Nashauna Drummond, Staff Reporter

Looking to build or furnish your home or just want to lower your cholesterol?

The 2006 Health Home and Garden Expo is the place where all your needs and them some will be met. From a pin to an anchor can be found in the halls of the arena which usually hosts conferences of the religious and political kind. But since Friday the National Arena has been transformed into an organism of 'Positive Living', the theme for this year, the fifth staging of the expo.

Event coordinator Fay Wint-Smith hailed the event as the ultimate in family entertainment at its launch on Friday night. She noted that the theme 'positive living' should make everyone who attend the expo feel something special and leave with something special.

Councillor Joyce Young brought greetings from His Worship, Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie who was unavoidably away in Uruguay. However, he did send his hope that all the billboards and signs will be removed.

President of the Jamaica Employers Federation and Chief Executive Officer of Manpower and Maintenance and Janitorial Services, Audrey Hinchcliffe should have considered being a motivational speaker, as in her capacity as guest speaker, she noted that the theme 'Positive Living' was "an interesting challenge to the seemingly fashionable negativism that pervades our society. A society where justice is an illusive character."

Outlining the numerous instances in which we ignore or ask justice to look the other way, "No wonder Justice can't be found. Justice is probably recovering in some institution for the bewildered."

Taking responsibility

She continued that the theme of the expo was an "invitation to take responsibility for our lives and run contrary to the popular culture of blaming others."

She highlighted areas in which we could all live positively by taking control of all aspects of our lives. From our health, intimate relationships, social interaction, financial obligation and spirituality.

For those of you who missed these insights there is still much to be seen today the last day of the expo. Courts Jamaica Limited, one of the major sponsors of the event has an interesting experience awaiting. According to Director of Marketing, Janet Sylvester, they will take you on a trip to the Green Grotto Caves and to lyme on the beach at Hellshire, while your appetites are satisfied by Sous chefs from Sandals.