In an effort to educate the community, and empower survivors of sexual assault, Saturday, July 20th, 2019 at Downsview Park, The Blanket Program of Toronto presented SILENCE NO MORE, an event that brought together community organizations, and community leaders to deliver a citywide response to youth sexual assault in Toronto. Blanket is a charitable organization providing information and tools to prevent and respond to youth sexual assault. Blanket translates re -
search into best practices that help individuals, and communities achieve true healing after being exposed to sexual assault. The Blanket Program Charity Toronto’s initiative is to raise $100,000,000 that will go toward securing a facility and studio space for youth to feel safe and heal. In this day and age, it is hard to find people who you can say that you can trust, which is why when Mitzy Blair of The Blanket Program Charity contacted me to be a part of this, it was
impossible to say no. She is strong, self-reliant, and self-contained; she has the ability to be selfless and selfish at the same time, ensuring that her friends and family are taken care of, and at the same time, she safeguards her space. Of all of the women I have met, Mitzy has proven to be relatable, practical and one of the most positive
Continued On Page 12
Written by Simone Smith
Jill Andrew
“Their Handbags are more than $1,000.00” Jill Andrew, 2019 I had to chuckle when Jill said this during our interview; this remark is in regards to the decision by the Ford Conservative to budget $1,000.00 for Anti-Racism Initiatives. It is an interesting statement that brings a world of perspective. Jill is faced every day with truth of what our political situation is like here in Ontario, and she refuses to let things go on the way that they are. If there is one thing that can be said about Jill Andrew is that she fights for the Afro-Caribbean community with all that she has. This is exactly why those who are afraid of the strength that makes up our Woman Empowered Feature have used the word aggression, instead of passion. I would like to introduce an unsung people’s champion Jill Andrew.
Black Caucus; the caucus was established as a direct result of an initial black community leaders’ roundtable discussion at Queen’s Park. The key was to formalize representation and direct engagement with the black community as a group and to really have a presence in the political realm. Her involvement is centred on the fact that this newly created NDP Black Caucus was to ensure that black perspectives are incorporated into the work that the NDP Democrats do, from finance, to health care, and the most important part for Jill, education. Jill now had the opportunity to do what she loves doing, working actively and collaboratively with black communities to address systemic anti-black racism. She would be able to fight for the people, in a space that many community members would not have a chance to fight.
“Education is a focus!” Jill Andrew
Jill is very passionate about youth and education in the black community. She strongly believes that regardless of a child’s race, postal code, or socioeconomic status they should see themselves represented in their day-today school experiences. Her list is long, and she is not shy in letting her voice be heard when it comes to the needs of black children in Toronto. Stories should be shared in school that reflect their lived experiences in school libraries and libraries in their communities. This would also mean that the curriculum, assessments (Ontario Education Quality and Accountability Office), evaluations and reporting would have to be changed to more culturally relevant and responsive. She has witnessed the shame that black children feel when they look at the conditions of their school compared to schools in other areas; children afraid to drink the water and experiencing having to study when the room is to hot to even think straight.
She knew it was time to make a difference in June of 2018 when she edged out Liberal Jess Spindler 18,843 votes to 17,495. She had captured Toronto St. Paul, and it was the beginning of a new journey for her. Her main objective was to have the black community members see themselves represented and respected when they look at their government. She knew she had been given a job; to be at the table whenever decisions were being made for the black community, a job she has taken on with pride and dignity. Her dedication to her job is apparent even in conversation. I had every intention going into this interview to learn about her past, and what had brought her to this point in her career. I think we tried that, but her passion for the issues at hand moved our conversation in another direction. The recent decision by the Conservative government to allot $1,000.00 to Anti-Racism initiatives was an insult, and this was after months of the Conservative government dodging questions from the opposition, the media and the public about the future of the Anti-Racism Directorate. Jill was controlled, but notably disturbed about this during our interview.
“We need our Human Rights” Jill Andrew Jill is one of the founding members of the NDP
The needs for our youth do not just exist within the walls of a school; Jill also wants a black child’s experience in their community to be a pleasant one, and not one based on fear of discrimination or racial profiling. Children should be treated as children and not adults, and parents should not have to worry about getting a call that their child has been arrested because they may match a description.
“We cannot be complacent! Jill Andrew
Jill urges the community to get involved as much as you can. Become knowledgeable about issues by reading, researching and contacting your MPP’s. Many people are scared or anxious about reaching out to their MPP’s, but it is a lot easier than you may think. The first step is to know whom you have to communicate with in the House of Commons, which means contacting your Member of Parliament. This is the person who represents your electoral riding. The answers to these questions are a Google search away. Jill has no problem fighting for her people, but she wants the community to actively begin to stand up for themselves. If you are in the Toronto-St. Peter’s riding, you can email her at JAndrew-CO@ndp.on.ca or contact her at 416-656-0943.
D’Regulars coming straight out of Africa!
STEPHEN WEIR
stephen@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
ronto, and if he secretly was, he didn’t show up at the New D’Regulars costume launch. Pity; he missed a good show!
First of all, Toronto Caribbean Newspaper wants to put down a rumour that raged through the city a couple weeks ago; Machel Montano was NOT in To -
The last costume launch of the season was held in Scarborough at the Spade Nightclub. The day began at 10 am, with a Caribbean seafood breakfast, and ended with an evening of entertainment including a costume fashion show and musical performances with legendary acts like Moses Revolution, minus Moses who was unfortunately hospitalized the day before the launch.
Michael Williams has been fielding competitive Mas bands for Caribana since the early seventies. This year, his D’Regulars will be a non-competitive band, and they are dumping the scanty, skimpy costumes that most bands promote each year. “We put dignity into our designs” he said. “We are a Big People Mas band, and we are making costumes that people of all sizes will be comfortable to go down the road in.”
“I don’t know how the Machel rumour started,” said Williams, “but I can assure you he was NOT there. We
had a good size crowd, but I would have known if he had bought a ticket.” We can confirm that the Trinidad star was performing in St. Kitts and then California while D’Regulars were holding their costume launch.
“The theme for the band launch was Straight Out of Africa, as a tribute to Ooni King Adeyeeye Babatunde Ogunwusi of Nigeria, who will be in Toronto to cut the ribbon with me at the start of the big parade!” says Williams.
COLADA RESTAURANT & BAR
The Canadian Indo-Caribbean Festival presents Chutney Fest 2019
On Saturday, July 27th, 2019, the city of Brampton, Ontario will have the opportunity to experience Chutney Fest, Brampton’s largest festival celebrating the IndoCaribbean culture and heritage. Since 2014, Chutney Fest has attracted up to 2,500 visitors each year from all parts of Ontario and Canada, and has even attracted visitors from the United States, and parts of the Caribbean. There is a reason for the popularity of Chutney music, and in order to understand how this genre of music has had such an impact on people of the IndoCaribbean community, let us take a look at its illustrious history.
Chutney music is a form of music that is indigenous to the southern Caribbean, and is extremely popular in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius, and South Africa. It is a mixture of Bhojpuri music (music from India), with strong influences from traditional Calypso, Soca and Bollywood. Chutney music emerged prominently in the mid-20th century and reached a peak of popularity during the 1980s. At first, it was very religious in nature and was typically sung by female singers, but as time progressed, males began to appear more and more, until finally they began to dominate the scene. Now, there are not many places you will go in the IndoCaribbean community where you will not see the influence of Chutney music and the joy that it brings.
Chutney Fest is possible because of a group of dedicated community members who are focused on promoting the Indo-Caribbean heritage and culture with the city of Toronto and the world. The Canadian Indo-Caribbean Festival is an organization headed up by Stephen Nanan, along with a team including: Celine Nanan (Director), Kiran Dindial (Director), Kamela Singh (Officer), Geeta Nanan (Officer), Shiva Mahabir (Officer), Jason Ramkissoon (Officer) and Vijai Ramdath (Officer). They continue to contribute toward the development of programs and events promoting artists, hosting workshops, and showcasing the talent and wonderful culture of the Indo-
Caribbean community. President Stephen Nanan is a huge supporter of working with the community and especially with the youth. His joy comes from the promotion and showcasing of the talent that is found in the Indo-Caribbean community, and this is why Chutney Fest has become one of his grandest projects.
So, what do we have to look forward to this year you ask? This year the festival takes place at the Brampton Fairgrounds, which is found at 12942 Heartlake Rd. It includes a stellar line up of reputable and up and coming Chutney Soca artists, performers and talent. The emcees for the night are Stephanie, Jamal, Dj Angel, Vashti, and Ben, who will be creating an inviting atmosphere for those who not so familiar with Chutney music, and for those who are ready to dance the night away.
For those who are unfamiliar with how to dance to Chutney, you can learn from the dance performances put on by: The Footstep Dancer, Divinity Dancers, Deewani Dance Crew, Trio Girls West Indian Fusion, Melissa Marie Hailey Mohan, Ind Dance, and Aleena Diana Boodrum. You can then practice your newly learned Chutney dance moves to musical performances by: New Image, GTA United, Toronto All Stars, Wildfire Pan, Panman Rudy, The Band Destiny, Neil Surujdeo, and DJ Mike. By that point in the night, you will have learned some dance moves; listened to the latest Chutney music, and now you get to take in Toronto’s Own Chutney Competition Contestants. This year the hopeful contestants are: Masta Mike, Mala, Randy, Jameer, Shiva, Shane, Kishen, and Palo. Finally, the icing on top of the cake will be the live headline performances by some of the most popular Chutney artists including: Reshma Remlal, Dubraj, Omardath Maharaj, Rajesh, and Nigel Cobin.
The Canadian Indo-Caribbean Festival team are thankful to their supporters, especially the City of Brampton who has been a key supporter of the event for several years. Some of the other sponsors you can look out for on July 27th are: Centrum Sr Mortgage Services, Half Watt Temporary Power, Century 21 (Nigel Mohan), Airway CPAP, Corporate Rent-a-Car, Coverall Industrial Supplies, Masala TV, Accutec, Canada Ice, Carib Premium Lager, Kia of Brampton, and iPro Realty (Muneeb Ahmed Sued).
It will definitely be a night to remember; for more information you can check them out on Facebook at Toronto Chutney Fest 2019, or on their website at http://chutneyfest.com/
michael@carib101.com
Toronto Carnival Run is in its 4th year now, and this year’s event promises a lot in the fitness lifestyle department for all members of the family. Whether you’re a beginner or not, Toronto Carnival Run welcomes all ages and fitness levels to improve their physical and mental health. One way you can do this is by running while raising money for The Simunye Foundation, whose goal is to build an African-Caribbean Cultural Centre.
The Toronto Carnival Run takes place on Saturday, July 27th, 2019, from 8 am- 11 am. It will begin at Sir Casimir Gzowski Park and will travel along the Martin Goodman Trail; it conveniently happens one week before North America’s largest cultural parade, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly known as Caribana). It is an open invitation to get your body good and ready for jump up. Distance options are 5K Walk /Run, 10K
Walk /Run and 1 K Kids Race. Entry fee includes: Race T-Shirt, Race Bib (Chip Timed), Finisher’s Medal, Free Race photography, and a Post-Race Caribbean Inspired Breakfast.
The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper spoke with the woman behind the Toronto Carnival Run. Fitness, lifestyle coach, and personal trainer Dione Mason told us how important it is to look after your health. Mason has observed that health and fitness is not focused on in the Caribbean community, and this, Mason explains, affects their quality of life and their ability to prosper financially as well. “It became one of my motivations for starting the Carnival Run. If you look at most other runs, you will see about 95% Caucasian and a low representation from the black communities, as opposed to the Carnival Run which has about 10% from the African and Caribbean community. That’s why I am trying as hard as possible to see more balance and to get more inclusion in this.”
When asked what she thinks accounts for the low numbers found when examining health and fitness in the black community Mason said, “We can’t ignore the elephant in the room; our past of slavery, segregation and the Jim Crow era has caused many of us in the past and even in the present to not be able to focus on
our physical health because we were just basically trying to survive. We just don’t think about our physical health as a priority.”
Mason believes that another reason could be a lack of knowledge. “Sometimes in some of our communities, we don’t really focus on the reasons why it’s important to be active; people sometimes try to lose weight for an occasion, I don’t see a lot of people in our community who consider physical activity as a part of life. I want to focus on how we can change this outlook and be healthier by keeping our body moving.”
Mason who has taught fitness classes in: Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, said the event is a friendly, warm family event and she encourages everyone to come out and try their best. “Whether you are a novice or an expert; whether you walk or run, you are wel come. We definitely want to encourage people to be healthy, but another one of our goals is to raise funds so that we can: build a cultural center, preserve our lega cy, and celebrate the culture of our Afri can and Caribbean people. As of now, we don’t have anything like that in Ontario.”
For more information on Toronto Carnival Run go online http://www.to rontocarnivalrun.com/
The hottest Reggae Festival takes place this Saturday
salina@carib101.com
The biggest names in Reggae music will be in town on Saturday, July 27th, at the Kitchener Reggae Festival, a vibrant cultural celebration of Reggae music.
The all-ages festival is bringing together Konshens, Gyptian, Kranium, Luciano and Stylo G. The event takes place at an outdoor venue called On The Grand in Kitchener, Ontario. Created by Beyond Oz Productions, the Reggae Fest will surely not disappoint with its exciting lineup and activity-filled grounds with live music, vendors and much more.
Gabriel Mattacchione is the President of Beyond Oz Productions, the company which organized Reggae Fest and created On The Grand in Kitchener. In 2015 he had the vision to bring a worldclass EDM music festival experience to the Tri-Cities area. Now Ever After Music Festival attracts more than 30,000 people each day from all over the world. Gabriel’s vision has grown to make Beyond Oz what it is today, a top tier production company with assets such as concert venues, music festivals, and food/drink festivals.
Over 6,000 people from Toronto and the GTA area came out to see Sean Paul last year. This year the Beyond Oz team are expecting thousands of people to come out to the first-ever Reggae Festival.
“The venue is very unique. We call it the unicorn venue because of its many onsite amenities. We’ve done
events at On The Grand for the past five years now and the location is very accessible,” said Mattacchione.
Mattacchione is very excited for this year’s line-up of artists.
“We did our first Reggae show last year with Sean Paul and Elephant Man, and that has now turned into Kitchener Reggae Fest,” said Mattacchione.
Konshens’, a dancehall artist, the story originates in Kingston, Jamaica. Born Garfield Spence, he spent his early days between the Up Park Camp military base, where his father was stationed in the Jamaica Defense force, and Sherlock Crescent, a garrison community on the city’s outer fringes.
Together with his older brother, Delus, he formed the group Sons of Jah (also known as SoJah) and began releasing music in 2005. The duo’s very first single, “Medz Pon Di Corner,” which dealt with the tensions simmering in their Sherlock Crescent community at the time, became a hit in Japan, leading to a tour of that country and the release of a Japan-only album, also entitled Sons of Jah.
Gyptian has layers and multiple facets to his artistry. There’s the conscious reggae singer who listeners first came to know on his breakthrough 2005 hit “Serious Times”. Then there’s the champion lover who captivated females worldwide with his crooning on “Hold You,” the sultry island pop smash that topped charts globally in 2010. The song even caught the attention of rap star Nicki Minaj, who jumped on the remix.
Kemar Donaldson, more commonly known as Kranium, is known for his melodic flow, clever wordplay, and ability to break all barriers when it comes to his music. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and raised in Jamaica, Queens, NY, Kranium offers the perfect blend of authentic Dancehall with a unique vibe of
his own. Kranium’s distinct sound can be heard on major collaborations with art ists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Kid, Major Lazer, Torey Lanez, Kojo Funds, Idris Elba, Rotimi, Bebe Rexha and Ed Sheeran.
In the early part of 1993, Luciano The Messenjah collaborated with reggae ambassador Freddie McGregor on his “Big Ship Music” label resulting in a UK chart-topping cover of Cheryl Lynn’s R&B hit “Shake it Up Tonight”.
As this song climbed to the top of the charts, his name spread like wildfire amongst reggae’s top producers. It was not long after that Chris Blackwell (founder of Island Records known for signing artists like Bob Marley and U2) took note and signed Luciano to Island/ Mango Records.
Stylo G has been involved in the UK underground scene since the age of 15 when he moved to the UK from Span ish Town, Jamaica. Son of the legendary dancehall artist Poison Chang, Stylo de cided to follow in his father’s footsteps, making his mark in the UK when Grime music was at its highest.
In 2004 he released ‘My Yout’ fea turing Ice Kid and Sickman and in 2008 he won the Crystal Blue awards ‘song of the year’ for ‘Jamaicans in Britain’. He has since developed the bridge between UK hip-hop and dancehall producing tracks; ‘Leader’, ‘Blackberry’ and ‘Swagga Dem’, and gaining key radio and live support.
The doors open at 5:00 p.m. on July 27th. Tickets can be purchased now at onthegrand.net.
VIP tickets include a private VIP area, access to the pit area, dedicated bar lounge areas, shaded areas, and snack food package.
“Tickets are selling. We will likely sell out so if anyone wants a ticket it’s definitely best to act quick,” said Mattac chione.
Dingolay, all the way with the Etienne Charles Brass Band
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Tuesdays: Spared Ribs
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Wednesdays: Jerk Pork
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Thursdays: Stew Peas
Small $9.50 • Large $11.00 Fridays: Fried Chicken
Small $9.50 • Large $11.00
$5.99 Breakfast Special
7 AM to 11 AM - Meyerside Location
Ackee and Salt sh • Okra and Salt sh • Callaloo and Salt sh • Brown Stew Kidney
World travelling, Trinidadian born jazzman Etienne Charles is going to put the dingolay into this year’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Earlier this week, we were notified that Charles was going to lead a guest Mas Band in the Carnival’s grand parade, and hopes that revelers will jump up and join his band.
“It is no big surprise that I am calling the band Etienne Charles Brass Band!” he told the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper. “The band is about reviving the tradition of live brass bands on the road, a tradition we have revived in Trinidad with our past three bands: We The People, Street Party and D’Longtime Band”
Etienne Charles has an uncle and
aunt living in the GTA, and last fall played to a nearly sold-out concert at the North Toronto Sony Centre. He has a strong fan base in the province and is looking forward to those fans jumping up with him at the parade.
He will be coming to Toronto with a talented group of musicians to join him on the road. There will be a full brass band including vocalists: Lima Calbio, Keith “Keet Styla” Prescott, Roger George, Bruce Skerritt, Rodney Alexander, KJ Marcelle, Larnell Lewis, Kareem Thompson, and Larry Marsden!
“Dingolay is about celebrating the magic of music, how it connects people from: different places, generations, walks of life, religious beliefs and it appeals to all cultures that you find in the Caribbean, “Charles said. “I remember the days of live brass on the road and how it felt to be moving to the live pulsating rhythm, crisp brass and harmonious vocals. We are bringing it all back to the Toronto Carnival.”
Want to be part of Dingolay? Registration is online (dingolay2019.eventbrite.com) and by phone (647-212-2334). You can also visit https://wethepeoplemas. com.
One Caribbean Television, a television network that recently launched on Bell Fibe TV, Channel 2481, announced last week the launch of Toronto’s first Caribbean Restaurant Week from July 17th to July 27th, 2019. Restaurant Week celebrates the rich tradition of Caribbean cuisine here in Toronto.
Throughout the week, One Caribbean Television will profile select restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area, and offer their patrons a chance to win a trip for two to a carnival in the Caribbean in 2020. The network is excited to promote
the stories of some of Toronto’s most popular Caribbean restaurants with viewers in Canada, “One out of every six tourists that visit Canada come from the Caribbean, so Caribbean Restaurant Week will be a welcome reminder to current visitors, and a novel way to introduce the region to prospective travelers,” noted Nancy Drolet, Business Development Representative for Canada at the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
On Monday, July 1st, One Caribbean Television began free previews on Bell, and it is free to watch from July 1st, through Labour Day. In addition, this summer during the first week in August, One Caribbean Television will broadcast Carnival Week, a week that will cover Caribbean Carnivals occurring in places like: Antigua, Barbados, and Toronto. To learn more about One Caribbean Television, and to find out which Caribbean restaurants will be featured in Caribbean Restaurant Week, visit the One Caribbean Television website at www.onecaribbeantelevision.com/canada.
PHOTO: MARIA NUNES
Looking to invest? Invest Saint Lucia
Over the last few years, Saint Lucia has been attracting a number of regional and international brands across various economic sectors. Saint Lucia possesses a youthful, vibrant English speaking labour force that are ready to be trained, and are preparing strategically to meet the demands of the global workforce. To add to their growing strength, they are supported by an additional 300,000 OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) that can move freely within the OECS region as a result of Economic Union arrangements.
On Tuesday, July 9th, 2019, representatives from several local government agencies, banking officials, young entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, met at the Coco Palm Resort to begin to finalize details and agree upon the ideal framework to assist entrepreneurs who are seeking to establish businesses on the island. Saint Lucia is now one step closer to launching a business incubator and accelerator program designed to foster greater entrepreneurship, through effective mentorship, guidance and access to markets that they may not have had access to in the past.
In attendance were representatives of Creeda Projects, Julian Webb and Thea Chase, as well as Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs Minister, the Honourable Bradley Felix. With over 35 years of experience, Creeda Projects’ main focus has been on business incubation, acceleration, entrepreneurship, innovation and SME development. They offer a practical and grounded approach when assisting Governments, local economic development bodies, and international agencies in developing and implementing economic development programs and provide direct support to entrepreneurs. Their impact has been global, and they have assisted many other countries develop business incubation and acceleration programs:
• Development of a Monitoring and Evaluation System for Mexican Business Incubators, 2008 to 2009
• Development of a National Technology Business Incubation Policy for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2008 to 2009
• Feasibility study for a Women’s Business Incubator in Vanuatu, 2009
• Monitoring and Evaluation of Chilean Business incubators, 2009, 2010
• Business incubation Framework, St Lucia (2010)
• Mentoring and supporting the development of Al-Jubail Mixed Use Incubator (2009-2010)
Business incubation and acceleration have been acknowledged as one of the principle means of providing an overall range of
business support services that can assist in the success of new micro and growing enterprises. The final goal is to produce successful firms in Saint Lucia that will leave the programme with the tools they need to grow their business and become a success in their area of speciality. An important element of the Saint Lucia Business Incubation and Acceleration Programme is that of an incubator space. According to CEO of Invest Saint Lucia, Roderick Cherry, “We are now in the final stages of designing an accelerator and incubator program which is expected to be completed by December 2019. This will provide start-ups and existing small businesses with a variety of business support services to further improve business operations.” Cherry followed up by saying “Invest Saint Lucia is eagerly looking forward to the launch of this service, as it is a tremendous avenue
for growth of businesses in Saint Lucia, which is of course part of Invest Saint Lucia’s mandate.”
Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs Minister, Honourable Bradley Felix also had an opportunity to weigh in on Saint Lucia’s economic future, “There needs to be a deliberate attempt to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and continuous improvement among our youth and wider society towards sustainable growth.”
With the enhancement of business competitiveness, there is no doubt that the economy will be stimulated, which will: encourage inclusive economic growth, improve sectoral linkages in the local economy, and will assist in the internationalization of local business. For more information, feel free to visit their website at https://www.investstlucia.com/
Educating and empowering survivors of sexual assault
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Continued From Page 1 -- Alongside her Auntie, Lorrie Ludington, and community leader L.A. Wade (Host of The Elephant Room on MyTCNTV Network), the team at the Blanket Program Charity ensured that their guests five senses were stimulated with good music (spun by the fun-loving Dj Snoopy) and live entertainment, including electrifying dance performances by Trio:Tabby Rockstar, Nas, and Cadillac, and single performance by Twist P. I was especially impressed by the writing and flow of JWyze, and this real powerful sister from Jane and Finch that goes by the name of Rootz K. It was beautiful to see families in attendance as well, some of which had children who came and showcased their piano playing talents under the di-
rection of Dominique Morris of Perfect Keys Academy. People enjoyed the live art being painted (the extraordinary butterfly painting was dedicated to The Blanket Program Charity’s first Centre), and the face painting by Picasso Painters.
Emotional moments did occur during the event; once when Mitzy took the stage to thank her guests, and also when the founder of INFORDUS Legal Service Nana Adjei-Poku spoke on some of the hurt she had seen families experience when it comes to the topic of sexual assault. It was refreshing to see such vulnerability; you could tell that speaking on the topic of childhood sexual assault has affected our community, and it was exactly why Mitzy had decided to put on this event. “The Blanket Program is continuously working to challenge negative behaviours, attitudes, and beliefs about sexual and gender-based violence. By doing so, we hope to reinforce our commitment to the safety of youth in Toronto, and to promote a community culture in which there is ZERO tolerance for youth sexual assault,” Mitzy told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “Blanket’s
goal is to empower youth who would otherwise be adrift, and provide them with: medical attention, psychotherapy, mentors, creative outlets, and any other support that is needed for them to heal.”
Mitzy was overwhelmingly happy with the support she received from the community. She extends her sincere appreciation to the sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible. The organizations and community leaders who supported this event include: The City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health, LCBO, Centre for Young Black Professionals, Hear 2 Help Community Development, Diamond Roofing, Jamaica House, Keyezer, Jane and Finch Mall, Honest Breads, Dwayne Conel Clothing, Nise Clothing, and Steppa Choice Sound, JA Nursing Services, INFORDUS Legal Services, FAM TV, and Foresight Video Production.
Despite the serious and delicate topic matter, the hosts L.A. Wade and myself, were able to keep it light by utilizing pop trivia; attendee’s who got the answers correct won prizes valued up to $129.00.
*Readers Moment* Can you
answer any of the three pop trivia questions below?
Which Hollywood Director married his adopted daughter?
What was the name of the movement that brought abuse to the forefront in Hollywood?
Name the movie that comedian Monique won an Academy Award for the movie that highlighted childhood sexual and physical abuse?
At the end of the day, the guests were asked to visit the FAM TV booth and talk about their experience at the event. Our world has become a place where children and youth are exposed to sexual content via social media, television, and video games; we need to have discussions around what constitutes consent and healthy sexual relationships. It is important that we as a community learn how to speak to our young men and women about these issues. With the help of secure partnerships, and committed sponsors, this dream will become a reality. If you would like to know more, or make a donation, please visit http:// www.blanketprogram.org, or contact Mitzy Blair at info@blanketprogram.org
Putting seniors first; Ontario government investing 90 million into senior dental care
MICHAEL THOMAS
michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
By the end of summer 2019, the government will be introducing a new dental program for low-income seniors who lack benefits. Individual seniors with an annual income of $19,300 or less, or senior couples whose income is less than $32,300 will be qualified to receive dental services in public health care units, community health care centres and aboriginal health access centres across the province.
This dental care program will be an annual investment of nearly 90 mil-
lion when it is fully functional, and by this coming winter, the program will also include dental services through dental mobile busses and an increased number of dental suites in public health units.
Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, were at Taibu Community Health Centre in Toronto where they made the announcement.
“No senior in Ontario should go without quality dental care,” said Minister Elliott.
“Our government continues to put patients at the centre of care by providing seniors with the support they need to access high-quality and affordable dental care. We are taking another step in creating a sustainable and connected public health care system that is built for the people and for the future.”
“The health and well-being of seniors across the province are one of
ICHF BabyHeart Trip to Guyana
our government’s top priorities,” said Minister Cho. “For many lower-income seniors, it is hard for them to access affordable dental care. This program is putting seniors first by providing the essential services they need and deserve.”
When left untreated dental health issues can lead to chronic illnesses, poor quality of life and as a result, put unnecessary strain on emergency care and the health care system in general. “This is another example of how our government is engaging and listening to patients, caregivers and frontline health care providers on ways to help end hallway health care,” said Minister Elliott. “Dental care for seniors will provide them with the right care and avoid preventable emergency department visits.”
According to a new Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of CHX Technologies, boomers and seniors alike are looking for more preventive dental care.
TCCF works with three international partners to treat poor and critically ill Caribbean children at four treatment centres. At Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, it works with the Herbie Fund to treat children su ering from most major ailments. In Austin Texas, it works with SpineHope to treat children su ering from spinal problems such as scoliosis. In Guyana and the Dominican Republic, it works with ICHF/BabyHeart Foundation to treat children su ering from congenital heart disease. The modus operandi at the two Caribbean centres is that TCCF assists with sending medical mission teams consisting of cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists and paediatric intensive care unit nurses to deliver treatment and also train local sta in post-operative care.
@tccfangels #tccfangels | to donate www.tccfangels.com
With almost half of Canadians over the age of 40 saying that they have had at least one new cavity, crown or replacement filling in the past two years, many are looking for alternate means to bypass these types of procedures. https://www. ipsos.com/en-ca/boomers-and-seniorslooking-preventive-dental-care
Here are some quick facts
• In 2015, there were almost 61,000 hospital emergency visits for dental problems, at a cost to Ontario’s health care system of approximately $31 million.
• Two-thirds of low-income seniors do not have access to dental insurance.
• Once the program is launched, seniors will be able to get an application form from the ministry’s website or public health unit. Applications will be assessed, and eligible clients will be enrolled in the program.
“There is no end to their generosity.”
The St. Vincent and Grenadines Association of Toronto
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Generosity is said to be the main feature of Vincentian conduct; they are people known to give of themselves and their resources willingly and unconditionally. It is no wonder that the St. Vincent and Grenadines Association of Toronto has such a wonderful reputation. They officially began operating in December 1968, and they have decided to take all of 2019 to celebrate their 50 years of being in operation. The very first meeting convened at 2:00 pm on December 1, 1968, at 12 Queen Street East, Toronto. Since then, the organization has grown, and they are run under a Board of Directors; the current Board of Directors is as listed:
• President & Director: Gideon L. Exeter
• Secretary & Director: Prudence Morton
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Federal Minister of Health, announced Government of Canada funding will go towards programs that support mental health within black Canadian communities in Brampton.
Kamal Khera is the Member of Parliament representing Brampton West and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development.
She is a registered nurse, community volunteer and a political activist. MP Khera is passionate about improving the lives of those around her and is committed to being a strong voice for change for all residents in Brampton West.
“For the past three and a half years, we found that there was a huge lack of access and a lot of people not coming
• Treasurer & Director: Dennis Bucchan
• Director: Erline Granderson
• Director: Winston Woodley
• Director: Daffodil Davis
• Director: Petra Ryan Phillips
• Director: Jim Lewis
SVGAT remains active in the community by providing programming at different levels; their most notable programs are: the VGAT Scholarship Program, the CCAC Scholarship Program, and the Adopt-AChild Program.
VGAT Scholarship Program
Each year, the organization presents two bursaries of $1,000.00 to students who have St. Vincent and the Grenadines heritage.
CCAC Scholarship Program
The organization provides the opportunity for students who are of Caribbean descent, and who are attending college or university to apply for bursaries provided by the Council of Caribbean Associations
Canada.
Adopt-A-Child Program
In 2007, an organization of St. Vincent and the Grenadines nationals who live in the GTA launched the Adopt-A-Child Program in 2007. The goal was to provide assistance to children in primary school who reside in St. Vincent. They wanted to test the idea that if given financial assistance, a child would do very well in their schooling. The initiated the program in 2008 and started with two students: one from the Spring Village Methodist School, and one from Cane End Government School. In 2013, two other children were beneficiaries: One student from Fairhall Government School, and the other from Tourama Government School. As suspected, when the results came in for these students, they all did very well when compared to students who did not have the financial help that the chosen students had.
After the discovery of the benefits of such a program, in 2018, the organization (with the assistance of other community leaders and members), were able to sponsor six other children from six primary schools: Buccament Government, Calliaqua Anglican, Dickson Methodist, Lauders Primary, Lower Bay Public
in Paget Farm,Bequia and Marriaqua Government. The sponsorships began in January 2019 and last for 5 years. Each time a group of students is to be selected, the association draws randomly from a list of primary schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. When the schools are selected, the association communicates with the school and has them form a small committee which includes a community resident (who is not a school teacher) to select a child based on his or her financial needs to receive the financial support for a five-year period. The formed committee then acts as trustees for the selected students and liaise with the child, parent and the association during the term of sponsorship.
The St. Vincent and Grenadines Association of Toronto is proud of this program. The Board of Directors are grateful for the members of the community and other individuals who support this program. They also extend their thanks to the schools that participate in the program, and the children and parents who accept the gesture. If you are interested in becoming a part of The St. Vincent and Grenadines Association, visit their website at http://www.vincytoronto. com/profile.htm.
forward to receive help. This is why this is really important for the Government of Canada to address the significant mental challenges in the black community,” said MP Khera.
Budget 2018 committed $19 million to address challenges faced by black Canadians.
As part of this investment, the Public Health Agency of Canada is providing up to $10 million over five years through the initiative, Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Initiative (MHBC), to better support the mental health and well-being of black Canadians.
The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening multiculturalism and addressing the significant and unique mental health challenges faced by black Canadian communities.
“Anti-black racism exists in our communities, it exists in our city and it exists in our country and that’s why the Anti-Racism Strategy was announced last month. This will ensure that we are demonstrating federal leadership, we’re moving forward and addressing systematic racism and discrimination when found to exist within our federal institutions and in public policies and programs,” said MP
Khera. “We are fully supporting racialized communities, religious minorities, and indigenous people.”
The MHBC initiative includes two funding streams, one of which is the Incubator which provides short-term funding to support capacity-building activities that will help organizations design, develop, implement and evaluate projects that promote mental health for black Canadians.
MP Khera thanks her stakeholders for making this possible.
“I’d like to thank the stakeholders. I have a black stakeholder consultation that I do every year in February where we come up with strategies and initiatives to see what we can do,” said MP Khera. “Because of that I am very happy that we got this funding in the west.”
The program, Aspire for Higher Elite Basketball - Mental Health Initiative Curriculum and Evaluation Plan Development, is receiving funding through the Incubator Stream.
Aspire for Higher is a not for profit grassroots organization who has provided basketball programming for youth in the Greater Toronto Area since 2013. We offer a variety of youth programs for children aged 4 to 17 including, introductory basketball programs, development leagues
and summer camps.
Their vision is to change the lives of youth through the development of sustainable, empowering and high level sports programs.
The project aims to develop a mental health education curriculum, and build capacity for its implementation, in Aspire for Higher Elite Basketball’s programs for youth. The new mental health curriculum will be developed in consultation with mental health professionals, education professionals, child welfare organizations, and other partners and organizations.
This project will offer targeted support to black youth, particularly males, in Brampton.
“Youth are not just the leaders of today, but the leaders of tomorrow. I’ve had an opportunity to meet these amazing black youths and they’re doing some really exciting things. I think we need to prepare to provide them with the support that they need,” said MP Khera. “To ensure that we are moving forward in a way that ensures everyone has the same opportunities to succeed.”
She can do that for you
Rosé Beauti By Mitsy Nails & Spa Professional Esthetician
If you were to Google “Nail Salons in Toronto,” some of the results you would see would be: Top 10 Best Korean Nail Salons, and Top 10 Best Japanese Nail Salons. In February 2018, Hype Hair (a popular black hair magazine) presented their readers with a Nielsen Report that showed that Africans and Caribbean’s living in the diaspora outspend on everything, and when it comes to beauty, our spending is off the charts. It was reported that we spend nearly nine times more than our non-black counterparts on beauty products including: hair, beauty, make-up and nails. If we want to look at the numbers, you’re looking at $473 million in hair care, $127 million for grooming aids, and $465 million in skin care products.
herself in a financial position that would not allow her to go to college, so she decided she needed to pick up a skill. Her first thought was to do hair, but the cost for beauty school in Jamaica is pricey, so she had to figure out what else she could do. Her cousin ran a beauty school, and offered to mentor her in becoming a nail technician. Mitsy enjoyed drawing, so she figured, “Why Not?” This began a journey for Mitsy that would differentiate her, and make her the nail artist that she has become.
Mitsy studied under her cousin for six months; after her certification, she worked with her cousin, and learned everything she needed to about the nail and beauty business. Mitsy began to perfect her craft, and when her sister asked her to move to the Cayman Islands to come and live with her; Mitsy saw this as an opportunity to spread her wings and bring her skills to another part of the Caribbean.
portive, caring, affirming and he spent time building his employees. Her work became a part of her life, and the people she worked with became her family. Things changed in 2017 when the owner decided to sell the business; Mitsy had been working non-stop for eleven years; she realized that it was time for a break, and she took a year off to discover herself and travel.
I’m not just a nail technician, I am also a councillor.” Mitsy
This report only confirmed what we already know; there is power in the black dollar, and we continue to give our power away to other communities; this is not opinion, this is fact. Personally, it has been a challenge finding ways to spend my money in the community, especially when it comes to hair products and beauty products. You can imagine the joy I felt when I was introduced to a young lady who has changed my life, and will change the nail game in the city of Toronto. I would like to introduce to you Mitsy Boo!
“I enjoy making people happy” Mitsy Mitsy was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, and from a young age she found herself in a creative space. She really enjoyed drawing, and wanted to find a way to utilize her creative ability in her community. When she finished high school, she found
The move proved to be a difficult one at first; the first lesson she had to learn when she moved to the Cayman’s was that unlike Jamaican women, women in the Cayman’s like to wear their nails thin, and not thick and curvy. Mitsy had to relearn how to do nails, but she decided that she would take on the challenge. Her first position was at a salon called Beauty Behind a Veil; it was slow at first because no one trusts you when you are the new girl. One of her co-workers began to refer clients to her, and then like that that, word of this skilled new Jamaican nail technician began to spread through the island.
Mitsy only spent six months at Beauty Behind a Veil; she moved on to another salon called Hype Salon. Once again, things started slow, but she had already begun to develop a reputation, so things picked up quickly at the new spot. Mitsy noted to me in the interview that one of her challenges was finding the right environment to work in; she found it at Panach Salons, where she mastered her craft from 2011–2017. What made her enjoy her work there was the fact that the owner did not act like a boss. He was sup -
During her time off, Mitsy took the money she had made, and she invested it back into her education. She decided to go to school to complete a business degree with a minor in psychology. She reflected on the fact that during her appointments, women and men shared their stories with her, and she had to learn how to respond to them intelligently, and empathetically. She became cognizant of the fact that she spent a lot of time educating her clients about their nail care. “First world clients have no clue about nails,” Mitsy told me, “Salons in Canada are not educating people about their nails, and the proper health and care of them.” I found this interesting, and asked her about how she ended up in Canada. “Once again, my sister had moved here, and invited me to come. She had actually started telling people about her sister from Jamaica who could do nails. I had clients here before I even arrived.”
Her attention to detail, her creative touch, and her still, yet strong presence is what makes Mitsy the go to nail technician in Toronto. She has a select and very private client list, and the only way to book an appointment is through her instagram @mitsyboo1. As a community, it is important to continue paying attention to whom we spend our money with. There is a lot of talent in the Toronto Caribbean community, time to start supporting and promoting that talent.
Some goodbyes are more Significant than others
We understand how di cult it is to lose a loved one. Our compassionate and caring team work hard each and every day to make sure that the members of our community and beyond are taken care of during such a di cult time. For advice on what to do when a loved one is dying, making funeral arrangements, pre-arranging your own funeral, or anything else, please feel free to contact us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We promise to work with you and your family in your time of need to create the perfect memorial service for your loved one. We will be here for you today, as well as tomorrow.
AMPLE PARKING - OVER 250 SPACES
3 VISITATION SUITES WITH OVER 1000 SEATING CAPACITY
PRE ARRANGEMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Sport and adventure models dominate Suzuki’s motorcycle lineup
Suzuki first unveiled its GSX-R line more than 30 years ago. Since then, over a million units have been sold worldwide. This year, the new GSX-R1000R redefines the supersport segment with its aluminum body and powerful engine. The GSXR1000R is more lightweight, compact and manoeuvrable than ever. Its 999.8 cc engine outputs high top-end power thanks to a variable valve timing system and ride-bywire throttle bodies. Handling is improved with the addition of SHOWA shocks and an inertial measurement unit that allows ad -
justments to the engine and chassis based on the bike’s movement. Brembo T-Drive brakes guarantee the bike comes to a full stop on short notice.
Just like the recent GSX-S1000, the new GSX-S750Z now sports a more aggressive look, increased power and more incisive handling. Powered by a 749 cc engine, the GSX-S750Z is a sporty road bike that stands out by its comfort and handling. In the same style but at a lower price is the GSX250R, built around a 248 cc engine. Finally, as a throwback to the bikes of yesteryear, Suzuki also launched the all-new VanVan 200.
In the adventure roadster category, Suzuki redesigned its V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 650 models. This new generation marks the debut of several te chnological enhancements, including a new motion track anti-lock and combined brake system to help drivers stay in control in the event of an emergency stop.
Can-Am celebrates a decade of Spyders
The year 2017 marks the tenth anniversary of the Can-Am Spyder. To celebrate, the Canadian manufacturer has invited all 100,000 Spyder owners worldwide to its Valcourt, Quebec plant for three days of festivities set to take place June 2 to 4. On the new release front, two models are especially noteworthy: the Spyder F3 Limited and the Spyder F3-S Daytona 500 edition.
Of all the Spyder F3s, the new Limited version stands out thanks to its saddlebags’ 78-litre (2.8-ft3) capacity as well as its more relaxed seating position for both driver and passenger. It features the UFit system, which allows easy repositioning of the steps and handlebars. Other exclusive equipment featured on the F3 Limited includes a glove
compartment, USB-compatible four-speaker sound system, built-in windshield and side mirrors, rear air suspension and SACHS Big-Bore shocks for a smooth ride. The Spyder F3 Limited also features a plug-in module with electric stability control that allows it to safely tow a Can-Am Freedom Trailer.
The sporty allure of the Spyder F3-S Daytona 500 is recognizable from miles away with its bright yellow race-inspired decals, bee hive grille, six-spoke black chrome wheels and dragster-style handlebars.
All Spyder models are powered by a 3-cylinder Ro- tax 1330 ACE engine that generates high torque and a deep, satisfying exhaust sound.
Written by Simone Smith Toronto Caribbean Newspaper
SEAN MICHAEL JONES The Classic Crooner; Becoming Sean Jones
There is something about R&B (Rhythm & Blues), which has captivated the heart and soul of Africans and Caribbeans living in the diaspora for many years. It could be the fact that R&B songs deal with emotions and themes of pain and suffering, or it could be the fact that some R&B songs focus on the pursuit of freedom, happiness and of course, love.
Something captured Sean Michael Jones from a very early age, and his passion has allowed for him to sing over 200+ live renditions of soulful ballads, popular R&B melodies, and has inspired him to create his own original material that leaves his audiences wanting more. Jones has enjoyed his journey through the industry, and he took some time to speak with Toronto Caribbean Newspaper about his genesis, and how his hard work has granted him the awesome privilege of performing on the shores of Monaco, in the islands of Hawaii, at London’s historic Trafalgar Square, at New York’s Carnegie Hall and at The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Centre. Toronto Caribbean Newspaper would like to present to you the Classic Crooner, Sean Michael Jones.
“I can remember dancing at weddings as a child,” Sean told me. His family had him performing any chance they could; I am sure they saw something in him long before he did. “I was in the ninth grade when I finally took it in that I could sing; my mom was the one that confirmed it for me. Once I really took it in, I would sing everywhere. One thing I knew for sure was that singing definitely got me some attention from the ladies, and in high school, that is everything,” Jones chuckled. “I will never forget when things really took off at school; I was asked to come to the front of the class and sing the song “Kissing Game” (Hi-Five). Word spread quickly, and from that, my popularity grew.” Jones then hooked up with a good friend of his Michael Pope who also went to his high school (Father Gates), and they started singing together. The twosome soon turned into five
(Dru, Pops, Smooth, Que and Touch) and just like that, In Essence was born. The group In Essence became very popular and their album “The Master Plan” won both R&B video of the year at Much Music, and R&B recording at the Juno’s in 2004. The album took off not only in Canada but also in Germany, Europe, and the Caribbean.
On March 4th, 2004, Sony Music Entertainment, and Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) merged and In Essence remained with the company. The group knew that it was time to get back to work and produce a new album; they had ridden their last album long enough. They worked on the second album, only for it to sit in limbo; Jones knew that things had come to an end. This was made even more real when he was told that if he wanted to go, he could go, but the music was not going anywhere. Jones had to cut his loses; you know what they say, all good things come to an end.
A change happened in 2002 when Jones was attending a Prince concert; he was so inspired by what he saw, that after the concert he signed up for guitar lessons. He knew that it was time for a change; he had songs building up inside of him, and he wanted to write songs that felt good to him. In order to do this, Jones locked himself away for six months; it allowed time for him to sort his thoughts and really be creative. It turned out to be one of the best moves he had made in his career.
One day he was out and he bumped into an associate who had worked at Sony. She had left Sony and was doing business with a new company called Wide Awake Entertainment. She invited Jones to meet the owner, and at that time he was open to new experiences. The owners of W.A.E were impressed with him and signed him in 2008. It was great for Jones because now he was getting paid monthly; unfortunately, this was also not a great move because he realized that there was some shadiness happening within the company. I was surprised to hear that during this time, Death Row Records was for sale, and W.A.E bought it for 18 million dollars. This put W.A.E in the middle of legal issues, and all the while nothing was happening musically for the artists that were signed, which of course included Jones.
This now became painful for him; he was making suggestions in regards to his music, and it seemed like it was falling on deaf ears, so yes it was nice to be getting a paycheck, but he wanted to move forward with what he loved; music. That moment came when he found a loophole in his contract, and he knew that this was his time to move; he was going to start creating music the way that he wanted to. It was at this time that his solo career began to really take off. Between 2011 and 2012, Jones began to tour with the Tenors, he also continued to work on and perfect his songwriting. It was after the birth of his daughter Savannah that Jones really took stock of his life. He was fortunate that he had been blessed with the opportunity to do what he loves, and at the same time provide for his family.
What is Sean Michael Jones up to now you ask? Every Monday from June 3rd – August 26th, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city, the majestic castle, and the beautiful estate gardens, all while enjoying the beautiful voice attached to the man we all know as Sean Jones, accompanied by the seven-piece band, the Righteous Echo. It is wonderful to see that regardless of the ups and downs he has had to endure creatively, Jones has managed to maintain his decorum, and this is what makes him, a classic man.
BARBECUE vs COOOKING The heat is on
NOEL CUNNINGHAM
noel@carib101.com
CULINARY EXPERT
and
Technically barbecue is actually a cooking method where the food is cook over indirect heat. It also refers to a gathering at which this style of food is cooked and served. Usually hot dogs, chicken, brisket, smoked sausages and a juicy pulled pork sandwich can be in the mix.
A cookout is a social gathering for a meal that is cooked and eaten outside. At any time, a cookout can turn into a party with drinking and raving (partying). You may find some barbecued food such as grilled chicken, stews, corn on the cob, potato salad, mac and cheese and such delights. Now that I have cleared the air it’s time to try this juicy and delicious BBQ pork ribs recipe and while you are at it, you can sip on a cool Pimm’s ginger cup in your own backyard BBQ or your next cookout.
Pimm’s Ginger Cup - Makes 1
Ingredients
• 2 oz ginger beer
• 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
• 0.5 oz lime or lemon juice
• 3 mint leaves
• Thinly sliced cucumber and lemon for garnish
• Crushed ice
Directions
Muddle mint leaves and lime juice in the bottom of the glass with a muddler or a spoon until mint leaves are crushed. Add crushed ice then pour Pimm’s, top with the ginger beer and stir lightly to combine. Garnish with extra mint leaves, lime and cucumber wedges. Cheers!
Sticky Grilled Mesquite Ribs with Jack Daniel’s Barbecue Sauce
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1.5 hrs
Holy smokes!!! These ribs are finger licking good. Smoky, sweet, and sticky with a hint of spice are just a few of the characteristics of these delicious ribs.
Ingredients
2 pounds pork back ribs
The Rub
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons sugar ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoon mesquite smoke liquid
Sticky glaze
• 1cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup Jack Daniel’s
• 3 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Directions
First order of business is to preheat your grill, then remove the membrane that covers the underside/bony side of the ribs then place on a baking sheet or tray lined with foil or parchment paper.
In a small bowl mix together all the dry ingredients for the rub, mix well to combine.
Sprinkle dry rub liberally over ribs then drizzle with oil and liquid smoke. Rub the seasoning liberally over the ribs on both sides.
Put to grill for 1.5 hours, turning constantly and monitoring every 15 minutes to prevent burning.
During the last half an hour of the cook time, mix together sauce ingredients.
Glaze ribs with BBQ sauce and allow to finish cooking.
Rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to recirculate back into the meat before slicing and enjoy. Serve with extra BBQ sauce.
Estrogen dominance and diet: What you can do to reduce risk and bring your hormones back into balance
DR. VIKAS PURI
drpuri@carib101.com HEALTH SPECIALIST
We need estrogen in order to maintain bone density, positive mood, and healthy cholesterol levels. Too much, however, becomes problematic. More women and men than ever are being diagnosed with too much estrogen in the body. Without proper balance from the other sex hormones, this can lead to an array of unpleasant symptoms. This is referred to as “estrogen dominance”. It can affect both men and women, but it is diagnosed much more commonly in women. Restoring and maintaining hormonal balance is vitally important, since elevated estrogen levels are a risk factor for breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in women, and prostate and breast cancer in men. Between hormones from animal products, synthetic estrogens (aka “xenoestrogens”) found in personal care and cleaning products, and even pesticides, there are many reasons why our delicate hormonal balance can be disrupted.
Some of the most common symptoms of estrogen dominance include:
• Stubborn belly fat
• Uneven weight distribution, with excess weight typically found in the midsection
• Unexplained weight gain
• Fatigue, or chronic fatigue in more extreme cases
• Thinning hair
• Headaches
• Hormonal acne on the face, and especially around the chin
• Irritability, mood swings or mood disorders
• Bloating
• Candida overgrowth
• Depression or low mood
• Anxiety
• Body acne
• Osteoporosis
• Low or nonexistent libido
• Difficulty managing stress
• Difficulty losing weight, even with exercise
• Infertility
In women, estrogen dominance can lead to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, irregular menstrual cycles, and thyroid dysfunction. Men may also suffer from enlarged breasts and sexual dysfunction. All of these symptoms, in addition to being unpleasant and affecting quality of life, leave diagnosed individuals at risk of developing more serious conditions later on. If left untreated, hormone-dependent cancers may develop. The good news is that there are many things that can be done to lower our estrogen levels naturally. In order to prevent or reverse estrogen dominance, we first have to understand what causes it.
For this imbalance to occur, either estrogen is too high, or the hormones which balance it are too low. In women this means progesterone is too low; in men, testosterone. This can happen to women if they have taken hormonal birth control. Harmful “endocrine disruptors” (man-made compounds
that interfere with the function of estrogen and other hormones) are found in plastic products such as plastic water bottles, in many personal care products, on receipts, in heavy metals, and in pesticides and herbicides. These compounds negatively affect hormonal balance even in small doses. Try to purchase natural cleaning and personal care products. It is the estrogen found in the food we eat, however, that has the largest impact on estrogen levels.
Animal products, especially dairy, chicken and fish contain high amounts of estrogen. People who eat meat regularly are exposed to high levels of these natural sex steroids. It’s important to note that estrogen hormones can be thousands of times more estrogenic than man-made endocrine disruptors. That’s right- thousands of times more than synthetic chemicals that are found to be harmful even at low doses. Yikes!
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and ghee are innately high in hormones even if synthetic hormones aren’t added. It’s important to consider the compounded effects of both synthetic added hormones and natural estrogens in livestock feed and medications. Chickens tend to excrete the most estrogen in their urine, indicating the highest levels of any animal raised for meat. Fish, beef, eggs, and pork are all high-estrogen foods as well. If you are wondering if this could affect you, it’s important to note that chicken estrogen is the same molecule as human estrogen. Heavy meat eaters have high levels of estrogen in their urine as a result. If you have been diagnosed with estrogen dominance, reducing or eliminating your intake of animal products is a great way to help bring your hormones back into balance.
Another important strategy for balancing estrogen levels is simply maintaining a healthy body weight. Our fat tissues absorb and store estrogens that circulate in the bloodstream. Weight loss will cause the fat cells to shrink and empty out, sending estrogen and toxins to the liver to be processed and removed. High estrogen levels can unfortunately cause the body to create more fat cells, thereby producing more estrogen- a vicious cycle! For sustainable weight loss, focus your diet around fresh fruit, vegetables, and nutritious grains like quinoa. Eat healthy fats from plant foods such as avocados, tahini, chia seeds, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, or coconut. These fats contain fibre, unlike fats from animal products, which makes it easier to control hunger and support weight loss. Eat plenty of leafy greens vegetables to help protect liver health. A well-functioning liver is important for breaking down estrogens. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, and bok choy all contain a compound called “sulforaphane” which supports your estrogen receptors.
Finally, lowering stress levels can also help with hormonal balance. If you cannot remove certain stresses from your life, utilize strategies to assist the body in dealing with stress more effectively. Consider activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or taking a walk in nature. Be patient during the healing process, reduce your intake of animal products whenever possible (especially factory farmed animals where hormones are used), try to avoid pesticides, and seek out natural products for personal care and cleaning.
Always do this 1 thing before travelling abroad
Are you planning to leave the country? If so, be sure to visit a doctor who can help you protect your health while you’re away.
The Government of Canada recommends that you make an appointment with a travel clinic or your healthcare provider at least six weeks before your departure. Depending on your destination, you may need to take precautions.
The doctor you consult with will review your immunization history and give you any required vaccinations and preventive medications.
Taking this simple step protects you from potentially severe diseases you can contract abroad.
For more information about travel immunization, consult travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines.
HPV vaccines: safe, effective and potentially life-saving
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common and can be transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral contact. It’s estimated that 75 per cent of sexually active Canadians will develop anal or genital warts because of HPV at least once in their lifetime, although many types don’t cause visible symptoms. However, it can also cause cervical cancers in women as well as anal and genital cancers in both men and women.
Used properly, condoms reduce the risk of transmission, but they don’t eliminate it. Vaccination is the most reliable method of prevention.
WHAT VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE?
There are three types of HPV vaccines available in Canada.
• Cervarix protects against two types of HPV that cause 70 per cent of anogenital cancers and is approved for women
aged nine to 45.
• Gardasil protects against four types of HPV, two that cause 70 per cent of anogenital cancers and two that cause 90 per cent of anogenital warts. It’s approved for women aged nine to 45 and men aged nine to 26.
• Gardasil 9 protects against an additional five types of HPV that cause 14 per cent of anogenital cancers and is approved for women aged nine to 45 and men aged nine to 26.
RECOMMENDED IMMUNIZATION
Getting vaccinated twice before turning 18 will create the antibodies necessary to prevent infection. Vaccines are also more effective if received before becoming sexually active. However, they’ll still reduce cancer risk in someone who’s already been infected.
Parents should talk to their children’s healthcare provider to get more information, as should adult women who haven’t been vaccinated.
All HPV vaccines available in Canada are safe and the best way to prevent the virus itself and any complications resulting from it. Some provinces offer free vaccination programs for children and at-risk adults. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Mental illness among teens: what parents should know
The Mental Health Commission of Canada estimates that 1.2 million children and teenagers are affected by mental illness. What’s more, suicide is the leading cause of death among Canadians who are 15 to 24 years old, second only to accidents. Roughly 4,000 young people die each year by suicide.
POTENTIAL CAUSES
Pressure to perform in school, stigma about mental illness, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise and poor sleep hygiene can all contribute to mental health issues in teens.
Psychologists also suspect that heavy social network use may increase the incidence of clinical anxiety and depression.
Finally, the lack of accessible mental health resources for young people is partly to blame. According to Youth Mental Health Canada, only one-fifth of affected youth receive the help they need.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO
Young people should be taught that asking for help isn’t an admission of failure or weakness. In addition, parents can do these simple things to help teens protect their mental health:
• Minimize the pressure placed on them to perform
• Spend time together as a family
• Provide a healthy diet
• Support a healthy sleep schedule
• Encourage them to get regular exercise
• Enroll them in activities that build confidence and self-esteem
Indicators of psychological distress include agitation, self-denigration, unusual moodiness, sadness and extreme fatigue. A moody teen doesn’t necessarily point to a crisis, but signs of mental illness should never be dismissed.
The importance of colorectal cancer screenings
Colorectal cancer kills more people than breast and prostate cancer put together. However, early detection greatly improves outcomes among diagnosed patients. Here’s what you should know about getting screened for this cancer.
WHY GET TESTED?
If detected early, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer patients is 90 per cent. However, only 39 per cent of cases are found at this stage. Often, colorectal cancer doesn’t initially cause any symptoms. This is why being proactive about detection is vital.
WHO SHOULD GET TESTED?
People between the ages of 50 and 74 should undergo a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every two years. These tests de -
tect traces of blood in the stool that can’t be seen with the naked eye, which could indicate a tumour. Out of 1,000 tests, an average of 36 will come back positive, prompting a colonoscopy. Out of 36 positive tests, only four will be due to the presence of cancer.
HOW CAN I GET TESTED?
Ask your healthcare provider to prescribe a test. You’ll then be referred to a collection centre and provided with a test kit containing detailed instructions. It’s also possible to take the test at home. Ask your doctor what options are available.
Public health agencies recommend that regular colorectal cancer screenings begin as soon as someone turns 50, regardless of symptoms. Being proactive is the only way to detect cancer early.
MILLENNIALS BEWARE
Colorectal cancer rates among young people are increasing. If you notice worrisome symptoms such as rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits, consult a doctor without delay. While it may be due to a benign condition, young people affected with colorectal cancer are more likely to die because of a delay in diagnosis.
What is reparation? Is reparation a choice or an obligation? Reparation is not a choice whereby individuals and governments are free to create barriers such as racial, social, cultural, or colour to avoid restitution. Reparation is a foremost obligation, but not merely an obligation. It is an obligation of spiritual, moral, social,
In jurisprudence, reparation is “just” compensation for the loss inflicted by criminal acts against a victim or victims. It is the inalienable civil rights of victims recognized by forward-thinking nations, human rights organizations, and global humanitarian, and world peace organizations and councils —notably, the United Nations (UN) and its six principal organs (http://www.un.org/en/documents/char-
From a religious perspective, reparation parallels the Golden Rule or “ethic” of “reciprocity,” which is an ethical maxim penned in most sacred texts. “Do to others, as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). This ethical truism is probably the earliest lesson we learn as children, teenagers, and throughout our adult lives.
Notwithstanding these spiritual, moral, and legal imperatives, the Western powers appear conflicted regarding reparation for African Slavery (1619 —1868) — an explicit betrayal of human trust. The world has witnessed the tenacious resistance to compensation by historic slaveholding nations. A practical argument could be that the Western powers are cautious and fearful that an admission of guilt would lead to an indeterminate path of repentance, forgiveness, and restitution.
Reparation is not a new phenomenon in the postmodern age, so how did slaveholding nations arrive at this “crisis of resistance” to restitution in the twentyfirst century? Briefly —the Western global powers spearheaded multi-billion dollars in the widespread military, political, scientific, social, and economic reforms under a Marshall Plan, for the reconstruction of Japan and Europe, including Germany, after World War I (1914 – 1918), and World War
The United States Congress created the Indian Claims Commission of 1946 to pay compensation to any federally recognized tribe for land that the United States seized from the Native Indians. Many Indian tribes received reparation. The Federal Republic of Germany signed a reparations agreement with the State of Israel on September 10th, 1952. The United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) made available $90 billion to Kuwait as reparation, for the 1990 – 1991
On July 23rd, 2015, the Federal Government of Canada enacted The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, underpinned by four principal rights to victims: Information, Protection, Participation, and
Restitution. “Where is the Marshal Plan for the reconstruction of parts of Africa, Diaspora colonies of the Caribbean, the United States, and the Americas?”
Reparation is essential for healing the racial, colour, and cultural divide that is unique to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and the North American experience. Some historians claim that the slavers took 12.5 million Africans from their homeland and sold them into slavery to supply free labour to fuel the Western economy of the 1600s – 1900s. More importantly, the great Western Industrial Revolution of (1760 – 1840) benefitted from the TransAtlantic Slave Trade (http://www.shoppbs. pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1p277.html).
African Slavery is the most significant human atrocity by any historical and statistical measure, underpinned by unmitigated brutality, racial terrorism, human rights violation, economic devastation, and Generational Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) up to the twenty-first century. The descendants of the African slave trade are entitled to “just” compensation in a structure of financial and non-financial remedies in the act of national atonement.
The principal arguments against reparation are, 1) “Who should assume generational responsibility? Successive governments, no different from generational suffering, passes down through individuals and families. Likewise, 2) “How will governments calculate the compensation? Current Data Mining — Knowledge Discovery in Data (KDD) technology is available to mine the extensive global archives of data gathered by slaveholding nations, academics, and historians. Experts in digital technology could develop computer algorithms to mine, extrapolate, and quantify the data. 1) The number of enslaved persons taken from the Continent of Africa. 2) The number of years of free labour performed as an aggregate of the number of plantation colonies. 3) The sum of production of various commodities, such as cotton, tobacco, sugar, and rum. 4) The cost of production in 2019 dollars. Typical Archival References: (https://archive.slavevoyages.org/ assessment/intro-maps) (Williams, 1944, p. 53).
Restitution can be in the form of tactical infrastructure such as educational, legal, financial, political, economic, social, and medical research. Likewise, in a structure of remedies to address other areas of historical disadvantage such as housing and land ownership, prison incarceration, inequity in employment, and redlining (https://www.bankrate.com/glossary/r/ redlining/).
Other remedies could include the transfer of money to various trusts, to foster personal, business, and research and development grants and loans. These can foster creativity and innovation, and participation in fields of science and technology. A researcher at the University of Connecticut concluded that U.S. slave labour would be worth roughly $5.9 trillion today. Other more inclusive estimates are in the order of magnitude of $15.0 trillion. The implementation of a Gross National Social Progress (GNSP) Index could be the principal tool to measure the impact of reparation on future generations.
DIVORCE NOTICE
Kevin Raghubeer
TAKE NOTICE: A divorce was led for by Amreta Raghubeer on the 13th March 2019 at the High Court of Guyana.
FUTHER NOTICE: on 1st April the petitioner was directed to publish her petition on you by public notice in said newspaper article countrywide for 2 consecutive Wednesday editions.
And FUTHER NOTICE: if you desire to defend the divorce an attorney may represent you or in person. You must le an acknowledgement of service and notice of intention to defend within 42 days of the second and nal publication.
TAKE NOTICE: the divorce is xed for hearing on the 19th of September 2019 at 13:30 hrs.
IN DEFAULT: failure to acknowledge of service or notice of intention to defend. The court may proceed in your absence and make an order it considers appropriate including granting the said divorce.
Time to take that purge; walk into the new you!
I am unsure if it was the eclipse, the fact that I turned the big 40, or the retrograde that we are currently experiencing; whatever it is, I have been in a state of flux the last few weeks, and although it has not been affecting my day to day, I am curious as to why my thought patterns have been the way they are. I have been in this mood to make some great changes in my life, and my changes started in my home.
Much to my partner’s dismay, my housing situation right now is what you would call, upside down and inside out. I have paperwork everywhere, clothes everywhere, paintbrushes and paint cans in random parts of my home; I swear it is just chaos. I am usually very structured and organized; everything has its place, and if it is not where it is supposed to be, you will most definitely hear my mouth. So why does my house look so haphazard right
If you didn’t grow up in a household where your parents or family set goals, the same thing for your school, the people you hung out with and the community you lived in, then as an adult you might not even really know what a goal is. This day and age a goal is also known as something you are striving for, an intention. Goals are meant to be in our lives to instigate change.
At a young age, I set goals. I wanted to make a certain baseball team, I wanted to save enough money for this jean jacket. Then, of course, looking back, I set a goal for a car, or even to date that guy (yes, I was that girl).
now? Well, it is time to PURGE!
Have you looked in your closet and really taken account of what is in there? I can almost guarantee that you have clothes that you have not touched; your thought, “I will get around to wearing it,” but of course, you never do. So things just sit there, and then they pile up, and then you have less closet space, and you can’t find anything to wear, WHEN DOES IT STOP? Well, it stops when you decide that it is time to let go all of those things that you think you need, but you don’t ever use.
I have always been observant how people keep their homes, office space and cars; you can tell a lot about a person by the way they go about activities that are mindless for them. You begin to pick up on their patterns because the way a person does one thing is usually how they do everything. So, if you are a hoarder, of if you refuse to give away that dress/suit that has been sitting there unworn for 10 years, what other aspects of your life are you holding onto that are no longer serving you.
This week I really began to take stock of the clutter in my life, and how this related to my lived experience. I was not surprised when I began to notice direct similarities in the way I lived my life and the way that I hoarded clothing. I swear I have
At the time I didn’t classify them as goals, I was just aiming for and taking action. So, I ask you “What are you striving for in your life? What change are you looking to make and what actions are you taking to get there?”
Goals are those things that make us want to change things in life. They help us to get better, to refine skills, to learn new things. I really believe that as humans we should all be aiming to keep learning more about ourselves and every day keep becoming a better version of ourselves. In order to integrate goals in your life, you don’t have to create a vision board or put them all over your wall as I do. Start small. So, let’s look at your life right now, where do you want to create change?
Let’s just pick one thing. It might be in your body, it might be that you want to speak another language. Maybe it’s spending more time with your partner or learning to paint. There are so many aspects of our lives that sometimes things get missed, shoved aside and not focused on. So, let’s pick one where we can make an immediate change.
Now that we know what/where we want to set this goal, we now have to cre -
outfits from when I was in high school; I also discovered that I have some habits from high school that are still lingering in my life. They may not be necessarily harming me right now, but they are not helping me either.
As I began to load things into garbage bags, I found myself doing what I usually do, “I will still wear this I think?” I had to catch myself and say, “No Simone! You will not wear this, get rid of this.” As I attacked each drawer, I felt my energy clearing; it was the oddest thing. As I moved from drawer to drawer, it became easier to release parts of my existence that had meant so much to me at some point. I knew that I had outgrown the young woman who had once worn that extremely short, yellow mini skirt; I had grown into a woman of promise, success and purpose. It felt really good to put them all in a bag and bring them to donation depots in the Jane and Finch area.
I also realize that in order for the universe to deliver new energy into your life, you have to purge yourself of all the old energy. If not the universe will see that you are settled in your existence and deliver the same old life you have always lived.
Is it time? Is it time that you took that PURGE?
ate a plan. So, for me, I just joined this new gym and I want to integrate workouts now into my life on a consistent basis. My mind is saying “I’ll go 5 days a week and possibly 6, at 6am every day to get these in”. However, I have definitely proven to myself that this might not happen right away. So instead of setting myself up to fail right away, I will plan for 3 days a week and if I make it 5 days, it’s a bonus. So, whatever it is you aiming for, make sure that no matter what you make that plan where you can easily commit to it and stick to it. We sometimes set these goals that are meant to stretch us and make us move, but they are too much to chew all at once. The last piece is to just start taking action. So, we set the goal, make the plan and then act. With small actions comes change. It’s the cookies I eat every day that create the 10 pounds of fat down the road, so the same is true for small actions in a positive direction. We all want to be happy in life, to love and be loved and to connect. Goals are a way to connect with ourselves, to love ourselves and to really build that life we are happy in. Have fun.
To understand the people of ancient Egypt/Kemet, we must understand how important their spirituality was to them. The Egyptians were keen observers of nature, and it was nature that served as a foundation for their spiritual beliefs. For instance, the Nile River overflowed its banks from July to October every year, thus alerting the people when to plant crops. However, due to the Egyptians being spiritually attuned, they wanted to understand more about this cycle that provided them with food after the Nile’s flooding waters. So they would create myths that would center
on the Nile.
These myths, or stories were developed to provide some explanation to the mysteries of life and its creation, death, and rebirth. The famed historian Dr. Charles Finch M.D. stated in his book, Echoes of the Old Dark Land, “Through myth archaic, humanity sought to make tangible the imaginary; to create order from chaos, to give form to the unclear.” Dr. Finch has a flair for explaining very complex stories into layman’s terms.
One particular myth, which has stood the test of time, is the Ausarian Drama. This story was about Ausar (Osiris), and how his brother Sutekh (pronounced soo-tek) murdered him by chopping him up into 14 pieces. Ausar was then brought back to life by his devoted wife Auset (Isis), and her loyal sister Neb-het. Could you imagine being told this story of a man being dismembered by his brother, only to be restored by his wife and sister? Such a story could rival any modern day soap opera on prime time television.
Four things to avoid if your kids have food allergies
Living with someone who has allergies isn’t always easy. The following are four major mistakes that parents make when they find out their kids have food allergies.
1. ELIMINATING ALL ALLERGENS
Eradicating all traces of allergens from your home might seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that your kids need to be able to recognize foods that aren’t safe for them to eat. Teach your children how to read labels early on so they can learn to be careful even while at home.
2. DECLINING INVITATIONS
Never prevent your kids from going over to a friend’s house to eat just because they might encounter a food they’re allergic to. Instead, inform the parents of the allergy situation beforehand, and always make sure that your child has their epinephrine autoinjector with them.
3. FRIGHTENING YOUR CHILD
Try to avoid panic and over-dramatization when talking to your child about their food allergies. Calmly explain the dangers of their allergies, and answer any questions they
might have simply and truthfully.
4. CONTROLLING THEIR DIET
Let your children pick out their own snacks (with your approval, of course) when they come to the grocery store with you. Teach them to read the labels carefully, show them which products contain ingredients they’re allergic to, and discuss some tasty alternatives.
This story was told to explain the mysteries that revolved around nature. Ausar was revered as a god and represents the cyclical aspect that happened in nature every year. The Egyptian author Moustafa Gadalla explains it as, “The physical creation and its cycles of becoming and returning.” This historian has dedicated his life to ensure that the culture is represented in the manner that it needs to be. He explains Sutekh’s role as the opposition; in this case the force in nature, which causes decay or death. Auset (Isis) happens to represent this force in nature that allows pieces to be put back together in order for production to once again occur.
For the purpose of this article we are paraphrasing this beautiful African myth. Nonetheless, there are countless authors who elucidate on this further. One that comes to mind is Dr. Muata Ashby. Dr. Ashby has written numerous books on this myth, its connection to nature and how it relates to the human spirit. Another stalwart in this area is the respected Dr. Yosef
ben Jochannan; every family looking to build their personal library should own his works.
There are a few European scholars that I must add to this list. The first is Gerald Massey and his book, “Ancient Egypt Light of the World,” which was originally printed in 1907. This mammoth piece of literature is a two-volume work that assisted in carefully dissecting Egyptian spirituality and has been used by African scholars all over the world. The British Egyptologist Sir E. A. Wallis Budge, and his work, “The Legends of the Egyptians Gods,” contain nine interesting stories or myths, along with their hieroglyphs and translations.
Egyptians have an endless reservoir of stories that contain the knowledge of our fore-parents. As the world-renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell says, ”Myths are stories of our search through the ages for truth, for meaning, for significance.” It is these myths that allow us to “nehast” or to awaken to the higher existence that we can all achieve.
What to do when grandparents spoil your children
When it comes to spoiling their grandchildren, some grandparents take it over the top. Between the presents, the outings and all the sweets, they take great pleasure in satisfying your child’s every whim. But how can you pump the brakes on their generosity when it gets to be a little too much?
BE HONEST
The first thing you want to do is have an honest discussion with the grandparents in question. Make sure they understand that everything they do — big and small — is greatly appreciated, but that it’s important to stay within certain boundaries. Remind your parents (or in-laws) that they play an important role in your kids’ upbringing. You need to be able to count them among your allies.
Explain why the avalanche of gifts they give to your kids on birthdays and Christmas might make you feel uncomfortable. Maybe that kind of overabundance doesn’t match the values you’re trying to instil in your
young ones. Or maybe you don’t have room to put everything away. Or maybe you just can’t keep up with their generosity and it makes you feel bad. Whatever the case may be, be honest!
ESTABLISH LIMITS
Finally, accept that your parents are going to spoil your children, but set your limits. If you think that a single gift is enough, say so. You can always suggest that they buy fewer toys at Christmas and instead treat your kids to a special outing, for example.
sists of and how they can be violated. Human rights are described as universal rights that a person is inherently entitled to simply because he or she is a human being. These rights describe how we should expect to be treated as persons. Human rights address what we all are entitled to such as the right to a life of equality, dignity, respect and to live free from discrimination and harassment.
Countries like Canada have human rights laws to ensure that people and the government are held accountable should your rights as a citizen not be respected or upheld.
One of the ways in which our human rights are upheld is through the Canadian Human Rights Act which is a statute that was passed by the Parliament of Canada in 1977. To some, the implementation of this statute may not seem like too long ago, however there is a reason for this. The reason being was that the Human Rights Act was extended to protect individuals who may be victims of discriminatory practices based on prohibited grounds such as sex, race, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, expression, creed, age, disability, and or political and religious beliefs.
In Canada, there have been a number of cases where people have been in situations where their human rights have been infringed upon. Some of the most common acts in which human rights are infringed upon usually
is necessary to have a good understanding of what they look like and the proper steps to take afterward.
Should any of these examples above appear to be valid in your current life, it is just as important to make yourself familiar with the Canadian Rights Commission. It is here where you will file a complaint surrounding the violation by including all specific details of the incident such as date, time and location, the negative effects the situation has on you and additionally the person or organization you are complaining about.
It is recommended that complaints should be filed within 12 months of the incident just to avoid further prolonging possible outcomes. Usually the Canadian Rights Commission tries their best to solve all complaints however, should the complaint need further investigation and some sort of agreement cannot be made by the parties involved, the case will then be sent to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal which will determine how to remedy the issue.
Although human rights may not be frequently discussed amongst members of society, it is still beneficial to understand what they entail and in what circumstances they are violated. Having a good grasp of your rights as a citizen can essentially prevent you from being in sticky situations and give you the confidence needed to take proper action.
How to grow fresh herbs indoors
Fresh herbs can make a mediocre meal mouth-watering. To ensure you have them on hand at all times, why not grow them right in your kitchen? Here’s what you should know about growing herbs indoors.
GETTING STARTED
Growing an indoor herb garden will require nutrient-rich soil, pots with good drainage and a sunny window. Generally, herbs need a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day to thrive. If you don’t have a space that can provide this amount of natural light every day, consider getting an LED grow light instead.
CHOOSING YOUR HERBS
You can grow your herbs from seed or purchase seedlings from a garden centre or nursery. If you buy young plants, choose
ones with shiny leaves and strong stems. Some herbs that do well on a windowsill include:
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Parsley
• Chives
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Mint
TAKING CARE OF YOUR HERBS
Herbs should be watered regularly but not overwatered. You’ll know it’s time to water them when the top layer of soil is just starting to dry out, but the deeper layers are still damp. Plants in smaller pots need to be watered more often.
Additionally, regularly feed your herbs nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage strong leaf growth. To remove salt residue caused by fertilizing, flush the plants once a month by holding their pots over the sink and running water over them until it flows from the bottom of the pot.
To keep your herbs in great shape, harvest the leaves regularly. To do this, simply pinch off the topmost ones as you need them. Just be sure not to pick the big lowermost leaves that provide plants with a sturdy base. Regular harvesting will ensure your plants thrive.
Give old items a second life with upcycling
Upcycling is the process of turning something unwanted into a beautiful and useful object. While the term may be new, the concept isn’t. People have been repurposing things forever. Not only does it keep items out of landfills, it also gives you an outlet to show off your personal style.
There are two ways to upcycle: you can give something a makeover while preserving its original use, or you can change its intended purpose altogether. Almost anything can be upcycled, including furniture, used clothes and items you’d normally throw out like tin cans and glass jars.
If you don’t have anything around the house you can use, check out local second hand shops or flea markets.
Remember that whatever you’re using will
retain its properties, meaning that if the dresser you’d like to paint is falling apart, a new look won’t change that. You may need to repair items before upcycling them.
PROJECTS TO TRY
Are you excited to start upcycling but not sure where to begin? Here are a few ideas:
• Old chairs can be given new life with a coat of paint and colourful cushions.
• Jam jars can be painted to create pretty storage for the bathroom or to create one-of-a-kind light fixtures.
• Old wooden ladders can be sanded and used to hang blankets or become rustic bookshelves.
• Tin cans can be covered in fabric and used as pen holders in an office.
How to organize your bookshelves
If you’re an avid reader, you might have more books than you know what to do with. Here are a few ways you can organize your bookshelves.
• Alphabetically. In bookstores and libraries, books are organized alphabetically by author. You can use this system at home or instead alphabetize your volumes by title. Choose whichever method makes it easiest for you to find the book you’re looking for.
• By genre. Another common way to organize books is by category. Some genres you’re probably familiar with are fiction, biography, history, poetry and travel. But don’t be shy to use more atypical classifications such as urban fantasy, true crime or French cooking.
• By cover. If you want bookshelves that are visually striking, try grouping all your books by colour. Similarly, you can wrap all your books in one type of paper, or place the spines towards the back so that the pages are facing you.
STYLE YOUR SHELVES
In addition to classifying your books, use these ideas to make your bookshelves a key part
For more inspiration, browse online. With a little time and imagination, you’ll be on your way to becoming an accomplished upcycler.
of your decor.
• Place items like photographs, houseplants and knick-knacks around your books to show off your personal style.
• Paint the insides of your bookshelves an interesting colour or cover them with wallpaper. Combining this with books organized by their covers would really make a statement.
• Stack a few books on their side. This adds visual interest and the stacks can function as bookends for the other volumes.
There’s no one right way to organize your bookshelves, as long as you like the effect. Just don’t forget to leave some space for new volumes.
Are Crittall-style windows and doors right for your home?
Crittall-style windows and doors are undeniably popular right now. The thin steel frames and unobstructed views they offer are both modern and timeless. Dating back to the 1880s, you can find this style on many edifices, from homes to factories and even on the British Parliament buildings.
Minimalist but striking, steel-frame windows and doors can look either historical or contemporary, depending on the type of building they adorn. If you’re thinking about making a change, they’re a great choice for most types of homes.
In addition to their more traditional uses, these kinds of windows and doors are increasingly being used in interior design. They allow light to easily pass from one room to another and in an open concept home,
they can be used to mark off key areas. They’re also a great option for entranceways.
Crittall-style windows and doorframes are historically black, but today’s technology allows the metal to have almost any colour, there by allowing them to seamlessly fit into your home.
Stay safe when driving through construction zones
Safe driving habits are always important, but you need to be extra cautious when navigating areas where road work is under way. Here’s how to remain safe when driving through construction zones.
• Pay attention to signs. Orange construction signs will indicate what drivers need to do to stay safe. They’ll signify how fast you should be going, which lanes you can occupy and where to merge.
• Obey the flag person. Many active worksites have a flag person to direct traffic. Their directions overrule any other traffic signs or signals. Always follow their instructions and take extra care when driving past them.
• Slow down. Speed limits are usually reduced in construction zones and may be further decreased when workers are present. This is to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Avoid distractions. When driving through a construction zone, don’t eat, change the radio station or do anything else that might cause you to be distracted. Using your phone when behind the wheel is also a no-no.
Following these safety guidelines when driving through a construction zone can mean the difference between life and death. If you know you’ll be navigating an area where road work is underway, plan to leave earlier so you can safely reach your destination on time. Or, take an alternate route to avoid the construction zone altogether.
Professional detailing: a car maintenance must
Maintaining your car involves a number of tasks. These include filling the gas tank, changing the oil and replacing the tires when they’re worn. However, what you may not realize is that professional detailing is a key part of your vehicle’s upkeep.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
More than just a car wash, detailing involves thoroughly cleaning your car both inside and out. The outside gets washed with a mild detergent and then dried, polished and sealed to keep it clean for as long as possible. Cleaning the inside includes vacuuming the seats, shampooing the upholstery and carpets and thoroughly washing the dash, doors and windows.
BENEFITS OF REGULAR DETAILING
There are two main benefits that come from detailing your car on a regular basis: it protects your paint and it removes contaminants from the cabin. Here’s why these two things are important.
• Protecting your paint
The paint on your car does more than just make it look good. In fact, it plays an important role in protecting it from corrosion. Stains left behind by tree sap, leaves and even bird droppings can eventually damage auto paint.
If there are places on your car where the paint has flaked off, it will leave the body exposed to contaminants like road salt and mud which can cause metal components to rust.
• Getting rid of contaminants
Dust, germs and other allergens will accumulate inside your car cabin no matter how tidy you keep it. If not cleaned thoroughly once in a while, these particles can start to make you and your passengers feel sick.
DIY VS. PRO DETAILING
Some people prefer to detail their cars at home, but most lack the proper equipment. Unfortunately, using the wrong sponge or soap can scratch the paint of your car. But even with the right tools on hand, detailing a car is an involved and time-consuming task that’s best left to the pros.
RECOMMENDED FREQUENCY
How often you should get your car detailed will depend on how often and where you use it. Generally speaking, however, getting your car detailed two or three times a year is a good idea. Your car will look great, your paint will be protected and you’ll be healthier to boot.
Fall car care: protecting your paint from falling leaves
Come autumn, the days start to get cooler and the leaves begin to fall. Though the colourful foliage may look pretty, it’s best to keep it away from your car.
Unfortunately, deciduous leaves contain acidic substances like sap and pollen that can penetrate your car’s clear coat and stain the paint. Fallen leaves can also clog your vehicle’s drains and air filters, which can result in the rusting of components and the arrival of unpleasant odours.
KEEP LEAVES AT BAY
Here are a few ways to protect your car by steering clear of fallen leaves.
• Don’t park under trees. This is the most obvious solution, but it isn’t always possible. If you can’t avoid parking near trees, try to position your car near one that’s already lost most of its leaves.
• Remove debris right away. The best way to get rid of leaves is to remove them by hand. Using a brush or broom can cause the leaves to scratch your paint.
• Invest in a car cover. If you want to eliminate the possibility that leaves might damage the paint on your car, be sure to cover it when it’s parked. This will also protect your vehicle from heavy rain, dust, snow and ice.
REMOVE LEAF STAINS
If your car’s exterior is already stained by leaves, you should first remove any sap that’s stuck to the surface with a liquid car wash solution and a clean microfibre cloth. Polish it dry with a second one.
Afterwards, use denatured alcohol, distilled white vinegar or a product specifically designed for gentle stain removal. Once the marks are gone, wash your vehicle once more with the car wash solution.
CONDUCT A PRE-WINTER WASH
Once all the leaves have fallen for the season, wash your car a final time to remove all traces of pollen and sap from the paint. Afterwards, apply a good quality wax. It will help protect your car from the upcoming winter weather.
HOW
TO
PLAY :
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
Meet Arvin
This seven month old Angel was rushed to Hospital after he began to have trouble breathing. It was discovered that he su ered from a condition where very little blood was owing to the lungs and there was not enough oxygenated blood circulating through his little body. Due to extremely low oxygen levels he was rushed into the operating room for emergency surgery where a shunt was placed to increase blood ow to his lungs. This saved his life. Due to his small size however, this temporary treatment would only allow him to survivelong enough to undergo future surgeries. After a few days, he was able to breathe on his own and drank his rst bottle of milk one week after surgery. In the next few years, Arvin will need one or two more surgeries before he is completely cured.
ARIES
You’ll play catch up after many de lays and much confusion. You’ll devote your vacation to a big home improvement project. You’ll find ways to achieve your professional and personal goals.
TAURUS
You’ll feel the need to move, expand your circle of friends and strengthen your relationships with those closest to you. You’ll have trouble keeping track of all the social activities that your new popularity affords you.
GEMINI
If your health slows you down, take the time to catch up on your sleep. With many colleagues on vacation, you’ll be working overtime. Luckily, you’ll be well compensated for your efforts.
CANCER
You’ll cleanse your circle of friends in order to spend more time with those that count. A trip or getaway with your real friends will provide you with memories you’ll cherish forever.
LEO
Some lucrative real estate deals may be in the works. Renovations may double your house’s value and you’ll appreciate the up grade to your home. Friends will suggest a spontaneous activity.
VIRGO
The idea of a trip will take root this week. You may even be inspired to make a pilgrimage. You’ll open yourself to spirituality by practising new techniques.
LIBRA
You’ll have to deal with strong emotions this week. People will take advantage of your generosity. Try not to go past your financial or physical capabilities. Fatigue and stress don’t go well together.
SCORPIO
You’re not always the most accommodating person, but luckily, you know how to create harmony around you. Like the adage says, the ends justify the means. Your popularity may mean that you have to choose between two interesting invitations from friends.
SAGITTARIUS
You won’t take any time off until you’ve completed every task on your todo list. You’ll be particularly proud of a big cleanup or work done around the house. Your family will need your help this week.
CAPRICORN
Selfesteem is essential to developing one’s personality. You’ll accomplish something that you’re proud of and that takes you far. If you’re single, your newfound confidence will attract the attention of your future partner.
AQUARIUS
You don’t need to travel to have a great vacation. Some of the best times are spent at home with friends and family. A little organization is all it takes to bring everyone together.
PISCES
You won’t be able to stay still this week and you’ll have lots of stories to tell. You’ll spend hours getting to know people from all walks of life. Your thirst for knowledge is insatiable.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING
ANSWER
The luckiest signs this week: CANCER, LEO AND VIRGO
PUZZLE NO. 950
PUZZLE NO. 687
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 687
FOR SALE FOR SALE
JAMAICA: 3 bedroom house Buff
Bay Portland. Corner lot, fruit trees near transportation. Call 905- 430-6045 for further information.
JAMAICA: Four bedroom house on well fruited corner lot in the cool hills of Mount View 5 minutes from Spanish Town. Call: 647-884-8977
TRINIDAD FOR SALE OR RENT: Two apt buildings for sale in Cunupia/Chaguanas Also apts for rent Contact Monique 647 201 0414 WhatsApp Monique@ hotmail.com
JAMAICA: 15 Acres of land with large 3 bedroom house located on two main roads in Clarendon, Jamaica for sale. Extremely reasonable price. Please call 905849-1091 for further information.
FOOD TRUCK TRAILER: Professional Food Truck Tailer, Insulated, Fully Inspected, Used for 2 Years only. Ready to use. $30,000.00 Call 416-727-4671
HOUSE: Mature couple or Senior for newer home in Scarborough, McCowan and Eglinton. 3 bedroom, furnish or unfurnished. Call 416-723-4261
ROOM: Room for rent in townhouse located in Mississauga $550 Call 647-473-8622
For a family, no caregiver, must be able to cook Caribbean food. Live out, legal payment only North York walking distance to Wilson Subway. Call Anna 416-729-4772
VOLUNTEERS: The Festival Management Committee who operates the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is looking for young adults 16+, students, Seniors 50+ and Adults to be Volunteers.
Please fill out application online http://torontocarnival.ca/volunteers/ OR EMAIL volunteer@ torontocaribbeancarnival.com
APARTMENT WANTED: Divorce father receiving ODSP seeking 1 bedroom appt in the Caledonia and Eglinton area or around town. Budget $800 Call 647-4472950
FOR SALE HELP WANTED
SEWERS: Experienced sewers needed. Must speak fluent english and have your own machines. Piece work.Call 416-729-5539
PEN FRIEND: 46 year old male looking for Caribbean living in Toronto as a Pen Friend. Women of any age interested in music, meeting friends, exchanging ideas and gifts email ebenezereshun64@gmail.com
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
MONDAY-FRIDAY: 10:00am to 8:30pm
SATURDAY: 10:00am to 5:30pm SUNDAY: 11:00am to 5:00pm
Take the stress out of moving
the heavy lifting. They were not experienced movers, and, in the process, we damaged the fridge, scratched the table and my lovely VCR was left rusting in the snow. The next time I hired professional movers.
Ama and Adeka sold their condo and bought a home. The deal was finalized, and it was time to move. One week prior to moving they rented a truck. Ama went to reserve the elevator and was told that on that day, their allotted service time was between 12-3 p.m. Condos have strict rules and do not reserve elevators during peak time. Moving is stressful and careful planning is required.
I recall moving from one home to another. I was fortunate because I had a month to transition. It was a disaster because half of my belongings were in one home and the remainder in another. I finally decided to gather a few friends who could assist with
Professional movers can be expensive. Catharine and Richard sold their Brampton home and bought another house in London, Ontario. They hired professional movers with a time slot from 12 pm to 6 pm. By 1 pm the truck was packed and ready to roll out. The problem they encountered was that the buyer’s lawyer for their current home delayed until 5 pm. Catharine and Richard’s lawyer managed to finalize the deal on the Brampton home but did not have enough time to transfer the money to close the one in London. The movers transferred the contents into storage. The couple became stressed. They were out of their old home and could not move into the new one until the next day. The movers charged for the original six hours, to unload and reload, as well as an additional 6 hours. Since the buyer closed the transaction on time for the home in Brampton, Catharine and Richard were stuck with the bill.
Proper planning could have pre -
vented this disaster. The couple could have arranged to take their possession of their London home a few days before giving up possession on their Brampton home by arranging a bridge financing. Bridge financing occurs when the lender temporary lends the buyer the full amount of money to bridge the gap between the two different dates. This way, the seller can move two days earlier to their new home without the added stress and financial backlash.
Avoid finalizing a transaction on a Friday near the end of the month because most deals close then. Consequently, there is a surge in demand for trucks and moving companies. Instead of Friday, choose to move on a different weekday. The cost is significantly less. Usually at the end of the month lawyers tend to have many transactions closing and deals with minor issues are side stepped. On an off day, the lawyers have ample time to look over everything. The same goes with lenders.
The purchase of sale agreement stipulates that vacant possession shall be given by 6 pm. In most cases, it is difficult. The sellers may end up overstaying by a few hours. Don’t
panic because there is nothing much you can do. It is better to let movers know that there might be a time delay and best to pay for a few hours extra and avoid the hassle.
If you are moving to a condo, then book the elevator at least one month in advance. The condo corporation may need a damage deposit. Most condos will have a temporary storage area to help facilitate the transition.
A new solution is to use portable on demand services (PODS). The moving company will deliver a pod on your driveway. You can then pack it in advance, and they will take it to a temporary storage facility. Once you are ready, they will deliver it to your front door. Pods are economical as the company provides the container, stores it and deliver it to your new address.
Buying and selling real estate requires a multitude of events occurring in synchrony. Add humans to the equation and the product is stress. Planning is essential. Pack small boxes that are properly labeled. Book your move for off peak days and consider bridge financing if you are selling and buying. Make it a stress-free move!
sinking boat arriving
Turkey to Lesbos sland, Greece, October 30, 2015 Georg os Giannopoulos, Wikimedia Commons
If you become ill before retiring, perhaps your money won’t last
send ahead. This means you have to save on a regular basis, invest in low risk investments and plan for the probability of a reasonable rate of return. This way by the time you are ready to retire, perhaps at 65, there should be a reasonable nest egg to last you for the rest of your life. So the nest egg I just referred to takes years of deposits and many years to gather.
Everyone in some way is planning for their retirement. Whether it’s saving in an RRSP, a TFSA or non registered savings account, everyone is saving something for that day when they will not have the capacity to earn an income. For some, their retirement plan may be based on the fact that they have children, who will be able to take care of them, or for some, they may have real estate where they are receiving rental income, but again, everyone is planning in some way or the other.
Let’s focus on the individual who is currently saving in an RRSP or TFSA especially if they do not have properties which can be rented out. The only amount of money that will be there at retirement when you get there is the money that you
What would be your situation should you become ill before retiring, would you be in a position to save the money needed for retirement? I am sure the answer is most likely no and then to compound the situation you may need to withdraw from current savings to pay current bills. There goes all the retirement savings you have and there goes your retirement, now what? Is there any way you could have avoided this financial predicament? Well consider insurance, is there insurance that you can purchase which can cover this risk?
Have you ever considered buying short or long term disability insurance or a long term care policy? When planning your finances, part of the process includes risk management, which means covering risk
that would basically cripple your finances should they occur. Short term disability policies typically replace a portion of your income from as little as thirty days from the onset of a disability and long term disability can cover you all the way to age sixty five. Generally these disabilities are not permanent so the duration is uncertain and yet no one knows how long it can last. As long as you are paying into CPP plans (with certain guidelines) you are entitled to an amount from CPP until you recover or attain the age of sixty five, when it changes to your retirement benefit.
Another option is long term care which pays you a monthly income for as long as you are unable to perform two activities of daily living, examples being unable to feed yourself or use the toilet. This type of policy is really meant for the long term, but what happens if you pay in all this money and then you pass away before you can make a claim. Well certain contracts are designed to provide a full refund of premium if you don’t claim, so you don’t have to feel as though your money was lost. Talk with your advisor about these risk protection strategies today.
I too was financial illiterate – Are You? Part #1
I too was financial illiterate. You see nobody is born understanding how the credit system works, how our tax system works, how to save money for the future or even the proper way to use money in our society. Just like learning our first words as a baby, its something that has to be taught, mimicked and used regularly. Growing up, I was that kid who naturally was a penny pincher. I would hoard all the pennies, nickels, quarters and dimes I would get from siblings, aunts, and uncles in a bucket. And I kid you not one of my favorite pass times was sitting in the basement just counting them over and over on the floor. So how do we grow from being financially illiterate to being financially literate?
What is financial literacy?
To me, financial literacy should now be about mass education and understanding of various financial topics related to managing personal finance, money, taxes and investing. An understanding of the basic concepts in finance empowers people to make sound financial decisions. Without this knowledge, it can lead to people borrowing more and saving less. The financial system we live in is overwhelming, even for those professionals who are licensed
and practicing in the industry. Each financial principle and concept about financial planning, compound interest, managing debt, profitable savings techniques, time and building wealth through real-estate you can find a million other subsections. The best advice I received as a young man trying to get a hold of my finances and one that I share with clients is. “Start first by knowing your numbers, you need to track how much is coming in and where it’s going out. Then make a plan to eliminate your debt if you have any.” Cause usually has the biggest phycological burden with most people.
How do you know you’re financially illiterate?
I spent all four years of college working. I also received OSAP to help pay for rent and part of tuition. This whole time that I had money coming in, I saved nothing and racked up credit card debt. Looking back, I realize I was financially illiterate during this time (and far beyond it) – I had received no learning at home or in school about how to manage or save money.
According to a study by Statistics Canada, 31% of those polled between the age of 45 to 60 said that their financial preparations for retirement were inadequate. Canadian households had average net savings of $852 in 2018 and Canada’s household debt is around 170% of disposable income. In other words, the average Canadian owes about $1.70 for every dollar of income he or she earns per year, after taxes. What these statistics impress upon you is that you are not alone in this issue.
Here are some signs that you too might be
financially illiterate (and not even know it!)
1. One sign of being financially illiterate is focusing much more on what you want to buy, rather than what you need to pay for. Differentiating between needs and wants is a huge part of becoming more financially literate. The financially literate know that needs and some wants should be prioritized when budgeting and spending each month.
2. Second, you splurge regularly or spend without thinking and justify it as “I deserve this.” While yes there are instances when we should treat yourself, acting on this thought on a regular basis is a sign of being financially illiterate. One thing I do is constantly tell myself, “Nice things will always be around.” It helps me get over the scarcity mindset.
3. Third, you use credit cards for big and small purchases because you either don’t have the money for it or you don’t want to use your own cash. Some people charge small things (coffees, manicures, etc.), and this can add up (this was one of my bad habits). Making large purchases like vacations or new clothing is also a sign of financial illiteracy. Until you get your spending under control vow to only use credit cards in an emergency. Put them in a cup of water and freeze them to prevent impulse spending.
Are you financially illiterate? Maybe you are semi-literate when it comes to money? We are all in different stages when it comes to financial literacy. I will discuss more signs in part #2.
The World Cup has come to an end. After an unfortunate early out for West Indies, it was England and New Zealand in the final
kayla@carib101.com
It was one of the most entertaining matchups in the entire tournament with England and New Zealand playing in the World Cup final match and it is no doubt that the 2019 World Cup Final will go down in history. It took England 27 years to have the opportunity to play in a Cricket World Cup final and they took advantage in the match. The teams were tied after 50 overs and England was able to clinch the win in a Super Over.
New Zealand batted first reaching 241 runs in 50 overs and England was on pace to surpass them. Although England’s Ben Stokes hit an unbeaten 84 in the victory, in the final few overs they could not and tied the game leaving them to enter into a Super Over where there are six extra deliveries on each
side – a similar equivalent would be a penalty shootout.
England’s Jofra Archer, a Barbados born player who decided to pursue his international career with England has made a name for himself after the successful run at the World Cup. After making a good impression at a one day game against Ireland last month, Archer was included in the World Cup squad.
After England and West Indies faced each other in early June, Windies captain Jason Holder said that he wasn’t surprised by the noise Archer was making in the international tournament.
“He’s grown up in Barbados playing cricket so what you see -- what I’m seeing of Jofra doesn’t surprise me. He is one of those guys who has always had ability and talent. It is just unfortunate how things went in terms of his decision-making but he is a good talent.”
But despite the disappointment of Jason Holder, Archer was given praise by two-time World Cup winner, Viv Richards.
“I think that the individual in himself would have felt that he’s in the best place because of the way I think he was maybe treated by the West Indies
personnel when he was a member of the Under-19 teams”
Up next more locally, the Global T20 Canada League will begin on July 25th in Brampton at the GAA Centre. The tournament’s first match will be between the defending champions, Vancouver Knights and the Toronto Nationals with 22 matches in total. The teams that are participating in the tournament are the Toronto Nationals, Montreal Tigers, Edmonton Royals, Vancouver Knights, Winnipeg Hawks and the Brampton Wolves. There will be some notable and familiar faces from the recent World Cup such as Chris Gayle from West Indies, Chris Lynn from Australia and New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson.
The league ends a week before the start of the ICC Americas T20 World Cup qualifier that runs from August 17th to 25th in Bermuda. It will feature the host, Bermuda as well as Canada, Cayman Islands and USA.
STOP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR DATA.
STOP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR DATA.
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