The Rise Of The Conspiracy Curious

This thirteen-year-old firecracker was born to perform. She is fluent in both English and French languages and began dancing at the tender age of five years old.

She is currently a member of Performing Dance Arts (PDA) full-time competitive team. At PDA she trains in multiple genres of dance including: Vaganova Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical, Acrobatics, and Musical Theatre.

At such a young age, our Woman Empowered has successfully competed at numerous competitions and conventions winning several awards and scholarships including: the Nuvo Breakout Artist, Jump VIP, 24seven Non-Stop dancer, and The Dance Awards Scholarship.

She has received master class training with some of the industry’s leading choreographers: Travis Wall, Mark Meismer, Will Loftis, Randi and Hefa, Denise Wall, and Amanda Cleghorn, to name a few. She is also an active member of her dance studio, and her gleaming, hypnotic smile is featured in PDA’s dance campaigns and promotional videos.

In addition to dance, she is a skilful acrobat winning a scholarship at Canada’s Leading Virtual Acro Intensive, and she has also become a Matricks Army member.

Outside of dance, our featured Woman Empowered is a straight A student at Elder’s Mills Public School in the French Immersion Program. She actively participates in: school plays, concerts, talent shows, and was also on her school cheerleading team where she performed at the Maple Santa Claus parade. She loves to read, draw, write short stories and monologues, and spend time with her family and friends.

I first met Alyssa Phillips when she participated as a mentee for the Brothers Who Care, “I SEE ME” documentary in 2020. Upon meeting her I was inspired by her drive to compete and work hard to improve her skills, which has resulted in her achieving great results in a short time.

She is outgoing and passionate about dancing. I have taken the time to watch a few of her performances, and she demonstrates assertiveness on the dance floor. She is always smiling and

having

fun. I recognized her ability as a dancer and her joy of dance is infectious.

Her movement tends to be full of energy and she exudes a power well beyond her age. Even in competition, you can see that she is driven more by the experience and the enjoyment of dance than by winning.

With her busy schedule, I had to wait until the holiday season to interview her, so I reached out to her incredibly supportive mother Sharleen Pink-Phillips, and she arranged some time for me to speak with Alyssa. Her energy was contagious, and her screen lit up the screen…

“I started dancing at the age of five years old,” Alyssa tells me enthusiastically. “I was always in recreational dance. My sister danced, and I didn’t know that I would like it, but I tried ballet once, and I knew right away that I wanted to do it.

After ballet, I wanted to explore more dance styles. I then got enrolled into jazz classes, and it kept going. I resonate with ballet the most, because it is the root of my love for dance.

My favourite dance styles are: jazz, ballet, and contemporary in that order.

I want to be a professional dancer on Broadway. What I love about dance is that it is like speaking another language. You can express how you feel using your body.”

Being a professional dancer requires the innate ability to interpret and communicate stories and feelings through the physical form. What nondancers may not recognize is that what appears artful and flawless onstage is the result of much more than natural talent. Alyssa relies on: physical stamina and fitness, perseverance, memory retention and other qualities to showcase enjoyable performances for her audiences.

“Competition life; I love it. The process is fun. I am a full-time dancer, so I get to travel, and I am able to explore the world. I have gone to Orlando, Florida to compete, and this provided an opportunity for me to network with other people in the dance world.”

I also noted Alyssa’s ability to take direction from her choreographer, as well as work well with her teammates. She is able to communicate and respond to others’ cues on the dance floor, which

results in flawless execution of complex dance moves. She admits that as fun as dancing is, it does have its challenges.

“As a young Black dancer, sometimes I feel a little left out. It is okay to be different though, I don’t mind being the only one.

The dance world is a very positive place; you have to find something to set you apart. There are a billion kids, so you have to find something that makes me unique. Sometimes it is as simple as the fact that I style my hair differently.”

Along with dancing, Alyssa is also an aspiring actress. We spoke a little about her journey as a thespian.

“I started acting at 11 years old. I have signed with Frank da Costa at da Costa Talents. The agency has been helpful with launching my acting career. I danced in Holly Hobby and am preparing for an untitled Tom Lynch Project.

The acting world is easier than the dance world. When you have a great agent, they can help to get your name out there. With dancing, it is more individual.

My goal for acting is to be the main character in a show. I want to be featured in every episode.”

Kinaesthetic creatives do not achieve seamless results without careful and consistent practice – over and over again. It may take them years before they develop the expertise to perform professionally, but Toronto’s own Alyssa Phillips has had an exceptional start. It is her “can do” attitude that has helped her succeed in her work.

“My advice is don’t ever try to be perfect. There is no perfect. There is always more to do. Keep going; keep striving for more!”

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

There has been a lot of concern about science being distorted by the drug and device industries that fund the vast majority of research. There are a lot of remedies for this problem — disclosure is just one of them, and that is what I am going to do today; disclose and uncover research about a drug that has been made to be complicated and controversial

The US Food and Drug Administration issued an Early Use Authorization for the use of hydroxychloroquine as treatment for COVID-19 on March 28th, 2020, which was later, revoked on June 15th, 2020, following further examination of preliminary data. July 2020, FDA cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting, or a clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems.

Interestingly enough, they did not revoke the COVID-19 inoculation, which has proved to cause myocarditis, and other heart related problems; something to consider as you make your way through this article.

November 2020 a National Institutes of Health clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloro -

quine for the treatment of adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) formally concluded that the drug provided no clinical benefit to hospitalized patients. Though found not to cause harm, early findings in June when the trial was stopped indicated that the drug was not improving outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

April 2021, WHO released a report stating that they did not recommend hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19. This recommendation was based on six trials with more than 6,000 participants who did not have COVID-19 and received hydroxychloroquine. Using hydroxychloroquine for prevention had little or no effect on preventing illness, hospitalization or death from COVID-19. In their report, they found that taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 might increase the risk of: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, drowsiness and headache.

The use of Chloroquine sparked an avalanche of studies, many of which are now completed and are being reported in the scientific literature. These trials, including the study reported in this issue of JAMA, demonstrate the lack of efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in patients with COVID-19.

What is clear from all of this is that science and politics do not mix. Science, by definition, requires diligence and an honest assessment of findings: politics not so much. The number of articles in the peer-reviewed literature over the last several months that have consistently and convincingly demonstrated the lack of efficacy of natural cures for COVID-19 demonstrates the consequence of the irresponsible infusion of politics into the world of scientific evidence and

discourse.

Now, I was not entirely surprised when I found a peer-reviewed article in the Virology Journal released in August 22nd, 2005 titled “Chloroquine is a potent inhibitor of SARS coronavirus infection and spread,”

In the report they found that Chloroquine had strong antiviral effects on SARS-CoV infection of primate cells. These inhibitory effects were observed when the cells were treated with the drug either before or after exposure to the virus, suggesting both prophylactic and therapeutic advantage. Chloroquine negatively influences the virus-receptor binding resulting in the inhibition of infection and spread of SARS CoV at clinically admissible concentrations.

The conclusion: Chloroquine is effective in preventing the spread of SARS CoV in cell culture. Favourable inhibition of virus

spread was observed when the cells were either treated with Chloroquine prior to, or after SARS CoV infection.

Chloroquine has been widely used to treat human diseases, such as: malaria, amoebiosis, HIV, and autoimmune diseases, without significant detrimental side effects

Dr Stella Immanuel, and Dr Zev Zelenko are two doctors that I had a chance to speak to during the early stages of the pandemic. Their reports on the use of Chloroquine strongly resemble the early research published by the Virology Journal, but they were ridiculed, chastised, and discredited for their well-researched, and implemented strategy that saved many lives.

So, why has research studies like this been largely ignored? It is something that we as critical thinkers need to really look into.

REST Centres offers practical solutions to address unhoused youth crisis among Black youth in Peel

youth that she encounters.

REST Centres believes that homelessness is a complex issue and seeks to utilize holistic support to address it. At the heart of its approach is a housing-first community-driven model to ensure youth have opportunities to obtain viable housing.

REST believes that shelter is a fundamental human right and works to ensure that youth are able to build their lives by obtaining opportunities which will help with stable housing.

The issue of homelessness among youth is one that has serious long-term: social, mental, physical and emotional consequences.

A housing report by The Peel Region revealed that:

• The need for 20,000 new housing units by 2028, which translates to an estimated 2,000 affordable housing units a year

• Only 647 of 14,997 households on waiting list have been provided housing

Restoration and Empowerment for Social Transformation (REST,) is a non-profit organization that is driven to tackle this societal issue head-on in the Peel Region. Dagma Koyi founded it on July 23rd, 2015, who also serves as Executive Director. According to its Facebook page, it is a “Black-led BIPOC-serving charitable organization on a mission to end youth homelessness in Peel region. We provide transitional housing and support services.”

I interviewed Dagma on Friday, December 30th, and she told me that her organization is the only Black-led, Blackserving, Black-focused (B3) one in the GTA that provides a wide range of services. She reminds me that the issue of homelessness among youth is a complex one with many overlapping issues. This is why she utilizes a multi-pronged approach to tackle root issues. Dagma believes there is a lot of misunderstanding and stereotypes about the issue, which leads to misinformation. Public education and awareness are central to understanding it as a broader issue in the Black community.

Dagma told me of personal situations in which young Black people became homeless because of unforeseen circumstances among the parents such as: death, mental health issues, and incarceration. She states that many people believe that youths become homeless because they are kicked out of their home due to bad behaviour. This is not true from the experiences of the

The four areas that REST focus on in order to fulfil its mandate include:

1. Transitional housing 2. Applicant assistance 3. Eviction prevent 4. Landlord training and support

REST’s flagship program (Bridge of Hope) is the first of its kind offered in the Peel Region. The website describes it as an evidencebased program that offers an alternative to shelters, by matching youth tenants with host families in the community.

The second program that REST offers is titled “Bare Necessities.” This program seeks to address food insecurity. The website notes, “Our ability to meet basic needs like food, personal hygiene and household furnishings are essential to creating a sense of stability in our lives.”

REST also offers a Black Youth Matter Hotline, which arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program offers support to youth dealing with social isolation and facing factors that may lead to homelessness.

Another program is titled “H.E.R.O” (Healing, Emotional Recovery and Opportunity). This program aims to reduce stigma and improve youth mental health through group therapy and professional counselling. At its core, we help youth address the factors that may or have led to homelessness and the impact of personal experience, in order to empower them to shift their mindset, stories, and future outlook.

REST drew attention to the issue of homelessness during Homeless Awareness Week that was held during the second week of November. It is a week when people come together to raise awareness about homelessness issues. This is frequently accomplished through fundraising and participation in advocacy events.

Anyone interested in learning about REST can check out its social media platforms: www.restcentres.org

The National Library of Medicine admits to nudging people to vaccinate through online advertising

and (sometimes) vaccine hesitancy.

In the article they state clearly, “Here we focus on nudging people to vaccinate through online advertising.” Please re-read this sentence and take in the fact that they are very aware that they have been selling the vaccine to us.

Many may not know this, but the majority of my education (graduate and postgraduate) is focused on the science of psychology. To be honest, it is my secret superpower and one of the reasons why my duty is to educate the larger community. There are aspects of our society, dark secrets that are kept from the large majority and for good reason.

Psychology is not only a tool to better understand those around you—it can also lead to increased influence on others. While these persuasion skills are typically put toward research or therapeutic settings, they can also be useful in fields outside of the direct psychology world, such as marketing and advertising.

Encouraging people to vaccinate was a challenging endeavour. This was stated in an article titled, “Vaccine advertising: preach to the converted or to the unaware,” published on the National Library of Medicine website. They saw it as an endeavour, which has tremendous public health benefits. Doing so requires overcoming barriers of awareness, availability,

They found that ads had two main effects: First, a congruence effect whereby ads increase the likelihood of clicks and future searches by up to 116% in people who express an interest in the disease or the vaccine. This means that most commercial vaccine advertising is aimed entirely at this population.

Second, they observed a priming effect, where ads shown to people who were searching for terms unrelated to the vaccine could be encouraged to click on them, and more often, search for the vaccine later.

They conclude that the findings demonstrate that digital advertising campaigns should consider not just advertising to direct keywords, or to individuals that look exactly like existing customers, but consider keywords that draw a wider target population who are likely earlier in their conversion funnel, thus increasing the number of people who vaccinate and maximizing vaccines uptake. Yes, the vaccine strategy was well thought out.

In another study titled, “Online advertising as a public health and recruitment tool: comparison of different media campaigns to increase demand for smok-

ing cessation interventions” they demonstrated the feasibility of: online advertising as a strategy to increase consumer demand for smoking cessation treatments, illustrated the tools that can be used to track and evaluate the impact of online advertising on treatment utilization, and highlighted some of the methodological challenges and future directions for researchers.

They found that powerful targeting capabilities of online advertising presents new opportunities to reach subgroups of the population who may not respond to other forms of advertising.

Now, that we have discussed the theory, let me share the methodology, what you can consider the practical rollout:

1. The Reciprocity Principle

This social psychology principle describes the give and take relationship between humans. When you give someone something, you put a burden on them to want to pay you back. For example, if you would like your freedom, you are going to have to follow our rules, “Take the vaccine, and life will go back to normal.”

2. Commitment

When businesses can make a customer commit to something small, they can then easily increase their ask to include bigger things. For example, “If you take the vaccine, life will go back to normal. Wait! You have to take one more shot, okay, now a booster…”

3. Consensus

People are more likely to buy from businesses when there is demonstrated proof that other individuals have made purchases and put trust in the company. By simply providing target audiences with reviews or testimonials, advertisers are taking advantage of this psychological principle. The world governments said that the vaccine was safe and effective, so why are you questioning this?

4. Authority

People tend to pay more attention if they see that a company is an authority figure in the industry. Here are a few ways advertisers showcase authority to help build trust with consumers:

• Publish a healthy flow of authoritative, industry-specific content to establish thought-leadership (Government ads).

• Visible mentions of awards or badges to tout many years of experience (Chief Medical Officer’s, Dr. Fauci, Bill Gates, etc).

• Trusted team of influencers to showcase a product or service on the company’s behalf (The many celebrities who endorsed getting the vaccine).

They say it has been challenging, but to be honest with the high vaccination rates around the world, it looks like they got the science down.

Photo Credit: Najjah Calibur - Facebook

SIMONE SMITH

TC REPORTER

Now for the big question: what’s in the so-called vaccine?

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Just what exactly do COVID injections contain? Well if that’s your question you are not alone. None other than Del Bigtree visited Dr. Ryan Cole, a board-certified dermatopathologist and an outspoken critic of these COVID injection rollouts from The Highwire. There Cole in his lab took Bigtree on a “first-hand” trip of what ingredients are in the COVID-19 injections and the real damage they cause.

Here are parts of the conversation between Bigtree and Cole.

“When you do an autopsy, the blood looks red and jelly-like sort of like jello, but these been coming out from individuals’ bodies at the time of embalming are large stretches of vessels in the: arm, the leg, and lungs. I have some coming from a surgeon in another state who has been removing these huge rubbery clotted plaques,” Dr. Cole told Bigtree.

Bigtree said to Cole, “Obviously coroners do this all the time, but the fact that they are complaining about this kind of clot, something is bothering them,” to which Cole agreed.

Cole then showed Bigtree a video slide of how certain particles were coming together in one of the so-called vaccines that were isolated in that video and his words were, “I’ve never seen anything do that.”

Cole continued to explain to Bigtree how these clots when lodged in the body could attack vital organs like the lung, heart, and brain bringing about a lack of oxygen effect and causing strokes, heart attacks, and more.

Another lie that was debunked in this investigation was that the vaccine only stays in the arm. Cole told Bigtree, “They knew exactly what they were doing; this injection travels all over the body and the lipid nanoparticles go everywhere.”

Time and time again the doctor showed Mr. Bigtree slides of spike protein in the lungs, in the appendix and the list goes on, all delivered by the safe and effective vaccine.

“These clots,” the doctor continued, “to see them at this rate especially after a certain program rollout, with an experimental gene and lipid nanoparticle, etc. where all of a sudden, we are seeing something we haven’t seen before, that’s scientifically very concerning and should be looked into even more.”

When asked by Bigtree if governments around the world are doing any active investigations into this calamity, Cole replied, “Crickets.” That’s in comparison to the billion-dollar ads that encourage populations to get injected, he said.

Cole said, a lot of morticians have been seeing it, but they want their job and so they are staying quiet, but they are sharing material and information.

This so-called vaccine causes’ and I am quoting Dr. Ryan Cole here, “Inflammation of the blood vessels potentially throughout the entire body.”

It is important to note that Dr. Cole has been in that business for the past 26 years and no, he “Has never seen anything do that.” Again, this man has personally done around 550 autopsies.

Now

for the big question: What’s in the so-called vaccine? Here it comes...

• First Johnson and Johnson, contains –Human protein, human DNA

• Second Moderna contains—Lipid Nano

• Pfizer contains—Stuff that Cole suspects look like Graphene

• AstraZeneca contains -- Contaminating particles

• There is also Homogeneous PEG Coating – which is long lifetime harmful

Bigtree’s question to Cole immediately was, “Did we find Graphene oxide in any of the vaccines?” Doc Cole said he had not found any Graphene in those from that batch so far, however, the doc explained, “The Lipid Nanoparticles and the Spike Protein those two compounds are necessary and sufficient to cause harm.”

In closing Dr. Cole said, “The cells don’t lie,” and “Your body needs to make its own protein; not a flu protein. Not toxic proteins.”

Both Bigtree and Cole agree that these injections were rushed out and approved by quacks that do not know anything about vaccines. Far too many people have been maimed and killed and this injection needs to be stopped now.

I vividly remember the responses the team at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper received at the very start of the pandemic in 2020. This was a time before the numerous alternative media sites began to pop up everywhere. In Canada, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper team were the only ones brave enough to question what we were seeing in the world. It wasn’t easy: we lost friends, we lost supporters, and we lost businesses that advertise with us, all because we refused to follow the narrative that was being propagated to the masses.

Governments and corporate media were calling this time “Pandemic of the Unvaccinated” and the indoctrinated masses were still thinking facemasks, social distancing, and the inoculation would keep them healthy.

I get it. I have been researching and writing about our current world atrocities for over two years now, and I still have a hard time getting most of my relatives and friends to understand what’s really happening. The difference between this year and last year is that there’s a clear awakening happening amongst those who couldn’t be reached before. It is the rise of the “conspiracy curious” individuals who at one time embraced the common narrative, and now are beginning to question what they believe.

Why? Well because many of the so-called conspiracy theories that we shared have become factual theories. We have learned that we shouldn’t blindly trust anyone in power, whether it’s: the government managing the people, doctors managing healthcare, corporations managing our money, or journalists managing the truth. We know that our freedoms are under attack on multiple fronts and the separation between those who embrace liberty, and those who do not has never been more crystal clear.

What a lot of media houses have been focused on is what has happened in 2022, but what we want to do in this edition is focus on what to expect in the future. Many of us believe that because things seem back to normal that everything is okay. What we want to report today is that everything is not okay. The pandemic was just the beginning, and the global elite has a lot more in store for us.

At the helm of the new agenda is climate change. All of a sudden, there is this public enthusiasm over environmentalism. It started with a group of “ex-

perts” and interest groups promoting the “climate crisis,” which was followed by the alarmed discovery of the problem by the news media and broader political class. Then there was this euphoric enthusiasm with the likes of Greta Thunberg being pushed to the forefront conceiving the issue in terms of global salvation and redemption.

Despite the relentless media and activist drumbeat and millions of dollars in paid advertising, public concern for climate change has waned over the last several years, so our governments decided that it is time to step it up. Time to look at what they have planned for us with their proposed Agenda 2030.

Flights are being abolished

The French government has decided to abolish flights between cities that can be reached for less than 2.5 hours by train, as an attempt to decrease the carbon emissions in the country, which is a joint goal for all European Unions.

The new act of the legislature is part of the country’s 2021 Climate Law and was initiated by France’s Citizens’ Convention on Climate, a citizens’ assembly determined to find an alternative to carbon emissions in the country.

New changes are approved also for the use of private jets for short journeys, which are also banned as the country is working to make transport greener and fair for the population.

15-Minute Cities

In early December, the County of Oxfordshire, in England, voted to begin intensely filtering traffic in certain parts of Oxford between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This is slated to begin sometime in 2023, upon completion of some existing transportation projects.

I first spoke about climate lockdowns in an article titled, “No Driving on Sundays? The International Energy Agency is calling for new Lockdowns.” I wrote this article in 2021, and shared information about suggestions to restrict private cars’ use of roads in large cities to those with even number-plates some weekdays and to those with odd-numbered plates on other weekdays.

In another article titled, “Unfortunately, there are no Vaccines for Climate Change.” Preparation for Permanent climate lockdowns,” I exposed the measures proposed by the World Economic Forum to: enforce climate lockdowns; encourage less private car ownership, and less meat by 2030. Unfortunately, these plans are slowly and quietly being executed worldwide

In Oxford, people will still be allowed to walk, bike, or take public transportation wherever they want. Vehicle usage will be monitored with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, the same technology that has been around for more than 20 years to collect

money remotely on toll roads. The ANPR cameras will also enable the county to issue permits to private drivers to make a limited number of trips within the city within the restricted time frame.

This new urban planning model was devised in 2016 by Carlos Moreno and popularized by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. They are called 15-Minute Cities. It is the vision of urban places in which residents can access their daily needs and essential services within a 15-minute trip by foot or bike. The concept relies on mixed-use development that puts: commercial services, transportation, recreational facilities, and other urban amenities within a short trip that does not require using a personal vehicle.

This means that strict rules will be placed on car journeys. This green agenda is taking inspiration from the COVID-19 lockdowns. Residents will have to register their cars with the council, and they will be tracked to count their journeys through the key gateways. It is a type of social credit score that is focused on whether you abide by the rules provided

A trial of the 15-Minute City will begin in Oxfordshire County in 2024. Residents will be confined into one of six zones to ‘save the planet’ from global warming and will need permission to leave their zone. Cars will be monitored and electronic gates on key roads in and out of the city are planned.

The parties who benefit from the plan include Oxford University, the bus companies, and the council, which expects to make £1.1m from fining errant drivers.

Agenda 2030

The Heads of State, Government and High Representatives, met at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from September 25th – 27th, 2015.

According to the United Nations Agenda 2030 is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. The said goal is to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty. All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan.

The goals and targets came into effect on January 1st, 2016 and will guide the decisions taken over the next fifteen years. They state clearly that all government leaders will work to implement the Agenda within their own countries and at the regional and global levels.

They acknowledge the importance for international financial institutions to be in line with their mandates, and the essential role of national parliaments through their enactment of legislation and adoption of budgets. They expect governments and public institutions to work closely on implementation with: regional and local authorities, sub-regional institutions, international institutions, aca

demia, philanthropic organizations, volunteer groups and others.

It is important to note that Agenda 2030 was written in 2015, well before COVID-19. However, the UN has a COVID-19 Response for the Sustainable Development Goals and is pushing Agenda 2030 in the wake of the pandemic, which may explain why you are hearing about it more often now. Included in this agenda is a push for global vaccination, a strategy known as Immunization Agenda 2030.

Immunization Agenda 2030

IA2030 is an ambitious global strategy to maximize the lifesaving impact of vaccines that, if fully implemented, will save 50 million lives over the next decade. I am going to manage my emotions at this point and keep my opinion to myself, but really! Save 50 million lives? What about the millions of lives that have been destroyed because of the vaccines?

According to the WHO, vaccines are critical to the prevention and control of many communicable diseases, which is an essential part of global health security. In some countries, progress in immunization has stalled, or even reversed (for good reason), and that risks undermining their past immunization achievements.

The Targets

Targets to be achieved by 2030 include:

• Achieving 90% coverage for essential vaccines given in childhood and adolescence

• Halving the number of children completely missing out on vaccines

• Completing 500 national or subnational introductions of new or underutilized vaccines - such as those for COVID-19, rotavirus, or human papillomavirus (HPV)

They want to ensure that immunization is valued and sought by all people, and that all countries have a reliable supply of high-quality, affordable vaccines, and sustainable financing for immunization programmes. They also want to ensure that innovations to increase the reach and impact of immunization programmes are rapidly made available to all countries and communities.

The language used in Agenda 2030 has some worried it is presenting a “New World Order.” This is because it uses all-encompassing language, such as “for all” and emphasizes the need for a global partnership.

The team at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was called to start spreading the truth; with what we have witnessed over the last few years, this call was necessary. We need to make as many people aware as possible because we desperately need allies in this fight.

The war is not over it has just begun!

There is a clear awakening happening amongst those who couldn’t be reached before

Democratic Republic of Congo continues to expose widespread labour exploitation and workers’ rights abuses

by cobalt miners.

SIMONE SMITH

TC REPORTER

Ring… You avert your eyes from the screen to pick up your phone. Christmas is done, so it is business as usual. You complete your phone and then check to see who has messaged you. This is a part of your day-today life, and you are not sitting there thinking who is at the bottom of the food chain when you look at brand names like: iPhone, Samsung, Tesla, let’s just say all of them?

Well, over the years, there have been international discussions between governments and human rights groups about the human right atrocities endured

Cobalt was once a little-known metal that is useful in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power smartphones and other digital devices. This metal is sourced from mines all over the globe, including the U.S., but the world’s largest reserves of cobalt are in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a Central African nation whose economy is heavily reliant on the mining industry.

Research at five of the biggest cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo has exposed widespread labour exploitation and workers’ rights abuses. Poor working conditions and out-dated practices, which not only make for unhappy workers, but also for inefficient operations, that negatively affect cobalt mining in the Congo. It’s a complex issue that the Congolese government has been unable to tackle successfully.

Historically, large, industrial, company-run cobalt mines have received less

scrutiny. Workers, all of whom requested anonymity due to concerns over company retaliation, described working long hours with limited food and water for pay that often does not cover living expenses.

They speak to being treated like second-class citizens, with those directly employed earning pay and benefits far superior to their own low pay. Many of the workers said they were in despair, unable to pull themselves and their families out of poverty.

They have no industrial tools, no protective clothing, and no hard hats, not even facemasks to shield toxic dust or shoes, yet here they are searching for cobalt, the rare-earth metal powering the mobile revolution.

The other danger is that they are exposed to a near invisible poison, cobalt dust, which can cause fatal hard metal lung disease. Work hours are long, and miners labour in tunnels that are not properly supported. Rainfall can cause large areas of co -

balt mines to suddenly collapse. At least 80 artisanal miners died underground in the Democratic Republic of Congo between September 2014 and December 2015, and the bodies of children and adults alike were left buried in the rubble.

So, the question now is why are the world’s largest consumer brands willing to buy cobalt under such circumstances?

A large part of the problem is a lack of traceability along the supply chain –and the involvement of unethical third parties. A significant proportion of cobalt from the Congo is sold to Chinese traders and smelters, who are often more concerned with price than with ethics.

So, even though many big brand companies claim to have a zero-tolerance policy towards child labour, cobalt somehow seems to be the exception to the rule.

This is something to think about the next time you check your phone.

Honouring our heroines of 2022: Charmaine A. Nelson rises above it all!

There was great optimism when Dr Charmaine A. Nelson was announced as a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University (NSCAD) in 2020.

Her appointment as the Chair of Transatlantic Black Diasporic Art & Community Engagement was intended to expand the scholarship and research into the history of Canada’s involvement in Transatlantic Slavery. To do so she founded the Institute for the Study of Canadian Slavery with the goal of funding traditional academic and artists-in-residence fellows.

Dr Charmaine started her academic career as the first Black scholar hired into a tenure-track, or tenured art history position in Canada in 2001 at Western University in London, Ontario. She subsequently moved to McGill University in Montreal where she taught for seventeen years and authored seven books before leaving in 2020.

Dr Charmaine shared her experiences of racism and sexism at NSCAD. Upon witnessing the disorganization of the university, she directed her student Research Assistant to collect important procedural information to be compiled in a Fellows’ Handbook for the Institute, months in advance of the fellows’ start date. Although a colleague, when reviewing the handbook weeks prior to the fellowship launch gave her student inaccurate payroll information, Dr Charmaine’s supervisor erroneously assumed that she had been negligent in seeking the information in a timely manner.

As Dr Charmaine explains, “No questions were asked about when and how I had gathered the information. There was just a fundamental belief in my incompetence.”

Dr Charmaine was then reprimanded on a group email, which included colleagues and the student. In addition, she was prevented from affixing her name to employee contracts for her research assistants who were funded with her personal research grant. Although she sent repeated emails, the senior administrators of NSCAD refused to engage her in a conversation about the parameters of her authority as the Director of the Institute

After the financial team misappropriated a $10,000.00 annual research stipend, which Dr Charmaine had set aside

from her salary, she contacted the administrators of the Tier 1 Canada Research Chairs in Ottawa who promised to follow up with the NSCAD’s provost and chief financial officer. After the interim president failed to act on promises to intervene, Dr Charmaine filed a grievance against the provost to obtain the funds due to her. As Dr Charmaine explained, the process to recuperate her stipend extended across many months, taking valuable time away from her other essential responsibilities, and activities.

It was not an easy decision to turn her back on NSCAD. She states, “The Tier 1 Chair that I won was two back-to-back seven-year appointments, and the teaching is reduced which is a professor’s dream. I was going to teach one class a year for the first seven years, and two for the second seven years. Part of why these Chairs are coveted is because they allow professors the money and time to excel at research.”

She shared in the Fall 2022 issue of the Slavery North Initiative Newsletter that with respect to racially marginalized faculty members “The impact of Canadian universities’ underemployment of BIPOC people, especially as faculty, was soon evident in my: mistreatment, surveillance, and chronic devaluation. Put bluntly, I was treated very poorly and in ways that White men of my experience, reputation, and expertise in such esteemed, senior positions typically

are not.”

She notes that her experience at NSCAD was not unique. She writes, “It is a Canadian, western, and even broader problem of how White-dominated academic institutions: mistreat, tokenize, and marginalize their Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour faculty. My mistreatment drove me from my position at NSCAD, a job I had thought I would hold until I retired.”

When she left McGill in 2020, she was only one of 10 Black faculty members in tenured and tenure-track positions out of 1726 professors. She expounded, “The egregious underrepresentation should be unfathomable in twenty-first century Canada.”

Dr. Charmaine has left Canada and has been appointed as a Provost Professor of Art History and the Founding Director of the Slavery North Initiative at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in Spring 2022. She will now expand the mandate of her research hub to include slavery in Canada and the American North.

Dr. Charmaine was elected as a member of the American Antiquarian Society in October 2022 and inducted as a fellow into the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) on November 25th, 2022. The press release states, “Her ground-breaking research explores representation of and production by enslaved Africans within Transatlantic Slavery in Canada, the Caribbean, and the USA.”

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Honouring our heroes of 2022; Justice Michael Tulloch appointed New Chief Justice of Ontario

the position and will continue to serve Ontarians well.”

It is important to know the Governor General is based on recommendations from the Cabinet and the Prime Minister. They are tasked with being responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. In addition, they serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.

esteemed position.

Justice Michael Tulloch will be the first Black appointed to this new position in the history of the Court of Appeal. His rise to this stellar position caps a legal career that has seen him ascend to different levels of appointment from justice to being the first on the Court of Appeal.

Prime Minister Trudeau stated, “The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch is a highly respected member of Ontario and Canada’s legal community. As he takes on

Justice Tulloch completed his undergraduate degree in Economics and Business from York University and went on to finish his law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School in 1989. After being called to the bar in 1991, and serving as an Assistant Crown Attorney in Peel and Toronto from 1991 to 1995, he started his private practice. He worked in the area of criminal law, and was subsequently appointed to be Justice of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2003. He was one of only three Black judges to be appointed to this position, and to the Ontario Court of Appeal in 2012; he was the first Black Canadian to make it to this highly

Over the years, Justice Tulloch has engaged in a wide range of community activities. He served with several organizations as a Board of Director. Organizations include: North York Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Legal Aid Area Committee, the Canadian Bar Association, the Criminal Lawyers Association, the Osgoode Society on Canadian Legal History, and the National Bar Association. In addition, he has also served with the: Urban Alliance on Race Relations, Tropicana Community Services, and the Jane-Finch Community Legal Clinic as a member of their Board of Directors.

Furthermore, he was one of the founders of the Second Chance Scholarship Foundation, which gives out scholarships to youth who have been in trouble with the law, or who come from at-risk communities, and are desirous of pursuing college or university education. He is one of the founders of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers where he was a Past-President as well as with the Caribbean and African Chamber of Commerce. He was a founding Board

member of Rhema Christian Ministries and presently served as the Chair of the Advisory Board of the Black Business Professional Association.

On June 2nd, 2022, the Law Society of Ontario announced in a press release that Justice Tulloch would be receiving a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) on June 27th, 2022. The press release states that he is a true legal pioneer who has advanced justice and equality rights not only through his work as a lawyer and judge, but also through his personal journey shattering systemic barriers.

The press release describes Justice Tulloch’s distinguished legal career over the years.

He played significant roles in several commissions such as: the Ontario Government Review on Civilian Oversight on Policing, the Review of the Ontario Legal Aid Plan, and the Criminal Code Review (conducted by the Federal Attorney General), and the Minister of Justice.

situation within each region. Russia is at war, as are African and Latin nations experiencing civil and guerrilla warfare within areas

where you often find these metals. These regions are located in: Northern Ontario (Canada), isolated regions within jungles, and mountain ranges in nations without the finances to harvest them, relying upon foreign investment, technology and control. This creates political problems regarding real and perceived colonial finances and management.

The demand for several transition metals is forecasted to skyrocket in the next 20 years by more than: 40% for copper and rare elements, 60-71% for nickel and cobalt, and more than 89% for lithium. The World Bank has projected a rise in production of: 965% for lithium, 585% for Cobalt, 383% for graphite, 247% for Indium, and 179% for Vanadium by 2050. The World Bank has stressed the need for recycling many of these metals found to be very durable, but also futuristically limited in supply.

Recycling and repurposing have been stalled by past and present barriers, such as the lack of profitability tied to the practice. EV’s (Electric Vehicles) have made the practice of processing and reclaiming: cobalt, lithium, manganese and nickel, along with other valued materials like: copper, aluminum and graphite spent on batteries profitable. Recycling these and other materials is becoming a critical part of the supply

chain as we transition towards a low carbon economy. The Report “Reducing new mining for electric vehicles battery metals,” has gone so far as predicting the demand for virgin materials will drop in total demand: 25% for lithium, cobalt and nickel by 35%, and copper by 55% by 2040.

A typical EV’s battery can provide power for a distance between 200,000 km to 250,000 km. After a battery loses 20% of its initial capacity it becomes unfit for use within a vehicle. Rather than disposing of these batteries, their parts are recycled and repurposed for stationary energy storage to be used in: utility-scale grids, building and telecommunication tower storage, which demands far less current density from the battery. Recycling these components will reduce the pressure upon mining firms to produce manageable levels of metal and minerals.

The hoped success of the EV Industry will make recycling a more profit driven Industry. The batteries that presently exist will create a needed source for recycled parts. By 2030 over a million EV batteries will have reached their end of life cycle, with their injection into recycling processes. By 2025 about 75% of spent EV batteries will be reused in secondary life solutions. This recycling and repurposing of lithium for ex-

ample, will be a boom to the financial markets, where the global lithium-ion battery recycling market will grow from $4.6 billion in 2022 to $22,8 billion in 2030.

India and China will dominate the recycling market due to its mature and large reuse and refurbishing sector for portable electronics. Concern for the storage of unusable, unrecyclable materials, often toxic to the environment will create and demand regulatory management on a global scale. Today, in many parts of the undeveloped world, large-scale dumping of toxic, contaminating materials occurs within hidden natural places, illegally managed by corruption and organized criminality. The World Court and the United Nations have made the eradication of these practices primary policy.

An entirely new supply chain within the greater global supply chain is developing, one of recycled and repurposed materials. The development of batteries has pointed to a time in the near future where lithium batteries can be maintained for over 7-8 years at a time. While the lack of recyclable feeder stock (material parts) is limited, the proposed development of the EV sector will accelerate global recycling into a mega industry benefiting most of the globes population over time.

The hoped success of the EV Industry will make recycling a more profit driven industry

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

In recognition of the potential benefits associated with earlier, widespread availability of vaccines, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), articulated an aspirational goal: vaccines should be ready for initial authorization and manufacturing at scale within 100 days after the next pandemic pathogen is recognized. This goal has been widely adopted by governments throughout the world, and several vaccine developers are exploring strategies for achieving this aim.

Before we go any further, I would like to address an inaccuracy in the claim above; in recognition of the potential benefits associated with earlier, widespread availability of vaccines. Reports over the last few years will illustrate that availability of vaccines has not been beneficial in many cases. I will not expand on that in this report, but it is important to recognize propaganda, and to call it out immediately. I digress…

There have been potential strategies for compressing the vaccine-development timeline for each major step in the development process and additional steps that will be needed to move toward the 100-day goal. Substantial time savings could come from establishing more efficient phasing of preclinical activities, clinical trials, and regulatory review.

It was noted that in order to

achieve this, timelines will have to be compressed requiring substantial shifts from the current development paradigm, and it must be supported by scientific advancements.

In February 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in a press release that the development of a coronavirus vaccine in approximately 300 days was a huge and unprecedented global achievement. He stated that reducing the time to develop new vaccines for emerging diseases even further, would prevent the catastrophic health, economic and social repercussions seen in this crisis.

Now for some of us, we might see this as a great leap in technology, and advancement that we should be happy about, but I want to take a step back and look at the history of vaccine development.

According to John Hopkins University and Medicine, a typical vaccine development timeline takes 5 to 10 years, and sometimes longer, to: assess whether the vaccine is safe and efficacious in clinical trials, complete the regulatory approval processes, and manufacture sufficient quantities of vaccine doses for widespread distribution. Let’s take a look at the stages involved in the vaccine development process:

Preclinical Testing of Vaccine Candidates

Preclinical testing of vaccine candidates typically starts in animal models, first in small mammals such as mice or rats, and then non-human primates such as monkeys. Preclinical studies are important for eliminating potential vaccines that are either toxic or do not induce protective immune responses. Many vaccines that appear to be safe and induce protective immune responses in animals fail in hu-

man studies. Only vaccine candidates that are very promising in preclinical testing move forward into phase I clinical trials.

Phase I Clinical Trials to Assess Safety, Dosing, and Immune Responses

Phase I clinical trials are the first step in assessing vaccines in people. Typically involving one to several dozen healthy volunteers, phase I trials assess short-term safety (e.g., soreness at the site of injection, fever, muscle aches) and immune responses, often with different vaccine doses. Only if a vaccine candidate is shown to be safe in phase I trials will it move to larger phase II trials.

Phase II Clinical Trials to Assess Safety and Immune Responses

Phase II clinical trials continue to assess safety and immune responses, but in a larger number and more diverse group of volunteers, typically one to several hundred people. Phase II trials may include target populations of a specific age or sex, or those with underlying medical conditions. Vaccines for children start with adult volunteers and move to progressively younger groups of children. Different types of immune responses are often measured, including antibodies and cell-mediated immunity, but phase II trials do not assess how well a vaccine actually works. Only in phase III trials is vaccine efficacy assessed.

Phase III Clinical Trials to Assess Safety and Efficacy

Phase III clinical trials are critical to understanding whether vaccines are safe and effective. Phase III trials often include tens of thousands of volunteers. Participants are chosen at random to receive the vaccine or a placebo. In Phase III, par-

ticipants and most of the study investigators do not know who has received the vaccine and who received the placebo. Participants are then followed to see how many in each group get the disease. Assessing short- and long-term safety is also a major goal of phase 3 trials.

I am going to stop here before we move to one of the last steps. The COVID-19 inoculation rollout did not include this final step in the sense of identifying it as safe. It was only after there were serious side effects did they start reporting them. It is safe to say that the current “vaccine” was not safe and effective and should have stopped at this stage. Unfortunately for many of our loved ones, it did not.

Let’s move to the final stage,

Regulatory Approval Process

Each country has a regulatory approval process for vaccines. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating vaccines. In situations when there is good scientific reason to believe that a vaccine is safe and is likely to prevent disease, the FDA may authorize its use through an Emergency Use Authorization (EAU) even if definitive proof of the efficacy of the vaccine is not known, especially for diseases that cause high mortality.

This is where they caught us; they used emergency measures to push out a drug that they “believed’ to be safe.

So, my question to you community is, how do you feel about being injected with something that scientifically takes 10-15 years to develop safely, but is now being condensed to a 100 day process? Feel free to comment, and let us know

Ford Government fails to meet Autism Program target

sponsibilities of the LLO were spelled out:

PAUL JUNOR

There have been many discussions and conversations since the Ford government was elected in 2019 about the state of funding for Autism Programs in Ontario. In the fall update by the Ontario government, details were revealed about what changes that would be done to implement the needs-based Ontario Autism Program. This update can be seen on the Province of Ontario’s website:www.ontario.ca. Details are outlined of what the government expects for 2022.

It launched the Independent Intake Organization (IIO) which was renamed the Access OAP Ontario Autism Program that supports families and independent youth in April 2022. It was intended that families with eligible children and youth registered in the OAP who are in need of autism services have access to at least 12 weeks of support free of charge. The re -

• Registering the children and youth for the Ontario Autism Program

• Connecting families with a care coordinator as a main point of contact

• Completing the determination of needs process to identify a child’s level of support need and funding allocation for core clinical services.

• Helping families navigate services and community-based supports

• Facilitating regional service networks of service providers to support a coordinated and integrated service experience for children, youth and their families

• Coordinating an independent review process for families

The update notes that the government expects that by fall 2022, 8,000 children and youth will have access to funding that will help them to obtain core clinical services. In addition, behaviour plans were extended for children with existing OAP, an Entry to School Program was launched, and plans were set in place to launch urgent response services. There is also a workplace capacity fund of $14.5 million as part of the OAP capacity action plan to increase skilled personnel to help families access these

core clinical services.

On Wednesday, December 21st, 2022, the Ontario Autism Coalition released a press release titled, “Ford Government Fails to Meet Autism Program Target.”

The press release mentioned that the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS) had missed its target, “To provide 8,000 children and youth with funding to purchase core clinical services by fall 2022.” The press release listed these four points:

We remind MCCSS that the Ontario Autism Program is an extremely time sensitive file.

While the ministry fumbles along, children and youth are losing precious developmental years. Kids don’t have this time to lose as delays cause real harm to their development and reduce the amount of funding they can qualify for due to arbitrary age-based caps.

Continued lack of consistency from the ministry.

The ministry has been almost silent on the state of the OAP, and those working within the program have provided conflicting information to our community, leading to confusion about the complex and constantly changing steps required to access

the program.

Ongoing service capacity issues.

Nearly five years of delay to the OAP have decimated service capacity across Ontario. These ongoing capacity issues and resulting waitlists at providers have created barriers for families who may have funding but nowhere to spend it.

The new OAP has systemic issues.

Funding is determined by third parties/ bureaucrats and includes arbitrary age categories. This means funding allotments leave children with the greatest need far behind.

The press release concludes, “It truly seems that the OAP is being thrown together haphazardly and as such, our community is understandably confused about complex processes, timelines and we feel left behind. We want clear, consistent, and regular messaging from MCCSS leadership about the process families must follow to access the program, and a plan for the over 50,000 families still waiting their turn.”

Anyone interested in learning about the Ontario Autism Coalition check ontarioautismcoalition.com

A vaccine in 100 days; is this a sound technological advancement, or another calamity for the global population?

Aspartame, Bipolar

The debate on the safety of yet another FDA approved substance remains at the forefront of numerous scientific studies, and for good reason. Regardless of the shiny accolades given around the substance, there are doctors and scientists who do not give aspartames a stamp of approval.

As aspartame’s popularity grew, so did questions about their effects. It was declared unsafe for people suffering from phenylketonuria, a rare hereditary enzyme defect, and those suffering were cautioned to avoid aspartame. According to the Mayo Clinic, the additive was also blamed for causing other illnesses, including cancer.

The artificial sweetener industry, represented by the Calorie Control Council, has contested these accusations, and later scientific studies appear to back some of the industry’s safety claims.

and

A 2007 review of aspartame studies in the “Critical Reviews of Toxicology” declared the additive safe for most people, but a 1994 study suggests that it may not be good for people with mood disorders. However, a 1994 study suggested that aspartame has a negative effect on patients with mood disorders.

Scientists who speak against the harms of aspartame have been challenged on their assertions that there are major problems with the use of aspartame in view of the fact that the bulk of the medical literature attested to its safety. In response, these scientists responded that one had to look carefully at study funding. Virtually all of the studies claiming safety were funded by the industry, whereas independently funded studies invariably identified one or more problems.

Let us take a look at the mood disorders in question: Bipolar Disorder, Unipolar Disorder, and Anxiety.

Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is a genetic illness. Bipolar disorder symptoms manifest as extreme shifts of mood, from major highs to crushing lows. Although the illness cannot be cured, most patients can lead basically normal lives through: medication, therapy and healthy lifestyles.

In 1993, Dr Ralph G. Walton, for-

mer Psychiatry Department Chairman at North-eastern Ohio Universities, submitted a study of how aspartame affected unipolar disorder patients and individuals who did not have unipolar disorder. Members of each group were exposed either to aspartame or a placebo for a week. He had intended to recruit 40 people for the study, but had to stop the study after 13 people were signed up, because the negative impact of aspartame on the unipolar patients was too great to justify continuing the study.

In unipolar disorder, the patient does not have the major highs, but experiences severe depressions. Due to the fact that the two mood disorders are often found in the same families, it is thought that when a substance harms unipolar disorder patients, it may be off limits to bipolar patients as well.

An article on the MedScape Website titled, “Can a Common Artificial Sweetener Fuel Anxiety?” reviewed a new preclinical study released in December 2022. Investigators observed mice that drank water-containing aspartame. They noted that the mice exhibited pronounced anxiety-like behaviours in a variety of maze tests. This behaviour occurred at aspartame doses equivalent to less than 15% of the maximum daily human intake recommended by the US

Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“It was such a robust anxiety-like trait that I don’t think any of us were anticipating we would see. It was completely unexpected. Usually you see subtle changes,” said lead author Sara Jones, Doctoral Candidate at Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine, in Tallahassee.

Medical News Today also published an article on the same research study titled, “Artificial sweetener aspartame linked to anxiety.” The expanded on the research noting that the mice experienced changes in the expression of genes in the amygdala.

The amygdala is a part of the brain associated with regulating anxiety and fear. The researchers found that the drug diazepam could successfully alleviate anxiety. The study also found that changes in the amygdala persisted for up to two subsequent generations through males, as did the effectiveness of diazepam in relieving anxiety.

I have supported the research on aspartame and their damaging effects, because once again, this is a substance that is in several products that are used by the public, and unfortunately we do not hear enough about the harms that it causes.

It has been over one year now since the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Peel Regional Police (PRP) started the discussion process to deal with the issue of systemic racism in policing. The focus of these discussions has centred on remedies that were initiated by the OHRC and adopted by the PRP to tackle this serious issue.

According to the OHRC’s website:www.ohrc.ca, these remedies aim to end systemic racism and discrimination in: policing, promoting transparency, and enhancing Black, racialized and Indigenous communities’ trust in policing throughout the region of Peel.

In order to facilitate this process the Regional Municipality of Peel Police

Services Board (PRPSB), the OHRC and PRP undertook the Human Right Project.

On October 14th, 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding was released which added details to the process.

They signed on to develop and implement legal binding remedies that would ensure it achieved the desired outcomes. These remedies that are proposed are based on the OHRC’s policy that forms the basis of its work on eliminating racial profiling in law enforcement. The impetus for the work was catalysed by findings from a 2021 PRP survey, which highlighted that Black residents are disproportionately impacted by negative police interactions.

An important part of the Human Rights Project is community consultations. Four community engagement sessions were held on: March 28th, April 7th, 13th, and 19th in order to provide individuals who live or work in Peel the opportunities to share their ideas on measures to address systemic racism in Peel policing. They involved participation from: the Chief of PRP, Nishan Duraiappah, officers, and Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the OHRC.

On Saturday, November 5th,

2022, an important community discussion was held in Brampton. The United Achievers Club hosted it. There were approximately 20 people present who discussed a wide range of issues related to policing in Peel and issues and concerns with respect to the Black community.

Dave Bosveld, a community activist, raised concerns that Chief Nishan Duraiappah of the PRP as well as his officers were not present in this discussion. While there has been much hope since the release of the memorandum between the OHRC and the PRP it has not translated into real changes, transparency, and Black representation on the Peel Police Services Board.

As we enter 2023 the Black community in Peel is still sceptical and pessimistic about systematic changes at the PRP. The lack of representation at the Board level is troubling. Concerns have been raised about Sumeeta Kohli, the newest member of the PPSB with close ties to Mississauga’s Mayor, Bonnie Crombie. There are questions about whether the PRP seriously wants to critically engage with Peel’s Black community.

PRP has taken several positive

steps such as: collecting race-based, use of force data, and using a human rightscentred framework across all areas of its service, but this is not enough. The Human Rights Project based on the OHRC’s seven key principles is good in theory. There are still mechanisms necessary to ensure that there is accountability in terms of how the human rights-focused training is being implemented.

The move to operationalize the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) will ensure that mental health resources and services are provided to those in crisis to prevent potential escalation when officers are involved.

Hopefully, in 2023 the PRP will be able to finalize the OHRC’s recommendations to ensure that issues, concerns, and matters that are vital to the Black community are centred in the discussions. There is hope that the diverse, independent Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (ARAC) will be able to play a meaningful role on the Human Rights Project and provide practical strategies on how to implement OHRC’s recommendations.

As we enter 2023 the Black community in Peel is still sceptical and pessimistic about systematic changes at the Peel Regional Police

Disorder

Anxiety; how is this all connected?

Recipient of $73,800 Resilient Communities Fund Grant

JUNOR

TC REPORTER

For over twenty years, ResQ Youth International continues to provide services and programs to help marginalized and underserved youth in the Greater Toronto Area. Since it was launched in 2001 as a non-profit community organization of: law enforcers, educators, crown attorneys, and community representatives, they have delivered effective programs to assist at-risk youth. While its core programs have focused on: counselling, education, mediation and mentoring it has added several other programs to meet demands for specialized and culturally appropriate services.

On Friday, December 16th, 2022, ResQ revealed that it had been the recipient of a $73,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), which will go towards offering additional services to youth in the GTA. The funding will support rebuilding and recovering from the impacts of COVID-19 through staff development and creating education support for Black high school students in Peel.

Charmaine Williams, MPP for Brampton Centre who served as Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity states in the press release, “The Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant is going to help many organizations to ensure young people have the resources they need to be successful. Out of the 417 non-profit organizations that have won this grant. I am happy to say that ResQ Youth International, an organization in my riding, is one of them. Not only will this grant support the youth who are able to thrive from the ResQ Youth Program now, but it will also help to better

safeguard their futures and the future of our community through their actions.”

Currently, ResQ has been offering academic support programs for students in Math, English and Science. In addition, to its: counselling, mentoring, and STEM programs. More than 259 youth have personally benefited from the tutoring program that was delivered online, and from the ResQ Youth office located at 289 Rutherford Road in Brampton.

There have been more than 160 youth and families who have benefited from the range of diversified programs and activities that are offered. These programs have been made freely available and they intend to fulfil certain objectives. These include providing an opportunity for Black youth to safely recalibrate: thoughts, emotions, ideas, and expressions to readjust to their educational and personal goals in an everchanging world.

The funding will not only support our youth, but also allow for the hiring of a: consultant, a tutor, a youth worker, and a

program coordinator. Additionally, the grant allowed ResQ to acquire personal safety equipment and technological devices to improve communication, and increase the delivery of services.

On Friday, December 16th, 2022, ResQ Youth International held their annual holiday celebration event in Brampton. In attendance at the event was: the Honourable Charmaine Williams, MPP (Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity), Dr. Walter Joseph (Chair of ResQ), Abigail Hamilton (Executive Director of ResQ), Jermaine Chambers (Candidate in the last Municipal Election), and Sarbjeet Saini (Volunteer with Ontario Trillium Foundation).

I spoke to Abigail about the plans that she has for ResQ for 2023. She is excited about the funding that she has received in terms of how it will help ResQ fulfil its mission and vision. She is particularly interested in recruiting more volunteers and individuals to provide tutoring in the Peel District School Board.

tent-based language-learning app. LingQ offers 40 languages to users around the globe on their web and mobile platforms.

For our resolution readers, how many of you have added learning a new language on their resolution list?

For anyone who has wanted to learn a new language, you can acknowledge that learning a new language, as an adult, can be more difficult than it is for children, whose super-flexible brains actually grow the connections necessary to learn an additional language.

Why is it so hard to learn a new language anyway? Put simply, it’s hard because it challenges both your mind (your brain has to construct new cognitive frameworks) and time (it requires sustained, consistent practice).

Well, I believe that I have come across something that will change the dynamics around learning a new language, and will hopefully make honouring your resolution a little easier.

Since 2002, LingQ has provided over 3.5 million language learners with their con -

The father and son founding team of Steve and Mark Kaufmann originally developed thelinguist.com in 2002 and rebranded it as LingQ in 2007. LingQ is one of the pioneers in language app development focused on web and mobile delivery only. They have developed one of the largest foreign language libraries of authentic and interesting content. To ensure success, LingQ measures everything that students do including the number of words the student knows, how many words are learned, and statistics on: writing, speaking, listening, and reading.

They most recently released LingQ 5.0, a complete redesign of its previous 4.0 version. With improvements to previous features and the addition of new ones, the new 5.0 has created one of the most comprehensive language learning environments available to students of all levels.

“Our objective at LingQ is to have the very best digital language learning app in the global market and I believe that LingQ 5.0 does that,” said Mark Kaufmann, CEO and Co-founder of LingQ. “We have been in this business 20 years this year, and all our experience and knowledge of the market and end user has gone into the new version. In addition to what our users have asked for, we are delivering to consumers what the industry has identified as the top features and inter-

face designs for language learners. LingQ allows learners to go much further with their language comprehension than most other language learning apps. Our platform’s ability to be customizable and secure makes it perfect to teach language learning to all levels of institutional education and for business training.”

Learners have the ability to create their own personalized playlists, and decide whether to use audio, video or print to learn. The content is mobile and can be hands-free with auto play audio to text (if desired). Content is downloadable so it is available anywhere, anytime from a: smart phone, tablet, or computer.

I had the opportunity to speak with Steve Kaufmann, co-founder at LingQ. He currently speaks 20 languages and has been learning languages for 55 years. He has been featured in Men’s Health, The Huffington Post, and on CBC, and he confidently shared with me, “Compelling content has always been the key to my language learning. However, it took me 45 years to learn nine languages the old way, but only 10 years to learn seven more on LingQ.”

“Tell me about your introduction to the all-in-one language learning ed-tech market, and what made you want to be in this space?”

“I was born in Sweden and moved to Canada when I was five years old. All of a sudden, I was speaking English. I had a

professor in McGill who motivated me to learn French. If you are motivated to learn something you will learn it. I started studying Mandarin Chinese on my own, and then I was transferred to Japan, and learned Japanese. I stayed in Japan for nine years, and all I did was listen and read, listen and read.

When you learn one, you can continue to learn. The attraction of language is that once you learn the language, you begin to learn the culture.

It didn’t start with us thinking about the market. It was based on people. People started exchanging their own stories. Our system was very clunky at first, but we eventually smoothed it out.”

“Tell me the type of work that goes into putting together a platform like this? What have been some of your challenges,” I queried?

“The challenge comes with staying abreast of the technology as it changes. Then there are marketing challenges: people have to be motivated to learn the language. You have to take into consideration the: attitude of the learner, and time spent learning the language.”

What I am going to do this year is take on the challenge of learning a new language using LingQ. I will keep the community posted on how well I am doing using the LingQ system. Wish me luck!

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

ResQ Youth International looks forward to 2023;

PAUL

How poverty, not pain is driving some disabled Canadians towards Medically Assisted Death

potential clients to bear in mind.

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com TC REPORTER

I have heard this one mentioned before, but never paid any attention until my editor sent me the information needed to do this article, and then I asked myself quietly-seriously?

After reading this information and realizing that this is what the government is encouraging very subtly it was mind-blowing.

MAID or Medical Assistance in Dying as it is more commonly known, is a government-approved medical “put down” of humans who according to the wording have gotten tired of living for physical, and or mental reasons.

Here are some of the basic rules of assisted “putting down” that MAID would like

• You are at least 18 years-old and have a serious illness, disease, or disability that hurts your body, or mind so much that it feels too hard to keep living

• Once medicines have not been able to help your body, or mind feel better, and there is no cure; nothing can make the illness or disability go away, even if you, the person and the healthcare team have tried everything possible

• You the individual must understand your illness, or disability, all of the medicines and other treatments, resources, and supports that you could choose, what MAID is and how it works

Once you have met these criteria according to MAID, you are qualified.

The government article went on to describe in detail exactly how this procedure would be carried out.

Once the patient sets a date and time of termination, the terminator will arrive at his or her bedside, whether in a hospital or a home, and these steps will begin to commence.

The person having MAID will get

three different medicines. They are usually given an IV. IV stands for “intravenous” and means “in the vein.” A very small needle is used to place a small plastic straw that goes into a person’s vein. Then the needle is taken out and the straw can be used to send medicine straight into a person’s body in their blood.

The first medicine makes the person feel very relaxed and fall asleep. They may yawn or snore or mumble. The second medicine causes a “coma.” A coma looks like sleep but is much deeper than regular sleep.

The person will not wake up or be bothered by noise or touch. The third medicine makes the person’s lungs stop breathing and then their heart stops beating. Because of the coma, the person does not notice this happening and it does not hurt. When their heart and lungs stop working, their body dies. It will not start working again. This often happens in just a few minutes, but sometimes in rare situations, it can take hours.

It is important to note that no one, not even a parent, can stop a child who desires to have MAID. It is a personal choice. That means that no one can decide for another

Think twice before shoveling the snow

ported on the link between heart attack and snowfall. Researchers matched weather data against hospital data for the 65,000 heart attacks in Quebec between 1981 and 2014. Among men, who tend to do more shoveling than women, they found a heavy snowfall of 20 cm was associated with a 34% relative increased risk of death!

tal saw 46 victims.

In Japan’s northern Akita prefecture too, between December 2009 to March 2012, 352 people required emergency department visits because of falls from heights while clearing snow, and of these 16 died.

person: each person must decide for himself or herself.

I recently watched an American alternative media outlet that was poking fun at life in Canada. The host told his audience that in Canada, the government has money for Ukraine, but if the citizens are sick and go to the hospital being euthanized becomes a suggestion.

In Canada these days, some folks with disabilities are also accusing the government of forcing them into this position from a financial point of view. A story that was shared was about a truck driver, and the other a woman with her daughter and pet dogs, both had one thing in common besides being unwell. According to these folks, the assistance that they were given by the government was way too inadequate to meet their living demands and as a result, they see no point in staying alive, so they have applied for MAID Services. Anyone interested in seeing the video can go to YouTube and type – How poverty not pain is driving some disabled Canadians towards medically assisted death.

the arteries to rupture, forming a blood clot that causes a heart attack.

What’s the solution; common sense and moderation of course.

What should we conclude when health experts say people over 45 should not shovel snow? That’s a young age! What could be so threatening about clearing the snow to people in the prime of life?

A winter storm may inspire some to curl up under a blanket, but for others, it’s a call to arms. Driveways must be cleared. Sidewalks too, and there’s no point in doing only half the job.

Caution is the order. Shoveling snow can be a dangerous activity. Several years ago, the Canadian Medical Association Journal re -

In the United States, between 1990 and 2006, almost 200,000 individuals made emergency department visits for snow shovel related incidents, averaging about 11,500 individuals annually. Cardiac arrest was the deadly result of shoveling for 1,647 people. Other hazardous results included soft tissue and lower back injuries. The exertion of shoveling was not the only concern. Slips and falls while shoveling accounted for one of five patients, and a shovel had hit a further 15% of patients!

Heavy snowfall does make for uncommon risks, even among northern dwellers. In Finland, in 2010, quite astonishingly, there was an epidemic of accidental falls from rooftops by people attempting to clear snow. During a three-month period, just one hospi-

Between December 2015 and March 2018, another 168 people fell from heights while clearing snow. Seven of them died.

Most people don’t stop to consider the risks before setting out to clear snow, but an explanation might get them thinking.

Dusting off the deck after a light snow is probably not going to cause a cardiac event, but shoveling heavy snow even for a short time is akin to a hard workout. To do it on a single occasion, without gradually working up to that heavy level of exertion, is inviting trouble.

People with high blood pressure should be especially cautious, as should those who are overweight, smoke or have an inactive lifestyle. Why? Because shoveling will raise both blood pressure and heart rate. These are the conditions that invite plaque build-up in

Don’t shovel after eating or drinking alcohol, just as you wouldn’t go for a heavy workout at such times. Would you workout in a snowsuit? Probably not, so be ready to take layers off as your body heats up. Unless you’ve prepared for a heavy workout, approach the task in smaller pieces. Take breaks and drink water.

Experts also recommend another life saving measure – everyone should learn CPR. When heart attack occurs, bystanders can significantly improve the chance of survival by starting CPR quickly.

One final recommendation might be the most sensible one. Make arrangements with someone under 45 to shovel your snow! The youthful age limit relates to research showing that 85% of U.S. adults aged 50-plus already have underlying coronary artery disease.

Researcher highlights importance of defining Black population in health research in Canada

accessed at the CMAJ’s website: https://doi. org/10.1503/cmaj.220274. Dr. Cena’s thesis is that there is a need for greater accuracy and precision when defining the Black population in Canada, because this has implications for Black health research in terms of its impact on: public policies, health care programs, and strategies and actions not addressed appropriately.

terminology consistently to maximize the usefulness of Black health research in Canada.”

Canada.

Dr Jude Mary Cena’s primary focus has been on the mental health of Black communities, and helping mental health professionals by providing them culturally appropriate training. As a health researcher with a focus on Black people in Canada, Dr Cena is concerned about the vagueness and imprecision of how Black people are defined in the scientific literature.

In order to understand this even more, he wrote an article titled, “Who is Black? The urgency of accurately defining the Black population when conducting health research in Canada.” This article was published in the July 18th, 2022, issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) and can be

Dr Cena lists many of the terms which are used to define who is Black. They include: Black individuals, people or communities, Black Canadians, African-Canadians, Africans, Caribbean, Black Africans, African-Caribbean or African and Caribbean communities, African Caribbean and Black or African Nova Scotians, individuals of people with African Descent and Black ethnicity.

He provides a list of references where these designations are used within the academic literature in diverse: social, medical and science fields. Dr Cena states, “The use of these varying expressions when describing Black people in health research hinders the comparability and usefulness of studies’ findings.” He notes further that “Researchers should aim to use accurate and discriminative

Dr. Cena considers the term “AfricanCanadian,” which is reflective of the term “African Americans” employed in America as “problematic.” He believes that “It may exclude Black people of Caribbean and other origins and may include people who do not identify as Black such as people from Northern or South Africa (e.g., Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt).” With respect to the term “African-Canadian,” he believes that, “It semantically excludes Black people: living, working or studying in Canada who are not citizens.” He notes that while there is increased usage of African, Caribbean and Black communities, “It may not be specific enough and may include people from Africa who do not identify as Black, as well as it may include people from the Caribbean who identify as Latino.”

Furthermore, the usage of “African, Caribbean, or Black” is problematic, because people may be African and White or Arab, or Caribbean and Latino.” Also, asking individuals whether they are of continental or subcontinental origin (e.g., Sub-Saharan African) is unclear because it could include varied ethnicities who have diverse lived realities in

There is further confusion because studies rarely differentiate between Black peoples whose ancestors have resided in Canada for centuries, and those who are recent immigrants. Dr.Cenay notes that in the 2016 Canadian census, the U.S. was listed as the 10th most frequent country of origin for Black people in Canada.

Dr.Cenay believes that using definitions like: Black, African, Caribbean and Canadian individuals, people or communities is cumbersome and does not consider Black people of other origins ( e.g., Latin America). On the other hand, Black individuals, peoples or communities, although criticized as being too simplistic, are in fact clear, unambiguous and accurate.

It can be beneficial as it is in sync with data from the Canadian Community Health Survey. Dr Cenay notes that it will not help produce studies that can properly inform better: public health, prevention, health promotion and population health intervention programs for Black people in Canada because the term does not consider the diversity of Black communities in Canada, and is not sufficiently discriminant.

W. GIFFORDJONES MD

TC HEALTH REPORTER

DIANA GIFFORD-JONES

Canada awaits Emergencies Act Public Inquiry Report as Freedom Convoy Protest is chosen as 2022 newsmaker of the year

gency.

PAUL JUNOR

TC REPORTER

Attention was focused on Canada when the Freedom Convoy gathered in Ottawa in February 2022 and occupations blocked borders. Many pro-choice protests disrupted downtown Ottawa and after two weeks of occupation PM Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act on February 14th, 2022.

On April 25th, 2022, it was revealed that the Public Order Emergency Commission would be formed as an independent public inquiry following the invocation of the Emergencies Act. (www.pm.gc.ca). The commission will examine the circumstances that led to the declaration being issued and the measures taken in response to the emer-

Honourable Bill Blair (Minister of Emergency Preparedness) stated in the press release, “Invoking the Emergencies Act was a decision taken only after careful consideration and with significant caution. As we reflect on the circumstances that led to this action, Canadians can have confidence this Commission will be undertaken in a thorough and independent manner, as the Act itself requires.”

Prime Minister Trudeau states, “Ensuring the safety and security of everyone in Canada and protecting our economy are top priorities. I am pleased to announce that the Honourable Paul S. Rouleau has agreed to serve as the Commissioner and undertake this important work. He will look into the circumstances that led to the Emergencies Act being invoked, and make recommendations to prevent these from happening again.”

Commissioner Paul Rouleau commenced the hearing with an opening statement on Thursday, October 13th, 2022.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified on November 28th.

The Canadian Security Intelligence

Services (CSIS) vaguely defines a threat as, ”An emergency that arises from threats to the security of Canada, and that is so serious as to be a national emergency.” The act, which spells out what threats to the security of Canada means, can be seen at laws-lois. justice.gc.ca.

CSIS director David Vigneault testified that the convoy protest did not meet the legal threshold for a public-order emergency within the context of the legal definitions. Although, later he told PM Trudeau that he was in favour of invoking the Emergency Act.

Editors in newsrooms selected the Freedom Convoy across Canada as the news story of the year 2022. Dawn Walton, managing editor of CTV Calgary wrote, “As the ‘Freedom Convoy’ began rolling east and crowdfunding support soared into the millions, it became clear these protestors would both bark and bite.”

It was clear that two years of pandemic restrictions galvanized many of the protestors to take matters into their own hands. Maggie Hope Braun, who hailed from Peterborough states, ”We had spent a

long time feeling like we were really alone.”

Furthermore, there was specific anger and rage directed at Prime Minister Trudeau. Murray Wood of 980 CJME based in Regina states, “The self-described ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests may have been unclear on their goals and ill-informed as to how to pursue them, but they reflected a schism in our society that is ignored at our peril.”

He continues, ”Rarely has an act of protest been so dramatically acted upon by the highest levels of power in Canada.”

Marco Viglottie, city editor of the Ottawa Citizen and the Ottawa Sun wrote in the survey response, ”The ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests brought international attention to Canada and forced the country to grapple with an angry, conspiratorial populist wave.”

Tim Switzer, managing editor of the Regina writes, ”Love them or hate them, the convoy protestors impacted most Canadians’ daily lives in 2022 and showed the fractures in our country.”

Details about the public inquiry can be seen at: PublicOrderEmergencyCommission,ca

munists, seeing any person showing a progressive bone within their bodies to be an enemy of America.

STEVEN KASZAB

steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Public grooming of citizens often is shown through misleading news, social media, and public policy announcements that attempt to manipulate citizen’s decisionmaking processes. A highly conservative preacher can attempt to groom his flock while on the pulpit or through his interpretational teachings.

To Groom is to mould and shape a mind, attitude or perception of reality.

Can other items besides the media shape a child? What about the toys you gifted your little ones this Christmas? There are new and alarming words and concepts showing up in the children’s books we buy. Words like “transition, gender bias, gender joy” show us with simplified explanations that some of us are different. The attractive toy’s appearance adds to a message indirectly passed onto those who play with them. So, the question is, do toys groom our children?

norms of society? Men are the breadwinners, the protectors, while the ladies rule the home, children, kitchen and bedroom.

Look at socializing as a form of grooming. Now think about our presentday society with its social changes, gender bending ways, and confusion all around us. The problems America is having due to the gun culture. Was this all a good case of social grooming started long ago?

Every one of us is different, evolving personally and socially also, while some of us are retiring back to the comfortable days of social understanding. That is why there is a conservative and liberal alternative within the public sector. Different strokes for different folks eh. The problem arises however, with the visible process of social grooming continuing unabated. Within children’s books, toys both traditional and technological, social grooming exists, but only if you take the time to see it. An educated parent is a happy parent, right?

theory on their employees and in their toys. Can social grooming of children be a corporate strategy? Do you think about the theories behind the toys you purchase? Do you want your child to be able to make distinct definitive decisions about gender, acceptance of others no matter how different they can be? Do you think a toy should have an identifiable gender present?

In nations like: Russia, China, Israel and others, children’s books, toys and technological toys are formulated to include social grooming practices. In Russia, being a LGBTQ member is socially frowned upon, as in Uganda, so toys are made to pass that message on to the next generation. Chinese toy makers and book publishers’ frown upon Muslim teachings, indoctrinating children in Chinese cultural practices. Socializing grooming becomes public indoctrination.

the public harm he had inflicted upon his nation. Pre-war America, with the help of opportunists like McCarthy had groomed a generation to become fervent anti-com -

I was given toy guns as a child, allowed to wear them and play with them wherever I travelled. It was natural for boys to have toys mimicking weapons of war, and for young girls to play with dolls and toy kitchen tools. Were those not grooming generations towards the accepted social

Identifying hidden messaging is key: identifying, understanding their purpose, and making the realization of its effect upon your child. Transgender ideology presents itself in a smoothing, accepting way.

Toy manufacturers have many objectives, namely, to be profitable, socially, and positively accepted. Last year Hasbro Toys was ousted for pushing critical race

A child is much like a sponge, absorbing information, life experiences daily. Toys, the books you give and read them, and the experiences you both live each day need to be understood, managed and interpreted by you, the parent, the adult. When you buy a car, you kick the tires, listen to the motor and give it a proper drive before deciding to buy it. Do so with all things attached to your precious little ones.

So, the question is, do toys groom our children?

PATRICK PARSON

Utilizing the language of dance to unite

It has been about 40 years since the powers that be at the Royal Ballet suggested that having a Black swan in a corps de ballet of White dancers would be a distraction. It has been 16 years since Carlos Acosta became the first Black Romeo there, going on to redefine every prince in the classical canon. Yes, things have improved: in 2020 the Royal Ballet had three mixed-race principals, and many more dancers of colour pushing up through its ranks.

Let’s be real; ballet has a lily-White reputation, and there are many factors that contribute to ballet’s lack of diversity: economic inequality—ballet training is notoriously expensive; a lack of role models for aspiring dancers to emulate; a failure on the part of schools and companies to provide support for young dancers of colour, and there is another factor to be accepted: many believe a thread of racism still runs through the ballet world.

“Harmony in Diversity Creates a New Positive Energy.”

This is the mantra of our powerful, and prolific Classic Man Patrick Parson, the founder of Ballet Creole. Ballet Creole exists to create, preserve, and present dance works that testify to the rich heritage of African and Caribbean cultures as they interface with European traditions. Ballet Creole continues to preserve and perpetuate traditional and contemporary African culture, increasing awareness of the rich African culture that exists in Canada. The dance company has helped to promote multicultural understanding through education and quality entertainment, which is then shared to national and international audiences.

In a 2014 article, Patrick breaks down this specific art form: “When you really look at creole in the Caribbean, it’s the philosophy of languages coming together: French, English, Spanish, native Indian. My work is a creolization of forms: the different languages of dance that come together to unite.”

Critics have hailed his work time and time again, noting its “supreme athleticism” and “strong” and “sophisticated” choreography. I went to see his latest production “Soulful Messiah – 20th Anniversary on December 17th, and 18th, at York University, and I was blown away by the performance. It was actually the first ballet that I have ever gone to, and I shared this with Patrick when we chatted last week. During our time, he generously shared: his life, his work, and his

passion for dance.

“I was born and raised in Trinidad. People knew my family, but in the village, everyone knew everyone. People loved and respected my grandmother. She was a special person. She lived to be 104 and was such a gentle lady. She was beautifully social and mindful. She would not kill an ant, or even a spider.

People used to tell me how polite and well-dressed I was. This was my parent’s doing. Life was: church, school, and being a kid: playing in the street until 8:00 pm, and watching Tarzan, Lost in Space.”

His introduction to the creative space was due to his two grandmothers. They were both singers. His father’s mother was in a parang group (French, African Music brought over by Venezuelans), and his dad was also in the group.

“They would go from house to house, and from village to village. They moved around a lot. I was always an onlooker. I was quiet in my younger years, but when my mother started to get into dancing (entertainment for tourists) she would dance at nightclubs, and I would come along. She did bottle dancing, calypso, as well as bamboo dance. To me, she is the unofficial limbo queen of Trinidad. She was amazing; she would limbo under fire, just incredible.”

He went to an all-boys school, and while there, he got involved in cultural competitions.

“I created an all-boys group to enter the competition. I was 12 years old when I was invited to Beryl McBernie’s home. She was the official pioneer of cultural dance in Trinidad and Tobago. I know that I was influenced by all of that.

When I was in high school, I put a group of musicians together. When looking back at it, my love for dance was a natural progression.

I began teaching dancing and drumming; even at that time, I didn’t see it as a career for me, but in my late teens, I started to do more of it. I started dancing for the Astor Johnson Repertory Dance Theatre, and that is when I realized that dance was significant in my life. We performed in: Mexico, Atlanta, Tennessee. This all started in 1984.

I saw dance outside of Trinidad; when we went out, we would see different shows. This opened my eyes to the world of dance. Other people wanted to be doctors and lawyers, but I wanted to dance.”

In 1978, 1979, he began to look at where he wanted to take his dance career. One of his friends

told him about the School of Toronto Dance Theatre.

“I came to audition, and they gave me a scholarship. Everything seemed to fall into place. I took the opportunity to come and study dance in 1988. My grandmother told me that when I came to Canada, I would be very successful. My plan was not to stay: I was only supposed to come for three years, but life had other plans for me.

In my graduating year from the Toronto Dance Theatre, I created Ballet Creole, after a visit to Folklore Rama in Winnipeg. That was the beginning, beginning of Ballet Creole. White people dominated dance in Canada at the time, and when I came to Canada multiculturalism was a buzzword.

Thankfully there were organizations that supported my dream, Harbourfront being one of them. There were a lot of cultural festivals happening at that time. We were put in the Harbourfront Summer Program, and this helped to launch us. I remember coming out on stage and seeing a large crowd. These are the moments that pushed me forward and kept me focused.”

There is one sore spot that Patrick identified during our talk; there is not a lot of support for the arts, and you need community support and philanthropist support.

“When I started out Ballet Creole, I asked a newspaper to do a report, and the person said, ‘Groups like this die out quickly. Years later, we are still here. We were the first African-Caribbean dance company with a: full time staff, building, administrative staff, a board, and an artistic staff. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre is a Black dance company in New York, and people refer to us as the Canadian version of Alvin Ailey.

What you saw with Soulful Messiah was the rebuilding of Ballet Creole. I have this passion that will not go away. My journey is not done yet. I am a professor at York teaching dance. I want all cultures to understand our culture; it is one great way of spreading peace around the world.”

Photo Credit: Jeff Lockhart

Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

Lucky Charm Shopping Boutique

SIMONE

I had a chance to slip into Lucky Charm Shopping Boutique, now located at 1744 Jane Street, and met with Ms. Lucky. Walking into her boutique is an experience in itself. There is so much to see, I had to focus on getting in and out without spending money on clothes that I really don’t need.

“I named my business Lucky Charm Shopping Boutique because my last name is Cupid,” Lucky shares with me. “No one says no to me because of my last name. People have always said that I am lucky. It is one of the reasons that I love the colour green so much,” she says giggling.

legs a moment.

Nothing is better than soft, stretchy material that features ruching down the front. She has floor length gowns that are sure to turn heads. Reaching all the way to the ground, her knit fabric outfits will hug your body while contour lines will define your shape even further. Sleek, seductive, and strappy, asymmetric straps, form fitting dresses that hug the body tight with a slight thigh slit that adds a bit of sex appeal. Now you see why it was difficult being in her boutique, it was fashion overload.

Last weekend was one the biggest for fashion: with it being New Year’s Eve, most of us were looking to end the night looking and feeling great. You see, a New Year’s Eve outfit is not your run-of-the-mill outfit; it should be loud, celebratory, and fun — we’re talking: sequins, frills, feathers, classic suits, a party blazer, pants that party, or a shirt that flows.

It was a warmer New Year’s in Toronto this year, so you could get away with throwing on a lighter jacket (leather, faux fur, trench), statement jewellery, and you were ready to party. Whether you were going out for a night out at the best bar, or keeping it intimate with hors d’oeuvre, you needed that outfit to end your old year, and start your New Year fresh.

Back home in St. Vincent, our fashion forward Business Feature used to sell clothes. She grew up in Upper Cane Hall, and she shares with me that people always had something new selling on the block.

“I grew up in an entrepreneurial life. I love making people happy. When people leave my shop they are happy.”

I was introduced to Lucky Charm Shopping Boutique on Instagram in late December 2022. One look at her page explained exactly why her boutique has quickly become the place to go for everything funky, and fashionable in Toronto.

I mean she has everything; feathers, which are really in this season, button down shirt dresses, which are really having a moment this year. She has some velvet outfits, and we see a lot of people turning to velvet during the winter, mostly for its luxurious feel and added layer of warmth.

Even though we are in the dead of winter, ladies, we still want to do our thing when we go out, so it only makes sense to opt for a long-sleeved dress, and Lucky takes it a step further by adding some jewels on the sleeve to give that plain dress an instant upgrade.

“I used to order clothing online because I didn’t want to look like people when I go out. I would order, and then people would ask me to order for them. This is how it started out.”

If you go on her Instagram page, you won’t see any photos of her, and for good reason.

“One of my favourite stylists is Victoria Secret. What a lot of people don’t know is that the designer behind the popular lingerie brand is Roy Raymond. He started the company with his wife Gaye in 1977, but no one knew that it was a man behind the magic of Victoria Secret. I believe that you should keep yourself unknown until you are ready to present yourself. This is one of the reasons why I keep myself on the down low.”

Instagram has been a powerful marketing tool for businesses looking to expand their presence and product visibility. Instagram is a highly visual platform, which is what makes it an excellent social media-marketing tool, and why Lucky has been able to showcase trendy, fashionable chic, and beautiful clothing. Industries such as: fashion, food, travel, beauty, home decor, gardening and events enjoy enormous success by adding Instagram engagement to their marketing plans.

“I love fashion, so I started ordering stuff and posting it on my Instagram. People started following it and liking it. This was seven, or eight years ago. I started off really small right out of my basement. I took time to stage it like a boutique; I would use my washroom as my dressing room. Soon people were lining up outside of my house.”

There is something for every fashionista at Lucky Charms: dresses that with each twist and turn will shake the frills to the side. Spaghetti straps that dip into a mild V-neck, cinched waist and miniskirts that flatter your silhouette and give your

Another aspect of fashion that cannot be ignored is the ability that it has to boost low self-esteem and confidence.

“I help to boost them up,” Lucky telIs me, “I use fashion to empower my customers.”

Clothing covers our body, and our body is the centre of our sexual selves. Through the use of different fabrics, shapes and materials an individual may choose to highlight or de-emphasise a certain area of their body. Fashion has become a tool for self-expression, as it facilitates an opportunity to communicate with the world how we feel. So whether it is a low-cut neckline, a figure-hugging garment, or a fine fabric that contours a certain body, Lucky has found a way to promote positive selfesteem with clothing as the medium.

What I was most impressed with was Lucky’s courage to open a storefront in the middle of one of the largest catastrophes of our time. In general, during the pandemic, entrepreneurs with a younger business were more likely than those with an older business to report that potential barriers were a challenge. Accessing startup and growth financing during COVID-19 conditions was a bigger challenge for entrepreneurs with a new business less than one year old, compared to entrepreneurs with a young or mature business. Do you think this intimidated her at all?

“I finally opened up my boutique in June, 2022. I work Monday to Friday, and then on Saturday and Sunday I do my thing. I have customers in Winnipeg, Montreal, even the States. I get stuff that other people don’t have. I don’t want people twinning in the party, so I drop my stuff closer to the holidays.”

Okay, I have to admit, I did leave the boutique with an outfit. I couldn’t help it. Don’t believe me; go ahead and check her out for yourself.

“Try this on, see how it looks….”

“Girl, you are going to turn heads tonight!”

JANUARY 26, 2023 8:00 PM

Performing Arts Brampton is pleased to present The Original Wailers. In 1974 when Bob Marley went solo, on the brink of international stardom, he surprised the music community by choosing the American-born Al Anderson as his lead guitarist. It was Anderson’s stunning lead work on such classics as “No Woman, No Cry”, and “Three O’Clock Road Block” that first alerted rock fans to The Wailers music.

fasting could have personal health

W. GIFFORDJONES MD

DIANA GIFFORD-JONES

COMMON SENSE HEALTH

As 2022 comes to a close, grave existential questions loom. Is the doomsday clock ticking louder? Have we harmed our planetary home beyond repair? Is the global economy headed for collapse, or will a reckless war end all things?

These are some of the debates that friends, and families will have when they gather in groups around the dinner table. This year, those holiday meals themselves may be the source of despair. The higher costs for food make entertaining large groups an expensive proposition.

It may not be practical to suggest fasting as an alternative, but it’s good food

for thought, and research findings suggest ample benefits. As a New Year’s resolution, fasting could have personal health and economic benefits. A global trend towards more mindful eating would be a welcome development for the planet too.

Narrowly defined, fasting means not eating, but there are different approaches with varying levels of austerity. Longer fasts, 24 hours or more, are hard to do and not generally recommended. Intermittent fasting is far easier and can result in a wide array of health benefits including weight loss, improved brain health, reduced insulin resistance, reduced inflammation in the body, and improved blood pressure.

What is intermittent fasting? It can take different forms. Time-restricted fasting limits food intake to specific hours of the day. Alternate day fasting involves eating normally one day and eating very little the next. The common theme is a longerthan-usual gap between eating.

What happens when food intake is absent? For a typical person, after about

12-16 hours without eating, the body starts to react as if there is a threat, turning to stored energy and activating biological alerts. People who are fasting will experience hunger, but they also have increased performance, for example, on memory tests.

Another element of fasting that shouldn’t be ignored is the reduced consumption of food that would have been eaten in the absence of a fast. Fasting during the holidays isn’t the social thing to do, but if the food on the table is loaded with fats, sugars and salt, then a fast is a good friend.

Put another way, fasting well should also mean eating well. There must be a reasonable balance between calorie restriction and healthy caloric intake. There is no good that comes from fasting one day if the next day involves a binge.

For people who are underweight, emotionally unwell, or managing complex medical conditions, and for breastfeeding mothers’, fasting is not a good idea, but for the majority of people who are carrying ex-

tra pounds, the greatest benefit of fasting is healthy weight loss. If fasting helps reduce weight and maintain weight loss, then this means a decrease in risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

The connection between fasting and cognitive function is an area of recent research. Scientists are studying how cells react to the deprivation of energy and how they then respond afresh when food finally arrives. There’s some indication that fasting helps neurons and brain cells build resilience against deterioration of neural connections brought on with aging.

Unfortunately, most people eat three meals a day, plus multiple snacks. At this time of year, the meals tend to be big and decidedly not healthy. The snacks are often worse.

Also, at this time of year, we tend to get more mail. It’s encouraging to hear from long-time readers indicating how this column has helped them in one way or another. We wish all of you a Happy and healthy New Year.

As a New Year’s resolution,

and economic benefits!

Peel Regional Police News

RACHEL MARY RILEY

Intermittent fasting is one of the top ways to lose weight, but what matters the most is how fast you fast, and the type of protein you eat before you fast. The factors will

There are so many types of fasting. However, intermittent fasting is one of the top ways to lose weight. It was one of the major tools to create a disciplined life and healthier lifestyle. During the holidays some folks struggle to lose weight and gain a lot of water weight, that’s why fasting

So, let’s break it down, it’s about abstaining

from food for a certain number of hours to receive your benefits. You eat food for a five, six or eight hour max, with a window gap in between, and then you fast for the remainder of the day, which helps with structure and routine.

What can be done before intermittent fasting?

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Resistance training

• Cardio

• Drink boiled water and different types of teas

• Eating in moderation

• Consistency

While doing intermittent fasting, drink lots of liquid to get the results, such as drinking: tea, water, protein or smoothies that will benefit your weight loss journey. According to research through scientific terms, when you fast, several things happen in your body on the cellular and molecular level.

For example, your body adjusts hormone levels to make stored body fat

more accessible. Your cells also initiate important repair processes and change the expression of genes.

Here are some changes that occur in your body when you fast:

• Human growth hormone (HGH): The levels of growth hormone skyrocket, increasing as much as 5-fold. This has benefits for fat loss and muscle gain, to name a few

• Insulin: insulin sensitivity improves and levels of insulin drop dramatically. Lower insulin levels make stored body fat more accessible

• Cellular repair: When fasted, your cells initiate cellular repair processes. This includes autophagy, where cells digest and remove old and dysfunctional proteins that build up inside cells

• Gene expression: There are changes in the function of genes related to longevity and protection against disease (“Healthline,” 2022)

Intermittent fasting Methods

There are several different ways of doing intermittent fasting — all of which involve splitting the day or week into eating and fasting periods.

During the fasting periods, you eat either very little or nothing at all.

These are the most popular methods:

• The 16/8 method: Also called the Lean gains protocol, it involves skipping breakfast and restricting your daily eating period to 8 hours, such as 1–9 p.m. Then you fast for 16 hours in between.

• Eat-Stop-Eat: This involves fasting for 24 hours, once or twice a week, for example by not eating from dinner one day until dinner the next day.

• The 5:2 diet: With this method, you consume only 500–600 calories on two non-consecutive days of the week but eat normally the other five days.

By reducing your calorie intake, all these methods can cause weight loss if you don’t compensate by eating much more during the eating periods (“Healthline,” 2022).

We have all heard of intermittent fasting, but what is it exactly, and what are the benefits?

What are the treatment options for cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive genetic condition that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the respiratory and digestive systems. Over time, this can limit the affected person’s ability to breathe. While there’s no cure for cystic fibrosis, a lung transplant can considerably increase a patient’s life expectancy.

Additionally, there are several ways for people living with cystic fibrosis to prevent lung infections and relieve symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing and digestive issues.

These include:

• Techniques to clear mucus from the airways such as vest therapy or postural drainage and percussion (PD&P)

• Taking antibiotics to prevent and treat lung infections

• Taking oral pancreatic enzymes, vitamins and other prescribed medications

Nicotine withdrawal: what to expect

The decision to quit smoking is a courageous one, as it requires you to change your habits and temporarily live with the symptoms of withdrawal. Here’s what you can expect if you give up this vice.

Short-term effects

If you’re addicted to nicotine, you’ll experience a variety of physical and mental effects when your body is deprived of it. This is one reason why cravings are so strong and those first few puffs offer such relief. For the first couple of weeks after you stop using nicotine, you may experience:

• Anxiety

To further minimize their symptoms, people with cystic fibrosis should also do their best to:

• Engage in physical activity on a regular basis

• Avoid smoking and being in smoky environments

• Receive recommended vaccines, particularly for respiratory conditions

• Adopt a balanced diet based on their condition and nutritional needs

For more personalized treatment options, people with cystic fibrosis should consult their doctor.

According to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, it’s estimated that one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has cystic fibrosis. The condition occurs when a child inherits two abnormal CFTR genes, one from each parent.

• Coughing

• Difficulty concentrating

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Increased appetite

• Insomnia

• Irritability

• Tremors

Long-term benefits

As you go through the stages of nicotine withdrawal, it’s important to remember your symptoms are temporary and the benefits of not smoking far outweigh the discomforts of quitting. To help you stay motivated, keep in mind

that by giving up smoking, you’ll:

• Save money

• Lower your risk of heart disease

• Be less likely to get cancer

• Have more energy and stamina

• Sound less hoarse when you speak

• Be able to smell and taste better

• Have healthier looking skin

• Be less vulnerable to infections and viruses

• Spend less on insurance premiums

There are numerous tools and resources available to help you through the process of quitting your smoking habit. To maximize your chances of success, don’t hesitate to use them.

Orthorexia during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many people. For some, the circumstances have prompted or aggravated eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and the lesser known but increasingly common condition called orthorexia. If you’ve been increasingly preoccupied with healthy eating, here’s what you should know.

What is orthorexia?

With so much information about nutrition readily available, people who want to adopt a healthier diet may feel guilty about eating food with too much salt and sugar or not enough nutrients. However, for people with orthorexia, healthy eating is an obsession. Among other things, it can cause them to develop behaviours like:

• Banning specific foods or ingredients, such as gluten, without medical justification

• Planning meals in great detail

• Feeling guilty about eating unhealthy food, even on occasion

• Thinking about food for several hours a day

• Eating purely for the sake of nutritional intake rather than enjoyment

• Spending a lot of time analyzing and comparing product labels at the grocery store

For many people with orthorexia, the pandemic worsened their obsession with healthy eating, either by preventing them from going to the gym, giving them more free time to research the topic or simply making concerns about their health a higher priority.

In a society that highly values healthy eating, this disorder can be particularly insidious. People often take pride in being able to control what they eat, and they’re frequently praised for their discipline.

If you think you may be struggling with an eating disorder, or you want to improve your relationship with food, take advantage of the free resources available online and consult a psychologist or doctor.

DANIEL COLE daniel@carib101.com PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Intentional living is the act of consciously and deliberately making choices and decisions that align with your values, goals, and vision for your life. It involves taking control of your thoughts, actions, and habits, and being mindful of how they impact your overall well-being and happiness. As you brace yourself for the new year, how intentional are you about mak-

Living intentionally requires selfreflection and the ability to prioritize

The power of intentional living

One of the main benefits of intentional living is that it helps to bring greater clarity and focus to your life. When you know what you want and why you want it, it becomes easier to make decisions and take action towards your goals. This can lead to a sense of direction and purpose, which can be incredibly fulfilling and motivating.

Intentional living also helps to eliminate distractions and unnecessary commitments, allowing you to focus on what truly matters to you. By being mindful of how you spend your time and energy, you can prioritize the things that bring you joy and fulfillment and let go of those that do not serve you.

Another benefit of intentional living is that it can improve your overall well-being and happiness. When you are living in alignment with your values and goals, it can bring a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Additionally, being proactive and in control of your life can help to reduce stress and increase feelings of accomplishment and confidence.

Intentional living can also have a positive impact on your relationships

and connections with others. When you are clear about what you want and need, you are able to communicate your needs and boundaries more effectively. This can lead to healthier and more fulfilling relationships, as well as increased selfesteem and confidence.

However, it’s important to note that intentional living does not mean striving for perfection or never making mistakes. It’s about being mindful and aware of your choices and actions and being willing to adjust and course-correct when necessary. Living intentionally is refusing to live your life on autopilot; you are conscious and aware of your choices and decisions.

One way to practice intentional living is by setting clear goals and creating a plan to achieve them. This can involve breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps and creating a schedule or routine to help you stay on track. It can also be helpful to enlist the support of a coach or accountability partner to help keep you motivated and on track.

Another key aspect of intention-

al living is mindfulness and self-awareness. This involves being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It can be helpful to set aside time each day for reflection, journaling, or meditation to help increase your self-awareness and cultivate a greater sense of clarity and focus.

In conclusion, intentional living is the act of making conscious and deliberate choices that align with your values, goals, and vision for your life. It can bring greater clarity, focus, and well-being, as well as healthier and more fulfilling relationships. By setting goals, creating a plan to achieve them, and practicing mindfulness and self-awareness, you can live a more intentional and fulfilling life.

In the new year, don’t just mindlessly react to the event and the noises around you; think carefully about the necessity and importance of your engagement and participation. Be intentional about what you say, be intentional about keeping healthy boundaries around your life, and be intentional about the people you let into your space and circle. Live intentionally.

Many politicians and special interest groups working to get other illicit drugs legalized, and possibly: sold, managed, and regulated by governments (revenue).

Our governments have agencies that promote the sale of: alcohol, casinos and some drugs as though they were promoting a lifestyle for the rich and famous, knowing that the average working stiff is the one becoming addicted to these items and services, not just the rich.

The rich go to Monaco to gamble, not your local casino, or even Vegas. Governmental efforts are entrapping our fellow citizens no matter where they may be located. In the Caribbean many hotels have casinos and happy hour too. The range of ways we the deluded can part from our hard earned money is endless. Someone can wait to be serviced in a casino, drinking a glass of bubbly, while playing online casino games, all the time

feeling the effects of the drugs they consumed not too long ago. Our governments thirst for revenue is boosting their policy making, encouraging them to get involved in what once was services and items from the wrong side of the tracks.

Our government’s inability to stop the practice of making and selling illicit drugs has motivated them to proclaim, “If we cannot beat them, join them.” Governments must consider many factors before going headlong into the abyss of the addicted.

Does the government have a responsibility to the addicted?

How far does this responsibility go? Are governments responsible for the rehabilitation, housing and medical care of addicted individuals?

There will be a day when those drugs considered illegal will become in some way legal. Will the government be prepared for such a situation?

Who will suffer the cost for an addict’s rehabilitation, medical passage and housing?

Presently those addicted cannot find available programs to assist them in their passage towards rehabilitation. That is the situation now throughout North America, the Caribbean and Latin America. Not enough medical professionals, nor psychologists or therapists to meet our present demand. Young and old are threatened by this moral and ethical policy developing in many nations.

Will a return to hospital institutionalization occur in the future, places where individuals can reside and recover from their addictions, a place of no judgment, but a place of healing? That will cost money too.

A vicious cycle of financial demands can and will come upon us all; just some thoughts to ponder.

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com HUMAN SPECIALIST

I am not big on resolutions. I think that if you are going to do something, you just have to do it. If not, you will always find an excuse as to why you didn’t do it. What I did do this end of year, and start of 2023 is take in the fact that it has been over 10 years since my incarceration experience, and I am reflective on how far I have come, what I have learned, and what I am going to do with the wisdom that I have accrued.

In many ways I will say that I am disappointed in certain aspects of my life. Yes, I am all right with admitting that. Like

many other driven, passionate individuals, I feel like I could have done more, not procrastinated as much as I had, talked to one more person, given certain things less energy… I am okay with it.

Now that I have gotten over the 10-year hump, I think about what I am going to do with the next decade of my life.

At the age of 43, there are certain things that I have been unable to accomplish in my personal life that need tending to. From 2012 – 2017, I was in survival mode.

I had always had challenges with intimate relationships, and adding other life stressors had intensified the difficulties. I was vibrating at such a low level; bringing people into my life that had no business being there.

Part of that 10-year experience was facing the fact that I had unresolved trauma, childhood memories that haunted my everyday experience making life more taxing than it needed to be. My trauma triggered their trauma, and I

ended up in trauma bond relationships instead of healthy ones.

All of this in 10 years; it left me thinking, how many of us are actually taking stock of our lives, really looking at not just where we are career wise, but where we are spiritually, socially, psychologically, and emotionally. It is not something that can be done alone; I would suggest that you definitely seek some professional help (social worker, therapist, counsellor). This is not an easy task to take on. It means digging deep, and looking inward in a way that you have never done before.

I have been sharing my story with the community for the last few years. It has been triggering at times, because my mom gets every paper, and won’t read anything else but my story. I can always tell when she has read something that disturbs her, or if she has been triggered by the way she responds to me. She has shared that at times; it is hard for her to read what happened because it didn’t just happen to me, it happened to

ity to be candid, to speak my truth knowing that I am doing it for a purpose. When I see how younger women in our community are acting, it keeps me focused and out of my head. There is a bigger picture, something beyond my ego, and the fears I have about ridicule and damnation from people in the community who read it.

What I do is for our young women. I expose my skeletons, dragging them out of the closet kicking and screaming. I want them uncovered; I want them brought to light. Our women have to know that there are consequences for all of our actions, and some of the consequences you cannot come back from.

As I go into the New Year, I want to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey. My story will be wrapping up this year, and it has been a cathartic experience. Stay tuned for the next segment of, “Revisiting my Recovery!”

Happy New Year Everyone!

Spending money;

Are your kids asking for an allowance?

This is a great opportunity to introduce them to the basic concepts of financial planning. By giving them a predetermined amount of money every week, you’ll teach them about saving money and smart spending. But how much should you give them? Here are some thoughts.

There are various factors to consider when deciding on the amount of money to give to your kids as a weekly allowance. Age is a big one: an eight-yearold should not receive the same amount of money as a 14-year-old. They don’t have the same needs or desires. While the

How

As your children approach adolescence, you might be wondering what they already know about puberty and sex in general. Have they been talking about it with their friends at school? Have they seen inappropriate videos or images online? If you want to tackle these delicate issues effectively, here are a few tips.

It’s best to start your conversation in a relaxed setting. Get the ball rolling organically by bringing up an article you read or an ad you saw on television recently, for example. Once you’ve broken the ice, it should be easy to interact

former might want a few bags of candy, the latter may be far more interested in saving up to buy a skateboard.

Set clear parameters for how the allowance should be used. For example, if you expect your teenager to pay for their own meals and buy their own clothes, adjust their spending money accordingly. If, on the other hand, the allowance is mainly to pay for outings and entertainment, you can decide on a lower amount. In any case, stay within your means.

Always honour your commitments and be sure that your child does the same. It’s the best way for them to learn.

647-368-8307

Welcome to Sovereign Selections!

with your child in a non-threatening and informal way. Be open, listen to them, and maybe even add a touch of humour.

To avoid making your child feel uncomfortable or trapped, don’t use a moralizing or alarmist tone when discussing these topics. There are, after all, numerous positive aspects to sexuality that contribute to a person’s overall fulfillment.

Afterwards, suggest that your child watch shows, read articles or visit age-appropriate websites that address these topics to find out more.

GTA’s only Indigenous Boutique Dispensary Like our name says we are Sovereign & for the people Our products vary in benefits. Pain relief, stress relief, and other medicinal benefits to assist you in your journey We have multiple ongoing promotions, from budget flower to top shelf.

$100 purchase receives a free 3.5 of our house flower Our loyalty program is unbeatable; your 9th purchase guarantees your 10th purchase free This also makes you eligible for our referral program, when you tell a friend to stop by you both get 25% off your next purchase

Pop into our address 70 Dundas Street East, upstairs, Toronto, Ontario (Above Burrito Boyz & Next to Rock da House barbershop) First time customers use this Promo Code: CaribbeanSelections to get 25% off

Stay tuned for the next segment of, “Revisiting my Recovery!” A decade of pain completed!

How much of an allowance should you give your children?

Indigenous women leading the pack at the Wolf Den Dispensary

SEURATTAN

tions of Indigenous women; sisters, daughters, mothers and grandmothers, main partners Kathy and Vanessa lead a completely female executive staff. They quickly built a reputation for not only having excellent products but also having the best customer service in the area. This success has led them to expanding into their new Scarborough location at 1808 Pharmacy Ave.

The Wolf Den seeks to change the definition of what a dispensary is and should be. By adjusting the interaction surrounding cannabis from overwhelmingly capitalist to communal creates an environment better suited to the product. With more roots in the barter system than the mercantile, their historic practices transition a dispensary into more of a trading post and community centre. The elders within the company have fashioned a living document to help guide their direction with some of the main philosophies being; To Feed, To Teach, To Learn.

dollar is spent. Going even beyond what could be seen as mutually beneficial, The Wolf Den supports others with no interest but to help. From things like a community bulletin board highlighting other local businesses and individuals to offering wall space to local artists, they understand building a community is more profitable than grooming a customer. The simple act of being there was almost as beneficial as making a purchase.

fused with cannabis it proved effective in relieving joint and muscle pain.

All items in the store are compassionately priced but senior citizens 60+ receive an additional 15% discount every day.

gion around 2019, The Wolf Den was started in memory of Lucas Brant who was tragically a victim of brain cancer. During the worst of his battle, cannabis provided him such relief that it inspired his family to spread that healing to as many people as possible. Bringing together many genera-

For myself, this change in energy instantly equated to a more supportive atmosphere rather than an ironically predatory one. I felt helped rather than sold to and it felt refreshing. I felt like I could help others in meaningful ways, and it felt fulfilling. And all this happens before a single

When speaking to Vanessa, she said “There are so many different facets to cannabis that can touch so many different people.” They take this to heart in the multitude of products they carry. While healing is always the prime directive, store experience appeals to both a consumer’s inner child and sensible adult. Aside from stunningly premium flower, they offer many other cannabis products and indigenous items. A wide array of delicious edibles and beverages are there for those that prefer to consume by ingesting. For those looking to not get high, they offer many CBD products like gel capsules, elixirs, tinctures and topicals. One such topical that jumped out at me was an infused balm called Bear Grease made from actual bear fat. Initially used to grease ceremonial drums, once in-

Smart lighting tips to help you save

Are you looking for ways to cut down on the amount of power you use at home? If so, here are some tips that will allow you to more efficiently light your home.

Use the power of reflection

Choose light colours for the walls. White reflects up to 80 per cent of the light in a room, while black only reflects 10 per cent. This means that lighter rooms need less lighting to illuminate them than darker ones.

Another trick is to place your table and standing lamps in corners so that the light reflects off two walls at once.

Use the bare minimum

Choose lightbulbs that are just powerful enough for the activities you plan to do in a given area. A needlessly powerful light will waste energy.

Avoid linking more than one light to a single switch and install dimmers to control the intensity of each fixture. It’s also a good idea to equip outside lights with motion detectors or timers.

Finally, turn off every light when going to bed, leaving a room or heading out.

Use energy efficient lightbulbs Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and

light-emitting diodes (LED) use less energy than standard halogen lights (respectively 75 and 90 per cent less). They also last a lot longer.

When buying bulbs, make sure to look for the best lumen-to-watt ratio. A better ratio means that the bulb will provide more light while using less energy. Outside, opt for solar-powered lamps. The LED light bulbs on them will run for up to 100,000 hours, but once they burn out, they can’t be replaced.

Choose your fixtures wisely When selecting light fixtures, remember that transparent and light-coloured lamp -

Another unique item was their ceremonial Smudge Kit. Used to clear away bad energy it comes in an artisan handcrafted pouch with items to represent all the cardinal elements. White Sage to represent earth, an Abalone seashell to represent water, wood matches to represent fire and a feather used to fan the sage smoke represents air. Using them in tandem is said remove negative spirit energy in an area. Just remember to keep your area well ventilated to let that smoke carrying away the bag vibes escape!

The Wolf Den has a bold vision for what the future of cannabis should look like. It takes true strength of character to impose something so wildly new on a market so desperate to stay the same as every other market. The unique and unheard indigenous female voice is a perfect fit to change the landscape. Make a visit to The Wolf Den and I guarantee you’ll never have a better experience!

shades let more light through than dark ones. In addition, pivoting lamps allow you to effectively target the light cast.

Clean your light fixtures

A buildup of dust and dirt can dull the intensity of your indoor lighting. To ensure that the maximum amount of light possible gets emitted from each lamp, keep your fixtures, bulbs and shades clean.

If you follow these tips, you’ll more efficiently light your home and therefore save on your energy bill.

3 bad habits that will amp up your energy bills

Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much energy their electronic devices use. If you’re looking for ways to conserve energy and spend less on your utility bills, here are three habits that you should break immediately.

1. Watching television and movies on gaming consoles. Video game consoles use 30 to 45 per cent more power than televisions. In addition, running one high-definition

gaming console requires the equivalent amount of energy as running 10 Blu-Ray devices. You’re better off using your console for nothing but gaming.

2. Leaving your electronics plugged in all the time. This is a common habit, but did you know that many electronic devices use up to 40 per cent of the energy required for their functioning, even when they’re turned off?

Unplugging your toaster and coffee maker after breakfast and removing chargers from outlets once devices are charged will help you conserve energy.

3. Not thinking through purchases. Laser printers use nearly twice as much power as inkjet versions. Before buying one, ask yourself if the increase in energy consumption over traditional models is worth it.

Similarly, a 55-inch flat-screen TV

uses twice as much energy as a 32-inch model. Consider whether the upgrade in size is worth it.

The bottom line is that you should evaluate your needs and make purchasing decisions accordingly.

In sum, to save energy at home you should evaluate what electronics you use and how you use them. Doing so will allow you to save on your utility bills and may even extend the lifespan of your devices.

How to choose the best Energy Star windows for your home

For many homeowners, heating costs make up the bulk of their annual energy expenses. If you’re hoping to buck this trend and save on your power bill, one way to do so is to equip your home with Energy Star windows.

According to Natural Resources Canada, on average these windows provide homeowners with a reduction of eight per cent on their annual energy bills. Compared to standard windows, high-perform-

ance Energy Star rated windows are up to 40 per cent more effective at preventing heat loss.

Determine your energy rating requirements

Canada is divided into three climate zones, and most of the country falls into zones 2 and 3. To know which zone your property is in, visit energystar.gc.ca and then find out which product is appropriate for that zone.

For instance, windows and doors used in zones 2 and 3 should have an energy rating (ER) score of 29 and 34 respectively. The higher the ER, the more energy efficient a window or door is.

Take your needs into account

If your home is old or exposed to extreme weather conditions, you may be better off choosing specialized products. For instance, high-solar gain glazing may allow

some people to save money on their annual power bill, while others might benefit from high-performance window seals. Make sure to speak to a professional to make the right choice.

Energy efficient windows are pricy but a good investment, if they’re installed properly. In addition, don’t forget that replacing your old windows with Energy Star ones could entitle you to a tax credit.

Should you change your pet’s food?

Most pets don’t require a varied diet, but this doesn’t mean they should eat the same type of food throughout their lives. In fact, there are key times when a new type of food is required. Here’s what you should know.

When to change your pet’s diet

Animals have different nutritional and caloric needs at various stages in their life. For example, a young pet needs different food than one that’s an adult or a senior.

But aging isn’t the only reason to consider changing your pet’s diet. If you notice that your dog or cat has developed a food sensitivity or needs help mana-

ging their weight, a different diet may help.

How to change your pet’s diet

The transition to a new food should be gradual and take at least a week. This will help ensure that your pet gets used to the new taste and doesn’t suffer from stomach issues.

On the first day, feed them a mix of 75 per cent old food and 25 per cent new food. The following days, progressively use more of the new food and less of the old until you attain a mix of 75 per cent new food and 25 per cent old food. From there, you can feed them their new food alone.

If your pet doesn’t eat the new type of food, don’t give up. You may just need to make the transition even more gradually and over a longer period of time by changing the ratio of food more slowly.

The pros and cons of sharing a bed with your dog

There’s no consensus about whether or not it’s safe or healthy to share a bed with your dog. Some animal behaviourists claim it isn’t a good idea, while others say there’s no problem with the practice.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine if you’re comfortable sleeping with Fido. Here are some pros and cons that may help you decide.

PROS

Being close to their pets makes people happier and calmer, which can translate to better sleep. Furthermore, you may feel

safer knowing that your dog is right by your side if there’s a middle-of-the-night emergency. And if you tend to get cold, dogs make great bed warmers.

CONS

While it’s rare, dogs can transmit certain diseases to humans. Unfortunately, sharing a bed makes it more likely that you’ll get sick from your canine companion. In addition, sleeping next to your pooch can exacerbate allergy symptoms because allergens tend to stick to their paws and fur. Finally, dogs that have a tendency to be dominant may become even more so when sleeping in bed with their owner.

If you do decide to allow your dog to sleep in your bed, take some steps to safeguard your health. Bathe your dog at least once a week and schedule regular visits with the veterinarian to ensure that your pet is healthy and up to date on its vaccinations.

4 types of snakes that make great pets

Snakes are fascinating creatures, but they don’t all make suitable pets. If you’re thinking about getting your first one, here are four breeds that would be ideal.

Does my cat have OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a well-known condition in humans, but did you know that cats can be affected by it as well? While it’s unclear what causes feline OCD, it’s thought to be related to anxiety and stress. Here’s what cat owners should know.

Signs

Repetitive and compulsive behaviour is the main sign of OCD in cats. Watch out for the following:

• Over-grooming to the point of making the skin raw

• Repeated vocalizations that don’t seem to

be saying anything

• Pacing back and forth

• Chewing or sucking on fabric or plastic

• Tail chasing or self-mutilation

Diagnosis

It’s not easy to diagnose feline OCD. If your cat exhibits a pattern of behaviour that makes you suspect the condition, it’s important to see a veterinarian. They’ll start by ruling out any other potential cause. It’s a good idea to bring along any proof of your cat’s actions, such as a video, in order to illustrate to what extent your cat is acting strangely.

There’s no cure for feline OCD, but once it’s been diagnosed, there are ways to help manage the symptoms. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to curb the compulsions, and it’s a good idea to ignore your cat’s compulsive behaviour and make sure it gets enough exercise.

1. Corn snakes. Thanks to their docile but curious nature, these snakes make great pets. Though they can grow up to five feet long, they stay slender, making them easy to manage. Also, they come in a variety of colours and pattern combinations and can be quite pretty.

2. Ball pythons. The most popular type of python, this breed gets its name from the ball it curls into when frightened. Since they’re fairly inactive, ball pythons can be kept in smaller enclosures than other, similarly sized species.

3. King snakes. These snakes are popular thanks to their docile nature, relatively small size and beautiful markings. The same goes for milk snakes, a subspecies of the king snake.

4. Rosy boas. Perhaps the least common snake on the list, this species nonetheless makes a great choice for a first-time snake owner. Rarely growing more than four feet long, these beauti-

ful reptiles are known to tolerate handling well. However, they can live for up to 30 years in captivity so be prepared to make a long-term commitment.

No matter what type of snake you prefer, look for one that was bred in captivity and not caught in the wild. They tolerate handling better, are easier to feed and are healthier to boot.

Look for these signs that the snake you’re bringing home is healthy:

• A firm, round body

• Eyes that aren’t cloudy (although a little cloudiness prior to shedding their skin is normal)

• A clean and whole tongue

• Shiny skin

You should also make sure they have no white dust on their body as it could be an indicator of snake mites.

Variable mortgage trigger rates and trigger point

Interest: $2694.57

JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com REAL ESTATE PRO

I must confess that I took a variable interest rate mortgage. I enjoyed the principal reduction when rates were low. I received a letter from my lender recently. The letter stated that the new rate is now 5.95% compared to the 2.45% I had in March 2022. I exceeded my trigger rate.

Most mortgages have a fixed monthly payment. It’s a blend of both principal and interest. With variable mortgages, when the rates are low, most of the scheduled monthly mortgage payments go towards the principal. As the interest rate increases, more of the scheduled monthly mortgage payments go towards interest. When the variable rate rises to a point where the entire monthly payment is only interest, the borrower has reached their trigger rate. When the trigger rate is exceeded, the mortgage balance at the time of renewal will increase. To illustrate this point, here is an example:

Loan Amount: $600,000

Date: Feb. 2022

Prime Rate: 2.45%

Discounted Rate: 1.45%

Monthly Payment: $2384.33

Principle: $1661.51

Interest: $722.82

Loan Amount: $600,000

Date: Aug. 2022

Prime Rate: 4.7%

Discounted Rate: 3.70%

Monthly Payment: $2384.33

Principle: $548.43 Interest: $1835.90

Loan Amount: $600,000

Date: Dec. 2022

Prime Rate: 6.45%

Discounted Rate: 5.45%

Monthly Payment: $2384.33 Principle: -$310.24

As the chart shows, in ten months the monthly principal reduction went from $1661.51 to negative $310.24. The outstanding principal begins to grow, and this is known as negative amortization.

When interest rate increases to an extent where the monthly payment does not cover the entire interest amount, the interest backs up and the outstanding balance increases to a trigger point. The trigger point is when the outstanding principal amount exceeds the original principal amount. Since borrowers will be paying compounded interest on the backed-up interest, the trigger point snowballs.

The letter from my lender mentioned that “If you don’t make any changes to your payments, your outstanding balance at renewal may be higher than originally anticipated. This means your payments may increase at renewal to get you back to your originally agreed upon repayment schedule (i.e., your amortization period).”

Mortgages are usually calculated over a twenty-five-year schedule known as the amortization. If a homeowner owns the home for five years, then it can be assumed that the remaining years to pay off the mortgage is twenty. This is based on the assumption that the borrower is paying the original principal and interest without pre-payment privileges. With negative interest rate, the number of years to repay increases. When the term is up, the lender may want to revert to the original remaining years. The borrower can then make a lump sum payment to cover the difference or increase their monthly payment in order to reduce the number of years back to where it should have been.

According to the Bank of Canada, about 30% of homeowners are on variable rate and 80% of those are on a fixed monthly payment. Many homeowners are questioning whether they should have locked in their rates earlier. In January 2022, the fixed rate mortgage was at 3.56% and the variable rate at 1.45%. At 1.45%, the total monthly payment on a $600,000 vari-

able rate mortgage would have been $2384.33. Assuming that the monthly payments are the same for the two rates, this is the ratio of principal to interest that was paid down.

Mortgage Type: Variable Loan: $600,000 Interest Rate: 1.45% Principle: $1661.51 Interest: $722.82

Mortgage Type: Fixed Term Loan: $600,000 Interest Rate: 3.56% Principle: $617.39 Interest: $1766.94

The principal reduction in the early days have compensated for the increase. However, if rates continue to climb, this strategy can become counterproductive. Most borrowers choose the lower variable rate because of the lower monthly payment instead of the higher fixed rate. Many needed the lower variable rate to meet qualifying guidelines.

Interest rate increase is a strategy used to slow inflation. Anyone who is renewing their mortgage or are on the variable rate are paying more interest. With increased expenses, they are forced to cut back on luxuries. In turn, suppliers will be forced to slash prices

to avoid their products from stockpiling. This in turn will bring prices down. With home purchases, less buyers will qualify to buy and will look at homes within their budget. In the process, sellers must reduce their home prices to sell.

The interest rate hikes have caused many buyers to step back. In the process, the bidding frenzy we experienced in February 2022 is now jaded. Many homeowners who cannot afford to pay their mortgage are selling and the pendulum is shifting towards a buyer market. Investors are cashing in because the demand for rental properties is high.

My advice to homeowners who are contemplating on ditching variable rate mortgages for fix rate mortgages is to hold off. Fixed rate mortgages are at a higher interest rate. Once the economy starts cooling, the rates will drop. If you are renewing a mortgage, choose shorter terms such as a two year term. The rates will drop by then. If you are on a variable mortgage or have a home equity line of credit, increase your monthly payment as suggested by your lender. If not, when you are ready to renew, your equity will be eroded. The lender can refuse to renew the mortgage. The only option then is to sell or allow the lender to sell the property.

Rev up for a career as a mechanic

An electrifying career

Working as an electrician is exciting and unpredictable. Every day, there are new challenges and problems to solve. Therefore, if you’re looking for a career that will be interesting and keep you on your toes, becoming an electrician is a great option.

Electricians are paid well and respected for their intelligence and technical knowledge. After all, they’re responsible for people’s safety and must take various safety precautions to avoid injury.

Furthermore, electricians work in many specialty areas beyond construction and maintenance work. For example, they’re also needed for underwater cabling and fire alarm and security system installation.

Auto mechanics inspect and repair vehicles like cars, vans and small trucks to keep them in optimal driving condition. Being a mechanic is an exciting and fast-paced career. With so many vehicles on the road every day, there’s always a new project to work on.

Mechanics must be adaptable and have an in-depth knowledge of the ever-changing automotive industry. For instance, mechanics are now expected to work on complex vehicles using hightech diagnostic equipment.

Auto mechanics must also

have exceptional problem-solving and communication skills. They must determine which parts need fixing or replacing and regularly interact with customers to understand and diagnose issues. They must also clearly explain vehicle problems, necessary maintenance and repair options to people who may not know much about cars.

For mechanics, seeing the tangible results of their work provides a rewarding feeling and a sense of accomplishment.

Lastly, if you aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty and put in the hard work required to get the job done, you may have what it takes to become a mechanic.

Additionally, electricians have a good work-life balance. They typically work eight-hour days during the week and have weekends off. This is important if you value your free time with friends and family.

Finally, becoming an electrician is a great option if you dream of becoming your own boss. After completing the appropriate training, you could open a franchise or build your own company.

Don’t hesitate to find out about electrician training programs in your area.

ARIES

You’re under pressure, and your finances are stressing you out. It’s not always easy to find balance in life. When you want a little solitude, there are plenty of people around you. When you find yourself alone, you’ll want friends for company.

TAURUS

This week, you’ll take the opportunity to make online and instore returns or exchanges. You’ll also find some fantastic deals and won’t mind treating yourself to some welldeserved luxury.

GEMINI

If you’re on vacation, take the opportunity to do outdoor activities with family and friends. You desperately need to move your body. Even if you’re single, you’ll go on several outings that satisfy your adventurous spirit.

CANCER

You’ll be confused and easily distracted at times. Your growing fatigue will catch up with you. Try to use your time off to rest and recharge. Perhaps you have too much to do.

LEO

Let the good times roll! You’ll have several opportunities to celebrate and be invited to several parties. A large and demanding client base at work will make you feel overwhelmed. You’ll be pressed for time.

VIRGO

Time is precious, and you can’t neglect any of your responsibilities. Your boss may ask you to return to work after taking time off. Your family will also demand your time and attention.

LIBRA

A getaway or trip may get organized spontaneously. You’ll also be excited about the idea of learning something new. If that’s what you’re doing, you’ll take returning to school seriously.

SCORPIO

You’ll feel emotional as you kick off the New Year. Both in your professional and personal life, new challenges will arise to mark a stimulating new beginning.

SAGITTARIUS

Pay attention: you may have a misunderstanding with someone close to you, which could disrupt your daily life. You’ll have to tread lightly with some people who’ll make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells.

CAPRICORN

You can no longer put off cleaning your home. The festivities are over, and it’s time to get to business. In your professional life, you’ll land your dream job after a colleague unexpectedly quits.

AQUARIUS

It’s an excellent time to learn how to care for and respect yourself. You’ll also discover what you’re passionate about in life and take the first steps toward more rewarding challenges.

PISCES

Whether

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We

How to know if you’re buying local food

As communities worldwide rediscover the virtues of small, local businesses, free trade seems to be losing popularity. As a result, consumers are increasingly turning to regional products. However, it can be challenging to know if you’re buying locally made products. Here are a few tips.

Pay attention to labelling

Various laws and regulations exist to guide consumers. For example, pre ­packaged foods sold in Canada must be labelled with the importer or manufacturer’s name and principal place of business.

Since buying local is a marketing asset, companies are generally happy to display the origin of their products. However, this is often done on a province ­by­province basis. For example, Manitobans can look for a “Buy Manitoba” label to ensure the product they’re buying is made close to home. Simi­

larly, shoppers in Quebec can identify local products by looking for the “Aliments du Québec” logo.

Adopt good habits

Although labelling is an excellent way to help identify local products, it’s not always the most reliable. The following practices can help ensure you buy products made in your region:

• Visiting farmers’ markets and meeting the producers

• Supporting fresh produce stands in rural areas

• Signing up for an organic food

basket program

• Going to a U­pick farm

• Growing your own vegetables and sourcing your seeds from a local company

If buying local is important to you, surf the web to get informed and discover the wealth of local products.

Buy local in every industry

When you think about buying local, you probably conjure up images of a friendly farmer selling vegetables and jams on a country road or a quaint farmers’ market with a friendly atmosphere. Although these examples illustrate one aspect of buying local, it goes much further.

Have you thought about these sectors?

Buying local isn’t limited to specific industries. When it comes to supporting your local economy, various companies would be happy to do business with you, including:

• Telecommunications providers

• Banks

• Insurance companies

• Supermarket chains

• Big box stores

• Hardware stores

• Video game developers

• Engineering firms

• Furniture retailers

Why are these important?

Even if you don’t associate large companies with buying local, they play a significant role in the economic vitality of your region. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of where the products and services you use come from, whether you’re buying fresh fruits and vegetables or doing business with an insurance company, internet provider or appliance store.

How buying local affects the economy

As a consumer, have you wondered how your choices affect the local economy? Here are a few things that can happen when a small or medium­sized business in your neighbour hood doubles its sales due to strong local support.

• Expand services. The more money a small business makes, the more likely it’ll expand its product and service offerings and delve into new markets. For instance, your favourite local brand may set its sights on opening a new location in a nearby town.

• Improve the job market. When small businesses grow, they require more employees. A prospering local business can help create jobs in your area.

• Uplift other local businesses. Small businesses often look to local suppliers to support their growth and help each other prosper.

• Increase social involvement. Local businesses are active in charitable causes. For example, thriving small businesses often give back to their communities by donating to local organizations.

• Reap tax benefits. Small businesses that make more money also pay more taxes. This means that more money is going back into your local government to help with infrastructure and social initiatives.

Buying local is an easy way to invest in your community. It’s a simple move that benefits you as well.

3 types of buy­local enthusiasts: which one are you?

Every consumer has reasons for buying locally, depending on their values and priorities. Which of the following buy­local enthusiasts do you identify with most?

1. The environmentalist loves buying local products because they don’t require large amounts of fossil fuels to get to their destination. They also know that transporting food over long distances often involves using chemical agents to preserve its integrity as it travels by road, sea or air.

2. The humanist is keenly aware that working conditions abroad don’t always meet basic human rights standards. This advocate has the well­being of their fellow humans at heart. They believe that buying local ensures the products they buy have been produced in a country where legislation governs fair wages and humane working conditions.

3. The patriot constantly thinks about how their choices impact the local economy. They purchase local products to

encourage entrepreneurship and help create and maintain jobs in their community. They also recognize that buying local increases their community’s economic stability and resilience, especially in an era of global uncertainty and upheaval.

Do you recognize yourself in any of these profiles, or do they all describe you? Whatever your motivation for buying local, it’s an intelligent choice.

How to optimize your EV’s performance in winter

If you own an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll need to adjust your driving habits come winter. This is because the battery powering it functions best at temperatures between 4- and 46-degrees Celsius. In fact, low temperatures cause the fluid inside the battery to become sluggish, which impacts the car’s range and how long it takes to recharge. Here’s how to get the most out of your EV, despite the cold weather.

Dealing with your limited range

A temperature that’s below freezing may cut the distance your car can cover by as much as 30 per cent. This is because it needs to reserve some power to keep the battery within operating temperature. To work around this, charge your battery more often than usual and plan your trips carefully.

Optimizing your EV’s charge time

Recharging a battery that’s freezing cold takes longer than recharging one that’s substantially warmer. This is because before it can be recharged, a fair amount of energy is required to heat up the cold battery (a safeguard that prevents it from getting damaged).

Drivers should therefore ensure they have at least a 20 per cent charge left in their battery when they plug in their EV. This allows the battery to warm quickly and significantly speeds the time it takes to recharge it. If the battery is more depleted than this, you could get stuck waiting longer than you’d like.

As a final tip, heating the interior of your EV while it’s charging is a good way to mitigate the effects of cold weather and maximize the car’s range. You’re now ready to cruise through winter without a hitch.

Car washes: an essential component of winter car care

Driving in winter means contending with ice, snow, gravel, salt, slush and sand. It’s therefore no wonder that cars get exceptionally dirty at this time of year. Unfortunately, an accumulation of dirt and debris on your car can damage it, which is why it’s important to clean it regularly.

As a general rule, you should wash your car once a month. However, certain factors may prompt more frequent cleanings, such as lots of slush and particularly heavy use of salt or gravel on the roads.

Whether you use an automatic car wash or do the job yourself, make sure to focus on the undercarriage. This

is the place where dirt and grime accumulate the most.

If possible, avoid cleaning your car when it’s very cold. Pick milder days when the temperature is above the freezing point, especially if you’re washing it outside. In any case, make sure to use a microfibre cloth to dry the rubber seals on your doors and trunk. This will prevent them from freezing shut.

Cleaning your car regularly will help mitigate the development of rust by eliminating sources of corrosion. However, no amount of washing, no matter how thorough, can replace an anti-rust treatment.

you’ll want to clap when you land

You’ll want to rush off the plane. You’ll want to dive into the ocean. You’ll want to switch your phone to ‘Do not disturb’. This is the magic of Barbados. visitbarbados.org