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PAGE 22, WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 23, 1987 'r okline ROXANNE REVELER News & Features Edior Jr file Phone 655-3637 L - -~ I was really disappointed to read a story off the CP wire in a Toronto daily last week indicating Canada would not be making any move in the direction of probing a union between this country and the Turks and Caicos Islands. By now, you are all aware that such a union between Canada and the islands has been a pet project of mine for some time now. The idea is not a new one. In 1974, Canadians, led by Max Saltzman, then an NDP MP, pushed for closer links with Turks and Caicos. Thanks to then prime minister Pierre Trudeau, the plans were squashed. But when the torch was picked up by Winnipeg Tory Dan McKenzie last year, I thought things would cer- tainly look up. But now Ottawa says "any initiatives must be taken by the Turks and Caicos Islands government, if the people of the islands give it the mandate to do so." The feds have even gone so far as to say that even if the islands do want a close association with Canada, the benefits to this country have been exaggerated. They say, for example, the move would barely make a dent in Canada's $2.2 billion deficit in tourism. Now, hold the phone. Let's get a few details cleared up here. First, Turks and Caicos have a population of about 8,000 people, and of this, some 2,000 are either Canadian or Americans who are employed or retired there. This leaves 6,000 natives who, at last report from their governing of- ficials, indeed wanted a union with Canada. Now if that's not a mandate, I don't know what is. To clear up the matter of the deficit, it was actually $2.27 billion, and that was only for the first six months of this year. At the same time, a half million Canadians travelled to the Caribbean last year and spent some $400 VIEWPOINT by ROXANNE REVELER A good investment million while they were there. Turks and Caicos had a mere 17,000 tourists last year and are hungrily looking for more. They know that tourism is the only hope they have of putting bread and butter on their tables in the years to come. Turks and Caicos do not want to become part of Canada. They do not even want their people to have immigrant status here. They ask for no welfare assistance, medical aid, no hand outs. The only thing they want is to establish higher education in their small country. At present, the educational system ends after our equivalent of Grade 11. They have asked that Canada establish schools which will train their young people in hotel management, secretarial skills and other management areas that will assist them in the hotel and travel industry. To date, the University of Waterloo, University of Alberta, York University, Carleton University and Georgian College have all enthusiastically supported the idea, indicating by letter they would be pleased to extend their campus to the islands. In return for Canadian assistance, Turks and Caicos have said they would switch to a currency system based on the Canadian dollar and would allow Canadians into their country without the need of a passport or visa. The islands would become a part of Canada without actually being a part of Canada. Think of the possibilities. These islands, which lie north of Haiti and east of Cuba, have a mean temperature of 85 degrees year round. They have very little rain and some of the best beaches in the world. Canadians would be.able to travel there at par and be welcomed by its friendly people to do so. It would be safe. It would be cheap. And it's only a three and a half hour direct flight from Toronto. Last year, Turks and Caicos purchased 90 per cent of their goods, some $27.5 million worth, from the-U.S.A. On- ce switched to the Canadian dollar, those goods could be purchased from us. A trade centre built on the island would draw millions of businessmen from around the world to conventions, bringing in additional revenue. The islands are now a British protectorate. They are debt-free and it cost Great Britain only $12 million-to run in 1986. Peanuts. Figures already quoted would redeem this figure during the first year. Our government in Ottawa recently GAVE $325 million to francophone nations. For what, I admit I am still not quite sure. Would it not make more sense to invest a little in Turks and Caicos which will be returned ten-fold in a few short years? Or maybe that makes too much sense for the feds to digest. At least that's the way it looks to me. Reflections of a Golden Age By MABEL M. McCABE By now most of the mothers out there have finished their collec- tive sighs of relief and seen their kids back to school. It seems in- conceivable to me that some of my younger grandchildren are en- tèring first grade and kindergarten. My, the years do rush by, don't they? I'm sitting here trying to remember my first days in school. It's hard because it could have been centuries ago, when I see the changes that have taken place. I'm sure most of my older readers know what I mean. In our day there was no chewing gum allowed. One never even thought of talking out of turn and to question a teacher's demands was an automatic trip to the principal's office. I know because I was there many times. If we came to class wearing torn or wrinkled clothing we were sent home with a note and we cleaned up our act in a hurry. Most of the years I was in school we had to wear unilorms. We didn't like them but so what? We looked like an army of small sized puppets I'm sure. Many of my friends ate apples on the sly but I didn't like apples so I tried to eat an orange one day. Of course the teacher smelt the fragrance of it and the juices running down my chin were a dead give-away. Back to the principal's office. I swear I must have spent most of my early years of education in that of- fice. Back in those days the separate schools had one side where the girls were taught by the nuns and the other side where the Christian brothers taught they boys. Never the twain met back then. It's no wonder we were very sadly lacking in the art of con- versation and repartee with the opposite sex. We made up for it in later years, of course, but just having a boy come into the classroom on an errand was an event. When I see the new outfits my grandchildren get to go to school, whether it is elementary, high, or college, it is enough to make me remember and laugh inside. I don't know whether I'm laughing at myself or them but the changes are extreme. One thing is for sure, when we left school we could read and write. But now there seems to be some doubt as to the curriculum. Is it as good now? I dôn't know. I do know that those who want to go on to university now have a much better chance than we did. Now they can get special grants and loans that were unheard of when I was ready for higher education. During those Depression days you got the best education you could for free and then you grabbed the first job that came along so you could help to contribute to the family coffers. So all things con- sidered, I guess we are progressing. Group '74 to hold open house The coffee is on and so are the courses. Here is an opportunity to have s;ime fun while learning something new. Group '74 is holding an open house on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Oddfellows Hall. This will give residents a chance to look over their menu for fall cour- ses and satisfy their artistic urges with courses on folk art. water- colors or calligraphy, Christmas wreath-making, or Christmas pot- pourri, bridge and knitting. Information concerning the cour- ses may be obtained by calling Bet- ty Catherwood at 655-3646, or Susan McGoey at 655-8004. Courses will run from Thursday Oct. 8 to Nov. 26, 8 to 10 p.m. There will be no pre- registration before the open house. The Brooklin Woodcarvers will also be at the open house to demon- strate their technique and welcome any new inembers. Disney Day at the Brooklin library Brooklin Library Children's Club members and all children are in- vited ~ to join in on Saturday mornings, 10 - il a.m. for juniors and 11 a.m. - noon for seniors. Sept. 26 is "Disney Day," with a great selection of Disney cartoons. New staff member is Cheryl Carnegie. Kids can bring a friend and join Sandra, Annette and Cheryl every Saturday morning. There is still room for a few more people in the International Training in Communication program, which starts on Sept. 24 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. The course runs for six weeks for a $15 fee. Call 655-3191 for more information. On Sept. 24, around 8 p.m. the library will be displaying new craft books full of modern ideas at the Group '74 arts and craft night at Oddfellows Hall. The library is offering the Red Cross babysitting course for kids 12 .and over. Register now so 'the amount of supplies needed can be confirmed. There will be an $8 fee. Call 655-3191. Plans are already in action for October when Brooklin Library celebrates Ontario Public Library week, Oct. 19 - 25. If interested in learning how to paint, join former Brooklin artist, Rowena Bridger for a lesson in watercolor techniques. The library only has room for 10 children age 8 years and up, so sign up now for Oct. 21, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. There will be a fee of $2 fnr materials. By LAURAL HAMER Regular Sunday services have resumed in Myrtle United Church. It is going to take a community ef- fort to keep this church serving the needs of the area. Give some thought to what the church can do for you and what you can do for the church. The anniversary of the Myrtle chuch will be held Oct. 4 at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Bob Rumble will be guest speaker. The Jubilee Choir will lead in song and the new bible will be dedicated. The Square Dance Club was at the church Sept 16 for the first Generator. is stolen A Honda generator valued at $1,300 was stolen from a lot at 25 Myrtle Rd. on the weekend. Police say a house is being built on the lot. The owner of the house is living in a trailer on the property until the house is built. lessons in modern square dancing. Bill Robinson was caller, teaching the first year basics. Join in this activity made especially for couples but always accommodating singles. Lessons are two hours long while the fun and pleasure goes on and on as one progresses. Anyone is welcome. ,'I '.11 Myrtle news