love & RnB Edition, and the TD Cultural Stage, the festival is also holding a Meet & Greet boat cruise aboard the River Gambler on the 9th, opening up the weekend’s festivities. The evening cruise will treat guests to a jerk chicken and escovitch salmon dinner as well as the opportunity to meet Canadian RnB singer Melonie Durrant and Jamaican Reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers. “We are very excited for Chaka Demus and Pliers to be joining us at the festival this year…this duo has so much spirit and experience behind them. Their authentic performance will be sure to capture that,” said Plummer.

During the three-hour cruise, five patrons will be selected for a meet & greet with Fantasia at the festival on Friday. The Grammy award-winner will headline this year’s Love & RnB Edition, themed Ladies of Soul for this year.

Chef and Twist Catering founder La-toya Fagon will host a live cooking show on Saturday and Sunday. She will demonstrate her varied signature dishes during live workshops at 1:30 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm. Fagon has appeared on Rogers Daytime Toronto as well as training others at top restaurants in Toronto, Mexico and parts of Europe.

Families and children will be able to enjoy face painting, balloon characters, rock climbing as well as a meet and greet with Caillou and the Care Bears on Saturday and Sunday. Over the years, all of these featured events have earned the Grace

JerkFest a spot on Festivals & Events Ontario’s (FEO) top 100 festivals since 2011. With the TD Cultural Stage and a number of local Caribbean food vendors, the festival directly connects local talent with thousands of visitors enthused about West Indies culture.

A prelude to the Jerk Festival is the internationally known Caribana Grande Parade, which holds dozens of events beginning in July until the first weekend of August. The actual parade is scheduled for August 4th and that same night a boat party, known to sell out quickly, will be held. Pan Alive, Canada’s premiere Steel Pan competition, will be held Aug 3rd , featuring some of North America’s best Steel Pan orchestras, competing for the Best Steel Band title. Following the parade’s festivities, Sakpasetoronto, Perle Noire Ent, Toxic Sounds Crew will provide a final taste of Caribana with the Rep Your Flag Day Boat Cruise.

Tickets can be purchased on the website and the names of six ticket outlets across the GTA can also be found online. The website also includes ticket and hotel packages which automatically submits you into a draw for a chance to win a threenight vacation for two. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets so all of the jerked festivities can be enjoyed comfortably. “We are so excited to be back for our 17th year and we encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate the fusion of jerk food, pulsating music, family-friendly entertainment and good vibes,” said Plummer.

Caribbean Tales International Film Festival ‘Lights it Up’ ahead of September premiere

LEANNE BENN

leanne@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Light It Up! That’s the theme for this year’s Caribbean Tales International Film Festival. This is the 13th year that the CTFF returns to the City of Toronto and the 9th year for their wildly successful incubator program, which was officially sponsored in 2017 by FLOW.

FLOW as the main sponsor, along with other festival sponsors, including Cineplex, OCAD University, Ontario Arts Council and New College at the University of Toronto with others, are helping to make the 2018 festival a success.

This year’s festival will run from Sep 5th – 20th and for those unfamiliar with the CTFF, it is an organization that celebrates the talents and hard work of various Caribbean filmmakers across the Caribbean diaspora. It is a creative and dynamic mix of multi-ethnic stories and various cultures. The company is all about encouraging intercultural understanding through creative film programs and events.

The Executive Director and CEO of Caribbean Tales is Frances-Anne Solomon. Solomon and her successful creative team came up with the theme for this year’s work. Light It Up has been described as a call to action and a call to change. The associate festival Director, Diana Webly, in an official press release, described it as this, “Our festival theme this year is ‘Light it Up.’ It’s a call to action, a call to arms, a call to change. A

call that’s been ringing out for a long time, and now Caribbean filmmakers are answering that call to force.” Essentially this change is the change we want to see reflected in the world where Caribbean filmmakers can showcase their work and share their vision and talents all around the world and not just in the Canadian and Caribbean market.

With the opportunity to attend the official media launch of the CTFF on July 5th at the Royal Cinema, members of the media were given a sneak peek at some of the exciting work that’s ready to be celebrated in 2018.

The night featured a special screening of Green Days by The River, directed by Michael Mooledhar-Trinidad and Tobago -2017. This was the Canadian premiere of this successful Trinidadian tale that was also screened at the 2017 Trinidad and Tobago Film festival, before going on a world tour.

The movie is based on the novel by beloved Trinidadian writer Michael Anthony and is set in 1952. The movie was accurately able to bring cinematic life to the book that has long been adored by many Caribbean school children. The coming of age story is seen through the eyes of a fifteen-year-old boy while he deals with becoming a man, friendships, relationships, issues of class and even racial undertones between Indians and Africans living in rural Trinidad. The film was able to capture the scenic simplicity of Trinidad and Tobago in its natural state which also seems very familiar and home-like to many Caribbean viewers in the audience.

Because of these simple reasons and more, many in the Caribbean diaspora should explore some of the upcoming films at this year’s festival. Entries this year include 10 feature films and 20 shorts. Examples include Not My Neighbourhood- Kurt Order-

son- Sotuh Africa-2016. Hero -Frances AnneSolomon- Canada/ Trinidad/ Ghana/ UK – 2018. Hall- Rommell Hall- Barbados-2018. There are various short films as well which will be shown throughout including, filmmakers from Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Guyana, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Curacao, Haiti, and the USA all coming together to present their content.

If you cannot wait till the festival premieres in September, there will still be lots of events happening in and around the city such a special screening of Cinderella at the Regent Park Film Festival on July 11th and a screening of Bazodee starring Machel Montano on August 5th at Harbourfront Cantre Island Soul Festival. These films and other special events before the premiere are free to the public. The opening gala on September 5th will highlight Solomon’s Film Hero, as well as two shorts Queen of Hearts-Kyisha Williams, Lindsey AddawooCanada-2017 and Black Doll–Akley S. Olton–Canada 2017.

In the middle of all the festival screenings, there will also be a ‘Big Pitch ‘Breakfast a the TIFF lightbox and this is where Caribbean Filmmakers can network and pitch their series, the event is sponsored by FLOW and presented by TIFF and TELEFILM Canada. The Big Pitch Breakfast draws back to the Caribbean Tale Incubator program, which is a year-long intensive, training program-featuring workshops and online training to ensure filmmakers produce strong and sustainable content for a global audience. So, as a filmmaker or as an audience member interested in learning about diverse Caribbean content, the CTFF 2018 festival is the perfect time to get started. For more information be sure to visit CaribbeanTalesFestival.com.

Guyanese-Canadian author celebrates the launch of third children’s book- Sweet Sorrel Stand

LEANNE BENN

leanne@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

What’s more refreshing than a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day? Well, how about a glass of sweet sorrel. The Sweet Sorrel Stand is closer than you think. This fun and creative children’s book is the latest release by Guyanese born author Yolanda T. Marshall. Marshall is currently based in Canada and uses her work as a way to connect children and espe-

cially Caribbean parents with children to popular aspects of Caribbean culture.

In her book Sweet Sorrel Stand, Marshall shares the tale of two children that love their favorite Caribbean sorrel drink so much that they decide to start a sorrel stand, similar to how other kids build up their lemonade business. For those familiar, or not so familiar, sorrel is quite popular during the Christmas months in the Caribbean as a festive drink. It’s made from the Roselle plant, a species of hibiscus that is native to West Africa. Despite the simplicity of the sorrel drink and its ease to produce, there is an extensive history behind the drink and what makes it so popular in Caribbean households. Without giving away too much, let’s just say the sorrel stand was a success for the kids.

Marshall is known for sharing bits of

her culture in her work. In the author’s second children’s book, released in 2017, “A Piece of Black Cake for Santa” references a traditional Caribbean Christmas and instead of milk and cookies, Santa can have a taste of black cake, another popular Caribbean treat.

Marshalls’ books are all about celebrating Caribbean culture in a fun and childlike manner. Sometimes Marshall’s work isn’t always for children, in her first book, “Obayifo” she shares the tale of an African witch from the Ashanti tribe. The book is all about basic human fears related to the works of Obeah told through the form of poetry and was published in 2008 while Marshall attended the University of Toronto.

Her desire to write children’s books, however, came along after Marshall welcomed

her first child; in 2016 she released “Keman’s First Carnival,” which is about a young black Canadian experiencing Toronto’s Caribbean carnival at just eight years old. Through the eyes of a child, Marshall shares another important part of history and Caribbean culture that’s celebrated by various diasporas.

Marshall’s books encourage the readers and especially impressionable young minds to explore cultural traditions. In 2017, she was awarded the CIBWE award for Canada’s Top 100 Black women to watch. If you are inspired by Marshall’s work visit her website, ytmarshall.com or the books can be purchased on Amazon or found at your local Chapter/Indigo among other places.

Ramadan Interfaith Gala raising funds for Guyana youth

JELANI GRANT

jelani@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Organized by Shaikh Habeeb Alli, The Interfaith Ramadan Gala was held at The Elite Banquet Halls and Convention Center in Rexdale. Emceed by Sauliha Alli, Habeeb’s daughter, and Firaaz Azeez, the evening events raised funds for children in Guyana. Before the speakers began Qari Sameer, who traveled all the way from Libya, treated guests to a Quran recital.

Among the supporters of the fundraiser was FEAT for Children of Incarcerated Parents founders Derek and Jessica Reid as well as former MPP Dr. Shafiq Qadri, who was in the middle of campaigning for the Etobicoke North Liberals. He commended Habeeb and his team for the work they do for Guyana and

Continued From Page 1 - “In African culture, the “self” is not separate from the world, it is united and intermingled with the natural and social environment,” as sourced from victoriafalls-guide.net article about African culture. “It is through relations with one’s community and surroundings that an individual becomes a person of volition, whose actions and decisions affect the entire group rather than just oneself. There is an Xhosa proverb that is common to all African cultures and languages, “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” (“A person is a person through persons”).

The abundant and dynamic African culture does not only differ from one country to another but also within each country as well. Each culture of ethnic groups carries their own

presented him with a personal message from Ontario Liberal Party Leader Kathleen Wynne. “Our province is proud to be home to flourishing Muslim communities…you share a rich culture and a faith which enshrines the ideals of wisdom, devotion, and charity,” the letter read.

Keynote speaker for the evening was Guyanese-Canadian Lightweight Champion Mohammed Abedeen. Abedeen recently won his International Boxing Association Americas title in December of last year by beating Jose Aubel in the fifth round. “I had a lot of great influences and [all of them] played a part in changing my life, and it made me proud to be Guyanese and proud to be Muslim. I wonder if the next generation will have that…we can help them feel inspired by being the best Muslims we can be,” he said.

Abedeen’s next big fight is scheduled for Sept in the Hershey Centre, which is set to be renamed the Paramount Centre July 1st . Derek and his daughter Jessica of FEAT CIP also spoke that night in support of the fundraiser. They are leading a program that offers free bus transportation for children to

visit their loved ones in prison. A portion of the funds for the night went towards this program. One initiative they put together to raise awareness for at-risk youth with family in prison was Jessica’s 400km walk to Ottawa. “It is initiatives like that, that we can really help to raise awareness and these children need the support of all the communities…so thank you for all of your support, together we can really make a difference,” she said.

This gala was a continuation of the Canada Day Iftar that Habeeb started a few years ago. Iftar is the main meal Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast with at sunset. It is considered one of the most significant points in the day during Ramadan. “We fast from a certain time to a certain time. God has not ordered us to eat yet…One of the essences of fasting is that we teach our wants and desires that we are in control,” public speaker Shaikh Riad Ouarzazi said.

Just before the sun began to set, Ouarzazi came to the mic to encourage guests to donate before they break their fast. Initially, he received a generous pledge of $1,000 from

Afrofest 2018 brings another year of African Culture Celebrations to the City

customs, traditions, and styles as displayed through their art, music, and oral literature. The languages of Africa are of various dialects and tongues and people practice many religions and live in numerous types of dwellings.

“The vast majority of people living in Africa are indigenous; however, people from all over the world have migrated to Africa for hundreds of years. Arabs began crossing into North Africa from the Middle East in the 7th century, A.D., bringing with them the religion of Islam. Europeans began settling in the southern portion of the continent in the mid-17th century, as did South Asians, who settled in the areas of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Over the centuries, African culture has meshed with cultures from around the world, although much of traditional African customs have remained throughout,” as cited by victoriafalls-guide.net.

Africans and the African diaspora make up a sizable community in the Greater Toronto Area. Many subdivisions in the GTA have black populations higher than the national average including Ajax (16%), Brampton (13.5%), Pickering (11.4%), Toronto (8.5%), Mississauga (6.3%), and Whitby (6.2%) (“Visible minority groups, 2006 counts, for Canada, provinces and

territories”. 2.statcan.ca. 2010-10-06.)

There are over 500,000 individuals in Ontario who identify as part of the African diaspora, with a majority located within the Greater Toronto Area.

Most new Torontonians, according to research presented in 2016 by the Martin Prosperity Institute, will come from Africa and the Middle East (54%) over the coming decades.

Over Saturday and Sunday, much of the city came out to Woodbine park to enjoy the vibrant music culture, food, and artistic displays at AFROFEST. Every year AFROFEST ignites the spirit of African culture in the heart of Toronto, working to share the rich and diverse expressions of African music and culture in an inclusive, vibrant and positive community festival setting. Through AFROFEST, a diverse audience celebrates the abundant energy of African music in an effort to cultivate community spirit and enhance the understanding and appreciation of the diverse people of Africa.

The weather was perfect reminiscent of the hot temperatures and climates of Africa and the Caribbean Islands bringing the community together to enjoy everything that AFROFEST had to offer. There were many local

one audience member, followed by another pledge of $1,000, and then a pledge of $500 and so on until at least 10 guests had pledged a contribution in that 15-minute time period. This was no surprise to Habeeb who said Ouarzazi regularly regulates million dollar auctions. Ouarzazi also facilitated the live auction of Islamic modern art pieces. Habeeb said that Guyanese families have recently dealt with financial hardships due to the closing of the Guyana Sugar Corporation factory. As an example of this, Habeeb mentioned the tragic losses of former factory workers. The Guyana Times reported that two dismissed workers had committed suicide following the factory’s closing and Habeeb said it was after this that members of the Skeldon community reached out to him. “I was contacted by a volunteer group that formed themselves to help the children go back to school and since January 29th we’ve been fundraising and cooking in someone’s backyard,” he said. Since that time, they have provided 250 meals per day to kids going to school and have started a backpack program.

business vendors across the park, including African clothing vendors, selling beautiful printed dashiki’s, kaftan’s and smocks, kufi’s and gele head ties. Natural body butters, lotions, and remedies were also available as well as jewelry and accessories, books and other literature as well as a myriad of food vendors selling amazing holistic and mouthwatering dishes for the public to sample a taste of African cuisine.

The 2018 edition of AFROFEST came back stronger than ever with a fully loaded festival, featuring more than 8 International headlining acts, the world record attempt to create the largest djembe drum circle, and Africa Celebrates Canada event with Zimbabwean recording artist Jah Prayzah as well as the AFROFEST post-festival event titled AFROFEST Reloaded.

“Toronto is a diverse city. Our dream is that positive portrayals of African culture like AFROFEST will be common and remarkable for both African and non-African communities in Canada.”

AFROFEST is an annual event, and each year they bring something bigger than the continent of Africa to the city of Toronto in celebration of their countries and to remind people to be proud of their unique ethnicities.

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Cabinet to decide on new ganja policy

GUYANA -- President David Granger has said that Cabinet is yet to make a final pronouncement on the guidelines surrounding the possible legal use of marijuana in Guyana in the future, but says too, that this usage might only apply to “personal use”.

Coming out of the opening ceremony of a regional Information Communications Technology (ICT) Roadshow being hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the President spoke on the matter, saying:

“I don’t want to get ahead of my Cabinet. The matter has not been settled by Cabinet but the feeling is that we should not put people in jail for the possession of cannabis for personal use. That is not yet policy.

“[The] minister of state, in due course, will announce what Cabinet’s policy is, but the idea is not to encourage the use of marijuana but to prevent the sentencing of persons for being in possession of marijuana for personal use. Not trafficking, not cultivation, marijuana for personal use,” he said.

These considerations have emerged following recommendations from the Report of the Regional Commission on Marijuana for the decriminalisation of marijuana across the 15 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states.

This took place during the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, hosted at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica from July 4-6.

Since then, the President had told this newspaper: “We are moving towards the

removal of custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana… [but] we are not moving towards encouraging the industrialisation of marijuana production.”

Giving justification for this decision, the President had said that, at this point in time, Guyana’s vast landscape would present challenges when it comes to the control of marijuana cultivation.

Nonetheless, the Rastafarian community has since expressed its elation for such a call from CARICOM, and now urges the government to move briskly ahead to debate the matter in the National Assembly.

Executive member of the Guyana Rastafarian Council, Ras Leon Saul, had also indicated that community’s readiness to abide by the “protocols, bylaws [and] regulations” that must be put in place.

Guyana’s current laws can see persons in possession of over five grammes of cannabis sentenced to three years in jail, which over the years, have contributed to overcrowding in the prisons and some public dissent.

Meanwhile, speaking at the CARICOM meeting, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness had reminded that the eventual pronouncement on the matter is up to each CARICOM member state to decide individually.

“We also agreed that each member state, in accordance with its own circumstances, would determine its own pathway to pursue the law, reforms necessary as proposed by the Regional Marijuana Commission,” he said.

- Guyana Chronicle

Port Kaituma to benefit from multiple water sources

GUYANA -- Though surface water is the main source of water supply for the residents of Port Kaituma, Region One, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI)has committed to making alternative sources available.

This assurance was given in the wake of test results, which have revealed mercury levels higher than the concentration acceptable to the World Health Organisation (WHO) present in the Kaituma River, thus making it unsafe for use.

According to GWI, Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles and a team of officials met with the chairperson and councillors of the Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council in Port Kaituma last Saturday to discuss with them, the company’s challenges and plans. Dependency on surface water is common throughout interior regions, however, as part of GWI’s mandate to ensure water is safe, regular tests are carried out. Samples were taken from the Kaituma River and sent to the Kaizen Environmental Services Laboratory in Trinidad, where it tested positive for mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal in liquid form used during mining activities. The discovery of the substance was made in May 2018 and GWI took the decision to cease pumping the water to residents. Another test is being conducted from different sections of the source.

There are two wells in the community which GWI intends to activate. One is situated at Turn Basin and another at Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma. Executive Director of Project Implementation and Partnership Building, Mr. Ramchand Jailal noted however, that when operational, they will still be insufficient to serve all the residents at the same time as the production is low.

In this regard, the managing director informed the NDC Councillors that GWI wants

to work with them to identify a suitable site to commence drilling of a new well immediately. He explained that this is urgent and therefore the decision was taken to secure the services of a contractor who recently drilled a well in the neighbouring community of Oronoque. His equipment will be relocated so that works can begin shortly. Dr. Van- West Charles added that “When the tests return we will share with the Region and GWI will work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to take a strong stance on mining activities here. We will also test other sources such as creeks and springs.”

Mr. Jailal added that 200ft from the current turn basin well would be an ideal location to drill the new well. The well is expected to be completed within two to three weeks and the water will be gravity-fed to homes from an existing storage tank. He also cautioned residents to be mindful of consuming water from the river. Mrs. Margaret Lambert, Chairperson of the Matarkai NDC, committed to working with the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, so as to agree on a suitable location for drilling to commence. She also raised issues regarding the lack of water during the dry season.

In an effort to provide relief and an improved service to the community, Dr. VanWest Charles also committed to: ensuring the Oronoque well is completed within two weeks, complete a new well at Arakaka, install a C2 Lifesaver filter tank at the Port Kaituma hospital, ensure a sufficient water supply for the new school term and explore additional water sources at Four Mile to supply the Pittsburgh and One & a Half Mile areas. Additionally, the managing director requested the region to assist in identifying areas without access to potable water so that GWI can make interventions.. - Guyana Chronicle

Five firemen injured following De Kinderen accident

GUYANA -- Several firemen were injured on Monday afternoon after a firetruck turned turtle and crashed into a building at De Kinderen , West Coast Demerara.

Reports are that the truck bearing registration PRR 1635 toppled on the wet roadway around 1430hrs and slammed into the building which houses a daycare. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The injured were rushed to the hospital.

Acting Fire Chief , Jacqueline Green told the Guyana Chronicle that five members of the Guyana Fire Service were rushed to hospital for treatment. She said an officer is on the scene assessing the situation.

The police in a release,provided the names of the men as Troy Gravesande, 45 and Firemen Adrian Benjamin, 24, Quinton Damon, 36, Errol Hyman, 42, and Bryant Bobb, 20.

Earlier , around 1300hrs in another incident on the public road which is said to

be related to the latter, the driver of motor lorry GLL 3201, owned by BK International, was forced to take evasive action to avoid a head-on collision on the Barnwell Public Road, East Bank Essequibo.

According to the West Demerara Road Safety Council , the driver of the motor lorry explained that he was heading to Parika when he suddenly noticed a fire truck overtaking him on the solid double line , with its siren off. Barnwell is located several villages before De Kinderen while heading to Parika.

The driver said that he realised that the fire truck would have collided head-on with a minibus which was approaching both vehicles from Parika . The man decided to step on his brakes on the wet roadway.

The brakes immediately locked up and the truck skidded on the wet road surface as result as the man lost control of the vehicle. No one was injured in that incident.

- Guyana Chronicle

Security guards, Minister Broomes clash at Massy parking lot

GUYANA -- Two security guards were arrested and later released in an incident in which one of the men pointed a shotgun at Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes and her driver at the Massy parking lot at Providence, East Bank Demerara on Sunday evening.

Reports indicate that the Minister was also threatened by the 53- year old security guard who was armed with a shotgun.

The police was summoned and the two security guards were arrested and the shotgun seized and placed in custody.

Police are investigating the confrontation as CCTV footage at Massy Parking is to be reviewed.

The security guards were later released on their own recognizance. Police said the investigations will be completed and sent for advice, soonest.

- Guyana Chronicle

Security sources revealed that Minister Broomes alleges that she and her driver went to the Massay Parking lot Providence to purchase food when the driver parked the vehicle. The two guards approached the vehicle and became abusive. Broomes later identified herself to them but they continued and that is when the guard cocked his shot gun and point it at her.

Corentyne bridge still on the cards

GUYANA -- President David Granger has said that the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River that would link Guyana to Suriname is still on the cards, but for now the two countries are focused on addressing short to medium-term matters of mutual interest.

President Granger made the comment shortly after concluding bilateral talks with President of Suriname Desi Bouterse, on Friday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica.

“No we did not speak about that today. It is on the cards but it has not been dealt with as a matter of urgency,” he told the Guyana Chronicle when approached on the matter.

Both Guyana and Suriname have expressed an interest in the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River. To date, feasibility studies and a design of the bridge have been completed.

While the bridging of the Corentyne River remains on the to do list, President Granger said that there are other important matters engaging the attention of the two countries such as the issue of piracy.

“We are looking to deal with issues which can be resolved in the short and middle term to ensure that there is no lawlessness, as occurred in April,” the President said.

In late April and early May, this year, there were two separate attacks on five Suriname-registered fishing vessels with 25 fishermen, most of whom were Guyanese. Nine of the men survived the grisly attack while at least 12 have been confirmed as missing and presumed dead.

The alleged mastermind, Primnauth Persaud, 43, called “Sinbad” of Cromarty Village, and his co-accused Nakool Manohar, popularly known as “Fyah” of Number 43 Village, were later charged with two counts of murder, for allegedly killing Mahesh Sarjoo and Tillacknauth Mohabir, both fishermen, during a piracy attack in Suriname. That matter is still being investigated and local police have formally requested to be allowed to interrogate the suspects who were arrested and remain in custody in Suriname.

In Guyana, June 25, 2018 was observed as a National Day of Mourning in memory of the murdered fishermen.

President Granger said his meeting with President Bouterse was an agenda setting one. “Unfortunately, because of various reasons I have been travelling a lot and we have not been able to have our regular meetings, so we are just reviewing the changing situation in the Caribbean and also on the continent of South America, and in a sense we are setting the agenda for future meetings,” the President explained.

Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and Ambassador Audrey Waddell formed part of the Guyanese delegation.

The meeting between the Guyanese and Surinamese Presidents was held on the margins of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

- Guyana Chronicle

Jamaicans should decide

JAMAICA -- Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reiterated the ruling Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) position on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which is to reserve the decision to embrace the CCJ for a referendum.

While in opposition, JLP rejected the CCJ as the final appellate jurisdiction.

“Our position has not changed as it relates to the appellate jurisdiction. and as we have said when we were in Opposition, we maintain our position in Government that, at the appropriate time, this is a matter that the Jamaican people should speak on in a referendum, and that is our position.. it has not changed,” Holness said.

All Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries have accepted the original jurisdiction of the CCJ in relation to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, but only five have endorsed the court as their final appellate jurisdiction.

Last week, during the installation of Justice Adrian Saunders as the new president of the CCJ, Prime Minister Holness argued that under Saunders’ leadership the rights of Caribbean people will continue to be guarded.

“I am fully confident that, based on your commendable professional experience and personal attributes, you will discharge your functions in this new role with distinction and integrity,” the prime minister said at the swearing-in ceremony at Hyatt Ziva Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, last Wednesday.

At a press conference at the end of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom at Montego Bay Convention Centre on Friday, Holness said he was sincere in his praise of the CCJ.

“The CCJ is an important organ of functional cooperation of Caricom. Every word that I have said at the swearing-in of the new president of the CCJ, I meant it. There is no question about the quality of their judgement, the jurisprudence they are developing, and the importance of the institution in its original jurisdiction,” he said. “ It is important for the functioning of the regional integration process and we stand by that, we support that.

“But our position has not changed as it relates to the appellate jurisdiction and we stand by that, and we support that,” Holness

insisted.

Meanwhile, St Lucian Prime Minister Allen Chastanet stated that his stance is similar to Holness’ on the CCJ as his country’s final appellate jurisdiction.

“In Opposition we had a particular position, as a party we maintain that position. As I indicated, as important as the CCJ is... it is not on my priority or my Government’s priority [list] at this point,” Chastanet shared.

But he was quick to note that: “I think coming out of this meeting it is something that we will always continue to give consideration to.

“At the appropriate time we will make an announcement, but right now we are very much focused on growing our economy, resolving the high unemployment rate that we have, resolving the debt problem that we have, and putting ourselves in a more financially viable position,” the St Lucian prime minister remarked.

- Jamaica Observer

We have nothing else to lose

JAMAICA -- Fresh looting broke out on the streets of Haiti’s capital yesterday as protestors called for a two-day general strike despite the Government’s climbdown over controversial fuel price hikes.

Facing unrest that has now left at least three dead, leaders of the Caribbean country suspended the price spikes “until further notice” — but the about-face has failed to quell the anger of residents.

In the heart of Port-au-Prince, AFP journalists saw shops ransacked as protestors, some armed with knives, were met by police who fired weapons into the air and detonated tear gas.

Many Haitians are now demanding the immediate departure of President Jovenel Moise and calling for a two-day general strike to begin today.

“If the president stays one more day the game will take on a new appearance; we will cut off the roads and burn everything, because we have nothing else to lose,” said one masked protestor.

Moise had urged demonstrators late Saturday to “go home”, saying the price hike suspension had “corrected what had to be cor-

rected”.

The televised speech disappointed much of the population and the political class: “We were expecting another type of speech — a serene analysis of the situation that has prevailed in the country in the last two days and caused so much loss of life and materials,” lawmaker Jerry Tardieu told AFP.

The renewed violence follows two days of paralysis in the city, sparked Friday by a Government announcement that gasoline prices would rise by 38 per cent, diesel by 47 per cent, and kerosene by 51 per cent starting on the weekend.

Airlines including Air France and American Airlines cancelled several Sunday morning flights, with additional cancellations possible into the afternoon over staffing shortages.

In announcing the suspension of the price hikes, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant emphasised that “violence and democracy are fundamentally incompatible”.

Even before the fuel price controversy, deputies had already begun a debate on his future, and Saturday’s U-turn could lead to the government’s fall.

On Friday night, the bodyguard of an Opposition party politician died in an altercation with demonstrators in central Port-auPrince, as he attempted to get through a roadblock. His body was then burned in the road.

On Saturday afternoon, an AFP journalist saw a young man who had been shot dead.

Parliamentary discussions are under way to determine the next steps aimed at calming the crisis, with some elected officials urging the immediate resignation of the prime minister.

As protests gained pace yesterday, one Haitian, Alphonse Charles, expressed both the frustration and the sense of fatalism felt by many of his countrymen.

Standing next to the remains of his torched car, near burned and looted shops, he laid blame on politicians but lamented that people had gotten “carried away”.

“It’s the reality of the country: when we live in Haiti we are angry, frustrated with the way things are managed by politicians.”

But “I have to go on living,” he added. “We will not get carried away just for that”. - Jamaica Observer

Health, education benefits for spouses, dependents

JAMAICA -- Spouses and dependents of Caribbean Community (Caricom) nationals, who relocate to other Member States, will now be entitled to access benefits such as health and education services, which were not previously afforded to them.

This applies to individuals and their families, who move across the region to work, provide services and establish companies within the framework of the free movement regime under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Jamaica is among six Caricom countries that have agreed to facilitate the benefits with the signing of the Protocol on Contingent Rights on Friday. The others are Barbados, Haiti, Suriname, St Lucia, and Grenada.

The signing took place on the final day of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom, which was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James from July 4 to 6.

Addressing a press conference after the signing, Prime Minister and Caricom Chairman Andrew Holness said the move is a crucial step in making Caricom more functional and relevant to the people of the region.

“This is a matter that has been long outstanding and is a major step that should encourage greater use of the free movement regime as it ensures a greater level of comfort and peace of mind for families,” he said.

The prime minister noted that coming out of the meeting, Caricom heads have recommitted to the free movement of skilled persons.

He said it was agreed that by December 31, 2018, all States will put in place the necessary legislative framework to facilitate all 10 approved categories of skills under the free movement regime.

The categories of people are: Graduates of all recognised universities, artistes, musicians, sportspersons, media workers,

nurses, teachers, artisans with Caribbean vocational qualifications (such as those issued by HEART Trust/NTA), and holders of associate degrees or comparable qualifications.

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed the initiative, describing it as a fundamental development since the introduction of the CSME.

“For this protocol to have been signed today is the most significant event in the history of Caribbean affairs since the single market was signed here in Jamaica and came into effect here in Jamaica 2006,” she said.

The CSME is an integrated development strategy, which is intended to benefit the people of the region by providing more and better opportunities to produce and sell goods and services and to attract investment. - Jamaica Observer

TRINIDAD

-- There is no Government support for Harold Phillip as the Police Commissioner and it’s back to the Police Service Commission on the issue.

That was Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s position on the issue as he spoke in Parliament Monday.

He added that Government won’t support the PSC’s nomination of Phillip (deputy Commissioner) for the top post since they wouldn’t accept people who didn’t apply for the job. “... Therefore Harold Phillip doesn’t qualify to get Government’s support,” Rowley added.

The PM made Government’s position clear during the sitting - convened during the annual recess- to deal with the PSC’s notification of Phillip for the CoP post.

Last Tuesday just before Leader of Government Business Camille Robinson-Regis announced the recess, she noted that a “document” was received on a notification for the post. She said it wouldn’t be dealt with since in recent debate (on the PSC’s nomination for Deodat Dulalchan for the same post) Government said the PSC’s process was flawed.

Ball back in PSC court

However, the next day she said the notification received last week would be debated Monday, since a letter from the PSC chairman accompanying the notification came to her attention only after last Tuesday’s sitting. PSC chairman Bliss Seepersad had, according to Legal Notice (2015) governing the selection, submitted notification for Phillip - the second-ranked in the process - after notification for Dulalchan failed.

In debate Monday, Rowley thanked Robinson-Regis for saying Government wouldn’t support the notification for Phillip.

“God alone knows what interpretation would have been put on this ... she told the country Government will not be supporting this and that should have cleared up the conversation,” he said.

Rowley said Government wasn’t prepared to accept the PSC’s process since “the deal breaker was that people who didn’t apply for the CoP’s position must not walk away with the post.”

He said it was on those grounds Government said in last month’s debate on the matter that the two names recommended for CoP

and deputy CoP wouldn’t be accepted. He said maybe those two applicants didn’t even think they qualified for that job and they’d applied for what they thought they could manage.

“... But the PSC made one callaloo and tell you that someone who didn’t apply for the post was now at number one,” he said.

Saying Government had senior counsel advice on the matter, as the PSC did, Rowley explained the law required a merit list of candidates for the CoP post. He said while Government isn’t prepared to accept people who didn’t apply for the job, it’s following the law on the matter since he wouldn’t do anything to successfully open Government to legal challenges.

“(So) Today we will not affirm Mr Harold Philip for the post and the matter goes back to the PSC to follow the law,” he added.

Denying Government was violating the Constitution by not debating the matter, Rowley said Government has “no horse in this race.”

“What we have is a situation that’s patently untenable, that its arrangement for appointing a CoP is so convoluted, confused and sometimes contrived, that for years we haven’t

been able to appoint a CoP,” he added If ever there was a case to be made for “change for change sake” or “ulterior motive not always being change for the better,” he said this was it.

Rowley noted previous changes on the process, including under the Manning administration, of removing the prime ministerial veto on the appointment of a CoP, “and now we have ‘Veto On Steroids’ since it falls to Parliament to handle the matter.”

Rowley said he’d noted a “lot of confusion” on what was the course being followed in and out of Parliament and even at PSC level. He said the notification Robinson-Regis received last week wasn’t on Parliament’s order paper and the only place for resolution of the matter involves it being on the order paper

“So all the commentary about ‘incompetence of the Government’ is so much hooey (sic) as until it gets on the order paper the Government has nothing to do,” he said.

- Trinidad Guardian

Judge in gay rights case: I’m not biased

TRINIDAD -- Three months after he ruled that this country’s buggery law was unconstitutional, High Court judge Devindra Rampersad is complaining that citizens are unfairly accusing him of being biased in the case.

Rampersad made the complaint while addressing attorneys for local gay rights activist Jason Jones and the State, during a hearing in the Port-of-Spain High Court Monday morning.

He said, “If it is a criticism of a judgment, I have no problem with that. What has troubled me is that since the judgment was delivered there have been statements that were written that affect the perception of the Judiciary. It is suggesting there is an agenda and that the court is biased and not operating freely.”

Rampersad maintained that he acted fairly in assessing the case and stated that his

decision was based solely on the law and not on morality or religious beliefs.

Head of the State’s legal team, Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein joined in to denounce the unfair criticism levelled against Rampersad.

“I want to place it on record that we want to condemn such statements because we have confidence in the Judiciary. Justice is about getting it right,” Hosein said as he called on citizens to refrain from making such comments.

“This is a secular State under the Constitution and I want to appeal to persons who may have gotten carried away to refrain from making such unfortunate statements,” Hosein added.

During Monday’s hearing, Rampersad heard oral submissions on whether the law should be struck down or amended.

While he ruled that sections 13 and 16

of the Sexual Offences Act, which criminalises buggery and serious indecency even between consenting adults, is unconstitutional, Rampersad did not make a ruling on how the law should be interpreted to give effect to his judgment.

Hosein Monday submitted that Rampersad should not modify the law as it would have unintended effects on other pieces of colonial legislation.

However, Rampersad warned that there would also be negative consequences if he merely struck out the sections of the legislation.

He pointed out that such a move would mean that forced anal intercourse would no longer be a criminal offence.

Instead, Rampersad suggested that he modify the legislation to introduce the defence of consent to offences.

Hosein suggested that introducing such a measure would be contrary to Parliament’s intention in criminalising the offences.

“That is a matter that lies squarely with the legislature,” Hosein said.

Rampersad also called on the parties to file additional submissions on whether the legal provisions for rape covered non-consensual anal sex.

The State is scheduled to file the additional submissions by July 31, while Jones’ team is expected to respond by September 7. Rampersad is expected to give his final decision on September

- Trinidad Guardian

$205,000 bail for 3 women on ganja charges

TRINIDAD -- Three women were granted a total of $205,000 bail after they appeared Monday in the San Fernando Magistrates Court charged with marijuana possession.

Friends Raquel Williams, 35, and Kathleen Joseph, 55, a mother of five, are charged jointly with possession of 310 grammes of marijuana.

It is alleged officers executed a search warrant for illegal arms and ammunition at Williams’ home at Bayshore, Marabella on Saturday.

Police claimed they found a plastic bowl containing 94 small packets of marijuana and a

black bag which also contained the illegal herb, on top of a table in the living room.

Williams initially pleaded guilty but after the facts were read she disputed the quantum of drugs which the police alleged was found in her house. She changed her plea to not guilty while Joseph also pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Cleyon Seedan did not object to bail. Asking for reasonable bail, attorney Ainsley Lucky said Joseph, a sales representative, took care of her ageing mother and had one previous conviction of unlawful possession in 2013.

The

TRINIDAD -- Managing Director of Nutrien (formerly PCS Nitrogen Trinidad Limited) Ian Welch says T&T needs to build a strong social coalition to effectively respond to the problems confronting the nation.

He said so as the company, in a handover ceremony, contributed the sum of $492,750 to The Children’s Ark. The funding will go towards the relocation and the reconstruction of the entire surgical ward of the Princes Elizabeth Home for handicapped and challenged children.

Welch said upon completion, the new and renovated surgical ward will provide doctors with an appropriate and well equipped space to perform necessary surgeries for the children of the home, and others in need of urgent surgery.

He also thanked Dr David Toby and his colleagues, who freely give of their expertise. Welch said it was the company’s privilege to part-

Williams, he said, is unemployed and has a pending matter for larceny.

First Court Magistrate Alicia Chankar granted each of them $100,000 bail with the clerk of the peace approval.

They have to return to court on August 6.

In the same court, Joanne Mars pleaded not guilty to marijuana possession but guilty to possession of a marijuana device known as a grinder.

Seedan said PC Matloo and other officers executed a search warrant for arms and ammunition at her Pond Street, La Romaine home

Children’s Ark gets $492,700 boost

ner with The Children’s Ark “as we do our duty to give back to our people.

Indeed, we believe our success as a society is not judged by how well our affluent are doing but rather, by how we treat with those in need.”

He said, “What is abundantly clear is that our country needs to build a strong social coalition to effectively respond to the problems confronting us. No person alone can bring the change we need. It takes caring individuals, the Government, community organisations and businesses, both big and small, to come together in collaboration and partnership, to tackle the issues we face.

He said too that the company’s additional gift of a state- of- the- art medical laboratory located next to the Couva Hospital, continues to bring relief to thousands of citizens who no longer travel long distances and wait many weeks for their test results.

“One of our core values as a company is to build and grow the communities in which we operate. For those not familiar with our operations, we are a global agricultural leader, and the world’s largest producer of crop nutrients,” he added.

President of the Children’s Ark Simone de la Bastide, in accepting the donation, said the organisation was indicative of their (Nutrien’s) significant leadership and policy regarding corporate social responsibility as well as the acknowledgement and support for the overall good work done by the Children’s Ark— a non profit charitable organisation.

She said the Children’s Ark has partnered with many organisations and Government agencies on several of it’s projects over the years in an effort to fulfil its mission of improving the lives and conditions of “our marginalised children whether underprivileged, abused, abandoned, addicted

around 6.30 am on Saturday. The device was found on top of a shelf in the living room. The police alleged that 3.4 grammes of marijuana were also found but Mars denied that allegation.

Mars claimed a friend left the grinder at her home. She was given a week to pay a $1,000 fine.

Mars was granted $5,000 own bail on the marijuana matter which was adjourned to August 6.

- Trinidad Guardian

or otherwise challenged.”

Some of these organisations include the T&T Prison Service, the Army Reserve, members of the corporate and civil society, Victims and Witness Support Unit under the Police Service, the Counter Trafficking Unit under the Ministry of National Security who partnered with The Children’s Ark on projects like it’s Awareness and Prevention six-month anti-child trafficking campaign for the sex, drug and labour trades in T&T.

She said at the Port-of-Spain State Prison, 14 old colonial Death Row cells were demolished by the prisoners as The Children’s Ark constructed a library within furnished and complete with the help of an individual donor in partnership with Debbie Jacobs (Wishing for Wings) and the Prison Service with fathers reading to their children vice versa.

- Trinidad Guardian

Premium Rentals Furnishings from The Event Center Toronto

Entrepreneurship starts with an idea. The endeavor to create and build your own business from the ground up and manage the operation yourself is alluring to many of this generation as it allows for the freedom to be your own boss and command things your way.

“I always wanted to start a business, but I wasn’t sure what exactly I wanted to do,” explains Stevon Dyer, owner of the newly established Event Center Toronto.

Like many individuals, Stevon was drawn to embark on the path of entrepreneurship, unsure of what he would like to do, or what would make a successful business venture.

“My wife, Nafeesa, works in the wedding industry, and I work alongside her, so I decided to stay with what we were familiar with which is why I started the Event Center Toronto,” Stevon says.

Born in Trinidad, hailing from San Fernando, La Romain, Stevon came to Canada in 1993 as a young boy, settling in Montreal with his family.

“I was never the type to want to work for somebody, I knew one day I would eventually own my own business, but before that, I worked for other people not because I wanted to, but because you have to,” he shares.

“When I was a kid, I was interested in things like basketball, I thought I would become a basketball player,” Stevon laughs, knowing that sometimes dreams do work out like you want them too.

The custom when children are growing up is to enforce the importance of good education. Many people go through the motions of High School, College or University and some are lucky to end up

in careers that they actually enjoy. It’s the dreamers, those people who have other hopes and aspirations for what they wanted to do with their lives that end up on the path to entrepreneurship.

“Even after some people finish College they ever end up in the field they wanted to, and it’s important for me to have a passion for what I do,” Stevon points out.

“Whenever I’m working on something, I like to give it 110% and that’s why I’m the guy they put in charge when things need to get done. I don’t play around when it comes to work.”

Stevon comes from a very entrepreneurial family, who are inspiring business owners and shining examples of who he aspires to be. “I grew up on a farm back home, and so I was always around businessmen and women who laid the foundation for all that I know.”

After meeting his wife Nafeesa, the owner of her own business Princess Decor and Gifts Stevon shares that his journey to entrepreneurship took a hard turn in the right direction.

“Since I met Nafeesa we’ve been on this whole business adventure,” he explains as his own business ties in perfectly with her existing one. “When I met her, I told her that I wanted to start a business, but I also didn’t want to start something just to start something.”

Princess Decor is a floral and decor company that specializes in elaborate outstanding decor pieces and beautiful real flower arrangements and centerpieces for weddings and events.

Stevon and Nafeesa have been working together for the past six years, helping each other out with whatever

needs to get done.

“I had been working part-time, while also working alongside Nafeesa, and it became too much,” Stevon says, “The time commitment with her business working late nights, as well as my part-time job, had me working seven days a week.”

They got the name for the business a year ago initially planning on opening up a banquet hall called The Event Center. “We found a place, but it was too small, I wanted something local, easy to manage in a justifiable location, but after looking into all of the rules and regulations we would have to meet I squashed the whole idea,” Stevon shares.

The Event Center Toronto is a Boutique Rental Company, where you can come explore a showroom of premium rental equipment and props to make your next event the most fabulous you’ve ever seen. At The Event Center, you can choose from a selection of centerpieces, mandaps, backdrop sets, linens, decorative mirrors and other props that you would need to make your event stand out.

They specialize in one of a kind custom ornate panels, stage props, crystal centerpieces, elegant stage furniture and so much more.

“We rent out all of the items in our showroom and warehouse stock to decorators, and the general public to pick up and drop off when they are done,” Stevon explains.

The Event Center does not deliver or set up any of the items that they rent out, but they provide high-quality premium rental equipment that is easy to assemble and will be sure to add that extra sparkle to your event.

“I want this business to go as far as

it possibly can, and I know it will get there eventually, but it’s going to take time,” Stevon shares. “Small business ownership is something more people choose to pursue because people enjoy working for themselves, and just because you work for yourself, it doesn’t mean you have to work less, you have to put in more than 200%.”

Stevon says that he wants people to know that they are a very reliable rental company if they have what you need in stock, it’s as simple as renting it out and pick it up hassle free.

“Because Nafeesa was already in the industry, and she was already familiar with it I decided to stick with it and start this business,” Stevon says. “We rent to business owners with a license as well as the public which is what makes us unique.”

Both Stevon and Nafeesa are experienced, easy going and friendly people. They work to help all of their clients by answering any questions they might have to ensure their event looks amazing.

“We help each other, I help her and she helps me with the things I don’t have experience with,” Stevon says, “I follow her lead when it comes to a lot of things she has the connections and knows the best ways to streamline the business to get the ball rolling.”

The Event Center is located at 222 Advance Blvd, Unit 6 in Brampton, and they will be hosting their very first open house July 10th from 6-9pm. They invite you to come by anytime to browse their selection of premium rental equipment and hope to help you with all your rental needs!

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

Blackie takes a stance, releases music to change minds ahead of Barbados’ Crop Over

Barbados’ CropOver excitement looms and just like mas makers and fete promoters across the Caribbean feel responsible to provide the very best for the people, so to do a number of the Caribbean’s soca music creators.

Trinidad and Tobago artiste, Irvin Blackman, who’s best known as Blackie has unleashed a new single ahead of Crop Over, hopeful that the song’s infectious energy, will maintain presence and hit hard in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival in 2019. For now however, he’s focused on giving people from all walks of life, something to make them move, all the while, delivering a powerful message that every man should take in.

The single, ‘Brown Sugar’, which was written by Alister Edwards and produced by Jesse of Optimus Productions TT, sits on the Overseas Riddim. A number of other entertainers are also featured on the riddim, among them, Barbados’ Fadda

Fox. For Blackie, delivering the track was an opportunity to once again place women on an elevated level, removing stigmas of sexual demonization that has seemingly penetrated hard in the past few years across a number of musical genres. “There was a time when music sung about women, promoted love and admiration for the female sex. Now, we have a situation where women are being subjected to lyrics that over-sexualize them, something that could have other implications. As a man, I feel like women must be respected and held in high esteem, because despite everything that society tells us, women are still the bearers of life,” said the entertainer. Blackie has been a part of the

Soca industry for over a decade. His past hits have all denoted humor, making him one of the industry’s most loved artistes. He feels strongly about the need for men to show love and appreciation for their female counterparts, arguing that Trinidad in particular has experienced quite a number of crimes of passion that have resulted in death, in the past two years. He is now hoping that his effort and vocalization on the topic will encourage more Caribbean entertainers to endorse the same. “Maybe then we’ll see a decrease in violence perpetrated against women. Sometimes it only takes a little effort to make a big change,” he said.

- EBuzzTT

A fun summer to-do guide

Three tips for safe fishing

Like to fish? To enjoy the rivers and lakes safely this summer, be sure to follow these tips.

1. BRING THE RIGHT GEAR

Be sure to bring and wear your own lifejacket. You should also bring paddles, a bucket to bail out the boat, a whistle, a waterproof flashlight and a first aid kit. This equipment is necessary for your safety. Be sure to also bring a change of clothes, food, water (even if you’re only going to be gone for a few hours), sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug repellent.

2. BE SMART ABOUT HOW YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

Check the weather forecast regularly to be sure there are no dangers on the horizon

(high winds, thunderstorms, etc.). This will also help you to choose the right clothing. Also inspect your equipment thoroughly to be sure you have enough gas for the trip. Let someone know where you’re planning to go and when you plan to be back.

3. BE CAREFUL AT ALL TIMES

It’s best to avoid going fishing by yourself. Be sure to follow all the rules of good navigation and always be aware of your boat’s capabilities. Don’t exceed the boat’s recommended weight limit, which applies to both passengers and equipment. You should also avoid making sudden movements or getting up quickly in a small boat so you don’t capsize. Finally, ne ver drink alcohol on board a boat — or before you go out on the water!

Before going on your fishing trip, be sure you have all the necessary permits and certifications. Also, check up on any quotas that might apply to your catch.

SPORTS TOURISM

The perfect marriage of sports and travel

Are you an amateur golfer or cyclist? Keen on tennis or car racing? Passionate about hiking or mountain climbing? Are you a skilled kayaker or an expert at off-roading? No matter which sport you prefer, if you also like to travel, sports tourism will certainly be right for you.

As the name suggests, sports tourism combines the love of sport with a taste for travel. When taking a trip, you can spend part of your time enjoying a major sporting event (the Stanley Cup Final, the Tour de France, the Montreal Grand Prix, the FIFA World Cup, etc.) and watching your favourite players in action, all while discovering a new part of the world and its peoples and cultures. You’re sure to make lasting memories.

The other part of your trip can consist of visiting a destination known for breathtaking hiking trails (Switzerland or Peru), superb golf courses (Mexico and Ireland, for example), or excellent waves (the Canary Islands or Costa Rica). You can also explore unknown parts of a new country while doing the sport that you love. There are lots of companies that specialize in sports tourism (trips can last a day, a week, or longer) for athletes of all skill levels.

In short, sports tourism will allow you to visit fascinating new places and meet new people. It will also feed your passion for sport and keep you in shape during your vacation. What more could you ask for?

A recipe for understanding ‘Whole Food, Plant-Based’

Cooking from scratch is a simple and rewarding craft, one that anyone can learn and even succeed at from the get-go. There’s a delight to cooking: the wonders of creating, the pleasures of time spent in the honest pursuit of tradition and the nourishment of our bodies and those of our family.

The ultimate goal in transitioning toward a whole foods diet is to choose cooking methods that retain the nutritional value of food. The closer foods are to their native states - prepared with minimal fat, sugar, salting, and processing - the greater the longterm health benefits.

What are Whole Foods, Plant-Based?

It’s pretty simple: whole, unrefined plants. Fruits, grains, leaves, roots, legumes, flowers, and nuts are examples of whole foods.

Roots are the parts of plants that grow below the ground, producing vegetables such as yam, sweet potato, colorful beets and carrots, turnip, radish, garlic, onion, shallots, ginger, arrowroot, turmeric, fennel, and cassava (the root from which tapioca is made).

Leaves include lettuces, kale, spinach, collards, swiss chard, cabbage, and so on. Fruits include the parts of plants that contain seeds, such as tomatoes, apples, mangoes, oranges, peppers, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Grains are the seeds themselves: quinoa, oats, barley, corn, wheat, and the like. Legumes (or pulses) are different types of beans: soy, lima, pinto, fava, kidney, black, chickpea, and even peanuts. Flowers are broccoli, cauliflower, dandelions, and so on.

Nuts and other seeds: walnuts, almond, cashews, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed, and

more, contain a wide range of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Consider all-natural nut (or fruit) butters. Unlike jellies, butter, and margarine, nut butters contain healthful fats that benefit heart health.

Fruit butters are sweet, creamy and delicious served on bread, toast, or muffins, and often contain less sugar than jams. They are made by slowly cooking down the fresh fruit.

Substitution: Fat and oils in cakes, cookies, and sweetbreads

Prune paste is a good substitute for fats and oils in baking; it does not change the taste of the dish as much as other substitutions do.

To make the prune paste, puree 1 cup pitted prunes in a food processor with a 1/2 cup of water. To use, substitute one-third the amount of prune paste for the amount of oil called for (that is, use 1/3 cup of prune paste to replace 1 cup of oil).

Occasionally, you may want to change a favorite recipe to create a healthy

plant-based one. When substituting for refined sugar in recipes, try pure fruit juice, maple syrup, mashed banana, or any of a wide variety of pureed fruits including applesauce, preserves, and jams. Dried fruits, such as dates and raisins, also work well for baking.

Preparing delicious meals

It can be a challenge to incorporate whole foods into your everyday diet and completely avoid processed foods but cutting them down can be a great place to start. The key to making a successful transition is to plan ahead. Set aside one day a week to plan and shop for a weekly menu. In planning your menu, use resources like your favorite cookbooks or online. Make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to buy for these recipes. Look into your pantry and refrigerator to see what you need to buy. Meal planning may seem tedious or even difficult at first, but it teaches you organizational, culinary, and budgeting skills that are invaluable to a healthy diet. Don’t give up.

Four tips for a crowd-pleasing wedding meal

Putting together a wedding menu that aims to please everyone is no easy task. Here are a few tips to maximize your chances of success.

1. Avoid strong-tasting meat. Not everyone is a fan of lamb, game meat or fish. Poultry, on the other hand, is usually a sure bet. Provide more than one meal option if you can.

2. Mix it up. If you’re serving beef as a main, consider vegetarian appetizers or seafood hors-d’oeuvres. Avoid serving the same protein in more than one course.

3. Trust the experts. Don’t be afraid to ask your caterer for suggestions. If you’ve hired a chef, include his or her speciality dishes on the menu.

4. Have a plan B. If there are children, picky eaters or people with dietary restrictions among your guests, try to accommodate their preferences as much as you can. They’ll definitely appreciate the thought.

A bouquet for every bride

The perfect bouquet is one that highlights the bride’s attire without stealing the spotlight from her. Here are a few popular bridal bouquet styles to consider:

• Round. Ideal if you’re on the petite side. Keep it simple, delicate and short. As a general rule, avoid dense foliage, cascading bouquets and long stems. That being said, longer stems can be flattering if you’re quite curvy.

• Cascading. Perfect for tall, thin brides. Choose a bouquet with long stems and cascading foliage to highlight your waist.

• White. Great if your dress is colourful; not so great if it’s white or offwhite.

• Colourful. For energetic brides who aren’t afraid to turn heads. If your dress is also colourful, make sure you show it to your florist to avoid unfortunate clashes.

Brides should choose their bouquet according to their body type, their personality and their dress.

Eleven-step guide to the perfect wedding

Every couple wants their wedding to be absolutely flawless. Achieving perfection, however, requires quite a bit of organizing. Here are a few things to remember when planning your big day.

1. CHOOSE THE DATE

Make sure your closest friends and family members will be able to attend. If your sister’s pregnant or your best friend is planning a trip, choose your date strategically to avoid disappointment.

2. DRAFT THE GUEST LIST

Make a list of all the people you’d like to see at your wedding. But keep your budget in mind, as more people means higher costs.

3. MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS

It’s a good idea to book the venues for your ceremony and reception as soon as possible, especially if you’re getting married during the summer. Popular venues are often reserved up to a year in advance.

4. SEND OUT INVITATIONS

The earlier you send out your save the date cards and invitations, the better. Be sure to ask invitees to RSVP. This is also a

good time to designate bridesmaids and groomsmen.

5. DRAW UP A FLOOR PLAN

Make sure to visit the venue as many times as you need to. If you’re planning to hire a band, display a slideshow or organize a karaoke session, confirm that the location allows it.

6. DECORATE THE VENUE

Get in touch with your florist and decorator to discuss your ideas and ask for advice. If you’re on a tight budget, consider taking care of the decorating yourself — just make sure you start early.

7. CHOOSE AN MC

Who will be the master of ceremonies for the event? Someone you know, or a hired pro? Also think about the music: band or DJ?

8. SHOP FOR YOUR ATTIRE

Don’t forget about makeup and hair trials, and start shopping as early as possible so you can find

all the best deals. Also think about how you’ll accessorize your outfit for the ceremony.

9. GO TO THE JEWELLER’S

Choose your wedding bands wisely — after all, you’ll be wearing them for the rest of your life!

10. CHOOSE THE MENU

Is your goal to please as many people as possible or to step off the beaten path?

Do you need to plan vegetarian options or kid-friendly snacks? Determine what

type of meal will be served at your wedding, and don’t forget drinks and desserts.

11. IMMORTALIZE THE DAY

Photobooths and disposable cameras are great for capturing candid memories, but you’ll probably want to have a professional wedding photographer on location as well.

Lucky for you, your loved ones will be in charge of planning the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Make sure they know what you like!

Is there a cure for hypochondria?

Daily sit-ups = surefire six-pack?

“If I do sit-ups every day, I’ll get a flat stomach!” Fact or fiction? Unfortunately, this widely believed claim is a myth. Trai-

ning your abdominal muscles every day isn’t the right way to reach your goal of developing a firm, well-defined midsection.

Of course, strength training is important to keep your body firm. But flat stomachs aren’t made in the gym — they’re made in the kitchen. The key to success is a healthy, balanced diet. Furthermore, like all muscles, your abs need time to rest and recover. It isn’t a good idea to train them every day.

What to eat for healthy hair

On average, humans lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair a day. In addition to stress, hormonal changes and certain medications, nutritional deficiencies can also make you lose hair at an abnormal rate. Conversely, certain nutrients foster hair growth and health while preventing hair loss:

• Protein (found in fish, meat, dairy products, legumes, nuts, etc.) is essential for synthesizing keratin, the main compo -

nent of hair.

• Iron (found in green vegetables, red meat, oysters, enriched cereals, etc.) allows the oxygenation of hair follicle cells, which stimulates hair growth. Iron deficiencies can cause hair loss.

• Zinc (found in legumes, veal, seafood, wheat germ, dairy products, etc.) helps fortify hair, repair tissue and regulate hormone production.

Amazing maize

• B-complex vitamins (found in salmon, chicken, bananas, egg yolks, mushrooms, brewer’s yeast, etc.) foster hair growth and contribute to both synthesizing keratin and oxygenating roots.

Fill up on these nutrients — your hair will thank you.

Are you among the many fans of corn — or maize — the sweet, golden grain that most consider a vegetable? Good news! On top of being delicious, corn is packed with healthy nutrients.

Corn on the cob is rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. It also contains a slew of B-complex vitamins, as well as phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, iron and copper. It’s free of gluten and filled with antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which help keep your eye health in check. What’s not to love?

People with hypochondria (also known as health anxiety or hypochondriasis) have an obsessive attitude about their health and the condition of their body. These individuals are inordinately worried about getting sick and tend to exaggerate the severity of any symptoms they experience. It can be hard to convince a person with hypochondria that they aren’t in any actual danger. The constant fear of falling ill can lead to symptoms such as vertigo, heart palpitations, anxiety attacks and even depression.

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THERAPY

Cognitive behavioural therapy can help people overcome hypochondria by reinforcing the fact that the problem is first and foremost a psychological one. Therapists will focus on shifting perspectives, getting used to the fear, and reducing harmful behaviours such as repeated visits to the doctor or looking up symptoms online.

ACTIVE LIVING

Leading an active lifestyle is another way to cope with health anxiety: being busy leaves less time for negative thoughts to form. Relaxation techniques such as meditation are also effective in combatting stress. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to stay away from negative people who are al ways discussing their own health ailments. Finally, those who can’t stop themselves from researching their symptoms should at least make sure that their sources are sound.

People with hypochondria vastly overestimate the severity of even the most minor health symptoms.

Humidex and exercise: where is the line?

When it’s hot, your body regulates its temperature by sweating. When the air is saturated with water vapour, however, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily, making it feel even hotter out. That’s why 33 °C at 20 per cent humidity is more comfortable than 27 °C at 90 per cent humidity. To calculate the level of perceived heat, Canadian scientists developed the humidity index, or humidex.

The humidex rating expresses the combined effects of heat and humidity. For example, if it’s 32 °C outside with 50 per cent humidity, the humidex will be 40. This value isn’t expressed in degrees, as it isn’t a true temperature but rather an approximation of how hot the average person feels. The higher the humidex, the greater the risk of heatstroke; so at what point should you start to cut back on physical activity?

A humidex rating of 45 and above — a rare occurrence — is considered dangerous. If it climbs to 54 or higher, which has never happened in Canada, heatstroke is inevitable even at rest. It’s strongly recommended to avoid physical activity as soon as the humidex reaches

It’s best to avoid physical activity when the humidex rises to 40 or above.

40, which is usually when Environment Canada issues a severe heat warning.

A humidex between 30 and 39 can cause some discomfort:

• Between 30 and 34, drink lots of water, take frequent breaks and avoid strenuous exercise.

• Between 35 and 39, keep physical activity to a minimum, especially for those most at risk of heatstroke (children and elderly people, among others).

Whatever the weather, make sure you stay hydrated throughout the summer and keep an eye out for symptoms of heatstroke, which include nausea, headaches, cold, clammy skin, dizziness and weakness.

Dear Yoga...

I have a few things I just need to tell you! When I first saw you, I really thought you were quite handsome, you were strong and sexy and I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you. I was really intrigued. The way you moved was like nothing I had ever seen, but I didn’t think you would notice me, or be interested in me at all. I was a little intimidated in fact, I never thought in a mil-

lion years that we could be together. You seemed so far away from my reality and my world that I didn’t really bother to pursue you. I used to just watch you from a distance and wish that we could be together.

I was really lucky that I had a friend that introduced us that day. I don’t know if you remember, but it’s something I will never forget. When I approached you, we flirted a little bit and I was so flattered that you were so open and willing to interact with me. You were so much more approachable than I thought. You were gentle and kind. I never expected to smile as much as I did on our first date together. The first time we held hands you seemed to guide me in a way that no one else had. You showed me more about myself, rather than talking about yourself endlessly. You taught me that we could take

our time in getting to know one another. I didn’t have to jump into something that I wasn’t ready for and that I didn’t have to run away at the first sign of a challenge. This taught me that I was a lot stronger than I thought. You are the only one who challenged me to put myself out there and deal with my weaknesses. I didn’t know why, but I kept coming back for more.

At first, we would see each other once per week and I couldn’t wait for that week to pass so that I could see you again. Then it became twice per week. During these times, it felt like no one or nothing else existed and it was the most blissful part of my day.

This wasn’t enough for me though, and we started stealing moments 10 even 15 minutes at a time almost every single day. This feeling of bliss started to go with

me even after we spent time together. I was starting to now feel that I didn’t just have to be with you in that one spot, in our special place in order to feel like this. I started to feel better in silly places like in line at the grocery store. I seemed to be standing taller and feeling more calm in situations that I would have been uneasy in. I was walking with more purpose, and energy. I was even sleeping better at night because I was breathing so much better.

The most important thing you have taught me yoga is that it wasn’t just you, that all of these feelings existed within me all of this time. You just helped to bring it out of me and every time we meet or even if we don’t I always have you in my heart Yoga! I love you and I thank you.

Forever yours, Trish

Endangered minds; Why parents have to take action this summer

SUMMERTIME!

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

I know; this is exciting for students and a horror for parents. “What are we going to do with them this summer?” For some families, they have been saving up for a little bit, and now they want to take the family on vacation. There are others who are staying home, working, and carrying on their daily lives, except now, they have to keep the children busy. This information is going to be important for everyone, but let us look at the facts first, and then we can consider some remedies:

• Research clearly shows that motivated students tend to watch less television. Of course, as viewing goes up, academic achievement scores eventually go down.

• Television requires less mental effort than reading

• Television may shorten the time children are willing to spend on finding an answer to intellectual problems they are set to solve.

There has been a phrase created called the “Zombie Effect.” It basically states that whatever you raise your kids on, that is what their minds get addicted too. You raise kids on sweets, they become addicted to sweets. You raise kids on television, they get addicted to television, just like any hypnotic state. The summertime is a common time to see the effects of the “Zombie

colleen@carib101.com

Effect,” which is why it is important that parents take action. If parents want their children to do well in school or develop life mastery skills, they have to start with language. A rich vocabulary is a foundation, but the ability to describe, compare, and categorize with language is what leads to our ability to think in analogy -- that’s the highest level and it’s also what is tested in school and ultimately life.

Solutions

Here is the best part of my job; I am able to present issues that are important, and then I am able to provide solutions. I don’t just leave you thinking, I help to motivate action. So, there are some community organizations who have taken it upon themselves to create programs that will take the worry away from you. Below is a list of camps and services that could be helpful; some of the programs presented have been provided by the Ontario Association of Black School Educators, and you can find out more information on the link provided at the end of the article.

NORTH YORK, MISSISSAUGA, BRAMPTON, TORONTO

Hear 2 Help Summer Upgrading Program (Mentoring, Skills Building, Tutoring)

Visit www.hear-2-help.com for more details on the program, or you can call 416-551-2469.

Start: Monday, July 2, 2018, Monday – Thursday (Private Classes Start at 11:00 am – 6:00 pm) (Sessions starting at $30.00 per hour) End: Friday, August 31, 2018

AJAX, ONTARIO

CODING: KIDS MAKING CODE COST: FIND REGISTRATION, LOCATION AND COST INFORMATION ON WWW.TECHSPARK.CA

Start/End: July 2 – 6, 2018, 9 AM – 3PM August 20 – 24, 2018, 9AM - 3PM

This a beginner level workshop for girls and boys ages 9-12.

BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO

CAMP JUMOKE COST: FAMILIES PAY $60 ($2300 COVERED THROUGH FUNDRAISING)

Camp Jumoke is Canada’s first medically supervised overnight summer camp dedicated to enriching the lives of children living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD. Attending Camp Jumoke allows these children to develop vital social and emotional skills.

Start/End: late July 25-August 11 (2 weeks)

Contact Person: Judy Grandison, President Tel: #: 416-410-2995

Email Address: info@jumoke.org

Website/Facebook Page: www.jumoke.org/ camp-info

Other social media: @campjumoke

CAMP UNITED COST: $125 / 7 WEEKS OF CAMP

The overall goal of Camp United (6 to 14 years) is to provide a safe, learning and fun experience for participants. We offer an affordable summer day camp for children from the Region of Peel, which includes activities to develop pro-social behaviors, foster a team spirit, and encourage and stretch the budding mind.

Duration Start/End: July 9 - August 24, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm

Contact Person: Zeresha McKenzie Tel: #: 905455-6789

Email Address: uacs@unitedachievers.org

Website/Facebook Page: www.unitedachievers. org.

Other social media: Instagram/Twitter

ONABSE is strongly committed to improving educational opportunities for the AfricanCanadian community. You can find out more information at http://onabse.org/media/ONABSESummerCampDirectory2018.pdf . Have a fantastic summer!

Pushing through the fear

LIFESTYLE COACH

We all have been there. That time in your life where you feel it, that is whispering in your ear “You can’t do that” “You aren’t enough” “You’ll never win” and I could go on and on. We call it by so many names, but really it comes down to fear. We are scared to take the next steps for many reasons. It clouds our judgments, makes us think low of ourselves and even allows us to sit and watch instead of playing in the game called life.

Just recently I came up to this battle with fear. I didn’t call it fear and nor did it feel like fear. However, when I actually got to the root

of the problem the answer coming back was “You’re scared”. Now being scared is not something that I have usually connected to myself. I am a driven and ambitious woman that pushes through things, I don’t get scared. Well, I was. In that fear, it left me unmotivated, paralyzed and in a state of disbelief. It wasn’t until someone else pointed it out to me that I was available for the answer. It was weird. Here are a few things I did to move past it.

1. I owned the fear. I sat in it and said ok “If I am scared, why am I scared?” and I listed everything. I reflected back on it and made sure I laid it all out. I couldn’t clear things that I was hiding so I made sure the list was robust and it was full of everything at that moment that I was fearful of.

2. I took things step by step. I looked at my then overwhelming list and said how can I get some small things off of it and break down the big stuff into small things. This will allow me to take things in stride, not have the feeling of having to do everything and I was still getting things done. Every

morning I woke up and wrote out what I was grateful for. You can’t be in fear and gratitude at the same time. When this was happening, small shifts were making a difference.

3. I started to workout and be really present on my walks with Athena (my dog). It allowed me to clear my mind, release the pent up energy and exert the energy in a way that was helping my body to align itself.

4. Lastly, I reached out to a close friend and talked it through with her. Sometimes you just need to talk it out. From that call, small changes started to happen and every day got better moving on from there.

So, if you are reflecting on your life right now and you are realizing that you are in fear, try these four steps. They might help you too. One thing I know is that we can’t be in our potential or living our purpose from a place of fear and you have so many awesome things to do in this world… so step in!

Dealing with family law issues outside of the courts

VALERIE DYE

valerie@carib101.com

LEGAL SPECIALIST

Family law in Ontario is regulated by the Family Law Act and the Divorce Act. These Acts set out the laws relating to child and spousal support as well as equalization and division of property. Unless parties have made an agreement or domestic contract they are bound by the provisions of the legislations. This often leads to results that parties have not bargained for when they entered into a marriage or commonlaw relationship. For instance, a party who

owns a home prior to marriage which subsequently becomes the matrimonial home may be very unhappy to discover that if the marriage is terminated the property has to be shared with his or her spouse. Some persons may also not wish to divide their pension benefits with a spouse if they decide to divorce.

Recognizing that parties may wish to make alternative arrangements for support, property division and other issues outside of the provision of family law legislation, sections 52 to 54 of the Family Law Act allows parties to enter into an agreement to outline their respective rights and obligations in the event of divorce or separation. While sections 52 and 53 refer to the making of contracts for persons entering into or already in a marriage or common-law relationship, section 54 of the Act refers to a separation agreement which is made by parties who are ending their

relationship and wish to outline their own rights and obligations upon separation. By entering into such domestic contracts parties are able to regulate their domestic affairs outside of the legislative framework. It is important to note, however, that despite the recognition of the freedom to contract and the ability to determine one’s own rights within a relationship or at the end of a relationship, there are instances when such contracts will be set aside by the courts. One instance in which this happens is where parties fail to make financial disclosure so that the other party is aware of all their assets, liabilities and income. Section 56(4) of the Family Law Act makes it clear that the Court will set aside a domestic contract either entirely or in part, where either party fails to make such financial disclosure.

The court may also set aside a domestic contract where it is found that one

or both parties did not understand the consequences or significance of entering into the contract. To safeguard against this, it is important for parties to obtain independent legal advice and to ensure that a lawyer provides a certificate of independent legal advice.

It is also important to note that in interpreting domestic contracts courts consider the best interest of the child. Where, for instance, provisions in the contract relating to child support, custody or education are unreasonable and not in the best interest of the child the court may set aside these provisions.

Finally, section 19 of the Family Law Act provides that both spouses are entitled to possession of a matrimonial home. Any provision in a marriage contract that takes away this right to possession will not be enforceable.

Pack a lunch and explore your history

KATHY McDONALD

kathy@carib101.com

SCHOOL TRUSTEE

Last week members of the curriculum department at the Peel District School Board (PDSB) embarked on what is being dubbed the “Peel Black Heritage Tour”. The tour was led by award-winning author, PDSB teacher and President of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) Natasha Henry. Poleen Grewal, an Associate Director at the PDSB said in a tweet “...We appreciate that you are supporting us to re-learn and unlearn Canadian history - Black History is Canadian History” This week I am featuring various aspects of this tour as per the Phiona Lloyd - Henry highlights that were posted on Twitter. Ms. Lloyd- Henry is a brilliant, newly minted vice principal at the PDSB who is currently the Board’s Equity Resource Teacher. I retweeted her post on my account @TrusteeMcDonald.

The reason why I feel compelled to share this experience is that I hold a deep-seated belief that children thrive best when they have a deep understanding of their history and culture. Most of the places on the Peel Heritage Black Tour I have traveled with my own four kids. When

we arm kids with a sense of belonging and let them see themselves as more than just “sons and daughters of slaves” or “illiterate immigrants” we make it easier to navigate the Canadian landscape. Everyone, not just African and black people will benefit from participating in this tour. Note that this tour by no means captures the entire black and African history of Canadian peoples. It is a start, a start in Ontario.

There is also a rich history of people from other Caribbean communities like the Hakka Chinese and members of the Indo-Caribbean communities to name a few. During the last provincial elections in Ontario, Sara Singh became the first ever female with Indo-Caribbean heritage elected to the Legislative Assembly in Ontario. One of Jamaica’s most prominent sons of Chinese descent G. Raymond Chang, the third chancellor of Ryerson University, was a financial wizard that was a Director at CI Financial, a company that managed over $180 billion in assets. The two aforementioned examples are only two of numerous examples of excellence of descendants of the Caribbean that we should be teaching our children. We need to impress upon them the plethora of achievements that African, Black and Caribbean peoples have achieved. We need to be authors of our history. We cannot sit back and let mainstream media tell our story.

The Peel Black Heritage Tour started in Toronto. Some of the sites that were visited included: 330 University Av-

enue site of the former home of Canada’s first doctor in 1835: Did you know that Osgoode Hall was the site of John Anderson’s escaped slave extradition case and was the site of many black protests during the early 1860s? St James Cathedral was always an integrated church that welcomed black loyalists, the Cathedral event hosted Emancipation Celebrations from 1830 to 1860: Visit the Mary Ann Shadd Cary plaque on King Street East: Walk over to St Lawrence Hall one of the oldest public buildings in Toronto. Some of its prominent speakers include abolitionist Frederick Douglass: 363-365 Adelaide St. East was home to William Jarvis one of the largest slave owners in Toronto.

There is an abundance of plaques scattered throughout the city. Stop and read them you just might learn something new. Did you know that Albert Jackson, Toronto’s first black postal worker has his own plaque? Go for an adventure to Windsor and visit St. Alphonsus Church or the Tower of Freedom, the International Underground Railroad Memorial Site. Gaze at the Detroit River imagine the “the fluid frontier, the movement of black people-through coercion, through personal choice - freedom, employment, social events.” Stop by the Sandwich Baptist Church or The Nazrey African Episcopal Church which acted as a terminal for the Underground Railroad, a school and a community hub for the Amherstburg black people. The Amherstburg museum

and the Windsor Community museum are “likke but tallawah” (small but mighty). My favorite stop on this tour, the spot where my family enjoys the most, a spot that never gets boring, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The children can actually go into a crate that was used to transport escaped slaves to freedom. There is so much to see and do so much to learn. Whether you visit London or Owen Sound, Leamington or Windsor. Black history is all around. Go seek it out. Embrace it. Your children will benefit from the experience.

Hopefully, by the end of the tour, the participants did as Ms. Lloyd - Henry tweeted “learn about the presence, experience, and legacies of black people in southwestern Ontario and Canada.” Now that they are armed with this knowledge I look forward to its integration in the PDSB curriculum. It is my hope that this tour will ultimately lead to transformational practices and attitudes towards the black and Caribbean students in the PDSB as well as all students. It is with great anticipation I wait to see such learning translate to the PDSB classrooms where all staff will inspire success confidence and hope in all students. Secondly, I hope parents will be inspired to journey to some of these historical sitess and embolden their children to continue to be resilient, confident and the amazing students they are called to be. So, pack a lunch and fill the gas tank and away you go. Walk Good! Belle Marché

The stigma of cooperation

CHANNER

Through the recent history of crime, there has been a culture of remaining silent when a criminal offense or serious occurrence has taken place. This popular phenomenon is referred to as “snitching”. Snitching is a colloquial term often used among youth to define what is considered as a pre-meditated choice to assist or provide evidence to police or criminal authoritative figures to aide them in solving a case. The culture of “not snitching” has overwhelmingly been a contributing factor towards many of the unsolved crimes that have occurred and has made it quite difficult for some of these cases to be solved and subsequently have the primary suspects apprehended.

For many individuals, the idea of snitching or cooperating with police when a crime does occur seems daunting. However, I would like to pose some possible questions, “have you or those around you stopped to question why this culture of remaining silent continues to exist? Have you speculated about the contributing factors that would prevent someone from speaking to authorities regarding crime? To those on the outside looking in, it may seem preposterous as to why members of a community may not cooperate with police investigations, but as someone who has experience with living in a neighbourhood that has been plagued by the occurrence of violence, I believe the decision to keep quiet can stem from many other factors other than fear itself.

1. Survival. People who live in areas where there is a considerable amount of violence may choose not to get involved solely due to fear and a perceived hope to survive. The concept of talking to a criminal investigator or the police about a crime may seem simple to others, but in reality, for many people who currently experience this it is not. Once residents/ individuals consider speaking to police about a crime, they become scared and their will to survive becomes threatened.

In addition, in some communities, those who are responsible for committing a majority of the crimes continue to reside there making it easy for them to negatively influence others around

them and use intimidation as a tactic in getting others around to remain silent. The thought process for many people who have to deal with situations like this is strictly pointed to survival and if speaking up about a crime jeopardizes it; to them, not speaking may seem like the better option.

2. Media. Another main reason why many people experience feelings of hesitancy when considering the idea of speaking to police about a crime in the community stems from the many ways it is reported through various media outlets. When a crime takes place, within a matter of hours, vans and cameras from many different news outlets appear with aggressive reporters, trying to get full details about what has transpired.

As someone who has lived in communities such as these, I have seen people speak to reporters with the hope that their true words are accurately represented once presented on television, only to find that their words are misconstrued and misrepresented making the overall situation worse.

According to Nathan Bay, local Toronto hiphop artist and activist within the Jane and Finch community he affirms how particular media outlets only come around to focus on the negative attributes of the community instead of the positive attributes, which further contribute to the decision as to why people choose not to cooperate when it comes to police investigations. Due to this, many individuals see the media as part of the problem and choose not to engage or converse with them in reference to crimes.

Analyzing the many reasons as to why people choose not to speak out when a crime takes place is essential to understanding the magnitude of violence within the city. Providing a sense of security for those who do want to come forward with information about a criminal act may be a good starting point. However, it alone is not enough to stop violent acts from happening. In order to better the overall situation, people within the community have to be clear about stopping the violence and preventing it.

Many forms of media outlets have to be genuine, passionate and authentic about the people whose lives are affected by violence and equally contribute to solving the issue, not just reporting it. Also, more people have to get involved instead of turning a blind eye which does require much courage and an absence of fear, however, coming together as one equal unit can create the change that we all crave deeply.

Relieve daily tensions with your own massage chair

Are your days physically demanding? Do they leave you with achy muscles and sore joints? Do you often feel tense or anxious? Well, it sounds like you could really use some downtime! If you love rubdowns but don’t have the time or means to make regular visits to your local massage therapist, buying a massage chair can seriously change your life.

ADVANTAGES

A robotic massage chair allows you to benefit from the soothing effects of a real massage in the comfort of your very own home — and without having to undress! To relieve your tired muscles and stimulate blood flow, all you need to do is sit back in your user-friendly chair and push a few buttons to receive a tailored massage. Furthermore, you can use your massage chair while reading, talking on the phone or watching television — all of which would be impossible at a spa or massage clinic!

OPTIONS

Massage chairs allow you to select different features in order to receive a personalized massage that suits your exact needs. For example, they:

• Allow you to target specific body parts (neck, back, thighs, arms, calves, etc.)

• Provide different movements (rolling, drumming, kneading, etc.)

• Have varying intensity levels (soft, medium, vigorous, etc.)

• Offer different massage techniques (Swedish, Hawaiian, etc.)

PURCHASE

Are you interested in buying your very own massage chair? Consider the following points as you shop around:

• Your budget (prices vary between $4,000 and $10,000)

• Your available space (certain models are quite bulky!)

SMART CHAIRS

The most sophisticated massage chairs available on the market are able to accurately scan your body to target problematic areas and adapt the massage technique accordingly. Long live technology!

• The style of your interior décor (choose a style and colour that complements your furniture and accessories)

• The level of noise emitted

• Optional features (heated seating, a music player, a remote control, storage pockets, etc.)

• Maintenance requirements

What’s the most important step in the buying process? Testing the chairs, of course! To choose the right massage chair that will meet your needs, try several models for at least five minutes at a time. On that note, sit back and relax!

Hello again, terracotta!

In Italian, the word terracotta means “earthenware.” This natural material is used to make all kinds of timeless and elegant pieces, often by hand. In 2017, terracotta-tiled floors and walls are making a major comeback, as are terracotta pots, plates, sculptures, cups and frames, among other home accessories.

To conclude, did you know that terracotta isn’t always reddish brown? In fact, depending on the type of clay used, terracotta can be beige, white or even grey!

Three benefits of handle-free kitchen cabinets

Consumers are increasingly leaning towards kitchen cabinets with invisible handles, so to speak. Various manufacturers offer models with different types of discreet knobs and grips such as:

• Thin horizontal or vertical aluminum bars

• Grooves and indentations concealed in the edge of the door

• Pressure catches

• Electrically powered automatic devices

How to add a touch of steampunk to your home

Steampunk refers first and foremost to a genre of literary fiction. In these stories, plots are usually set in an alternate, post-apocalyptic 19th century — an era marked by the Industrial Revolution and the invention of steam-powered machinery. Today, the steampunk aesthetic has made its way into the realms of cinema, fashion, video games and, of course, interior design.

Would you like to add a retro touch to your living space? Visit your local antique shops and interior decoration stores to track down some unique items reminiscent of the neo-Victorian style known as steampunk. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Clocks with exposed gears

• Furniture padded with velvet or dark brown leather

• Paintings displaying 19th-century-inspired designs (portraits, blimps, locomotives, etc.)

• Antique globes and maps

• Old-fashioned hats and accessories (top hats, aviators, etc.)

• Navigational tools and astronomical instruments (telescopes, astrolabes, compasses, etc.)

• Old books and encyclopedias

• Animal bones and taxidermy (real or faux!)

Want to know more about this intriguing trend? The web is chock-full of inspiring ideas for creating a retro-futuristic home worthy of the extraordinary tales of Jules Verne or H. G. Wells!

When you opt for handle-free cabinets and cupboards, you’re guaranteed the following three advantages:

1. A clean look that complements several design styles currently in vogue (contemporary, modern, industrial, etc.)

2. Reduced maintenance needs (no more endless scrubbing to get handles looking clean!)

3. Less risk of injury (say goodbye to forehead collisions!)

Swing by a kitchen cabinet manufacturer in your area to admire and test some of the most eye-catching handle-free models available.

According to a Financial Times article, appliance manufacturer Dyson is about to join the electric car race. The company has announced its plans to create no less than three different electric vehicles over the next few years.

The article suggests that the first model,

DYSON goes from vacuum cleaners to electric cars

which will be used to validate workflow and materials, will have a production run of around 10,000 units. Founder James Dyson has long touted his company’s vast expertise in plastics, largely used in the manufacturing of Dyson brand appliances.

Dyson also announced his intention to invest 2.7 billion U.S. dollars in research and

development for the company’s future vehicles. The first car is expected to be powered by lithium-ion batteries for availability reasons, allowing it to reach the market as quickly as possible. However, half of the money invested will go toward the development of high-performance solid-state battery technology.

As of now, official information about the vehicles is sparse, and release dates are yet to be announced.

Smart tips for BUYING A USED CAR

Are you in the market for a pre-owned vehicle? Follow these tips to avoid getting stuck with a lemon.

RESEARCH

THE PRICE

Are you looking for a particular model of used vehicle? First things first: go online to compare prices to find out what the market value is for your car of choice.

MAKE A

BUDGET

No matter what kind of car you’re shopping for, it’s easy to get carried away and go over your budget. Make a list of your wants and needs, and establish a budget that factors in insurance and maintenance costs. Don’t forget to leave yourself some wiggle room

for the unforeseen.

GET YOUR HANDS ON THE CAR’S HISTORY

Ideally, you’ll get the chance to view the invoices for any maintenance work done on the car. Dealerships usually keep the paperwork for all vehicles they’ve done maintenance on, and some private sellers do the same. Otherwise, there are organizations such as CarProof that offer vehicle history reports, but they aren’t always comprehensive.

KNOW

WHO THE SELLER IS

Be sure you know exactly who you’ll be buying the vehicle from. There are ill-inten-

tioned people everywhere, and the car sales business is no exception. The thought of making a quick buck can make people greedy. Knowing who you’re doing business with is crucial.

HAVE IT INSPECTED

Once you’ve taken all the necessary precautions, it’s time to have the car inspected. Bring it to an independent mechanic of your choosing — if the seller insists on taking it to a specific garage, take your business elsewhere.

TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE

Take the car out for a spin — don’t settle for simply starting it! Ideally, you should take 15 to 20 minutes to familiarize yourself with the feeling of the car. Try to drive it on city roads as well as on the highway. Listen for any suspicious sounds, pay attention to the suspension and keep your eyes peeled for any little details that could reveal the vehicle’s true condition.

GET IT IN WRITING

If you buy your car from a dealership, you’ll need to sign a con tract. Make sure that it matches your verbal agreement on all points. If you decide to purchase from an independent seller, it’s highly recommended that you draft a written agreement, even if you aren’t required to by law. In the event of future problems, it might offer you some valuable protections.

When

is the BEST TIME TO BUY A NEW CAR?

Between tax rebates, cash-back incentives and “family and friends” pricing, it seems like car dealerships always have some sort of promotional campaign going on. This means if you’re in the market for a new car, the hard part isn’t resisting those enticing deals — it’s figuring out which ones are worth your while. At some point during the year, most products and services do end up being sold at a discount. It’s entirely possible — and highly advantageous — to plan your purchases according to periodic sales cycles. For example, buying a new vehicle just when the model-year changes to the next one can save you big.

The end of spring and the beginning of summer are typically good times to purchase a vehicle. This is a peak period for sales and competition between brands is fierce. Also consider that many automakers unveil new models during the first big auto shows of the year (Detroit, New York, Chicago and Geneva). A lot of those models will then quickly make their way to dealer ships, which need to make room for the new arrivals.

Another tip: it’s a good idea to wait until the end of the month to make your purchase. When salespeople start to run out of time to make their monthly sales targets, they become more inclined to negotiate. So hit the dealership on the 29th of the month, not the 3rd! This advice applies to all types of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters and ATVs.

Finally, models in high demand will typically be sold at the same price all year. In such cases, you’ll need to adjust your bargain-hunting strategy — by shopping around multiple dealerships, for instance.

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

through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

ARIES

You’ll have a bit of trouble getting in touch with certain people, so expect to have to wait a while for an answer, even if you’ve already left several messages. Whether or not it’s an emergency, you’ll need to be patient.

TAURUS

You may need to review your budget and redo certain calculations. Double-check all your invoices this week to catch any mistakes. This might result in some serious savings.

GEMINI

You’ll have the desire to conquer the world this week. You’ll be highly motivated to improve your life and start fresh on a more solid foundation. You’ll experience a period of stimulating renewal.

CANCER

Use the first few days of the week to reflect before you act. The bigger your plans, the more time you’ll need to think about them. You’ll find answers in action.

LEO

You’ll organize an event that will bring together many people. At the very least, know that you’ll go faster and farther by working as a team. Your friends will be particularly demanding with you, and you won’t feel able to turn down their requests.

VIRGO

You’ll take advantage of the summer to tackle a new project or redefine your career. You’ll find yourself in an excellent position to start your own business. You have many accomplishments on the horizon.

LIBRA

Hurry up and plan your summer vacation if you haven’t done so already. The longer you spend on the planning stages, the better. You’ll certainly make some extraordinary discoveries and have a ton of fun.

SCORPIO

You’ll go through all sorts of emotions this week, and you’ll feel the need to make some significant changes around you. You’ll be greatly inspired by a long-term project, even if the idea makes you somewhat anxious.

SAGITTARIUS

Whether it’s for work or personal reasons, you’ll finally come to an agreement with people. You’ll be in an excellent position to request a loan from the bank or move forward with a financial transaction.

CAPRICORN

Work will take up most of your attention this week. You’ll have numerous details to consider. You’ll need to apply yourself and take your time in order to do things right the first time.

AQUARIUS

You’ll be put in charge of a very particular project. This will be a challenging situation for you, but your self-confidence will benefit in the long run.

PISCES

Whether or not you’re

FOR SALE WORSHIP

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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

HELP WANTED: North York location for roti shop, experience working in a roti shop an asset. Must have knowledge of cooking and filling roti. Please contact (416)8399874

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

FREE COMMUNITY BBQ: Saturday, July 21, 2018 Free Community BBQ All are welcome! 444 Birchmount Rd. (at Danforth)Toronto,Scarborough M1K 1M6 Contact: 416-797-0570

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

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

Have you ever made a trip up to cottage country with tall trees, clean air, and pristine lakes? John and May spent a weekend at their friend’s cottage and impulsively bought their own a few doors down. Weekends would be fun with fishing, family, fresh air, and friends! John and May carry good jobs and can afford the luxury of owning a cottage. Since cottages are considered a second property, the banks require 20% down payment and qualify buyers based on income. John and May did not budget for utilities, maintenance, prop-

The lure of the cottage

erty tax, septic tank cleaning and garbage dumping fees or for motor fuel and the cost of entertaining friends. Owning a cottage can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 every month. The lure of the cottage can be expensive and requires careful planning.

Rent in the area at different times in the summer before you buy. Boat traffic, water level, and the social scenery can influence your decision. Get pre-approved and work out your budget before you purchase. Would it affect other activities such as your winter vacations? Are you getting your down payment from your current home? What would the monthly cost be? The distance to and from cottage country could be daunting, considering stop and go traffic on a Friday night and crawling back on Sunday evening. Use a local realtor or one that owns a cottage in the area.

A good realtor is resourceful and can point you in the right direction when it comes to issues such as water exclusivity, hunting

laws, and road accessibility, especially in the winter. It is best to buy in early spring, winter or late fall when prices are lower. Cottages on the lakefront are more expensive but when you plan to sell, you will make a handsome profit. If you are buying a waterfront property, the size of the lake matters. Big lakes fetch higher prices in comparison to smaller lakes or river cottages. Identify your primary use before purchase. Is it for family weekends or for retirement? Easy access to amenities such as grocery and hospital is important if it is for retirement. Make your purchase subject to financing and inspection. Choose an inspector who knows cottage country and make sure to be present at the inspection. Start at the shoreline if it is waterfront. Is the shoreline deep, rocky, muddy or sandy? Is the water source from the lake, well or rain barrels? Lake and well water should be tested for pollutants. Is the toilet on a septic system or a compost? Where is the well in relation to the septic? The last

thing you want is to discover when you move in that the sewage is leaching into the well. Check the age of the sewage system and look for wet spots. It should be away from tree roots as well. Attics should be checked for bat colonies, pests, and raccoons. Visit the local city hall and inquire about the by-laws for the area. Just imagine you are casting your fishing rod and your neighbor stops by to inform you that fishing is illegal there.

A cottage that is well maintained will cost a higher price but is worth it in the long term. You don’t want to spend your weekends with chainsaws and drills unless you are building your Muskoka chair. Plan your summer activities ahead and consider renting your cottage out when it is empty for extra income. A property manager will take between ten to twenty percent of the income, but it is worth it. A cottage with yearround road accessibility, winterized and close to amenities is more favorable by the banks and has a higher income.

The Goose that laid the Golden Egg

There is a famous Aesop fable that I am sure most are familiar with. It tells the story of a farmer who had a goose that laid a golden egg every day. It was more than enough for the family to be quite well off, but at night just before going off to sleep; the farmer would wonder if he were to cut open the goose perhaps he could get all the eggs at once. This thought grew stronger upon him and soon the thought became unbearably strong. Greed had now overtaken him, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. One morning bright and early he took the goose into the farmhouse and proceeded to remove all the eggs at once. Well, we all know how that story ended. There were no eggs in the belly of the

I can never share an identity with over 1.98 million Canadians. I can never be a widow. Sure, it’s possible for me to be a widower but with the average life expectancy of women in Canada at 83.3 years compared to the male of 78.8 years its most unlikely. A woman who becomes a widow can be put into a terribly devastating situation. You see I’m still very lucky and blessed that both my parents are still here. They have been married for over 40 years, but I can imagine that for my mother, widowhood will surely be a heartbreaking event. It’s a fact that women live longer than men. Indeed, half of surviving spouses over age 65 will outlive their husbands by 15 years. That means there are many years ahead to be responsible for household financial decisions. It can be even harder if you are a young widow. What if your husband passes away at age 43. You might have a $500,000 mortgage, two kids under the age 12, and not much money in your retirement accounts. You might have close to nothing saved for college, but luckily, he planned well for you by having a healthy 1 million dollar life insurance plan. Now you might be thinking, with that type of financial cushion what possibly could be an issue. The issue is choice. What

goose neither did it lay eggs in the future. Everything was now lost as he had killed off his most valued prize due to greed.

In today’s modern world, this fable would do well to inform us that life may have changed but some of its principles remain till now. Greed is not good. Ambition is good.

Let us take this conversation to the investment world.

Imagine you have a nest egg that produces for you a reasonable amount of money on which you are able to retire. Every month the cheque goes to your bank and you are happy knowing you can depend on it. Eventually, someone comes along and says to you; “if you would like, I can invest your money for you where you can earn 50% more”. Initially, you dismiss the thought, but at night, just before bed, it comes back to you. The following night, it comes again and soon the thought germinates because a seed was planted. You begin to imagine what you can do with the extra money, holidays; change the car, more gifts for the grandkids etc.

And after a week, the thought cannot leave you. So. you pick up the phone and

you call the deliverer. At this point, there is no turning back. You have already decided that you want the higher return. Let’s go back to our Aesop fable; the farmer wanted all the eggs at once so he sacrificed the goose. In your decision to get higher returns, have you considered whether you may be making a sacrifice of your principal? And this is the very question that you must always ask yourself. What new level of risk am I assuming in my portfolio to earn these higher returns? So, when someone comes along and says to you “if you would like, I can invest your money for you where you can earn 50% more” or they say “I can get you a return of 15% like some of my investments did last year”, be wary of them. Wary does not mean impossible to happen, wary means be cautious and understand the risk involved to make that kind of return. Remember its better a return of principal than a return on principal. So, if you have a nest egg that you need to produce an income, do be careful don’t invest in risky investments where you can lose it all.

decision & checklist

do you with all that money? Life insurance is meant to provide you with flexibility. It allows you time to catch your breath, fund incidental expenses related to your husband’s death and take the pressure off of an already stressful time.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to move forward without a permanent strategy. Sadly, in times of unthinkable grief, financial mistakes are often made. That’s the nature of receiving a life insurance payout. Immediately after the worst moment of your life, your accounts are flooded with money. It’s a strange problem, but a problem nonetheless. There are two primary paths you can take. You can either eliminate your expenses, or you could create an income stream that would replace your husband’s income. I think most people’s gut instinct is to just pay off their debts. An alternative would be to create an income stream off of the death benefit by way of an insured annuity.

An insured annuity is essentially a prescribed life annuity and a term 100 life insurance policy, purchased together. The annuity will provide a guaranteed regular income stream so you won’t spend all your capital too soon, while a term 100 life insurance policy provides a cash payout upon your death to your children. The combination of the benefits provided by these two products is ideal for those seeking guaranteed income and the preservation of their capital. You can receive income payments monthly, every three months, every six months or once a year. You can also choose to start receiving your income payments right away or to have them start at a later date, which is known as a deferred annuity.

The amount of the regular income payment you get depends on a number of things, such as:

• If you are male or female

• Your age and your health when you purchase the annuity

• The amount of money you invest in the annuity

• The type of annuity you purchase

• Whether your annuity has a guaranteed option, which will continue to make payment to a beneficiary or your estate after you die

• The length of time you want to receive payments from your annuity

• The rates of interest when you buy your annuity

One thing for sure to avoid making major financial decisions too soon. Here’s a short checklist of some of the main things you need to do after losing your spouse.

• Get certified copies of the death certificate

• Arrange the funeral

• Gather important documents

• Check for a Will

• Contact your insurance company

• Contact the executor of the estate or your attorney

• Contact your spouse’s employer

• Contact your financial institutions

• Cancel a driver’s license and request refund

Gayle helps Knights deal Windies ‘B’ first loss

TORONTO -- Superstar Chris Gayle fired for the first time, smashing a halfcentury to help Vancouver Knights deal West Indies “B” their first defeat of the Global T20 Canada league here yesterday.

Gayle, who had mustered just 21 runs from his previous three innings, had earlier blasted five fours and four sixes off 55 balls as he and Evin Lewis (22) put on 50 for the opening stand, after Knights were sent in.

Sent in at Maple Leaf NorthWest Ground, Knights piled up 175 for four off their 20 overs, with the lefthanded Gayle stroking 63.

West Indies “B”’s run chase never took flight and they were bowled out for 140 in the final over, to suffer a 35-run defeat.

They remain top of the standings on eight points but are now just one clear of the second-placed Knights on seven points.

Lewis and Chadwick Walton (0) fell in the space of three balls in the sixth over, but Gayle added a further 71 for the third wicket with Rassie van der Dussen (30) to ensure a recovery.

Russell loosened his shoulders late on, smashing a four and four sixes in an 18-ball cameo.

Just 24 hours later, all-rounder Justin Greaves proved his worth for the second game running, as he led West Indies “B” to a convincing eight-wicket win over Toronto Nationals.

Windies “B” were in early trouble when they slumped to 59 for six in the eighth over, but Kavem Hodge, who top-scored with 43, put on a valuable 71 for the seventh wicket with Fabian Allen (29) to revive the innings.

Hodge struck three fours and a pair of sixes in a 39-ball knock, while Allen belted three sixes in his 25-ball stay at the crease.

Both perished in successive overs, with Allen bowled by a fulllength delivery from West Indies star Andre Russell and Hodge missing a swing at another Windies speedster, Sheldon Cottrell, and going bowled leg stump.

The innings folded quickly as the last five wickets tumbled for 10 runs.

Chasing a paltry 129 for victory at Maple Leaf North-West Ground, the Caribbean side notched their fourthstraight victory, overhauling their target in the 15th over.

Greaves hit 45 from 33 balls as he put on 64 off just 34 balls for the first wicket with Sherfane Rutherford, whose 37 came from only 18 balls and included two fours and four sixes.

Earlier, Greaves had used his pace to good effect to finish with two for 20 from his four overs, as Nationals were restricted to 128 for five despite former Australia captain Steve Smith’s unbeaten 55.

Jamaica Observer

4GB

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Shops at Waterloo 75 King St S 519-880-9463

SCARBOROUGH Woodside Square 1571 Sandhurst Circle 647-260-1392

Bridlewood Mall 2900 Warden Ave 416-490-9463 Parkway Mall 85 Ellesmere Rd 416-444-9463

NORTH YORK Centerpoint Mall 6464 Yonge St 416-222-9463

THORNHILL

OSHAWA

Shops on Yonge 7181 Yonge St 905-597-9463

ST CATHARINES

St Catharines Smart Centre 420 Vansickle Rd 289-479-5496 $40 FOR ON FAS

Five Points Shopping Centre 1177 Ritson Rd North, Unit F4-10 905-576-4440