“When you experience trauma — especially in childhood — your body goes into survival mode. Stress hormones like cortisol flood your system. This intense, prolonged stress can leave epigenetic marks on your DNA...”
Turning Lemons into Lemonade Jenniffer Brown
“I believe that the greatest tool you can give to anyone is that of a good education.”
Jenniffer Brown is a Jamaican-born entrepreneur who has risen above childhood tragedy to achieve phenomenal success in her field. She was born in the village of Petersfield, which is located in the parish of Westmoreland. Her mother, Joyce Yvonne Spence, played a special role in her life. Details about Jenniffer Brown’s inspirational story were shared in a press release issued on Thursday, March 20th, 2025, by Sure Thing Productions. The press release shares her early childhood, loss of her mother at nine years old, education at Westwood High School, marriage to her first love, Elorde “Lexy” Brown, three children, and professional and working experiences, as well as her involvement with the Westwood Old Girls Association (WOGA), New York Chapter.
I interviewed Brown on Friday, March 28th regarding her story of resilience, empowerment, hope, and faith. She grew up in a tightly knit family of six and recalled fond memories of her mother. She shared with me the special significance and important role that impacted her life. Her mother passed away when she was nine years old, but she had been ill for two years prior to her death. For Jenniffer, moments that stand out were: her mother’s diligence and attentiveness to her three girls and one son, her running behind time, and attending to the needs of her family. The loss of her mother at such a tender age had a great impact—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
“I firmly believe that the challenges we experience in childhood can serve as the inspiration for us to do as much as we can to make the lives of others better. This is my story,” Jenniffer shares.
Brown attended Westwood High School (located in Stewart Town in the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica). It is recognized as one of the top academically performing schools in Jamaica, whose alumni have distinguished themselves
in many fields such as law, education, medicine, business, politics, and science. It was the dream of her mother that her three daughters would attend Westwood, which was fulfilled.
Her time at Westwood was particularly challenging. After her older sister graduated, she felt all alone, as she lost the closeness of her sisterly bond. Her younger sister was boarding at the school and did not live with the family in Westmoreland. There were not many times when the family could visit the school in Trelawny, compared to families who were from nearby parishes such as St. Ann or St. James. Not seeing her family regularly was even more painful. She felt all alone when she saw other families visiting often.
She studied Human Resource Management at Pace University in New York. She launched her career as the Firm Administrator at the Markham law firm Weiner, Millo, Morgan and Bonanino, where her role involved different aspects. She told me that it was during her 23-year stint at this law firm that she learned many valuable leadership skills that helped her later when she ventured into the non-profit sector.
The year 2014 was very important to Jenniffer. She was indebted to Westwood for the tremendous academic foundation and life skills that she acquired while she was there. Many of the leadership skills that she developed were nurtured in the supportive, empowering, and inspiring environment there. She was busy with her family and career, which were priorities. However, after hosting a delegation of students and teacher chaperones who came to New York for a conference at the United Nations, she made the decision to give back to Westwood.
Brown was instrumental in the revival of the New York Chapter of the Westwood Old Girls Association (WOGA). She states, “I was able to contextualize the distress I had experienced while there, with the knowledge that the education I received really played a crucial role in who I am today.” The vital and lifelong lessons that she learned from her time at West-
wood have enabled her to develop resilience. She states, “I found a way to turn lemons into lemonade at Westwood, and now it is time to pay it forward.”
Brown told me about specific needs that Westwood currently has. The New York chapter has donated laptops to the school since the COVID-19 pandemic and has erected and equipped an AUTOCAD (Computer-Aided Design) lab. There is still a need for additional sponsors, donors, and mandatory fundraising to raise funds for scholarships. The adoption of the slogan “Westwood Strong” is intended to attract more members in 2025 and reach more alumni. Also, there are three levels of involvement. In addition, the school is still recovering from two fires, which occurred in May 2017 and February 2023. The first in-person Meet & Greet event was held on Monday, April 7th at the Jamaican restaurant, Dunns River Lounge, located in Rockville Centre, New York.
Brown believes in the power of a good education. She knows the multiple benefits that accrue to the individual from getting one, as she can attest to from her time at Westwood. She states, “With all my heart, I believe that the greatest tool you can give to anyone is that of a good education. For young women, especially in the world we currently inhabit, it is vital, because once it’s yours, it is the one thing that nobody can ever take away. It can literally set the course for your entire future, and that has never been truer than it is today.”
Brown mentions several words of advice that she would like to give to young people: “Study hard, stay consistent, be adaptable, embrace lifelong learning.” She adds several other words of practical wisdom such as, “Consider prioritizing your mental health, be resilient, and practice self-care.”
Written by Paul Junor Toronto Caribbean News
Photo Credit: Anthony Legg
This Autism Awareness Month, let’s go beyond the blue lights and hashtags
simone@carib101.com
Every year on April 2nd, the world is invited to turn its gaze toward the vibrant, diverse, and often misunderstood community of individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). World Autism Day is a day that amplifies the voices that often go unheard.
Behind every child on the spectrum is a family navigating an: emotional, financial, and systemic labyrinth. For many, the autism diagnosis is not a conclusion — it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with profound love, deep challenges, and the constant search for support in a world not built with neurodiversity in mind.
“I think sometimes in society, anybody who presents as different, there is some judgment around that,” one mother shared with me. “As we know, the autism spectrum is very wide — there are lots of differences, and we like to celebrate difference rather than judge it.”
This perspective is powerful — and necessary. Yet, for too many families, celebrating difference happens against a backdrop of: judgment, isolation, and system fatigue.
The weight families carry Parents of autistic children often wear multiple hats: caregiver, advocate, educator, therapist, and crisis manager while trying to
maintain the rhythm of family life. The emotional toll can be immense:
• Exhaustion from round-the-clock care and unpredictable meltdowns.
• Heartbreak from watching their child be misunderstood, or excluded.
• Frustration from fighting for resources that should be basic rights — not privileges.
Many families wait months, even years, for assessments, therapy, and educational accommodations. Some navigate economic strain as one parent may have to leave work to become a full-time caregiver. In marginalized communities, these challenges are often compounded by systemic inequities in access, understanding, and cultural sensitivity.
Yet — through it all — families with fierce love and relentless advocacy, they become the most powerful champions for their children.
Shifting the lens: From “fixing” to understanding
Too often, conversations around autism focus on “fixing” behaviors, pushing conformity, or erasing difference instead of fostering environments where autistic individuals can thrive as they are. This mindset not only places unfair expectations on children, but also reinforces stigma.
It’s time to shift the lens. Autism is not a tragedy. It’s not a character flaw.
It’s a different way of experiencing the world, one that can be: beautiful, curious, intense, and deeply honest.
When we recognize that: communication, social connection, and sensory engagement can look different (not lesser) we
begin to build a more inclusive world. One that values neurodiversity. Not as an exception, but as part of the human spectrum.
What families need
Families don’t need pity, they need partnerships. They need: schools that accommodate, workplaces that are flexible, communities that are educated, and healthcare systems that respond with urgency and empathy.
They need spaces where their child is not merely “tolerated,” but: seen, celebrated, and supported.
Honouring the whole picture
This Autism Awareness Month, let’s go be -
yond the blue lights and hashtags. Let’s sit with the full picture: the joy, the frustration, the breakthroughs, and the barriers. Let’s uplift the voices of families who live this reality every day.
Their stories remind us that inclusion isn’t just about accessibility — it’s about: attitude, action, and accountability.
To every parent, guardian, sibling, and caregiver walking this path — your love, resilience, and advocacy are changing the world. One moment, one breakthrough, one conversation at a time, because when we choose understanding over judgment, When we choose compassion over convenience, we build a world where every child can belong.
With a crucial election just around the corner, we at Toronto Caribbean feel it’s important to take a moment to speak directly and honestly with you—our neighbours, our readers, our extended family.
The past ten years have not been easy for many Canadians. We’ve watched as the cost of living skyrocketed, families stretched to make ends meet, and local businesses struggled to stay afloat. Inflation hit historic highs. The economy flatlined. Canada’s GDP has sunk to levels that should concern all of us, especially as global markets move forward without us. Despite temporary dips in inflationary numbers, the long-term damage is clear: food, housing, fuel, and basic services remain unaffordable for far too many.
And while the current government promises change, we urge you not to be misled by familiar slogans or new faces. This is still the same party, led by many of the same architects who helped build the broken systems we’re living under today. From housing to energy to media control, their policies have systematically eroded the quality of life in this country. They now ask for your vote again— positioning themselves as the solution to problems of their own making.
Let’s talk openly about global influence. We’ve raised concerns before—and we’ll do it again—about the growing alignment between Canadian political leadership and the World Economic Forum (WEF). These aren’t conspiracies. These are documented affiliations. Chrystia Freeland, now serving as Minister of Transport and Minister of Internal Trade, has long-standing ties to the WEF, having served on their Board of Trustees and frequently participating in their global panels. Mark Carney, now the leader of the Liberal Party and current Prime Minister, also holds a senior advisory role with the WEF and has been a prominent figure in its global finance and climate initiatives. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP, is likewise listed as a WEF agenda contributor and has voiced alignment with many of its social and economic policies. While these global platforms promote themselves as forward-thinking, the reality is they prioritize the interests of international elites—not the daily struggles of hard-working Canadians. And that should concern every voter.
This level of political alignment with international, unelected bodies should concern every voter. Decisions about Canadian jobs, laws, media, and energy should be made by Canadians—for Canadians. Yet we continue to see policies that benefit the
global class, while our own communities fall behind.
One example that hits particularly close to home is the Online News Act. Promoted as a way to protect Canadian journalism, it instead severed our community’s access to independent news on major platforms like Facebook and Instagram. For many of us, social media is how we stay connected to current events, grassroots reporting, and local stories. By choking off that access, the government has effectively silenced smaller voices—including diverse, community-led outlets like ours—while empowering legacy media to control the narrative.
This isn’t just inconvenient. It’s dangerous. Democracy only works when people have full access to information and the ability to speak freely about it. When censorship becomes the default response to criticism, it’s time to ask hard questions about who our government really works for.
And yet, through all of this, Toronto Caribbean has remained committed to standing for our people. We aren’t just a news outlet—we’re a reflection of the community. We’re here to uplift, inform, and empower. When the system forgets us, we remind them we’re still here. When voices are silenced, we raise ours louder. When times get tough, we lean into each other—because that’s what strong communities do.
Heading into this election, we’re not telling you who to vote for—but we are asking you to vote with clear eyes and an informed heart. Ask yourself: who caused this damage? Who stood by and enabled it? And who’s trying to convince you they’ve changed, without ever taking responsibility for what they did?
The truth is, after ten years of Liberal rule—backed at every step by the NDP—we have seen record deficits, a weakened economy, rising surveillance, and a government increasingly disconnected from everyday Canadians. The same people now claim they can fix what they broke. But we believe real change doesn’t come from rebranding old mistakes. It comes from a community that’s awake, engaged, and unwilling to be fooled again.
We want you to feel confident going into that voting booth. Not overwhelmed. Not misled. Not discouraged. But empowered.
So share this message with a friend. Start a conversation. Support local voices. Let’s show up—not just for ourselves, but for our kids, our elders, and our future.
We are Toronto Caribbean—and we’ve got your back.
A Night to Remember, A Reason to Celebrate: A Party for a Cause 2025
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
There are some nights you don’t forget — not just because of the music, the laughter, or the energy in the room, but because of what that night stood for. On Saturday, March 29th, 2025, Rebound Wellness invited the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper to experience exactly that: an evening full of joy, purpose, and community at their signature event, A Party for a Cause.
This wasn’t just another night out — it was a celebration of what happens when people come together to uplift one another, to support meaningful causes, and to have an unforgettable time while doing it.
Public
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The night was an electrifying fusion of entertainment, inspiration, and impact. It featured:
• Inspirational speakers who shared stories of strength, healing, and hope
• Live entertainment that set the stage on fire with music and energy
• Interactive experiences that connected, and engaged
• Of course — dancing, laughter, and pure celebration
What truly made this night special was celebrating the two incredible organizations doing vital work in our communities:
• The Walnut Foundation – championing men’s health and wellness, particularly within the Black community, and addressing early detection and education around prostate cancer and other critical health issues.
• The Olive Branch of Hope – Support and compassion for individuals and families impacted by breast cancer,
offering community, advocacy, and healing spaces for survivors and fighters alike.
These causes touch so many lives, and this event was a way of celebrating them and funding their continued impact.
I had a chance to speak with Andre Rose (VP of Membership Development and Community Outreach), and he shared with me the purpose and mission of Party for a Cause.
“The Walnut Foundation and Olive Branch of Hope are important to our community,” Andre begins. “Sometimes people turn up their nose about discussions about prostate cancer, especially men, and usually, it is the women who have to take the information to the men.”
“So how can we break down the fear around the topic. We can talk about it while: eating food, networking and raising awareness.”
This is their second one. Their first one was 2023, and they were able to get the concept out. “We realized that the concept of it and the conversations
around it was warranted. We were like, we need to make this a regular thing. So, this year we came with a new mission and vision. Now we are in a place that we are developing a business around it.”
“We had the Anthony Henry (President of The Walnut Foundation) do a presentation around the importance of men getting checked early, and we focused on gathering individuals as ambassadors. We are not doing it in a traditional way, we want to reach people in a different way.”
Derrick Springer (Operations and Project Delivery, Olive Branch of Hope) also spoke, and shared some shocking information. There are now women who are being diagnosed with breast cancer at 22.
“If we are able to bring organizations together to discuss important topics like this in a palatable way, to me, this is incredible,” Andre explains. “It is about saving lives.”
This event shows that when we party with purpose, we can create ripples that reach far beyond the dance floor.
Service Alliance of Canada files Human Rights Complaint after dismissal of Black Class Action Lawsuit
action.ca. It seeks, long-term solutions to permanently address systemic racism and discrimination in the public service of Canada.
The announcement that the Federal Court had denied the certification of the Black Class Action Lawsuit was met with shock, surprise, alarm and disappointment.
Details of it were released in a press release by PSAC which was issued on Friday, March 21st, 2025. In a subsequent press release on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, by PSAC it was revealed that a human rights complaint was filed with the Canadian Human Rights Commission over anti-Black racism in Canada’s public service sector.
Details about the Black Class Action Lawsuit which seeks $2.5 billion in damages on behalf of thousands of former and current federal Black public servants which was filed in 2020 can be seen on the website: https://www.blackclass-
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is Canada’s largest federal public service union, which represents approximately 250,000 workers that includes over 180, 000 federal public service workers. PSAC has been active as the certified bargaining agent for most of the 1500 plaintiffs class members. It has supported the BCA lawsuit financially and legally in attempts to ensure that this matter is resolved. PSAC states it “Remains committed to promoting their access to justice. When Black workers win, workers from all marginalized groups will benefit.”
Sharon Desousa, National President of PSAC states, “The court’s decision is a stark reminder that Black public service workers continue to be denied justice. The federal government has consistently stonewalled efforts to dismantle systemic racism within its own ranks while actively undermining and dismissing the lived experiences of Black public service workers.”
The PSAC notes that even though the Federal government has rec-
ognized the existence of systemic racism and particularly anti-Black racism it has not gone far enough. It has spent over $10 million fighting attempts to have the lawsuit certified over the past two years. The government argues that the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations (FPSLR), and the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) are mechanisms that Black public service workers can access to file grievances and complaints.
The fact that the Federal government has settled other discrimination related class action lawsuits, such as the sexual misconduct class action at the Department of National Defence, concerns PSAC. President DeSousa notes,”We will continue to fight alongside our members to restore justice for decades of mistreatment and discrimination in the federal public service.”
The report of the filing of the human right complaint by PSAC with the Canadian Human Rights Commission is the next step in its quest for justice for these Black federal public service workers. The press release notes, “The complaint challenges decades of: systemic discrimination, racist comments, microaggressions, and policies and practices that unjustly blocked Black workers from
career advancement.”
President DeSousa states, “For decades Black federal public service workers have endured racism at work, been shut out of job opportunities, and denied the safe workplace they deserve.” She believes the Federal government has failed these workers. She elaborates, “Instead of fixing the problem, the government fought Black workers in court hoping it would just go away. We won’t back down until the government is held accountable and our members get the justice they deserve.”
There are several areas that PSAC identified that Black federal public service workers have experienced. These include:
• Racist comments, microaggression and discriminatory behaviour
• Heightened scrutiny and disproportionate discipline
• Dismissal, or downplaying of discrimination and harassment complaints
• Barriers to hiring and promotion
• Unequal access to training, mentorship and career development
• A failure to address anti-Black racism and bias in staffing process
Artificial Intelligence isn’t human, but it’s making human decisions
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
While we’ve long accepted that AI doesn’t think like us (or sound like us for anyone who is a writer) new research reveals just how deeply these differences run—and why they matter more than ever. As machines are given increasing power over: healthcare, finance, criminal justice, and even warfare,
A study, published February 2025 in the journal Transactions on Machine Learning Research, examined how well large language models (LLMs) can form analogies.
Co-author of the study Martha Lewis, Assistant Professor of neurosymbolic AI at the University of Amsterdam, gave an example of how AI can’t perform analogical reasoning as well as humans in letter string problems.
Letter string analogies are a type of abstract reasoning task used by psychologists and cognitive scientists to study how well a system—human, or artificial—can: recognize patterns, apply rules, and make logical inferences. These analogies present sequences of letters (like “abc” becoming “abd”) and ask the test-taker to determine how that transformation would apply to a different sequence (e.g., what does “ijk” become?). At a glance, it might seem simple— but beneath the surface, it’s a test of fluid intelligence.
These tasks require more than
memorization, or computation; they demand relational reasoning—the ability to detect underlying rules, apply them flexibly, and generalize across contexts. When a person succeeds at these tasks, it’s often seen as evidence of high-level cognitive function—the kind of reasoning we associate with problem-solving, strategy, and learning.
Why it matters that AI can’t think like humans
Professor Lewis said that while we can abstract from specific patterns to more general rules, LLMs don’t have that capability. “They’re good at identifying and matching patterns, but not at generalizing from those patterns.”
Most AI applications rely to some extent on volume — the more training data is available; the more patterns are identified. Professor Lewis stressed pattern-matching and abstraction aren’t the same thing. “It’s less about what’s in the data, and more
about how data is used,” she added.
When AI systems are tested on letter string analogies, researchers are probing whether they truly understand patterns or are just imitating them based on training data. If an AI fails at these tasks in unexpected ways, it raises deeper questions about how its “reasons”—and whether its logic aligns with human values, or diverges in potentially dangerous ways.
To give a sense of the implications, AI is increasingly used in the legal sphere for research, case law analysis and sentencing recommendations. With a lower ability to make analogies, it may fail to recognize how legal precedents apply to slightly different cases when they arise.
Given this lack of robustness might affect real-world outcomes, the study pointed out that this served as evidence that we need to carefully evaluate AI systems not just for accuracy, but also for robustness in their cognitive capabilities.
This is the time for innovation within the insurance sector
out the world, and it can only raise needed capital by increasing its insurance premiums.
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
The massive fires in California found almost 41% of homeowners who lost their homes due to the fire were underinsured, or not insured at all. The misgivings of insuring a home improperly falls on deaf ears.
In Florida, the Caribbean and other areas that traditionally experience flooding many residential and businesses have been unable to insure their properties fully. Homes along the Red River and other inland rivers face similar challenges that happen annually, yet many lack flooding, fire, or disaster insurance. Hurricane and other weather-related events do have insurance policies available, but a high cost.
Life insurance too is often not considered an essential cost needing to be paid. This lack of attention, or ability to pay has
major costs to individuals, families and communities. Bankruptcy, homelessness, unemployment and social ills result in harming our communities as a whole.
Perhaps a new form of insurance can be invested in, which centers upon personalized illness, lifetime development, and overall property protection?
• Children 3 months or older need to be insured to protect the family and themselves from the costs of illness no matter its severity and duration.
• Disaster Relief Insurance would center upon the damage done to person and property involving flooding, forest fires and other natural disasters.
• Senior Relief Insurance would start at the age of 40 onward protecting seniors and offering them superior services and accommodations should they experience: dementia, long term cancer, and
other severe illnesses.
There is no need to suffer a calamity without having assistance provided. Insurance firms can offer these new insurance policies at reasonable prices, making needed profits for the sector. The pressure placed upon socialized medicine facilities can be offset by the influence and assistance of these insurance carriers.
A partnership between insurer and government can develop a growing concern economically. Imagine insurance firms building their own hospitals for their insured patients creating employment and new revenue streams.
Many people suffer due to a lack of insurance. Whatever the reason, their decision to not insure their property and themselves fall directly upon themselves, and them alone.
The Black Health and Social Services Hub Peel is a testament to the power of partnership and shared vision
The announcement of the new location of the Black Health and Social Services Hub Peel (BHHS Hub) was made on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025. This is good news for the: Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities located in: Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. The new location will be at 19 Rutherford Rd. South. Unit 2 in Brampton. It is near the intersection of Queen St. West and Rutherford Rd. The promotional material describes BHSS Hub as an Afrocentric culturally affirming hub offering primary health care, social services and mental health and addictions support to the: Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities in the Peel region. This event was more than a celebration. It was an opportunity to reflect on the journey towards breaking systemic walls and barriers for our communities and look ahead to building a new space that is welcoming and supportive as we move forward. Your
input is essential as we create a vibrant community hub for: Black, African and Caribbean communities in Peel.
The press release describes the new location as being, “Centrally located along major transit corridors, the 16,000-square foot site will be transformed into a welcoming space where individuals and families can: access health care, essential resources, support and opportunities when the hub opens its door later this year.”
Shane Joseph, Chief Executive Officer of Roots Community Services states, “We are extremely happy to see how our vision is unfolding - a vision to create a place where: Black, African and Caribbean communities can access seamless, integrated services that meet their diverse and complex needs in a culturally sensitive manner. The community’s input will be absolutely crucial in co-designing what will be a space where they feel they belong and seen as a person of worth.”
Keddone Dias, Executive Director of LAMP Community Health Centre states, “Seeing this new space is a monumental step forward in our mission to provide integrated, culturally responsive care. By bringing together health and social services under one roof, we are better equipped to address the holistic needs of the: Black, African, and Caribbean communities in Peel. This milestone exemplifies our commitment to fostering a community where everyone has access to
comprehensive support and care.”
David Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin states, “We are profoundly grateful for the collaboration that has led to establishing this dedicated space. It is a testament to the power of partnership and shared vision. By working together, we can create a hub that not only offers essential services, but also strengthens bonds within the community, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need to thrive.”
The fundamental purpose behind the establishment of the BHSS-Hub was to address systemic barriers and inequities in healthcare and social services access by offering a range of Afrocentric programs and activities in primary care, mental health and addictions, and social services. The partners involved in the BHSS- Hub are Roots Community Services, LAMP Community Health Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin.
The services provided include:
Multi-Disciplinary Team
This is a collaborative group of professionals from various disciplines, who work together to deliver services that address an individual’s wellbeing while ensuring that approaches to care are informed by clients.
Addictions Support
The addictions worker conducts comprehensive assessments, provides client centered stagewise brief interventions and case management using a harm reduction model.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
The ACT Team provides initial and ongoing assessments; holistic integrated case management support including employment and housing assistance; family support and education; addiction services; and other services critical to an individual’s recovery journey.
Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI)
This program provides a multi-disciplinary team-based approach to care to individuals ages 14-35 who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. In addition, it provides support in achieving recovery goals, reintegration to the community and school, and developing healthy coping strategies.
Attendees were provided opportunities to:
• Tour the space
• Share ideas for the future look and feel of the space
• Connect with others who are passionate about building a stronger, healthier community
The Abuse of children in the Caribbean has to be seen as a public-health issue
Trauma is a silent earthquake that shatters the foundation of your being while the world keeps spinning like nothing happened. It’s the ghost that moves in when chaos knocks on your door — uninvited, but never leaving. It carves cracks into the soul, etching fear, grief, and rage into every corner of your inner landscape.
It’s the scream that never leaves your throat. The breath you forget how to take. The heartbeat that races even when you’re still.
It turns time into a loop — one moment playing over and over like a broken record, demanding your attention, stealing your peace.
Trauma is memory with a pulse. It shows up in dreams that jolt you awake, in touch that feels like fire, in silence that roars louder than any sound. It changes the way you see people, the way you love, the way you trust, the way you walk through the world.
It doesn’t just happen to you — it happens within you.
It builds a home in your nervous system, wires your brain for danger, and teaches your body to brace for impact — even when there is none.
Even in all its violence, trauma is not the end. It is the wound that screams for healing, the dark tunnel that dares you to find the light…
The abuse of children has to be seen as a public-health issue, which has serious implications for a country’s development. Abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional and sexual. It can take place in the home, at school, at church, and other social spaces.
The Gleaner (2021) reported that about 2,000 to 3,000 reports of child abuse in Jamaica are believed to have gone unreported. Before the arrival of the virus in 2020, Jamaica recorded between 12,000 and 14,000 reports of child abuse annually and between 900 and 1,200 reports monthly. Preliminary data from the National Children’s Registry showed that there were 9,853 reports for 2020 and an average monthly report of 700 - 800 cases for 2021.
Deputy registrar at Jamaica’s National Children’s Registry, Warren Thompson, while noting that the figure represented a 22% decline over the 2019 figure of 12,674, said the 2020 figure was likely to
remain in the 9,000 range when the data was officially processed.
The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to join Grace Kennedy Foundation on April 2nd, 2025, at 6 pm Live on YouTube as Prof. Wendel Abel, (Head Community Health, and Psychiatry at The University of the West Indies), delivered his lecture titled “Breaking the Cycle on Childhood Trauma.” The lecture explored the effects of childhood trauma and strategies for healing, to support healthier futures for children and communities.
During his lecture he delivered up to date statistics on childhood trauma in Jamaica, and some of what I heard was shocking:
• 8 out of 10 children reported having experience violence in their home, or in their community
• 1 in 4 reported sexual traumas (female)
• 1 in 10 sexual traumas (male)
• Bullying is a major problem in the schools
Another important aspect of childhood trauma that was discussed was the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences. ACE’s are a set of potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (before age 18) and have been shown to have a powerful impact on long-term health, behavior, and well-being. What I didn’t know is that Adverse Childhood Experiences earlier in life can lead to an early death.
The original ACE Study, done in the 1990s by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, identified 10 core ACEs, which fall into three main categories:
Abuse
1. Physical abuse – being hit, slapped, or physically hurt.
2. Emotional abuse – being constantly criticized, belittled, or verbally attacked.
3. Sexual abuse – any sexual contact, or behavior imposed on a child.
Neglect
1. Physical neglect – not having basic needs met (food, clean clothes, medical care).
2. Emotional neglect – not feeling loved, supported, or protected emotionally.
Household Dysfunction
1. Substance abuse in the household.
2. Mental illness in a parent or household member.
3. Incarcerated household member –someone in jail or prison.
4. Domestic violence – witnessing violence between adults at home.
5. Parental separation or divorce – especially if it was traumatic or messy.
In his lecture, Prof. Abel shared data indi-
cating that children were more likely to be abused by people they know and trust rather than strangers. He urged family members to be vigilant about who has access to their children.
Another aspect of trauma that we may not realize is that it doesn’t just mess with your mind; it literally gets under your skin, altering your biology. Two powerful ways it does that are through epigenetics and telomere shortening.
Trauma and Epigenetics: Rewriting the Code Without Changing the DNA Epigenetics is the study of how behaviours and environment (like trauma) can change the way your genes function — without altering the DNA sequence itself.
Here’s how trauma plays a role:
• Your DNA is like the hardware of a computer.
• Epigenetics is the software — it decides which genes get “turned on” or “off.”
When you experience trauma — especially in childhood — your body goes into survival mode. Stress hormones like cortisol flood your system. This intense, prolonged stress can leave epigenetic marks on your DNA. These marks can silence, or activate genes that regulate things like:
• Immune function
• Inflammation
• Brain development
• Emotional regulation
So, someone who experiences trauma may have their stress-response genes stuck in “on” mode, making them more reactive, anxious, and prone to mental, or physical illness. Even more wild? These epigenetic changes can sometimes be inherited — meaning trauma can echo across generations without a single word being spoken.
Trauma and Telomere Shortening: The Biological Clock of Stress Telomeres are like the plastic tips at the ends of shoelaces, but for your chromosomes. They protect your DNA during cell division. Every time a cell divides, telomeres get shorter. When they get too short, the cell stops working properly, or dies. Chronic stress and trauma accelerate this shortening. Here’s what that means:
• People with high levels of trauma — especially ACEs — have shorter telomeres than those with less, or no trauma.
• Shorter telomeres are linked to early aging, weakened immune systems, chronic illness, and even early death.
It’s like trauma presses fast-forward on your biological aging.
Safety: The Nervous System Needs to Know It’s Okay
When a child feels physically and emotionally safe, their nervous system can relax. This is critical because trauma sends the brain into constant “fight, flight, or freeze” mode.
A safe environment:
• Calms the amygdala (the brain’s fear center)
• Supports healthy brain development, especially in the prefrontal cortex (reasoning, decision-making, empathy)
• Keeps cortisol and adrenaline from flooding the system long-term (which is what leads to inflammation and telomere shortening)
Without safety, the child’s body is constantly bracing for impact — even when no threat is present.
Security: Predictability Builds Trust
Security is about consistency and reliability — knowing what to expect from: caregivers, routines, and relationships. This builds attachment, and secure attachment is everything. It teaches the child:
• “I can trust people.”
• “I matter.”
• “It’s safe to explore the world and myself.”
When kids don’t feel secure, they start to internalize the opposite: “People leave. Love isn’t safe. I must fend for myself.” This belief system rewires how they approach: friendships, intimacy, authority, and risk — sometimes for life.
Nurturing: Love is Medicine
To nurture is to: see, hear, validate, guide, and celebrate a child. It’s emotional attunement — matching their energy, soothing their fear, helping them regulate big feelings. Nurturing relationships:
• Teach emotional intelligence and resilience
• Build self-worth and a sense of belonging
• Act as buffers against trauma — even if the child experiences hardship
Studies show that one single caring adult can protect a child from the long-term effects of trauma. Just one. That’s how powerful love and presence are.
A Safe, Secure, Nurturing Environment doesn’t prevent all hardship — but it gives a child the internal tools and external support to survive, adapt, and thrive. It teaches the body that the world is not always dangerous.
It teaches the heart that it deserves care. It teaches the mind that healing is possible.
MICHAEL THOMAS
michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
We live in a time when not doing your homework (aka due diligence) can cost you dearly. When most of us purchase a car, or home, we look into the history to see if the item is second-hand. Even if the item is brand new, we still want to know as much as possible about the manufacturer. This homework needs to be carried over into our food. Period.
A company calling itself Brown Foods has come up with a substitute for real milk. I could not help but smile when I heard the name of the product “Unreal Milk! Yes, you read right, Unreal Milk. Brown Foods grows milk-producing cells in bioreactors to synthesize all components of cow’s milk (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates). This is what anyone consuming this concoction should believe according to Brown Foods statements.
Brown Foods not only produces fake milk, but they seen to have the backing of the food industry heavyweights behind them as well. Heavyweights like Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) affiliated Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research says, “UnReal Milk, contains all essential proteins, fats and carbohydrates that make up 99% of tradi-
Unreal milk is just what it is-unreal
tional cow milk.”
This isn’t and will not be the first time that fake foods have been pushed on the public with the backing of industry heavyweights. A case in point is Good Meat, one of a few companies that for the first-time last year got U.S. regulator’s approval for the sale of chicken made from animal cells, allowing two California companies to offer “lab-grown” meat to the nation’s restaurant and eventually, supermarkets.
The second case is UPSIDE Foods, who have been racing to be the first in the U.S. to sell meat that doesn’t come from slaughtered animals.
Here is what Josh Tetrick (Cofounder and Chief Executive of Eat Just, which operates Good Meat) had to say about getting permission to feed the nation fake meat, “Getting USFDA approval now opens up the pathway for us to sell cultivated meat here in the biggest market in the world, in a place that is one of the biggest meat producers in the world, and I think lends a lot of credibility towards what this is going to be in the future.”
Wait a minute, did he just say what this is going to be in the future? Does he know something about the future of food that we the citizens do not know? For a guy who just got the green light to sell fake meat, that is a tall statement.
Looking at Brown Foods estimation, it is becoming quite clear why these artificial and unnatural products are being pushed on us. Brown Foods estimates
that UnReal Milk uses 90% less water, and 95% less land and its carbon footprint is 82% lower than traditional cow’s milk. water, land, and carbon footprint. Now this smells like a page from the: UN, WEF, and their Agenda 2030 playbook.
Agenda 2030 needs control of everything on the planet. In layman terms this means they aim to control all water, all land, all of the earth’s resources including livestock, and us humans, given the chance.
Here is how this ties in with controlling humanity. In our most recent headline article titled “The Final Lock-In” we went from A to Z on how this works. In order to achieve this agenda, they must lie to us and keep lying continually, let me explain.
The WEF, UN, WHO, and all these unelected NGOs and their followers must first convince us that there is a shortage of water, that the land can no longer sustain farming and farmers, that our carbon footprint is hastening CLIMATE CHANGE, and that all this is our fault.
This is an old, recycled lie. A lie with a motive, and a motive that is sinister in nature. Get us to abandon everything natural and let AI feed us. Imagine drinking so-called milk produced by cells in bioreactors; cells from who. or what? Are you kidding? Imagine eating meat made from animal cells in a lab. Which animal?
Speaking of labs and sciencemanufactured milk and meat, let us not forget that Anthony Fauci is still considered a scientist, and probably still has a lab too. Let that sink in.
Bell Let’s Talk; Moving mental
health
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“In Africa the medicine for wellness is found in our music and our movements. This grant sets up Afiwi Groove School to connect and empower community members of all ages through dance and music from Africa and the Caribbean.” ~ Afiwi Groove School
We speak of mental health. It’s become a buzzword, a familiar phrase in our African Caribbean spaces. We hear the talk, the acknowledgments, the well-intentioned nods. Yet, the shadows persist.
The burdens we carry, the traumas we inherit, the silent struggles—they don’t vanish with a hashtag, or a fleeting conversation. We’re caught in a loop, acknowledging the problem while the problem festers. We’re saying the words, but are we truly building the bridges? Are we creating the change?
It’s time to move beyond the rhetoric, beyond the surface, and confront the reality that our community deserves more than just talk. We deserve action, healing, and real, tangible progress.
I had an incredible discussion with Patricia Garcia, Manager of Public Af-
fairs at Bell about the importance of delivering community-based care - which looks, sounds and moves differently among each of this country’s distinct communities.
We were able to talk in depth about mental health for those of the Black diaspora in Canada, and the fact that research has long shown that we as a community remain underserved in health care - and particularly mental health care.
Introducing the Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund
She then shared with me that Bell Let’s Talk announced $1 million in new grants from the Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund to support 11 additional organizations helping to create real change by delivering mental health services to support members of: Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities around Canada.
The Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund supports organizations working to reduce the stigma of mental illness and increase access to culturally informed mental health and well-being support for BIPOC communities. They have provided 60 grants to recipients since the Fund’s launch in 2020.
In 2025, Bell will give $10 million towards mental health, bringing its total Bell Let’s Talk investment to $184 million since 2010. “Bell Let’s Talk continues to make progress on moving mental health forward in Canada,” shares Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk. “But there’s more to be done to address barriers to access-
Let us look at a few players in the fake food lineup and their associates (aka the financial muscle behind them). In March 2013, Tetrick of Eat Just and Good Meat, and Hampton Creek became one of three companies to be featured in the “Bill Gates” documentary “The Future of Food.”
Tetrick spent three years in SubSaharan Africa working on various social campaigns, including a United Nations initiative in Kenya.
Amy Chen of UPSIDE Foods; what is the connection? Daisy Margaret Soros is an American philanthropist and supporter of the arts. She is the chairperson of the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, and she was married to the late Paul Soros, Founder of Soros Associates and older brother of financier “George Soros.” This is the same group that awarded a fellowship to Amy Chen of UPSIDE Foods to pursue a JD in law and an MBA at Stanford University.
Let’s connect the dots here. You do not end up in Bill Gates documentary as a staple feature in the Future of Foods by chance, and secondly, the Soros family and globalist kingpins does not finance your education unless there are strings attached. The Young Global Leaders and Black Lives Matter are very good examples of this scam. They recruit, support, and groom their puppets with an agenda in mind.
Ladies and gentlemen, the push to destroy us with food is all preplanned, and so, when it comes to your food, always look before you leap.
forward in Canada
ing culturally relevant and appropriate mental health services and supports. The Diversity Fund grant recipients announced play a crucial role in providing essential supports and services tailored to meet the diverse communities they serve. We’re proud to support these organizations in making real, positive change for people struggling with mental health issues.”
Let’s give it up for the 2024 Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund grant recipients:
• Afiwi Groove School
• Canadian Mental Health Association Montréal Branch
• Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association (CDNBCA)
• CDFM huron-wendat
• Ogimaawabiitong – Kenora Chiefs Advisory
• Malton Women Council (MWC)
• Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Inc.
• Mokami Status of Women Council
• Nahanni Butte Dene Band
• Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line
• Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council (YAWC)
The journey towards mental wellness is ongoing, and the organizations supported by the Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund are providing crucial support and guidance. Their work offers a lifeline to individuals and families navigating the complexities of mental health challenges.
In the face of an epidemic that has reshaped our social reality, we stand
at a pivotal moment. While the challenges persist, it is crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the: resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication of the organizations that have tirelessly worked to mitigate the impact of this crisis.
Specifically, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund. Their visionary support has been instrumental in dismantling barriers and fostering culturally sensitive approaches to mental health care. By recognizing the diverse needs of our communities, they have empowered organizations to bridge gaps and provide vital resources that resonate across cultural landscapes.
As we move forward, it is imperative that we not only continue to support these invaluable organizations, but also deepen our understanding of their services. Researching and engaging with their resources is a proactive step in empowering ourselves and our loved ones along our own mental health journeys. By becoming informed and connected, we can ensure that the support we need is readily available, fostering a culture of proactive mental wellness.
The challenges we have faced have underscored the importance of community, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the human capacity for resilience. Let us honour this resilience by building a future where mental wellness is a fundamental right, accessible to all, and supported by our communities across Canada.
“Building Wealth through Franchising.” Afro Caribbean Business Network hosts Legacy Symposium 2025
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The fifth annual Afro Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) ‘s Legacy Symposium 2025 was an educational, inspirational and motivational event. It was held on Saturday, March 31st, 2025, at the Mississauga campus of Sheridan College. It featured various speakers, presenters, entrepreneurs, business owners and community partners. The theme of the symposium was, “Building Wealth through Franchising.” It was truly a transformative day of learning, networking, and growth opportunities. It was promoted as a “Day to equip you with the tools to accelerate your business growth.” There were innovative products and services on display in a vendor marketplace by different vendors and entrepreneurs participating in a sales pitch contest.
It was six years ago that ACBN was founded by several co-founders. It is described as “More than just a business network, it’s an ecosystem built on collaboration, empowerment, and legacy-building, helping members develop strong connections for their entrepreneurial journey.
Prior to the symposium, it was advertised as providing real solutions for:
• Get access to lenders committed to equitable funding
• Marketing struggles: Learn how to break through consumer bias and expand your audience
• Scaling challenge: Discover how to create franchise-like system that build wealth
• Launch of networks: Connect with investors, mentors, and potential business partners
The promotional material notes, “This is not just another business conference; it’s a catalyst for real change in Black entrepreneurship.”
The symposium starts off with a firechat as a keynote with Brian Scudamore, founder of “800 Got Junk.” He advises that branding is important. It is vital to be consistent you’re your branding. Brian spoke about the importance of facing challenges and look-
ing for opportunities. His optimistic views and positive outlook were refreshing, empowering and inspiring.
There was a Q & A interaction by Lin Ferguson and Carla Leon of the Just Like Family franchise. The focus of the discussion was on, “What does a thriving franchise look like in action, and its benefit? Franchising, entrepreneurship through franchising.” Details about it can be seen on the website: justlikefamilyfranchise.ca
Carla mentions how the franchise begun as a social enterprise. She states, “Who owns things matter for us? It is important to change the representation of BIPOC folks in the entrepreneurial space. Ownership matters and has impact.” She spoke about the brand, “Just Like Family: Home Care” People first, people centred. Communication, Consistency and Quality of Care. Known thyself, Learn, Learn, Learn.” Carla spoke about the two options: buying an existing franchise, or starting an existing franchise. There are benefits to both but one must evaluate both options thoroughly.
There was the introduction of the Mkutano Platform by Patrick Cole, visionary and strategist. He states, “We are not prepared! We’re dedicated to Black Canada and the need to create a Black Renaissance in the
21st century,”
• We must properly prepare for prolonged socio-economic turmoil
• Let’s organize and accelerate community development.
• We will achieve more if we work together.
There was a presentation by Melissa Cadogan from Hot Perspectives on “Building Strong Operating Systems essential for any business poised for growth and replication.”
Fatima Gould, speaker, coach and author presented a “Building Your Capacity Workshop.” She coaches small business with the Edge program at Sheridan College. She believes in the importance of hanging around Millionaire Minded people who can shift your mindset. Her presentation enabled the attendees to develop important skills, establish boundaries and cultivate sustainable habits that will foster success, growth and prosperity.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr.George Fraser. He spoke on the topic, “Expanding Your Business System Across North America.” He presented practical strategies on how to turn business into a scalable and sustainable brand. He focusses on the importance of building relationships as the foundation to building business.
Canada’s work landscape risks becoming more homogenous, more exclusive, and less innovative
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
In boardrooms across Canada and America, a quiet but seismic shift is unfolding — Diversity and Inclusion initiatives are being rolled back, restructured, or quietly removed altogether. Once celebrated as essential pillars of ethical and forward-thinking business practice, D&I programs are now increasingly seen as expendable — casualties of: shifting political tides, economic pressures, and a growing discomfort with uncomfortable conversations.
It’s more than just a policy change — it’s a cultural regression. It signals to marginalized communities that their: experiences, voices, and opportunities are negotiable. It sends a message that equity is optional, and that representation only matters when it’s convenient. The removal of these initiatives
isn’t neutral — it’s a step backward, especially for a country that prides itself on multiculturalism and fairness.
The impact is far-reaching In the absence of structured D&I, unconscious biases go unchecked, barriers to advancement reappear, and workplaces become less reflective of the communities they serve. Talented professionals from underrepresented backgrounds are left questioning their place — not because they lack ability, but because the system has ceased to make space.
Canada’s work landscape risks becoming: more homogenous, more exclusive, and less innovative. Diverse teams aren’t just morally right — they can be strategic assets. They lead to: better decision-making, stronger performance, and deeper connections with global markets. Stripping away the scaffolding that supports inclusion threatens not only workplace equity, but Canada’s competitive edge.
The question now is not just “What are we losing,” but “Who are we leaving behind?”
Funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and in partnership with businesses and diversity organizations, the 50 – 30 Challenge encourages
organizations to advance gender parity (50% women and/or non-binary people) and increase diversity (30% other equity-deserving groups) on boards and/or in senior leadership roles.
Organizations of all sizes across sectors can participate, including: large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profits (including post-secondary institutions and health care organizations), and agencies, boards and commissions.
For the purposes of the 50 – 30 Challenge, equity-deserving groups include:
• Racialized, Black and/or People of Colour (“Visible Minorities”)
• People with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities) 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals
• “Aboriginal” and/or Indigenous Peoples
The Diversity Institute
Founded in 1999, the Diversity Institute (DI) helped to co-create the 50 – 30 Challenge. The institute led the DiversityLeads project, which showed that women, Black and racialized people were under-represented in leadership and board positions across Canada. The 2020 study, supported by TD, showed that of 1,600
board members across the country’s largest corporations, only 14 were African/Caribbean. These findings have informed policies and programs to advance diversity in senior management and on boards, including the 50 – 30 Challenge. In addition, working with the Standards Council of Canada, DI developed the Publicly Available Specification (PAS), which defines the terminology of the Challenge. As an ecosystem partner, DI helps signatories to the 50 – 30 Challenge and other organizations achieve gender parity and increased diversity on their boards and senior management teams. The Diversity Institute is particularly focused on supporting SMEs with training and tools and will provide a database of women and diverse leaders.
To help organizations striving to meet the challenge goals, DI also hosts the What Works Toolkit, which KPMG developed. It offers strategies and recommendations for incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion.
When we see diverse leadership at the table — across gender, race, ability, sexuality, and beyond — we don’t just witness change, we begin to normalize it. We begin to dismantle the idea that power belongs to a select few, and replace it with the truth: excellence exists in every community, and access should never be determined by identity.
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
We’ve got a lineup this week that you definitely want in on. From spotlighting powerful grassroots initiatives to shining a light on stages filled with laughter and literary fire— Toronto is alive with culture, creativity, and community.
In this edition, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the Arts & Culture Jamaica Scholarship Fund, where dreams are being funded and futures are being shaped. Then we head to Comedy Night at Oria on King, featuring the hilarious London Brown—you’ve seen him on HBO’s Ballers, now catch him live bringing the heat to the 6ix. And finally, we celebrate a milestone with the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) 2025, marking ten years of transformative storytelling and bold representation.
This week is all about voices that matter and movements that inspire. Let’s dive in.
Comedy Night at Oria on King Featuring London Brown Toronto comedy lovers, get ready — the city is about to be hit with a wave of laughter and star power. On April 11th, 2025, Oria on King will host a special Comedy Night, headlined by none other than London Brown — and we’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win two tickets to this unforgettable evening.
Who is London Brown? An actor, comedian, and dancer with undeniable charisma, London Brown is best known for his breakout role as Reggie in HBO’s Ballers alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Currently, he stars as Marvin Thomas in the hit Starz series Power Book III: Raising Kanan, where his sharp comedic timing and emotional depth have made him a fan favourite. Brown’s stand-up has taken him across stages internationally, earning praise for his smooth delivery and insightful, often hilarious takes on life.
Event Details: Thursday, April 11th, 2025
The release of Leading from Where We Are: Challenging the Status Quo by Luther Brown is groundbreaking and revolutionary. The release of this eBook is a timely one as it will challenge many of the: assumptions, myths, misconceptions and false ideas that pervade the landscape of public education in Ontario. It will certainly raise many questions and issues that the varied stakeholders in education will be faced to address.
Luther completed his post-secondary studies to become a teacher at Mico
Community Highlights: This Week’s Must-Know Moments
Location: Oria on King, 220 King Street West, Toronto
Evening Schedule:
• 7:00 PM: Dinner + Q&A with London Brown
• 8:00 PM: Comedy Show; Afterparty to follow
Guests can choose from a $70 VIP ticket, which includes a four-course dinner and exclusive access to a Q&A session, or a $20 general admission ticket with à la carte options available. The night also features a special guest performance by Jennifer Hsiung (Comedy Central), plus music from @ johnjomusic. An exclusive pre-screening will also be part of the evening’s programming. Don’t miss this rare chance to see a Hollywood talent up close in an intimate Toronto venue. Comedy, great food, and good vibes — it’s all happening at Oria on King. For tickets and event info, visit Eventbrite or call 647-931-3402.
The Festival of Literary Diversity 2025 –Celebrating a Decade of Change
Featuring: David Chariandy, Kate Gies, Uzma Jalaluddin, R. F. Kuang, David A. Robertson, Mattea Roach, Ozoz Sokoh, Tanya Talaga, Katherena Vermette, and many more Jael Richardson, founder and Executive Director of the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), today announced the full 10th anniversary program, which runs April 27th to 30th virtually, and May 1st to 4th in person in Brampton, ON. Over 50 authors from Canada and around the world are scheduled for the unique mix of 40+ events that have made FOLD an industry gamechanger.
A special FOLD preview event with award-winning author Ian Williams in conversation with Richardson was also announced today, taking place for free on Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in partnership with the Brampton Public Library. Tickets for all FOLD events are on sale now. Visit thefoldcanada.org for more information.
Virtual Highlights (April 27–30)
• CANADA READS ALL-STARS panel (April 27) with Kamal Al-Solaylee, David Chariandy, and Katherena Vermette
• COMMUNITY THROUGH CONFLICT with Andrea Currie, Sheung-King, and Kagiso Lesego Molope, moderated by Carrianne Leung (April 27)
• SUCCESS IN SELF-PUBLISHING with Alicia Ellis, Katia Rose, and Tao Wong, mod-
University College in Jamaica.He did further studying at York University and graduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. In 2024, he completed his doctoral work at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. He defended his thesis successfully in the Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies.
Luther utilizes the Delphi research approach which involves gathering information through group opinion and coming to decision based on those who know best. In this way, “It avoids a binary framing of achievement tied to race. This shift facilitates the agency of students to maximize their benefits from culturally relevant school practices.”
The book is an invitation to school leaders to interrogate their current practice in light of the persistent achievement gap being produced here in Ontario. Luther prefers to utilize production of inequitable schooling outcomes rather than achievement gap as it draws attention to systemic
erated by Hudson Lin (April 28)
• MONSTERS IN MY MIND: A MENTAL HEALTH CONVERSATION (April 28) with David A. Robertson, K. J. Aiello, and Samantha Jones, moderated by Kate Gies, FOLD’s 2025 Writer-in-Residence
In-Person Highlights (May 1–4)
• THE GREAT READCEPTION: A LITERARY CABARET (May 2) featuring readings set to live music with Amal Elsana Alh’jooj, Ruby Barrett, Morgan Campbell, R. F. Kuang, Amanda Leduc, and David A. Robertson
• CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS (May 3), moderated by Mattea Roach, featuring Amal Elsana Alh’jooj, Morgan Campbell, and Tanya Talaga — recorded for CBC Bookends
• AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT meet and greets (May 3) at The Rose, featuring R. F. Kuang and Mattea Roach
• EAT THE BOOKS WITH OZOZ SOKOH AND SHADE LAPITE (May 3), a curated dinner event with Nigerian-Canadian chef Ozoz Sokoh and author Shade Lapite discussing culture and food
• A LITERARY HIGH TEA AT THE ALDERLEA (May 4), with Uzma Jalaluddin, K. D. Richards, and Ruby Barrett, moderated by Lavanya Narasimhan
• Closing Event: Screening of Brother, based on David Chariandy’s novel (May 4), with a virtual author talk-back and networking session presented in partnership with Brampton Arts Organization (BAO)
All in-person events include book signings, with books sold by Another Story Bookshop. Full schedule at thefoldcanada.org.
Virtual Exhibitor Hall & Mobile Access
• Nearly two dozen vendors will be featured
• Writer’s Hub roundtables for aspiring authors: Sunday, April 27 at 3:30 p.m.
• Accessible via mobile app — participate anytime, anywhere!
Tickets & Passes
• Virtual Pass: $30
• Weekend at The Rose In-Person Pass: $65 (includes all Rose Theatre events and a virtual pass; excludes specialty events)
• The Great Readception: $25
• Paint and Poetry Night: $20
• Eat the Books: $45
• A Literary High Tea at Alderlea: $50
and structural change in the education system.
The last few years of Luther’s professional administrative life was spent as the principal of the Afrocentric Alternative School (AAAS). He retired from the TDSB and knows well the challenges of working with diverse stakeholders who often have competing: interests, needs, desires, concerns and challenges.
There are six concepts that are emphasized by Luther which he believes are essential to the work of leading schools to effectively engage in schoolwide practice of culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy. They are:
1. A Guiding Philosophical Support System 2. Critical Education Research 3. Critical Self-Knowledge
Critical Self-Care 5. The Practice of Ableism
A Culture Of Accountability
• In-Person Panels: $15 each
• Workshops, Spoken Word, Film Screening (Brother): $15 each
Connect & Share:
Instagram: @The_Fold | Facebook: @FestivalofLiteraryDiversity
X: @TheFold_ #FOLD2025
Tickets: https://fold2025.vfairs.com/en/
Arts & Culture Jamaica Scholarship Fund
The Arts & Culture Jamaica Scholarship Fund offers financial support to talented young people in our community pursuing a career in the arts.
Value: Up to CDN $1,000.00
Field(s) of Study:
• Fine Arts
• Performing Arts, including Dance, Music & Drama
• Design • Literature
• Other Cultural Forms
Conditions:
• Students must be accepted into a fulltime program at a Canadian college or university
• Available to Undergraduate and Graduate students
• Duration: One academic year
Application Package Must Include:
• Outline of intended or current area of study
• Three letters of reference from supervisors and/or department heads
• Transcripts of academic record
• Summary of achievements
• Résumé
• Portfolio (where applicable)
• Indication of Jamaican heritage
• Recent photograph
Deadline: July 1, 2025
Late applications will not be accepted.
For more information: acjamtoronto@gmail.com Submit application package to: Arts & Culture Jamaica Inc. c/o The Consulate General of Jamaica 303 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, ON M4P 1L3
The issue of leadership is tackled directly by Luther especially with respect to the role of administrators in the education system. For Luther, a school leader, critical professional self-care is an indispensable component to be an effective leader.
He states, “This is the deliberate and strategic cultivation professional practice in life giving ways. It requires balance! Strategic self-reflection on your personal needs and on professional practice within the context of daily life and work.”
Luther believes that there is a correlation between professional self-care and critical self-knowledge operating iteratively to support your health and well-being. It is for this reason that, “Critical self-reflection therefore needs to be embedded in order to support your health and well-being.”
Anyone interested in his consulting services at Subannah Education EduConsulting can check www.lutherbrown.ca
Why is it that Japan is one of the countries known for having the longest life expectancies?
W. GIFFORDJONES MD
DIANA GIFFORD-JONES
TC HEALTH COLUMNIST
The Japanese have an expression, “Effort never betrays you.” A visit to Japan this past week has been a reminder that hard work and perseverance are enduring elements of the national identity. Both of us first visited Japan decades ago – in 1962 and 1988. This latest visit has provided the opportunity for perspective.
What’s fascinating about Japan is, whether it’s bureaucrats or street youth setting the course, the whole of society moves together in getting on board with policies and trends. This cohesion is part of Japan’s remarkable improvement in key health indicators, such as life expectancy, now among the longest in the world.
It’s been easy to see this change by looking at smoking customs. Japan used to be a great cloud of smoke – in offices, homes, restaurants, and on the street. Today, there are polite signs everywhere reminding people that smoking is not allowed. Smoking inside the home and in the office were the first prohibitions, and now even on the streets, in parks, train stations, and restaurants, smoking is not allowed. There are no butts to be found on the ground. Not one.
Policy changes regarding smoking, and societal adherence, are a big win for Japanese society. Lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases are declining as a result.
The Japanese are also keeping an eye out for how to improve their diet. What’s noticeable today is a reduction in the consumption of salt. As a result of public health campaigns, the Japanese have reduced their daily salt intake from over 12 grams per person to much closer to the daily recommended amount of 6 grams.
Are there people who are obese in Japan? They are not easy to find. Sumo wrestlers are the obvious exception. We respectfully suggest it is a sport so out of date that it should be retired or relegated to a historical society. It’s more of a ceremonial show than physical craft. Good grief, women, even doctors, are barred from stepping foot on the contest platform, because they are considered impure! Pity the wrestlers too, who die prematurely, on average in their mid60s. Thankfully, sumo is not trending up. Instead, most citizens observe the uniquely Japanese custom of “Filling the stomach to 80%” – more than enough to make it to the next meal.
The Japanese lifestyle involves regular walking, a lot of bicycle riding, sports club participation, and social health promotion activities. Don’t forget that nearly every person in Japan gets down on their knees, squats, sits on the floor, and gets up from these positions, multiple times a day – and through their senior most years. With a religious-like dedication, they take leisurely baths at
the end of each day. It’s a form of therapy that doesn’t get a lot of credit as an ingredient of long-term health promotion, but it probably should.
One problem remains, that of antiquated customs that tie men relentlessly to the workplace, even in their leisure activities, and that discourage women from advancing their careers. In general, the Japanese population could be described as happy, but there are enough people suffering from overwork and related mental ill health that the overall average is pulled down.
Cancer, too, is an intractable challenge and has been the leading cause of death for several decades, but improvements in early detection are leading to better survival rates. Still 30% of deaths in Japan are due to cancer.
What’s another big challenge?
A population in decline. From a peak of about 128 million in 2008, Japanese will number less than 100 million by 2050. Neither government nor youth appear motivated to apply their efforts in addressing this challenge.
Ontario Human Rights Commission releases report to address anti-Black racism in public education
The Ontario Human Rights Commission recently released their report “Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public System.” The report was the culmination of feedback provided from diverse stakeholders, community organizations, students, educators other bodies such as Ministry of Education, as well as recognized official recognized educational authorities. Their responses were obtained from written submis-
• Call to duty holders at all levels to take immediate and decisive steps to address the discrimination Black students face and foster a more inclusive education system.
• Provide a blueprint for change and places human rights at the core.
• Provide a blueprint
• Hold all duty holders accountable for their legal obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code
• Set out actions that must guide duty holders across the education system to create a learning environment in which Black students can learn and reach their fullest potential
The reports start off with a message from the Chief Commissioner’s Patricia DeGuire of the OHRC. She states, “Schools are not just spaces for learning. They are spaces for identity-building community and cultivating a strong sense of belonging. All duty-holders have a legal obligation for creating such spaces, so that all students including Black students receive: inclusive education, free from discrimination and harassment.” It is within
hitting materials many of us require, such as: aluminum, LED components, flooring, and graphics. Many sourced globally we face extra work, mounting costs and expenditures. The cost of this, or that can jump 25-50% overnight and never has this been placed into a business plan. Never. What is being seen today?
Surprise price jumps mid-production Vendors juggling between eating costs or passing them onto customers More brands are shifting towards US based sourcing
this context that the report should be understood. It is on this basis that the “OHRC’s affirms the ongoing need to combat anti-Black systemic work on anti-Black racism and discrimination in Ontario’s education system. It is vital to understand what anti-Black racism is and learn ways to tackle and root it out.”
Commissioner DeGuire mentions details about Action Plan in her Executive Summary. She states, “This Action Plan outlines the OHRC’s strategy to address anti-Black racism in the education system. Developed with input from: Black students, Black educators and administrator, and Black community members across Ontario, the plan identifies: challenges, strengths, opportunities, and priorities for Black students, families, communities, and education service providers.”
The report opens with a section titled, “Black Joy: Insights from Ontario’s Black Students.” It was based on responses from more than 200 Black students to the question, “What does ‘Black Joy’ mean to you?” Their feedback was used to construct a word cloud, which
• A rising interest in customized longterm projects (cost control over time)
• Forcing manufacturers to re-engineer and use different materials to keep control of costs
• Forced to research and always stay in the information loop
How to manage?
• We use the exchange rate as a monitor to pay the tariffs while maintaining our markups
• Source domestic supply if possible; stay away from tariffs completely
captures their reflections and experiences in very poignant terms.
The report is divided into seven chapters:
1. Introduction
2. Scope and Purpose of Action Plan
3. Education and Human Rights
4. Systemic Anti-Black Discrimination in Education
5. Findings and Discussion
6. Actions for Implementation
7. Next Steps, Monitoring and Reporting on Implementation
The release of this report by the OHRC is one of the most extensive in its history. The 29 calls to action, which include some that are mentioned as immediate tasks to be done by school boards and the Ministry of Education within a year is time-bound. Intermediate actions which will take between three to five years to be done involve school boards ensuring that they have human rights offices in place.
• If you can, diversify your product/service offerings
• Plan, plan and plan some more; know everything you can about your items, their costs and make
If you’re traveling down south: know what is in your vehicle and where it was made. Full documentation is required. You buy your allotted duty-free items (say $800.00) be prepared to be hit with extra costs at the border in return. Tariffs apply to most goods and items. It’s a money grab plain and simple.
Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario responds to report on anti-Black racism, discrimination in Ontario schools
PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The release of the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s report, “Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism in Ontario’s Public Education System” has provoked widespread responses. One of the teachers’ unions that has responded to this report was the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO). It issued a press release on Wednesday, March 27th, 2025, which outlined its position. There was also
there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that the diverse stakeholders are held accountable for their part to ensure there is an inclusive, equitable, and just public education system. ETFO has engaged in initiatives such as:
• Creating Black education leadership programs to foster representation and mentorship
• Launching a public campaign to recruit more Black educators
• Developing various professional learning workshops
• Developing classroom resources
• Providing financial support, including incentive funding for locals, awards and scholarships for aspiring Black educators
• Hosting the “Generation Black: You’re Next Symposium on Addressing AntiBlack Racism in Education.”
There was also a response by the advocacy group Parents of Black Children (PoBC) Canada in a press release issued on Thursday; March 28th, 2025. It highlights the
historical background in the fight for educational justice and the years of activism and advocacy by groups. It notes, “While this marks an important step forward for our community, it is the result of decades of tireless advocacy and unwavering calls to action from Black community organizations and activists, especially those who came before us and dedicated their lives to fighting for the rights and well-being for Black children and communities. The recommendations in this plan echo demands that have been raised for over fifty years, with roots tracing back to the 1960s.”
A joint statement was released by the Ontario Teacher Federation and its Affiliates on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, stating that they “Are encouraged by the research and community work conducted by the OHRC to understand and address anti-Black racism in education. Anti-Black racism had been experienced by students, communities, and education workers for generations. Anti-Black racism is fueled by race-based bias and prejudice that has insidiously infiltrates policies and processes to perpetuate a culture of schooling that
prevents Black students from experiencing the full promise and benefits of publicly funded education in Ontario.”
The press release calls for clarity on the role they play as it helps set realistic expectations of the legal power to bring about system-level change. Without this clarity, there is a risk of the report’s call for action becoming another failed attempt to improve the experience of: Black educators, Black students, and their families within the educational system.
Charline Grant, Chief Executive Officer states, “For this action plan to be real, lasting change, the Ontario Human Rights Commission must hold the Ministry of Education and all duty holders accountable equally. The OHRC must play a central role in this process, creating a transparent framework for accountability. Moreover, a dedicated space for meaningful community involvement is essential, and Black advocacy groups must be fully: supported, protected, funded, and resourced to hold institutions accountable for their actions.”
China’s financial colonialism: Threatening the global economy
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
TC COLUMNIST
World Bank, David Malpass said “This level of debt is destructive and certainly unsustainable.” (NYTimes)
China has lent as of 2021 approximately 180+ Billion dollars to low-and middle-income nations Why? The Chinese interest rates are higher than those from international institutions, and also have shorter repayment windows. There are legal conditions attached to these loans, and these conditions explain the reason China has lent such a large sum to struggling nations.
China has pursued a strict strategic methodology. Seek out nations rich in natural resources, particularly in rare minerals. Also seek out: strategic ports, transport pathways, hidden banking centers, and other politically-militarily significant infrastructure projects, bid on and win the management and development of these projects. Why?
The places China is most active in are geo-politically and militarily significant. Furthermore, how best to achieve your goal, then to enter: low income,
Gloria O’Koye aka G L Glowz is a creative: writer, storyteller, art educator, and spoken word artist that continues to excel and shine. It has been over 20 years that she has been engaged in the art of storytelling over 10 years as a poet. She has performed in varied settings in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
There are glowing reports about Glowz on the website which mentions her two self-published books, “A Kintsugi
Memoir “ and “ Hood Chronicles.” She was described as using the power of her voice to tap into the creativity and ingenuity of the voiceless and unheard in our society. As a multidisciplinary artist she draws on the power of storytelling and artistic expression to shed light on social and cultural realities.
Glowz is well known to the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper community as her poetry is featured in each edition. She utilizes not just the power of her voice in storytelling and poetry, but the pen to share her positive message of hope, empowerment, resilience, determination, and faith to inspire.
Glowz has been involved in exciting initiatives and projects over the years. She has been working on it since 2019. She is capturing humanity directly, or indirectly impacted by incarceration. She would highlight the work of those work-
distressed and openly corrupt regions, through a nation’s: leadership, and business sector, offering: prestige, funds and self-importance. China worked their magic upon the profiteering desires of nations leadership. The conditions of these loans assured China would be able to maintain and control its investments by managing and actually building the infrastructure mentioned. There are over 50,000 PLA Troops stationed in Africa today, thought to be protecting their nations investments. So, the story goes. Nicaragua is a very small nation with an even smaller population, yet China’s interest in Nicaragua is significant. The conditions placed upon their nations loans contracts to China allow China a free reign in all things financial, political and military. The nation’s marketplace is monopolized by Chinese corporations. Military weapons are becoming Chinese made, and the security apparatus has fallen into the hands of China’s Intelligence agencies, propping up the present-day dictatorship. All telecommunications, dig-
ital, microwave transmitting systems are in Chinese hands.
China has purchased the: fidelity, friendship and dependence of smaller nations as it continues its battle with other superpowers worldwide. Many small Island nations’ national ports and communication systems are managed directly, or through third parties by China. China has tried to purchase all control of the Panama Canal. Chinese overreach know no boundaries, as the poverty of small nations, and the greed of their leadership lay wide open to China the opportunity to add them to China’s preferred list of conditional allies, friendly only because they have to be.
Once a nation is firmly in China’s debt, the call for pay back will often come in another form than cash: political, or military assistance. Remember every corporation that does business with China is subject to Chinese Laws, including one that states that China can exert undue pressure with demands upon any: corporation, person or nation it does business with. Think about that!
ing behind bars and ensure they get support. She continues to work on other aspects of “The Human In Us All,” which can be seen on YouTube. In this project she is asking folks to share what made them feel human.
On Monday, March 17th, she participated in the event, “EID Cards for Incarcerated Muslims.” It was held at Steel Workers by Muslim Freedom Fund. This event was important to Glowz as it shows her commitment to reaching out to a diverse audience that are dealing with issues that she knows first-hand. She is willing to help at all times.
On Wednesday, March 19th, she was one of the five panelists who presented at Onsite Gallery. It was titled, “From Community to Gallery: Exploring Contexts of Socially Engaged Arts,” and coincided with the exhibition “Fortitude/Fragile,” which was curated by Magda Gonzalez-
Mora. The event featured a screening of a documentary film, which chronicles the process by which the group of racialized and gender diverse artists: Bert Whitecrow, Gloria O’Koye, Neshat Neishabouri, Olympia Trypis, and Susan Jama collaborated. It highlights the creative research process to explore relationships of identities, both personal and collective. It was the first time that her work was being displayed in a gallery.
On Saturday, March 22nd, Glowz was the featured poet as part of the “Woman Scream Canada 2025.” She has been doing speaking engagements focused on story writing. She prefers grassroots event setting as opposed to larger events. She knows that she can have a more personal direct impact when in these smaller spaces.
Larnell Lewis is a Grammy Award-winning Canadian musician from Toronto, with parents who hail from St. Kitts and Nevis. He is a: drummer, composer, producer, and educator who is best known for playing the drums for the jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy.
Music has always been in his family’s blood going all the way back to his great grandfather, who was a guitar player. Lewis’ dad, who is a musical director at their church, and his mother, who is also a vocalist at the same church, created an environment for the family to always be around music and to be comfortable around instruments.
Lewis took on many steps to make his musical career a reality. The first steps were to: say ‘yes’ to as many performances as possible, to work on his ability to mimic styles at the highest level possible, always be concerned about doing his homework and being disciplined with the homework of music. For example, whenever someone would call him for a musical opportunity, he would look into immersing himself in the music as much as possible so he can play to the best of his abilities. He would do this by getting into the style of the music, look at the way people would dance when that music was being played, and understand the culture. These steps helped Lewis get to the top of the game and help make his dream come true.
Lewis has a deep passion for jazz, and listeners can expect to hear a touch of the genre in his work. A bank of thoughts, experiences, inspiration collected from records that have sheet
LARNELL LEWIS
Incorporating family into his music
and molded the genre is one thing about jazz that stands out to him. He also loves the beauty of it created by those who pushed boundaries and how they understood their history and current situation. These are people who pulled their ideas and dreams from the air and sky to make the jazz genre what it is.
“To me, it’s limitless, because as long as you know how to use the inspiration in your environment, you’re always telling the story that’s in front of you and that’s really what it does for you,” said Lewis.
Eight years ago, Larnell became a father, and the experience inspired him to take a different approach in his music-making. For Lewis, becoming a dad has a lot to do with time management. Sometimes, what Lewis would do is include his kids in his practice. His children have decent professional level instruments that help him when he needs to learn music. Lewis would play either: the keyboard, drums, bass, or guitar, and let them learn with him. The idea is that having instruments around that he can play as well (whether it’s a kid’s instrument, or a professional level instrument) and incorporating his learning of music, or writing of music into his time with them.
His children are included in the process. They learn the songs, watch YouTube videos and listen to everything. It helps Lewis with getting music together, whether it is for: a show, recording, or just for the fun of it. It makes things a lot easier and gives him and his children more activi-
ties to do in their time together.
Lewis received his first JUNO nomination in 2019 for his debut studio album, “In The Moment,” released in 2018. His second JUNO nomination came this year for his 2024 studio album, “Slice of Life.”
Upon learning about his second nomination, Lewis was full of excitement. It’s a high-level honour and privilege to be recognized in the country for something he’s really passionate about. There’s also a deep sense of gratitude, because of the meaning of his sophomore album.
Lewis noted how he loved the way the nominations for this year’s JUNO Awards were announced. The entire list of nominations were available online, allowing people to scan through to see if they received a nomination, or not. For his first nomination, he was at home with his family watching the nominations on the television screen, waiting to hear the positive news.
Lewis’ sophomore album, “Slice of Life”, is full of meaningful songs. The tracks fuses: jazz, AfroCaribbean and Brazilian influences into a distinct Canadian sound. The purpose of the record is to talk about his transition into fatherhood and him emerging into who Larnell Lewis is as a composer.
“All The Stars” is Lewis’ favourite track from the album. The song speaks the most to what he experiences on every tour and performance. It serves as a lullaby to his children saying he has to go and be away for a little bit due to his performance sched-
ule but instills in his children that he loves them more than all the stars in the sky.
Lewis’ work led to him performing with an endless group of musicians including Gregory Porter, Etienne Charles, Kurt Elling and Laila Biali. He even served as the Musical Director at the Toronto International Film Festival for the critically acclaimed documentary QUINCY, which is about the life of the late Quincy Jones.
Lewis is also very invested in mentoring and teaching, which draws from having a lot of incredible mentors and teachers. He is a devoted music educator at Humber College as a Professor of Music. He believes in paying it forward, sharing, and teaching people so they can use the inspiration they have and create what they want to create.
“To me, it’s limitless, because as long as you know how to use the inspiration in your environment, you’re always telling the story that’s in front of you and that’s really what it does for you.”
Written by Sydnee Walcott
Photo Credit: Avital Zemer
Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography
Toronto Caribbean News
There are services to help you adjust to life in Canada. Whether you’ve been here for a few months or a few years, friendly and experienced professionals can support you as you build a successful life in Canada. get language training to improve your English meet people and connect with your local
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Simplify your life. Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, make one call for all funeral, reception, cemetery and cremation arrangements.
Simplify your life. Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, make just one call for all funeral, reception, cemetery and cremation arrangements.
For your free planning guide, call Omar Khan: 416-559-7182
For your free planning guide, call Omar Khan: 416-559-7182
Memorial Inc.
Need a kidney; We might have a pig for that
What will happen to these people? Less than half will receive the organ they require. For the lucky ones, whether the wait is a short few months, or a long several years depends on various factors.
If you prefer short history lessons, look no further than medicine. It was not long ago, in 1954, that the first human organ, a kidney, was successfully transplanted. Just a few weeks ago, an American man became only the fourth person ever to emerge from surgery with a transplanted pig’s kidney. These intrepid patients and their doctors are pushing the forefront of scientific discovery, but it is not just medical breakthroughs that have been needed. Religion and rights have posed sky-high barriers to overcome.
There are about 95,000 North Americans awaiting a kidney transplant.
Winston Churchill wrote, “Truth is inconvertible. Panic may resent it. Ignorance may deride it. Malice may distort it, but there it is.” Kidney transplant is often the only hope for these people to lead productive lives. Hope though, however small, is a fortune when just a few years ago, prior to that first successful transplant, renal failure was a death sentence.
Even as the transplant of donor organs became possible, the challenges were huge. Medically, within hours of surgery, the donor kidney would be rejected and destroyed by the patient’s own immune system. This started to change in the early 1970s when researchers discovered ways to fight the rejection reaction.
Then came the religious objections by those who believe the body must remain intact for the afterlife. Catholic charity shone through when Pope John Paul II said, “With the advent of organ donation,
man has found a way to give of himself and his body so others may continue to live.”
Now it’s another problem. Humans have two kidneys and can live with just one, but there’s no queue of people waiting to donate their spare. Scientists have been working hard to solve that problem by turning to pigs, an animal well suited to the task of providing the organ, but at the cost of their lives. This has had the animal rights community up in arms.
One might understand a societal reaction against the use of primate’s kidneys: too close to us, too rare of species, too expensive, and not suitable in any case due to the susceptibility to similar viruses as humans, but pigs? They can be reproduced in large numbers, cheaply, and are readily available. Would not even animal rights activists be placated knowing that humans have been slaughtering pigs to eat for all time? There are delicate arguments in the debate, and scientists are treading carefully, but not always with accuracy in foresight.
In 1996, one of the world’s top experts on kidney transplants predicted the
first pig kidney would be transplanted into a human within seven years. It has been a lot longer than that, and we still have only a handful of attempts.
The problem remains that transplanted kidneys from humans, or animals are too readily rejected by the patient’s immune system. The drugs used to suppress the immune response cause plentiful other concerns. Now, however, the breakthrough enabling the desired, long-term acceptance of a pig kidney transplant is a genetic modification to the pig’s DNA.
Humans are remarkable problem solvers. We may not always arrive at the best answers immediately, but the challenge for those who disagree should be to come up with better solutions, not to undertake despicable acts, as empty-headed miscreants have done before.
In 1996, two Gifford-Jones columns told the tragic story of a transplant researcher trying to save human lives who was victimized by animal rights protestors. Visit www.docgiff.com and follow the links.
Let’s be honest — if food could talk, Haitian griot would scream “I’ve been through some shit, but I still showed up looking golden, juicy, and absolutely unbothered.” It’s more than pork. It’s a survival story in a sizzling pot, and every bite is a loud, proud, crispy reminder that Haiti cooks from the soul — not for likes, not for trend, but for tradition, for family, and for freedom.
This isn’t some Instagramtweaked version of comfort food. This is the real deal. Griot is street food, Sunday dinner, party fuel, and a national treasure all at once. It’s as Haitian as independence, pride, and Kompa music blasting through the neighbourhood.
So yeah, we’re about to give griot the full respect it deserves — where it came from, why it matters, and how to make it without butchering its legacy.
The Dish That Fights Back
At its core, griot is deceptively simple: marinated pork shoulder, stewed in its own juices, and fried till it crackles. But the secret sauce is what Haiti always brings to the table — layers of flavour, built on generations of making the most with what you’ve got. It’s tender, citrusy, herby, garlicky, and unapologetically spicy. Think: deep-fried slow food.
It’s usually served with pikliz (a fiery Haitian slaw that doesn’t play around), banan peze (smashed, twicefried plantains), and maybe a pile of rice and beans or diri kole ak pwa (red beans and rice). If you want to feel alive — like really alive — chase it with Haitian rum or Prestige beer.
Origins: From Colonial Shackles to Culinary Freedom
You can’t talk about griot without talking about Haiti’s brutal colonial history — and how the country told its oppressors to kick rocks.
Back in the 1700s, Haiti was the richest colony in the world. It was pumping out sugar, coffee, and indigo like there was no tomorrow — built entirely on slave labour. The French ate like kings while enslaved Africans survived on scraps, cooking with ingenuity and heart.
Griot: Haiti’s Crispy Love Letter to Its Own Resilience
That’s where the roots of griot — and a lot of Haitian cuisine — start.
After Haiti’s revolution in 1804 — the first successful slave revolt in modern history — the people had their freedom, but not a lot else. Pork, unlike beef, was cheaper and more accessible. It became the protein of choice for family feasts and national celebrations. And over time, griot emerged as the go-to dish when you were proud, when you were gathering, and when you wanted to remind everyone at the table what you’ve overcome.
It wasn’t French. It wasn’t borrowed. It was Haitian, start to finish.
Griot in Haitian Culture Today
Ask any Haitian, and they’ll tell you: you don’t eat griot quietly. It’s not some forkand-knife affair. You’re grabbing pieces with your fingers, laughing loud, and sweating from that Scotch bonnet heat. It shows up at weddings, street stalls, christenings, protests, parties, and funerals. If people are coming together in Haiti, griot’s probably on a plate somewhere nearby.
It’s also become a way for the Haitian diaspora — especially in cities like Miami, New York, and Montreal — to stay connected to home. Griot is one of those dishes that can cross oceans and still taste like memory.
The Key Ingredient: Epis
Before we hit the recipe, there’s one thing we need to get straight: epis.
Epis is the seasoning base of Haitian cuisine. It’s a green, garlicky, herbpacked paste made with scallions, garlic, parsley, bell peppers, thyme, cloves, oil, vinegar, citrus, and Scotch bonnet peppers. You blend it up and use it to marinate meat, season rice, flavour stews — basically everything. Without epis, griot would just be fried pork. With epis? It’s griot. Period.
Haitian Griot Recipe — The Real Way
This isn’t a “30-minute weeknight griot” kind of recipe. If you’re in a rush, go microwave some chicken nuggets. Griot takes time — and it’s worth every second.
Ingredients For the pork:
• 3–4 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 cup fresh orange juice (or sour orange juice if you can find it)
• ½ cup lime juice
• ½ cup epis (homemade is best; jarred in a pinch)
• 4–6 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers (optional but traditional)
• Water as needed
• Neutral oil for frying (like canola or vegetable oil)
For serving:
• Pikliz (get it spicy)
• Fried plantains
• Rice and beans (optional but perfect)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Pork (Minimum 4 Hours, Preferably Overnight)
In a big bowl, toss the pork with epis, citrus juices, garlic, onion, thyme, salt, pepper, and Scotch bonnet. Cover and let that marinate in the fridge — this is nonnegotiable. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavour.
2. Simmer the Pork
Transfer the pork and all its marinade into a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Add just enough water to barely cover it. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 45–60 minutes, until the pork is tender and the liquid has mostly reduced. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks or burns.
3. Remove the Pork & Let It Rest
Once tender, pull the pork chunks out and set them aside. You can strain and reduce the leftover liquid into a dipping sauce if you’re feeling extra, but traditionally it’s not required.
4. Fry It Hot & Fast
Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a deep pan or cast iron skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the pork pieces in batches until they’re crispy, golden brown, and just begging to be devoured — about 4–5 minutes per batch.
Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pan. Let them fry like kings, not sardines.
5. Serve with All the Fixings
Plate it up with some spicy pikliz, crisp plantains, and maybe a side of rice if you want to go all-in. Then sit your ass down and enjoy what you just made — because you earned it.
More Than Just a Meal
Griot is what happens when survival meets joy. When hardship gets fried in hot oil and served with a little vinegar heat on the side. It’s bold. It’s rooted. It doesn’t beg for approval. It’s for people who know the value of history, flavour, and family — people who don’t need permission to be proud of where they came from. So next time someone tells you pork is boring? Make griot. Watch them shut up mid-bite.
Griot Quick Recap (For the Skimmers)
• Dish: Griot (Haitian fried pork)
• Flavour: Citrus, garlic, herbs, heat — all marinated into the meat
• Technique: Marinate, simmer, fry
• Pairs With: Pikliz, fried plantains, rice and beans
• Cultural Weight: Deep. Post-colonial, post-slavery, full-on national pride.
• Mood: Big crowd. Big energy. No napkins required.
You want culture? You want fire? You want food that fought its way into the hall of fame? Then griot’s your guy. Let’s not water it down. Let’s not rush it. Let’s cook it like it matters — because it does.
Canada must become self-sufficient, and that goes for all its citizens as well
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
and a recession. President Trump’s attempts to bring Canada into the American Union may succeed, but if our leaders have the intelligence and balls to respond courageously, we may have a future after all.
Canada needs to rethink and transform its: industrial, economic and financial sectors so they center upon Canada and the world markets. America as our main marketplace for sales will end for now. Canada must broaden its global connections and marketplace, and that will take some time. Do we have the funds, savings and courage to survive this transition?
Realize what is going on today is not your fault. You have been doing everything you were supposed to do, as direct-
ed by the marketplace, your government and your expectations, but a new reality is upon us all, and Canadians must change their ways before the bad times seize: our funds, our hopes and dreams of financial success.
Now we must tighten our financial straps, control our spending and be more aware of where and how we spend.
Budget: An excellent idea, showing you what you truly have to spend monthly. Do not include credit cards in any way, just look at what you earn. Stop using your credit card except for emergencies. Get the lowest interest rate possible. Purchase what you need locally. Invest your precious funds within your community. A prosperous neighbor is a happy neighbor. If you’re able to invest, invest in
Canada and sure things. Speculation and gambling will increase your debt. Put excess funds and planned payments into your debt reducing the hardness of debt resting on your shoulders.
Be optimistic and hopeful: the present day will be bleak as the financial and economic systems we live under must be transformed. Canada must become self-sufficient, and that goes for all its citizens as well. Once the present-day pain subsides, we can look to a more pleasant future.
The sun will come out tomorrow, but we have no idea when that will be, so buckle up and get ready for the ride of your financial lives.
Mark Carney has Trump Derangement Syndrome, and Canada will pay for it
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently made international news by declaring that the Canada–U.S. relationship is “over.” That statement is not only arrogant and stupid, but also a blatant lie. Carney is an unelected technocrat, not a diplomat, or a seasoned political leader. He has never held public office, never faced voters, and yet he’s attempting to pronounce the end of our most critical international relationship at a press conference.
Canada’s relationship with the United States is not a partisan issue. It is, quite frankly, a geopolitical reality. The U.S. is by far our largest trading partner, our closest ally, and our only neighbour with whom we share a 9,000-kilometer border. The idea that we can sever or “move on” from this connection and replace it with long-distance trade routes and bureaucratic global partnerships is utterly detached from reality.
The depth of the Canada–U.S. relationship goes far beyond trade. Since
BY GEORGE SHEPPARD
Warning: This article contains reference to childhood sexual abuse.
We seem to have a love-hate relationship with time. When looking at a splendid sight, we say, If only time could stand still. Time flies, yet the days drag. We say, Let the good times roll, and I can’t wait for Friday. My grandfather would lament the good old days, while my grandmother would affirm that, given shortages of food, clothing, and heat, those days were good for nothing.
We tend to measure time through landmark events: births, relationships, graduation, jobs, vacations, and loss.
Our personal journeys are not always in sync with those who share parts of it. We each have aspects of our lives that leave distinct imprints on our souls— events that inspire us, or that maim our spirit. While we strive to overcome life’s hurts, our pain is so diverse in impact that sharing it becomes difficult. The events that have brought me to my knees may pale in comparison to the events others face. For the most part, many of us, despite challenges and harm, plow through life as best we can, using our determina-
World War II, Canada has relied almost entirely on the United States for its national defense. Through NORAD, we’ve jointly defended North American airspace for nearly 70 years. The 1965 Auto Pact laid the foundation for our modern manufacturing economy. Generations of Canadians and Americans have built cross-border lives, businesses, and industries based on trust, cooperation, and shared interests. Carney’s casual dismissal of this alliance shows either stunning ignorance, or calculated messaging for political gain. Either way, he is speaking out of turn. Canadians did not elect him to speak on our behalf, nor does he have the authority to unilaterally reshape our foreign policy. What is even more concerning is the worldview Carney represents. His deep involvement with the World Economic Forum, an organization that regularly promotes centralized, globalist visions of governance, raises questions about where his loyalties really lie. Canadians should be wary of handing over sovereignty to unaccountable international elites who, in the words of Klaus Schwab, promise a future
where “You will own nothing and be happy.” That dystopian vision is not one most Canadians signed up for. His remarks also reveal another problem that is unfortunately rampant in Canadian discourse: Trump Derangement Syndrome. Far too many Canadian elites are so emotionally reactive to Donald Trump that they are willing to jeopardize our national interest just to make a point. Whether you like Trump, or not, and many do not, the reality is that he is the duly elected President of the United States. We do not have the luxury of disengaging. We must work with whoever holds power in Washington, and do so with strength, clarity, and respect. That is what serious leaders of serious countries do, every day.
Canada cannot afford leaders who put ideology, or personal animus ahead of pragmatism. Our economy, security, and diplomatic relevance depend on our ability to navigate the U.S. relationship skillfully, regardless of the personalities involved.
Mark Carney’s assertion that our relationship with the U.S. is “over” is not
Time heals all wounds. Or does it?
tion to succeed as a way of overcoming pain, of pretending it was all an illusion.
For many years—far too many, really—I resisted sharing my stories. I chose not to seek help. Instead, I put my head down and worked to excess to validate my existence. That was a recipe for disaster. The passage of time had not healed anything, except to give a false sense that I had dealt with difficult events, when the reality was, I simply kept moving—scared my wounded self would catch up with my “present” self. I’m fine; I’m OK; no worries, I got this… Never too much to do, always willing to bury myself to do more.
Rose Kennedy, mother of assassinated President of the United States John F. Kennedy, and of the late Robert F. Kennedy, slain presidential candidate, said, It has been said, “Time heals all wounds.” I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens, but it is never gone.
The only way I can measure this is to apply it to my experiences—those that have left an indelible mark on me. I only had one sibling. He was three years younger than me. Despite our different interests, we were very close. At age
15, he was diagnosed with bone cancer. Over the next three years, he would go through many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In addition, he would face surgeries to remove new tumours in each lung, and spine. He suffered immeasurable pain, yet felt he had to project strength to support everyone else. Shortly after his eighteenth birthday, he passed away. The emptiness that followed is without comparison—shocked, alone, hurt. I resisted letting others get close for fear of loss. To this day, I miss him as the likely rock that could cut through other hurts to come.
From the time I was 12 to 14 years old, I was involved in local church activities. I was not a spiritual prodigy; rather, in a rural area with little to do, it was something. Using my skills as a good public speaker provided me a sense of place and purpose. However, I had not planned on the local church minister carrying on two years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse at my expense. I was 12 years old. I froze.
Finally, after years of burying myself in academics, work, and any other organization I could assist, I reported the offences.
just wrong, it is insulting to every Canadian and their family. We will decide how much we want to travel to the USA, and how much time we will spend with our: family, friends, and neighbours to our south. We do not need some politician in Ottawa telling us who to like and who to hate. We have had enough of that over the past few years, and it is truly getting old. Canadians are quite capable of making those decisions for themselves.
The Canada–U.S. partnership has endured: wars, trade disputes, and political differences. It will endure future challenges too, but it will only thrive if we have leaders who understand the value of real diplomacy, national interest, and democratic accountability.
Mark Carney is not that leader. His arrogance in trying to call an end to the relationships of millions of citizens is telling. He needs to focus on: governance, diplomacy, and the art of making a deal. If I remember correctly, there may even be a book on that very subject. Stop talking and start reading, Mr. Carney. Your country depends on it.
Criminal charges followed, and I sought to be at peace that I had finally done all I could for my well-being and that of others.
Throughout the many years of therapy that followed, there is one element that has always not sat well with me: “You need to forgive in order to heal.” Forgive the minister? Forgive those who had suspicion, yet said nothing? Or forgive myself?
I accept that many play a role in a situation such as this. I struggle to forgive the assailant; his peace is unimportant to me. To forgive myself? That’s difficult. Exactly what am I forgiving myself for— breathing? Not coming forward? The truth is, with that kind of intrusion and manipulation, I do not carry any burden for which I need forgiveness. The adage forgive and forget is not easily met with grace.
I do not remain stuck in the past. However, the things that trigger memories of my brother’s demise, and the innocent bewilderment of my twelve-year-old self about to face a grown man’s advances, are wounds that remain fresh and need tending to on a daily basis.
The 5 Storytelling Patterns of the Ultra-Successful
The irony is powerful: your willingness to acknowledge uncertainty isn’t weakness—it’s your greatest strength.
Think about it: everyone else is exhausting themselves maintaining the illusion of perfect knowledge. Meanwhile, you’re conserving that energy for actual growth. While they’re stuck defending outdated positions to protect their ego, you’re evolving your thinking daily as new information emerges.
In a world of fake certainty, real curiosity is the ultimate differentiator—and this is where storytelling transforms from a marketing tactic into something much more valuable: a tool for genuine connection and growth.
Let me let you in on something most people won’t say out loud: the storytelling patterns used by successful people aren’t just random—they’re intentional, powerful,
and deeply psychological. I’m about to present readers this week with some tools that, when used with integrity, can elevate your voice, amplify your competence, and help others see the value in what you do. I’m sharing them with you not to manipulate, but to empower—because if you’re reading this, I know you care about impact, not illusion.
Here’s the truth most conversations about storytelling miss: it’s not black and white. The suggestions I present aren’t just “marketing tricks” or “authentic connection builders”—they’re both, depending on who’s wielding them. Behind the curtain, even the most polished creators wrestle with the gap between the stories they tell and the insecurities they carry. The real magic lies in using these tools to reveal, not conceal—to connect honestly, not perform—and that’s the secret I want you to hold.
The 5 Storytelling Patterns of the Ultra-Successful
After studying some incredibly successful creators, I’ve identified five storytelling patterns they all use:
1. The Transformation They never present success as innate
talent. They frame it as a journey from struggle to breakthrough (The Hero/ine’s Journey), inviting others to identify with the starting point.
“I had to overcome the shame of being imprisoned, and feeling like I let my parents down. Now I am actively working in the community, creating a beautiful life for myself and others.”
2. The Selective Reality
They share vulnerabilities—but strategic ones. Struggles that humanize without undermining authority. Past failures, not current uncertainties.
“I failed in many of my love relationships before finding out that the best way to develop a positive relationship with others is to form one with myself.”
Never: “I’m not sure if my new relationship is going to work; so many adversities.”
3. Pattern Recognition
(This is a great storytelling tool to summarize your wisdom.) They position normal observations as profound insights, using language like “I’ve noticed that…” or “Most people miss this, but…” to suggest unique perception.
“Most people completely
miss this about building solid relationships, but the studies show that…”
4. The “I Am Human” Position
They balance aspirational achievement with relatable humanity.
“I can easily write eight to nine articles for each print week, but still forget to unmute on Zoom calls.”
This creates the perfect combination: “They’re successful enough to teach me, but human enough to understand my struggles.”
5. The Future-Past Bridge
They connect where they were (relatable) to where they are (aspirational) to where they’re going (visionary), creating a narrative path others want to follow.
“I started with tutoring marginalized children in our community. Now I help host and plan large-scale events, and I’m connecting with some great people. I’m just getting started—the mission for the next decade is to make people eager to learn more about who they are, and in turn, learn how to navigate society more effectively.”
Trust me when I say, if you can master these patterns, you will have mastered the game.
Digital Minimalism: Reclaiming focus in a world designed to distract
DANIEL COLE
daniel@carib101.com
In an era where connectivity is effortless, we have never been more accessible—and yet, never more distracted. Dr. John Townsend defines digital boundaries as the “property lines” that allow us to maximize the benefits of technology while minimizing its intrusions. When these boundaries are firm, the digital world serves us. When they are weak,
The shift from pagers to smartphones has revolutionized communication, collapsing time and distance. Today, a single device grants instant access to billions— through Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more. Someone, somewhere, is always online, always ready to engage. A YouTube notification disrupts your focus; a Netflix alert tempts you mid-task; Elon Musk’s latest tweet demands your reaction. Without deliberate boundaries, our attention fractures, leaving us perpetually reactive rather than purposeful.
Author Cal Newport warns, “What we choose to focus on—and, more importantly, what we choose to ignore—determines the quality of our lives.”
The illusion of control in a designed-todistract world
Social media is only one facet of digital intrusion. The internet itself is engineered to capture attention. Google tracks your searches, feeding you targeted ads. Algorithms learn your habits, ensuring you spend more time scrolling. Even ad blockers, meant to shield us, sometimes lock us out of content—forcing a Faustian bargain between privacy and access.
The more we allow digital noise to dominate, the less space we have for deep thought, meaningful conversation, and genuine presence.
Boundaries: The digital fences with gates
In their seminal book Boundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend argue that technology is not inherently harmful—it is how we engage with it that determines its impact. The key lies in establishing a “gate policy”: deciding when to open ourselves to digital engagement and when to shut it out entirely.
Philosopher Marshall McLuhan famously said, “We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.” If we do not consciously design our digital habits, they will unconsciously design our lives.
Practical strategies for digital sovereignty
Silence the noise
• Turn off non-essential notifications. Research shows that even the anticipation of interruptions reduces cognitive performance (Mark et al., 2018).
• Example: Writer Deepak Chopra designates “tech-free hours” to preserve mental clarity.
Reclaim your time
• Implement time blocks for social media (e.g., 15 minutes twice daily).
• Author Nir Eyal suggests “timeboxing”—allocating fixed periods for digital engagement to prevent endless scrolling.
Establish physical boundaries
• Keep phones away during meals, conversations, and deep work sessions.
• A Harvard study found that the mere presence of a smartphone reduces cognitive capacity, even when turned off (Ward et al., 2017).
Communicate your limits
• If certain contacts frequently intrude, politely set expectations: “I check messages at 12 PM and 6 PM—I’ll respond then.”
• Entrepreneur Tim Ferriss uses autoresponders to manage expectations with-
out guilt.
Audit your digital diet
• Unfollow accounts that drain energy.
• As Marie Kondo advises: “Does this spark joy?” If not, remove it.
The deeper cost of unchecked connectivity
Beyond productivity, weak digital boundaries erode mental health. Studies link excessive social media use to increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness (Twenge et al., 2018). The constant comparison fostered by curated online personas leaves many feeling inadequate—a phenomenon psychologist Jean Twenge calls “compare and despair.”
Even Silicon Valley insiders warn of these dangers. Former Facebook executive Chamath Palihapitiya admitted: “We have created tools that are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works.” If the architects of these platforms limit their own usage (as many tech CEOs do), shouldn’t we?
A call to intentionality
The goal is not to reject technology, but to master it. As Seneca wrote in On the Shortness of Life: “Life is long if you know how to use it.” The same applies to our digital lives—time is not lacking; it is attention that is scarce.
By setting boundaries, we decide when to engage and when to disconnect, ensuring technology enhances rather than diminishes our humanity.
What we can learn from Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance
Surveillance footage from the early hours of March 6th, shows Konanki, five women and two men drinking in the hotel before the group made their way to the beach around 4:15 a.m. 40 minutes later, the five women and one man left the beach while Konanki remained with the other man, identified as 22-year-old Joshua Steven Riibe. Four hours later, surveillance footage shows Riibe leaving the beach on his own.
What was supposed to be a spring break getaway ended in uncertainty when Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh pre-med student, went missing during a vacation at the RIU Republica in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
On March 3rd, 2025, Konanki, along with five other students, all women, from the University of Pittsburgh, arrived in the Dominican Republic. Three days later, on March 6th, 2025, Konanki went missing.
At 4:00 p.m., the five friends reported Konanki as a missing person, with her father filing a missing person report in the Loudon County sheriff’s office at 5:43 p.m. that day.
Seven days after Konanki’s disappearance, a prosecutor interviewed Riibe on his interaction with Konanki on the day of her disappearance. Riibe said he met Konanki that night and the two went for a swim after a night of drinking when they were hit by a wave and pulled into the ocean. He said the two of them resurfaced and pleaded for help,
but no one was around. Riibe, who was a pool lifeguard, said he carried Konanki under his arm and made sure she was breathing the entire time while swimming to the shore.
Once on the shore, Riibe asked Konanki, who he said was knee deep in the water, if she was okay, but could not hear her because he was vomiting the seawater he swallowed. Afterwards, Riibe said he did not see Konanki and assumed she left.
Following Konanki’s disappearance, the Riu Republica unlawfully detained Riibe and was interrogated until Judge Edwin Ro of the Criminal Chambers of the Court of First Instance of La Altagracia ordered his release, citing an unlawful detention that cannot exceed a maximum of 48 hours. Following his release and clearing, authorities returned Riibe’s passport to him.
Konanki’s family requested that Dominican authorities declare her dead in a letter.
This situation should serve as a cau-
tionary tale about what should and shouldn’t be done when vacationing.
If travelling in a group, stick with that group throughout the duration of the trip, and never leave a friend on their own, especially if they were drinking. While unlimited cocktails abroad can be tempting, it’s still important to drink responsibly. Another rule many of us were told from the time we were young children is to be wary of people we don’t know, and we need to continue to abide by that rule when travelling.
A vacation is always something travellers like to look forward to. Just being able to take a break from the stresses of life and spend time in a place considered a paradise is a wonderful feeling. While the majority will travel in a group, whether it be with a significant other, family and/or friends, others will opt to travel solo. Whether it be a solo, or a group vacation, safety should always be a priority.
Are You Advertising? Because If You’re Not, You’re Already Losing
BY GRANT BROWNING
DRIVEN TO SUCCEED
Let’s keep it real—things are tight right now. People are cutting back, businesses are nervous, and the first thing most folks chop is their marketing. But that’s the last thing you should touch.
If you’re not visible, you’re invisible. Simple as that.
In a shaky economy, staying in front of your customers isn’t just smart—it’s survival. You’ve got to keep showing up, or you’ll get swallowed up by someone who is.
Recession = Opportunity (For the Ones Who Stay Loud)
When the market slows down, ad rates drop. Less competition. Less noise. And that means more opportunity to stretch your dollar and get noticed.
History doesn’t lie. During the Great Depression, Kellogg doubled its ad spend while Post backed off. Kellogg took
the lead and never gave it back. Same story in the ‘90s when McDonald’s pulled back— Pizza Hut and Taco Bell stayed in the game and ate up market share. This stuff works. But only if you keep moving.
If You Go Quiet, People Think You’re Gone
In our community, visibility builds trust. So when folks stop seeing your name, they assume you’ve closed up shop—or you’re not serious. Either way, you lose momentum. You don’t need big bucks. You need consistency. Stay present. Remind people you’re active. Reinforce that your product or service is still valuable, still relevant, and still here.
Talk Smarter, Not Louder
This isn’t about running flashy campaigns or spending thousands a week. It’s about knowing your audience and hitting them where it counts.
And if you’re reaching Caribbean
folks in Toronto? You better be in the places we actually look:
• Print ads in community newspapers like Toronto Caribbean Newspaper still matter. People read this. They trust it. If you’re in here, you’re already ahead.
• Local websites are crucial—keep yours updated, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Make it clear, and culturally relevant.
• Targeted Google and social ads: Focus on local searches—stuff like “Caribbean real estate agent Scarborough” or “black-owned bakery Brampton.” That’s where the action is.
• Email marketing: Keep your existing customers in the loop. They’re your best bet right now.
• Real, relatable content: Create stuff that speaks to the culture. Whether it’s reels, blogs, or community shoutouts, be real—people feel that.
You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to show up where it matters, and keep showing up.
Take Care of Your People
Your current customers? That’s your gold. Don’t go chasing strangers before checking in on the folks who already trust you. Offer value. Say thank you. Give them a reason to stick with you. It’s cheaper to keep them— and they’ll remember who stood tall when times were tough.
Bottom Line
Recession or not, money’s still moving. People are still buying. But they’re buying smarter. And if you’re not in front of them, someone else is.
So ask yourself: are you advertising right now—or are you just hoping to get by?
The businesses that survive this mess won’t be the ones that went silent. They’ll be the ones that stayed loud, stayed focused, and stayed present.
Giving back to communities in the name of cannabis with the Spark + Play Foundation
nature into a force for good both at home and abroad.
The origin of this noble organization has a humble beginning, but the bold vision of Executive Director Rob Jones would grow them larger than they could have imagined. Starting as just a group of friends getting together to play games and enjoy cannabis in a positive environment would not only dispel stigma, but blossom into a soon to be officially designated nonprofit organization. Along with his other two trustees: Director of Operations Don Hamilton and Director of Marketing Shaleeza Jones, all of Caribbean heritage, Rob sought for them to be champions of positive change. By raising positive cannabis awareness through fun events, the group found an overwhelming resource of support that could be harnessed to help their respective communities.
Via three main branches, Fundraising, Community Outreach and Workplace Education, their foundation combats social inequity, abuse of vulnerable groups and economic gaps in their support. While many urgent societal issues exist here at home, Spark + Play has not forgotten their roots in the Caribbean. Many of us first generation Canadians appreciate the sacrifice of our parents to come here, but neglect to give back to the countries from which they hail. Spark + Play has made concerted efforts to change the trend of Caribbean countries sending their best out into the world and never getting anything beyond tourist dollars in return.
Recently, Spark + Play Foundation has co-founded an agricultural enterprise focused on advancing organic farming practices and building sustainable economic opportunities for local Caribbean communities. In another demonstration of giving back, they also held a successful fundraising campaign for the procurement of
school supplies for the primary school alma mater of a trustee member in Grenada. It went so well that they were even able to provide wish list items like digital classroom projectors for the entire school. All this leads towards a positive reputation for cannabis and potentially legalization in the Caribbean where some of the deepest negative stigma still resides.
Spark + Play Foundation has recognized the great number of resources available to the corporate cannabis industry and the need for an honourable proponent for them to channel a portion of those considerable funds back into the needy communities from which they have made millions in profits. Often referred to as CSR, or corporate social responsibility funds, these companies know they must allot money to support the groups that provide them with their livelihood and show that the cannabis industry cares about the cannabis community.
While some roadblocks like being a new organization, cultural differences with cannabis executives and some companies simply not seeing enough value in nonprofit contributions have been difficult, Spark + Play team members use any rejection as motivation to push their message forward. Rewards have come in the form of positive feedback from individuals assisted and increased visibility for worthy causes via corporate partnerships.
In the near future, the Spark + Play Foundation will be holding their first ever Cannabis Cares Charity Gala at the Eglinton Grand Theatre in Toronto. The event is dedicated to raising funds for the construction of transitional housing by the My Sisters Place organization for women and children escaping domestic abuse in Ontario. On May 17th , 2025, they will be hosting: philanthropists, media members, cannabis industry stakeholders and community notables for an evening of food, music, fundraising, networking and performances. With a: live DJ, a live art installation, silent auctions, an award-winning magician and an exclusive musical performance from Toronto legend Jully Black, it is sure to be an unforgettable inaugural event.
Cannabis is common within marginalized groups, more than likely because cannabis can help deal with the fact of being marginalized. More importantly it brings together people who might not be otherwise linked. As a cannabis entrepreneur, I can completely understand the challenges of creating something never seen before and bringing it to the front stage to be engaged with.
As the first ever cannabis centric charity, I’m honoured to witness the Spark + Play Foundation face these challenges head on with a bold compassion brave enough to see them evolve into an even bigger force for good in both Canadian and Caribbean communities.
The evolution of unique home styles in the GTA; A modern approach
Toronto is a megacity with an exploding population and limited residential land space. Traditional housing types have metamorphosed into buildings that cater to the average family while conserving land. Knowing these house types is essential when buying real estate because of their unique challenges and advantages.
Zero-lot-line properties are homes constructed right on the edge of the property line. The building functions like a large fence for the adjacent property, making it ideal for cities with limited land. The lots are small and require minimal upkeep. Zero-lot-line homes are more affordable than conventional ones. This unique concept provides an impressive privacy advantage due to the interlocking land design, where the walls of the property function like a massive privacy fence.
Given that these homes are closely situated, noise can become a nuisance. Since the property sits on the lot line, the neighbour has the right to access your land for any necessary repairs to their property. I remember an incident where the furnace of one home vents to the side of the property. The neighbours placed their garbage bins next to the vent, obstructing the air intake for the furnace and causing damage. These issues can pose a problem because the vent encroaches on the neighbouring property. Expanding these homes is challenging due to the unique land configuration. While these homes are more affordable, they lack universal appeal and may take longer to sell.
At first glance, linked houses may appear similar to detached homes; however, they share a common wall in the foundation, or basement. Generally, linked homes
are more affordable than detached homes but pricier than semi-detached ones. Builders appreciate this type of home because it removes the need for separate foundations and sewer and water connections, conserving land space and lowering construction costs. You pay less property taxes since these homes are less expensive than those with separate foundations.
An unsuspecting buyer may think they are purchasing a detached home when it is linked underground. When selling a linked home, market it as a “Linked Detached Home” to avoid confusion and reduce the risk of potential lawsuits. Link-detached homes were popular in the seventies and eighties. However, nowadays, builders tend to construct detached homes instead of linked ones, as detached homes generally sell for a higher price and outweigh the savings that linked detached homes provide.
A Parcel of Tied Land (POTL) occurs when freehold properties are connected and share standard amenities such as roads, landscaping, or playgrounds. This concept blends freehold and condo principles. To optimize land use, the builder constructs narrow streets that do not meet the criteria for public road designation, and the residents must maintain it since they share the road. A condominium corporation manages the shared amenities and must have its bylaws.
The unique nature of POTLs encourages a sense of belonging for the community, as residents share the amenities. The residents make decisions about maintaining and upgrading the shared amenities, which can sometimes cause conflict. POTLs are more challenging to sell than freehold properties. If you buy a POTL property, make your agreement conditional upon reviewing the status certificate, where you can review the bylaws and check if there are adequate reserve funds. POTL’s properties are becoming popular in the GTA, where land is scarce.
Most POTLs are freehold townhomes with limited parking spaces. You can park one car in the garage and another in the driveway, which may require you to shuffle vehicles to accommodate each other. Another downside is that your driveway
and your neighbour’s driveway are joined together, which can lead to complications. Due to the limited parking, you might need to place your garbage, recycling, and compost bins in front of your home, which isn’t ideal.
When considering the purchase of POLTs, consider your family’s needs. If you can manage the parking and garbage challenges, POLTs are a great option with plenty of living space to enjoy.
Bungalofts blend the charm of a bungalow with an upper loft space. Bungalows are single-storey homes with a: living room, kitchen, bedroom, and washroom all on one level. The loft space can be an additional bedroom, a home office, or a secondary living area. Bungalofts feature stunning designs with tall, vaulted ceilings and large windows allowing ample natural light.
Bungalofts entered the marketplace within the past thirty years and are not available in older neighbourhoods. This concept is popular in adult lifestyle communities.
Stacked townhomes are two, or
three-story homes built above each other. Picture a row of townhomes with shared walls and another row stacked above them. This design doubles the number of homes in the same space, making them more affordable and cost-effective to build.
Since they are stacked, upper-level units require climbing stairs. Lower units may have a patio and yard space, while upper units usually feature a large deck above the garage. Each home has a: furnace, AC, water heater, and separate utility meters.
Stacked townhomes offer an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle. A property manager manages exterior upkeep and landscaping. They are popular in cities nearby: public transit, shopping, and amenities. However, there are drawbacks. Limited parking, multiple staircases, and tiny balconies can be inconvenient. Shared walls also mean potential noise issues. Despite these downsides, stacked townhomes provide a practical and private living option in urban areas.
YOUR HOROSCOPE
for the week of March 23 to March 29, 2025
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: SAGITTARIUS, CANCER, AQUARIUS
ARIES: Time to stop overthinking and start doing. You’re sitting on a good idea—don’t wait for “perfect.” Take the leap, trust your gut, and let the details fall into place later. Movement is your medicine this week.
TAURUS: Your comfort zone’s feeling tight. You’ll be nudged to try something new—maybe in work, maybe in love. Go with it. You don’t have to change who you are to grow. Just stretch a little.
GEMINI: Your mouth might run faster than your mind this week. Careful with your words—what feels clever might hit someone sideways. But if you use that gift of gab wisely, you’ll charm the socks off someone.
CANCER: You’ve been holding it down for everyone else. Now it’s your turn. Say “no” to guilt and “yes” to a night off, a long bath, or just being unreachable for a bit. Boundaries = peace.
LEO: You’ve got eyes on you— whether you know it or not. Lead with authenticity, not ego. Someone’s looking for inspiration, and your vibe could be the spark they need. Stay real, stay radiant.
VIRGO: Not everything needs fixing. Let people make their own messes this week. Your energy’s better spent organizing your thoughts, not everyone else’s chaos. Keep your focus close to home.
LIBRA: Balance? What balance? You’ve been juggling flaming swords. Time to put a few things down and ask yourself what you actually want—not what looks good on paper. Real harmony starts with truth.
SCORPIO: You’re laser-focused—and maybe a little intense right now. That’s not a bad thing, but don’t bulldoze people in your path. Use your drive to build bridges, not burn them.
SAGITTARIUS: The universe is whispering—quiet the noise so you can hear it. A breakthrough’s on the horizon, but you’ll miss it if you’re too distracted. Step back, simplify, and get back to your gut.
CAPRICORN: You’re climbing hard, but are you even going the right direction? This is a good week to pause and re-align. You’re not lost, you’re just due for a course correction. Trust your internal compass.
AQUARIUS: You’ve been playing it cool, but it might be time to speak up. That quirky thought or wild idea? It could actually work. Be bold. Someone needs your outside-the-box brilliance this week.
CROSSWORDS
PISCES: Dreams feel extra vivid right now—listen to them. There’s guidance hiding in your imagination. Whether it’s creative expression or emotional clarity, your inner world is full of gold this week.
HOW TO PLAY :
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
PUZZLE NO. 128
PUZZLE NO. 838
SHEDDING A SKIN
Photo of Cherissa Richards by Kristen Sawatzky
