South Asian wrestlers win silver, three bronze at Cadet Pan American Championships

12 May 2014

FOUR South Asian wrestlers from B.C. won a silver medal and three bronze medals for Canada at the Cadet Pan American Championships being held in Recife, Brazil, on May 2-4 to qualify athletes for certain weight categories to the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, being held in Nanjing, China, in August.

Two of them were from Guru Gobind Singh Wrestling Club and one each from Abby Wrestling Club and Khalsa Wrestling Club.

Ramandeep Khehira of Guru Gobind Singh Wrestling Club bagged silver in the 85 kg category in Greco-Roman, while Jaskaran Khela of Abby Wrestling Club won bronze in the 54 kg category.

In freestyle, Jimsher Sidhu of Khalsa Wrestling Club won bronze in the 100 kg category, and Arshdeep Gurm of Guru Gobind Singh Wrestling Club won bronze in the 76 kg weight category.

(Photo: Ranj Lidder, Ramandeep (Micky) Khehira, Arshdeep (Austin) Gurm and Boota Dhinsa of Guru Gobind Singh Wrestling Club.)

May 2 results – GRECO-ROMAN

* 85 kg – Ramandeep Khehira (2/6) – SILVER
vs. Marco Duran (ECU) – W 2-4 by fall
vs. Tyler Johnson (USA) – L 4-7

* 54 kg – Jaskaran Khela (3/3) – BRONZE

vs. Erivan Rocha (BRA) – L 0-9
vs. Daton Fix (USA) – L 0-8

May 4 results: MEN’S FREESTYLE
* 100 kg – Jimsher Sidhu (3/7) – BRONZE
vs. Adam Smith (USA) – W 10-2
vs. Maximiliano Garcia (MEX) – L 3-3
vs. Pedro Morales (CHI) – W 12-0

* 76 kg – Arshdeep Gurm (3/10) – BRONZE
vs. Carlos Rivera Rodruigues (HON) – W 12-10 by fall
vs. Carlos Izquierdo Mendez (COL) – L 0-12
vs. Erick Bendezu (PER) – W 9-6

Kewal Singh Athwal elected first ethnic mayor of Erewash, U.K.

12 May 2014

KEWAL Singh Athwal, who was formally elected as the Mayor of Erewash during Erewash Borough Council’s annual meeting on May 8.

He is the first ethnic mayor since 1887. Erewash is a local government district and borough in eastern Derbyshire in the East Midlands of England.

Councillor Athwal, who has represented the Wilsthorpe Ward on the Borough Council since May 2007, will serve residents as the First Citizen of the Borough for the civic year 2014/15.

During his mayoral year, Councillor Athwal will be supported by his wife, Lakhbir, and other family members – while he will also be accompanied at many events by Mayor’s Cadets from the Derbyshire Air Cadet Force, the Air Training Squadron and the Long Eaton Sea Cadets.

Throughout the year, several fundraising events will be held to raise funds for Councillor Athwal’s ‘charity pot’ which will be distributed to charitable groups and organisations across Erewash at the end of his term.

Councillor Athwal says he is looking forward to his year in office: “I am honoured to have been elected to serve as the Mayor of Erewash and will do my utmost to represent the council and serve the people of this wonderful borough with great pride over the coming year.

“I feel very privileged to become Erewash’s first elected mayor from an ethnic group and sincerely hope that I will be able to promote harmony and understanding between all cultures within our borough during my term of office.

“Whilst carrying out my duties as Deputy Mayor over the past year, I have met many people who volunteer and work so selflessly to help others. I am well aware of the inspiring and valuable work that goes on daily in all corners of Erewash and I look forward to attending further events during this year and to meeting residents of all ages, hearing their stories and applauding their support of the borough. There is much of which we can be proud in Erewash and I am truly excited to be in a position to promote this during the coming year.”

Born into a Sikh family in the Punjab area near the city of Jalandhar in India, Councillor Athwal moved to the United Kingdom in 1961. His career has been mainly in two industries, the motor trade and textiles, starting on the shop floor of both industries and progressing to senior managerial roles. He now owns his own business based in Long Eaton importing, wholesaling and exporting ladies fashion accessories to independent retailers and wholesalers.

Over the years, Councillor Athwal has carried out charity work both here in the UK and in India, having instigated and raised funding to organise medical clinics in India for the poor to get treatment for various ailments – including funding around 500 cataract operations. He is a former chairman of the Indian Community Association (Erewash) and has been a non executive director and business advisor to a number of trade associations.

Councillor Athwal and his wife Lakhbir have been married for over 40 years and have two children who are both married – daughter Navjit and son Sukhraj – and three grand-daughters. As well as spending time with members of his family, Councillor Athwal lists his hobbies as football, cricket, socialising and being involved in a variety of charity work.

The Mayor’s Chaplain for 2014/15 will be the Reverend Gary Dundas of Draycott and Councillor Athwal will also be supported by Karamvir Athwal from the Sikh faith.

B.C. EVENTS

12 May 2014

(These are FREE listings. Email: [email protected])

Sonu Nigam Concert: Klose To My Soul

Sonu Nigam performs at Vancouver’s PNE Coliseum on Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m.organized by KVP Entertainers & Kamal’s Video Palace. Singing classics from Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar, Talat and ghazal legends like Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hassan, Sonu promises an unforgettable experience of 3.5 hours. Tickets at $35, $45, $55, $65, $75 & $100 can be purchased from Kamal’s Video Palace at (604) 592-9777 or (604) 833-1977 or bought online at www.ticketleader.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

Richmond Public Library will be hosting the six-week program “Chronic Disease Self-Management” in English on Mondays from now until June 16 from 1-3:30 p.m. The program will take place at the Brighouse (Main) Branch in the 2nd floor community place, 7700 Minoru Gate. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6413 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/events. This workshop is designed for people with one or more chronic conditions. It will teach you to better manage your health, discover useful tips to maintain an active lifestyle, and communicate effectively with your health care team. Family members and friends can also attend.

Special: BC Victims of Homicide

Are you living with the traumatic loss of a loved one? Are you in need of support? The BC Victims of Homicide, an initiative of the BC Bereavement Helpline, is hosting an eight week traumatic loss grief support group for the South Asian community in Surrey in partnership with Valley View Funeral Home. When: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., from now until June 25. Cost: Free – but registration is required. Space is limited. Languages: Punjabi, Hindi and English. Facilitators: Jas Cheema and Manjeet Singh. To register or for more information, contact Jas Cheema by phone at 604-561-2700 or by email at: [email protected]. Please refer this group to your network or to anyone who may benefit from it.

Fundraise for Variety – The Children’s Charity

On Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Amenida Seniors’ Community will hold their 4th annual Shred-A-Thon event at the Newton Town Centre, 72nd Avenue, Surrey, with proceeds from the fundraiser benefitting Variety – The Children’s Charity. Super Save Shredders have once again donated their shredding trucks and staff and will shred paper documents for a donation to Variety. Surrey-Newton MLA Harry Bains will attend the event at 10 a.m. to lend his support. The event also includes hot dogs, face painting, goody bags and cartoons at the Hollywood 3 Cinemas for the kids. Variety helped the Manji family, owners of the movie theatre, with funding to help their son Kaden who needed speech and language therapy. If you or your business would like to fundraise for Variety, contact Andrew Forshner, Manager, Fundraising Events and Campaigns [email protected] or call 604-320-0505.

Indo-Africa Charitable Society Charity Event

For the past seven years, Indo-Africa Society has been raising funds to provide free essential services to the poor in rural Gujarat, India, and rural Uganda such as medical camps, medication, water wells, meals and other amenities that we in the west take for granted. Free meals are also offered on a monthly basis to the homeless in Vancouver. On Saturday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at Riverside Banquet Hall, 14500 River Road, Richmond. Tickets: Adults – $25. Children under 12 – $10. Table of 10 – $225. Keynote address by Dr. Banthia and Dr. Bhanji, Gujarati-style meal, entertainment by Vancouver singers Sheila Siekham, Pravin Narottam, and Anzoom Nathani accompanied by DJ Sham, cash bar. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Vasant Lakhani at 604-987-1925 or email: [email protected] or visit www.vasantlakhani.com.

Disfiguring Identity: Art, Migration and Exile symposium

On May 10 and 11. To mark the 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru episode Surrey Art Gallery, On Main Gallery, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Fine Arts Department are collaborating to present a two-day symposium Disfiguring Identity: Art, Migration and Exile. These institutions are turning to visual artists to guide a conversation on the power of art to critically address cultural stereotypes and experiences of migration. The symposium takes place on May 10 at Centre Stage at Surrey City Centre (City Hall) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and on May 11 at Surrey Art Gallery from 12 to 5:45 p.m. This event is free – donations are gratefully received.

#NoEnbridge Pipeline Rally

Join us for the #NoEnbridge Pipeline Rally on Saturday, May 10 at Sunset Beach in Vancouver. Last November over 5000 people flocked to Science World on a chilly winter afternoon to stand up to Harper and his toxic pipeline proposal. This May, we’re planning to top that with the biggest action on Enbridge this province has ever seen. Canadians across the country will come together on May 10 in a National Day of Action to Defend our Climate and Defend our Communities.

Surrey RCMP Open House: District Offices

In celebration of Police Week (May 12-18), the Surrey RCMP will be hosting Open Houses at its five District Offices on Wednesday, May 14, 11 a.m.-2p.m. * District 1 City Centre – 10720 King George Boulevard * District 2 Guildford/Fleetwood – 10395 148 Street, Surrey * District 3 Newton – 7235 137 Street * District 4 Cloverdale/Port Kells – 5732 – 176A Street * District 5 South Surrey – 100 – 1815 152 Street. There will be no Open House at the Main Detachment this year. Local residents, business owners, and media are invited to come and meet some of the police officers, community safety officers, staff and volunteers who work at each Surrey RCMP District Office. Each office will have different police vehicles on display, entertainment, community safety information, and kids’ activities available. For more information on the Open Houses, contact your Surrey RCMP District Office.

Anthology in English of South Asian Writers

South Asian Literary Society of Canada is exploring the possibility of publishing an anthology of selected original poems of South Asian writers in English translation. For this, a meeting is being held on May 17, 1-4 p.m., at Studio 7, 15437 Fraser Highway in Surrey. All writers are welcome. For further information, call Acharya Dwivedi at 604-507-3099 or M. Rafiq at 604-596-7781.

Quran Memorization Competition

Muslim Association of Canada is holding the 12^th Annual BC Quran Memorization Competition: * Preliminaries: Saturday, May 17 * Finals: Saturday, May 24. At MAC Masjid & Community Centre at 2122 Kingsway, Vancouver. The competition is open to participants of all ages, males and females, from all parts of the province. Participants may register for both memorization and recitation. Sponsors needed for the Quran Competition Awards – call 604-434-7526 or email: [email protected]. Registration deadline: May 10 at 11:59 p.m. Information and registration: quran.islamicinfocenter.org.

Annual Show of Gujarati Seniors

The annual cultural program for all ages is on Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m. at Michael J Fox Theatre, 7373 MacPherson Avenue, Burnaby. Tickets: $20. Light refreshment (1-2:30 p.m.). Tickets: Contact Sarojben Desai at 604-523-9360 and Rameshbhai Gandhi at 604-294-0360.

Surrey International Children’s Festival

The Surrey International Children’s Festival is celebrating their 10th Anniversary. Festival dates: May 22-24. Thursday / Friday: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday: 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at Surrey Art’s Centre box office. The Arts Centre Box Office can be contacted at 604-501-5566.

South Asian Mental Health Community Forum

Saturday, May 24 at 9 a.m. to Sunday, May 25 at 3:15 p.m. at Princess Margaret Secondary, 12870 72 Avenue, Surrey. Doors open at 9 a.m. Featuring: Workshops on wellness: – Meditation and Mindfulness – Yoga – Myths & Medication – Counselling & Therapy – Nutrition & Exercise. Presentations on the most prevalent mental illnesses: – Depression & Bipolar Disorder – Anxiety Disorder – Substance Use / Addiction / Alcoholism – ADHD and more. Resources and information in English, Punjabi, Hindi & Urdu. Free event, open to the whole family. Lunch and refreshments provided.

Indo Caribbean Arrival Day Dinner & Dance

The Indo Caribbean Canadian Cultural Society of British Columbia holds a celebration of Indian culture in the Caribbean on Saturday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at Canadian Auto Workers Hall, 707 – 12^th Street, New Westminster. Tickets: $16 per person. Children under five years: Free. Children from 6 to 12 years: $8. Authentic and delicious Indo Caribbean food; dancing; music and songs; and special guest speakers; 50/50 draw / door prizes / open dance floor after dinner – dance to DJ music after dinner. For tickets and information, contact: James Prasad at 604-278-1704 / 604-644-3751, Annette Bacchus: 604-529-9079, Ram Ramsaroop: 604-581 -590 / 604-722-5892, Sheila Omaid: 604-438-9158, Hari Singh: 604-731-4354 / 604-790-0920, Shama Ramnarine: 604-936-3194, Molly Sharma: 604-434-3807.

The Dance Centre

Presents Discover Dance! Flamenco Rosario + Mandala Arts and Culture on Thursday, May 29 at 12 noon at Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street (at Granville), Vancouver. Tickets $12 / $10 students, seniors and children from Tickets Tonight at 604-684-2787 www.ticketstonight.ca Info: 604-606-6400. www.thedancecentre.ca. Presented as part of explorASIAN – Vancouver Asian Heritage Month. www.mandalarts.ca. www.flamencorosario.org

Pandit Jasraj School of Music Foundation

Presents the Gundecha Brothers, India’s leading performers of the ancient classical style of Dhrupad, the oldest and most serene form of Indian classical music, on Saturday May 31 at 7 p.m. at Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre, Douglas College, New Westminster. General Admission: $28. Free underground parking. Tickets: PJSOM Office: 14 East Broadway 604- 879-8319; Kamal’s Video (Surrey): 604- 592-9777; Zubeida Rattansi (North Vancouver): 604-988-1708. Contact us by Email: [email protected] or [email protected]. Stay updated on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjsomf

7th Uganda Medical Mission

Indo-Africa Charitable Society (Canada). Venue: Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited – Lugazi: medical, dental & eye camp from August 4-15 to provide primary examinations and treatments to needy Ugandans. Donation: US$650 (non-refundable) or equivalent in other currencies per person. Register by May 31 by contacting Vasant Lakhaniv(H) (604) 987-1925, [email protected], www.indoafricacharity.com,www.vasantlakhani.com. All participants arrive by August 3 committed fully till the end of the mission.

Canada India Education Council

Presents “The Business of Education” dinner event at Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, on Friday, June 6, 5-9 p.m. Learn about BC’s new education quality assurance standards (EQA) and examine the confluence of ‘business’ with education. How do we measure ‘ROI’? BC is committed to increasing international students by 50% by 2016. Interesting in attending / sponsoring? To view the agenda / speaker profiles, visit: http://canadaindiaeducation.com/bc/

Watching porn may lead to divorce: Study

11 May 2014

New York (IANS): Watching porn may be detrimental for your married life as this leads to people accepting extra-marital affairs as a “normal and rewarding” thing – leading to divorce.

According to a study, the more a person watches porn, the more likely he/she is in a state of accepting extra-marital affairs.

“If pornography consumption leads to more positive extra-marital sex attitudes as the results suggest, porn may be a contributing factor in some divorces via extra-marital sex behaviour,” the researchers emphasised.

To prove their point, researchers used data from 551 married adults collected by the General Social Survey in the US.

Participants were asked questions like, “Have you seen an X-rated movie in the last year?” and “What is your opinion about a married person having sexual relations with someone other than the marriage partner?”

“Porn consumption was associated with more positive subsequent extra-marital sex attitudes,” the researchers were quoted as saying in a Huffington Post report.

The study appeared in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture.

THE VOICE adds:

One Christian magazine notes that pornography is highly addictive, with some researchers and therapists even likening it to crack cocaine.

It also points out: “People who indulge in pornography often cover up their habit. They are secretive and deceitful. Not surprisingly, many suffer from feelings of isolation, shame, anxiety, depression, and anger. In some cases, they even develop suicidal tendencies.”

Testifying before a U.S. Senate committee, Dr. Judith Reisman, a leading researcher on pornography, said: “Pornographic visual images imprint and alter the brain, triggering an instant, involuntary, but lasting, biochemical memory trail [that is] difficult or impossible to delete.”

“Couples and families break up over porn,” say Wendy and Larry Maltz in “The Porn Trap.”

The magazine mentioned above also notes: “Pornography can also hurt children more directly. [One person] explains: “When I was about ten, I accidentally found my father’s pornographic magazines while playing hide-and-seek. I started looking at them secretly, not really understanding why I was attracted to such images. That started a destructive cycle that lasted way into my adult years.” Studies show that pornography can influence adolescents to become sexually active at younger ages and also to become promiscuous, sexually violent, and emotionally and psychologically unstable.”

THE magazine had some very interesting statistics about pornography:

* EVERY SECOND: Nearly 30,000 persons view pornographic Web sites.

* EVERY MINUTE: Internet users send more than 1.7 MILLION pornographic e-mails.

* EVERY HOUR: Nearly TWO hard-core pornographic videos are released in the United States.

* EVERY DAY: An average of more than TWO MILLION pornographic movies are rented in the United States alone.

* EVERY MONTH: Nearly 9 out of 10 young men and 3 out of 10 young women in the United States view pornography.

* EVERY YEAR: The global pornography industry generates an estimated $100 BILLION (U.S.)

Amenida Seniors Team Up with Super Save Shredders and raise $1,947 for Variety – The Children’s Charity

10 May 2014

BURNABY, BC: On Saturday, May 10 Amenida Seniors’ Community held their 4^th annual Shred-A-Thon event at the Newton Town Centre and raised $1,947 for Variety – The Children’s Charity. Super Save Shredders once again generously donated their shredding trucks. Surrey – Newton MLA Harry Bains attended the event to lend his support.

Variety – The Children’s Charity raises funds and distributes grants throughout British Columbia to inspire hope, enrich lives and build a better future for children who have special needs. Since 1965, Variety has raised over $170 million to provide life-saving, life-changing and life-enriching support.

For more information on how you can support Variety – The Children’s Charity, visit variety.bc.ca or call 604-320-0505.

Photo: Rahim and Salima Manji of Hollywood 3 Cinemas, Kaden Manji with Variety’s mascot Heartly, Teena Love (Amenida), MLA Harry Bains (Surrey Newton) and Cindy MacMillan (Anthem Properties).

Columbus Crew 0 -Vancouver Whirecaps FC 1: Hurtado’s first MLS goal leads ‘Caps to first road win of 2014

10 May 2014

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Erik Hurtado’s first Major League Soccer goal carried Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4W-2L-4D) to a 1-0 win over Columbus Crew (3W-4L-3D) on Saturday evening at Crew Stadium.

Making his first MLS start in nearly a year, Hurtado found the back of the net in the 37th minute with a wonderfully taken left-footed strike to help Whitecaps FC claim their first road win of the 2014 MLS season.

Goalkeeper David Ousted, who earned his first MLS assist on Hurtado’s goal, made two saves en route to his second clean sheet of the season.

The ‘Caps, who outshot Columbus by a 22-12 margin, have now won two straight matches and are undefeated in their last four MLS fixtures.

Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson made just one change to his starting lineup after last weekend’s 3-2 win over San Jose Earthquakes. Hurtado, the only player who started both of Vancouver’s matches this week, replaced an injured Darren Mattocks (hamstring strain) as the lone striker.

The second-year striker/winger was very involved for Whitecaps FC early on, as the visiting ‘Caps got off to a lively start at Crew Stadium.

In the fourth minute, Hurtado helped create a turnover deep in Columbus territory before Sebastian Fernandez sent a shot just wide of the goal. And in the ninth minute, Hurtado saw his strike from inside the area foiled by Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark after a nice passing play with Kekuta Manneh.

It was a free-flowing start to the match, as both sides pushed forward in search of the all-important opening goal.

Columbus had a few chances of their own, as Ousted was forced to make a few early saves off a Hector Jimenez strike and Jairo Arrieta header.

The Crew looked dangerous on the counter at times, but the ‘Caps kept things organized at the back and seemed to be dictating the pace of the game.

In the 37th minute, Vancouver opened the scoring thanks to a moment of brilliance from Hurtado. First, the 23-year-old chested down a precise Ousted free kick, took a perfect touch, and then launched a curling 22-yard strike into the top left corner of the goal.

Whitecaps FC created a few more chances before the break, including a well-taken Pedro Morales free kick from distance, before taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Robinson’s side looked eager to add to their advantage in the early stages of the second half. Manneh and Hurtado, Vancouver’s 2013 MLS SuperDraft picks who were making their first MLS start together, looked particularly dangerous.

In the 49th minute, Manneh released Hurtado into the box with a perfectly weighted throughball but Clark was quick off his line to disrupt Hurtado’s attempt.

At the other end of the park, Columbus pushed numbers forward in the second half as they looked to end their six-match winless spell. One of their best chances came in the 76th minute, when substitute Justin Meram headed a Dominic Oduro cross just over the goal.

Columbus kept coming, but the ‘Caps kept them at bay thanks to some fine defensive work from the back four as well as a workmanlike performance from holding midfielder Matias Laba , who did well to limit Federio Higuain’s impact on the match. Laba, the Budweiser Man of the Match, had a career-high 11 tackles on Saturday.

Vancouver had several chances on the counter late, including a breakaway from substitute Omar Salgado in the 88th minute. But Salgado, who was making his first MLS appearance since October 2012, chipped his effort mere inches wide.

In the end, Hurtado’s first-half marker would be all Whitecaps FC needed to pick up their fourth win of the season.

After a week on the road, the Blue and White return to BC Place on Wednesday for the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinal against Toronto FC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.

Vancouver’s next MLS match isn’t until May 24, when they host rival Seattle Sounders FC in the first Cascadia match of 2014. Tickets for both matches are still available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets, and a youth soccer half-season ticket. Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

Stat of the Game

Budweiser Man of the Match Matias Laba had a career-high 11 tackles on Saturday. Since the 2011 MLS season, only one player has recorded more tackles in a single match (Marcelo Sarvas with 13).

MATCH DETAILS

Budweiser Man of the Match: Matias Laba
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
Attendance: 14,496

Scoring Summary
37’ – VAN – Erik Hurtado (David Ousted)

Match Stats
Shots: Columbus 12 – Vancouver 22
Shots on Goal: Columbus 2 – Vancouver 6
Saves: Columbus 5 – Vancouver 2
Fouls: Columbus 13 – Vancouver 11
Offsides: Columbus 3 – Vancouver 3
Corners: Columbus 6 – Vancouver 7

Cautions:
21’ – VAN – Gershon Koffie
38’ – CLB – Tony Tchani
53’ – VAN – Wil Trapp
68’ – VAN – Andy O’Brien
90’ + 3 – VAN – Steven Beitashour

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
1.David Ousted; 33.Steven Beitashour, 40.Andy O’Brien, 6.Jay DeMerit, 2.Jordan Harvey; 28.Gershon Koffie,15.Matías Laba (20.Nigel Reo-Coker 90’); 7.Sebastián Fernández, 77.Pedro Morales (31.Russell Teibert 82’), 23.Kekuta Manneh; 19.Erik Hurtado (17.Omar Salgado 74’)

Substitutes not used
70.Paolo Tornaghi, 16.Johnny Leverón, 24.Carlyle Mitchell, 29.Nicolás Mezquida

Columbus Crew
1.Steve Clark; 3.Josh Williams (13.Ethan Finlay 77’), 5.Giancarlo Gonzalez, 4.Michael Parkhurst, 14.Waylon Francis; 6.Tony Tchani, 20.Wil Trapp; 12.Hector Jimenez (8.Dominic Oduro 63’), 10.Federico Higuain, 7.Bernardo Anor (9.Justin Meram 45’); 19.Jairo Arrieta

Substitutes not used
28.Matt Lampson, 2.Tyson Wahl, 21.Chad Barson, 24.Agustin Viana

B.C. Supreme Court orders extradition of Sidhu and Badesha in Jassi murder case

9 May 2014

Malkit Kaur Sidhu and Surjit Singh Badesha.Malkit Kaur Sidhu and Surjit Singh Badesha. — Malkit Kaur Sidhu and Surjit Singh Badesha.

B.C. Supreme Court B.C. Supreme Court Justice Gregory Fitch on Friday ordered the extradition of Jaswinder “Jassi” Sidhu’s mother Malkit Kaur Sidhu, and her uncle, Surjit Singh Badesha of Maple Ridge to India in the brutal 2000 murder of Jassi, 25, in Punjab, India.

Sidhu and Badesha, who appeared in court via video link, will remain in custody until their extradition.

(Full judgement’s link given below)

Earlier this year, in closing arguments at the B.C. Supreme Court, Crown lawyer Deborah Strachan had said that the evidence from the record of the case is that the two threatened Jassi’s new husband, Sukhwinder (Mithu) Sidhu, a poor rickshaw driver in India, on multiple occasions, telling him he would be killed because Jassi had married him against their wishes. Jaswinder was killed but Mithu survived when they were attacked in June 2000. The lawyers for the accused argued that there wasn’t enough evidence against them.

LAST May, Jody Wright, who was Sidhu’s confidante and worked with her at a Coquitlam beauty salon, testified in B.C. Supreme Court that Sidhu had married of her own free will. Her secret marriage was exposed when her previous boss phoned her family about some personal items she had left behind and a family member discovered a marriage certificate along with letters and photos.

Sidhu’s family threatened her life and her husband’s life and she was forced to sign a document for the annulment of her marriage, Sidhu told Wright.

Wright told the judge that she typed out a letter for Sidhu to say she had been forced to sign the documents for the annulment of her marriage and that she had not been forced to marry.

Sidhu fled to the home of another co-worker and borrowed money to travel to India to bring her husband to Canada.

Tamara Lamirande, who also worked with Sidhu, testified that when she asked her about the bruises on her shoulder one day, she was told that her aunt hit her and that she was being threatened because of her marriage.

Sidhu had also been receiving calls from India from her husband and his friends that he and his family were being threatened and that he had been beaten up. Lamirande said that Sidhu was aware that her uncle had arranged people to scare Mithu so that the marriage would break up.

Sidhu told her that her uncle was all-powerful and held him responsible for what was happening. Lamirande said that Sidhu told her that her father was mentally ill and not consulted on anything. She identified Badesha in the prisoner’s box.

Deborah Devos, who ran the beauty school, testified that Sidhu told her that her uncle wanted her to marry a wealthy older man. She told Devos that her family life was controlled by her uncle and the girls had no rights or say.

When Devos offered to call police on two occasions when her uncle came to the school and grabbed her and took her away, Sidhu told her it would make the situation worse.
When David Crossin, the lawyer for Sidhu’s mother Malkit Sidhu, asked her if it was fair to say that the mother, because of her gender, was as much a victim as Jassi in that family, Devos replied that she believed all the women in that family were experiencing the same thing.

Sukwinder (Mithu) Singh Sidhu and Jaswinder Kaur (Jassi) Sidhu.
*Photos courtesy of CBC*

ON January 6, 2012, the RCMP in a statement said: “On June 8, 2000, Jaswinder (Jassi) Kaur Sidhu, 25, a resident of Maple Ridge was murdered in Punjab, India. Her husband Sukwinder (Mithu) Singh Sidhu was also seriously injured in this attack.

“Indian authorities, specifically the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Punjab Police Service (PPS) conducted an investigation into the murder. The investigation uncovered evidence indicating Jassi Sidhu’s family were involved in the homicide from Canada. As a result of an official request from Indian authorities, Ridge Meadows Detachment initiated some investigative enquiries on behalf of the Indian investigation.

“In 2004, because of the international scope of the investigation, members of the RCMP “E” Division Serious Crime took conduct of the enquiries and worked closely with the Indian Police to pursue extradition of the Canadian citizens.

“To that end, members of the “E” Division Major Crime Unit, along with other government officials, traveled on a number of occasions to India and identified a number of new investigative avenues that were instrumental in the extradition process.

“Seven other individuals have already been convicted in India for charges including murder, attempt murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the death of Jassi Sidhu and attempted murder of her husband, Mithu Sidhu. This latest development culminates an exhaustive 11-year international investigation.”

Jassi and Mithu were attacked by criminals near a village while the couple were traveling on a scooter. Mithu was badly injured while his wife was abducted. Her body was later found in a canal. Her throat had been slit.

Indian police allege that the contract killers got the order to kill Jassi from Canada shortly after the girl had spoken to her mother on a cellphone following her abduction.

Her husband recovered, but in 2004 he was jailed for alleged rape, though his family insisted that he was framed by corrupt police who evidently had been bribed by Jassi’s influential relatives in Punjab. He was finally acquitted.

Back in October, 2005, The Tribune newspaper of Punjab reported that an India judge in Sangrur had sentenced seven goons allegedly hired by the victim’s mom and uncle to life in jail. They included a head constable. Four others were acquitted.

Full judgement at:

http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/jdb-txt/SC/14/08/2014BCSC0807.htm

Canada Post marks 100th-year anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident with new commemorative stamp

9 May 2014

Komagata Maru Stamp — The stamp features an artistic rendition of images from a small collection of archive photos.

ONE hundred years ago, on May 23, 1914, the Komagata Maru, a Japanese steamship, arrived in Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet with 376 passengers, all British subjects, mostly Sikhs from Punjab, India. Under the era’s exclusionary immigration policies, the passengers were denied entry, and the ship was forced to return to India. In connection with Asian Heritage Month, Canada Post on Tuesday issued a new stamp marking the centennial of this event, while also recognizing the strides Canada has made toward creating a more tolerant and diverse society.

The stamp, available in all post offices and online, features an artistic rendition of images from a small collection of archive photos, shot on board and during the voyage. Two collectible Official First Day Covers are also available.

“This stamp commemorates an important – yet tragic ‒ moment in our history. Remembering this tragedy brings to light how Canada has transformed into a diverse and welcoming country,” said Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport and responsible for Canada Post.

“Canada Post’s stamps tell the stories of our history. But we don’t just commemorate our heroic events; our nation is also shaped by the failures of its past. Events like Komagata Maru have helped encourage Canadians to make it a priority to build a more free and welcoming society that today doesn’t just tolerate diversity, but thrives by it,” said Deepak Chopra, President and CEO, Canada Post.

The Komagata Maru’s arrival challenged a 1908 regulation that denied entry to immigrants unless they had $200 and had made a “continuous journey” from their home country ‒ conditions that were nearly impossible for immigrants from India to meet. Under the policy, only 20 returning residents, and the ship’s doctor and his family were allowed to enter. The remaining passengers were confined to the ship for two months, after which the ship was forced to sail back to India. Upon arriving in India, many on board were viewed as political agitators. Twenty passengers were shot after disembarking while many others were imprisoned.

The restrictive immigration policies that the passengers challenged were not repealed for 33 years.

Why shouldn’t City of Surrey sponsor Vaisakhi Parade and pay for security costs?

9 May 2014

Mayor Watts and Surrey First Councillors made taxpayers fork out $30,000 in security costs for fancy summit

CTV News exposed the weasel ways of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts and her Surrey First councillors on Wednesday when it revealed that taxpayers coughed up some $30,000 for security costs for the private Surrey Regional Economic Summit.

Why weren’t Watts and her Surrey First councillors like Linda Hepner and Bruce Hayne who want to be the next mayor honest with Surrey residents about these exorbitant costs?

Watts had enough money to spend on fancy summits but not enough to pay for extra cops all these years.

CTV said that according to documents they obtained, RCMP officer overtime accounted for about $24,300, while other costs including toilet rentals and lunches for officers cost $5,600.

Speakers at the February event included former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.

CTV also noted that in 2011, taxpayers forked out about $45,000 for security costs when former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush were the speakers.

With tickets costing $650 a person and with corporate sponsorships, many wonder why the City didn’t cover the costs for the security with those funds as well.

CTV noted that some private events in Surrey, such as the Vaisakhi parade, must repay the RCMP for their security costs. But the Surrey Economic Summit like the Canada Day celebrations are considered to be a city-sponsored event.

So South Asians want to know why they must pay for security costs for the Vaisakhi Parade that attracted as many as 240,000 people this year and generates so much business besides tons of goodwill.

Why these double standards, Mayor Dianne Watts?

South Asians need to be shown more respect by City Hall and they need to assert themselves more.

BY RATTAN MALL

RATTAN’S RUMBLE: Harper deserves severe condemnation for attacking Supreme Court

9 May 2014

FEDERAL NDP Leader Tom Mulcair put it best when he asked in the House of Commons: “Will the Prime Minister apologize to the Chief Justice and Canadians for his unprecedented and inexplicable attack on one of our most respected democratic institutions?”

Harper has been behaving like an immature kid who throws a tantrum when he doesn’t get the candy he wants!

Only that this tantrum is a shameless attack on the Supreme Court of Canada and on our democracy itself. This is what you would expect in a banana republic – NOT in a country like Canada.

What have Harper and Justice Minister Peter MacKay been smoking to have engaged in such disgraceful conduct?

The fact that the Canadian Bar Association (representing 37,000 lawyers and judges), the Advocates Society, 11 former presidents of the Canadian Bar Association and the Canadian Council of Law Deans, representing all 23 deans of the country’s law schools, have all flayed the Harper Conservative government for malicious criticism of Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin clearly shows that Harper has made a veritable ass of himself.

Harper has been fuming about the Supreme Court judges’ 6-1 rejection of his choice of Justice Marc Nadon of the Federal Court of Appeal for the Supreme Court because he lacked current Quebec qualifications.

The Prime Minister’s Office issued a press release last week alleging that McLachlin tried to involve him in an inappropriate conversation about the case. But McLachlin in a statement said that she had spoken to McKay two months before Nadon was named to the Supreme Court by Harper and that her call was meant only to flag a potential legal issue.

The fact is that McLachlin’s “actions were beyond reproach and consistent with the dignity of her office,” as the Canadian Council of Law Deans stated this week.

INDEED, Harper and McKay should humbly apologize and stop behaving like spoiled brats!

The Toronto Star’s editorial on this issue highlighted Harper’s dictatorial behavior that is harming our democracy.

It noted: “Prime Minister Stephen Harper is notorious for attacking any and all who presume to challenge his agenda. Canada’s chief electoral officer has felt the sting of his wrath. So have the auditor-general, the parliamentary budget officer, the nuclear safety watchdog, the military police watchdog and too many others to mention.”

Then how can leaders of countries that are flouting democratic norms take Canada’s reprimands seriously?

Harper should wake up to the reality that his undemocratic behavior is hurting Canada’s reputation around the world.

Politicians, media and others have every right to disagree with the courts or even point out what they might believe to be genuine flaws, but they have no right to malign judges. That is absolutely unacceptable.

For a Prime Minister – and his Justice Minister – to behave in this manner is abhorrent. Instead of taking the lead in showing respect for the Supreme Court of Canada, these two have blatantly insulted such an august institution.

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Mayor Watts and Surrey First Councillors made taxpayers fork out $30,000 in security costs for fancy summit

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