Scents & Sounds 090518

SCENTS & SOUNDS

The seductive scent of jerk chicken on the fire could be smelled from Hwy 27, and just in case your sense of smell was off, you could feel the vibrations of Reggae and Dancehall, alerting the surrounding neighborhood that Summerfest had arrived. The sounds and smells of Jamaica drew guests to the southeast side of Woodbine Mall, where they could enjoy two days of Jamaican culture.

Once the sun began to set, the festival was filled with people celebrating Jamaica by collecting stacks of food containers, competing in the dominoes competition or simply wearing a green, yellow, and black combination.

Lining the festival were incredible vendors offering good food, Jamaican apparel, cold drinks and a booth selling hair options. The festi-

val made sure to accommodate those who may have been fighting the heat with ice cream trucks, cold beer and a vendor selling fresh sugar cane. Outside of the festival, locals were getting comfortable across the parking lot to enjoy the Reggae and Dancehall allstars performing.

Continued On Page 5

Charline Grant Parents advocating for better school systems

With the kids headed back to school for another year of fun, excitement and learning, all parents want is for their children to be safe, respected and most importantly treated fairly.

Charline Grant is a mother who knows all too well about how children and parents can feel alienated, discriminated against and marginalized in a place where they should feel at home.

Charline immigrated to Canada from Jamaica at the age of 15, attending high school and college here in the city with intentions to pursue a career in law.

She was able to secure and fill various positions in the legal field, completing her real estate license in 2008 and tackling both of those professions for a while before becoming a mother to three beautiful children.

“I started noticing that my oldest son was having issues at school,” Charline says. “I was never quiet about it discussing it in detail with my husband and writing a lot of letters to those in charge, not just sitting back and letting things happen.” She noticed just after he began high school that her son was being faced with unfair and unwarranted circumstances of discrimination not by his peers, but by teachers and staff at the school.

“When we got to know what was going on, we made appointments to meet with the teachers and the administrative staff

at the school,” Charline shares. “When I look back at it and remember the responses, the arrogance of the board I thought to myself this can’t be an isolated incident.”

Charline and her family live in the York Region, and in 2016 census release, it is reported that 47% of York Region residents are born outside of Canada - third highest in Ontario behind Peel and Toronto.

Deciding to do some research on the matter, Charline took to Google to search up any other instances of racism in York Region and was unsurprised to find another story similar to our experience which warranted another media outlet to get in contact with us and run our story.

“It was through that story that I was able to connect with other parents,” Charline says, “We decided to challenge the board and Ontario Human Rights which we won and that experience made me realize that the board needed a strong voice, someone, who’s not afraid to stand up for what’s right.”

The coverage their story received from the article allowed more parents to come forward and have their voices heard. They formed a coalition with parents from other marginalized communities and even those who weren’t marginalized who had decided enough is enough and didn’t want these types of situations to continue in their community.

“From that experience dealing with the board, I knew I still have two other children in school as well and I really need to be a part of the change to manage these types of behavior moving forward,” Charline says.

This spring, in order to keep her parents not only to the parents who looked up to her, but also her children and others that might have been affected by such unfair circumstances, Charline announced that she would be running for York Region School Board Trustee Wards 1 & 2, covering the areas of Klineberg, Maple and Woodbridge.

She had been considering running for some time now, and through the encouragement of other parents and the well-being of her children, Charline submitted her name

for this worthy cause.

“Other than equality and inclusion there are so many other situations we can be a part of to minimize the corruption,” Charline says. “The best way to have change is to change the people at the table.”

“We can’t just have teachers and administrative staff stand on this soapbox,” Charline explains. “They should be doing mandatory and continuous equality training to be able to make all children feel safe and included in the school board.”

She says that staff can’t be expected to teach based on assumption. A big part of advocating for this change is also to implement transparency so people will have a better handle on what to do if there is an issue, who to contact, and have access to receiving the help they need to correct a situation.

“This was something that the other parents struggled with,” Charline says, “It was a big obstacle for them with the lack of information and knowing where to find information, so they would know what they need to do.

Charline says that she hopes to garner a more progressive education system for the students as well. “Things that my generation had to experience to learn, I would like my children to be taught that” Charline explains, “Things like financial literacy, understanding what a mortgage is, how to protect your identity, stuff that should be common knowledge and basic information that our children need to be informed later in life.”

The municipal election will take place on October 22nd, 2018, and a number of other parents have also decided to take Charline’s lead coming forward and throwing their own names in the race for School Board Trustee.

Charline had sparked a movement across Vaughn, not only in her community but other marginalized groups who have felt victimized by the system and know that now is the time for an immense change.

“A river cuts through a rock not because of its power but because of its persistence.” -Jim Watkins.

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean News

Jamaica is Calling: Come, Relax and Rejuvenate, Part 1

If you are traveling normally, you will have to pick up your luggage and go through Jamaican customs before you are able to get the answers to your questions. If you happen to be a journalist – which I am – the process is not as stressful. The Jamaican Tourist Board ensured that we were escorted through customs with minimal harassment. It is important that you have your paperwork in order; this will make life a lot easier.

way to communicate with each other. The slaves learned pidgin, derived from the African language Ashanti from West Africa in order to communicate with each other. They passed the language down to their children and over time, patois became the main used dialect in Jamaica.

Jamaica

• North Coast Highway, the newly built highway that takes you from Kingston to Ocho Rios in 45 minutes

“There’s a natural mystic blowing through the air if you listen carefully now you will hear.” Bob Marley

From the moment you step off the plane and take in that first breath of Jamaican air, you realize that there is something different about this place. You can almost smell the sea even regardless of being surrounded by plane exhaust fumes, and passenger body odor. That first breath is addictive, and your mind begins to wander. You begin to ask yourself questions as you walk towards the terminal; what are you going to see? How is your resort going to be? How blue is the water going to be?

Upon clearing customs, you step back outside, and you are greeted with the business of the airport: taxi’s, family members greeting their arriving family, tour buses and drivers, all there welcoming you with a friendly smiles. If you are not a native of Jamaica, you have to listen keenly in order to pick up on the dialect. Jamaican’s speak a dialect of English called Patois, which is a mix of British English and Creole. Patois comes from French origin and means “rough speech.” Unfortunately, it does carry a negative connotation but happens to be one of the most imitated dialects in the world. Also called African English, the language of Jamaican people began to develop in the 1600’s during the slave trade. Slaves were deliberately divided into groups to prevent revolts, so naturally, the slaves had to find another

Like their language, Jamaica has a painful, but rich history that can be easily discovered driving through the suburban towns and rural mountainside parishes. In the next few editions, my goal is to take the readers through a journey of discovery. I want that at the end of reading each article, readers are able to smell, taste, see, hear and feel the heartbeat of Jamaica. Even if you have been there before, I want to create a sense of longing to return in order to experience it again with a new set of eyes. I want to erase any fears that people may have, especially travelers who have never been to Jamaica.

Let me give you a preview of what you are going to experience:

• Kingston the heartbeat of Jamaica

• Popular restaurants, parks, hotels, culinary trails, and historical sites found in Kingston

An adventure park, popular eateries, clubs and street parties in Ocho Rios Beautiful resorts, beaches, and roadside shops that can be found on the drive to Montego Bay.

• Readers will be introduced to fine rum tasting and the importance of making a great cup of coffee.

• Some of the hotels that will be highlighted include: The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites (Kingston), The Jamaica Pegasus (Kingston), Moon Palace Jamaica Grande (Ocho Rios), and Jewel Grande (Montego Bay)

Are you ready to take a virtual trip to one of the most beautiful islands in the world? Open your imagination, mentally strap on your seatbelt, and follow me on my mystical journey through Jamaica, your home away from home.

“Grant true wisdom from above, Justice, truth be ours forever, Jamaica, land we love. (Excerpt from Jamaica National Anthem)

NIAL BO ATS WAI N GENERAL MANAGER

Reggae & Dancehall Stars highlight 28th Jamaica Day Summerfest

JELANI GRANT

jelani@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Continued From Page 1 -- Kids were offered various rides all day. Kids were given a selection of inflatable rides, including a zip line and an obstacle course. The younger visitors could also try the electric animal rides, a pirate ship maze, and bumper bubble balls.

Host for the festival was G987’s Kerry Lee Crawford, who called out to guests to see who attended the first Jamaica Day more than twenty years ago. A number of people raised their hands and cheered, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to the festival. Caribbean Airlines provided one lucky guest with a trip to Jamaica and a good-quality luggage bag for their trip.

Consulate General Lloyd Wilks appeared on stage to praise the organizers of Jamaica Day Summerfest and Top Cat Entertainment, for bringing the festival to Toronto each year.

Comedian Jay Martin, co-host for the weekend, kept guests highly entertained between performers joking about children praying, typical barrel items, his international trips to Barrie, Ontario and his treasured bully beef. Apparently, the canned corned beef is so cherished to his heart, he wrote a piece about it. “Something happened in the island of Jamaica, we had a friend that passed away that we all grew up on, and I miss this friend. So, I decided to write a poem about this individual because this individual played a very intricate part in my life,” he said. The comedian then spent the next five minutes emotionally singing about the many ways corned beef saved his life when he was younger and well into his 30s. He even held up his keys that had a canned food key attached for emergencies and remarked that struggle can happen at unexpected times. Martin ended his serenade by explaining the reason Jamaicans are so blessed is that, “whenever there are hard times we come together.”

Each performer on stage for the

weekend proved their all-star reputation before they began, with each announcement from the host spurring screams and applause from the crowd. Opening the Saturday performance stage was Empress Divine performing her new song “Momma” and another song calling out the random acts of violence in Toronto this year. Empress Divine wasn’t the only artist who took the time to profess peace during a time when the city faced a significant number of homicides. Though other parts of Toronto were facing more gun-related fatalities, artists throughout both days used their music to ask for peace.

R&B and Reggae singer Chelsea Stewart performed a single from her upcoming EP, providing the festival with a different sound from the Dancehall and Reggae stars.

During another break in the performances, Martin kept the crowd laughing and responding to his foolishness, calling on the band to help him perform a hilarious tune dedicated to his cheating girlfriend. Despite that awkward look into Martin’s personal life, the all-star performances continued including Korexon, Len Hammond, Chuxstar, Iba Mahr and Elephant Man, leaving guests with no time to stay in their seats. Konshens and his band headlined the festival’s first night following the string of exciting artists.

Sunday saw talents such as dancehall sensation Tifa and Eyesus. Shaddai performed both days and included her newest single ‘Toy Friend’ to an interactive audience who sang along word for word. Tarrus Riley had everyone at attention, headlining for the final day of the festival. One song received an overwhelming response from the crowd because of its call out to the alarming amount of violence across Toronto. Before he started Riley said, “Me hear say Konshens pass through last night…I tell him we don’t want no more violence inna di place, we read the news, when it’s not a bomb a drop, we see likkle kids firing on kids in the mall, we nah like it none at all.”

There was no shortage of entertainment for all ages and food for everyone who has a taste for Caribbean cuisine. With well-known DJs like Steenie, Big C and Spex doing their thing whenever a musician was offstage, the festival offered a number of cultural hallmarks we all love, taking everyone into Jamaica without any need for flights.

Light It Up! CaribbeanTales ignites with the special preview screening of HERO

ALYSSA MAHADEO

alyssa@carib101.com

It’s that time of year again!

Now entering its 13th year the CaribbeanTales Film Festival (CTFF) celebrates the talents of established and emerging filmmakers of Caribbean heritage who practice their art throughout the Caribbean Diaspora and around the world. Each year CTFF presents a multi-ethnic mix of exciting and dynamic films that showcase diverse and shared stories and cultures to fulfill their mission, connecting Caribbean people through film.

CTFF is produced by Caribbean Tales Inc., a registered Canadian charity. The company’s mandate is to foster and encourage intercultural understanding and racial equality, through the creation, marketing and distribution of film, programs, events, and projects that reflect the diversity and creativity of Caribbean heritage and culture.

The 13th year of the CaribbeanTales Film Festival opens on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 with a special preview screening of Hero: Inspired by the Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross at the Royal Cinema, 608 College Street at 8:00 pm with a red carpet of stars and influencers rolling out at 7:00 pm.

Hero is directed and produced by Frances-Anne Solomon – founder and CEO of CaribbeanTales Film Festival. Women directors, producers, and HerStories are featured prominently in this year’s line-up of the Opening Night Gala and the seven Special Presentation Nights:

Sept. 5th- Opening Night: Trailblazers

• Sept. 12th - Shine Ya Light

• Sept. 13th - Building Bridges (Women of Colour Creators)

• Sept. 14th - Draw Fire: Bajan Invasion

• Sept. 15th - Rise Up: Queer and Here

• Sept. 15th- Shades of Justice

• Sept. 19th - Redemption Tales

• Sept. 20th - Torchsong: Haiti.

The Kingston College Old Boys’ Association will be hosting their 4th Annual Steps for Success 5K Walk-A-Thon at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton. Under the patronage of Jamaica Consulate General, Lloyd Wilks, Sep 15th will see local residents and supporters of the college joining members of the KCOBA in a walk along the park’s perimeter.

Each year, the morning walk brings community members and KC alumni together while gathering funding for school materials and food for hundreds of enrolled students. This year, the affiliate group Ryerson Afro Caribbean Students Association alumni will join the walk to raise funds for the Roger McTair Student Filmmaker Award; an award granted to students attending Ryerson University.

“Our festival theme this year is ‘Light It Up.’ It’s a call to action. A call to arms. A call to change. A call that’s been ringing out for a long time,” says Diana Webley, Associate Festival Director. “We are asking our filmmakers to shine their lights on all the changes in the world, to showcase their vision of change and to spread their message…to lead the way.”

CaribbeanTales (CTMG) is a group of media companies that produce, market, and exhibit Caribbean-themed films for regional and international distribution, including CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, the first and largest full-service film distribution company in the English-speaking Caribbean’ and CaribbeanTales Inc, a registered Charity in Canada. Activities include: The CaribbeanTales International Film Festival now in its 14th year that celebrates the talents of established and emerging filmmakers of Caribbean heritage who practice their art across the Caribbean Diaspora worldwide; The renowned CaribbeanTales Incubator (CTII) a year-round development and production hub for Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora Producers that aims to create strong, compelling and sustainable content for the global market; Caribbeantales-TV a VOD streaming service for Caribbean films; and CaribbeanTalesFlix, our production arm.

Opening night film Hero introduces the world to breakout star Trinidadian actor/ artist/musician Nickolai Salcedo (Moving Parts, Salty Dog) and includes an international supporting cast of Jamaican-born Peter Williams (Stargate SG-1, A Winter Tale), St. Lucian/British Joseph Marcell (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and Ghanaian Nollywood superstar John Dumelo (A Northern Affair).

Hero - Inspired by the Extraordinary Life & Times Of Mr. Ulric Cross, is the story of a young man from Trinidad whose life is woven into the tapestry of history. His long life (19172013) spanned key events of the 20th Century and included the independence struggles of Africa and the Caribbean. A Trinidadian trailblazer who made his mark in history flying fighter planes in World War II to become possibly the most decorated West Indian Airman.

During a time when racism placed roadblocks in the way of people of African descent, Cross broke down barriers to become a BBC broadcaster, a lawyer, a judge and a diplomat. He played a central role in the independence struggles of both Africa and the Caribbean.

Including the health appeal for all participating registrants, the 5K Walk-A-Thon raises funds to provide needed books, nutritious meals, academic scholarships and medical care to students who are not able to afford these essential needs and services.

This year’s walk will also support a recently instituted dental program at Kingston College in Jamaica. KCOBA partnered with the Dent-A-Care Mobile Clinic to establish a dental care program at Kingston College. The initial phase of the program is covering the cost of dental treatment for a limited number of students plus two auxiliary workers. With enough support, the group expects to expand this program to assist every student in need of dental treatment. According to the KCOBA website, the program’s success mainly relies on the generous financial support of friends, past students, and the wider community.

Registration for the 5K will begin at 9:00 A.M., and at 10:00 A.M. walkers will begin their trip around the park. After registrants have completed their walk, they are welcomed to join the routine BBQ as congratulations for completing the physical challenge. According to Bright Side, walking lowers stress by releasing endorphins so participants are not only walking for a good cause but also

“The story interweaves “reality” media (archive, interviews) with “artificial” media (dramatic re-creation). These artistic tools are vital to reclaim and retell Caribbean stories. Since “real” footage does not exist, we must reimagine the past. These appropriations of the form are essential where conventional documentation is lacking. We must seek, through the new technology, to reclaim our authentic histories by any means necessary,” said Director/Producer Frances-Anne Solomon.

“Ultimately, the story is about us, about who we are as Caribbean people and as citizens of the world.” The international cast includes top screen stars from the Caribbean, Great Britain, Ghana and Canada including Trinidad’s Nickolai Salcedo in the lead role of Ulric Cross, Peter Williams (Stargate SG1), Joseph Marcell (Fresh Prince of Belair) and Ghana’s John Dumelo. The 100-minute feature film was filmed over three years on location in Ghana, Great Britain, and Canada, as well as in Trinidad & Tobago.

Other notable films to watch for:

• Dancehall’s Asian Ambassadors – director: Kaneal Gayle/September 19th -a documentary that follows four Japanese women who move to Jamaica after falling in love with Dancehall music and build their lives and careers on the island and in its music culture.

• Saturday Night Church – director: Damon Cardasis/September 15th - teenager Ulysses struggles with his gender identity and finds an escape by creating a world of fantasy filled with dance and music that leads him to a vibrant transgender community

• It Stays With You: Use of Force by UN Peacekeepers in Haiti – directors: Cahal McLaughlin & Siobhan Wills/September 20th - this film returns to Haiti’s Cité Soleil, a severely economically depressed neighborhood in Port-au-Prince to examine the impact of the 2005-2007 crackdown on criminals that left scores of civilians dead or injured.

Tickets can be purchased online at caribbeantales.org along with a full schedule of showtimes.

calming their mind for a weekend.

The Old Boys have maintained the objective of being a resource to Kingston College since 1973 when 33 Old Boys established the association’s Toronto chapter. With the continued funding for various donations, such as the dental treatment program, the association will surely be able to use their Alumni position to contribute to the achievements of current students. “Proceeds from this year’s event will fund two scholarships to post-secondary institutions in Ontario as well as students at 11 schools in the Caribbean,” said KCOBA Life Director Alex Francis. Francis said the funds raised to provide direct relief for some of the persistent issues negatively impacting students school experiences.

Other donations KCOBA contributes to include the KC Development Trust Fund, the KC Cadet Corp, and the KC Track & Field team. Additionally, they raise funds to support the Alliance of Jamaica Alumni Association’s Care and Share Program providing food baskets, clothing and toys to families in the GTA. A longstanding alumni celebration, KCOBA, and their supporters are already marking the date for their 45th Annual Reunion & Awards Banquet scheduled for Nov 3rd as a follow up to the 5K.

In a searing world premiere, choreographer and dancer Esie Mensah presents Shades, a deeply personal dance theatre exploration into the discrimination between lighter-skinned and darkerskinned members of communities of color known as shadeism, September 27th to 30th, 2018 at Factory Theatre in Toronto.

A visceral and urgent work, Shades examines the deep generational trauma that shadeism has imprinted on Mensah, its six artists, and society at large.

“I’m interested in exploring the ugliness, the pain, and the truth of shadeism,” says Mensah. “In 2018, shadeism is still a reality, constantly dividing us. Shades is my unapologetic confrontation with this all-too-common actuality in communities of color. While shadeism is explored through my lens, it is not just my story. It would

be selfish to present something so universal as just my own and that’s why I value the stories and experiences of my artists, creative team, and mentors.”

Originally developed in 2016, the now full-length 75-minute work will fearlessly examine the question of how communities of color became fractured around the notion of skin tone but also becomes an undeniable opportunity to start a conversation of healing across all Diasporas. In today’s world, this discrimination can often be subtle and insidious, whereas in the past shadeism was commonly used to unofficially rank enslaved people in many countries around the world.

Mensah is greatly affected by the lengths people of color the world over have taken to permanently alter their skin tone in a quest for a distorted beauty ideal. Countless reports abound of dangerous and sometimes illegal products purporting to lighten or even bleach skin tone, all suggesting an ingrained psychological belief many ethnic communities have towards social acceptance, perceived value and attractiveness. While Shades doesn’t shy away from confronting the ugly truths of shadeism, Mensah feels the piece is a restorative balm through which to mediate the pain.

Toronto-based Mensah is a highly respected choreographer and dance artist. She is the 2014 Black Canadian Award Winner for Best Contemporary Dancer, the 2015 recipient of the Cultural Promotion award from the Ghanaian-Canadian Association for her 2015 production of Akoma and was named in 2017 as one of 100 Black Women to watch in Canada. She has worked with some of the industry’s biggest icons such as Rihanna, Drake, Janelle Monae, French Montana, Francesco Yates, the Canadian opener for Justin Timberlake’s Man of the Woods Tour and has collaborated with companies like Coca-Cola, Luminato, TIFF, Estée Lauder, FIFA, WEDAY, and more. Within the realm of the performing arts, she has worked with Shaw Festival, Soulpepper Theatre, and Obsidian Theatre, where she gained both experience and knowledge to help her create.

In addition to her accolades, Mensah is committed to bringing her own unique style of Afrofusion dance into the industry that includes movements from traditional and contemporary African fused with commercial, urban, and contemporary styles. As a choreographer, Mensah uses each artistic opportunity to express her cre -

ativity through the art of dance and theatre. She designs and directs performances that have inspired others to share in her innovative ideas.

Shades features Mensah alongside an ensemble of six highly athletic and accomplished artists, coupled with the luminary creative team including actor Akosua Amo-Adem (Soulpepper’s The Crucible, Nightwood’s The Penelopiad) as dramaturge and triple Dora Award-winning playwright, director, and scholar d’bi.young anitafrika as Mensah’s artistic mentor.

During the performance, the dancers will interact with an inherent physicality while recounting moments of rejection, pain, and discrimination. Percussionist Santosh Naidu and bass player Ian DeSouza will compose original music as they create a soundscape of pulsing African rhythms and musical flow. Audiences will discover that Shades will be an experience to remember.

Shades will run from September 27th - 29th, 8 pm at the Factory Theatre located at 125 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario, with a final curtain call on September 30th at 4 pm. Tickets are $35 for Adults and $25 for Seniors, Students and Arts Workers available at esiemensah.com.

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Chang announces $550m housing project in St James

JAMAICA -- Member of Parliament for St James North Western Dr Horace Chang has announced the construction of 76 housing units to relocate some residents of Canterbury, a $550 million project designed to transform the inner city St James community.

According to Dr Chang, who is also the minister of national security, the project is slated to get off the ground later this year with funding from the National Housing Trust.

“We have asked Housing Trust for the money and they are about to give us so we can start this project very soon,” Dr Chang disclosed during a town hall meeting in Montego Bay last week.

“The first step is to try and get (off) everybody who live on the gully bank so we can build a road and basically landscape the area and then begin to move into Canterbury and really transform it,” he said.

“Nothing is wrong with the location, we can build it out and really make it into a viable, dynamic, residential community for the working people of Montego Bay. That’s one of the

things I feel very strongly about. If we are able to transform North Gully and Canterbury I think we will be able to convince other citizens to get up and say we have transformed Montego Bay,” he added.

The 76 units will be constructed on a parcel of land behind a school in the adjoining Albion community.

Dr Chang added that the construction of the housing units will not result in the relocation of the entire Canterbury population.

He was quick to point out that the units to be constructed are first and foremost for Canterbury residents.

“The houses we build will be first choice for the people living there and there are many people who can buy it. We did it in Albion and we will do it again,”said Chang, who is a former housing minister.

The community of Canterbury forms a part of the St James Central constituency represented by the Jamaica Labour Party’s Heroy Clarke.

- Jamaica Observer

Teacher shortage; Annotto Bay High in dire need as new school year opens

JAMAICA -- The optimism for a successful start to the new school year expressed by Education Minister Senator Ruel Reid in his broadcast to the nation last night will not materialise today at Annotto Bay High School in St Mary, which is struggling with a shortage of mathematics teachers.

In fact, the shortage resulted in a 27 per cent pass rate in the subject for the 20172018 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination.

The school recorded a 53 per cent pass rate in 2017, which Principal Trudy-Ann Philp said was the best in recent years.

Philp admitted to the Jamaica Observer in an interview last Wednesday that several classes were without maths teachers, and so Vice-Principal Clyde Gutzmore was forced to teach all four classes of the school’s fifth form.

“We had difficulty maintaining most of the teachers throughout the course of the year. What is happening now in the system is that you have a shortage of teachers in particular subject areas. It’s also because of migration. We have made attempts to go to Mico [University College] ourselves to try to recruit science and maths teachers but that has not worked out. There is a crisis in the system now for science and maths,” Philp said.

She explained that the students who enrol at the school are deemed as critical, noting that students are divided into streams: Sp1, Sp2 and Sp3.

“Sp3 are those who are in critical need. These are students who perform in the 20s. Then you have the Sp2 who are students who are doing well but there’s much room for improvement. With intervention and strategic support they can improve themselves. The Sp1 students are like your Campion and your Immaculate. A lot of our students, I would say, or half the population, struggle with reading. They cannot read. And this is what we’ve been getting since 2001. It also has to do with the children’s numeracy level coming into the school. We have been grappling with that. Many of them are performing below the national level,” the principal said.

Even as the new school year begins today, Philp said that the school administration is still facing a crisis as it relates to maths teachers.

“Teachers have accepted and up to yesterday (last Tuesday) they have declined the position,” she said.

The Observer was also told that one of the factors for the shortage is relocation as teachers prefer to move to jobs closer to home in order to cut cost.

“What we are going to do now is to have a meeting to see how best we can hold the classes together until we can procure the teachers. We’re trying; we’re asking. We are doing the best we can here. We know that maths and English language are already national concerns, and so we are concerned. We have been struggling with the department. It’s only one person who has been with us for maybe two years. Everybody else coming in will be new,” she said.

As a result of this, Philp said the school’s administration is looking to redouble its efforts in order to improve its pass rate.

“We’re looking at different interventions. We’re looking at a maths club. We had maths expo and maths week in this past academic year, which were really good. We’re looking at building the teachers’ capacity. Wherever they need improvement and support the school is behind them.

“We have had a maths coach from the ministry who has been assigned to us who has been helping and working with us for over two years now. It has been a strategy since then and we are hoping to turn things around,” she said.

Last night in his broadcast, Minister Reid said that his ministry had continued to focus on the professional development of mathematics teachers with more than 2,000 trained over the summer.

He also said that the ministry was continuing to conduct training for over 3,000 teachers in addition to special training being provided for the Primary Exit Profile, the new primary school-leaving assessment that replaces the Grade Six Achievement Test.

“Training was also conducted for over 2,000 teachers in the STEM and TVET areas both locally and internationally,” the education minister added.

He said he was satisfied with the education ministry’s preparations and was convinced that all is in place for a successful academic year.

“With committed and supportive parents, principals, dedicated teaching staff, and hard-working students, rest assured that it will be a very good one,” Reid said.

- Jamaica Observer

Commander Chapman visits relatives of footballer killed in accident

GUYANA -- Commander ‘A’ Division Assistant Commissioner, Marlon Chapman along with other senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force on Monday visited the home of Akeem Anthony, a biker who died as a result of a collision with a police vehicle driven by a ‘drunk’ police constable on Sunday.

The other ranks included Superintendent Linden Lord, Detective Deputy Superintendent Gary McAllister and Assistant Superintendent Mark Vigilance.

The 23-year-old biker , a father of

one, reportedly died on the spot at around 23.30 hrs on Sunday on Mandela Avenue in the city , after he was struck by a GPF minibus that was driven by an allegedly intoxicated constable.

Anthony, of Lot 338 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was reportedly hurled into a ditch on Mandela Avenue, in the vicinity of ‘Back Circle’ near East Ruimveldt.

- Guyana Chronicle

Call for T&T to refine Guyana oil (fly line) Good in principle

GUYANA -- Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) will be given the first option to buy the Petrotrin refinery as the company shifts its focus to the extraction and export of crude oil.

But Opposition Leader of the twinisland republic Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has called on her government to partner with Guyana to refine its oil.

Reacting to the call, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said while the proposal might be good in principle, there are several critical areas that ought to be considered by Guyana before any decision is made.

Former Trinidad Prime Minister, now Leader of the Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar has expressed the view that Trinidad should attempt to partner with Guyana – its CARICOM sister state – to refine its oil.

Prior to ExxonMobil’s 9th oil discovery here in the Stabroek Block days ago, it was estimated that Guyana had more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels. With this number expecting to increase with the latest oil find, Persad-Bissessar believes that her country should at least try to capitalise on this ‘golden opportunity’ that would salvage the island’s petroleum industry.

“I understand Guyana has found another well and they are producing, can we not group in some way and find a way to work together as a CARICOM (sic) where we can help them refine their oil?” the Trinidad opposition leader was quoted in Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

Vice-President and Foreign Affairs

Minister Carl Greenidge told the Guyana Chronicle that the idea is good in principle.

“These ideas of utilising spare capacity which the Region may have in anything to ensure that one makes the best of the resources that we have in the Region is one that is very commendable,” Minister Greenidge told this newspaper when contacted on Sunday.

However, he said for an industry as complicated as the oil and gas Industry or petroleum industry, consideration must be given to the specifics.

“The cost associated with the processing by the specific facility, volume is another dimension, and then there are a number of other issues to be examined as far as I am aware,” he explained, while reiterating that the idea is generally sound in principle, but there are specifics that must be addressed before any decision is taken.

He, however, noted that the two

governments will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). “Guyana and Trinidad are looking at an MoU, covering in energy, and there will be later this month a conclusion of that MoU,” he posited.

Minister Greenidge alluded to the fact the Guyana government is in receipt of an ‘Oil and Gas Master Plan,’ which was developed and submitted by Mitsubishi Corporation and Chiyoda Corporation in collaboration with the Government of Japan.

The plan has as key objectives the development of Guyana’s domestic oil industry; the creation of a balance in the domestic usage and exportation of products from indigenous oil and gas; the harmonisation of the industry in keeping with Guyana’s ‘green’ development agenda; and the quantifying of the economic feasibility of the plans.

He noted that the Japanese Government has offered Guyana to undertake feasibility studies on a number of logistical areas which include a refinery. Those studies will be among reports that would inform government’s decision.

“So we will be informed by the feasibility studies as to what can and can’t be done. We would also look at what capacity there is in the Region,” the foreign affairs minister said.

In May, Pedro Haas, Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners which conducted a feasibility study for an oil refinery here, had revealed that the cost to construct a standard 100 barrel per day oil refinery would be US$5B.

Given the cost, Haas suggested that there be a creation of a robust unit within the Ministry of Finance, which should have both technical and professional relationship with the international oil companies exploring for oil here.

The expert had said as an alternative to the establishment of an oil refinery, it would be best for the government to maximise income from commercialising crude oil, swap or toll crude oil for products on the international market, create joint ventures with offshore refineries, as well as acquire stock in refining companies.

Haas said whether an oil company is state-owned, domestic or internationally operated, from the standpoint of the government and in the interest of the state, the creation of a fiscal authority body, which would have knowledge of the markets and taxes “in the proper way” is best. This, he noted, will enable a body to bring an educated discussion on the subject..

- Guyana Chronicle

Espinet in dark about Petrotrin refinery sale

TRINIDAD -- Petrotrin chairman Wilfred Espinet is holding fast to his position that there is no plan to sell or privatise the refinery at Pointa­Pierre which is being shut down.

Espinet, who is out of the country, referred questions on any plan to sell or privatise the refinery to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley when contacted by phone Monday. His claim came hours after the PM told the country the refining assets of Petrotrin could be put into a “separate company for opportunity attention” and the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) “will be given the first option to own and operate it on the most favourable terms.”

But OWTU president general Ancel Roget has rejected the offer saying the union never wanted to own the refinery. (See pages A5 and A13)

Monday, Espinet said he wanted to make it “absolutely clear” that he had “absolutely no knowledge of anybody wanting to buy the refinery,” nor had he “been in any discussion whatsoever with anybody, politician, public servant, union, anybody where I indicated to them that any part of the strategy was about selling

the refinery.”

Told further of Rowley’s plan, he insisted he was “never involved in any discussion, recommendation or proposal regarding the sale of Petrotrin’s refinery. Never!”

Espinet said the decision to close the refinery followed eleven months of work done with the assistance of a number of experts. He said by removing the refinery, the company will have the money to pay its debt “because it is eating out the cash and you cannot pay the debt. But if you could stop bleeding of that cash, you can then re-direct the cash to paying the debt.”

Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar has suggested that a way should be found for this country, as a member of Caricom, to help refine the oil found in Guyana.

But Espinet said it is not as simple as Persad­Bissessar made it out to be.

“The first thing is to go and find out how the Guyana oil is coming out of the ground, where it is moving, how they moving it, who owns it, who owns the rights and how do you get it,” he said.

Saying Persad-Bissessar was suggesting T&T can do it as a Caricom partner, Espinet said, “In Caricom we don’t even trade each other’s goods. Where is the reality in all of this?”

Responding to calls from former energy minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan for a national conversation on the closure of the refiner, Espinet asked, “What does the conversation do? All of that sounds very good. How does that conversation pay the people their money? How does that happen?”

He said once the investments in exploration and production increase “you will get better returns and better results. We have assets that have been determined in the ground and we need to monetise them. They have not been monetised because we have spent billions on the refinery which have not worked.”

Asked about the threat of a shutdown by the trade unions carded for Friday, Espinet said Petrotrin “always has contingency plans in place.”

- Trinidad Guardian

Unions rally behind Petrotrin cause fight to bitter end

TRINIDAD -- Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) president general Ancel Roget has admitted his union is in no position to buy Petrotrin’s billion-dollar refinery but says this is a ruse as the Government already has a purchaser in mind.

His comments came hours after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, in a televised address to the nation on Sunday, offered the OWTU first chance at acquiring the refinery following Government’s decision last week to shut down its operations.

Monday, Roget declared an all-out war on the Government against the treatment meted out to the working class and unions.

“We must be prepared to fight to the bitter end comrades,” Roget told union leaders who walked with him to the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair to deliver a letter to the PM seeking an urgent meeting with him.

If the workers fail to prepare, Roget said the Government will send out their attackers against them.

“A war has been declared against workers in T&T… the workers and its unions must respond. And our position is if you and my enemy is fighting... the only life I have here and about is mine. We don’t care about Dr Rowley’s political life. We care about the survival of the people and workers in this country.”

Roget said Rowley drew first blood and he now has to respond.

Monday, the OWTU was joined by several union leaders at the National Union of Government and Federated Workers’ Union head-

quarters in Port-of-Spain, where they signed a letter dated September 3 addressed to Rowley asking that they meet and discuss the impending closure of the Petrotrin refinery and continuing retrenchment of workers.

“We wish to remind you that these actions are in direct contravention of agreements on August 23, 2017 and September 13, 2017, which included inter alia the following, a moratorium on retrenchment until December 31, 2017 and that any new consideration of retrenchment must be brought to the National Tripartite Advisory Council before any final decision is made by the Government,” Roget said in reading out some of the contents of the letter.

Roget said such a move was untenable and an undemocratic situation, saying it marked the dawn of a different era.

The letter was signed by Roget, Public Services Association president Watson Duke, National Union of Government Federated Workers president general James Lambert, T&T Farmers Union president Shiraz Khan, Amalgamated Workers’ Union president Michael Prentice, Communications Workers’ Union general secretary Clyde Elder, Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union president Michael Annisette, T&T Registered Nurses Association president Idi Stewart, Postal Workers Union president David Forbes, Fire Service Association president Leo Ramkissoon, Inter-Island Truckers’ Association of T&T president Wazir Ali and Banking Insurance General Workers’ Union representative Anton Baron.

The union leaders, under the watchful eye of armed police officers, walked to Rowley’s office from the NUGFW headquarters, where the letter was delivered to Rowley’sprotocol officer Kirk Francois.

Responding to Rowley’s address to the nation on Sunday night, Roget said the country was faced with a lot of deceit.

“I want to say we cannot trust this Government and its Prime Minister. They are simply not credible,” he said.

He said the OWTU had been vindicated because they have maintained “the plan is to sell the people’s assets…the refinery and it came out quite clear last night in this sort of a backhand kind of a roost telling the union that we have the first option to buy the refinery. “ Roget said, “To purchase a refinery that costs billions of dollars, he (Rowley) knows very well we will not do that. His plan is to say if you all can’t buy it we will get somebody to buy it. ... Wait and see T&T who will come forward to purchase this refinery. They have already shortlisted somebody…their friends to purchase this refinery.”

He questioned why the PM went with one consultant’s recommendation on the refinery’s closure and not get a second or third opinion.

In going forward, Roget said a debate on the refinery should take place in Parliament and for a public inquiry into the operations of Petrotrin.

- Trinidad Guardian

Parents want more security at Rousillac Hindu

TRINIDAD -- As they dropped off their children for the first day of school today, parents of pupils attending Rousillac Hindu School called on Education Minister Anthony Garcia to boost security, saying the perpetrators who vandalised the building remain at large.

Grandmother Judy Mungroo said her five-year-old granddaughter Amelia Lall started school for the first time and when she dropped her off along with her sister, Gabriella Lall, she was concerned about their security.

“I want the police to do more patrols at the school. The ministry must ensure they are safe here,” Mungroo said, as she kissed the girls goodbye.

Grandfather Dhanraj Seeth said it was traumatising to know that vandals threw rocks at the school, damaging sheeting to the back of the

compound and destroying waterlines and window in the pavilion next door.

“What if this happens during the day when the children are here? We want the Ministry of Education to do something about this,” Seeth said.

Parent Kenny Martin said he was unaware the school was vandalized. However, he said instead of posting female officers at the school there should be at least two male officers.

“I want to be sure that the children are safe and we as parents will feel better if we had male guards,” Martin added.

However, Virgil Gilbert said he had no fears about the safety of the pupils, saying the principal would guard the children with his life.

“He is like their second father. He will not let things get out of hand,” Gilbert said.

However, he called on the ministry to complete repairs on the new school, saying it was 85 per cent complete.

The school burnt down six years ago and since then the 200-plus pupils have been using the community centre. Virgil said he did not know who vandalised the building but said it was possible the residents wanted back their community centre.

Contacted on the issue, Minister in the Ministry of Education Dr Lovell Francis said an investigation will be done into the parents’ complaints, following which action will be taken.

“Once we investigate we will take whatever measures are necessary,” Francis said.

- Trinidad Guardian

TRINIDAD -- The serenity of the lush green and quaint community of Tortuga was disturbed by the continued onslaught by criminals Monday, as Roman Catholic priest Fr Jose Maria Thekkekutte was left bound by bandits who robbed the church’s presbytery hours after a harvest on Sunday.

Despite the bandits threatening to sever his legs with their cutlasses during a 90­minute ordeal, the India­born clergyman was not too concerned about his own life. Rather, he feared the criminals could return to the village to distress other families.

“By God’s grace, I was not afraid. I did not feel nervous at all because nothing happens without God’s knowledge. I told them that I rathered them kill me than to do all of this tying me up on the bed, but the man guarding me said that they would not kill me, they would chop off my legs.

“I asked him, ‘Why can’t you work? Why do you have to rob? You are able­bodied fellas.’ But they didn’t answer,” Thekkekutte told the T&T Guardian.

Thekkekutte, the priest at the Our Lady of Montserrat RC Church, said the bandits left with an unknown sum of local and US dollars, the parish’s Hyundai Tucson SUV and several bottles of alcoholic drinks. They even

Thieves: We poor too

ate a few blocks of chocolate before leaving.

Thekkekutte said he was asleep around 2.30 am when three masked men forced open the door downstairs the presbytery, which is a building away from the church. He said he believes the bandits passed the presbytery on Sunday evening and saw the church was having its harvest fundraiser. It was the proceeds from the event they asked for when they entered his room. However, the money had already been taken away by committee members.

Recalling the incident, he said: “I heard the door being opened harder because they were forcing it open. Then I looked up and saw two men in masks and cutlasses walking into my room. I sensed this was something strange and then I understood something was wrong.

“They flashed a light in my face so I lifted up my head a little from the pillow and then laid there. They again flashed the light in my eyes and made a sign that I should not make any noise.”

One of the bandits asked where the money they collected from the harvest was. But Thekkekutte told them it was gone already. Convinced he was lying, one of the bandits kept an

eye on Thekkekutte while the other pulled out draws and emptied cabinets. They eventually found a drawer containing US money which the priest had purchased for his recent trip to India and local currency estimated between $3,000­$4,000. But the bandits wanted more money and went to a bedside drawer where there was $1,000 that was supposed to help a needy person.

“I said don’t take that, this was meant for somebody. I said take the other one, but this one is not for me, this is for the poor. They said to me that they were poor too,” Thekkekutte explained.

As they continued ransacking the rooms, Thekkekutte was made to lie on the bed. The only comfort he had was that they eventually gave him water to take his medication. However, they also chastised him for allowing his flock to run a bar at the presbytery during Sunday’s fundraiser and also for allowing female members to wine during the event.

The men later took the priest to the lower story of the building where a third bandit entered and kept guard while the others ransacked more rooms. They then broke into the garage where they stole the alcohol that was left from the harvest. Before leaving, they disconnected his telephone (landline) and used

a clothesline and pieces of the bedsheet to tie his hands and feet. They then took the keys to the SUV and the remote for the electric gate and left.

It took several minutes for Thekkekutte, using his teeth, to wriggle out of his restraints and find his mobile phone to call a church member for help. Gran Couva police officers visited the building and started a search for the bandits. Neither the bandits nor the stolen items were recovered up to Monday.

The Tortuga community is blessed with the beauty of old architecture, which can be seen in some of the houses, church and the old Postal Agency building along Mayo Road. Almost every yard has a fruit tree, tractors are parked on the roadside and the hills are laden with vegetables. It is why resident Shannon Brown described it as one of the few communities that remain unchanged. But with Monday’s robbery, Brown told the T&T Guardian villagers fear it could result in more robberies as they are a peaceful and quiet people who are unaccustomed to violence.

-

Trinidad Guardian

Beetham residents get $.3m in flood grants

TRINIDAD -- Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds Monday received an apology from Beetham Gardens residents over an incident last month in which he was doused with flood waters while visiting the community.

The apology came as some 49 residents received over $350,000 worth of aid during a disaster relief grant distribution ceremony at the Beetham Gardens Community Centre. The grants were given to residents who had lost household items such as stoves, refrigerators, washing machines and beds during the flooding. They received cheques to a maximum value of $10,000.

During an address to the residents on hand, Hinds commended them for their reaction following the incident in which he and

councillor Akil Audain were doused with flood waters on August 14 while visiting the area following the disaster.

“I want to commend you the people of Beetham because on that day when we were here, and we got distracted by a sideshow, the focus was on your relief. And I saw you collaborating with each other, commiserating with each other,” Hinds said.

He once again defended the community following the negative backlash voiced by members of the public in the aftermath of the incident.

“All of the public commentary that went after that day, I was able to say to Trinidad and Tobago truthfully and confidently that of all the people I met on that day, most of them

were like you, ordinary, decent well­meaning, suffering citizens and you rallied with each other and I was happy for the chance to rally with you.”

At that point, Marlene Veronica Lewis, a resident of 16th Street, where the incident took place, took the microphone and once again apologised to Hinds for the incident.

“I wanted them to know that people on 16th street, we are not on that, is a love on 16th street,” Lewis told the T&T Guardian after leaving the stage upon receipt of her cheque.

However, several residents at the event did not receive cheques Monday as they had not been able to provide the necessary documentation to receive the grant. Some 80 residents had qualified for the grant but only

Cops seek to ID man killed in accident

TRINIDAD -- Police are calling on the public to assist them in identifying a man who died after being run over by a vehicle in Penal.

Despite three days of investigations, officers are yet to find any relatives of the man, who is believed to have wandered away in an intoxicated state.

Investigators said around 9.50 pm on Independence Day, Ramesh Kalipersad, 58, of Penal, was driving his black Mazda323

east along Clarke Road, Penal, when he saw a man sitting upright on the left side of the road. Kalipersad swerved to avoid a crash but lost control of the car and hit the man, who appeared to be in his 60s.

The victim was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was treated. However, he died a day later at the hospital. Cpl Chin Sue of the Penal CID is continuing investigations.

In an unrelated incident, a couple was warded at the San Fernando General Hospital after being run over by a motorcyclist in Point Fortin on Sunday night.

Melanie Blackburn, 29, of Salazar Trace, Point Fortin and Bernard Francis, 34, a mechanic of Cap­de­Ville, Point Fortin, are being treated after sustaining a broken left leg and abrasions respectively.

Investigators said around 10.30 pm,

49 provided the required information prior to Monday’s ceremony. Many in attendance went to the Ministry of Social Development officers to present their information.

“A number of persons present today would have got a phone call from the ministry to validate the spelling of their names and to get their ID card numbers. A lot of the information we would have received did not come with that information so we spent some extra time processing the grant,” said Vijay Gangapersad, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development.

Gangapersad attended the event in place of Minister Cherrie Ann Crichlow­Cockburn, who was unable to attend.

- Trinidad Guardian

the motorcyclist was riding out of Point Fortin when upon reaching Frisco Roundabout he lost control of his motorbike and struck the couple.

The motorcycle has since been impounded by police. WPC Noel is continuing investigations.

- Trinidad Guardian

Relatives fearful after teen slain, want Griffith to intervene

TRINIDAD -- Relatives of Dillon Victory, 19, who was murdered near his home at Oropune Gardens, Piarco, on Saturday night, say they are now very fearful for their lives as they believe they know who the killers are.

The family members are now calling on the new Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith to intervene and capture the killers and bring them to justice. They are also calling for more frequent police patrols in the area.

According to a police report, Victory, who was on his way to collect money owed to him, was ambushed by gunmen and shot multiple times about his body. The incident occurred at about 8 pm at 5th Avenue Extension. Victory, who worked at a warehouse, also did mechanical work and odd jobs for people in the area.

Speaking with the T&T Guardian Monday at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, a relative who wished not to be iden­

tified, described Victory as a quiet individual, who worked very hard and harassed no one.

But the relative claimed Victory was a victim of bullying by residents over the years and said they suspect that his murder was connected to one of these incidents where Victory, fed up of being targeted, fought back with one of his bullies.

“We know who it is and we want Gary Griffith to come in here and take down all of them. If he could go Bon Air he could

come here. We afraid for our lives now and we need them so to be behind bars,” the relative said, noting Griffith’s spearheading of an exercise in Bon Air Gardens on Sunday in which officers locked down the community in a search for suspects in a string of murders there.

- Trinidad Guardian

Premium, Top Quality Paralegal Services

Understanding legal jargon is without a doubt one of the more difficult things to navigate without the right guide. Having someone on your side who not only understands the fundamentals but is able to educate and allow the ability to make sense of these unique situations.

Rodale Dwyer understands this all too well, and hoping to fill a need in the community, she made it her mission to aid more people in their legal matters.

“Since I was twelve I knew I wanted to be a lawyer,” says Rodale. “A lot of the time when people come here as immigrants they don’t know that they’re able to do things to help in the community and so I decided to pursue a career that would allow me to help people.”

Following her strong sense of justice, Rodale knew that this was the way she would make a difference in her society. Seeing others treated unfairly, it was important that she be able to help these people, to point them in the right direction to prevent them from being taken advantage of.

Upon migrating to Canada Rodale saw how much there was a need for people to understand how to navigate the system. “I realized in Canada a lot of people don’t know their rights, and I wanted to change that,” she explains. “I enrolled at Humber, and since going there it’s been all about moving forward and never looking back.”

In her program at Humber College, Rodale was able to explore all areas of law, and it motivated her to want to learn more.

She found herself a mentor, a former professor, Jennifer Zubick a faculty

member for the Paralegal Studies program at Humber. Jennifer was able to provide her insight, guidance, and encouragement to Rodale to help answer the questions she had and the push she needed to head in the right direction on her career path.

After graduation Rodale set forth looking for a position where she would be able to help people and make a difference in people’s lives as she had hoped.

“I started looking for a job and I realized I couldn’t find anything,” she recalls. “I didn’t understand, I went to school and did what I had to do, but I wasn’t finding the job that I wanted.”

matters that may require legal consultations.

She is a Licensed Paralegal (PA), Commissioner of Oaths & Mediator and is equipped to handle various legal matters covered under her scope of practice under the Law Society.

When her search yielded no results she took it as a sign. She wasn’t meant to be working for someone else. After the completion of her Law Society Exam, she opened her own private practice in 2012.

Never losing sight of her dream, Rodale continued to pursue more education to advance her knowledge of the industry graduating from York University with a BA in Human Rights and Equity and now currently enrolled in Law School.

“I even did a second degree in Gender and Women’s Studies, because I always wanted to do things that were going to be helpful to the community at large, not only to uplift myself, but also give help to others.

Through her practice Dwyer-Hamilton Paralegal Services (DHPS), Rodale provides many services to the community, including working on small claims cases, immigration and refugee services, as well as landlord and tenant disputes, traffic tickets, personal injury (WSIB) and many other

Practicing law is just as tenacious as it sounds and it is not without its own difficulties and challenges. “When you are sole practitioner one of the primary challenges is being able to adequately handle loss and profit, it’s not always going to be a profit month for you,” Rodale explains. “Between dealing with that staying focused and not giving up because you didn’t make a profit for the last two months and sticking with it.”

Rodale says that a big part of the business is marketing yourself and building your brand independently. “I wanted to stand out based off of not just my experience but based off of doing good work, so my clients would be able to refer others to me because they trust the quality of work that I do.”

It’s important to Rodale that she is able to provide her clients with the best experience possible and being upfront with them is imperative to ensuring her clients understand what it means to deliver top quality service.

“Informing my clients upfront that it’s never a guarantee when we are representing them that they will win their case is one of the key things that I thrive on in my business,” she explains.

“I want my clients to have high expectations of me, but at the same time

I want them to understand that although I’m representing them it doesn’t mean they will always win, but it guarantees them a fair shot at what they are trying to accomplish.”

Many are skeptical when searching for a lawyer to represent them in their legal matters, as they should be. Doing your research and meeting for a consultation is one way to ensure that you are receiving the help that you deserve. “It’s never about the money,” Rodale says. “It’s always about making sure you are getting the help that you need because if I can’t help you I’m telling you upfront.”

Dwyer-Hamilton Paralegal Services wants their clients to know they are not only here to help the local community, but the larger community as well. When they say premium service and top quality they mean it, they mean what they say, and their brand is a representation of who they are. Trust and honesty are the foundation of their company and fairness to all their clients are imperative in ensuring success in all cases they handle.

DHPS serves clients in Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Caledon, and across the GTA, Toronto, Canada and are willing to answer any questions you might have. Don’t second guess the answers to your legal matters, confide in someone you can trust to provide you with all the information, so you can be prepared.

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo Toronto Caribbean Reporter

X Factor gets Soca and they

Trinidad and Tobago celebrates one of its own today. Olatunji Yearwood has added more value to the island of Soca, steel pan and Carnival than even he probably understands, and it all happened on Saturday in the UK when the former Groovy Soca Monarch King mounted the X Factor stage.

Dressed impeccably in a custom tailored Ecliff Elie suit, the 32-year-old super star in the making confidently expressed his desire to show the world the greatness of Calypso and Soca music. “I am here to represent Calypso and Soca music,” he said as he addressed X Factor judges, Simon Cowell, Robbie Williams, Ayda Field and Louie Tomlin-

son. Olatunji, referring to himself simply as Ola, immediately transformed the vibe to say the least, bringing sudden smiles of excitement to the faces of audience members, some of whom seemed awash with pride, with our assumption that they’re of Caribbean descent.

Olatunji has been a part of the entertainment arena for 17 years. His parents, Eddie Yearwood and Mairoon Ali, both deceased, were stalwarts in Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cultural and entertainment landscape. His brother Rembunction, is also a performance artist. On stage on Saturday night, Ola said he writes his own music, something deserving of tremendous kudos.

Take a look at the young entertainer’s incredible debut to the X Factor stage. Be sure to keep that support for him strong in the coming weeks, after all, we all have a part to play in pushing Soca to see its full potential.

- EBuzzTT

Packing

for

a camping trip: seven things to consider

When you’re going camping, preparation is essential. In order to not forget anything, draw up a list of everything you’ll need beforehand.

1. The campsite: tent, hammer, sleeping bags, pillows, mattresses, air pump, extra blankets, tarp, rope, a little broom, etc.

2. Safety: Flashlights and batteries, complete first aid kit, sunscreen, pocket knife, whistle, etc.

3. Food: water bottle, cooking utensils, cutting board, can opener, pots, oven mitts, dish soap, portable stove, garbage bags, aluminum foil, etc.

4. Clothing: Raincoat, warm clothes, sandals, swimsuit, hiking boots, pants, sunglasses, hat, pyjamas, underwear, etc.

5. Hygiene: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, deodorant, toilet paper, towels, clothespins, detergent, hairbrush, mirror, etc.

6. Campfire: newspaper, lighter, hatchet, folding chairs, etc.

7. Fun: guide books, games, books, sports equipment if you have any activities planned, etc.

Psst! Don’t forget your camera and charger!

Camping season: how to choose your campground

Are you planning to spend the summer on a campground? To help you choose the right one, here are four important points to consider:

1. THE GROUNDS

Do the grounds seem clean and safe? What will the surrounding area be like? Will it be in the middle of nowhere, or near important services and activities that interest you? Who will your neighbours be? You’ll probably be looking for different campgrounds depending on whether you want absolute peace and quiet or more of an opportunity to socialize.

2. CAMPGROUND FEATURES

Water slides, beaches, tennis courts, playgrounds — what kinds of features does the campground offer? Is there a restaurant on or near the grounds? And will you have access to the internet? If a member of your family has reduced mobility, ensure that the grounds can accommodate his or her needs. Do you like camping with your dog?

Make sure the campsite allows four-legged guests, and check for any rules regarding pets.

3. ACTIVITIES

Dance night, bingo, karaoke, picnics — what kinds of activities are organized for the campers? Will you be able to participate for free? Are there any other attractions or activities near the campground (miniature golf, for example)?

4. COST

Costs vary from one campground to another. If you want to stick to your budget, be sure to check what is included in your campsite fees (internet, electricity, etc.).

Don’t hesitate to check online reviews for campgrounds that interest you in order to make the choice that’s right for you. Once your decision is made, be sure that you sign a detailed lease so there won’t be any surprises. Happy camping!

A fun summer to-do guide

What should you eat when camping?

A hotdog roasted over the fire is always delicious — except when you’ve eaten one eight times in the same week! Need suggestions to vary your camping menu? Follow this guide.

There are so many choices for breakfast: oatmeal, cereal, croissants, toast made over the fire, fresh fruit, bacon and eggs, or crepes (you can make the dry mixture at home). There are also lots of meals you can start preparing well in advance. Marinated meat, frozen stews, pasta salads, bean salads and spice mixes can all be brought from home.

You can also make a vegetarian chili if you prepare the necessary ingredients beforehand. Cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs, cheese fondue and couscous are also great options for camping. Once you’re settled into your campsite, you can go out and get a rotisserie chicken from the market. You can even use lef-

tovers for lunch or dinner by making sandwiches or a rice dish, for example.

One tip to simplify your meals: set your menu before you leave. You can get inspiration from food blogs that design simple and nutritious recipes that are perfect for camping trips.

Camping in the rain; are you prepared?

Mother Nature isn’t always on our side when it comes to camping. The key to having a great time despite the rain? Preparation!

WHAT TO BRING

First, check that your tent is in good repair, paying special attention to the seams. Pack a plastic tarp or canvas for extra shelter (a covered cooking area, for example) or to put under your tent for added protection from the elements. Once you’re at the site, choose as high a campsite as possible to make sure your space doesn’t flood. You should also bring along plenty of plastic bags to store items you don’t want getting wet.

Protect yourself as well. Umbrellas, raincoats, boots, warm socks and flip-flops can

To enjoy a dry holiday, inspect your tent and be sure it’s waterproof before heading into the wild.

all be useful!

HOW TO HAVE FUN

Bring whatever you think will keep you occupied while in the tent: travel versions of board games, playing cards, books, colouring books, tablets, etc. In addition to the games you bring, there will probably be a common area at your campground that may have a pool table or a foosball table.

To keep rainy day boredom at bay, make a list of interesting places near your camp before you leave. Museums, movie theatres, bowling alleys, restaurants and trails (a walk in the rain can be charming!) are all great options. Finally, you can always take advantage of a rainy day to sleep in, clean your gear or do some laundry.

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Sleep problems in pregnant women

The effects of pregnancy can be felt in any aspect of your life, including your sleep cycle. When your sleep quality is poor due to physical discomfort, troubling nightmares or an overactive mind, staying awake — and alert — throughout the day can become quite the challenge. Here are a few pointers to help you get the rest you need.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

The changes your body goes through during pregnancy can easily get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Breast tenderness, back pain and seemingly random bouts of nausea can be difficult to keep under control. And even when those symptoms aren’t present, there’s no escaping the nighttime bathroom breaks that only get more frequent as your baby grows against your bladder. Every woman is different, so you’ll need to take a trial-and-error approach to

find the right sleep solution for you. Start by adding a few extra pillows to your bed, and try sleeping with one between your legs and one under your shoulders.

RECOVERING LOST SLEEP

If sleepless nights no longer provide you with enough rest to get through the day, your weapon of choice is a nap. Get your energy levels back on track by taking an afternoon snooze a few times a week, but don’t overdo it. Remember: hitting the hay at a reasonable hour is your best bet against next-day fatigue. Your body needs all the hours of sleep it can get to carry you through your daily routine, which is why health-care professionals emphasize the importance of an early bedtime for pregnant women.

Benefits of homemade baby food

Once your baby is ready to graduate from the bottle to solid foods, your first instinct might be to purchase ready-made baby food from the supermarket. This is perhaps the most convenient option, but is it really what’s best for your child? Making your own baby food comes with its share of benefits for little tummies. Plus, the money you’ll save by switching from store-bought to homemade is well worth the extra effort.

TASTY AND FRUGAL

Trouble sleeping is a common complaint among pregnant women.

First trimester ultrasound: delightful and informative

The first ultrasound, which is usually performed eleven to thirteen weeks after your period stops, will establish the date of conception and determine your expected delivery date. You’ll also get to see your future bundle of joy and hear its tiny heart beat for the first time. In addition to its emotional value, the first ultrasound assesses fetal development and detects any anomalies that could hinder proper growth. Skipping this appointment is a bad idea for any expecting mother, regardless of age and number of previous pregnancies.

VITAL STATISTICS

Your first ultrasound will confirm that you’re on the right track to bringing a healthy bundle of joy (or several!) into the world. The technician will start by making sure the embryo is successfully implanted in the womb before carefully recording its pulse. Then, he or she will measure each limb — and any formed organs — and compare the results to general growth charts. All of the data

Important information about your child’s health can be gleaned from the first ultrasound.

collected during this appointment will be of great use later on when it comes time to plan your delivery.

EARLY DETECTION

Many problems can be detected or ruled out by studying the fetus and its environment. An embryo that’s observed in the right place negates the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy, just as a regular heartbeat excludes any potential heart problems. Illnesses like Down’s syndrome and pre-eclampsia can also be caught right away. Should your examination yield any abnormal results, your doctor will reassure you and recommend the best course of action for your health and that of your child.

There’s no denying that homemade baby food has a higher nutritional value than its store-bought counterpart, which often contains ingredients that are non-essential to your child’s development. Without additives like dyes and starches to get in the way, your jars of pureed meats, fruits and veggies are perfect to introduce your baby to the flavours and consistencies of solid food. What’s more, because baby food keeps well, you can save time, money and hassle by whipping up large batches at a time.

UNLIMITED OPTIONS

Grocery stores carry a limited selection of baby foods, and the flavours that are available aren’t always the most appetizing. Why limit yourself when you can prepare an endless array of different purees in the comfort of your own kitchen? Plus, you’ll know that every bite your baby gobbles up will be made from fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients — and a healthy helping of love.

FOOLPROOF METHOD

Boil food. Add water. You’re done! That’s really all there is to it. Feel free to experiment, but make sure you taste test your creations — if you don’t like it, chances are your little one won’t either.

Understanding your child’s motor skill development

Developing motor skills is a critical stage in your baby’s life. When it comes to fostering your growing child’s social and physical abilities, nothing beats hands-on parenting.

THE BEGINNING

Your child wasn’t entirely helpless at birth, having acquired certain reflexes while still in the womb. Baby’s fragile, delicate appearance can be attributed to his under-developed muscles, which are constantly evolving to adapt to his new environment. After a few months, he’s able to hold his head up for a few seconds and bend his limbs on his own.

Around seven months, your child will try to sit down on his own. You can lend a hand by showing him how it’s done. A bit later, you’ll notice him lying on his stomach and moving his limbs: that’s an early (and somewhat unsuccessful) attempt at moving around on all fours!

Your

unrelenting encouragement is vital to help your child’s motor skills progress.

Spend lots of time showing him the way forward, and he’ll get the hang of crawling in no time. Finally, around eleven months, your child will start trying to stand up — an unmistakable sign that baby’s first steps are just around the corner.

BABY STEPS

Your child should be able to stand up on his own and start attempting to take a few steps between 12 and 18 months. Always encourage him to learn at his own pace, and don’t worry if you don’t see much progress — he’s probably focusing his efforts on something else, like language or cleanliness. Your pediatrician will identify any true delays in the development of your child’s motor skills and suggest the best course of action.

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When should children start going to the dentist?

Is your little one teething? If so, it’s time to make an appointment for your infant’s first visit to the dentist. The Canadian Dental Association recommends that all children see a dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting, and at the latest, by their first birthday.

Baby’s first dental checkup allows the dentist to assess both the growth of your child’s jaw, and the position of the teeth and tongue when swallowing. The dentist will also keep an eye out for potential tooth-development issues (such as malocclusion) and if need be, suggest solutions to prevent or correct them. In some cases, the dentist will refer you to an orthodontist or other type of health professional.

During the exam, the dentist will give you advice on the oral care routine you should establish at home to promote your child’s oral health, and may also recommend preventive treatments such as the application of a fluoride varnish or sealant.

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop and typically only appear at the onset of adulthood. Most people have four of them, but in some cases, only a few erupt, and certain individuals will never get them at all.

Just like your other molars, your wisdom teeth are meant to crush and grind food. However, in some instances they cause a problem and need to be removed. Fortunately, taking them out doesn’t affect chewing and in fact, doing so can prevent or correct a number of issues, including the following three:

Removing wisdom teeth to avoid common dental problems

1. Cavities. Because they’re located at the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth can be hard to reach and, therefore, brush correctly. Getting cavities in these molars is consequently quite common and is one possible reason why your dentist might recommend pre-emptively taking them out. If you don’t remove your wisdom teeth and one or more of them get a cavity, in most cases extraction rather than repair is the recommended course of action.

2. Infections. Wisdom teeth are often impacted or semi-impacted (fully or partially under the gum line) and can therefore be painful. This condition can lead to repeat infections, periodontal disease, abscesses, cysts and other possible complications.

What is tooth sensitivity and what can you do about

Does a hot or cold drink, or even just the swipe of a toothbrush, cause you to feel intense pain in your teeth? Then you most probably suffer from sensitive teeth.

it?

Here’s a short overview of this common issue and some advice to help you solve the problem.

CAUSES

First of all, it’s important to understand that underneath the enamel (the visible part of the tooth) lies the dentine, which contains multiple nerve endings. If the enamel is damaged, or you have receding gums, the dentine becomes exposed. When the exposed nerve endings come into contact with hot, cold or acidic foods, you’ll feel a sharp pain.

Many factors can lead to enamel damage or gum recession and incite tooth sensitivity. These include:

• Bad habits (using your teeth as tools, chewing on ice or hard candies, etc.)

• The use of inadequate toothbrushes or toothpaste

• Bruxism (involuntary grinding of the teeth)

• Tongue or lip piercings

• Brushing your teeth too strenuously

• Poor dental hygiene

3. Orthodontic issues. If a complete set of wisdom teeth comes in, the available space under the dental arch is often insufficient for all 32 teeth to develop normally. In this case, the additional molars could affect teeth that have already developed and lead to dental spacing issues, such as crooked or overlapping teeth.

An X-ray will allow your dentist to know whether or not your wisdom teeth could eventually cause problems. If future troubles seem imminent, your dentist may recommend preventive extraction. The earlier wisdom teeth are extracted (preferably before the roots are completely formed), the faster the recovery time.

• Heavy consumption of acidic foods and drinks

• Periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)

SOLUTIONS

To prevent or relieve tooth sensitivity, or perhaps even get rid of it altogether, follow these tips:

• Get a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth. In order to make the right choice for your needs, speak to your dentist.

• Brush your teeth gently at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Floss every night.

• Reduce your intake of acidic food and drinks.

• Avoid foods that are very hot or very cold.

Finally, visit your dentist on a regular basis. He or she can establish the cause of your tooth sensitivity and suggest custom solutions to solve the problem and prevent recurrences.

What’s really happening when we practice yoga? Part 2

Let’s get deeper into that long answer that I started in the previous article. The benefits of yoga on the muscles, bones, connective tissue and the nervous system are undeniable. But as I mentioned, we are still only skimming the surface of a very complex system called the human body.

The immune system in our bodies functions to maintain health by defending us from foreign substances. As we know, the body’s systems do not work in isolation. The nervous, endocrine, and immune systems work together to communicate with

one another, therefore creating benefits on many levels. When we practice asana (yoga poses) we are improving our blood circulation. Due to the fact that we are stretching, strengthening and contracting muscles as we transition and hold various poses. The contraction of muscles increases the availability of white blood cells and removal of toxins from the bloodstream.

Practicing asana contributes to the reduction of stress hormones, the release of toxins from various places in the body and boosts time spent in parasympathetic mode, rather than the chronic sympathetic mode, therefore boosting immunity. Our bodies are then much more equipped to fight things like illness and/or infection. It doesn’t mean that we never get sick, but if we do, we have a better chance of healing a lot sooner.

Many of us come to yoga for the respiratory benefits, which can arguably be the core benefit that creates a domino

effect of benefits for all other areas of the body/mind/spirit. In order to create energy, the cells in our bodies require oxygen. When we practice yoga there is a large focus and/or emphasis on the breath. This is what helps us to become more present. It also helps us to both hold and transition to different poses safely. We learn how to deepen the breath, access the parasympathetic nervous system, and increase lung capacity. In a sense, we are exercising our internal organs.

When we access the breath, we are increasing the oxygenation of the blood, therefore allowing our cells to create the energy needed by the cells receiving the appropriate nutrients. As mentioned, taking the time for deeper more intentional breaths allows us to work the lung tissues in a way that boosts their elasticity and strength.

Our breath is our source of life, and just like we work our external bodies, our

internal bodies need the utmost attention in order to provide us with the true sense of health we desire. The breath is something we have easy access to without movement, we do not need to practice asana to begin to create a positive influence on our respiratory system.

Yoga continues to show up in a way that is more than fancy, funky poses that appear to be unattainable. The breath, simple subtle poses can have an incredible effect on both our internal and external bodies. Allowing ourselves to come to our practice with an open mind and gentle mind will allow us to create the changes we need on a daily basis. If we are already practicing, it is helping us to sustain and strengthen the many systems in our bodies.

Take the time, create an intention, and enjoy the benefits that are happening to your individual body/mind/spirit when you practice….Namaste

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Thank God for Good Energy Jamaica Trip 2018

for the next couple editions because I will take you on a trip through Jamaica that many of you have never been on.

I will be honest Toronto, I was very late getting this article into my editor, but in a way, it actually worked out in my favor. It gave me time to go through some valuable lived experience, which I, in turn, am now able to share with you.

For those who do not know, I was gifted with the opportunity to join Trish Browning, the Account Executive at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper on a media trip to the beautiful island of Jamaica. Now, unlike Trish, this was not my first time going to Jamaica; I have been going there for years, but this trip was different for many reasons. The theme of the Diaspora Press Trip put on by the Jamaican Tourism Board was, Home is Calling: Come, Relax & Rejuvenate! Well, I can see how if you were not on business, you could definitely relax, but I was there on business, so there was minimal relaxation for me. Anyhow, this article is not going to focus on the adventures of the trip, but be sure to stay tuned

Have you ever heard this expression? As far back as I can remember I have heard this expression and it wasn’t until my late twenty’s that I really knew what it meant.

Have you ever been striving for something and it was tough? You just wanted to quit and pack it up? I am sure this has happened to all of us and sometimes we do just pack it up and quit. It’s human instinct I think to do this… my article today though is to urge you not to.

I have been through some crazy things in my life, a lot of challenges, a lot of pain and a lot of toughness. Sometimes they were my own doing, sometimes I was caught in situations but most of the time it was my exploring and

For those who have not had an opportunity to spend time with me, there is a reason for that; I am extremely INTROVERTED! I would much rather be by myself then be around a group of people. Some people misjudge this and see me as snobby, or stuck-up, and I am fine with that, as long as they stay out of my way. I know; a little harsh, but it is my truth. I only bring this up because oddly enough, for the first time in a long time, I was able to be around a group of people and not feel like pulling my extensions out.

Understanding how energy works has allowed me to innerstand why I am the way that I am. I began to notice that being around certain people either drained me or uplifted me. I became aware of my behavior around people, how it changed and if I was being positively or negatively affected being around them. I have learned to be quiet in situations and be more observant, which allowed me to notice subtle things happening around me; of course, my self-awareness continues to develop and grow the more I shut up and observe. I have learned that a person’s energy is a combination of a person’s past, their present mindset, their dominant thoughts and their standing beliefs and perceptions of the world. For me, a person’s energy is

pushing boundaries that landed me in these situations. Can you relate? Sometimes it was so tough to keep forging through. I did though and I wouldn’t change it for the world because I learned so much about who I am, what I stand for and really and truly what I believe in. So with that being said here are three tips to keep you in the game when things hit the fan.

1. Remind yourself of the big picture. We as humans get lost in the moment sometimes. The emotions rise, we get attached to what is happening now. It’s definitely going to take some practice but when you feel this coming on, it’s time to reframe and remind yourself of what’s important. Knowing why you are doing what you are doing will help you move through the situation and stay on course.

2. Having visual cues to help you Having images of what you are creating will help you to achieve and get through the hard times. I have vision boards and huge notes on my walls reminding me of why I am doing what I am doing. When I get into that zone like I am going to pack it

easily felt; within moments of meeting a person, I am able to pick up quite a bit. If it is negative, I am repelled and find myself as far from them as possible; if it is positive, I am drawn to them like a moth to a flame.

I was pleasantly surprised that on this five-day journey through Jamaica, I was not as repelled as I usually am when I am around a group of people. It is important to note that just because I was around some great people with great energy, it did not mean that we were similar. Quite the contrary; we were all very diverse with different perspectives, upbringing, culture, and beliefs. In our many discussions, the group members were all able to present their point of view, and the rest of us respected their differing perspectives. I truly felt relieved after the second day because I had no idea how I was going to survive if I was around a group of bad energy people.

I respect our press escorts: Carey Dennis from the Jamaica Tourist Board, Barney Bishop and Lyndon Taylor from Finn Partners for setting the tone for our group. I am truly grateful for all of the journalists who joined us on this trip, and I feel it necessary to honor them for having such an impact on me. I learned something from each and every one of them, and in the next few weeks, I will highlight them and highlight the journey that connected us all on one island; Jamaica, Land we Love!

in I look up at the wall and I am reminded of why I am pushing through.

3. Reach out to your support network Have friends on standby (well not really but sort of) that know where you are headed and they are there to help support you. They take you off the ledge and remind you of the reasons you are doing this. I have a few key people in my life that I can do this with and they don’t judge me. I can just call and vent to them and they help me get back on track. Sometimes it’s really all that we need to get through.

So whatever it is that you are going through it will really make you stronger. It’s a cliché I know but time over time it’s proven to work for me. I come out of challenges with new armor, a different insight, and more repertoire to help my clients move through. I really believe we experience things so that we can teach from it, so if you see all challenges as a source of learning, it might make them less aggravating? Maybe? Just know you are worth getting to where it is you want to go, so don’t give up on yourself, you are worth every penny.

Providing for beneficiaries in blended families-The Mutual Will

The term ‘Blended Family’ is used to refer to married couples who have children from previous relationships. This type of family often presents a challenge in will and estate planning as each party often have a desire to leave assets to their children. Without careful planning, the children of one party may not benefit from an inheritance. Take for instance the following scenario: John is widowed and has two children from his previous marriage. He also owns a home which he had previously owned with his

It’s hard to believe that the CNE has ended and summer is almost a distant memory. As we begin this school year I would like to begin by offering a few tips to help the 2018/19 academic year to be the best that it can be. In my opinion, the three most important ingredients that equip students to excel at school are sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

First and foremost, I would like to remind students and their guardians of the importance of a good night’s sleep. Did you know that the suggested amount of sleep for a newborn ranges from 10 to 18 hours? It is evident how much growing these tiny little bundles do each and every day. So, it is with teenagers. A “pleasant puberty” experience is often associated with a lot of sleep. Sleep is so vital to teenagers. It is tempting to label teenagers as “lazy” when all they really are is “increasing”. The literature suggests that teenagers actually need more sleep than adults.

Sleep is often the most underrated ingredient in the recipe for a suc-

dead wife. John subsequently marries Mary who also has two children from a previous marriage. Mary and John live together in John’s home. Several years later John dies and Mary inherits all of John’s assets. It is highly likely that Mary can then make a will leaving all her assets (including the home she inherited after John died) to her children. Even if she dies intestate her children will be the beneficiaries of her assets and not John’s children. Unfortunately, in this scenario, John did not take steps to ensure that his children were left an inheritance after his death.

One way of making provisions for all beneficiaries in a blended family is for couples to execute mutual wills. In the Superior Court of Justice Case, Rammage v Estate of Roussel, 2016 ONSC, Justice Robert highlighted the elements of a mutual will. Essentially the mutual will is a reciprocal will in which both parties receive identical benefits from each other and they both

identify the same third parties to whom the assets will go after the surviving spouse dies. For instance, to ensure that John’s children, as well as Mary’s children, receive shares of their assets after they are both dead John could have bequeathed his assets to Mary with a provision in his will that upon Mary’s death the assets will go to all four children equally. Mary would also have made a will leaving her assets to John with a provision that upon John’s death the assets will go to all four children equally. In such a case, regardless of which party dies last, the result would be the same.

In order for the parties to obtain these results from their wills, the will must be stated to be irrevocable. Of course, this is an exception to the general rule that wills are always revocable prior to the testator’s death. Further, as stated by Justice Reid in Rammage v Estate of Roussel, ‘there must be evidence of a binding legal contract in order for the will to be interpreted as a

The 2018 electronic garage

cessful school experience. When we sleep the body gets a chance to heal and repair itself and the brain unscrambles and sorts all that was inputted. The brain needs this downtime to “repackage neurotransmitters”. The synapses in the brain are constantly firing and will “short circuit” if not given the opportunity to recharge. Have you ever been sleep deprived and noticed that physically the body may have negative reactions, for example, you may feel physically sick, cold, sad for no reason, anxious, depressed or experience the body shaking uncontrollably. These tremors or the aforementioned manifestation of sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on a student’s body.

There are copious studies that highlight the stress-reducing effects of sleep. Sleep deprivation can affect one’s body both mentally and physically. If you think back to your child’s last tantrum, most caregivers would probably attribute exhaustion to be the trigger. When students are sleep deprived they are usually moody, less energetic, have poorer judgment and more lethargic. All of these impact a student’s ability to learn and recall facts as well as reduces the student’s critical thinking skills. The latter is the root cause of many inappropriate choices that students make. There are actually guidelines which suggest the approximate number of hours of sleep a child should get each day. I would advise parents to consult a healthcare professional if they are unsure about the ideal

number of hours their child requires to be healthy.

A fair bit of students when probed will reveal the source of their sleep deprivation. Invariably the culprit is electronics. Parents would be surprised if they knew how many hours kids are spending on devices when they are “asleep”. I would highly recommend that parents make or buy an electronic garage. Installing this new addition to your home does not have to be expensive. It can be as simple as getting an old box which is large enough to hold all cell phones, tablets, and laptops that the students in the household possess. All such devices should be turned in before students go to bed. Note the location of your electronic garage is extremely important. We also hear about all the pitfalls of spending excessive time on devices and social media. Students often talk to me about feeling anxious or depressed after spending a lot of time on social media or gaming. When I interact with students at school or in public spaces I often witness an increase in aggression between the interactions (these personal observations are by no means limited to students). Across all school boards in this province, the mental health concerns are increasing exponentially. Addiction to gaming and social media are one of the leading cause of mental health concerns in both elementary and secondary schools. The reduction of screen time is a great segway into the importance

mutual will. As such, one party will be unable to alter his or her will without the consent of the other. Furthermore, once such a contract is established one party is not allowed to change his or her will after the death of the other since at that point the dead party’s consent cannot be obtained. As soon as one party dies the mutual will becomes irrevocable. The surviving party will now hold the existing assets in trust for all four children. The agreement not to revoke the will may be either a separate document or it may be incorporated in the will. In the absence of a written agreement, the court may infer the existence of an oral agreement as in did in Rammage v Estate of Roussel.

If the surviving party decides to breach the agreement and revoke his or her will the children of the deceased party can bring an action in court to enforce the terms of the will.

of exercise.

I can personally attest to the benefits of exercising. Whenever I return from a walk (long or short, brisk or not so brisk) I find that all the knots and kinks in my body have dissipated. The problem may still be there, but I feel better equipped to deal with it. My energy levels improve and I feel ready to take on any challenges including writing this column. My mind is ready to learn and receive information. Exercising never fails me. We don’t have to be enrolled in an elite sports academy. Infusing exercise into your child’s day could be as simple as walking or kicking a ball with a friend. Better yet, kick the ball with your child and use that precious time to connect, laugh and catch up on the day. It will do wonders for both you and your child.

Proper nutrition is vital for a student’s growth, development, and wellbeing. Students cannot effectively learn or focus when they are hungry. Next week I will discuss healthy food options.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation attributes sleep deficiency to an increase in heart disease, high blood pressure, and strokes. Diabetes and kidney disease are also linked to a lack of sleep. So, students, parents and all “village people”, remember the next time you see a rambunctious child or a student that is not focused, to have a dialogue and share this recipe. So, journey with me, eat, sleep and exercise. Walk Good. Belle Marche.

Taking advantage of the power you have; Part 2

BRITTNEY CHANNER

brittney@carib101.com

JUSTICE WARRIOR

When I discuss matters pertaining to social justice with those around me, I tend to find that there is a common theme that exists, which surrounds the availability and the access to local organizations that are geared to help people in need. When crises arise, many people are left to fend for themselves and their families without the proper resources; leading many to experience feelings of grief and despair.

For, those who’ve had the opportunity to read my last column regarding utilizing your power when in search for justice, I spoke about the numerous outlets one could employ to ensure their concerns were being heard by the right people in authority. This week’s entry is a continuation of last week’s submission regarding some of Toronto and Canada’s best organizations relating to housing, child care and worker and employer relations, which aim to target and fight inequality through proper education and advocacy.

Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario

The ACTO is a community legal clinic which is accessible to those living within the province of Ontario. The organization aims to increase the legal rights of low-income persons with respect to their need for affordable and adequate housing. According to ACTO, four out of ten tenants in Ontario spend over 30% of their income on housing which creates a growing gap in Ontario between the cost of housing and what people can afford.

In addition, they report that many low-income tenants are at risk of losing their home which further demonstrates that many Ontario tenants housing needs are not properly being met. Although ACTO does not provide individualized services to tenants, what they do is work alongside many community legal clinics to advocate for safe and affordable housing while providing much-needed education regarding landlord and tenant rights.

Workers Action Centre

The Workers Action Centre is an organization that is developed by workers who are committed to refining the lives and working conditions of people in unstable and low wage employment. Members of the organization come together and fight for better wages and working conditions for all workers. Individuals apart of the WAC are all workers who have chosen to come together through shared experiences, supporting each other and creating a stronger movement for change.

Active members of the WAC are im migrants, workers of colour, men, women, youth or anyone who has first-hand experience of being manipulated, forced into unsafe working conditions or an abuse of power relations at the hand of their employer. In addition, they provide support clinics, workers’ rights information, chat lines and strategies to anyone hoping to resolve or discuss workplace issues. For those who choose to take on an active role in fighting for social justice within the workplace, the Workers Action Centre continues to accept new members who are ready and willing to fight for change.

Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care

The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care is an organization also organized in the province of Ontario that helps advocate for the development of high quality, non-profit childcare services. The OCBCC was formed in 1981, whose members consist of early childcare educators, child care workers, parents, grandparents and anyone who cares about affordable and adequate childcare within the province of Ontario.

Most of their organization’s funding comes from membership income, which supports the work they do in advocating for more affordable and high-quality childcare; which includes high wages for hardworking and professional childhood educators. The members of the OCBCC work with parents to ensure a strong voice for affordable childcare while monitoring provincial, national and local changes that affect early learning, child care, and parents all over the province.

So, What Have We Learned?

In Ontario, there are many organizations that are dedicated to helping people like you and me, who may need someone to act on our behalf when injustices arise. Through minimal research, I was able to find a plethora of groups and non-profit organizations that assist vulnerable individuals in attaining the necessary help needed to overcome difficult situations. It is important that we spread awareness with respect to the available resources that exist within our communities because there are many people going through similar situations who can possibly utilize these platforms to help themselves.

As I reflect on the many social justice issues that exist within Canada, it does not require much for one to feel overwhelmed, intimidated or hopeless. Many of these feelings stem from one’s inability to find accurate information connecting them to the right people and solutions to their problems. As someone who has also shared in similar emotions when trying to find proper information about common social issues, I do admit that the idea of justice sounds unfeasible at times, however, creating proper awareness regarding the current resources available for Canadian citizens is the first step in utilizing your power and creating the justice you seek.

Low-maintenance perennials for the Pacific Northwest

Want to surround your home with an enchanting landscape, but don’t have much time for garden maintenance? The following easy-growing perennials look fantastic, require little effort on your part, and are well suited for the temperate, damp conditions of the Pacific Northwest.

CREATE TEXTURE

The rich, deep green foliage of the sword fern stays beautiful all year long. This lowmaintenance perennial thrives in rich, welldrained soil and full shade. Another option for adding texture to your landscape is wild ginger, a fragrant shade plant that features gorgeous, glossy evergreen leaves.

ADD COLOUR

Dahlias come in countless colours and textures, and they’re all ideal for a low-maintenance Northwest garden. Plant them in full

sun and well-drained soil. Lupines are also available in a wide range of colours, from pink to orange to purple. These tall, upright flowers prefer slightly acidic soil and grow best in full sun or partial shade.

ATTRACT POLLINATORS

The crisp, white flowers of the Shasta daisy will have butterflies flocking to your garden all summer long. Plant daisies in welldrained soil, either in full sun or partial shade. Hummingbirds love the eye-catching cardinal flower, which grows to be around three feet tall and blooms bright red in the late summer. It tolerates both sun and shade. Keep soil moist, but don’t over water.

To find out more about gardening with perennials in the Pacific Northwest, visit your local gardening centre or plant nursery.

Veggie varieties for Midwest gardens

The American Midwest is renowned for its fertile farmland and abundance of produce crops. Want to enjoy your own little harvest this summer? Here are five tasty, easy-to-grow veggies that are perfectly suited for Midwest gardens.

1. Corn. No Midwest garden is quite complete without corn! Plant your crops close together for best results. Water your corn regularly, and make sure that it gets enough nitrogen by mixing compost or herbivore manure in with the soil.

2. Potatoes. These hearty root vegetables are another staple of the Midwest. Plant them in early spring, when the weather is cool and damp. Some varieties, such as

red potatoes, can be harvested in early summer; others, like russet potatoes, produce a fall crop.

3. Cabbage. Cabbage and its cruciferous cousins broccoli, cauliflower and kohlrabi all grow exceptionally well in the region. Plant them in early spring or late summer.

4. Tomatoes. The Midwest’s long, hot growing season is ideal for tomatoes, and the low incidence of disease in the area is advantageous for trying out heirloom varieties.

5. Peppers. Bell peppers, Hungarian peppers, chili peppers — they all fare well in the region’s warm summer weather. Plant them in full sun in late spring, and pick them once they reach full maturity (30 to 60 days after planting).

Landscaping against wildfires

Every year in Canada, wildfires devastate an average of 2.5 million hectares of land. While the sheer destructive power of this force of nature isn’t something we humans have much control over on a large scale, there are a few measures individuals can take to help protect their property against fire. Here are a few tips for fire-resistant landscaping.

MAINTAIN A DEFENSIBLE SPACE

The areas closest to your home and other structures are most critical when it comes to defending against fire; this buffer zone of sorts is known as “defensible space.” Depending on the size of your property, your defensible space should be between 10 and 30 metres surrounding your home.

KEEP

IT CLEAN

There should be as little plant fuel as possible within your defensible space. Get rid of any dead vegetation, including dead shrubs and trees, dried flowers and grass, and fallen

leaves and needles. Move piles of firewood outside the defensible space during fire season.

KEEP

IT LEAN

Landscaping should be minimal within your defensible space. A grass lawn with few trees and shrubs is a good barrier against fire — plants that grow low to the ground are preferable. Trees should be at least three metres apart at crown level. Prune away any branches within three metres of your home or other structure.

KEEP

IT GREEN

Proper irrigation is essential for plants within the defensible space. Inspect your plants regularly and get rid of any dry or dead material. Choose fire-resistant varieties with low water needs, such as herbaceous plants (bulbs, groundcovers, annual and perennial flowers) and deciduous trees. Avoid evergreens, which are highly flammable.

Keep the area closest to your home clean, lean and green to help defend your property against wildfires.

Can you grow fruit trees in the Southwest?

The hot, dry conditions of the Southwest make it difficult, if not outright impossible, to grow most types of fruit tree. However, there are a select few varieties that thrive in the region’s arid climate. If you dream of having your own backyard mini-orchard, three desert-hardy fruit trees fit the bill: pomegranate, plum and fig.

POMEGRANATE TREES

The “Wonderful” variety of pomegranate tree, which can be planted in virtually any type of soil, fares particularly well in the Southwest. This visually stunning plant features bright, glossy foliage, orange-red flowers and ruby red, softball-sized fruits packed with healthy antioxidants.

FIG TREES

Fig trees bloom and bear fruit twice a year: once in the early summer, and again in early fall. The most common

variety grown in the Southwest is called “Black Mission.” It grows to be quite tall — up to 20 feet — and produces colorful fruit with dark purple skin and bright red flesh.

PLUM TREES

These tall trees provide lots of shade and produce an abundance of sweet fruit. Most varieties need to be cross-pollinated, meaning that you should plant at least two different varieties. One exception that can be planted on its own is the “Methley” variety, which also has the distinction of being more frost-tolerant than most types of plum tree.

NISSAN in a transitional period

Two models are attracting attention over at Nissan this fall. The first is the Altima, which introduces a whole new generation of mid-size sedans. This newcomer arrives just in time, as its two main competitors, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, have recently been given a makeover. Under the hood, Nissan is offering the same

variable compression 4-cylinder as the Infiniti QX50. This 2.0-litre turbocharged engine outputs 248 HP and 273 lb.-ft. of torque with a compression ratio ranging from 8:1 to 14:1, allowing the focus to switch between power and fuel economy according to the driver’s driving style. The 2.5-litre 4-cylinder will still come standard, with an upgraded output of 188 HP. Nissan has announced a slight price increase compared to the 2018 model.

The other attention-grabbing model is the Kicks. This compact crossover will replace the Juke, which didn’t make it into the 2019 lineup. It has a similar formation but offers a slightly more spacious interior and four real doors, making it a viable option for families. Three versions are available for purchase: the S edition, the SV and the generously equipped SR.

Under the hood, the engine is comparable to that of competing models: a 1.6-litre turbo-

charged 4-cylinder with 125 HP and 115 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s the same powertrain configuration that was previously used in the Juke. Nissan promises an average fuel consumption rate of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Kicks aims to compete with models such as the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-3 and Toyota CH-R.

CADILLAC  makes room for SUVs

It’s no secret that SUVs are taking up more and more space on the market, causing a consistent decline in car sales. Well aware of this trend, Cadillac is set to launch its new XT4 compact crossover at the end of

the year. To make room for the XT4, Cadillac decided to axe the ATS, which won’t be returning to the Canadian market in 2019. The 2019 ATS coupe will be sold in the United States, but not in Canada. The XT4, like many of its competitors, will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It’ll also feature a sporty suspension. Cadillac promises fuel consumption rates of 9.4, 7.8 and 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres, for city, country and combined driving, respectively.

Cadillac has also announced a seven-seat crossover for 2019 in addition to a new Escalade-type SUV (the Escalade itself will only be renewed in 2020).

The bottom line: with car sales on the decline, Cadillac is banking on crossovers and SUVs such as the XT4 to bolster its profits moving forward.

HOW TO PLAY :

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

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

ARIES

Your friends will have trouble getting you out of the house this week. You’ll spend some time updating your living space to make it truly yours. This will put you on the path to happiness.

TAURUS

You’ll be out and about this week and may find yourself driving your loved ones around quite a bit. You’ll spend lots of time on the phone and on social media. You’ll feel exceptionally curious and talkative.

GEMINI

You’ll have a mountain of paperwork to take care of at the office. While the situation may cause you some anxiety initially, it’ll allow you to earn some much-needed extra money.

CANCER

You’ll be full of energy this week and eager to spoil yourself. Your loved ones will invite you along on a slew of fun activities, including a shopping spree.

LEO

Stress is the plague of the 21st century. It’s important that you take a few steps back this week to gain a better perspective on things. Seeing the big picture will make everything easier.

VIRGO

Much to your delight, your loved ones might bring you on a relaxing weekend trip. Your partner may also be planning a romantic adventure. A change of scenery will lift your spirits.

LIBRA

You’ll face significant responsibilities this week, which will open the door to excellent prospects at work. A few hours of overtime might be needed for you to finish all your projects before the week’s end.

SCORPIO

Your boss might sign you up for a professional training course. This will prove extremely beneficial to the advancement of your career. You’ll celebrate your business success with a weekend getaway that’s all about pleasure.

SAGITTARIUS

September always ushers in the winds of change. It’s time to head back to school for students, and back to work for the rest of us. You’ll take the opportunity to re-evaluate your lifestyle in order to live in greater harmony with your personal values.

CAPRICORN

You’re not always comfortable with crowds, but you may find yourself in charge of organizing a large gathering this week. Sometimes, it’s good to step out of your comfort zone.

AQUARIUS

You’ll have a lot of work to do and tons of tiny details to attend to, both at home and at work. Don’t

PISCES

Some of your friends will try to get you to sign up for a fitness class. Why not give it a try? It’ll help

FOR SALE WORSHIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Solar panels and their effects on home values

$25,000 and they will last for about twentyfive years. The system will pay for itself in fifteen years. In Ontario, there is no rebate on installation.

Ontario is the fourth sunniest province in Canada and homeowners are soaking it up by installing solar panels. Solar panels are environmentally friendly and generate electricity for homes. Excess electricity is fed to a grid for a credit. This system is called net metering; there is an adjustment between the amount of electricity sent to the grid and the amount used. Credits can only be carried forward for twelve months before they expire. The program is designed so that you cannot make money from your solar panels but break even. The average cost to install solar panels is between $20,000 to

If you are installing, south-facing roofs receive the most sunlight and generate more current. Since solar panels last for about twenty-five years, replace the shingles before installation because removing and re-installing solar panels can cost about $7,000. Avoid installing solar panels on the front part of the roof because it takes away from the aesthetics. Shop around and interview installers. Installers know how much electricity the system can produce based on the size, slope, and direction of the roof. Check the manufacture’s date because newer versions are much more efficient. Also, there are two warranties given: one from the manufacturer and the other from the installer. If you are planning on leasing the system, have the contract reviewed by your lawyer before singing.

With leasing, you would have signed a contract to pay a monthly rent for

the next fifteen years or more. If you are selling the home and the buyers do not want to assume the lease, then you may have to pay an upfront cost for the remainder of the term plus removal cost, which can be substantial. The lease should indicate who is responsible for the maintenance of the panel and in the event that the panels must be removed and reinstalled, whose cost it is. Solar panels provide shelter for birds and animals and their droppings will damage the roof, resulting in premature replacement cost to the homeowner.

Do solar panels really add value to your home? It depends who you ask. Solar panel companies proclaim that it adds value to the property. In the GTA, if it takes away from the aesthetics, then it takes away from the resale value. The value of a home depends first on location, then the size and last, the amenities. Installing a new kitchen and upgrading the washrooms are more desirable options for buyers than solar panels. Some buyers would request that the solar panels be removed and the roof be repaired

prior to closing. With solar panels, the insurance cost will increase and HST on the electricity bill is charged on the gross consumption and not the net.

Buyers purchasing homes with solar panels should do their due diligence. Is the system leased? If you are assuming the lease, at what cost? If the system is newer than the roof, they may have to remove and reinstall when it’s time to change the roof. In addition, buyers should inquire as to the age of the system. With the advancement of solar technologies, buyers will prefer the newer version. Look at the seller’s hydro bills for a year to see how the system performs. In the summer with long hours of sunlight, the system will outperform compared to the winter.

Adding solar panels is a personal choice and should not be considered as a way to increase the value of your home. If you will live in your home for a very long time, then consider investing in solar panels.

Using a GIC in your investment portfolio

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) also known as a Certificate of Deposit (CD) or a Term Deposit is a well know investment vehicle. It is offered by many banks, credit unions and life insurance companies alike. It is mainly used by investors who prefer not to take any sort of market risk with their monies. Monies are typically deposited into the financial intuition where the investor becomes the lender and depending on how long you plan to “lend” this money to the financial institution, the more interest they will pay you. GIC’s are common to have a one year, three year or five year duration, with the longer duration of paying you more of course.

Some GIC’s are also redeemable,

and for this feature, you are likely to receive a lower interest rate. A non-redeemable GIC will pay you a higher rate but can only be redeemed if you can provide a solid reason why you need to break it, reasons such as financial hardship is acceptable. There are penalties for breaking a GIC, it doesn’t matter where you purchased.

Generally, it is expected that a GIC will provide peace of mind; you do not have to put up with any volatility in the markets, but it does not mean that a GIC does not have any risk. A GIC has what is known as a default risk. A default risk lies where the financial intuition to which you have lent your money, gets into financial difficulty. If such were to happen there is a Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) that would protect you up to $100,000 per each account, per each financial institution, if it registered with CDIC. This means that in the unlikely event that you have deposited more than $100,000 into a GIC and the financial institution go belly up; you would be covered only up to your $100,000.

There is also inflation risk that you may have to contend with. If your GIC is earn-

Maybe you’ve been meaning to buy life insurance but just haven’t gotten around to it. If you recently got a new job, or if it’s open enrollment season, you might have a chance to get life insurance through your employer at little or no cost. That’s is exactly what happened with a client of mine. They have a successful business as a bookkeeper and tax consultant, with a growing family. Being that person who likes to be prepared and have set plans for the future they understood how important it was for them to have life insurance and health coverage. This year they contacted me and said: “Andrew I’m shutting down part of my bookkeeping business and will be starting a new job.” “With my new job I’ll be getting full benefits with life insurance, do I still need my life insurance policy?” and is there a way to lower the cost?” You see employer-provided benefits, though wellintentioned, can nonetheless be a minefield for misinterpretation.

Life insurance, for example. It’s a popular employer-provided perk that is lulling workers into a false sense of security. In

most instances, workers merely accept the low-cost or free life insurance benefit without thinking it through. Nothing wrong with lowcost or free, but that isn’t necessarily enough. You can break down reasons for buying group life insurance through work into three main advantages: convenience, price, and acceptance. Convenience is key to those who know they need life insurance but haven’t bought it yet. Getting coverage through work can be the easiest way to protect your family. People with serious medical conditions may qualify for a much better rate through the group policy than they could get on their own. A medical exam is not required, although you might have to fill out a detailed questionnaire.

Smaller firms tend to offer a flat dollar amount, maybe $25,000 to $50,000. The norm is typically a multiple of salary; one times salary is common, though sometimes generous employers offer up a two times or three times free life insurance benefit. While this amount is sufficient for some people, it isn’t enough for employees that have nonworking spouses, a sizable mortgage, large families or special needs dependents. Another shortcoming is death benefits that replace salary do not take into account bonuses, commissions, second incomes and the value of additional benefits such as medical insurance and retirement contributions.

Most people are aware of the biggest disadvantages of group life insurance; you’ll lose your coverage if your job situation changes. As with health insurance, you don’t want gaps in your life insurance coverage be -

ing an average of 1.5 % per year and inflation is running at 2%, it is obvious that your money is depreciating while sitting in the bank. The rate at which you are lending is lower than inflation, so you lose value. You could consider the use of a Market Linked GIC, in this form of GIC your principal is guaranteed but your interest is determined by the investments in the market. There are similar periods where you have chosen the term of one, three or five years, however, the chances of earning a greater return are much more likely.

One major factor to be considered if you were to use a GIC at a Bank or Credit Union is the fact that you may not be able to name a beneficiary. This means that if you pass away, estate taxes or probate fees have to be paid on the sum. This probate fee can be avoided if you were to use a GIC which is sold at a Canadian insurance company. Beneficiaries named at insurance companies fall under different regulations and the GIC does not form part of the estate, it can be very private and less costly transition of wealth. GIC has a place in an investment portfolio, but please ask an advisor first for help.

cause you never know when you might need it. Most workers who get coverage through work don’t know where their life insurance will come from if they change jobs, are laid off, their employer goes out of business or they switch from full-time to part-time status. Lack of portability can be a problem if you aren’t going directly to another job with similar coverage and aren’t healthy enough to qualify for an individual policy. Some policies do allow you to convert your group policy to an individual one, but it will likely become much more expensive, as you’ll be converting you’re at term policy at your current age not when you started employment. And if you’re losing your coverage because you were laid off, the premiums might be unaffordable. A common issue that people forget or underestimate is your plan doesn’t provide enough coverage for your spouse. Couples often assume the family will only suffer economic hardship if the primary breadwinner dies. But the death of a non-working or lower-earning spouse can have just as big of an impact. “I often say rhetorically to a client, if your wife or husbands dies on Saturday are you going back to work Monday morning? Do you have ample PTO [paid time off] on the books to cover an extended leave?” While there’s no reason not to take advantage of any free or inexpensive insurance your employer offers, it probably shouldn’t be your only source of life insurance

Knight Riders go top with win over Patriots

ST KITTS -- Trinbago Knight Riders regained top spot in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) when they trounced St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 46 runs at Warner Park here Saturday night, to notch their fourth-consecutive victory.

captain Dwayne Bravo, whose 37-run cameo took just 11 balls and contained five sixes and one boundary.

bowling a dot ball, but was then carted over the boundary ropes in his next five balls by Bravo.

In a mesmerising display of batting, the Knight Riders bludgeoned 87 runs from their final five overs to post a formidable total of 199 for four in their 20 overs.

And while the Patriots threatened briefly in their run chase, they eventually fell woefully short of the target, finishing on 153 for eight.

The Knight Riders owed their mammoth, yet unlikely total to Colin Munro — who pummelled an unbeaten 76 from 50 balls, and later on

With the score on 112 for three at the end of the 15th over following the dismissal of Brendon McCullum, the Knight Riders launched their assault.

This brought Darren Bravo to the crease, and while he didn’t last long, his 18 runs from just eight balls set the stage for what was to come.

His older brother entered the fray with just 20 balls remaining in the innings and proceeded to completely tear apart fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who up until then had bowled brilliantly, snaring two wickets.

Joseph began the 19th over by

Bravo first belted him over mid-on before lifting the third ball over mid-off. The next ball was helped over deep square leg, while the fifth and sixth balls were dispatched over point and wide mid-on, respectively.

Munro then delivered the final rites, smashing Sheldon Cottrell for 18 runs in the final over to push the Patriots’ required run rate for victory up to 10 an over.

Despite losing Chris Gayle cheaply the Patriots were given hope by Evin Lewis. Lewis stroked a beautiful half-century as his side progressed to 78 for 2 in the 10th over.

But once he became the second of newcomer Anderson Phillip’s three wickets, the Patriots folded meekly.

After progressing to 52 from 36 balls, laced with five boundaries and two fours, Phillips produced a quicker delivery to trap Lewis plum in front.

Wickets then tumbled frequently, as the required run rate escalated to more than 20 runs per over, to all but secure victory for the Knight Riders.

Phillips was the pick of the Knight Riders’ bowlers, taking 3-40 from his four overs.

Jamaica Observer