DOUBLE AWARD WINNING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Issue 07 - 2018
647-386-3419
Fabienne Colas receives 2018 Canada's Top 40 Under 40 Award
Shelly-Ann’s statue now in Jamaica – Grange page 11
Official BujuBanton.com Website Launches 6 Months Before the Reggae Superstar’s Return Home page 8 Advertisment
Caribbean News
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Jamaica’s Minimum Wage to Move to $7,000 per Week
Jamaica’s New Building Code to Minimise Damage Caused by Disasters
The new rates are the result of the recommendations from the National Minimum Wage Commission, which conducted public consultations and submitted its recommendations to the Ministry.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, has announced a 12.9 per cent increase in the national minimum wage from $6,200 to $7,000 per week. In addition, security guards will receive $9,700 up from $8,854 per week, reflecting a 9.6 per cent increase. The new rates take effect August 1, 2018. Mrs. Robinson, who made the announcements in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 26), noted that the increases establish a minimum standard or threshold for the payment of wages. “After careful consideration, the Cabinet has agreed to grant an increase in the national minimum wage and minimum wages for security guards,” she said.
“We have reviewed the recommendations. We have taken into account the stability of the Jamaican economy, the rate of inflation and the economic circumstance of the workers as well as the ability of the employers to absorb an increase,” she noted. Meanwhile, Mrs. Robinson recommended that a joint select committee of Parliament be established to address issues raised concerning security guards. “I want it to have the full involvement of all stakeholders, including my colleagues on the other side of this House,” she said Meanwhile, she said in the fiscal year 2018/19, the Ministry will be working to complete amendments to the Minimum Wage Act, National Minimum Wage Order and Employment Agencies Regulations Act to incorporate provisions related to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 189 on Domestic Workers. Source: Jamaica Information Service
June 26 and 29 under the theme ‘Forming the Informal’. Participants include land-use practitioners, policymakers, academics and allied professionals interested in urban and management issues within the Caribbean.
Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, says the Government is in the final stages of enacting a new building code aimed at reducing the vulnerability of Jamaica’s built environment. At the Caribbean Urban Forum 2018, which was held at the University of Technology (UTech) on June 27, Mr. Shaw said enacting the new building code is imperative for the development of the nation. “This will ensure public safety and welfare, minimise damage caused by natural and man-made hazards, as well as prevent squatter settlements and promote sustainable development,” Mr. Shaw said. The Caribbean Urban Forum is a threeday conference designed to address specific policy issues within the Caribbean urban sector, in an effort to further advance land-use planning and urban management within the region. It is being held between
Mr. Shaw said he welcomes the three-day forum, as it will address the challenges regarding development within the Caribbean region, and present solutions. “The issue of informality, specifically in the context of social infrastructure development, continues to be a particularly challenging one for developing nations of the Caribbean. We continue to grapple with informal housing and inappropriate land use, as many of our citizens migrate to the urban spaces in search of economic and social opportunities,” the Minister said. Mr. Shaw commended UTech for conceptualizing such a forum designed to address urban and land-management issues. “The fact that we are in the sixth such staging is also commendable as UTech continues in its bid to provide the avenue for discussions among local and regional professionals, academics and policymakers on such a pivotal matter,” he said. Source: Jamaica Information Service
Jamaica must stake claim on local marijuana strains “We have to position ourselves, we have to take on the mantle (and) do what we have to do… as it relates to medicinal marijuana research,” the Minister stressed.
Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, says the country must stake its claim on all local strains of marijuana for research and development. Jamaica, it is said, has some of the best or finest marijuana strains in the world, which include the Jamaican Lamb’s Breath (or Lamb’s Bread) and Marley’s Collie. “It is like our birthright and we cannot allow persons from outside to come and take away our birthright,” he argued. He said it is believed that one country is “in possession of all our indigenous strains and is doing research on all of them.”
He was addressing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Jamaican Medical Cannabis Corporation (JMCC) Limited and the National Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology (NFDST) at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston on June 25. The MOU formalises an agreement between the entities to undertake a project that will identify, isolate and conserve the local strains of cannabis for medicinal use, utilising advanced plant biotechnological, botanical and agricultural methods. It also aims to strengthen Jamaica’s contribution to the local and international health industries through the provision of raw materials and value-added medicinal products. Through the MOU, the Jamaica/Can-
ada-based JMCC have committed to investment of US$2million in research and development over the next 10 years.
frontiers” to not only ensure development of a sustainable cannabis industry but also for the growth of the nation.
The NFDST will receive, manage and disburse the funds to a research consortium that will execute the undertaking.
In his remarks, Director of the NFDST, Dr. Conrad Douglas, said the “findings will be important.”
The consortium will consist of members of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST), which is the coordinating body, the Scientific Research Council (SRC), Caribbean Genetics and the Institute of Jamaica, among other institutions to be identified.
“When we get into drafting this experimental programme, we will look into an experimental design aimed at developing new knowledge, which we will apply to the specific objectives and goals of the project, which we can transfer to other areas of the Jamaican environment,” he said.
“This project has the potential to catapult the island as the lead expert in medicinal cannabis use, which is a game changer,” Dr. Wheatley declared.
JMCC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Diane Scott, said her company is focused on the development of medicinal cannabis in Jamaica and is committed to being the best growers of cannabis in the world.
“The agreement is another advancement in cementing the solid framework for Jamaica utilising science and technology to energise, innovate and empower, (which) changes the game,” he added. Dr. Wheatley said the project will enable “Jamaica to be among the first to position itself to create, discover and enter new
“We’re 100 per cent committed to protecting what you have, what is indigenous; what makes you unique and what cannot be found anywhere else. It is very important to us that we represent Jamaica in all facets,” she said. Source: Jamaica Information Service
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Canada News
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The Government of Canada Announces New Funding for Black Canadian Youth ination and help equip young Black Canadians with the tools and skills they need to overcome barriers. Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism; the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees Lindell Smith with Nova Scotian youth at WeDay Atlantic, where he spoke to over 10,000 and Citizenship; the kids from Atlantic Canada. Photo courtesy of Lindell Smith. Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of OTTAWA, June 29, 2018 /CNW/ - CanaInfrastructure and Communities; and the da's diversity is a source of strength and Honourable Scott Brison, President of the an important factor in our success as a Treasury Board, announced the Governcountry. However, our success has not been equally shared by all members of our ment of Canada's plans to launch a new funding initiative to address the significant society. All Canadians deserve equal opand unique challenges faced by the Black portunities to thrive, no matter their origin, Canadian community. This announcement culture, religion, language or skin colour. was made at events held across the counUnfortunately, Canada's Black community try, with Minister Joly in Montréal, Minister faces unique and significant challenges, such as an overrepresentation in the crimi- Hussen in Toronto, Minister Sohi in Edmonnal justice system and a higher prevalence ton and Minister Brison in Halifax. of low income. Anti-Black racism also This new funding is in line with Prime remains a consistent problem, with crimes Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement targeting Black populations being the most to officially recognize the United Nations common type of hate crime related to race or ethnicity in the country. The Government International Decade for People of African Descent. As part of that commitment, of Canada recognizes these challenges Canada is reviewing the issues that have and is taking steps to address this discrim-
persistently disadvantaged Black Canadians. To enhance community support for Black Canadian youth, Canadian Heritage is investing $9 million over three years, an investment that was originally announced in Budget 2018. The initiative will fund projects that respond to key concerns of Black Canadians to help address issues faced by Black youth that affect their full and equitable participation in our society. This new funding will help empower Black youth by promoting Black history, culture and identity; developing leadership skills; and encouraging local community involvement. The funding will also go toward projects that help combat discrimination. Projects funded by this new initiative will foster a better understanding of the experiences of Black youth and help facilitate dialogue between all Canadians. Those interested in applying for funding under this new initiative should contact Canadian Heritage at pch.jeunescanadiensnoirs-blackcanadianyouth.pch@canada. ca for more information. Quick Facts Budget 2018 announced $19 million to address the significant and unique challenges faced by Black Canadians. This included $9 million for Canadian Heritage
to enhance community support for youth at risk and $10 million for the Public Health Agency of Canada to develop research in support of more culturally focused mental health programs in the Black Canadian community. The Black population in Canada is the third largest visible minority group in Canada, totalling nearly 1.2 million people in 2016. Black Canadian youth ages 15–24 experience disproportionately high dropout rates and have a lower than average labour force participation rate at 52.3 percent, and 25.6 percent experience low-income status. Black Canadians have diverse origins and identities, with approximately 30 percent of Black Canadians reporting multiple ethnic origins in the 2011 census. Canada is continuing to combat the inequity and exclusion that prevents full and equitable opportunities for some Canadians to participate in our democratic society. Equity needs to be cultivated and protected. Racism and discrimination against racialized and religious minorities cannot be tolerated. Still today, too many Canadians have to deal with barriers related to their identities. SOURCE Canadian Heritage Advertisment
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American News
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OneUnited Bank Supports Immigrants And Launches Justice Card
BOSTON, June 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, OneUnited Bank, the nation's largest Black bank, has released a statement in support of the immigrant community currently under intense national scrutiny. Concurrently, the bank releases the Justice Card featuring on its face a young black woman, fist out in solidarity and draped in flags to celebrate cultures that are the mosaic of America. The artwork
was created by internationally celebrated muralist Addonis Parker. Statement from Teri Williams, President & Owner of OneUnited Bank As the largest Blackowned bank in America, we appreciate the difficult journey of immigrants and recognize their vast economic contributions to our country. Despite what we read in the press, immigrants contribute immensely to America's
success. Many of us are immigrants, children of immigrants or grandchildren of immigrants. We relate to our ancestral countries – such as Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad or Barbados – while also embracing America. We consider ourselves to be Black, African-American and/or Caribbean-Americans. We strongly agree with Martin Luther King Jr. – "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." A recent internal study by the Department of Health and Human Services found immigrants brought in $63 billion more in government revenues than they cost the government. A 2017 paper by Evans and Fitzgerald, "The Economic and Social Outcomes of Refugees in the United States: Evidence from the ACS" found that
immigrants pay $21,000 more in taxes than they receive in benefits. Immigrants are also linked to greater invention and innovation in the U.S. According to a recent report by the National Foundation for American Policy, "immigrants have started more than half (44 of 87) of America's startup companies valued at $1 billion dollars or more." For many immigrants, business ownership is part of their cultural DNA. Recent studies, including "Achieving the American Dream: Cultural Distance, Cultural Diversity and Economic Performance," show that immigrants overcome cultural differences and achieve economic success over time, especially in environments that are open to diversity and ready to accept their talents. OneUnited Bank re-
leased this statement in support of immigrants because we know it's important to have a positive and accurate counternarrative to the current negative and inaccurate press. About OneUnited Bank OneUnited Bank is the premier bank for urban communities, the largest Black-owned bank, the first Black internet bank and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Its mission is to provide affordable financial services to support economic development in urban communities and maintain superior financial performance to maximize shareholder value. OneUnited is an FDIC insured bank and an equal housing lender. SOURCE OneUnited Bank
Trauma Expert, Tonier Cain, Warns that Separating Children from Parents Contributes to Addiction and Incarceration Epidemics
Washington, DC - Tonier Cain endured 19 years of drug addiction, three harrowing trips to a mental health facility, 31 failed rehab treatments, and 83 arrests before she learned that she suffered from untreated trauma and was being re-traumatized by the people and systems that were suppose to help her. Last week, 13-years after confronting her trauma, the internationally recognized speaker and survival coach traveled to Florida to train social service providers at the
Department of Children and Families (DCF) on how to provide effective services without traumatizing the families they support.
huge percentage of people who were under the auspices of child welfare end up on drugs, homeless or incarcerated."
in distress and are sensitive to their needs promotes healing and healthy recovery. I applaud Florida DCF for their continued efforts in this area."
"Even though removing a child may save their life, separating them from their parent can produce long-term negative consequences," says Cain. "I've be on both ends. I was removed from my mother at eleven and while I was on drugs I had several children taken from me by social services. I can attest that both experiences are very traumatic, but the shock as a child contributed to many years of bad behavior. It didn't matter if my mother was an abusive alcoholic; I was snatched from the only world I knew."
Cain teaches the RICH (Respect, Individuality, Connection, and Hope) approach, which educates providers on how to engage with trauma survivors to help them feel safe so they may begin to heal from past experiences. The DCF trainings were conducted in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach and Gainsville. She will train providers in St. John's County at the end of June.
The former team leader for the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care has also trained probation officers in Ohio and family court judges in South Dakota, Michigan and Maryland. Cain has worked with corrections facilities across the country and was recognized by Florida Gov. Rick her contributions to transforming the way the entire Department of Juvenile Justice serves children and adults housed in their facilities.
She continues, "The current drug epidemic has caused a surge in referrals to child protective agencies. If caseworkers fail to identify trauma and show empathy to these families, they exacerbate the stress. Statistics show that a
"It's encouraging to see that the Florida Department Children and Families recognizes the critical need for child protective workers to gain a greater understanding of trauma informed care. So many of the people assisted in human service settings have experienced violence or some sort of trauma. Making sure providers are trained to recognize people
Since exiting T.A.M.A.R.'s Children (Trauma, Addiction, Mental Health, and Recovery) in 2005, Cain has become a walking testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit. She released a poignant memoir, "Healing Neen," and feature-length documentary of the same name, exposing her traumatic childhood filled with
abuse and rape. Her new book due out this summer, "Relationships After Trauma," moves beyond the healing that comes from breaking the silence, to providing critical tools to help trauma survivors maintain healthy relationships. Cain is the founder and CEO of Neen Cares, a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization focused on improving the prospects of trauma survivors. In November the organization will host their third annual National Healing Neen Trauma Informed Care Conference in Detroit, Mi. They will bring together service providers from across the nation to hear expert trainers and presenters discussing approaches to creating trauma informed communities. For more information about Tonier Cain, trauma informed care training, or the Healing Neen conference visit www. neencares.org or email lisa@ neencares.org
Editorial
Perspective: Pride Toronto bans Toronto police participation in parade
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CHINA IS NOT TRUE SOCIALIST BUT RATHER AN IMPERIALIST POWER
are free to choose their own sexual orientation, as long as in doing so they do not negatively impact others or minors who are not legally allowed to so engage in such activities.
We embrace all and do agree with the ban on the police parading floats in the Pride Event. Police should keep,a professional distance and be available to keep the peace. We are aware that police may wish to want to seen to be friends of the LBGTQ2S communities but law enforcement is your core function that of security. You should ensure that all goes well and the event is incident free. This cannot and should not be viewed as discrimination, it is just the right thing to do.
Just as we would not want to see police outriders escort the Bikers Gang or have bike crews in their events. A line needs to be drawn somewhere. Do Not Discriminate The fact the Premier Kathleen is openly gay does not mean the police need to be so transformed. Certainly if individuals in the police force which to make their own statement they should not be prevented. That would be downright discrimination, we do not support that at all. Canada is still a free society and individuals
This perspective should not be seen as an endorsement or rejection of a gay lifestyle. To each his or her own. People are free to choose their own path in life. From a Christian perspective, such a gay lifestyle is not considered appropriate. What is your perspective? Join the debate .. we may publish your view point, if space allows. The police at all times in serving, must allow itself to be viewed with Pride. Hopeton O'Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper.
China Lack Of Adherence To The Notion Of Distributive Justice Under International Laws Shows Its Disregards For Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice In Africa and the Caribbean. The five-year tax waivers given to the Chinese for the operation of ALPART Alumina Refinery in Jamaica would result in Jamaica for going taxes and levies on some US$40 billion to be generated from the mining of bauxite within the value-added chain created along the Aluminium production life-cycle of approximately 4 million tons of bauxite for five years, forgoing also any redistributive economic impact value to the Chinese economy of US$147 billion.
The IMF had warned both governments that they cannot afford to transfer these additional revenues they have given up onto the backs of the Jamaican taxpayers as China investments are not development aids nor a transfer of wealth but must be paid back in future dollars indexed to the Jamaican dollar. China's Alumina Production in Jamaica will contribute US$147 billion in economic impact for the Chinese economy over 5 yrs. They then loan us back US$5 billion to date but also indexed the loan repayment to our depreciating dollar plus the interest rate. Effectively, China cons Jamaica into accepting the future value of their investments while they reap the present value of the economic benefits in a sophisticated development model for which none of our leaders understand the real cost benefits. By Silbert Barrett
WITHOUT SOVEREIGN GUARANTEE THE JAMAICAN DIASPORA HAS NO OTHER RECOURSE THAN THE VOTE TO HEDGE AGAINST "POLITICAL RISK" OF LOOSING THEIR LIFE SAVINGS
The value of capital is not only to create wealth but things that matter; a true democracy for all citizens. Good government and good governance are both parts of the same “continuum”, one without the other is likely to fail. We judge the likely governance by the manifesto, which is not guaranteed to see the light of day in practical terms but a government can be held to accountability by citizens who vote. Diaspora Vote in Jamaica is a simple struggle to liberate Jamaica's Political Ghettos, the breeding ground for violent crimes. If the deciding votes are coming from the diaspora we will no longer have political ghettos in Jamaican. Crime will decrease. The Germans
had Jewish Ghettos, Jamaica has Political Ghettos, only the Diaspora vote can liberate the masses. As a Jamaican Diaspora Resident, am I likely to Invest in Jamaica right now? That is an interesting question when we take into account that the Diaspora is rarely on the government’s radar. It does not appear to represent my hopes and aspirations. If we were truly "out of many one people" the burden of societal failure should not rest solely on the backs of African Jamaicans people. The potential for development in Jamaican lies with diaspora human capital and not its investment capital according to UN report. We need a gov't in Jamaica who has the
capacity to harness the wealth and knowledge of the Diaspora and stop the pondering for investments only. This behavior is becoming increasing suspicious to many Jamaicans overseas.
these investors. The hotel owners who hardly pay taxes and underpay our workers. The Chinese who export our dollars and allegedly pay no taxes, the destruction of young black men for political reasons.
An interesting exchange of divergent views on the question of a meaningful relationship between the Diaspora Vote and the potential for underwriting Major Infrastructure Investment. Those who believe that the two elements are unconnected are either deluding themselves or seeking to hoodwink others who are less able to grasp or understand the essence of what is happening. Those who believe that the Chinese Infrastructure Investment comes without strings are simply deluding themselves. The Chinese don’t need a vote because they already have enough stake ownership to dictate any or all future direction.
I seem to recall that the Government (Not necessarily this current Administration) bought some Buses from a Foreign Trading Partner in the absence of a meaningful maintenance contract. More importantly, the local workforce had no idea how to maintain those Buses. It tells me that the Government either has low-quality backroom personnel or they have ignored the guidance. They appear to have overlooked or missed the very basics of any meaningfully negotiated process, either that or I have missed something along the way. These buses were been sent to Brazil for repair at cost of US$120,000, the actual cost of a new bus.
It is an economic falsehood to believe that giving tax concessions to hotels and Chinese interests will create growth when hard-working Jamaican at home and abroad gets no break yet contribute more to the economic development of the island. Billions in hard cash injection which the government uses to subside
So the debate over Diaspora vote versus public infrastructure investments is one that is essentially about accountability and stewardship of resources and how they are used and consumed for the betterment of the people. The vote therefore seeks to shift the
dependency on political ghettos to a broader set of electorate in the Diaspora who are totally independent of vote buying and political coercion through violence and therefore allows for better decision making through accountability and good governance to mitigate the political risks associated with public investment and protecting the vested interest of the Jamaican Diaspora if they were to invest in a so-called “Diaspora Bond”. The Government can indeed ignore the Diaspora call for the rigths to vote if they choose to do that. It will, however, be to the detriment of Jamaica in general and not the elite who may well have secured a comfortable future for themselves as part of the highly questionable agreements. Nobody can really help those who do not even recognize that there is a problem. In a narrative to drive a wedge between Jamaicans at home and abroad, Gov't regularly blames Diaspora for not investing at home. We can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time. By Silbert Barrett
Community
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Fabienne Colas receives 2018 Canada's Top 40 Under 40 Award
MONTREAL, June 29, 2018 / CNW Telbec/ - The Fabienne Colas Foundation is pleased to announce that Fabienne Colas, President and Founder, has been named a Recipient of the coveted Canada's Top 40 Under 40 ® for 2018. This high distinction brings great recognition to the outstanding work she has been doing across Canada and internationally for many years. The 2018 Top 40 Recipients were announced on June 27 on BNN Bloomberg and in National Post. Fabienne Colas and her peers were selected from over 800 nominees by an independent Advisory Board, comprising more than 20 business leaders from across Canada. Honourees were chosen on four key criteria: Vision & Innovation; Leadership; Impact & Influence; and, Social Responsibility. « Being a recipient of the prestigious Canada's Top 40 under 40 award is a true honor for me and my community. This national recognition is a tribute to the hard work we have been doing at the Fabienne Colas Foundation to promote and foster diversity and inclusion in the arts and in our society. This Award encourages me more than ever to continue breaking down barriers and building more bridges." – Fabienne Colas Recipients will attend the Top 40 National Celebrations to be held in Toronto in November, and they will be honoured at the Top 40 Awards Night Gala to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on the night of November 21, 2018.
Canada's Top 40 Under 40 is a dynamic awards program that identifies outstanding young achievers in Canadian business, visionaries and innovators changing the way things are done. They are inspiring others and already giving back to their communities and to Canada. And every one of them is under the age of forty. Founded in 1995 by Caldwell, Top 40 has recognized more than 680 outstanding Canadians and is the country's most coveted award for young business leaders. Honourees have a remarkable track record of achievement after their win; the ranks of Top 40 alumni include hundreds of nationally and internationally prominent CEOs, CFOs, executives, and entrepreneurs. Award-winning actress, entrepreneur, filmmaker, producer, sought-after speaker and consultant, Fabienne Colas is the "Queen of Festivals" who has created and organizes through her Foundation 7 successful festivals between Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, New York and Port-au-Prince - including the Montreal International Black Film Festival, which has become the largest festival of its kind in Canada and a key player in Quebec's cultural diversity; the very popular Toronto Black Film Festival which has become a real movement; as well as the Festival Haiti en Folie in Montreal and New York City - the largest multidisciplinary Haitian festival outside of Haiti. These events have welcomed top names such as: Harry Belafonte, Stedman Graham, Danny Glover, Spike Lee, Martin Luther King III, Dany Lafer-
rière, Wyclef Jean, Alfre Woodard, P.K. Subban, Isaiah Washington, Clement Virgo and many more. The Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF) is a not-for-profit cultural organization dedicated to building bridges through the arts by supporting diversity and education. To fulfill its mission, the Foundation put together 7 festivals and various programs to break barriers, celebrate diversity, foster togetherness, understanding and inclusion. In addition to offering scholarships for arts schools, mentorship programs and awards of excellence, the Fabienne Colas Foundation showcases and rewards marginalized artists who otherwise would not have been seen or heard. Since its inception in 2005, its initiatives and festivals have showcased and supported over 2,000 artists and attracted close to 1 million festivalgoers in Canada, the USA and Haiti. Fabienne Colas is considered a force of nature, a fierce entrepreneur, an unstoppable leader who makes things happen for positive social change and impact in our society. Also the CEO of Zaza Production, a consulting company dedicated, among other things, to business development and intercultural communications strategies, she continues to create strong platforms to showcase a diversity of voices, faces and points of view. Fabienne Colas's leadership has been praised by the business sector, the artistic industry and all three levels of government: Femmes en Cinéma, Télévision et
Média Numériques (FCTMN) paid tribute to Fabienne for her exceptional contribution in the Quebec Film Industry (2018). Nominated and chosen by the U.S. State Department as the 2017-woman leader to represent Canada in the 3-week exchange leadership program: The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). 47 countries were represented. She has been publicly praised and congratulated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Harry Jerome Awards Gala as a leader that members of Government should keep working with to make positive change in the Black community. She has received the 2017 Harry Jerome Arts and Culture Award in Toronto for her major contribution in Canadian Arts and the Festivals industry. She was awarded a Medal from Quebec's National Assembly – by Kathleen Weil, former minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion – recognizing Fabienne's leadership and contribution in the fight against racism and discrimination in Quebec (2015). She served as a board member on the Society for the Celebrations of Montreal's 375th Anniversary and was a member of the programming and Diversity committees. She was invited to the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards as an Award presenter in 5 categories (non-broadcast). She was a guest of honor at Dany Laferrière's historic induction ceremony at the Académie Française (French Academy) in 2015. She won the Black History Month Award in 2010 in Montreal for her great involvement in her community. She has been invited to officially meet and sit at the table of honor of President Barack Obama (2017) and Former First Lady Michelle Obama (2018) during their visits in Montreal for a conference at the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal; as well as other international leaders such as Oprah Winfrey (2013). To follow or stay in touch with Fabienne Colas: LinkedIn – Twitter – Facebook Instagram www.fondationfabiennecolas.org
SOURCE Fondation Fabienne Colas
Community
Events Logic Presents: Bobby Tarantino vs. Everybody Tour with NF and Kyle
DJ Jazzy Jeff
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What `’s On Boyz 2 Men
Busta Rhymes & Lil Kim Live in Concert
Janelle Monae - Dirty Computer Tour
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour
Wu-Tang Clan 25th Anniversary Tour
Budweiser Stage Toronto, ON
Cabana Pool Bar Toronto, ON Sat, 07/07/18 01:00 PM & 10:00 PM
Casino Rama Resort Rama, ON Sat, 07/14/18 08:00 PM
REBEL Toronto, ON Fri, 07/27/18 10:30 PM
REBEL Toronto, ON Mon, 07/16/18 06:30 PM
Budweiser Stage Toronto, ON Wed, 07/18/18 06:00 PM
Lot42 Kitchener, ON Sun, 07/29/18 09:00 PM
Wiz Khalifa & Rae Sremmurd: Dazed & Blazed Tour
The Nasty Tour With Rico Nasty
Aubrey & The Three Migos Tour
Richie Spice, Lutan Fyah and more Gunja Fest
Toots and the Maytals
Jeremih, Teyana Taylor, Dani Leigh
MIGUEL with special guests DVSN
Budweiser Stage Toronto, ON Tue, 07/24/18 06:00 PM
Mod Club Toronto, ON Tue, 08/07/18 07:00 PM
Scotiabank Arena Toronto, ON
Toronto Plaza Hotel Toronto, ON July 28th
Danforth Music Hall Toronto, ON August 10th 2018
The Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, ON Thu, 08/16/18 07:00 PM
RBC Echo Beach Toronto, ON Sun, 08/26/18 08:00 PM
Thu, 07/05/18 07:00 PM
Fri, 08/10/18 Sun, 08/12/18
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Music
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Marcia Griffiths collaborates with Chronixx and Sly and Robbie famed riddim twins. Her 1996 album Land of Love featured the track Stay which was also produced by Sly & Robbie.
Official BujuBanton.com Website Launches 6 Months Before the Reggae Superstar's Return Home Stephen and Damian Marley, Sean Paul and DJ Khaled (to name a few), has become the stuff of legend. Buju is looking forward to returning to his family and re-connecting with his fans as well as getting back into the recording studio.
New York , New York (June 8, 2018) Six months from today, on December 8, 2018, reggae and dancehall superstar Buju Banton will return home after almost a decade behind bars. As Buju Banton's worldwide fanbase eagerly anticipates his triumphant return, the artist's management team proudly announces the launch of his official website. Buju Banton was the first recording artist to break Bob Marley's record for the most #1 singles in Jamaican music history. His last full length release, the 2010 project 'Before the Dawn,' won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. His last live show, a sold-out performance at Miami's Bayfront Park featuring guest appearances by
Buju’s management team has a lot of exciting things in the works, including a series of live performances, the revitalization of Gargamel Music, and an official merchandise. With today’s launch of his official website, BujuBanton.com, Buju’s fans will have an online destination for official updates on all things Buju Banton: Social Media, Music, Video, Merchandise, News Updates, and Information about his upcoming live dates. The home page features a six month countdown, which will help fans count the days until #BujuReturns. “Demand for Buju Banton’s music remains high despite his prolonged absence from the recording studio,” a recent Billboard feature said. “A$AP Rocky named him ‘one of my favorite reggae rappers,’ while DJ Khaled stated: ‘I love Buju so much. His music is like praying.’ “They still miss him and they still want to hear from him,” said Pat McKay of Sirius XM radio. “His work still has value, it’s still quotable and the aspirations of that work will always ring true.”
Veteran singer Marcia Griffiths is hoping to score with her latest single Queen of Paradise. The song is produced by the legendary duo of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. 'Queen of Paradise was written for me by Chronixx and it was produced by Sly and Robbie', said Marica in a media release. This isn't the first time that Griffiths has worked with the
Griffiths who earlier this year signed with the Donsome Booking Agency for representation, continues to score hits on the South Florida and The Foundation Radio Network (TFRN) Reggae chart in New York. In March, Too Good at Goodbyes, reached number three and number five respectively on the South Florida and TFRN charts. Last year she topped both charts with King of Babylon. Griffiths recently performed at the Kaya Festival, Oxygen Fete series in Bermuda and the Love and Harmony Cruise.
Prohgres Gives Life Lesson In New Single through Zojak Worldwide. With the positive feedback the single has been receiving, Prohgres released the visuals behind the track and has since racked up over 160,000 views. "The video was shot in various parts of Kingston and the videographers from Wicked Media Production, captured the essence of the song perfectly. My fans are enjoying the video and I am grateful for their continued support" He said. Reggae artiste Prohgres continues his musical journey with the release of "Energy Drainer". The singer who is known as the "World Artiste" believes that as an entertainer it is his duty to teach the younger generation through his musical craft and as such always keeps his music positive. "What you put in is what you get out. It is a part of my responsibility to teach the youths that positive thinking yields positive results, that’s why I tell my fans in my new single that they shouldn’t allow anything or anyone to drain their energy" Said the singjay. Produced by Good Good Productions, the single became available on all major streaming sites as of February 2018
Still riding high with the success of his singles "Memory Lane" and "Strength" Prohgres says his music is being accepted in various Caribbean and European countries and with the right strategy he will dominate the international Reggae scene in no time. "The song is being played on all major radio stations locally and on numerous radio stations outside of Jamaica and with time, my music will top charts and playlists all over the world. Hard work is a must, and I am putting in time and a half to help bring greatness to the world" Said Prohgres. Persons looking to keep up with Prohgres can do so by subscribing to his VeVo chanel, ProhgresVevo.
Music Jahmiel Set to Embark on Maiden European Tour and in the top 10 rotations on Caribbean radio. With his solid performance style and fanbase Jahmiel is sort after by promoters globally. For 2018 Jahmiel has toured US and UK and made his way to Gambia for a sold out show of over 20 thousand in attendance. New York, New York (June 26, 2018). From the start of 2018, Jahmiel has embarked on several tours and there is definitely no stopping in sight as the demand for the Patriotz boss remains high. Over the years summer-time has been a busy period for Reggae artists, like Desmond Decker, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Shaggy, and Sean Paul just to name a few and for Reggae/Dancehall artist Jahmiel his career is shaping up in the same manner. Jahmiel who has attained notoriety in 2015 with his breakthrough hit 'Gain the World' has been consistently maintaining his spot on international charts
This week Jahmiel will embark on his first European tour, which will have him performing in Belgium, Holland, Germany, Sweden, France and Barcelona. While in Europe, Jahmiel is scheduled to co-headline one of the biggest three-day festivals, Summer Jam, along with Alkaline and Konshens closing out day 2 of the festival. With high anticipation for the arrival of the Patriotz boss fans are looking to see Jahmiel perform some of his hits for the first time in their town like, Gain the World, Real Father, True Colours, Where Were You, Strongest Soldier and U Me Luv. “The response since the announcement of Jahmiel European tour has been great, we
are already planning the next tour as promoters are reaching out now to book Jahmiel for their venues. We are anticipating Jahmiel will be back again soon” says Gary ‘Riga’ Burke co-owner of Rhythm and Flow Agency. With the release of his new singles ‘Winning’ , ‘Live Without Limits’, ‘Level Up’ and most recent ‘System’ Jahmiel is definitely staying busy. “For 2018 management set out to expand my music and brand and take the music to some places where Reggae and Dancehall is not as popular as in the highly denced populated Caribbean markets. Therefore, we did have to take on the tours and do some 4-6 weeks on the road and come back and knock out Gambia then Caribbean and go on a short UK tour. So with Europe next I look forward to this experience and ready to perform for my European fans says Jahmiel. Jahmiel currently has a major hit in Germany with German artist Miwata, titled Oh Baby which has received over 3 million streams on Spotify.
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Cecile & Kiprich Release Video 'Come Back Tomorrow' surrounding the collaboration the anticipation for the supporting visual began to build. Directed by Damien Sandoval, Come Back Tomorrow, which is now being labelled as one of the summer club bangers was shot in Los Angeles, California. Both artists are pleased with the response of the track so far and is currently gearing up for promotional runs as well as tours. New York , New York (June 25, 2018) Over the past two months, both Cecile and Kiprich have caused a major buzz on the airwaves and national TV with their new single 'Come Back Tomorrow' produced by The Champ & Natural Bridge Records. The classic throwback sound mixed with modern dancehall samples and grooves is becoming a radio hit. With catchy lyrics and an infectious beat, the track conveys a euphoric feeling that will have the club jumping and your radio blaring. The single, is currently receiving airplay on WZMX, WQHT, WWPR-FM, WJMN, WDKX, WJMI, WBLK, WHUR, WHXT and WJBT just to name a few. With the increase in airplay and the social media buzz
"The track is getting enormous buzz, all over the world the response has been great. We've received great feedback in Chile, various parts of Africa, Caribbean and now working on the US markets" says Kiprich. ‘Come Back Tomorrow’ embodies fun - hot summer video with two dynamic artists coming together and delivering a universal track set to hit charts globally. Throughout the video director Damien Sandoval made sure to incorporate energetic dancers adding to the infectious feeling of wanting to dance anytime you hear this track. Currently promoting this single both Kiprich and Cecile will be very busy making sure this single captivates the ears of the masses.
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Entertainment JOHNNY DALEY DISAPPOINTED WITH NEWSTALK 93 FM Negotiations began almost a month ago with Station Managers and Chris Daley and even with the sales team for Newstalk 93 FM. There was an agreement made for the new home of Daley's Johnny LIVE radio show to air on Newstalk 93fm weekday afternoons 2:30-5pm starting on June 4th 2018.
After what was thought to be a done deal and the start of a new chapter for Comedian and broadcaster Chris Johnny Daley's Johnny LIVE radio show on University owned radio station News Talk 93fm; the show came to a premature halt when Daley was informed that the station was ceasing new programming until further notice.
"The station manager assured me that all was well and we were set to sign the final contract on the very first broadcast day Monday June 4, they even wanted the show to start earlier than that date so its a surprise that the University and the Station Management are at odds and i am caught in the middle" Daley explained The Johnny LIVE Afternoon show was off to a great start and feedback on the
the first show was already positive, however communication with the University and the Radio station's management seemed to have either broken down or was non existent. "If the Stations Management did not have the authority to engage my show to join the station then they shouldn't have done so. If the University is making this decision without realizing how it affects people then i'm very disappointed. My team and i have made adjustments to our lives to accommodate the daily afternoon show, my producer left another job to work with me, this isn't something to be taken lightly," Daley added The comedian had also started a social media promotional campaign about his new radio home urging his fans to tune in. This
would be the third home of Daley's radio brand as it was previously aired on Suncity Radio and Bess 100FM. "The whole thing makes me very sad because fans have been asking me when i would be back on radio and i was happy to tell them that Johnny LIVE had a new radio home. I really don't like to be constantly moving the brand from station to station but even if Newstalk can work out its internal issues with the University i doubt i will return to the table because they have been surprisingly unprofessional," Daley stated In the meantime Daley is focused on his Johnny LIVE Comedy Bar comedy series held on a Tuesday night at 100 Hope Road. Janice Young | PR Director/Event Coordinator/ Advertising Consultant
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Entertainment
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Shelly-Ann's statue now in Jamaica – Grange Stadium East. The installation of the new track will also be at the end of the season. Another announcement yesterday by Grange was that under the Technical Cooperation Agreement on Sport between Jamaica and the People's Republic of China, 137 athletes would be leaving for China for two months at the end of June.
Olivia Grange, minister of sport, announced recently that the statue to be erected in honour of Jamaica's leading female sprinter, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, is now on the island. Minister Grange made the announcement at the launch function of the 2018 National Junior and Senior Championships held at National Stadium between June 21 to 24. “The statue will be unveiled at the end of this track and field season, but in the meantime the maquette
will be unveiled by the end of this month. Shelly-Ann has seen the maquette and is quite pleased with it,” Grange told the audience at the Pegasus where the launch took place. The statue will be erected close to that of Usain Bolt in Statue Park. Saying that she brought even more “goodies”, the sport minister announced also that she had received approval from Cabinet for the installation of a new running track at
“Athletes in seven sporting disciplines – swimming; artistic swimming, football for females; volleyball for females; basketball for females; gymnastics; and badminton. Each team will have a coach and a sports officer and they will return to Jamaica with equipment for their sports, donated by China.” Minister Grange said the National Junior and Senior Championships represent perhaps the most important event for local track and field athletes because it is performance at these Championships that determine who is selected to represent the country on the big stage such as the Olympics and the World Cham-
pionships. “We know that this time round, the National Junior and Senior Championships, popularly called the “Trials”, are being held to choose the senior and junior teams that will represent Jamaica at the newly/minted Athletics World Cup in Britain and the NACAC Senior Champs in Toronto, Canada. Both of these meets will take place next month. For the juniors it will be the IAAF World Junior Championships in Finland, also in July. “I find it particularly pleasing also that the seniors and juniors will be performing together at this year’s trials. We get to see the young ones and the not-so -young ones performing in one package. It will be great. “As the minister of sport, I am urging us to turn out in large numbers at the National Stadium to show our support for and encouragement to our athletes,” Grange added. Source: Jamaica Observer
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Film
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"Let My People Vote" Headed to LA & DC After Nabbing Short Documentary Award at Florida Film Festival
signatures to place Amendment 4, the Second Chances Voting Restoration Amendment, on the ballot this November. Florida's Jim Crow era voter suppression laws have a disparate impact on African Americans, Latinos and other minority groups. "About 1.7 million Floridians are disenfranchised," adds Brasch. "The 2000 election was decided by 537 votes in Florida, so these votes clearly matter."
LOS ANGELES - While media pundits and other experts debate the impact Russia had on the 2016 election, a riveting short documentary exposing the harsh voter suppression laws that prohibit 6.1 million Americans from voting, "Let My People Vote," is fast becoming a rallying call for youth to participate in the midterm elections. The film won an Audience Award at the Florida Film Festival and will be the subject of a conversation in Los Angeles at the Peacemaker Organizing & Awards Summit hosted by the Community Justice Reform Coalition and the LIVE FREE Campaign. Directed by Gilda Ann Brasch of Los Angeles-based VUSI
Filmworks,"Let My People Vote" will also be featured in The Color of Conversation Film Series, an extension of the prestigious Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival. It will be held June 29th at the American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Cultural Center located in the DC area. "We are honored to be selected to participate in these landmark events, both of which seek to promote positive conversation on the issue of structural discrimination," said Brasch. Marquise McKenzie looks on as FRRC president, Desmond Meade convinces a resident to go vote.
"Let My People Vote" follows voting rights activist, Desmond Meade, as he mobilizes his team to help get Tampa residents to the polls. Meade discovers that a senior citizen they encouraged to go vote is unable to cast a ballot due to a suspended license violation from 1993. This situation struck home with Meade. He's an ex-felon whose right to vote has not been restored even though he turned his life around many years ago. Although he can't vote, Meade still participates in the process. As president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition he worked in partnership with the ACLU to gather more than one million
During the midterm election cycle the filmmakers are working with partner organizations to host screenings paired with panel discussions designed to bring awareness to voter suppression and educate voters on Florida's Amendment 4. Partners include: AFL-CIO of Central Florida, Latino Leadership Institute, LIVE FREE Campaign, United Faculty of Florida at the University of Central Florida, Orange County Teachers Association, FL & GA Black Youth Vote, Levi Strauss Foundation, and the International Documentary Association. Musical artist and activist,Moby, contributed his new single "This Wild Darkness" (Mute Records), to the film. Advertisment
Liesure & Lifestyle Poet, hip-hop artist and speaker Jackie Hill Perry to release her first book "Gay Girl, Good God" natural to her. At age 19, Perry says she came face-to-face with what it meant to be made new; she says God broke in and turned her heart toward Him right in her own bedroom. Since becoming a Christian in 2008, Perry says she has been compelled to share the light of the gospel through writing, teaching and art. "I wrote this book out of love—a common word used so out of context on most days," Perry writes in the book's introduction. "This work is not a miscommunication of my intentions; it is a direct product of it."
NASHVILLE, Tenn., /PRNewswire/ -- Poet, hip-hop artist and speaker Jackie Hill Perry will release her first book this September, "Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been" (B&H Publishing). Perry's work has been featured in The Washington Times, The 700 Club, Desiring God and The Gospel Coalition, and her poems have reached more than one million views on YouTube. She is signed to Humble Beast Records and her most recent album, "Crescendo," released in May. In "Gay Girl, Good God," Perry describes how she grew up fatherless, experienced gender confusion and embraced both masculinity and homosexuality. She knew that Christians had a lot to say about all of the above, but she struggled with how she was supposed to stop loving women when homosexuality felt more
"Before writing it, I lived out the words. A gay girl once? Yes. Now? I am what God's goodness will do to a soul once grace gets to it... I will only encourage those hesitant to turn the page because of my particular perspective on truth to keep reading. I'll admit that I have much more to say about gayness and God that will be a bit countercultural, but I hope will also be intriguing to the point of consideration in the grand scheme of things." The book is divided into three parts: "Who I Was," "Who I Became" and "Same Sex Attraction And…." The first two parts walk through Perry's story, while the third part is a practical guide for people in the church about the book's topic. "Gay Girl, Good God" is available for preorder through all major retailers and will be released on September 2, 2018.
SOURCE B&H Publishing Group
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Nikki Fortune Announces the Release of Fiction Book … Hustle NEW YORK, /PRNewswire/ -- Mynd Matters Publishing is proud to offer the fresh new work from Nikki Fortune, HUSTLE hitting bookstores everywhere on June 20, 2018.
Nikki Fortune is a first-time author and beauty entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in business development, brand management and merchandising. She founded her sales and marketing company, Marketing Excellence in 2011. In addition to being a licensed cosmetologist and master instructor, she is a sales and marketing executive and leader of a 30- person team throughout the United States. In 2015, she founded Runway Lashes Cosmetic and Beauty Spa and Salon Studios in Long Island. Both Runway Lashes & Salon Studios bring affordable luxury beauty services to the community. She is also a 2016 Graduate of the MBE Program at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. She currently resides in Long Island, NY with her two daughters and grandson.
full of dirt roads, fast-talking men, and people going nowhere fast. Told through the lens of Hamilton and Clara, HUSTLE is the unfolding of a lifetime of childhood dreams built on the shoulders of a generation. From unimaginable relationships and questionable connections to the choices each character has to make just to stay alive, it charismatically demonstrates the sacrifices women endure to create better situations for their families, even when risking themselves. HUSTLE is a brilliantly interwoven tale of only being able to find yourself once you leave everything you know behind. For more information, please contact Jazmyne Archer via e-mail at 197353@email4pr. com or visit HustletheNovel.com. SOURCE Nikki Fortune
HUSTLE a provocative tale of a family raised in Hustle, Virginia. It's a small town
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